Our Favorite Outdoor Gear Made in the USA 2025
Small gear brands and big name brands still manufactured in the USa
July 3rd, 2025
Home > Staff Picks
Finding outdoor gear made in the USA may seem like a challenge these days. But after hours of research, we were surprised how many brands – small and big – are still made in the United States. Many small brands are proudly made in the US and we were surprised to learn some big brands are made here, too. Some brands, like Alpine Fit, make being made in the US central to their story, while others required some sleuthing to confirm.
Gear made in the US provides jobs and requires fewer resources to transport raw materials and fully-constructed gear across large distances.
The gear items in this story are Treeline Review writer favorites, vetted for their quality, durability, and functionality. Many are award winners in our stories and are gear we've been testing for years, sometimes without even realizing it was made in the United States.
Here are some of our writers' top Made in the USA outdoor gear items – from ultralight to apparel and footwear to sunscreen and pocket knives.
We create reader-supported, mission-driven objective gear reviews that are independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Comparison Table
| OUR PICK | CATEGORY | TREELINE WRITER | WHERE MADE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacks | |||
| LiteAF Ultra 40L Curve | Ultralight backpack | Mike Unger | Vincentown, New Jersey |
| Tents | |||
| Zpacks Duplex Classic Tent | Ultralight shelter | Heather Anderson | West Melbourne, Florida |
| Sleeping bags and pads |
Where it’s made: Vincentown, New Jersey
Gearmaker: Chris Millard
The LiteAF Curve Full Suspension backpack is a great thru-hiking backpack. It is lightweight and durable, and its volume and suspension system can handle the heavy food and water carries sometimes required on thru-hikes. The pack’s body and side pockets are constructed from UltraWeave, which has three times the tear strength and is more abrasion-resistant than Dyneema.
The large, rugged mesh front pocket is large enough for a wet tent, rain gear, and other items needed throughout the day. The water bottle pockets can fit two bottles and are easily accessed while on the move.
Our favorite features are the bottom and upper side pockets. The stretchy bottom pocket allows easy access to snacks or maps and will even hold a full two-liter bladder when necessary. The upper side pockets are the perfect size to hold a cold soak container, stakes, or toilet kit. It’s our top pick for a thru hiking backpack, and we go into much more detail in our in-depth review of the LiteAF Curve backpack.
Tents
Zpacks Duplex
Where it’s made: West Melbourne, Florida
Gearmaker: Joe Valesko
The Zpacks Duplex Ultralight Tent was my third Zpacks tent purchase and it certainly lived up to expectations. It has all of the things I love about the Zpacks tents. The Duplex was extremely lightweight (lighter than a lot of solo tents) while being plenty storm-worthy on the notoriously mercurial CDT. Dyneema continues to be a favorite fabric of mine for tents due to its anti-sag properties.
I love the ease of set-up. The double doors and vestibules meant my partner and I weren’t crawling over top of one another to exit. I’ve also used this tent solo and found it to be a great choice when I knew I’d want to keep all of my gear inside with me. I opted for the Freestanding Upgrade which, while it did work, wasn’t necessarily worth it, in my opinion. I found it was still necessary to stake the tent rather heavily. Overall the Duplex is a great choice for long-distance hikes or any trip where weight is of the utmost importance in a shelter. The Zpacks Duplex was the overall winner in our Best Ultralight Tents guide.
Sleeping bags and pads
Western Mountaineering MegaLite
Western Mountaineering’s 30-degree mummy sleeping bag, the MegaLite, is a favorite of ours. Filled with 850+ ethically-sourced goose down and made of breathable 12-denier ripstop nylon with continuous baffles, this bag is ultralight, durable, and comfortable. We named it Best Wide & Tall Sleeping Bag in our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags guide for its roomy cut around the shoulders. We also laud its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
This sleeping bag is a great option for folks with wide shoulders, side sleepers, and anyone who just wants a little extra space. It’s lightweight at about 1 lb 8 oz. Our testers have found the temperature rating conservative and found they could sleep comfortably in colder conditions with this bag.
Western Mountainneering is widely considered one of the best and most trusted sleeping bag brands. Founded 50 years ago by two mountaineers from northern California, this company still makes all its products in their San Jose factory. They also take their goose feather sourcing seriously, with a contact in Eastern Europe that sources the plumage from a mother goose farm where geese are raised for breeding rather than strictly poultry, and thus have a longer life and do not live in cages.
- Treeline Review Staff
Where it is made: Seattle, WA
Gearmaker: Hest
Other than when I’m backpacking, I’ve slept on a Hest mattress most nights in the past year. This camping mattress is infinitely more comfortable than any inflatable sleeping pad or air mattress I’ve tried.
In my campervan, I use a combination of a Hest Dually Custom S60 and Hest Foamy for my mattress. The Hest Foamy is the single-person version of the Hest Dually, which I wrote a full review of. Unlike the Dually, though, the Foamy is made in the USA. The Dually S60 is shorter than the standard Dually, to optimize interior space when I’m not sleeping. To extend the Dually S60, I have a separate Hest Foamy, which fits on a slide-out platform and supports my feet. The Foamy is also super portable, so when I’m not sleeping in my van, I can roll it up and carry it into a tent, a friend’s house, or anywhere else I’m sleeping (as long as it’s not backpacking).
