Wildcraft is India’s largest adventure and outdoor gear company focused around outdoor activities like camping, mountain climbing, trekking and backpacking. Wildcraft manufactures outdoor gear like rucksacks, backpacks, travel gear, camping gear, tents, sleeping bags, camera bags and accessories. Based out of Bangalore, India, it has 41 exclusive stores across Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ernakulam, Mangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, NOIDA, Delhi and Chandigarh, with its gear being additionally available in over 500 multi-branded stores across India.
Dinesh KS, founder director of Wildcraft, in the early 1990s often
found it difficult to get good quality gear for his adventure
expeditions and imported gear was costly.Having a background in
engineering, he began to design his own rucksacks,tents and sleeping
bags. Other climbers and adventure enthusiasts began to demand these
designs.He was forced to choose between his job at a electronics company
and expeditions. Thus, Wildcraft was founded in 1992 with a mission to
propagate Outdoor Activities and to provide access to world-class outdoor gear in India.With increased demand, the operations have scaled up and exclusive stores started to opening up.
Early days(1992 - 1998)
The company's first product was a dome shaped tent.Then it shifted to
backpacks which was quite in demand at that time. Gradually it ventured
into other outdoor gear such as rucksacks, sleeping bags, outdoor
clothing and also sold imported climbing hardware.Though the
manufacturing facilities were outsourced, it were relevantly engineered
based on the hands-on experience of the wilderness. Based in Bengaluru,a
small garage served as the company's office and shop. The struggle for
scaling up the operations continued. Wildcraft was incorporated as a Private Limited company on 27 April 1998.
1999- 2010
The company lacked a proper plan for the growth. It ran into jeopardy
when Dinesh joined as a instructor with the US-based National Outdoor
Leadership School (NOLS), splitting his time between courses in India
and the US. The situation got further complicated when after few years
two of its three original partners resigned. Wildcraft got a new turn
when two MBA graduates joined forces with Dinesh.
Since 2007, Wildcraft is headed by a three member management team with Dinesh KS (a certified instructor in climbing and mountaineering from the National Outdoor Leadership School
(NOLS), USA) heading the Operations & Design function, Gaurav
Dublish heading the Marketing & Sales function and Siddharth Sood
heading the Finance & Support functions.It became a Rs. 1 crore
company in 2007
Today
Today, the once struggling Wildcraft has 41 branded retail showrooms
across India (including 12 franchised outlets). Approximately 25 per
cent of the company turnover comes from sales at its 41 stores. The
remaining revenue is from institutional sales, modern trade and
trade.Its sales are no longer Bangalore centric. The sales from Noida,
Kochi, Chandigarh and Vashi (Navi Mumbai) showrooms make into its top
five showrooms. The company has scaled up and now has three
manufacturing factories — two in Bangalore and the other in Himachal
Pradesh. It plans to become a Rs.100 core company by 2012-13 and Rs.200
crore in the next four to five years.
Products and Equipments
The list of product range in retail are:
- Outdoor gear:
- Rucksacks,day-packs
- Adventure gear:
- Tents & sleeping bags, climbing gear(from Petzl), adventure add-ons(Personal flotation device, Chalk bag,etc.), miscellaneous gear
- Corporate Gear:
- Laptop backpacks, portfolios
- Campus gear:
- Wiki bags, shoulder packs
- Travel gear:
- Voyager Series, Duffel bag, camera bags, travel accessories
- Active Gear:
- Fleece Series,Uppers & Lowers,Activewear Add-ons(caps)
- MTV Gear
- Miscellaneous:
- Wildcraft Calender
In testimony to its world class quality, Wildcraft has launched a Signature Series
in September,2009.The products in this range are made from HDHD 1000D
texturized w/r Nylon Fabric; stitched with Nylon bonded thread and
bar-tacked for greater durability. It comes with a 25 year
guarantee.Other products come with a guarantee of 5 years.
Support for Activities and Athletes
With the increasing popularity of cycling as a leisure activity in India, Wildcraft added a hydration pack for cyclists to its range in 2008, as it supported the Tour of Nilgiris, a week-long bicycling
tour across the Nilgiri Mountains in South India. This new addition has
begun to extend the reach of the company in the outdoor space.
