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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Listening Point - General Discussion For the love of MN based companies |
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02/16/2021 03:35PM
I have recently started to strictly purchase from Minnesota based gear/clothing companies if at all possible. I will list the ones that I am familiar with, but I'd love to hear from anyone that might know of any not listed! The companies products don't need to be Minnesota made necessarily, the company just needs to be located here. Thanks!
Duluth Pack
Sportsman's guide
Frost River
Cooke Custom Sewing
Empire wool and Canvas
Clam Outdoors
Lester River Bushcraft
Northstar Canoe
Storm Creek
Wenonah canoe
Vasque/Red wing
Sanborn canoe
Minnetonka Moc.
Askov/Finlayson
Steger
Northern Toboggan
Wintergreen Northern wear
Tradition Creek
Spring Creek Manufacturing
Gander Outdoors
Superior Fleece
Onyx Outdoors
Rapala
North star Fur and trade
Anyone else?
Duluth Pack
Sportsman's guide
Frost River
Cooke Custom Sewing
Empire wool and Canvas
Clam Outdoors
Lester River Bushcraft
Northstar Canoe
Storm Creek
Wenonah canoe
Vasque/Red wing
Sanborn canoe
Minnetonka Moc.
Askov/Finlayson
Steger
Northern Toboggan
Wintergreen Northern wear
Tradition Creek
Spring Creek Manufacturing
Gander Outdoors
Superior Fleece
Onyx Outdoors
Rapala
North star Fur and trade
Anyone else?
02/16/2021 04:18PM
Kondos Outdoors out of Ely (about to become Portage North and Sundog)
Merrimack Canoes (part of Sanborn)
Henry's Shoe Repair (makes a lot of cool gloves/mittens/choppers/belts among other things)
Alumicraft
Midwest Mountaineering
Fisher Maps
True North Maps (I am pretty sure is Minnesota based)
McKenzie Maps
Plus dozens of different retailers from gear exchange and consignment shops, outfitters, and everything in between. It's amazing how many incredible outdoor companies are in this state.
Merrimack Canoes (part of Sanborn)
Henry's Shoe Repair (makes a lot of cool gloves/mittens/choppers/belts among other things)
Alumicraft
Midwest Mountaineering
Fisher Maps
True North Maps (I am pretty sure is Minnesota based)
McKenzie Maps
Plus dozens of different retailers from gear exchange and consignment shops, outfitters, and everything in between. It's amazing how many incredible outdoor companies are in this state.
02/16/2021 05:53PM
In case you are looking for a pair of Cement overshoes :-) on your next paddling trip try these two Minnesota companies, from the same small town and probabaly the largest cement truck manufacturers in the world.
McNeilus Truck and MFG
Con-tech, Concrete Technologies.
McNeilus Truck and MFG
Con-tech, Concrete Technologies.
May the rivers be crooked and winding, and your portages lonesome, leading to the most amazing view.
02/16/2021 07:52PM
LindenTree: "In case you are looking for a pair of Cement overshoes :-) on your next paddling trip try these two Minnesota companies, from the same small town and probabaly the largest cement truck manufacturers in the world.
McNeilus Truck and MFG
Con-tech, Concrete Technologies. "
Lol. had never heard of them before today. Sounds like a major operation.
02/16/2021 08:13PM
Sandman2009: " The Boundary Waters Business Coalition
Click on the menu and then click on business supporters list. While not all are gear related, and some have been mentioned before, this is a pretty good list."
Awesome resource! Thanks for sharing.
02/16/2021 08:21PM
GopherAdventure: "Voyageur Maps
Chosen Valley Canoe Accesories (CVCA)
Paddle North
Grey Duck Paddleboards
The BDB Company
Strikemaster "
Hmmm, I wonder if cvca produces the product sold on wenonah’s site. Looks exactly the same if it isn’t. Tried looking up the BDB company with no luck. Who are they?
02/16/2021 08:25PM
Country Ways www.snowshoe.com
Sven-saw
Littlbug (twig stoves)
3M (Ultrathon insect repellant, 5200 Marine adhesive (shoe repair), medical tapes etc., probably lots of other things...)