The Foamy, as with all Hest mattresses, is made with Hest’s dual-layer memory foam that doesn’t get hard in cold temperatures like most memory foam. It has a rugged, removable, machine washable cover, and its underside is a waterproof ripstop material. You can unroll this mattress and throw it anywhere—dirt, rocks, or mud—and it will protect the mattress while keeping you cozy all night.
This sleeping pad has changed what my idea of “comfortable” sleep can be when backpacking; it is thick, lofty, and light and packable. And, it can keep me warm in fall into winter with its higher R-value. The pad also ranks high in other areas besides just pure comfort.
Therm-a-Rest makes these bright yellow sleeping pads in a factory in Reno, Nevada, a few hours away from the trails where hikers regularly use them. I used a version of this pad for large sections of my PCT thru-hikes in 2018 and 2019. It is lightweight and comfortable enough to sleep on for months at a time.
There are many different sized options so you can get a wide, longer, or shorter pad depending on your needs. I recently tried a wider version and loved having the extra sleeping space, it was worth the extra weight for me on a shorter backpacking trip. The Xlite has a R value of 4.5 making it a nice pad for three season use. The regular size weighs in at 13 ounces, making it a nice lightweight option for backpacking. I love that it is 3 inches thick so I can sleep comfortably on my side and not feel the ground below the pad. It inflates easily with a few deep breaths or a mini air pump. With proper care this pad will last for years, the fabric is fairly durable however they do occasionally get holes and can be easily patched with the included repair kit. I am still using my pad from my 2018 thru hike, it has a few patches, but it still holds air and it is a comfortable pad to sleep on. This pad used to have a reputation of being noisy the first few nights on trail, but every updated version I have seen has gotten quieter and quieter. The valves have improved over the years making them easier to deflate in the mornings and fold up for another day of hiking.
Where it is made: Reno, Nevada
Gear Maker: Cascade Designs
These pads used to be a silvery grey color and have recently been redesigned in a pretty Neptune blue. The blue color can help you remember that they are designed for colder temperatures. Similar design to the NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad but with a higher R-Value of 7.3 making this a true four season sleeping pad. This is great for winter camping or for those who sleep cold and want more of a barrier on the ground. I use a version of this pad for late season backpacking trips at higher altitudes where the weather can be unpredictable. This pad really helps to keep you warmer especially when it is paired with a warmer sleeping bag or quilt. The regular size weighs in at 15.5 ounces so just under a pound, it is well worth the extra weight for peace of mind on colder trips. The fabric holds up well to punctures, but can easily be patched in the field with the included repair kit. I have an older version of this pad that is well used with patches from years ago, it is a pad that will last a long time with a little care. The newer winglock valves make inflation easier with directional airflow for filling or deflating. This pad is 3 inches thick so side sleepers can be comfortable and avoid feeling the ground below them. Available in wide and longer versions so there is a pad for almost everyone.
- Sara Kruglinski, Operations Coordinator and Contributing Writer
Water treatment and bottles
Platypus Quickdraw Filter
I have used a Platypus Quickdraw filter for several years. I’ve carried this durable and reliable thread-on filter while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and on countless other adventures across the USA. The Quickdraw is also the top choice in our Best Water Filters for Backpacking guide. And, it’s made in the USA.
This filter has end caps on both sides to prevent leaking, which allows you to sleep with it on cold nights (to prevent freezing) without worrying that it may leak in your sleeping bag. And if it happens to freeze, the filter has an integrity test feature so you can ensure it isn’t damaged before you rely on it to purify water. Additionally, the cap to the QuickDraw is connected to the filter, which means there is one less piece you can potentially lose.
Backflushing the QuickDraw in the backcountry is easy–you simply attach the dirty side to a partially full water bladder or bottle and shake. This is important because the filter will slow down over time, especially after use in silty water, glacier melt, or other sources with more particulates. But for a lightweight filter for backpacking that’s made in the USA, you can’t beat this water filter.
I've been carrying a Sawyer Squeeze water filter for years of thru-hiking. It is quick and easy to drink filtered water, so I don't have to sit around pumping or waiting for chemical water treatments. It easily backflushes when I'm in town (or in the field), restoring flow and lasting for years. That's one reason it won best water filter for backpacking in our Best Water Filters guide.
The new system that comes with CNOC water bags is especially solid for running as a gravity filter, as I did on a recent 200-mile backpacking trip in New Mexico. Nearly everyone I hiked with on the Arizona Trail was carrying a Squeeze for a reason: reliable filtering that works even with notoriously bad water.
Aquamira Water Treatment Drops are a simple and easy way to treat and purify water by removing protozoa, bacteria, and virus. It uses chlorine dioxide, which kills more than 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and cysts (including cryptosporidia and giardia), and is used by many municipal water systems in the U.S. to treat public drinking water.
The drops come in two bottles that you mix before adding to water. It’s lightweight, convenient and easy to use, inexpensive, reliable, and iodine free. A 1-oz bottle treats up to 30 gallons of water and it has a shelf life of four years. Our testers have used this treatment on the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and other thru-hikes, and we named it the Best Chemical Water Treatment in our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide.
Aquamira’s mission is to help people stay safely hydrated through their outdoor adventures and during emergency situations. Their products are made in the USA, and the company is headquartered in Logan, Utah.
- Treeline Review Staff
The Platypus Soft Bottle is the winner for best collapsible water bottle in our Best Water Bottles for Hiking guide, but it's also the bottle that I buy again and again. At 1.2 oz, it weighs nearly the same as a Smartwater bottle, but unlike a Smartwater bottle, it collapses down to take minimal space in my pack and storage. That makes it a lightweight and surprisingly durable water bag for ensuring I have enough water capacity when thru-hiking.