Wildcraft extends support to travel enthusiasts and athletes as well.
From 2009 Wildcraft has started supporting Chea Marak, one of India's
youngest & most promising climbers with her equipment needs.Wildcraft in 2007 also supported Anu Vaidyanathan, India's only triathlete.
In August 2009, Wildcraft in association with the National Outdoor Leadership School
(NOLS) in Wyoming, USA hosted the Wilderness First Responder(WPR), an
80-hour intensive course of handling medical emergencies in the wild.
The WPR curriculum spans over 10 days and covers topics such as
treatment of infectious diseases, management of musculoskeletal injuries
like fractures, sprains, dislocations, head injuries, etc.
Media and Public Relations
Besides the exclusive stores and stores in multi branded stores, Wildcraft has its own online shop.
The shipping of the products is free in India and delivery is made
within 3 days.Some selected Wildcraft bags can be availed through Flipkart.com, Jabong.com, Myntra.com.
MTV India
in partnership with Wildcraft has launched “MTV Gear” category during
July, 2010. A wide range of stylish outdoor gear is available which is
appealing to the youthful and adventure loving mass. Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez and three MTV VJs - Rannvijay, Bani J and Ayushmann - were present at the launch event
MTV has tied up with outdoor gear brand Wildcraft
to introduce the MTV range of bags and adventure gear. Bollywood actor
Jacqueline Fernandez and three MTV VJs - Rannvijay, Bani J and Ayushmaan
- were present at the launch event.
Commenting on the tie up with Wildcraft bags, Sandeep Dahiya, senior vice president – consumer products and communications, Viacom18, said “Bags are today an extension of one’s style statement. We’re excited to partner with Wildcraft to enter into yet another important category in the youth space. What makes this range unique is the mix of innovative product features with international creative & design elements.”
On the new partnership, Gaurav Dublish, director and head marketing Wildcraft India, said, “This initiative mirrors our constant endeavour to attempt the seemingly impossible, keeping up with the fickle and constantly changing youth. MTV, known for their close connect with the youth are the obvious partners and choice for this initiative. We hope to reach out to our consumers as a dynamic new brand becoming the ultimate answer to their needs in our category.”
The new range launched by MTV also consists of a "Roadies" line that includes bags as well as adventure gear for riding, hiking and cycling, and outdoor equipment like sleeping bags and tents.
Commenting on the tie up with Wildcraft bags, Sandeep Dahiya, senior vice president – consumer products and communications, Viacom18, said “Bags are today an extension of one’s style statement. We’re excited to partner with Wildcraft to enter into yet another important category in the youth space. What makes this range unique is the mix of innovative product features with international creative & design elements.”
On the new partnership, Gaurav Dublish, director and head marketing Wildcraft India, said, “This initiative mirrors our constant endeavour to attempt the seemingly impossible, keeping up with the fickle and constantly changing youth. MTV, known for their close connect with the youth are the obvious partners and choice for this initiative. We hope to reach out to our consumers as a dynamic new brand becoming the ultimate answer to their needs in our category.”
The new range launched by MTV also consists of a "Roadies" line that includes bags as well as adventure gear for riding, hiking and cycling, and outdoor equipment like sleeping bags and tents.
Product Care
Tents
At the end of a long day you'll want your tent to be clean,
comfortable and able to adequately protect you from the elements. Follow
the Tent Care suggestions below and you'll have a tent that will give
you years of service because you take care of it.
Initial Care
When you get a new tent, always open it and set it up before you take it out in the wild. This accomplishes two things; you get to practice setting up your tent at a leisurely pace, without the pressure of an approaching storm or darkness causing you to rush and possibly damage your tent or set it up improperly, and it gives you the opportunity to apply sealer to all the seams.
Yes, manufacturer's seal the seams but you'll appreciate the extra peace of mind you'll gain knowing you sealed them as well, and you'll appreciate not getting wet inside your tent during a storm. It's a small investment of time that will yield a large return for you.
Proper Storage
Let's face it, unless you're camping every weekend or hiking around the country, your tent will spend the majority of its life in storage. Proper storage will help extend the life of your tent.
