These outdoor brands are keeping it local (and real) by producing some of our favorite gear right here in the Blue Ridge region. Here’s what makes them special.
Astral
Asheville, North Carolina
About the Brand: Astral grew up on the rivers of the Southeast. Originally, one of the best and most trusted PDF makers on the market, with a design that understood both safety and use on the water, the brand (which also has headquarters in Seattle) has moved into shoes and apparel that show the same thought and innovation on the river, at camp, and even on the trail. astraldesigns.com
What We Loved: With grippy rubber soles and a breathable hemp upper the Hemp Donner 2.0 ($150) is at home on the trail, at a concert, or at the cafe. The zero drop and wide toe box make it just the right fit for those of us with big dogs. Meanwhile, the performance hemp Sunset Hoodie ($75), also made of the durable sustainable fabric, breathes and provides odor resistance, making it a hoodie you can use anywhere.
Eagles Nest Outfitters
Asheville, North Carolina
About the Brand: For decades, ENO has been the shining star of brands promoting the outdoor lifestyle in the Blue Ridge. As the hammock craze took off, ENO was leading the way, with models for the backyard, for car-camp lounging, and for more serious endeavors out in the wild. They also offer a fun, full assortment of chairs and other gear ideal for festival season. eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com
What We Loved: We were already big fans of ENO’s backyard king, the Parkway Adjustable Hammock Stand, but the new Nomad Hammock Stand ($300) allows you to bring that set-it-up anywhere you want versatility into the backcountry. Tipping the scales at 15 pounds, 8 ounces, this easy-to-set-up aluminum stand will hold your favorite ENO hammock and packs into the woods, the beach, or anywhere else you want to haul it—without ever having to hunt for trees to use as supports. Likewise, the SubLink Ultralight Hammock System ($265) is meant for getting off the beaten path. Including an ultralight hammock, straps, a bug fly, and a rain fly, it sets up into a dream camp in the woods. Best of all it weighs a scant 2 pounds, 7 ounces, making it ideal for ultralight backpacking.
Recover Brands
Charlotte, North Carolina
About the Brand: When asked about brands that actually walk the sustainability talk, I always point to Recover Brands. That’s because the North Carolina-based manufacturer is not only creating fabrics out of 100% organic and reused material that would otherwise end up in landfills, it also does it all within close radius of its headquarters (with some operations in Central America that function under the same ethics). That creates a true closed-loop system that benefits local communities and goes easy on the planet. Bravo. recoverbrands.com
What We Loved: Recover has always produced great shirts but the new Impact Jacket ($140) for men and women takes the brand’s technical cred up a level. The softshell piece is water resistant, breathes like a champ, and provides plenty of warmth for cool-season hikes—doing so within the brand’s hyper-local manufacturing philosophy. Of course, Recover still makes great shirts under those manufacturing parameters, too. Take the Sport Elite Local Cycle Button Down ($55). This baby breathes, wicks sweat, and can tackle any adventure from biking to hiking to looking slick out on the town.
Litespeed
Ooltewah, Tennessee
About the Brand: Litespeed has been crafting sought-after titanium (and carbon) bikes from the Volunteer State since 1986. Though it is no longer owned by founder David Lynskey, who pioneered the versatility of ti frames, it still remains true to its roots by manufacturing in the U.S. with a cadre of devoted fans and a lineup of cycles that please a wide range of riders. litespeed.com
What We Loved: Looking for the perfect urban steed? Litespeed’s Cherohala City ($3,350) is a reliable commuter with a titanium frame and relaxed geometry that ensures your spin into work is fun.
