MADE IN THE USA

Celebrating American-made gear

There are a growing number of gear makers producing products and apparel in the U.S.A. according to Outside Magazine writer Tom Vanderbilt. In his story he explores the new economics of insourcing, and here at the store we’re proud to support the American-made brands we sell:

 

 

Princeton Tec has been pioneering new technologies and building lights for more than three decades. They make their gear close-by in New Jersey. We love Princeton Tec’s Fuel headlamp – designed to meet the widest range of applications while remaining small, lightweight and robust. Available in hues suited for everyone in the family.

 

 

Wigwam Mills, Inc. proudly knits its Wigwam socks in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. And they support wool producers in our country by sourcing wool almost exclusively from American yarn spinners who buy from American wool growers. Their All-Terrain Hiker repels moisture, prevents blisters and cushions your foot. Hike on.

 

 

Throughout its 35-year history, Croakies has remained a small company with a big heart. They create eyewear retainers and accessories that provide comfort, durability and functionality for active people of all ages, and use only the highest quality materials available. Nowadays ninety percent of Croakies revenue comes from products that are proudly made in the USA. Pick up your pair today.

 

 

SmartWool believes that a thoughtful approach to living extends beyond the walls of their office and the boundaries of their industry. Along with giving back to the community through many advocacy programs, SmartWool knits their PhD socks right here in the U.S. The PhD Running Light Micro Sock is the perfect sock for reducing shock and abrasion in your high density impact zones. Gotta love happy feet.

 

 

Three friends created Cascade Designs after collaborating to produce Therm-a-Rest pads, the worldwide standard for outdoor sleeping comfort. Now, almost 4 decades later, Cascade Designs remains a private, family-owned company that still builds the vast majority of products in their Seattle, Wa., facilities. Next time you hit the trail, consider taking the Trail Scout mattress, perfect for light backpacking, car camping and adding essential warmth to cots. Sweet dreams.

 

 

It’s no secret that Patagonia promotes environmentalism through many of the organizations they support, and that every product Patagonia makes is created by causing the least amount of harm to the environment. But did you know that many of their T-shirts are made in America including this women’s Live Simply Guitar T, made from super soft and comfy 100% organic cotton? It’s life unplugged.

 

MORE FEATURED BRANDS

 

 

Collect one pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every item sold. Make T-shirts from 100% organic cotton. Get the community involved. These are just a few of the things we love about Philly-based United by Blue.

WHAT WE LOVE: The fit, the feel and the attitude. Oh yeah, we love the soft, comfy Tees, but we also have a thing for UBB’s dedication to preserving and protecting our oceans and waterways by collecting trash to make a difference. In fact, since launching in 2010, UBB has organized over 60 volunteer clean-ups and weighed in more than 83,000 pounds of trash. Check it out: Trail Creek and UBB summer clean ups. Contact us to get involved! (We’re at it again this summer.)

WHY YOU’LL LOVE UBB: You can’t resist the super soft, organic cotton slub jersey that is handcut/handsewn and stonewashed for vintage, sea-loving style. Just as awesome: every Tee is packed in banana-fiber paper topped off with a biodegradable hangtag. Why? Because UBB believes that individually wrapped plastic products are a wasteful and unnecessary step, so they just don’t do it. This way the packaging has a lower environmental impact, plus it’s really very cool.

An added bonus: hangtags are made of elephant dung embedded with flower seeds. Compost your package and plant the seeds. Very cool indeed.

 

 

Patagonia’s Mission Statement: Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. Just a few reasons we love Patagonia.

WHAT WE LOVE: Thirty-plus years ago Patagonia began as a small company making tools for climbers, and evolved into creating outdoor apparel for what Patagonia refers to as the “silent sports:” climbing, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, fly fishing, paddling and trail running. Why specialize in outfitting the quiet work-out/hobby? Because Patagonia believes “reward comes in the form of hard-won grace and moments of connection between us and nature.” And this love of nature and environmentalism is at the core of Patagonia’s values. Each year the company supports numerous environmental groups nationwide and promotes campaigns such as the Common Threads Initiative, bluesign Standard and the Footprint Chronicles. They also donate their time and 1% of their sales to eco-friendly organizations. Check it out: 1% for the Planet.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE PATAGONIA: Comfort, style and durability make up every article of clothing and piece of gear Patagonia offers. The details you’ll notice are as simple as chafe-proof inseams, contoured waistbands and lightweight, quick-drying fabric. Want 100% organic cotton? They’ve got that too, along with adventurous patterns and versatile clothing that can be adapted to your mood, whatever that may be (think skirt that doubles as a halter top.) Patagonia’s collections include baby and kids and casual designs you can slip on in case you get a chance to slip out into your chosen “silent sport” later in the day.

See for yourself: Get the details on the Nine Trails Skirt: Click HERE

See for  yourself: Get the details on the Board Shorts: Click HERE

 

 

 

Influenced by athletes and customers who help inspire designs. Motivated by quality products with purpose. Just a few of the things we love about prAna.

prAna is an ancient Sanskrit word for breath, life and vitality of the spirit, and the term has guided this company’s actions since the day they opened their doors in 1992.

WHAT WE LOVE: prAna started out making clothes for climbing and yoga, but their stuff was so good they added more clothing for other passions too. Plus, the materials prAna uses are environmentally conscious, so they create products that reduce environmental harm and supports the people making it.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE prAna: Purpose-built designs, contemporary style and unique color palettes make prAna’s clothing look good and feel comfortable no matter where you take your adventure. With so many collections to choose from—from travel wear to yoga pieces—the bright and lively styles are made to perform, but meant to be noticed.

 

Neve Designs

Adventurous pattern. High style. High performance. (Need we say more?)

In Italian neve means “snow,” but in the U.S. Neve Designs means European inspired ski and lifestyle apparel made with the finest, natural performance fibers.

WHAT WE LOVE: This Colorado-based company brings together rustic mountain village appeal and modern design to create original, high quality clothing made in a variety of styles to fit your active lifestyle.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE NEVE: There’s that lush Merino-silk blend topped off with a touch of spandex keeping you comfortable and warm. And, of course, there’s the alpine charm and performance fit taking you from slopes to Sunday paper, to a walk in the woods.

Come on in and try on a sweater, hoodie or crew neck, and get a little piece of Colorado right close to home.

 

 

Your kid’s can’t help but make a right choice when selecting their favorite CHOOZE pattern. These fun, creative shoes inspire kids to wear their wardrobe in confidence, daring to be different.

And you can feel good too: CHOOZE is a Good Returns company. So, at the end of each year, CHOOZE invests 100% of its profits into anti-poverty programs.

Created by Sharon Blumberg, artist and mother of three, CHOOZE shoes sprung from an idea Sharon had while watching her toddler Ayla reach for mismatched shoes everyday. When asked why she chose to wear different shoes Ayla replied: “Because I like it.”

Witnessing Ayla’s bold confidence sparked the concept of creating a brand that empowered kid’s creativity and individual spirit. CHOOZE shoes debuted with a purpose: to encourage independence, standing out, making good choices. All slip-ons are matched, but never the same, and made with anti-microbial insoles and protective outsoles.

In addition to being good for kids, CHOOZE is good for the environment. The shoes are 100% cotton, vegan and machine washable. The cardboard box they come in doubles as a crate for art supplies, and the display hangers are made from recycled materials.

Come in and see what style your child will CHOOZE.