I've been using a Nalgene Sustain Wide Mouth water bottle for Best Water Bottles for Hiking guide, but it's also the bottle that I buy again and again. At 1.2 oz, it weighs nearly the same as a Smartwater bottle, but unlike a Smartwater bottle, it collapses down to take minimal space in my pack and storage. That makes it a lightweight and surprisingly durable water bag for ensuring I have enough water capacity when thru-hiking.
Apparel
PRain Adventure Skirts
Where it’s made: Medford, Oregon
Gearmaker: Mandy Bland
PRain Adventure Skirts is an Oregon-based company that makes skirts for, well, adventure. Folks who prefer breezy airflow or the style and ease of a skirt while hiking appreciate the comfort and quality of these Adventure Skirts. In particular, the waistband and deep side pockets are standout features. In addition to hiking in this skirt, I like putting one on after a trail run. It’s cooling, and it makes changing outside easier.
The fabric is constructed of recycled polyester and spandex that meets Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certificate. It’s also coated in a DWR finish to make it water repellent. There are four (that’s right, four!) pockets in this skirt. And, the skirts come in fun colors!
Founded by Mandy “Purple Rain” Bland in 2014, Purple Rain Adventure Skirts is a small cottage brand based in southern Oregon. Mandy started making the skirts at her dining table in her studio apartment; now the skirts are still made in Oregon and she handles all email correspondence. So, in addition to a comfortable and cute hiking skirt, purchasing from Purple Rain Adventure Skirts comes with the bonus of a closer customer-owner connection.
NW Alpine Black Spider Hoodie
Where it’s made: Salem, Oregon
Gearmaker: Bill Amos
I basically live in fleece in the fall and winter, and I feel like I'm always looking for that perfect fleece. On a whim, I bought the Black Spider Hoodie from NW Alpine – I think because it was on sale. And guess what? I wore it almost every single day after I bought it (except when on laundry day to get the peanut butter off).
Why is this my favorite fleece? I'm glad you asked! First of all, it's flattering. NW Alpine actually cut this for a female body, they didn't just "shrink it and pink it." It actually looks good on. I like the exposed stitching on the tops of the shoulders too – it adds visual interest.
Second, I love the fabric. It's made from Polartec Power Grid, which has a soft next-to-skin layer – so soft that you could wear it without a shirt underneath. The inner layer wicks moisture to the outer layer, which spreads the sweat out for maximum evaporation. The result is that you stay warm and dry in the cold.
Third, it washes up nicely, and it doesn't pill. I get frustrated when I get a brand new fleece, and it starts pilling before the first wash. The Power Grid fabric has a smooth outer layer that resists pilling. I love it.
Where they’re made: Anchorage, Alaska
Gear maker: Jen Loofbourrow
I didn’t need a new base layer top, but when I visited the Alpine Fit booth at PCT Days last summer, I fell in love with everything I tried on. The Rendezvous Ridge long sleeve has become my go-to long sleeve shirt over the past year for cool weather runs, all the winter sports, sleepwear when camping, sunny hikes, and just lounging around the house.
The sun protective UPF 50 fabric is made with recycled fibers and is infused with silver to prevent odor buildup. The material is refreshingly soft without that plastic-y stick-to-skin feeling that many synthetics have. The backs of the arms feature a fun mountain print that adds a nice touch of style. I’m also impressed with the fit of the Rendezvous Ridge, which comes in 2 different cuts to accommodate a variety of body shapes — I wear the Azalea fit.
Feathered Friends Eos jacket and vest
Feathered Friends is a Seattle-based company that makes high-quality sleeping bags, down jackets, vests, and other insulated backpacking gear. The Eos jacket is the runner-up in our Best Down Jackets guide, and their Swallow and Egret sleeping bags are our overall top picks in our Best Sleeping Bags guide. This spring, we’ve also been testing the Eos Vest for our women’s and men’s Best Down Vests guides. We love Feathered Friends as a company because they make very high-quality down-insulated outdoor gear. And they’re one of the only companies that makes down jackets in the USA, which we also love.
The Eos is made with a lot of 900-fill down. 900-fill has a higher warmth to weight ratio, making it warmer than most down jackets that either use 800-fill (or lower) down or don’t use as much 900-fill down to save weight. The outer shell is water-resistant and breathable Pertex Quantum with a PFAs-free DWR coating. This shell fabric is windproof and softer to the touch than most other down jackets.
The Eos jacket and vest are more expensive than many comparable down jackets, but we think they’re worth the extra cost for folks who want to upgrade to a higher fill power, warmer jacket or vest that’s made in the USA.
Men's
Women's
Where it’s made: Newport, Oregon
Gearmaker: Joe LaPointe
I’ve historically rested firmly in the wool base layer camp — wool offers great insulation even when it’s wet, the material isn’t terribly bulky, and it's light enough to avoid being a burden in my pack. I was surprised, then, to discover just how much I love Alpha Direct, a lightweight fleece that’s used in Farpointe’s cult favorite Camp Pants.
