Looking for domestically made gear?
What about small scale cottage industries or family run businesses?
Or maybe an older type “Trad”product.
There is a growing cadre of small, domestic manufacturers doing high quality creative work. If you know of such a local effort and/or have a favorite, please pass along their website and anything else you know about them. I will be glad to list other small scale businesses that relate to the outdoor sports field.
Thanks for sharing.
The particularly cool thing that John Campbell is doing, with this new incarnation, is reviving some of the legendary designs of the defunct British manufacturer Karrimor
Ultralight Adventure Equipment, located in Logan Utah, this domestic pack maker makes packs for a very discerning crowd, PCT thru-hikers, among others. A friend of mine tells me that he estimates as many as 25% of PCT thru-hikers are carrying ULA packs, impressive creds!!!
Ascent Outdoors: My favorite, local, independent gear supplier in Seattle (Ballard). One of the best shops in a diminishing landscape of locally owned retailers. They have been very supportive to RMW, Thank You
Trailspace Outdoor Gear Company : A very good online source for gear reviews and product information plus an extensive classified section for folks searching for or selling gear.
Feathered Friends : Down sleeping bag manufacturer. Highly regarded, super high quality bags. In business since 1972.
Limmer Boot Company : The finest domestic source for leather hiking and mountaineering boots. Family business out of New Hampshire, since 1919. Their custom boots are legendary.
Misty Mountain Threadworks : Niche manufacturer of climbing harnesses. Located in Banner Elk, NC. I love their name!
Stephenson’s Warmlite : Legendary, eccentric, family business out of New Hampshire. The Stephenson family makes amazing lightweight tents. Their tents are the lightest tents for their size of any made. Great attention to detail and superb craftsmanship. Other original products, many invented by Jack Stephenson.
Mystery Ranch Backpacks : The latest incarnation of Dana Gleason’s creative mind, the genius behind Kletterworks and Dana Design. Much of his stuff is made in his Bozeman, MT. workshop.
Dana’s son “D3” has spearheaded the revival-refinement of this 1970’s company of which Dana Gleason was a founding member. Beautiful detail in this line of traditional style packs and bags.
Chief Elf Maiden, Susan Haendel, who does a lot of the Rivendell sewing also has her own line of Children’s packs her website is www.bratpacks.com
www.fromhighabove.com ; I have been collaborating with John Canfield during the last year. John is also an ex-pat from Mystery Ranch and brings that high quality philosophy to his own brand. He also does sewing and design work periodically for RMW. John brings a vintage and modern ethic together in an unusual way to create his own aesthetic and his work is impeccable.