As the United States turns 242 years old today, it’s a good reminder that some of the best quality gear you can get is made right here in the states. In this round-up we’re highlighting gear made in the USA from crowd favorite brands as well as smaller makers you might not have heard of. Whether you’re looking for a notebook to write in, a new pocketknife, or just a water bottle to stay hydrated this summer, there’s a little bit of everything here.
Gerber Sharkbelly
The Gerber Sharkbelly hits the sweet spot between functionality and affordability, all while being made in the USA. This EDC-sized lockback knife weighs only 2.3 ounces and has a 3.25” long, 420HC sheepsfoot blade well-suited to handle most everyday tasks. Its slim handles come complete with its namesake “gills” for added grip during hard use.
Field Notes Coastal Special Edition
Field Notes are one of the more recognizable notebooks brands in EDC, and these special edition notebooks are showing some love to the country’s coasts. The pack comes with three notebooks that, when lined up correctly, shows the entire west coast of the USA. If you’re on the east side don’t worry, they have you covered as well.
Karas Kustoms Retrakt
One of the best pens you can get for EDC is the Karas Kustoms Retrakt, made in Arizona. The pen comes in a few different metals ranging from brass to aluminum, accepts Pilot G2 ink, and is an all-around smooth writing utensil. For a more durable upgrade to the disposable plastic pen, the Retrakt is a solid option.
Leatherman Wingman Black & Silver Limited Edition
The Leatherman Wingman is arguably one of the best multi-tools you can due to its well-chosen toolset in a highly portable design. Now it comes in a sleek silver and black color option if you want your EDC to be especially unique. Better yet, the Wingman is a great value in Leatherman’s line-up of tools, making it a great bang for your buck.
Trayvax Summit Notebook
When it comes to EDC, the name of the game is making sure you have your gear when you need it. One way to ensure this is to combine two items into one. Take the Trayvax Summit Notebook, which adds an all-weather 20-page notebook to a durable RFID blocking leather wallet for example. Whether you’re looking to write more or just need a new wallet, the Summit Notebook is worth a look.
Liberty Bottleworks Aluminum Water Bottle
Summer is in full swing, which means that staying hydrated is even more important now. The BPA-free, recyclable aluminum bottle is perfect for hauling water in a convenient, lightweight setup. Wherever your summer adventures may take you, having a source of refreshing water in a bottle you can rely on is just being smart.
Bradford Guardian 3
A good EDC knife can go a long way, and the Bradford Guardian 3 is a prime example of that. Whether you’re going out camping for the weekend, doing yard work, or just slicing your way through small everyday tasks, this a fixed blade you can rely on. Best of all, it’s made from start to finish in Washington state.
The Brown Buffalo Conceal Pack
Finding a good bag can be tough, and finding one made in the USA can be even tougher. Luckily, there a few brands making their mark, one of them being The Brown Buffalo out of Costa Mesa, CA. Their Conceal Pack mixes minimal design with practical organization features that make it a great bag whether you’re commuting to work or need a carry-on for your next vacation. Make sure to give this local company a chance and check out all of its useful features before deciding on your next bag.
For more made in the USA essentials, check out our previous guide from the archives.