SylvanSport
Brevard, North Carolina
About the Brand: Beginning with one of the best and most portable camper trailers we have ever seen hit the market, SylvanSport has expanded to create full size campers, rooftop tents, and a wide range of smart camping gear. sylvansport.com
What We Loved: Ok, we do love SylvanSport’s classic Go camping trailer but we have also been impressed by the brand’s comfy line of sleeping bags and pads. The Cloud Layer Single Sleeping Bag ($150) lets you adjust to the temperatures with a flannel lining and removable organic cotton sheet inside, giving it a range for 20 degrees to 60 degrees. It also comes in a roomy double version ($350) for romantic escapes. Pair that bag with the Cloud Layer Self-inflating Camping Mattress ($130–$150), a bed surface that ensures you get a good night of sleep with 4 inches of foam and an inflation system that takes the hassle out of blowing it up.
Blue Ridge Thread Co.
Waynesville, North Carolina
About the Brand: Founded by two Blue Ridge locals, this brand promotes the #exploretheblueridge hashtag, encouraging others to love, enjoy, and protect this special place. The personality of the two owners comes out in the gear—Phil is a North Carolina Outward Bound School alum and musician; Brodin a Navy vet. Put them together and you get the spirit. blueridgethread.com
What We Loved: Made with temperature-adapting merino wool, the cozy Eco Friendly North Carolina Merino Wool Beanie ($34) shows your Blue Ridge pride and keeps you warm.
Jackson Kayak
Sparta, Tennessee
About the Brand: Founded in 2003 by pro kayaking legend and Tennessee native, Eric “EJ” Jackson, this whitewater band is as authentic as it gets. Four-time world champion, EJ started making the type of boats he wanted to paddle, whether in competition, fishing (he competed on the FLW bass tour), or just out having fun. That love of being on the water shows in Jackson Kayak’s varied lineup and its commitment to conservation and the local community through the non-profit Jackson Kayak Foundation. jacksonkayak.com
What We Loved: Sure you could pick out any one of Jackson’s whitewater or fishing kayaks as a standout but the brand also excels with boats anyone can enjoy. The 11-foot-6-inch sit-on-top Bite Rec ($999) is stable and forgiving, built on the same hull as Jackson’s fishing kayaks. That makes it the ideal choice for families and casual paddlers. Plus, it rings in at a very nice price.
Catoctin Creek Distillery
Purcellville, Virginia
About the Brand: Founded in 2009, Catoctin is the first whiskey distiller in Loudoun County to open since Prohibition. Wet counties everywhere take notice. Catoctin has wowed sippers everywhere with a lineup of everything from ryes to gin to American malt whiskeys that have garnered awards and the need to stop in the distillery when we pass by on our way to adventures. catoctincreekdistilling.com
What We Loved: Nothing goes down easier than the limited edition single-barrel Finch and Hawk ($70). It’s made with barley grown nearby along the Potomac River and captures the taste of the region with earthy flavors and just enough kick.
Waterbird Spirits
Charlottesville, Virginia
About the Brand: Waterbird puts cocktails in cans and has been a standby on many an adventure and camping trip for the BRO crew (as well as finding a place in our fridges). The family-owned-and-operated brand is going nationwide and promises to be a force in cool cocktail culture. waterbird.com
What We Loved: A cool sipper of tequila, seltzer, and grapefruit, Hardbody ($10, four pack) is just the ticket after a big hike.
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
Blue Ridge, Georgia
About the Brand: Want a fly rod that will last the rest of your life? The largemouth bass is, no surprise, Georgia’s state fish but up in the mountains of Fannin County, the game is all about trout in small streams. This type of angling is an art and Oyster Fly Rods is the place you go when you feel that you really want to up your game to more than just casting and catching. The custom bamboo crafters build rods that are nothing short of magical in the right hands. Better yet, sign up for a class and learn to craft your own thing of beauty. oysterbamboo.com
What We Loved: While most of what they produce is custom order in their workshop, they do also offer some of their rods for immediate purchase. Those pieces run between roughly $3,000–$6,000—about the cost of a good mountain bike. Or you can put down a $1,000 deposit (and get on the waiting list) for a custom rod that fits you like your own lightsaber.
Cover photo: Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
