Outdoor Adventure USA

Outdoor Products Made In The USA

As we mentioned last year, we have designated October as "Made In the USA" month. Yes, we probably should have led October off with this net, but a number of events and other matters got in the way. Regardless, it's not too late to promote the great products made right here, and also to underscore the need to take the time to discover all the new things that are, again, wearing the "Made In USA" label.

'Tis better to get this out now. Way too many people have been tempted into buying what they need by the lure of CHEAP stuff and free delivery. No need to mention company names, because just about all of us have taken advantage of this business at one time or another. BUT, whether your cheap stuff is delivered by a major name company or cheap stuff you can find all over the place, it comes with a price tag which is not immediately measured in dollars. The price tag of which I speak, comes every time you buy a product that does not wear the made in USA label, because you are not supporting American workers and the American economy, but worse yet, in many cases, you are financially supporting enemies of the USA.

So, how do we avoid this hidden price tag????? Simple, when you want something made here, look for it. Resist the temptation of cheap stuff and free delivery, and either take a few minutes in an internet search, or ask the friendly salesman at your favorite store. You will be surprised at how much stuff carries the correct "Made In" label. And the good news is that there is an ever increasing trend for manufacturing to return to America. And, speaking of which.............

From the purveyors of goofy new names for societal or business trends comes a new one, known as "reshoring." It means simply, the return of businesses to the USA. If you are interested in tracking the progress of this return, use the "reshoring " term in an internet search. A good article on these returning businesses appeared in the Epoch Times on August 30, 2022, with this to report:

The number of jobs added in the United States from reshoring—that is, returning manufacturing and production of goods from overseas to where a firm was originally located—is on pace to hit almost 350,000 in 2022, according to a report published by the Reshoring Initiative.

“In 2021, the private and federal push for domestic supply of essential goods propelled reshoring and foreign direct investment (FDI) job announcements to a record high,” the report, published on Aug. 26, states. “Reshoring Initiative first-half 2022 data show reshoring and FDI continuing these gains. The current 2022 projection of jobs announced is around 350,000—another record, up from 260,000 in 2021.”

Just so there is no doubt, we have never wavered from our belief that high quality matters, and when you can find a well made product in the USA, it is a win/win situation.

So, if it's something we use in the outdoors, its fair game. This includes, but is not limited to:
Ham radios and gear
camping equipment
clothing
food preparation gear
coffee preparation gear
vehicle gear used on your excursions
navigation equipment
firearms, handloading equipment/supplies, ammo, holsters
shooting gear, accessories, gunsmithing tools, cleaning stuff
hunting gear
hiking gear
backpacking equipment
footwear, head wear
first aid stuff
water purification devices
optics
survival and emergency food, supplies, water, equipment, resources
off-road equipment, tools, recovery stuff
bug out bags and contents
flashlights
knives
alternate power, solar, wind, generator
batteries

Just to name a few!!! We are always anxious to support American companies, but we don't know 'em all. What have you found?

Outdoor Products Made In The USA

Finding "made in USA" products can require some research, but it's nice to know that there are several sources that have already done the homework for you. While these sources are a good start, there still will be many cases that require you to dig a little deeper, but in the meantime, check these guys out.

1. All American (https://allamerican.org/)

Their mission:

We not only want to highlight great USA manufacturers, we also want to equip you with the knowledge to do your own research. Additionally, we want to hold our U.S. legislature and other organizations accountable for the laws and guidelines they implement around made in the USA labeling, helping USA manufacturing, and protecting the American workforce.

Their list of USA businesses that make products here is impressive (https://allamerican.org/brands/).

2. American Gear Guide (https://www.americangearguide.com/)

AGG concentrates largely on outdoor activities, such as camping, hunting, hiking, fishing. mountain climbing, outdoor exploration and enjoyment. I've checked out several of their USA made recommendations, and I am in agreement. Don't overlook this resource.