Before taking the leap, I couldn’t fathom how Alpha Direct, with its relative bulk and open weave, could possibly compete with wool, but after carrying these pants on the John Muir Trail / Nüümü Poyo this summer, I couldn’t be more in love. The warmth-to-weight ratio is fantastic, more than making up for the fact that these pants take up a slight bit more room in my pack. The open weave makes them incredibly breathable - I’ve been comfortable in nights ranging from the low 60s to the upper 30s. I was worried about the pants losing their warmth in wind, but I haven’t yet experienced that. Still, I carry a lightweight pair of pants in case I need an extra wind break.
In addition, the fabric is super soft and cozy, and the thin, stretchy waistband ensures they never feel constricting, even after I indulge in second dinner. Plus, a contrast-colored inseam gusset not only provides a little modesty, but also means that I have no issue moving around in the pants.
Unlike my wool pants, I think I’ll probably fold my Farpointes into my home “soft pants” rotation as soon as I’m home from the trail - I mean, we all love when backpacking gear pulls double duty, right?
Footwear and socks
Bedrock Cairn Evo Sandals
I’ve owned the same pair of Bedrock Cairn sandals since 2019. In that time, I’ve worn these sandals while hiking the Washington section of the PCT, bikepacking across the southwest, floating rivers, and generally adventuring all over the country. The Cairns are my favorite adventure sandal. They have a Y-strap system that locks your foot firmly in place, making it possible to do almost anything.
Different Cairn models come with different outsole rubbers and footbed designs. I have the Cairn Evo, which have the longer-lasting Vibram XS Trek EVO rubber. I chose this rubber because I often use my Bedrocks for biking. However, if you want more grip, the Cairn Evo Pro or Cairn Evo 3D PRO, which have a Vibram Megagrip outsole. You can also get the Cairns with a 3D footbed, which is shaped to further hold your foot in place.
All Cairn models are made in Missoula, Montana, and they’re also repairable in the same facility where they’re constructed. I’ve had the outsoles and footbeds replaced on my pair, and the rear velcro strap has also been replaced. If you’re looking for the best sandals for adventure made anywhere, the made-in-USA Cairns are the ones.
Mayfly Nymph Ultralight Camp Shoes
Where it's made: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Gearmaker: Jonny Waldman
On my first thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, my feet were chafed and wrinkled from always being wet. I'd hike all day in wet shoes, hobble around in camp in wet socks, and barely had any time to let my feet dry out and relax before I was at it again. Still, as a dedicated ultralighter, I refused to carry camp shoes until I discovered the Mayfly Ultralight Nymph.
At 1.7 oz for the pair, that's a weight penalty I'm willing to take for happier feet. On thru-hikes, I've used them as town shoes to do zero day grocery runs. I use them in camp to get up to pee, collect water, or put away my bear can for the night. Switching into my Nymphs are one of the pleasures of reaching camp at the end of the day. The Nymphs are the ultralight winner in our Best Camp Shoes guide.
Where they’re made: Santa Cruz, California
Gear maker: Josh Stiles
Camp shoes always felt like a waste to me while thru-hiking. The extra weight didn’t seem proportional to the benefits they provided. Then I received my first pair of Shamma Warrior Sandals in the mail. They weighed just three ounces, came with a simple structure, and they could even be worn as performance sandals.
On a few occasions I even went for a short run while wearing these sandals, and I found that they were protective against uneven and sharp terrain, they provided a little bit of traction, and they were so light that I felt like I was running nearly barefoot. Sometimes I still choose to leave my camp shoes at home, but the Shamma Elite Warrior Sandals made me realize that I didn’t necessarily need to choose between a lightweight pack and a comfortable camp system.
Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks
Where they’re made: Northfield, Vermont
Gearmaker: Ric Cabot
Before thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, I was skeptical that a $20 pair of socks would be noticeably different from a $5 or $10 pair. But all of the hiking forums praised Darn Tough socks, so I bought a pair of Treeline Micro socks. I slipped them on the day I started the trail. Days later, they stood up on their own but still managed not to reek. They were comfortable, even when they became damp to the touch. The Treeline Micro socks lasted 800 miles of daily use before showing signs of wear. They really were darn tough.
Now, after testing dozens of different kinds of socks and tackling thousands of miles of trails over the course of the past 10 years, the Darn Tough Treeline Micro is still the sock I wear almost exclusively. Today they cost $25 per pair, but they retain the same Lifetime Guarantee that makes them attractive to people who go the distance.
Where it’s Made: Gainesville, Georgia
Gear maker: Ben Smith
I bought a pair of down socks from Goosefeet Gear before my 2018 thru hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. I was tired of having cold feet in my sleeping bag and just waiting for them to warm up in my bag. These down booties have made every trip with me since I first bought them.
They come in a rainbow of colors so you are sure to find your favorite, mine is bright purple. It is hard to be grumpy when you are putting on down booties. I swear my feet just spontaneously start dancing on their own once they have down booties on. I love that these are handmade in the USA and that I am supporting a small business. At about 2 oz per pair these are well worth the weight penalty to have in your pack. If you have any off-season trips planned you need a pair of these, if you have summer trips planned, you still should grab a pair for those extra cold nights. You won’t regret it.
— Sara Kruglinski, operations coordinator and contributing writer
Running belts and waist packs
Flipbelt Classic Running Belt
The Flipbelt Classic Edition is a simply-designed running belt that’s affordable, comfortable, and made in the USA. With this belt, you can carry 500 mL of water, along with a light jacket, snacks, and your phone on your next run.
