How Bison Fiber Became the Go To Material for Iditarod Mushers and Military Special Forces
The Buffalo Wool Company has quietly built a following among some of the most demanding users of cold-weather gear, including Iditarod competitors and military special forces operators. The company's knitwear, made from the shed undercoat of American bison, has proven itself in environments where equipment failure is not an option.
"We didn't set out to make gear for elite operators and endurance athletes. We set out to make the best product the fiber would allow, and those communities found us because the material simply performs when it matters most." — Ron Miskin, Founder, The Buffalo Wool Company
Buffalo, New York - November 14, 2026 - The Buffalo Wool Company today highlighted the growing adoption of its bison-fiber knitwear among military special forces units, Iditarod sled-dog racers, and professionals who operate in some of the planet's most unforgiving environments.
The company, founded by Ron Miskin, produces garments from the ultra-fine undercoat that bison naturally shed each spring. This undercoat evolved over millennia to protect the animals across the Great Plains, where winter temperatures plunge well below zero and summer heat can be relentless. The fiber's natural architecture — hollow shafts that trap air and wick moisture — gives it insulating and temperature-regulating properties that have attracted users who cannot afford compromises in their gear.
The Iditarod, a roughly 1,000-mile race across Alaska that subjects mushers to whiteout blizzards, wind chill far below minus 40 degrees, and days of continuous exposure, has become one of the company's most visible proving grounds. Most competitors in the race now wear Buffalo Wool Company products, a testament to how the fiber handles sustained cold without the bulk and weight of synthetic alternatives.
Military adoption followed a similar path. Special forces operators working in extreme climates — from high-altitude mountain terrain to arid desert environments — require base layers and accessories that perform across a wide temperature range. Bison fiber's ability to insulate in cold while remaining breathable in heat made it a practical choice for personnel whose missions span diverse conditions within a single deployment.
Miskin, who has spent more than two decades in the bison industry and serves as a director on the board of the National Bison Association, explains that the performance characteristics were a discovery rather than a design objective. When the family first began exploring uses for the undercoat fiber their bison shed each year, the goal was simply to create an additional revenue source for ranchers who were struggling to make bison operations profitable. The fiber's exceptional qualities only became fully apparent as the company developed its processing methods and began testing finished garments.
Independent of the company's efforts, the bison fiber has drawn attention from textile researchers and outdoor-gear reviewers who have compared it favorably to other animal fibers. Its fineness approaches that of cashmere, while its durability and moisture-handling properties exceed many conventional options. Unlike some exotic fibers sourced from distant supply chains, bison fiber is entirely domestic, collected from animals raised on ranches across the country.
The company's products range from socks and base layers to hats, scarves, and gloves. Each item is designed with function as the primary consideration, targeting outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone whose daily life or profession demands dependable performance from their clothing. The brand has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and on Newsmax, expanding awareness beyond the core outdoor community.
For The Buffalo Wool Company, the adoption by elite users validates a straightforward philosophy: start with an extraordinary raw material, process it carefully, and let the performance speak for itself. As more consumers seek gear with proven real-world credentials, the company expects continued growth among both professional and recreational users.
About Us
The Buffalo Wool Company creates performance knitwear from the naturally shed undercoat of American bison. The company was founded by Ron Miskin, a longtime bison rancher and current director on the board of the National Bison Association, and serves outdoor professionals, military personnel, athletes, and travelers.
CONTACT: https://www.thebuffalowoolco.com
About the company
The Buffalo Wool Companythebuffalowoolco.com