Surly bikes (if we're not limited to boundary waters gear)
Sven-saw
Littlbug (twig stoves)
3M (Ultrathon insect repellant, 5200 Marine adhesive (shoe repair), medical tapes etc., probably lots of other things...)
Surly bikes (if we're not limited to boundary waters gear)
02/16/2021 08:27PM
gymcoachdon: "Andersen Forge? I believe this knife maker is located in MN, and is a frequent contributor to threads in this forum. Some day I may have the extra cash to splurge on a hand made knife, hope it will be from Karl!"
Ah yes, just learned of them recently when Karl posted a comment on my video I posted here. They are beautiful looking knives!
02/16/2021 08:42PM
brulu: "Country Ways (www.snowshoe.com)
Sven-saw
Littlbug (twig stoves)
3M (Ultrathon insect repellant, 5200 Marine adhesive (shoe repair), medical tapes etc., probably lots of other things...)
Surly bikes (if we're not limited to canoe camping gear)
"
Wow, not sure how I’ve never heard of the Sven saw, but gosh that thing is slick! Thanks for sharing.
02/16/2021 09:25PM
Northwoodsman: "Maybe I missed them but:
Cache Lake (freeze dried foods) - Bemidji
Camp Chow (freeze dried foods) - Grand Marais (Gunflint Trail)"
The last two years I have re-fueled with Packet Gormet. I am inspired to order a few and try them out.
02/16/2021 10:28PM
NorthstarNick: "QuietSolo: "Dam Goods & Gear, Rice Lake/Duluth for paddles, rods, snowshoes and more: https://www.damgoodsandgear.com/
"
Just checked them out. Seems like they make some really nice gear!"
Geoff has built 2 custom paddles for me and a 3rd, double blade, is under discussion. He's got some mad skills. I am envious!
02/16/2021 11:16PM
Remackel Canoe Trailers are made in Forest Lake. I believe I've heard Mocha (Sheryl) rave about their quality.
"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir
02/17/2021 06:41AM
NorthstarNick: "It's crazy how many options we have! That's why I recently decided to strictly purchase Minnesota-based from now on. While there are many amazing products from all over, there is no real need to look elsewhere. "
On its face I think I understand why you prefer to do so, but what if some of the products you are purchasing are inferior and/or pricier than out of state products? Why would you reward that?
And what if such a trend took hold in a significant way? How many of those MN producers would remain in business after they lost out of state business?
I am all for individual choice. And I do appreciate that this is a voluntary effort. But I do worry about the mindset that this produces some societal benefit. Certainly some will benefit. But at what cost? If it gains momentum, you then get politicians trying to capitalize off of it. It is a well known and observable economic fallacy.
02/17/2021 07:26AM
Argo: "NorthstarNick: "It's crazy how many options we have! That's why I recently decided to strictly purchase Minnesota-based from now on. While there are many amazing products from all over, there is no real need to look elsewhere. "
On its face I think I understand why you prefer to do so, but what if some of the products you are purchasing are inferior and/or pricier than out of state products? Why would you reward that?
And what if such a trend took hold in a significant way? How many of those MN producers would remain in business after they lost out of state business?
I am all for individual choice. And I do appreciate that this is a voluntary effort. But I do worry about the mindset that this produces some societal benefit. Certainly some will benefit. But at what cost? If it gains momentum, you then get politicians trying to capitalize off of it. It is a well known and observable economic fallacy."
I see your logic behind your statement Argo and I do understand what your getting at. However, I know that my decision to keep things in state is not going to become a norm for the rest of the country or world for that matter. If it was going to endanger the well being of the greater good I would certainly avoid it. The reality is, things will continue on as usual and my decision to support local business’s will go all but unnoticed. In theory what your saying makes sense, but price point and availability rules the real world market. The vast majority wants the absolute best product at the absolute lowest price. Many of these businesses rely on locals to keep their doors open. I’d just rather put my money into them.