It’s made of incredibly soft and stretchy material, the coziest and most elastic of any running belt I tested for our running belts guide. This fabric is sewn into a loop, so the entire belt is a pocket. This pocket has four evenly spaced access points evenly dispersed around the belt. We usually position one pocket opening just below our belly button, which means the other openings are on the sides of each hip and near the small of our back. But, since this belt is entirely symmetrical, you can rotate it to position the pockets any way you want.
It comes with a hard-sided water bottle with a sports cap. The bottle has a slight curve that rests nicely across your back. I was initially skeptical of using a hard-sided bottle, thinking it would be less comfortable than a soft flask bottle. But the hard bottle makes it easier to replace it through the horizontal pocket openings while you run. This is an excellent option if you’re looking for an ultra-comfortable and affordable way to store items on a run without wearing a running vest. And it’s made right here in the USA.
Where it’s made: Norfolk, Virginia
Gearmaker: Paul Thomas
I am so grateful to have found Thrupack’s Summit Bum Classic fanny pack, which won our award for Best for Thru-hiking in our Best Fanny Packs, Waistpacks, and Lumbar Packs for Hiking guide. The Summit Bum pack is an essential piece of gear for me on any length of hike, mostly because I use it to store some of my essentials.
I take my backpack off often for breaks, but my fanny pack always stays on, this means even if I get separated from my backpack I will always have what is in my fanny pack. I make sure to store a lighter, headlamp, and other emergency gear items, along with extra snacks and candy and more snacks. The slip pocket on the inside of this pack is designed for holding a smartphone, allowing for easy access all day long for grabbing photos or looking up the bird you just spotted. Off-trail, this pack is great for walking dogs, short day hikes, or even festivals where you want to be hands-free. I use mine all the time, and since these come in a variety of colors, you are sure to find a favorite that fits your personal taste.
— Sara Kruglinski, operations coordinator and contributing writer
Bear protection
BearVault
Where it’s made: not stated, made in USA
Bear canisters can sound like a dirty word to many ultralight hikers – they are, after all, not particularly ultralight. But as many national parks and forests require the use of bear canisters, it’s important to abide by these regulations for the safety of current and future visitors, including the bears. BearVault, a small family business based in Colorado, makes durable bear canisters of many sizes to satisfy bear canister requirements.
BearVault canisters are transparent, relatively lightweight, durable, and easy for humans to open but not for bears. They come in four sizes: BV425-Sprint (for 1-2 day trips for one person), BV450-Jaunt (4 days), BV475-Trek (5-6 days), and BV500-Journey (7 days).
Not only are these bear canisters durable and reliable in bear territory, they also make great camp chairs in a pinch. When I backpack with a canister, which I often do even in places it is not required simply because I love bears and want to protect them as much as possible, I also appreciate that I have something elevated to sit on. This can be a luxury in the backcountry.
Where they are made: Brooklyn, Ohio
Gearmaker: MMI Textiles Inc/Bear Saga LLC
Do you love the ritual of finding the perfect tree at least 200 ft away from your camp, for a regulation-perfect bear bag hang of at least 18 ft off the ground and 6 ft away from the trunk? How about getting your rope over that 18 ft high branch without tangling it and getting it stuck? And doing this all after a long day of hiking? Me neither!!!
Let’s be real, not only is it a pain to go to all that effort, reality is you often won’t find a tree where you can even attempt a proper bear bag hang. A poor bear hang doesn’t protect your food from bears, or the bears from the consequences of becoming habituated to human food. If you need more convincing that hanging your food may not be right for you, read Andrew Skurka’s controversial and potentially insulting article “Ineffective and Outdated: Six Reasons Not to Hang a Bear Bag”.
While a bear canister (see a US-made one below!) is a great way to protect your food and toiletries from bears and other critters, most of us aren’t going to carry something so awkward and bulky unless it's legally required. An Ursack, on the other hand is basically just a heavy- duty stuff sack that is made out of UHMWP “bulletproof” fabric, and in the case of the Ursack AllMitey, a Kevlar laminate is added. Touted as “bear resistant”, they do live bear testing at the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), a bear rescue for injured and problem bears.
Make sure you get the right Ursack for you. The Major series is solely bear-resistant, not rodent-resistant. Rodents can use their smaller teeth and claws to get in between the fibers on the Major, in a way bears can’t. For bear AND rodent protection (I’m looking at you ground squirrels, mice and trash pandas) get the Allmitey series. Each series has multiple sizes, depending on the amount of food you generally carry. I opted for the XL, as it will fit all I need for a long weekend with the family, or a longer solo trip. Pair the Ursack with a smell proof OpSak to optimize your system.
When I started using an Ursack last year, I was amazed by how easy it was to properly tie it closed and secure it to a log, the base of a small tree, large rock, or underside of a bridge or picnic table. Make sure to read the directions so you are closing and securing it properly. As Becca mentioned in the section on the Bear Vault, please abide by the regulations for the location you’re in; use food lockers when available and bear canisters when required.
Where it’s made: Naples, FL
Gearmaker: Linda Kennedy
The OpSak by Loksak looks like a heavy duty Ziplock bag, but it is so much more than that. These smell proof bags keep critters from even knowing you’ve got tasty snacks and they’re waterproof to 200 feet to protect electronics. While they do have a definite life span, they are much more durable than a basic Ziplock.
