Startup Outerwear Co. to be '100% Made in USA'

Take a look at the tag on a piece of your outdoor apparel. Chances are it will read “Made in China.” A new outdoor apparel brand will soon hit the market with a goal to change that.

The brand, American Mountain Co., aims to manufacture its entire outerwear and clothing line in the USA.

American Mountain Co. is based in Sewickley, Penn., and a factory in Spokane, Wash., will pump out jackets, mid-layers, and a line of products beginning in 2013. It will source fabrics and materials from U.S. mills as well.

So far, American Mountain Co. has completed the designing and testing phase for two pieces, a hardshell jacket and a fleece.

The company launched a Kickstarter campaign to get its designs into production.

The No. 907 hardshell jacket is being offered on Kickstarter for $350; the mid-layer fleece (No. 307 model) is $225.

Beyond “made in the USA,” the alpine-influenced line has an aesthetic mission: To bring the market technical clothing that “doesn’t necessarily look like it.” This concept, already available from brands like Nau, means you’ll be able to wear an American Mountain Co. piece in the wilds as well as around town.

Shiny snaps, bellowed pockets, elbow patches, and other touches give the line a unique look. The label on each piece will be hand-signed by the person who made it in the Spokane factory.

In addition to the two jackets, the brand plans to launch a full line of outerwear and clothing in 2013. It plans to display at the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Utah this winter. We’ll cover the brand as it launches and hopefully soon comes to a store (in the USA) near you.

—Amy Oberbroeckling is an assistant editor.