02/17/2021 07:34AM
Argo: "NorthstarNick: "It's crazy how many options we have! That's why I recently decided to strictly purchase Minnesota-based from now on. While there are many amazing products from all over, there is no real need to look elsewhere. "
On its face I think I understand why you prefer to do so, but what if some of the products you are purchasing are inferior and/or pricier than out of state products? Why would you reward that?
And what if such a trend took hold in a significant way? How many of those MN producers would remain in business after they lost out of state business?
I am all for individual choice. And I do appreciate that this is a voluntary effort. But I do worry about the mindset that this produces some societal benefit. Certainly some will benefit. But at what cost? If it gains momentum, you then get politicians trying to capitalize off of it. It is a well known and observable economic fallacy."
If I'm buying toilet paper or light bulbs, I want the best cheapest version I can get, wherever it's from.
I don't live in Minnesota anymore. The BDUB and Christmas are the two big reasons I go back. Buying Minnesota made gear, to me, is an added part of the trip. We do hobbies to bring us joy. Using Minnesota gear while going to the BDUB increases the joy I get from my hobby.
And I do enjoy supporting good local businesses.
That's enough for me, it adds to the benefit I get from my hobbies.
02/17/2021 08:13AM
Duckman
If I'm buying toilet paper or light bulbs, I want the best cheapest version I can get, wherever it's from.
I don't live in Minnesota anymore. The BDUB and Christmas are the two big reasons I go back. Buying Minnesota made gear, to me, is an added part of the trip. We do hobbies to bring us joy. Using Minnesota gear while going to the BDUB increases the joy I get from my hobby.
And I do enjoy supporting good local businesses.
That's enough for me, it adds to the benefit I get from my hobbies."
Yep! Very well said Duckman!
02/17/2021 08:27AM
Jaywalker: "Snowtrekker tents, the gold standard for cold winter camping, are made just a measly 20 miles over the border into Wisconsin. Local enough for this thread I’d say. "
I see those all over YouTube. Definitely seem to be amazing tents.
02/17/2021 08:55AM
Argo: "I buy Bob Dylan music if that helps :)"
Lol, Gotta love Dylan. he is a beauty. Noticed you are from Canada. Love it up there! One of my best buds from college is from the Kitchener area. Coast to coast, it’s hard to beat how beautiful Canada is.
02/17/2021 10:19AM
NorthstarNick: "GopherAdventure: "Also, barely across the border is Bending Branches in Osceola, WI. Their shop is less then a mile from the border on the St. Croix River. "
Which originated in Minnesota. They use to also make hockey sticks."
Lol, I had a couple BB hockey sticks growing up! I also taught in Osceola for a decade and was always trying to get cheap blemish or factory seconds models from them. Funny story for you...After the 35W bridge collapse, they were doing emergency checks of all the other bridges in the state built with similar construction around the same time. The Osceola Bridge between Minnesota and Wisconsin was deemed unsafe and needed to be fortified. They shut it down for months of repairs and rather then drive an extra 20+ miles to get around it, me and another teacher who lived in Minnesota had a canoe stashed on shore and we would canoe across the St. Croix and hike up to the road and hitchhike the last mile to the schools. Often times it was high school students giving us a ride and it became a “thing” in the community. People would be waiting for us to pop up on the road from the river to give us a ride. That went on for about 6 weeks.
Tony
Tony
02/17/2021 10:28AM
NorthstarNick: "arctic: " Castle Danger Brewing"
Such a cool name for a town. It’s no surprise there have been multiple things named after it! I’d love to know the story behind the naming of the town."
The answer for that is more ambiguous than for Pork City Hill.
02/17/2021 12:06PM
it became a “thing” in the community. People would be waiting for us to pop up on the road from the river to give us a ride. That went on for about 6 weeks.
Tony"
Haha, that's a fun story, Tony! Love how the students and community rallied together to help you guys out on your last part of the journey to get to school.
Tony"
Haha, that's a fun story, Tony! Love how the students and community rallied together to help you guys out on your last part of the journey to get to school.
