Likeminded
Looking for gear produced domestically?
What about small scale cottage industries or family run businesses?
Or maybe an
older type "Trad" product.
It is surprising what things other folks
are out there manufacturing or selling, notwithstanding the
popular perception that everything is out-sourced to China,
Malaysia or elsewhere. I am not really against outsourcing in
a conceptual way. I just want to support the efforts of other
grass roots, small scale manufacturers. I hope they will do
the same for us. If you know of such a local effort 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.
In no particular order:
Trailspace.com: A very good online source for gear reviews and product information plus an extensive
classified section for folks searching for or selling gear, mostly used gear.
- www.trailspace.com
Northwerks: Manufacturers of Cagoules, a versatile and useful rainshell that seems to have gone out of favor for no good reason.
- www.northwerks.com
Feathered
Friends: Down sleeping bag manufacturer. Highly regarded, super high quality bags. In business since 1972.
- www.featheredfriends.com
Limmerboots: The finest domestic source for leather hiking and mountaineering boots. Family business out of New Hampshire, since 1919. Their custom boots are legendary.
- www.limmerboot.com
World Climb: A Global resource/directory of climbing
related websites, that Hugh Cottam has put together. There
are 2696 listings as of late 2009 so this is a
comprehensive source... and it's all free, Thanks
Hugh!
- www.worldclimb.com
Misty Mountain: Niche manufacturer of climbing harnesses. Located in North Carolina. I love their name!
- www.mistymountain.com
McHale Packs: Another local (Seattle) independent packmaker who has been in business for many years. His longevity is a testament to the quality of his work.
- www.mchalepacks.com
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.
- www.warmlite.com
Mystery Ranch: 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.
- www.mysteryranch.com | 
