Made in the USA?

[Sonno]

Hello all, I'm new here.

I'm just starting to do some research for a thru-hike next year. I'm a complete and total n00b when it comes to backpacking and shopping for backpacking gear. To be honest I wouldn't know the difference between a "Nike" brand and a "Faded Glory" brand. That said...

I'm curious to know if there any decent gear companies that make their goods here in the USA. I like to support my fellow Americans' by buying American made products whenever I possibly can. What gear companies would you all recommend I check out? If I had to be a bit more specific I'd say backpack, tent, sleeping bag, boot, and apparel manufactures to start.

TIA!

[Wags]

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/

http://www.hammockgear.com/

http://warbonnetoutdoors.com/topquilt.php

http://www.lightheartgear.com/LightHeart_Gear/Home.html
i think

http://www.westernmountaineering.com/

[leaftye]

http://www.zpacks.com
http://enlightenedequipment.webs.com/
http://titaniumgoat.com
http://www.theboilerwerks.com
http://www.downworks.com



If you want it to be made in this country, the easiest way to make sure of that is to buy gear from cottage industry companies.


As far as boots go, I wouldn't even worry about where it's made. Get the shoes that fits your feet the best.

[Panzer1]

http://www.ula-equipment.com/

http://www.moonbowgear.com/

rayovac batteries

various trail guides

http://cascadedesigns.com/Our-Story

buck knives

[leaftye]

http://www.mountainfitter.com/
Makes or locally contracts some of the stuff he sells. Shelters, stakes and stuff sacks are some of the items he does.


http://goosefeet.webs.com
Down booties

[Wags]

how can i forget ULA and goosefeet! good calls guys

[Roland]

Tarptent

..

[Torch09]

http://gossamergear.com/

[Torch09]

As far as boots go, I wouldn't even worry about where it's made. Get the shoes that fits your feet the best.

Just go barefoot and use those american-made feet God gave you

[Roland]

Here are a few regional companies, for folks traveling to my neck of the woods.

Wild Things
Ragged Mountain Equipment
Limmer Boots
Chuck Roast

[leaftye]

Just go barefoot and use those american-made feet God gave you

I might if I didn't have a big american-made gut to haul down the trail.

[Awol1970]

New Balance has a factory in Maine I believe. They aren't exclusively here, as a matter of fact I think they only make one model.

[leaftye]

NB says they make 25% of their shoes in the USA.

http://www.newbalance.com/usa/

[mweinstone]

i love my country. our gear is top gun.we got msr. they dont. we got black diamond. they wish. we got patagonia. all they can do is drool. we got marmot. they hope. we got keen and asolo and we got little debbie and pringels and all manner of the best stuff.

an american hiker wakes up in american tent , puts on an american hat , picks up an american waterbag and goes out to hike with an american watch.the hikers name is tajeet van raj meta. he is from punjabe province in india. his best friend/hiking partner is matthewski . they hike to an advertized location and have an advertized ayce.

i love my country.

[leaftye]

Matthewski, most of those are not made in America. And Asolo is Italian, but I believe most of their shoes are outsourced too.

[Tinker]

Alpinlite tarps and tents
Bear Paw tents
Feathered Friends sleeping bags and down clothing.

[STICK]

http://www.whiteboxstoves.com/

http://www.traildesigns.com/

http://www.thestickpic.com/

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/

http://www.simpleoutdoorstore.com/

http://www.mchalepacks.com/

http://kookabay.com/

http://www.tarptent.com/

https://www.end2endtrailsupply.com/Home_Page.html

http://www.featheredfriends.com/

[Luddite]

Thermarest and platypus too

[double d]

Great post everyone, how about Kraft mac and cheese!!!

[skinewmexico]

I have gotten incredible customer service from ULA, Gossamer Gear, and Tarptent. Amazing. Call, and the designer answers the phone. You aren't getting that at Osprey or REI.