Backpacking and Outdoors Gear Made in America
Many companies in the outdoor industry and beyond produce items overseas because of cheap labor and material costs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t support the brands who manufacture domestically.
As long-distance hikers, we spend our time meeting America end-to-end. We encourage local business by supporting local outfitters and food truck offering hiker discounts. We inspire menu items and trail angels. Trail towns thrive because of us. We see the trail as a life-changing experience but we also change the lives of those in trail towns.
Below you will find all the gear companies which produce and sell within the US. Products with a made in China stamp might be cheaper but do not help our economy or secure jobs for Americans. Shop local and shop smart. REI has caught on by offering a made in the USA filter option while online shopping.
This list is composed of big gear companies and small cottage industry gear innovators. Some companies who had once manufactured in America but have switched to foreign manufacturing will not be on this list.
If you see an error in this article, or know of a made-in-America backpacking/outdoors company we’ve left out, please leave a comment and we will add it.
Alabama
Exxel Outdoors
Haleyville, AL: Sleeping Bags
California
Bedrock Sandals
Oakland, CA: Running & Hiking Sandals
Dirty Girl Gaiters
Orange County, CA: Stylish gaiters
Fuerte Cases
La Mesa, CA: Waterproof Cases
GizzMoVest
Goleta, CA: Custom molded cases for your device
MagLite
Ontario, CA: Flashlights
Tarptent
Nevada City, CA: Tarp tents
Vapur
Westlake Village, CA: Water bladders
Western Mountaineering
San Jose, CA: Sleeping bags
Colorado
Bear Paw Wilderness Designs
Fort Collins, CO: Tents, tarps, shelters
Katabatic Gear
Lakewood, CO: Down Sleeping Bags
Smartwool
Steamboat Springs, CO: Hiking socks and other merino wool apparel
Topo Designs
Denver, CO: Day packs & clothing
Warbonnet Outdoors
Evergreen, CO: Tarps, hammocks, underquilts
Wiggys
Grand Junction, CO: Sleeping bags
Hummingbird Hammocks
Ultralight hammocks and systems
Connecticut
RBH Designs
West Hartford, CT: Outdoor clothing and accessories
Florida
BuzzOff Outdoor Wear
Palm City, FL: Bug Resistant Clothing
Lawson Outdoor Equipment
Port St. Lucie, FL: Outdoor clothing, gear, tent stakes, and other accessories
Loksak
Naples, FL: Waterproof and weatherproof sacks
ZPacks
Palm Bay, FL: Ultralight packs and accessories
Georgia
Goosefeet Gear
Milledgeville, GA: Down Booties
Iowa
Fox River Socks, Osage, IA
Osage, IA: Outdoors and backpacking socks. Home of the original Sock Monkey!
Maine
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Biddeford, ME: Ultralight-focused stuffsacks, packs, and shelters
Minibulldesign
Corinna, ME: Alcohol Stoves
Ramblers Way
Kennebunk, ME: Wool Clothing
Michigan
Underground Quilts
Jackson, MI: Down quilts
Stormy Kromer
Ironwood, MI: Outdoor Clothing
Superior Wilderness Designs
Backpacks and accessories
Minnesota
Duluth Pack
Duluth, MN: Assortment of Gear
Battle Lake Outdoors
Clarissa, MN: Assortment of gear
Enlightened Equipment
Winona, MN: Down quilts and sleeping bags
Four Dog Stove
St. Francis, MN: Camping and backpacking stoves
Missouri
Etowah Gear
Independence, MO: Assortment of Gear
Montana
Mystery Ranch
Bozeman, MT: Packs for expedition, day trips, hunting, and backpacking. Some made overseas.
Duckworth Co
Bozeman, MT: Ethically sourced merino wool clothing and outdoor apparel
Stone Glacier
Bozeman, MT: Hunting and expedition packs
White Box Alcohol Stoves
Great Falls, MT: Alcohol stoves
New Hampshire
Wild Things
North Conway, NH: Outdoor Clothing
New Jersey
Tektite
Trenton, NJ: Flashlights
New York
Outdoor Equipment Supplier
Rochester, NY: Tarps and camping accessories
Nalgene
Rochester, NY: Durable plastic water bottles and accessories
Tough Traveler
Schenectady, NY: Assortment of different packs, bags, and totes.
