Sweatshops and Gear

[Whiteman]

Just finished the book No Logo by Naomi Klein. A little old now (publshed in 2000), but still full of relevant questions about sweatshop labor and offshoring of production. (I learned that many brand name manufacturers don't even own the facilities, they just hire contractors who do most of the sweatshop management.)

So the question is, what do we know about the ethics and employment practices of those who bring us gear? And is anything still made in the US of A? (Those old Dana packs with the made in Montana tags are surely relics, and what about Moonstone?)

 

[Snowflea]

In answer to your first question, I'll venture a guess: unfortunately most people probably know very little, but I'd love to be proven wrong.

Ragged Mtn. makes great stuff right in Intervale, NH:
http://www.raggedmountain.com/

Wild Things' products are also made in the USA:
http://www.wildthingsgear.com/about.php

Dion Snowshoes are made in Readsboro, Vermont:
http://www.dionsnowshoes.com/index.html

This site came up on a quick Google search:
http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/sportinggoods.html

 

[Chip]

Crescent Moon Snowshoes. Nice Intro Video on that home page.

 

[HAMTERO]

Gregory Pro series packs and Cold Cold World packs are still made in the US. Some capaline is still US made. MSR stuff is mostly US also.

What about a good old MSR snowshoe thread? It's been at least a week.

 

[Tim Seaver]

:waving little flag:

Northern Lites Snowshoes

Now if they would just put on a real crampon...