02/17/2021 07:19PM
WaveRunner: "Bemidji Woolen Mills, Fourth generation family business that makes wool sweaters, blankets and other items. They also sell other outdoor related products from other sources."
Can’t believe I forgot to list Bemidji woolen mills. Been in their shop a few times. Great shop. Thanks for adding them.
02/17/2021 10:24PM
BWCA.com is based in Minnesota. Adam is one of those Twin Citian dudes. And Bogwalker is a FAR northern Twin Citian. As for Arkansas Man, Beemer and me... well, we're just some out of state relatives. :)
"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir
02/18/2021 08:16AM
arctic: "billconner: "Rutabaga - assuming you're in the group that believes Madison is in MN. :)"
Hahahahaha! Minnesota ain't Wisconsin."
*pushes glasses up nose*
Actually.....there is a Madison in Minnesota.
Source: I was born there.
NorthStarNick, thanks for putting this list together. I am with you in that I like to buy local as much as possible as well. This list has been a real eyeopener on who is actually based here in Minnesota.
"It is more important to live for the possibilities that lie ahead than to die in despair over what has been lost." -Barry Lopez
02/18/2021 08:30AM
straighthairedcurly: "IndyCanoe: "Enlightened Equipment is in Winona, MN
Enlightened Equipment "
I was going to add them, but saw you beat me to it. I just ordered new raingear from them. Excited for it to arrive."
I love my quilt from them. I have been looking at their rain gear for a while now and that is my next planned upgrade.
02/18/2021 08:44AM
Minnesotian: "arctic: "billconner: "Rutabaga - assuming you're in the group that believes Madison is in MN. :)"
Hahahahaha! Minnesota ain't Wisconsin."
*pushes glasses up nose*
Actually.....there is a Madison in Minnesota.
Source: I was born there.
NorthStarNick, thanks for putting this list together. I am with you in that I like to buy local as much as possible as well. This list has been a real eyeopener on who is actually based here in Minnesota. "
It has been eye opening for me too, Minnesotian! I thought I had a fairly good grasp on Minnesota based companies, but I couldn’t have imagined I’d learn of so many new ones. I have really appreciated and enjoyed all the feed back!
02/18/2021 08:49AM
GopherAdventure: "Pearson’s candy company... I usually have several Salted Nut Rolls, Goodie Bars and Bit O’ Honey’s in my food pack. "
Oooh, yes. Good one Tony! My dad also told me the other day that mars candy indirectly started in Minnesota. The guy who started mars candy was from here. Then moved away and started a business. It didn’t go great so he moved back to MN and then restarted his business which turned into mars candy.
02/18/2021 09:04AM
Faribault Woolen Mill.
Their stuff isn't cheap but you get what you pay for. Wonderful blankets and various other items. If you don't have $300 to spend on a blanket (ours was a wedding gift; maybe our favorite of all we received), I can personally recommend their knit wool caps for winter. Very warm, comfortable, and durable for about $35-40.
Their stuff isn't cheap but you get what you pay for. Wonderful blankets and various other items. If you don't have $300 to spend on a blanket (ours was a wedding gift; maybe our favorite of all we received), I can personally recommend their knit wool caps for winter. Very warm, comfortable, and durable for about $35-40.
02/18/2021 09:08AM
Abdullah's chocolates
Burnsville or Apple Valley.
I mean...it's essential...especially if your wife likes (loves) chocolates. A necessary diet supplement for the backcountry :)
Burnsville or Apple Valley.
I mean...it's essential...especially if your wife likes (loves) chocolates. A necessary diet supplement for the backcountry :)
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”
02/18/2021 10:08AM
HighnDry: " Abdullah's chocolates
Burnsville or Apple Valley.
I mean...it's essential...especially if your wife likes (loves) chocolates. A necessary diet supplement for the backcountry :)"
SWEET (pun intended)! Lol, yep also have a wife that loves chocolates:) thanks for sharing HD!