North Carolina
AntiGravity Gear
Wilmington, NC: Trail maps, clothing, camping accessories
Elemental Horizons
Southport, NC: UL backpacks, sleep systems, accessories
LightHeart Gear
Asheville, NC: Ultralight tents; trekking poles, assorted other backpacking gear
WildernessLogics
Thomasville, NC: Tents, sleeping bags, hammock systems
Ohio
Hammock Gear
Lancaster, OH: Hammock systems and accessories
Oregon
CiloGear
Portland, OR: Lightweight, minimalist alpine and bacpacking packs
NWAlpine
Portland, OR: Alpine and ultralight-focused clothing
Pennsylvania
The Boiler Werks
Pittburgh, PA: Backcountry Boiler
Equinox
Williamsport, PA: Packs, clothing, rain gear, and other accessories
OutGear Recreation
Boiling Springs, PA: High-end hammocks and accessories
South Carolina
Tato Gear
York, SC: Stoves, hammock stands, other outdoor hardware
FITS Socks
Charleston, SC: Variety of socks
Tennessee
Allegiance Footwear
Mountain City, TN: Durable boots and other footwear
Butt In a Sling
Covington, TN: Hammocks and accessories
Yukon Outfitters
Alamo, TN: Hammocks and accessories
Pack Rabbit Products
Garland, TN: Assorted backpacking and day packs
Utah
Chums
Hurricane, UT: Eyewear Retainers & Eyewear Accessories for the Outdoors
Clark Jungle Hammock
Salt Lake City, UT: Hammocks and accessories
PackaFeather
Aquarius Plateau, UT: Alcohol and UL stoves
Springbar Tents
Salt Lake City, UT: Camping tents (not backpacking)
ULA Equipment
Logan UT: Lightweight backpacks and gear
Vermont
Darn Tough
Northfield, VT: Ultra-durable socks
Ibex Outdoor Clothing
White River Junction, VT: Merino wool outdoors clothing
Virginia
Jacks R Better
Yorktown, VA: Hammocks, quilts, shelters with an ultra-light focus
Mountain Laurel Designs
Roanoke, VA: Lightweight backpacking gear
YAMA Mountain Gear
Charlottesville, VA: Tarps, shelters, DIY kits for accessories
Washington
Cascade Designs: Seattle, WA (2017 Badger Sponsorship supporter!)
MSR Stoves and backcountry cooking gear
Platypus Water bladders/reservoirs
Therma-a-Rest Sleeping pads/air mattresses
*Cascade Designs also has a manufacturing plant in Midleton, Ireland for the European market
Feathered Friends
Seattle, WA: Sleeping bags, down apparel, and other accessories
Liberty Bottleworks
Yakima, WA: Metal water bottles
McHale Alpine Packs
Seattle, WA: Ultralight alpine and expedition packs
Nanatak Gear
Twisp, WA: Sleep systems
Cloudline Socks
Seattle, WA: Merino wool socks
Wisconsin
Open Country Campware,
Two Rivers, WI: Camp pots, cookwear, and more
Wigwam
Sheboygan, WI: Hiking and backpacking socks (2017 Badger Sponsorship supporter!)
Wyoming
Big Sky International
Jackson Hole, WY: Ultralight and tarp tents, expedition tents
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Comments 64
Soul Flower Clothing- Golden Valley, MN
It’s an eco-friendly clothing company that sells a lot to the granola outdoorsy crowd 😉
Most items are designed/printed in-house by employees, everything is either fair trade or ethically produced or better for the environment in some way. http://www.soul-flower.com
I think Minus33 in NH manufactures their merino wool garments in the US. https://www.minus33.com/our-story/
Also, check out Polarmax in North Carolina https://www.polarmax.com/pages/made-in-the-usa
Hi,
We are trying to connect with US manufacturers of camping/hiking outdoor equipment who are looking to expand internationally into Australia. If you are please let us know. Cheers Sue
Hi Sue! Duluth, MN may have some outdoor manufacturers that are looking to expand internationally. Duluth, MN is also the furthest inland Port in the US, so we may have some economies to trade/ shipping. Feel free to send me more information about your company and what you are looking for in regards to the type of companies you would like to partner with, and we can see if there may be a fit. Thanks and Cheers!
Josh MacInnes
Business Developer
Business & Economic Development
City of Duluth
411 West First Street
Duluth MN 55802
p 218.730.5323
c 317.697.1866
[email protected]
Hi Sue,
GO-KOT is interested in expanding into Australia.
