There’s no shortage of awesome, American-made outdoors gear out there if you know where to look. Here we highlight some top made-in-the-USA picks to keep your gift-giving dollars fueling the domestic economy.
Tarptent Protrail ($225)
Since 2002, Tarptent’s following has been growing steadily. After testing out the independent brand’s ProTrail and interviewing founder Henry Shires last spring, we can see why. The Seattle-made shelters are beautifully engineered, super light and plenty durable at surprisingly low prices. The one-person ProTrail weighs 26 oz. and has served one of our editors well for the past year, weathering nasty storms without a problem. It’s also worked admirably as a two-person tent when needed.
Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Micro Crew Cushion ($22)
Darn Tough Vermont only makes socks and the company is damn good at it. The merino socks are produced in a mill in Northfield, Vermont and are some of the most durable we’ve ever worn. The independent brand even has a no-questions-asked, lifetime guarantee. If you manage to wear a pair out, send ’em in, and they’ll send you a new pair. The Hiker Micro Crew (both men’s and women’s) is a go-to for many thru-hikers that’s every bit as practical day-to-day.
Leatherman Tread ($150)
Leatherman is an independent, Portland-based company that’s been domestically producing knives and multitools since the mid ’80s. The Tread mixes the functionality of a multi-tool with the bling of a bracelet. It’s TSA-compliant, so you can take it through airport security. In use, the 29 “tools” range from convenient to somewhat silly. The tread isn’t a multi-tool replacement, but it looks sharp and has the functionality to get you out of pinches. Read our review here.
Light & Motion Urban ($50-$150)
Light & Motion makes outdoors lighting systems in its Marina, Calif., headquarters. The brand’s bike lights, in particular, are some of the best on the market. Several of our editors have been using the Urban nearly daily for years. The Urban line has a runtime of an hour and a half on high (up to 800 lumens) and six hours on low. Mounts to bars or helmet.
Inside Line Equipment Default Mini Backpack ($220)
Inside Line Equipment is an independent, San Francisco-based bike bag company. The brand’s offerings range from day packs to photographer bags and phone holsters. Our editors tested the Default mini XPAC sailcloth bag. We found it to be as tough as any bike pack we’ve ridden with It’s completely waterproof and a nice in-between size that compresses with small loads, but it’s large enough for grocery runs and long weekend trips.
Tarptent Protrail ($225)
Since 2002, Tarptent’s following has been growing steadily. After testing out the independent brand’s ProTrail and interviewing founder Henry Shires last spring, we can see why. The Seattle-made shelters are beautifully engineered, super light and plenty durable at surprisingly low prices. The one-person ProTrail weighs 26 oz. and has served one of our editors well for the past year, weathering nasty storms without a problem. It’s also worked admirably as a two-person tent when needed.
Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Micro Crew Cushion ($22)
Darn Tough Vermont only makes socks and the company is damn good at it. The merino socks are produced in a mill in Northfield, Vermont and are some of the most durable we’ve ever worn. The independent brand even has a no-questions-asked, lifetime guarantee. If you manage to wear a pair out, send ’em in, and they’ll send you a new pair. The Hiker Micro Crew (both men’s and women’s) is a go-to for many thru-hikers that’s every bit as practical day-to-day.
Leatherman Tread ($150)
Leatherman is an independent, Portland-based company that’s been domestically producing knives and multitools since the mid ’80s. The Tread mixes the functionality of a multi-tool with the bling of a bracelet. It’s TSA-compliant, so you can take it through airport security. In use, the 29 “tools” range from convenient to somewhat silly. The tread isn’t a multi-tool replacement, but it looks sharp and has the functionality to get you out of pinches. Read our review here.
Light & Motion Urban ($50-$150)
Light & Motion makes outdoors lighting systems in its Marina, Calif., headquarters. The brand’s bike lights, in particular, are some of the best on the market. Several of our editors have been using the Urban nearly daily for years. The Urban line has a runtime of an hour and a half on high (up to 800 lumens) and six hours on low. Mounts to bars or helmet.
Inside Line Equipment Default Mini Backpack ($220)
Inside Line Equipment is an independent, San Francisco-based bike bag company. The brand’s offerings range from day packs to photographer bags and phone holsters. Our editors tested the Default mini XPAC sailcloth bag. We found it to be as tough as any bike pack we’ve ridden with It’s completely waterproof and a nice in-between size that compresses with small loads, but it’s large enough for grocery runs and long weekend trips.
