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

Wiggy’s
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

Rambler’s 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

  • Renee Hoppe : Mar 2nd

    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

    Reply
  • Nancy : Oct 1st

    I think Minus33 in NH manufactures their merino wool garments in the US. https://www.minus33.com/our-story/

    Reply
  • Sue : Dec 7th

    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

    Reply
    • Josh MacInnes : Jan 31st

      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]

      Reply
    • Teresa Downing : Apr 16th

      Hi Sue,

      GO-KOT is interested in expanding into Australia.

      Teresa
      http://www.campingcot.com
      205-362-8581

      Reply
  • Lace Thomas : Jan 6th

    http://www.ExploreSerac.com also offers some great deals when it comes to outdoor hammocks.

    Reply
  • Sprinkles : Jan 27th

    Maryland – Groundbird gear. Tailor made dog backpacks – and they look awesome too!

    https://groundbirdgear.com

    Reply
  • Beyul : Jan 30th

    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!

    Reply
  • lkmi : Feb 5th

    Dutch – for hammocks, tarps and all kinds of interesting gadgetry. https://www.dutchwaregear.com/

    Reply
  • Tico Duffer : Feb 22nd

    Minnesota (Duluth) – Frost River Reliable Softgoods – Waxed Canvas Briefcases, Canoe Packs, Daypacks, Shoulder Bags, and More!

    https://www.frostriver.com/

    Tel:218-727-1472

    Reply
  • Ron : Mar 28th

    Vere sandal company. Geneva NY

    Reply
  • Shawn : Apr 17th

    Exo Mountain Gear, Boise, Idaho – backpacks

    Stone Glacier, Bozeman, Montana – also backpacks

    Reply
  • Erik : May 15th

    Goodhew wool socks, in Tennessee

    Reply
  • Sydney : Jun 8th

    Exxel uses imported materials and finish the sleeping bags in the US. Do others on this list also use imported materials?

    Reply
  • Katie Rose : Aug 24th

    Mystery Ranch only makes their military bags in the U.S. now, all other manufacturing has been moved overseas.

    Reply
  • Nathan : Nov 14th

    Out Gear Recreation is another good company to add. They hand make high quality hammocks in Boiling Springs PA. outgearrec.com

    Reply
  • Jake : Dec 1st

    Duckworthco.com

    Sheep to shelf out of Minnesota ( If I remember correctly )
    Nice wool products all made in USA!

    Reply
  • Neil Parker : Dec 8th

    Here’s two more:
    Wild Ideas, Bearikade food canisters
    Oru Kayaks, folding and packable kayaks

    Reply
  • Pete D : Dec 10th

    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.

    Reply
  • Kyle S : Dec 28th

    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.

    Reply
  • BJ Clark : Mar 6th

    Virginia: Yama Mountain Gear

    Reply
  • Chris G. : Mar 6th

    Hummingbird Hammocks Colorado.

    Reply
  • Austin : Mar 6th

    Seattle, Wa based CloudLine makes merino wool hiking socks.

    Reply
  • Brother Blood : Mar 7th

    Yukon Outfitters in TN makes great hammocks. Bought one in Damascus and used it all the way to Katahdin.

    Reply
  • Matthew : Mar 7th

    FITS socks are made in the USA

    Reply
  • Earl Bates : Mar 7th

    Superior Wilderness Designs, Michigan
    http://superiorwildernessdesignsllc.bigcartel.com/

    Reply
  • Katie : Mar 10th

    great list! but I would add Tannergoods.com in Portland, OR!

    Reply
  • JR M : Mar 10th

    Custom outdoor clothing.

    https://thetrek.co/backpacking-outdoor-gear-made-america/?ref=sidebar

    Reply
  • JR M : Mar 10th

    Custom outdoor clothing.

    http://outaware.com/custom.html

    Reply
  • Jo-al : Mar 12th

    Check out Outdoor Vitals from Utah. They specialize in sleeping bags, quilts etc.

    Reply
    • MikeC : Apr 9th

      Their stuff is made in China and sent here. They have a youtube video showing their visit to see the manufacturing of the gear.

      Reply
  • Jason : Mar 28th

    Six Moon Designs
    8250 SW Nimbus Ave.
    Beaverton OR, 97008
    503.430.2303

    Paria Outdoor Products
    PO Box 201328
    Denver, CO 80220

    Reply
  • sid@outdoorsportsinfo : Mar 31st

    Hi Madisson, thanks for US companies outdoor gear.So far we know’REI’ is the the popular branded outdoor gear company.I like them.

    Reply
  • Fieldtex Products Inc. : Apr 28th

    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

    Reply
  • Right Wilson : Jun 8th

    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

    Reply
  • Nelson Shivel : Jul 29th

    You could add titanium goat to the Utah companies. They make bivies, tents, and stoves.

    Reply
  • Dan nyc : Aug 3rd

    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

    Reply
  • Kat Beyer : Aug 10th

    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!

    Reply
  • Brian Gilley : Aug 14th

    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!

    Reply
  • eric : Aug 21st

    tough traveler packs. Long time maker of packs and luggage in Schenectady, NY

    Reply
  • Kumara : Aug 24th

    Danner manufactures hiking/hunting/military boots in Portland, OR.

    Reply
    • atom : Aug 27th

      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;)

      Reply
  • atom : Aug 27th

    oops: one more;
    voler..they make some amazing cycling gear;)..voler.com
    in california

    Reply
  • Joie Gahum : Aug 29th

    Also check roadeavour. They sell good quality outdoor gears for a reasonable price.

    Reply
  • CAPT GM Andres, USN (ret) : Sep 17th

    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?).

    Reply
  • Susan : Dec 13th

    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 .

    Reply
  • Kaozong Scott : Dec 19th

    Ironweed bags is located in Iowa and does all their manufacturing in Iowa as well.

    Reply
  • Richard in Ohio : Dec 31st

    I found an Ohio company that makes custom hammocks
    ” Dream Hammock LLC”
    Fredericksburg, Ohio
    sent in Jan 1, 2018

    Reply
  • Warren : Jan 2nd

    http://www.cedarridgegear.com
    Located in Charlotte, TN
    Handmade Hammocks, Tarps, and quilts.
    Specializing in custom, made to order Gear.

    Reply
  • Tim : Jan 11th

    Appreciate this list of US made gear – Thank You!

    Reply
  • Cai Dickman : Jan 30th

    Brfur – Outerwear / Outdoor Gear – Made in USA – http://www.brfur.com

    Thanks!

    Reply
  • Teresa Downing : Mar 3rd

    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!

    Reply
  • Gabriel : Mar 25th

    My MSR titanium pot says: Made in Thailand
    /:

    Reply
  • Brian Galyon : Mar 29th

    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

    Reply
  • Teresa Downing : Apr 16th

    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

    Reply
  • northwoodscanoe : Apr 18th

    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.

    Reply
  • Matt Proctor : Apr 24th

    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

    Reply
  • Steve : Aug 20th

    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/).

    Reply
  • Maria S Arguelles : Aug 22nd

    Love my Hummingbird Hammock! They’re made in the US also!

    Reply
  • Nick : Oct 10th

    Great List! Some I can add.

    Kermit Chair – USA (Not sure what state?)
    Frost River – Duluth, MN (various gear, including awesome canoe packs)

    Reply
  • Chris Guynn : Oct 10th

    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.

    Reply

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