Eastern Mountain Sports was founded in 1967 in Wellesley Massachusetts by two rock climbers who had become dissatisfied with the poor selection of climbing equipment they found in existing stores. In addition to selling climbing gear, they added a selection of camping equipment in hopes of making money from the hobby that had turned into a viable business.

- From this small store outside Boston Massachusetts, EMS has grown into one of the nation's leading outdoor specialty retailers, with more than 80 retail stores, as well as a formidable online presence. The company is now based in Peterborough, New Hampshire.