OpSaks come in 4 different sizes. I use the 12” x 20” to line my Ursack XL (another great made in the USA product). Since these bags are food safe, I also bring two of the 7” x 7” ones with me for cold soaking or rehydrating homemade backpacking meals. I use one for breakfast and one for dinner, as they do retain some flavor from the previous meal, and I don’t particularly like Pad Thai oatmeal.
BPA free and recyclable (though not generally curbside) the OpSak is a great option for anything you want to keep dry, or hidden from the noses of wild animals or hungry thru-hikers. It's soon to be featured in our Women-Owned Outdoor Brands guide.
This Montana-based company, established in 1986, specializes in bear spray. They developed their product with researchers at the University of Montana to craft both a formula and delivery system to deter bears in a non-lethal way. The company has since expanded and grown into larger manufacturing facilities, still all in the U.S.
The bear spay itself is a proprietary formula stored in a spray canister with a safety lock, and weighs 10.2 oz. You can keep the canister in a nylon belt holster and attach to your belt or pack. Counter Assault claims their product reaches farther and lasts longer than other bear sprays on the market. Their most popular product sprays about 40 feet and lasts about 8 seconds. That may not sound like a lot, but as the product is atomized concentrated pepper spray and should be plenty to disorient and deter a bear.
Bear spray like this is an important safety gear item for hiking in grizzly territory. Learn more about bear safety and bear spray at Counter Assault’s FAQ page.
The ResQLink AIS Personal Locator Beacon contains both satellite and local transponders. It also employs Automatic Identification System (AIS) functionality, Return Link Service (RLS) technology, and Near Field Communication (NFC) capability in a mere 5.2 oz device. The NFC capability provides makes this the first smartphone-connected PLB and allows users to know that their distress message was received and location found by Coast Guard.
ACR states this device is designed solely for marine use, though we’ve tested it as a general PLB for our Best Satellite Messenger and PLBs guide. It had previously been our Best PLB, but an update to the SOS button that made it too easy to accidentally activate while the device was in a bag or back pocket, we had to demote it. Still, the technology is exceptional.
ACR Electronics mission is to develop emergency beacons that save lives. Their technology expertise is used in the marine, aviation, outdoor, and military markets, helping everyone from boaters, hikers, climbers, cyclists, hunters, pilots, and more. They even developed the special flashlights used on Apollo 13 after their on-board explosion.
Their products are made in the USA, with operations based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- Treeline Review Staff
Kayaking gear
Werner Paddles
Where it’s made: Sultan, Washington, USA
Made in USA since: 1965
Gearmaker: Werner Furrer (Sr. and Jr.), Bruce Furrer— the family-founded business has been making paddles for over 50 years (and was family-owned until it was acquired by Jackson Kayak in 2024)
Not just for kayakers anymore, Werner makes a whole slew of paddles designed for the water. Werner currently has paddles for: kayaking, whitewater, touring, canoeing, rafting, packrafting, ultralight use, fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Paddles range anywhere from $120–$600, depending on materials, weight, design, and performance quality.
And Werner not only sells the highest quality handmade paddles, but Werner will also sell “factory seconds”—a coined term for gear that functions perfectly, but might have minor blemishes. Werner also offers a one-year warranty on seconds, and you can find many Werner paddles at big name retailers, small river sport shops, and even closeout deals online too.
We’ve used Werner paddles teaching kids how to kayak, paddling with friends, exploring local Colorado whitewater, and on overnight paddling trips. Learn more in our how to packraft guide. We can confirm that these paddles are high quality and live up to the ideals of “performance and reliability” that Werner was built upon.
Watershed Dry Bags
Where it’s made: Made in Asheville, NC, USA*
Made in USA since: 1995
Gear maker: Watershed staff
“Watershed was founded in 1995 with a singular mission: build waterproof bags in the USA that we could trust.” Watershed’s original mission is accurate. Several of our Treeline review writers haven’t just tested these bags, they’ve used them and owned them for years, and probably will for life. Watershed Dry Bag’s small-operation, high-quality production is evident in every bag.
Unlike many bags that zip, snap, or roll, Watershed drybags seal shut with a proprietary closure. The bag closures lock shut to form an airtight and watertight seal—that can endure up to 300 feet of underwater pressure, making them fully submersible. Watershed uses a polyurethane-coated fabric with a 840-denier nylon base—5 times the abrasion resistance of PVC (so they are not only made in the USA, but durable too!). In addition to being handmade in the USA, all bags are inspected before they are sold and shipped—another sign of top quality. I trust this bag no matter the water or river, hands down. And a one-year warranty and repairs are offered if you end up needing it.
—Mary Murphy, editor and writer
*Note: Watershed Dry Bag’s production and operations are still impacted by the lasting damages from Hurricane Helene in September 2024. See our post about small brands that were affected, and how we were able to give back. If you have any questions about current stock or availability, please check with the brand.
Climbing gear
Organic Climbing Simple Crash Pad
The Simple Crash Pad is a durable bouldering crash pad that’s comfortable to fall on. It has a hybrid hinge design and sandwich foam construction. It’s the bare-bones version of Organic Climbing’s Full Pad at a lower cost, and the winner of Best Budget Crash Pad in our Best Bouldering Crash Pads guide.
The 1050d ballistics shell and 1200d recycled Cordura top materials are durable. The pad features three grab handles, adjustable shoulder straps, a 2-inch hip belt, and customizable colorways made from recycled cutting room scraps. Each product is made to be durable, functional, high quality, and unique.