3. Made In America Store (https://madeinamericastore.com/our-story/)

Their mission"

To Create and Save Jobs in the United States of America by Increasing American Manufacturing for Our Children's Future.

While they cover a wide range of USA made products, it is their "outdoor section" that you should visit, (https://madeinamericastore.com/outdoors/)

Rules For Using the phrase, "Made In The USA"

Technical time!

What does made in USA mean. It should come as no surprise that there are a number of deceptive descriptions that are intentionally made to sound like the stuff is made here, but buyers need to be aware that it just ain't always what it seems.

Made in USA , almost means what it says. The FTC regulates when a product can wear the Made In USA label, and they say this:

“Made in USA” means that “all or virtually all” the product has been made in the USA. That is, all significant parts, processing and labor that go into the product must be of U.S. origin.

But look out for these descriptions, especially when the American Flag is wrapped with these weasel words.

• Made in USA with globally sourced components

• Assembled in USA

• Designed/engineered/built in USA

• The company headquarters is in the USA

• Made in America. Technically, America can mean Canada and Mexico. In doubt???? Call the company

Here is a really good tip: If you are viewing a product in an article, an advertisement of that product, or the company website which sells or describes that product, AND there is no mention of the country of origin, the odds are good that it is NOT made in the USA. If it's truly USA made, the company will invariably so state. I am aware of no cases of manufacturers of USA made products rushing to slap a "made In China" label on their stuff.

Oh yes, the reason why the Federal government, through the FTC, is actively involved in the enforcement of their rules is (no surprise) due to a lot of false advertising by companies hoping to take advantage of the desirable and profitable market for products wearing the Made in USA label. Caveat Emptor!!!

Outdoor Products Made In The USA

One of the common threads that runs through our various outdoor adventures is a never ending need for new and better gear. For me, it has become habit to start with an internet search for USA made stuff. My efforts to find USA made products is occasionally difficult and time consuming, but almost without exception, I have been rewarded with high quality gear, from businesses that stand behind their products with great customer service and warranties. The following are just some of my discoveries.

1. Gun Safes

For many good reasons, a gun safe is a wise investment. It will not only serve to protect firearms, but all kinds of valuables, including jewelry, important documents, precious metals, and of course, cash. Below, I list 7 businesses that make gun safes in the USA. The diversity of safes, features and prices from these 7 companies, means that you can get something that perfectly meets your needs. I know most of these companies, but have personal experience with the one that I feel offers the best protection on the market. That company is Fort Knox (https://www.ftknox.com/), and it is located in Utah.

All American says this about Fort Knox (https://allamerican.org/lists/gun-safes/):

Fort Knox Vaults makes handcrafted custom-made vaults, meaning that you’ll be able to get a gun safe suited to your needs. You can select the steel thickness, security level, color, fire protection, layout, and even add more layers of steel for additional protection. The highest rating of fireproofing they offer is 120 mins and there are options to get lighting or a dehumidifier too.

An excellent example of their safes is the Titan model, and can be seen here: https://www.ftknox.com/vaults/titan-vault/



2. Amsec (https://americansecuritysafes.com/)
3. Liberty (https://www.libertysafe.com/)
4. V-Line (https://www.vlineind.com/)
5. Champion (https://championsafe.com/)
6. Sturdy (https://www.sturdysafe.com/)
7. Pendleton (https://www.pendletonsafes.com/pages/)


2. Boot Socks

You wouldn't necessarily regard boot socks as an important piece of outdoor gear, that is until you have spent the better part of a day engaged in rigorous hiking, especially on rocky slopes, going up and down the mountain sides. Like a good boot, a good sock is a vital part of foot protection. A recent upgrade to my outdoor boots required an upgrade to my old sock collection as well. I limited my sock purchases to only two companies, Schnees and Kenetrek. Both offer excellent boots and the accessories to match. Socks from both are made in USA, and both are constructed with merino wool.

