Don Wittenberger papers

Don Wittenberger is an American outdoor equipment designer, manufacturer, and entrepreneur. After serving in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, he founded Yak Works in Seattle, Washington, in 1970, originally operating under the name Wilderness Outfitters. As the company's principal designer, Wittenberger developed backpacks, sleeping bags, and outdoor apparel, including the Yak Pak backpack, which incorporated a patented suspension system. Yak Works manufactured technical outdoor equipment throughout the 1970s before Wittenberger left the company in 1981.

Rivendell Mountain Works is a small, niche outdoor gear company known for its handcrafted backpacks and mountaineering equipment. Originally founded in the 1970s by Larry Horton, the brand succeeded for its minimalist, durable designs, particularly the iconic Jensen Pack, the brainchild of the late Don Jensen.

Following the closure of Rivendell Mountain Works in 1981, Wittenberger acquired the company's trademarks, patterns, and design rights. Working with craftsman Eric Hardee, he continued limited production of Rivendell Mountain Works backpacks and related equipment, helping preserve the company's designs and manufacturing methods. Wittenberger's career reflects his long-standing involvement in the design, production, and continuation of American-made outdoor equipment and the cottage outdoor industry.