Organic Climbing products are hand made in the USA. The company also tries to source all their materials from US manufacturers and small businesses (though, depending on availability, some components are imported). They are based in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania.
- Treeline Review Staff
Bike bags
Treeline Review writer Stasia Stockwell’s Oveja Negra Snack Pack bike bag is made in Salida, Colorado.
Where it’s made: Salida, Colorado
Gear maker: Stephanie Perko
Riding bikes often necessitates snacks. But who wants to stop riding their bike in order to eat said snacks? Not me. Enter the Oveja Negra Snack Pack. This top tube bag sits right where I need it for easy on-bike access and is just the right size for some essential snacks when I’m out for a long ride. I use it on both my gravel bike and mountain bike, since the simple but smart design fits on just about any bike’s top tube. The Velcro straps might initially seem insufficient for rowdy singletrack, but rest assured that thing gets snug and stays put. (I might suggest a little Ride Wrap underneath the contact points to ensure your frame doesn’t scratch.) Oveja Negra also makes a bolt-on version of this design if your bike has that kind of attachment point.
The zipper is smooth and the sides of the pack are stiff, so it’s super easy to access even while you’re pedaling. And it can fit more than just snacks, too. Mine is stuffed with a wind layer, my phone, and some tasty chews on just about every ride.
The best part: These packs have a fun and funky design that shows off a lot of character. They’re handmade in Salida, Colorado. Pop into their shop on F Street to get access to lots of fun colors and watch them stitch packs together as you shop.
Accessories
Leatherman Wave+
The Leatherman Wave+ is a pocket-sized multi-tool. It has 18 tools, such as pliers, wire cutters, an electrical crimper, a 420HC knife, can opener, wood/metal file, and more. The tools are primarily stainless steel and it comes in a MOLLE sheath. Leatherman also sells compatible accessories for further customization.
Leatherman is a Portland, Oregon-based company that has been around for over 40 years. Their founder, Tim Leatherman, created the world’s first pliers-based multi-tool after returning from a Europe trip and constantly wishing he had pliers to fix leaky hotel plumbing or the Fiat they were driving. After pitching his prototype for a few years, he partnered with Steve Berliner in 1983 and the duo filled their first order: 500 tools for Cabela’s.
The company has since extended to include a large collection of multipurpose tools and knives, and is still proudly based in Oregon. We recommended a Leatherman multi-tool in our 2024 gift guide for adventure travelers.
Sawyer Permethrin is one of my favorite bug and tick repelling hacks for backpacking and thru-hiking. You spray it onto your clothes and gear before your trip and it stays in the fabric, repelling mosquitos, lasting up to 6 washes. I find it especially useful to put on gear like my backpack and tent. I also like that unlike other bug repellents, it doesn't smell or need hourly re-applying. Unlike DEET, it won't eat through plastic, either. I hate putting on most bug repellents but by spraying my stuff with Permethrin ahead of my trip, I feel like I can avoid using bug spray in a lot more situations. That is a huge win.
Sometimes, you need to poop outdoors and there isn't a toilet anywhere to be found. And sometimes, digging a cathole isn't the best way to dispose of human waste either. The CleanWaste WAG bag won our award for best lightweight Best Human Waste Bag. Using NASA-developed gel to reduce the chance of a spill or a stink, the CleanWaste WAG bag makes it relatively painless for backpackers, climbers, rafters, overlanders, or vanlifers to do the doo. I was surprised to learn that they're made in the USA.
Kula Cloth
Gearmaker: Anastasia
Kula Cloth makes pee cloths for anyone who squats when they pee. It’s made of an antimicrobial, silver-infused, absorbent material for post-pee wiping outdoors. This non-toxic, eco-friendly cloth allows you to follow Leave No Trace principles and stay clean and comfortable on your outdoor adventures. Like many of our testers, I bring a Kula Cloth on all my outdoor adventures now. It makes me feel clean and comfortable, and I appreciate how easy it is to clean.
Kula also employs thoughtful design features, like a double snap for hooking the cloth to a pack and maintaining some level of privacy and cleanliness, a retro-reflective thread so you can find the cloth with your handlamp at night, and a library of fun designs (including a now sold-out design by our Operations Coordinator and Contributing Writer, Sara Kruglinski!).
Kula Cloth found its start during a backpacking trip in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington State. Founder Anastasia Allison was taking in the gorgeous views when she noticed a pile of toilet paper on the ground. After this trip, she researched pee cloths, bought microfiber fabric, and improved a design from there.
Kula Cloth is based in Washington state. We’ve featured them in our Best Outdoor Gear that Will Last for Life, Favorite Gear by Women-owned Brands, and Women-owned Ultralight Gear Brands guides.
ThinkSport Mineral Sunscreen is a reef-safe, SPF 50+ sunscreen that boasts organic, BPA-free, biodegradable, and non-toxic ingredients. It offers Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. The sunscreen is dermatologist tested and free of PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, and animal by-products or testing.
We tested and reviewed ThinkSport Mineral Sunscreen for our Best Reef Safe Sunscreens guide, and named it Runner-Up Best Mineral Body Sunscreen in our Best Sunscreens for your Body guide.
Think–which includes ThinkSport and ThinkBaby–was founded by Kevin Broadwick, who had worked for a laboratory funded by the National Institutes of Health. He examined products from all over the world to determine estrogenic activity (the largest form of endocrine disruption). When companies wouldn’t seek alternatives, he launched ThinkSport and ThinkBaby.