Schnee's (https://schnees.com/mountain-tech-otc/)


Kenetrek (https://kenetrek.com/products/canada-mi ... -calf-sock)


Conclusion: Both made in USA. Both are excellent choices. Slight edge to the Kenetrek.


3. Ransom Multi Cal Steady Rest (https://ransomrest.com/multi-cal-steady-rest/)

The classic Ransom Rest shooting device has gained fame among shooters as the most precise means to measure the accuracy of handguns, by eliminating any human error during test firing. Simply stated, It is a precision, passive device that holds, fires, and recoils as nearly like the human hand as possible, but with the repeatable precision of a mechanical device.

The Ransom Rest is a favorite of gun writers who get a chance to test drive all the new firearm offerings, and has been around for decades. Given its capabilities, and the need for it to safely and consistently manage countless recoil impulses, it is no surprise that it is expensive, and not something that the average (and most above average) shooters will ever buy. But, having a rest that will help the shooter minimize human error as much as possible, at a reasonable price, is still a desirable tool to have at the range.

Enter the Ransom Multi Cal Steady Rest For Hand Guns and Rifles. At under $200.00, Ransom now offers a rest that is exceptionally well made, and capable of providing an adjustable, repeatable, steady rest. AND, made in the USA.

We wanted to design a useful, adaptable, purposeful, steady gun rest. A stable but light-weight, robust yet portable steady rest. Simple. Adjustable. Something that can be used, abused and reused. Built for a lifetime of use. Something that can be used by shooters of all skill levels – from beginner to expert.

Many inexpensive rests are available in the marketplace now and we wanted to offer you an option of an all-American, fully machined steady rest for rifles and pistols.

Mullti Cal Rest (Source: Ransom)



4. EO Tech Holographic Weapon Sight (https://www.eotechinc.com/holographic-weapon-sights)

This one took some time. Finding this type of sight, made in the USA, was not easy, as there are quite a few players in this field, some of which are highly regarded and excellent performers. And, tracking down the country of origin was not always easily found. In the end, there was only one company that wore the "made in USA label" - EO Tech, and, as usual, the quality, performance, and ruggedness were absolutely top drawer for this made in USA product.

But first, a definition of holographic weapons sights (From Holographic Sight Guide https://www.holographicsightguide.com/h ... roduction/) :

A holographic weapon generates a visible red laser in the form of a reticle and projects it onto a prism. The reticle appears in the shooter’s field of view and is superimposed over a target. Even if the shooter’s point of view changes relative to the sight, the reticle appears in the same spot on the target. This is a key benefit of holographic sights, as the shooter’s line of sight does not have to be perfectly aligned with the weapon’s sights to accurately place the reticle on target.

The HWS EXPS2 (Source: EO Tech - https://www.eotechinc.com/eotech-hws-exps2)


Applications:

Shotgun


AR



Good links:

1. "This Is Not A Red Dot" article. Good information on what EO Tech Holo sights are all about, (https://www.eotechinc.com/holographic-weapon-sights)

2. "The EO Tech Advantage." Good video on how the sights work (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wmf6mcUWRA&t=15s)



5. Snap-On Tools (https://shop.snapon.com/categories/Hand-Tools/700010)

I've included Snap-On tools for two reasons. First, Snap-on tools, made in the USA, are high quality, long lasting, and very rugged. Second, the Snap-On company has, like so many others, incorporated product lines into their business that are not made in USA. This second reason is why we are so adamant about encouraging shoppers to dig a little deeper to find the products that ARE made here. Again, resist the urge to buy the cheapest stuff, and take a few minutes to identify the country of origin. To Snap-On's credit, they make it very easy to know where their products are made. This is a copy of the accompanying information they provide for their tools:

Source: Snap-On https://shop.snapon.com/product/Standar ... ch/VO2830B

Dimension, inches D 3/8–13/32
Dimension, inches B 1-13/16–1-29/32
Size, inches 7/8–15/16
Country Of Origin USA
ASME®/ANSI® B107.100
Finish Chrome
Dimension, inches E 10-3/4

Now, back to the first reason why I included Snap-On Tools for this net - exceptional quality. It begins with their lifetime warranty, but it is the quality and great performance that has kept me coming back when ever I need to add more tools to the toolbox.

