Bison exist on ranches almost as they would exist in the wild. They roam with minimal interaction from farmers, and are not allowed to be fed growth hormones (as regulated by the FDA). They’re also known as a “keystone species” for ecology restoration; because they feed only on grasses, which often dominate all other plants, their grazing promotes healthy biodiversity.

When we realized the untapped potential of a material largely considered as a waste product, we began to intercept those hides to salvage the fiber before it could be discarded. No bison have been harmed for the purpose of their fiber. We're simply stepping in to divert a precious, existing resource that's been grossly underutilized.

Salvaging this fiber is our way of respecting the entire animal, by rescuing a previously discarded part of it for use in our apparel. In doing so, we avoid tapping new resources, instead utilizing one that already exists on earth.

Our proprietary BisonShield™ supply chain benefits communities all over North America by providing jobs and bolstering economies. While you may only see the Bison Trail Sock in its final form in recycled packaging on your doorstep, they get their humble beginnings on a sprawling ranch in Alberta, Canada.

Bison, raised more humanely than cattle and with less impact on the land, roam the vast grasslands with little interaction from ranchers. We partner with those ranchers to intercept bison hides, which would otherwise be sent to an incinerator in Mexico. From there, they are sent to Ontario to be scoured: a deep cleaning process that removes all dirt and vegetation from the fiber.

The bison fiber then travels to Missouri to be de-haired, meaning the highest grade fibers are separated from the rest. We use the softest, fluffiest of it (we call it "Prime") for our BisonShield™ yarn, which is knit into socks, gloves, and beanies. The coarser fiber, which packs just as much of a punch but would be less comfortable against your skin, is quilted into BisonShield™ insulation. Once the fiber is de-haired and sorted, it’s sent to a factory in Connecticut to be spun into yarn. This is where the fiber is mixed into our signature blend of recycled polyester, wool, spandex and nylon, to add strength, stretch, and color. The yarn makes its way to the Iowa factory that knits it into its final stage: a Bison Trail Sock.