While some Think products are made in other countries, ThinkSport Mineral Sunscreen is made in the USA.
- Treeline Review Staff
The MSR WhisperLite International is the first backpacking stove I bought in the early ‘90s. It's still going strong and is a winner in our Outdoor Gear that will Last a Lifetime staff picks article.
The Whisperlite runs on at least three different liquid fuels: white gas, kerosene, or unleaded gasoline. Hate worrying about whether you’ll find a fuel canister in the next town or abroad? Me too.
It's made in MSR's facilities in Seattle, Washington or Reno, Nevada along with many of their other stoves including the Reactor.
The AeroPress Go is one of the best portable coffee makers to exist, plain and simple. It takes the same concept as the classic original AeroPress and wraps it up in a lighter, more compact package that’s ideal for car camping and even backpacking, so long as you’re not mincing ounces.
The plunger-like system uses both immersion (from steeping and stirring the grounds) and forced extraction (from plunging it out through the paper filter) to create a bold and incredibly smooth cup of coffee. Drink it brewed as is for an espresso-like concentration, or add a little hot water to make it more like a regular cuppa jo. And one of the best parts of this brew method: Unlike pour overs, the AeroPress is pretty foolproof. You don’t really need much practice or any special techniques to make consistently delicious coffee.
The AeroPress Go is made in the US with high quality plastic that’s so durable you never have to think twice about whether you could break it. Mine, which I’ve had for several years, has come with me on countless camping trips, road trips, and backpacking trips—and it gets used every single morning at home, too.
Where it’s made: Scarborough, Maine
Gearmaker: Charles Friedman
The Flowfold Recycled Sailcloth Minimalist Wallet has a simple agenda: hold 6-8 essential cards and a few bills of cash with no extra bulk in your pocket. The slim profile and durable, light sailcloth material keeps things simple, and fits comfortably in a typical front or back pant pocket without wearing an outline into your jeans over extended use. These wallets, like other products offered by Flowfold, are made of recycled composite sailcloth originally developed for sailboat racing and windsurfing communities. The fabric has an X-Ply laminate waterproofing mylar to stay slick, dry, and light enough to float weighing in at only 12g/0.4oz.
A bright range of colors also helps you keep track of it or easily relocate when shuffled in with other gear. I’ve dropped mine along a muddy trail, riverbank, and depths of my pack or car console and relied on the bright purple color to catch my eye every time. Going on 8 years together, I trust my essentials fully in this wallet, and can count on a lifetime warranty should I somehow wear it out. Simply put, you don’t need another wallet once you have this one.
Where it's made: Bellingham, Washington
Gearmaker: Gear Aid
Gear Aid Tenacious Tape has saved so many pieces of my gear from shoddy sewing jobs and worse – the trash. Any hike or backpacking trip I set out on, I guarantee that I have a solid piece or three of Tenacious Tape with me. It weighs practically nothing, is tough enough to withstand realistic wear and tear of the trail and then some, and is super easy to apply. It saved me from several nights in a row of seriously miserable downpours with a quick fix of the rain fly. It’s kept my original stakes bag and tent stuff sack in business far longer than I could have ever anticipated. And though I reinforced these with some nylon stitching, the tape would have held just fine without that. I just like the little splash of color. And if you don’t feel like doing unnecessary sewing, Gear Aid makes their tape and repair patches in multiple colors as is!
Lava Linens TraverA ULTRALIGHT TOWEL
Where it’s made: Boulder, Colorado
Gearmaker: Mary Swanson
There are certain items I always have with me, especially in the summer, and one of them is a Lava Linens Travera Towel. While I love all of the Lava Linens products, since the release of the Travera towel, it has been my go-to for backpacking, dog walks, and travel because it is lightweight, packable, dries quickly, and doesn’t hold onto dirt or odors. The Lava Linens Travera towel is ideal for those prioritizing sustainability in their everyday and adventure essentials.
It is made from a blend of breathable hemp and TENCEL Lyocell plant fibers, making it not only lightweight and durable but also perfectly suited for versatile daily use. Designed with thoughtful details like reinforced hemp hanging loops and a mini sunglass/key loop, it integrates convenience into its functionality. But what really sets it apart from other travel towels on the market is its commitment to sustainability, and being made from natural fibers, it does not shed microplastics like synthetic microfiber towels. The Lava Linens brand is also featured in our Best Sustainable Outdoor Gear Ideas article and is a winner in our best camp towels guide.
Why you should trust us / About the authors
Treeline Review writers (from left to right) Sam Schild, Chris Meehan, Becca Downs, and Liz Thomas make up just part of the talented team here dedicated to helping you buy less stuff.
Treeline Review writers have spent thousands and thousands of miles and days in the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, thru-hiking, running, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, skiing, and more. They’ve endured hot, humid, muggy days on the Appalachian Trail, skied in the Colorado Rockies, mountain biked in the relentless Arizona heat, hiked in persistent rain in the Pacific Northwest, and trained for ultramarathons in every weather condition imaginable.
Through all their adventures, they’ve used and tested outdoor gear.
Additionally, what sets Treeline Review writers apart is their dedication to sustainability, the environment, and reducing waste that goes to a landfill. That’s why we search for gear with a smaller footprint—gear made in the USA that doesn’t have to travel as far to get to you.
After years of testing hundreds of gear items, they’ve found their favorite timeless, durable, reliable, useful go-tos.