When I'm on the Trail, 100 miles of more from the nearest civilization, I want tools upon which I can depend, that I am confident will perform well. I don't believe that buying a cheap set of wrenches, (or other tools) that are basically throw away stuff, is a wise choice. Yes, Snap-On tools are expensive, but as my wise father drilled into my head - son, you get just what you pay for. Nuff said.


6. Windmill Ceiling Fan Company (https://windmillceilingfans.com/)

The Windmill Ceiling Fan Company is a real, contemporary, American success story, from Texas. Founder, Kelly Egger's vision for a fan idea were inspired by her childhood memories of real windmills on the farm where she grew up. The company hand makes all fans in Texas and pays special attention to realistically creating accurate copies of real windmills, and built to last.

A little more insight into the company is available here: https://windmillceilingfans.com/about-us-2/
Check out this article in the "Cowboys and Indians magazine: https://www.cowboysindians.com/category ... ling-fans/

My criteria for this post: Products that I trust are made in America and that are hopefully found to be useful.

My favorite flashlight is at the top of my list. There are actually a couple that are 100% made in America.
The easiest on the budget is of course the good old Maglite. Mag Instrument, Inc. was founded in 1955 by Tony Maglica. They make great long lasting products and I have several. The older versions are not as easy on batteries but the new models use LED lights. The ML150LRSX uses a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. At 1,082 Lumens (on high) the battery will last for 2 hours. This is not bad and they sell for about $125 when purchased directly from Maglite. Amazon sells them for about $136 and includes shipping.
Here is a link to Amazon

The next light I like is made by SureFire. Surefire founder Dr. John Matthews ignited a revolution in the firearms industry by inventing the first commercially available laser-sighted weapon in 1979. Today they make flashlights, tactical, every day carry and outdoor stuff along with suppressors, hearing protection and more. They are located in Fountain Valley, CA and are 100% American made (as far as I know).

Here is my favorite light that they make it is the Fury Intellibeam. It comes in two versions Intellibeam and Tactical. The Intellibeam is a bit more money and can use 2 CR 123 or a single 18650 Lithium battery. It can crank up to 1,500 lumens (with the 18650).
Here is a link to Amazon

It is so hard to know the real story on many products. That is to say, I have been fooled by companies (U.S. companies that source or make products off shore). In the end, do your homework so that you know for sure that the products you were told are U.S. made are truly made in America!

Here is one more company that produces all of its products in the U.S.A.

It's Leatherman.
Everyone probably knows about Leatherman but I thought it belonged on the list.

Here is a link to the Surge

One more Product that I love and use everyday is my Benchmade Knife.

I carry a Benchmade Mini Barrage
Here is a link to their website

https://www.benchmade.com

And... as a bonus, while using all of these American made products... we can smell good!

I like this company. It's called Tom's of Maine.

https://www.tomsofmaine.com
They make soap, deodorant and oral care products.

Here is a link to their products on Amazon

KK6CTT for the online check-in for 10/27/22. Thank you.

Vaseline: After running the Mojave Desert as a dismounted Scout Observer/Controller at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA I found something as simple as the product Vaseline to be a very useful product in this unforgiving environment. From lip balm to finger tip cracking avoidance to temporary lubrication for firearms to also working as a first aid chest seal necessity...this stuff works wonders!


Now, how about those other times in the desert. Those times where "plinking" is the activity of the day. You can't go wrong with a Ruger or Browning firearm. John Moses Browning was a great firearm designer and William Ruger took classic firearm designs and made them better through improvements and new, more modern manufacturing processes. These firearms are commonly found as pass-me-downs and new soon to be heirlooms. My two picks (not the Ruger 10/22 or the M2 Browning Machinegun or 1911 Colt of Browning design) are the MK I-IV and 22-45 Ruger pistols and the Browning Buckmark. Two very solid choices in the pistol line of .22 LR semi-automatic handguns and great training tools for those wishing to help train others in the dynamics of semiautomatic pistol shooting.

