America’s Independence Day has us thinking about products made in the USA. Photo courtesy spirit of america / Shutterstock.com
There’s been a big push lately toward American-made products; it’s good for the economy and the environment and all that. Know who was ahead of that trend? Outdoor people. Brands like Danner have been making gear in the U.S. of A since before Brooklyn hipsters were extolling the virtues of locally sourced T-shirts. Here’s some of our favorite homegrown hiking gear. Patriotism: F yeah!
Danner Light Boots
Hipster-friendly hiking boots are made in the USA; photo courtesy Danner
Danner has been making boots in the U.S. since the 1930s. The old-school styling of the Light boot points to that, but it’s backed up by modern technology that includes a Vibram sole and waterproof Gore-Tex liner. It’s sturdy enough for multi-day hikes, but it wouldn’t look out of place in the city, either.
MSRP: $330
Kletterwerks Rock Pack
Your dad’s pack, brought back to life and made in the USA; photo courtesy Kletterwerks
Kletterwerks is the latest pack brand from legendary bag designer Dana Gleason, who started Dana Designs. Based in Bozeman, Montana, Kletterwerks is taking some of Gleason’s simple designs from the ’70s and making them modern. The top-loading Rock Pack is old school, but it holds up in tough conditions.
MSRP: $279
Leatherman Juice CS4
What a tool. Plus, it’s made in the USA. Photo courtesy Leatherman
In the early ’80s, frustrated with the lack of utility he got out of his Boy Scout knife, Tim Leatherman put together what he called a pocket survival tool, which had pliers, a screwdriver, and an awl. Leatherman, which has become synonymous with “multi-tool,” still makes all of their gadgets in Oregon and is still going strong. We like the pocket-sized but functional Juice CS4, which has multiple pliers and screwdrivers, wire cutters, and a corkscrew.
MSRP: $87
Princeton Tec Byte Headlamp
Tiny but bright … and made in the USA; photo courtesy Princeton Tec
The tiny Byte headlamp weighs only 2.25 ounces, but it has a bright 50 lumen LED. It also has a red LED, if you want to travel at night without compromising your vision. Its size makes it perfect for stashing in your daypack in case of an emergency. Princeton Tec, which is based in New Jersey, also makes bike lights.
MSRP: $20
Platypus Platypreserve
No broken bottles, and it’s made in the USA; photo courtesy Cascade Designs
Seattle-based Cascade Designs, which makes everything from backpacking stoves to sleeping pads, manufactures almost all of their gear in the Northwest. Arguably the most innovative thing they make is their Platypus Platypreserve, a bladder designed specifically for wine. They say their design allows the wine to breathe and preserves it after you open it, but, most important, it’s unbreakable, light, and spill-proof, so you can bring vino on camping trips. They also make a ton of different-sized bladders for water, if that’s your thing.
MSRP: $10
Similar stories on GrindTV
The best swimsuits for outdoorswomen
Car camping extras worth the splurge
There are currently no comments for "July 4th Gear Guide: Hiking gear made in the USA"
Post a Comment