02/18/2021 10:11AM
dele: "Faribault Woolen Mill.
Their stuff isn't cheap but you get what you pay for. Wonderful blankets and various other items. If you don't have $300 to spend on a blanket (ours was a wedding gift; maybe our favorite of all we received), I can personally recommend their knit wool caps for winter. Very warm, comfortable, and durable for about $35-40. "
I really like their stuff! Haven't invested in any of their blankets, but I actually got my wife a bag of theirs for Christmas one year that was a collaboration between them and target. Really quality and it was very reasonably priced ($35ish if i recall correctly) .
02/18/2021 10:19AM
Jackfish: "BWCA.com is based in Minnesota. Adam is one of those Twin Citian dudes. And Bogwalker is a FAR northern Twin Citian. As for Arkansas Man, Beemer and me... well, we're just some out of state relatives. :)"
It's amazing how a passion for a certain place or thing can really bring people together from all different places! Pretty sure that anyone who has been to the boundary waters can not deny their is something very special about it. Out of all the traveling I have done, I still feel like its truly one of the greatest places on the planet. Obviously I'm biased in saying that being a Minnesotan, but even national geographic listed it as being amongst the 50 places of a life time to see... so it seems to stand out even on a global scale.
02/18/2021 11:42AM
Republic of Durable Goods.
They are a Minnesota start up that makes a stand alone Hammock. I have not had a chance to try one but a friend of mine loves his!
Mock One
They are a Minnesota start up that makes a stand alone Hammock. I have not had a chance to try one but a friend of mine loves his!
Mock One
"In wilderness is the preservation of the world" - Henry David Thoreau
02/18/2021 12:00PM
Minnesotian: "arctic: "billconner: "Rutabaga - assuming you're in the group that believes Madison is in MN. :)"
Hahahahaha! Minnesota ain't Wisconsin."
*pushes glasses up nose*
Actually.....there is a Madison in Minnesota.
Source: I was born there.
NorthStarNick, thanks for putting this list together. I am with you in that I like to buy local as much as possible as well. This list has been a real eyeopener on who is actually based here in Minnesota. "
Lol, my wife is from the Madison, MN area too! Grew up in Marietta, but went to school in Madison. The Lutefisk!
Tony
02/18/2021 12:21PM
Yes, Madison, Minnesota Lutefisk Capitol USA!
If you want a good laugh, check out this video from the early 1990's about the "rivalry" between Glenwood and Madison over who is the real Lutefisk Capitol.
Good Morning America Lutefisk
If you want a good laugh, check out this video from the early 1990's about the "rivalry" between Glenwood and Madison over who is the real Lutefisk Capitol.
Good Morning America Lutefisk
"It is more important to live for the possibilities that lie ahead than to die in despair over what has been lost." -Barry Lopez
02/18/2021 12:24PM
Since we’re talking food now too, here are some more that were born and are still headquartered in Minnesota: Old Dutch (Barrel O Fun), Happy’s, Bernatello’s (Brew Pub Pizza), Captain Ken’s, Land O Lakes, Kemps, and the granddaddy of all, General Mills.
02/18/2021 07:57PM
Cricket67: "Republic of Durable Goods.
They are a Minnesota start up that makes a stand alone Hammock. I have not had a chance to try one but a friend of mine loves his!
Mock One "
This company may no longer be in business. From the multitude of customer complaints, it seems the company took money for product and then didn’t ship. Lots of people out lots of money.
Looks like a nice comfy hammock in any case.
02/19/2021 09:14AM
Mocha: "Cricket67: "Republic of Durable Goods.
They are a Minnesota start up that makes a stand alone Hammock. I have not had a chance to try one but a friend of mine loves his!
Mock One "
This company may no longer be in business. From the multitude of customer complaints, it seems the company took money for product and then didn’t ship. Lots of people out lots of money.
Looks like a nice comfy hammock in any case."
Did not know this. It was over a year ago that I was talking to my friend about them. Too bad, seems like a good concept.
"In wilderness is the preservation of the world" - Henry David Thoreau
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