Buckmark: https://www.browning.com/products/firea ... -mark.html
Ruger: https://www.ruger.com/products/markIV/overview.html


A classic and favorite of many, my favorite cologne, Hoppes #9 Bore Solvent!

Safety Seal
The number one provider of tire repair plugs in the world.

In 1964, when Alec W. Niconchuk founded North Shore Laboratories and developed the first self-vulcanizing on the wheel repair, Safety Seal® became the leader in tire repair technology. Since then, over one billion Safety Seal® repairs have been sold worldwide making Safety Seal® the world’s best selling tire repair product.

In 2019, when the Niconchuk family decided to sell, Tom and Tiffany Bolgrean formed North Shore Holdings, LLC and acquired Safety Seal®.

Made in the U.S.A.
This has everything to do with manufacturing ethic, which is part of the way North Shore Holdings does business. Safety Seal, proudly made in the USA, is manufactured to the same exacting specifications as those we sell to the government for our troops’ own tire repair needs. If a tire develops a leak, it has to be fixed quickly, and the seal has to be reliable.

4245 Main Ave. Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (800) 888-9021
The world's best on the wheel tire repair system safety seal is superior to any other on the wheel repair tire repair on the market today!
24 plies of a custom-made high-tensile (350 lb break strength) chemical-resistant nylon yarn
Each yarn is immersed in our unique proprietary rubber sealant system - 250% rubber to yarn
Our patented manufacturing process assures the final Safety Seal repair has an equal amount of rubber sealant (250% rubber to yarn) through-out the Safety Seal Repair
Superior tools to aid in the proper insertion of the Safety Seal repair into the puncture
This is a picture of the new tool made in America on top of the made in China tool. The American tool is solid.

Flyrite Corporation is the inventor of the "Original Tangle Free Flag Pole Holder." The flag holders are made in the USA, in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

https://www.flyritecorp.com/about

The "Flyrite Tangle Free Flag Pole Holder" was invented by Harold Vogt, Former President and Owner of Flyrite Corporation. His objective was to find a way to keep "Old Glory" flying free without wrapping itself around the pole. After many hours, several prototypes, and help from family and friends, the "Flyrite Tangle Free Flag Pole Holder" evolved into the product Flyrite sells today.

Michal Riege and her husband Todd were Mr. Vogt's next-door neighbor and acquired the company from him and continue the Vogt family traditions.

The Flyrite Tangle Free Flag Pole Holder comes in 45 deg, 15 deg, and 0 deg angles in white, black, or stainless steel.



I recommend the fiberglass pole option for sturdiness and good looks:



Flyrite also sells flags, with several Made in the USA options.

The secret to the Flyright Tangle Free Flag Pole Holder is the double set of ball bearings.

Assembly and installation of the Flyright Tangle Free Flag Pole Holder is easy and allows one to closely observe the quality construction. There are no rough, incomplete, and messy "over seas" welds...quality construction is noted throughout.



Testimony: I have had my Flyright Tangle Free Flag Pole Holder up for nearly a year and have only once observed the flag tangled, a situation that self-corrected moments later. I had given one of these to my Dad and it has been in use at his home for over 10 years. Maintenance is simple: a shot of WD-40 Silicone lubricant once or twice a year keeps everything functioning perfectly. Make sure to put the rubber cap on the flag pole holder whenever the pole is not in place.

For my flag, I needed to get underneath a rain gutter, so I installed a drop from the angled fascia board and then connected the flag holder to the drop. The flag holder is the 45 deg model.

Here's what the flag and holder look like. I use a solar light to light the flag at night. It's really beautiful when lit.

Please check in -

John - KN6VL

Bruce - KD6GCO