Millet

Millet was founded in 1921 in Annecy, at the heart of the French Alps. The company built its reputation creating equipment and apparel specifically designed for mountaineers and peak-seeking expeditions. A pivotal moment in the brand's history came in 1950 when legendary French alpinist Louis Lachenal co-developed Millet's first mountaineering backpack, which he carried during the historic first ascent of Annapurna (8,091 m), the world's first 8,000-meter peak to be summited. That backpack—used on the world's most significant mountaineering achievement—became the foundation for Millet's standing in alpine equipment. The brand began as a family venture started by Marc and continued by his wife Hermance in 1938, who brought sons René and Raymond into the business. The Millets began supplying backpacks to leading mountaineers. Today, great-grandson Romain and grandson Jean Pierre Millet continue the family legacy. Millet produces comprehensive lines of clothing, backpacks, shoes, sleeping bags, and accessories engineered for outdoor exploration at high altitude and in severe conditions. The Annecy location remains central to brand identity—proximity to the Alps shapes the company's design philosophy and testing approach. The 100+ year operational history positions Millet within the continuum of serious French alpine equipment makers.