Founding of L.W. Packard Company

The L.W. Packard Company was established in 1916 in Ashland, New Hampshire, by Levi Woodbury Packard. The company emerged during a time when the textile industry was a cornerstone of New England’s economy. L.W. Packard became known for its high-quality woolen products, including garments, blankets, and fabrics. By leveraging the abundant water power and skilled labor of the region, the company quickly grew into a prominent name in the woolen textile industry.

The L.W. Packard Mill Circa 1917 - Ashland, NH USA.

L.W. Packard was particularly noted for its craftsmanship and innovation in creating durable and versatile wool fabrics. The company supplied materials for a variety of uses, including military uniforms during World War II. The combination of fine materials and meticulous attention to detail allowed the company to build a reputation for excellence that spanned decades.

Despite its early success, the textile industry in New England began to face challenges in the latter half of the 20th century due to global competition and the decline of domestic manufacturing. Like many other textile mills, L.W. Packard struggled to compete with cheaper overseas production. After nearly a century in operation, the company ceased manufacturing in the early 2000s.

Founding of Minus33 Merino Wool Company

In 2002, Minus33 Merino Wool Company was founded as a division of L.W. Packard, seeking to revitalize the wool industry in New Hampshire. Recognizing the growing interest in outdoor and performance wear, Minus33 focused on creating high-quality merino wool apparel for outdoor enthusiasts. The brand was designed to leverage the expertise and legacy of L.W. Packard while addressing modern consumer needs for functional and sustainable clothing.

Minus33 began producing a range of merino wool products, including base layers, socks, hats, and gloves. Merino wool, known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, became a key material for outdoor sports and recreational activities. The company targeted hikers, skiers, campers, and other adventurers seeking durable, temperature-regulating garments for diverse weather conditions.

Lawson Glidden (5th Gen) & John Glidden (4th Gen) and in our Ashland, NH sock factory.

With so much of our family history rooted in the wool industry, combined with our genuine passion for the outdoors, it only made sense for Minus33 to emerge as a merino wool clothing brand. Minus33 quickly expanded to other outdoor markets, such as hiking, skiing, and hunting due the versatility of our product offering.

Our headquarters is still located in Ashland, New Hampshire, on the grounds of L.W. Packard’s historic textile mill. Ashland is the geographic center of NH, a short drive away from New Hampshire’s beautiful White Mountains, nested in the heart of the Lakes Region, and a few hours drive from Boston.

Our Testing Grounds: NH's White Mountains

The Mount Washington Observatory weather station - "Home of the World's Worst Weather".

New Hampshire is home to some of the world’s harshest, yet simultaneously beautiful weather, which has provided an excellent testing ground for our clothing and accessories.

Our close proximity to Mount Washington, and partnership with the Mount Washington Observatory, gives us some tremendous testing opportunities. Its unique location offers an environment comparable to Antarctica and the polar regions, making it a perfect testing ground for our merino wool clothing. Known as the Home of the World's Worst Weather, no other place in the contiguous United States provides such accessible and consistently extreme conditions for testing.

Our Mission:

We want everyone to feel welcome, comfortable, and safe in the outdoors no matter the activity. We believe in quality, yet affordable products that can be well-worn and loved from season to season by anyone who is getting outdoors, regardless of skill level or experience.

No one should feel uncomfortable or ill-prepared in the outdoor community, and having reliable gear is one of the first steps toward a lifetime of passion for whatever your activity is.

Our products are backed by a One Year Warranty and 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Please feel welcome to contact us with any questions, concerns, or feedback. Our NH-based customer service team is standing by and happy to help.