It’s no secret that we at Field Mag have a bit of a gear obsession. Not because we have a particular affinity for stuff—generally speaking, the mass production of consumer goods is a net negative for the outdoors. But thoughtfully made gear that adds value to outdoor pursuits by augmenting one's ability to meaningfully connect with nature always puts a hop in our step. And products that center design and function will withstand years of use, allowing you to buy less and enjoy adventuring more.
With that in mind, we set about trying to identify the most influential outdoor brands from every single state. This was no easy task. With the dearth of American manufacturing, production of gear and apparel have largely moved overseas (less than 3% of clothing purchased in the US is made domestically compared to 70% in 1980). Company headquarters in less populous regions either shutter or move to renowned adventure hubs. This led to an abundance of options in outdoor meccas like Colorado and Oregon and minimal options in smaller, flatter states Still, even in relatively rural locales, there are plenty of great outdoor brands toiling to produce really excellent gear that holds appeal outside of out of state lines. If you haven’t heard of them, it’s time you wised up.
How We Picked “The Most Influential”
Our criteria was pretty simple: a brand has to have its headquarters (not necessarily its manufacturing) in that state to qualify. We considered elements like longevity, marquee products, trends launched, and their broad reputation in the outdoor community. We also leaned towards brands that are helping create a more equitable industry, and whenever possible we tried to prioritize smaller, independent brands.
What Qualifies as an “Outdoor” Brand?
Calling something an “outdoor brand” casts a pretty wide umbrella. Theoretically, purveyors of grills and lawn care could be in the running. Of course, that’s not really what we cover here at Field Mag. Instead, we honed in on brands that produce gear that boosts one’s experiences in nature while engaging in our core areas of coverage: hiking, backpacking, and camping. For some states we had to stretch those boundaries a bit, but for the most part the brands chosen are oriented towards trails and mountains.