Teresa
http://www.campingcot.com
205-362-8581
http://www.ExploreSerac.com also offers some great deals when it comes to outdoor hammocks.
Maryland – Groundbird gear. Tailor made dog backpacks – and they look awesome too!
https://groundbirdgear.com
Check out Beyul, we are a small start up trying to focus on made in the USA outdoor gear and apparel. The site is http://www.beyulco.com
Thanks!
Dutch – for hammocks, tarps and all kinds of interesting gadgetry. https://www.dutchwaregear.com/
Minnesota (Duluth) – Frost River Reliable Softgoods – Waxed Canvas Briefcases, Canoe Packs, Daypacks, Shoulder Bags, and More!
https://www.frostriver.com/
Tel:218-727-1472
Vere sandal company. Geneva NY
Exo Mountain Gear, Boise, Idaho – backpacks
Stone Glacier, Bozeman, Montana – also backpacks
Goodhew wool socks, in Tennessee
Exxel uses imported materials and finish the sleeping bags in the US. Do others on this list also use imported materials?
Mystery Ranch only makes their military bags in the U.S. now, all other manufacturing has been moved overseas.
Out Gear Recreation is another good company to add. They hand make high quality hammocks in Boiling Springs PA. outgearrec.com
Duckworthco.com
Sheep to shelf out of Minnesota ( If I remember correctly )
Nice wool products all made in USA!
Here’s two more:
Wild Ideas, Bearikade food canisters
Oru Kayaks, folding and packable kayaks
I want to thank you. Not only should we support for all the reasons you listed, but as a Catholic, my religion is severely suppressed in China. There is an underground church and pastors and members caught are fined, jailed, or executed. Products are made in near slave labor conditions. I find it disgusting to put an article of clothing on my kids knowing a mom or child was forced to make it. How would we feel if it was our family member in a horrible factory? Never again for me. Thank you. God bless our country and Christ the King. If he reigns, our nation amd manufacturing will be truly great again.
Buckknives.com in Post Falls, Idaho makes most of the stuff they sell on site. They do import some things they sell, but their factory is in Post Falls.
Virginia: Yama Mountain Gear
Hummingbird Hammocks Colorado.
Seattle, Wa based CloudLine makes merino wool hiking socks.
Yukon Outfitters in TN makes great hammocks. Bought one in Damascus and used it all the way to Katahdin.
FITS socks are made in the USA
Superior Wilderness Designs, Michigan
http://superiorwildernessdesignsllc.bigcartel.com/
great list! but I would add Tannergoods.com in Portland, OR!
Custom outdoor clothing.
https://thetrek.co/backpacking-outdoor-gear-made-america/?ref=sidebar
Custom outdoor clothing.
http://outaware.com/custom.html
Check out Outdoor Vitals from Utah. They specialize in sleeping bags, quilts etc.
Their stuff is made in China and sent here. They have a youtube video showing their visit to see the manufacturing of the gear.
Six Moon Designs
8250 SW Nimbus Ave.
Beaverton OR, 97008
503.430.2303
Paria Outdoor Products
PO Box 201328
Denver, CO 80220
Hi Madisson, thanks for US companies outdoor gear.So far we know’REI’ is the the popular branded outdoor gear company.I like them.
This is a great directory of American-made outdoor gear!
Fieldtex Products designs and mass produces backpacks and tactical bags, as well as EMS, First Responder, and travel First Aid Kits that would make great supply and medical kits for outdoor adventures.
http://www.fieldtexcases.com
Good Day, My Name is R. Wilson and I am with R.Wilson & Rich Limited. I will like to know if you have or make camping tents for sale. If you do then i will like to know the types you have or make as well as the prices and also if you accept credit card payment. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon
Regards
My info
R. Wilson & Rich Company Ltd
601 S San Pedro St,
Los Angeles, CA 90014
240-349-6667
Right Wilson
URGENT ORDER
You could add titanium goat to the Utah companies. They make bivies, tents, and stoves.