1. Make sure it's dry - nothing will start the downward trend of degradation in your tent like the mold and mildew caused by storing it when it's not completely dry. If circumstances force you to break camp in the rain or when the tent is still damp, take it out and set it up to dry and air out as soon as you can. 2. Fold or roll it differently - Folding your tent or even rolling it, the same way every time you store it will cause creases to develop. Over time, those creases can and will result in damages to the material.
Tents can last 5-20 years with regular use and proper care. You may need to replace the poles or even change out a zipper, but your tent fabric structure can last several years without deteriorating
Wash your tents to lengthen their lifespan.
Rain Fly
Initial Care
When you get a new tent, always open it and set it up before you take it out in the wild. This accomplishes two things; you get to practice setting up your tent at a leisurely pace, without the pressure of an approaching storm or darkness causing you to rush and possibly damage your tent or set it up improperly, and it gives you the opportunity to apply sealer to all the seams.
Yes, manufacturer's seal the seams but you'll appreciate the extra peace of mind you'll gain knowing you sealed them as well, and you'll appreciate not getting wet inside your tent during a storm. It's a small investment of time that will yield a large return for you.
Proper Storage
Let's face it, unless you're camping every weekend or hiking around the country, your tent will spend the majority of its life in storage. Proper storage will help extend the life of your tent.
1. Make sure it's dry - nothing will start the downward trend of degradation in your tent like the mold and mildew caused by storing it when it's not completely dry. If circumstances force you to break camp in the rain or when the tent is still damp, take it out and set it up to dry and air out as soon as you can. 2. Fold or roll it differently - Folding your tent or even rolling it, the same way every time you store it will cause creases to develop. Over time, those creases can and will result in damages to the material.
Tents can last 5-20 years with regular use and proper care. You may need to replace the poles or even change out a zipper, but your tent fabric structure can last several years without deteriorating
Wash your tents to lengthen their lifespan.
- Heavy Use (10-20 camp trips/ year) - wash once a year, at the end of the season. Occasional Use (5-12 camp trips/ year) - wash once every other year. Mild use (2-6 camp trips/ year) - wash once every few years.
Rain Fly
- This separate piece can be washed in a large commercial front loading washing machine with a mild non-bleach detergent. It is best to wash it with a blanket and choose the cold water 'gentle' setting on the washer. Don't even think of putting it in the hot
- Backpack Care Good backpacks are constructed with
tough fabrics and heavy thread, and should last you through many
adventures. These simple tips will help you ensure that your backpack
continues to shoulder your load for the long haul.
- Don't put your backpack away while it is still damp, and don't store it in a damp place. Dampness can cause mildew, and over time, mildew destroys nylon coatings and weakens threads.
- Store your pack away from extreme heat, acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents (found in concrete), bleaches, and direct sunlight.
- If it's really dirty, wash your pack by hand with a mild soap. Rinse it well, and leave it to air dry.
- Never machine wash or machines dry a pack. The straps can get caught and damage either the appliance or your pack. Exposure to high temperatures can also damage fabric coatings.
Sleeping Bags
You should only wash a sleeping bag when absolutely necessary; just a
couple of times over the life of the bag. Bag insulations are fragile
and their performance can be adversely affected if not washed correctly.
- Home Cleaning: All bags should be washed and dried in an oversized, commercial washer and dryer. Use a front load, tumble washer, NOT a top loading, agitator machine. Agitator washers can eat your bag!
- Wash all insulations in cold or warm water. Dishwashing liquid is good for washing bags with down or Polarguard insulation. Just be careful not to use too much dish soap
- Do not "Dry Clean" bags. Dry Cleaning solution is a petroleum-based solvent that will "coat" the insulation and prevent it from re-lofting.
Stoves
All your outdoor gear is as good as you take care of the gear and the camping stove is no exception.
Read The Directions
A very simple piece of information, but very few people read the directions on how to use or maintain a camping stove correctly. Make sure you know how to use the camping stove correctly.
Ask The Salesperson
If you are purchasing the camping stove from a retailer, ask the salesperson if there are any special hints on how to use and maintain the camping stove correctly.
Try It Out At Home and Maintain It At Home
Learn how to maintain the camping stove at home and in advance, not on the trail.
Use Fresh Fuel
Never use old fuel as it might be contaminated. Never take the chance if you smell an odor when the camping stove is lit.