There is a small company called UrbanMountainPakks, they make cotton and nylon canvas backpacks and accessories for the outdoors, handmade in NY. Each item is made to order for now but man their packs are great,very comfortable. http://www.urbanmountainpakks.com
Great list! I’d add https://bushbuddystove.com –Bushbuddy, made in Alaska (or so I understand from their site). Spendy but completely worth it, lightweight woodfired stove, incredible for camping, a boil as fast as some gas stoves I’ve used. Obv not useful for places where fire restrictions apply, but excellent otherwise. Now my fave stove I’ve ever used, and that includes MSR Dragonfly, Whisperlite, Coleman car camping stoves, the lot. Thanks for your article!
Hi,
I’d like to recommend our company, ripstopbytheroll.com, to add to the list. We not only sells all the needed fabrics like nylon, silnylon, etc. for cottage vendors/manufacturers but also kits for DIY’ers for such things like as hammocks, quilts, tarps, tents, etc. We are located in Durham, NC.
Many thanks for such a great, ongoing list!
tough traveler packs. Long time maker of packs and luggage in Schenectady, NY
Danner manufactures hiking/hunting/military boots in Portland, OR.
greetings: well you have a wounddrful list but..;
clark hamocks : amarican made in utaha is AWSOME
seek outside: grandjuction colorade;
the best back packs on the market;)
oops: one more;
voler..they make some amazing cycling gear;)..voler.com
in california
Also check roadeavour. They sell good quality outdoor gears for a reasonable price.
I just recently bought an American made off-road mountain bike….frame made in Austin Texas….for over a year previous, I kept my search exclusively to “American made” bicycle frames. While I was somewhat successful, in the end, many of my components were made overseas. Probably impossible these days to stay 100% American. That said, while I usually try to keep my religion separate from my politics, I have to echo Pete D’s Dec. 10th sentiments on clothing made in China.
Madison….very, very nice effort with this….I am pleased to see the younger (new and improved, I hope?) generation taking an interest in this issue! I hope that you will do a better job with the world than my generation’s broken promises did.
I may be mistaken with this suggestion….but Xero Shoes (great sandals) out of Boulder Colorado could be added to this list (I think?).
Looking for companies to partner with for advertising. http://www.joepenn4thhorseman.com . 72 hour bug out bag for 1 person is our main product. Would love to hear from you .
Ironweed bags is located in Iowa and does all their manufacturing in Iowa as well.
I found an Ohio company that makes custom hammocks
” Dream Hammock LLC”
Fredericksburg, Ohio
sent in Jan 1, 2018
http://www.cedarridgegear.com
Located in Charlotte, TN
Handmade Hammocks, Tarps, and quilts.
Specializing in custom, made to order Gear.
Appreciate this list of US made gear – Thank You!
Brfur – Outerwear / Outdoor Gear – Made in USA – http://www.brfur.com
Thanks!
GO-KOT is the best low-profile camping cot on the market…Made in USA Since 1978! We’d love to be included in an update. Thanks!
http://www.campingcot.com
My MSR titanium pot says: Made in Thailand
/:
Hello,
Melanzana from Leadville, CO makes all their gear here in the US. For more info, please visit http://melanzana.com/catalog/about.php.
Thank you,
Brian
Thank you for keeping and sharing this list. Would you please add the GO-KOT to the list? The GO-KOT camping cot has been made in America since 1978. We manufacture the cot in Springville, AL. You can find us at http://www.campingcot.com
Wintergreen Northern Wear makes indestructible, bug-proof, versatile outdoor clothing out of the small town of Ely, Minnesota.
Frost River makes excellent packs, based in Duluth, Minnesota.
Over Under Clothing, http://www.OverUnderClothing.com, is an American Made outdoor clothing company. They are based out of Jacksonville, FL, and they make high quality clothing and gear all in the USA. The only thing they don’t make in the US is their waxed jackets, they make those in England, as that is where the superior waxed canvas comes from.
-Matt
Looking through Topo Design clothing, I see that most of it is made in Vietnam. Can you add a disclaimer to that vendor (similar to the one for Mystery Ranch)?
Also, Folstaf makes collapsible wading / hiking poles (http://www.folstaf.com/).
Love my Hummingbird Hammock! They’re made in the US also!
Great List! Some I can add.
Kermit Chair – USA (Not sure what state?)
Frost River – Duluth, MN (various gear, including awesome canoe packs)
Items to Add
Pennsylvania: Dutchware Gear
Utah/Arizona: Pa’lante Packs
New Mexico: Little River Packs
Points of contention:
Enlightened Equipment doesn’t make all of its products in the US.