Use the Recommended Fuel From The Manufacturer
Always find out why the manufacturer suggests to use a certain type of fuel. It might be that other types of fuel can shorten the life of the camping stove or could possibly clog the burner of the stove.
Clean the Camping Stove
Clean the camping stove properly after every use.
Bring Spare Parts and Maintenance Kit
Bring along any spare parts that might be needed as well as a maintenance kit to fix the camping stove. The manufacturer will possibly suggest any tools that might be needed to repair the camping stove.
Taking care of the camping stove in advance will add to your camping enjoyment. Don't forget to learn how to maintain your camping stove correctly because incorrect methods might damage your camping stove.
All your outdoor gear is as good as you take care of the gear and the camping stove is no exception.
Read The Directions
A very simple piece of information, but very few people read the directions on how to use or maintain a camping stove correctly. Make sure you know how to use the camping stove correctly.
Ask The Salesperson
If you are purchasing the camping stove from a retailer, ask the salesperson if there are any special hints on how to use and maintain the camping stove correctly.
Try It Out At Home and Maintain It At Home
Learn how to maintain the camping stove at home and in advance, not on the trail.
Use Fresh Fuel
Never use old fuel as it might be contaminated. Never take the chance if you smell an odor when the camping stove is lit.
Use the Recommended Fuel From The Manufacturer
Always find out why the manufacturer suggests to use a certain type of fuel. It might be that other types of fuel can shorten the life of the camping stove or could possibly clog the burner of the stove.
Clean the Camping Stove
Clean the camping stove properly after every use.
Bring Spare Parts and Maintenance Kit
Bring along any spare parts that might be needed as well as a maintenance kit to fix the camping stove. The manufacturer will possibly suggest any tools that might be needed to repair the camping stove.
Taking care of the camping stove in advance will add to your camping enjoyment. Don't forget to learn how to maintain your camping stove correctly because incorrect methods might damage your camping stove.
And Also
Enquiry for Bulk:
Email:corpenquiry@wildcraft.in
Email:corpenquiry@wildcraft.in
Enquiry for Corporate:
Contact Person:Mr. Prakash Natarajan
Contact No :+91-9901972727
Email :prakash.natarajan@wildcraft.in
Contact Person:Mr. Prakash Natarajan
Contact No :+91-9901972727
Email :prakash.natarajan@wildcraft.in
Enquiry for Bangalore:
Contact Person:Mr. Jose Richard
Contact No. :+91-8105302883
Email :jose.richard@wildcraft.in
Contact Person:Mr. Jose Richard
Contact No. :+91-8105302883
Email :jose.richard@wildcraft.in
Enquiry for Chennai & Kerala:
Contact Person:Mr. Jossen George
Contact No. :+91-9962552809
Email :jossen.george@wildcraft.in
Contact Person:Mr. Jossen George
Contact No. :+91-9962552809
Email :jossen.george@wildcraft.in
Enquiry for Hyderabad:
Contact Person :Mr. Bikash Sharma
Contact No. :+91-9000528160
Email :bikash.sharma@wildcraft.in
Contact Person :Mr. Bikash Sharma
Contact No. :+91-9000528160
Email :bikash.sharma@wildcraft.in
Enquiry for Institutions(School and Colleges):
Contact Person :Mr. Vijay Viswanathan
Contact No :+91-9741211144
Email :vijay.viswanathan@wildcraft.in
Contact Person :Mr. Vijay Viswanathan
Contact No :+91-9741211144
Email :vijay.viswanathan@wildcraft.in
Enquiry for Delhi &North:
Contact Person :Mr. Deepu Dias
Contact No. :+91-9811035408
Email :deepu@wildcraft.in
Contact Person :Mr. Deepu Dias
Contact No. :+91-9811035408
Email :deepu@wildcraft.in
Enquiry for Mumbai & Pune:
Contact Person :Mr. Ashish Verma
Contact No. :+91-9029786344
Email: :ashish.verma@wildcraft.in
Contact Person :Mr. Ashish Verma
Contact No. :+91-9029786344
Email: :ashish.verma@wildcraft.in
E-Mail ID for enquiries : saravanan@wildcraft.in
