American Made Camping Gear - What's REALLY Worth it?

August 11, 2022

American Made Camping Gear - What's REALLY Worth it?

When buying camping equipment, my top priority is quality.

I want gear that works well and lasts a lifetime. Which is why I always look for camping products that are made in America. Yes, they’re usually more expensive than the imported stuff, but you can’t beat the benefits.

The benefits of buying American Made Camping Gear:

American made camping gear faces stricter quality control, resulting in a premium product
American made camping gear is often backed by lifetime warranties, and professional customer service
Buying American made camping gear supports manufacturing domestically, which creates American jobs and technical knowledge, and also ensures workers have access to better environmental and working standards.

A superior product that represents my values as a consumer? Sign me up! If you’re looking to buy camping gear made in the USA, here are my top choices for American made camping gear.

Best Camping Gear Made in the USA:

1. Partner Steel Cook Partner Stoves

I’ve had my 22” Cook Partner Stove for multiple camping seasons and I’m impressed. As an amateur welder and do-it-all handy person, I was blown away with the quality of the aluminum construction and welds. The craftsmanship of this American made camp stove is unbeatable.

As we started using the stove during camping trips, I was also impressed with the burner control compared to other stoves I’ve tried (If you have ever burned bacon on the lowest setting on a camp stove you know what I am talking about). And bonus: the heating elements are removable and make for easy cleanup when you have inevitable spills.

Partner Steel Cook Partner Stoves are one of the best camping stoves on the market. They’re ruggedly built and something you will pass down for generations.

2. Lodge Cast Iron

Lodge Cast Iron has been making cookware since 1896 at its foundries in Tennessee. When camp cooking, it doesn’t get much better than a well seasoned 12” Lodge Cast Iron Skillet for making everything from bacon and eggs for breakfast to a well crusted steak for dinner. I use my Lodge Cast Iron primarily on our camp stove, but also will throw it directly on a campfire grate. While cast iron does require seasoning and some care, it’s incredibly durable for camping and once season emparts a flavor second to none.

I recently picked up a Lodge 5 Qt Dutch Oven, and a Pro Grid Reversible Griddle to expand my cooking opportunities. Excuse me while I get emotional here, but it’s downright romantic to cook under the stars on a well-seasoned, American made cast iron pan.

3. Buck Knives

Buck Knives has been making knives in America since 1902. As a child growing up outdoors in the 80s, it was already an iconic brand the sportspeople in my life carried. This company has expanded its knife line into everything from pocket knives to fine kitchen cutlery, and is known for its heat treating process and high edge retention backed by a Forever Warranty.

While I own a number of buck knives, the one I always find myself carrying when camping is the Buck 110 Folding Knife. There are more modern knives, but this model is the classic, and still relevant for all your camping tasks, from cutting sticks for marshmallows to trimming that well seared ribeye. When I use this knife I find myself smiling - there is just something about the well worn wood and brass and razor sharp blade that harkens to a simpler time.

4. LawnChair USA

LawnChair USA is a family owned business that has been making American made lawn chairs since 2010. Their aluminum, webbed seats have a vintage theme while offering durability due to modern production techniques.

I love their retro color options, and being a large dude, I went with the Charleston Magnum Lawn Chair. I have had a pair of these chairs for a couple of seasons and both the webbing and aluminum have held up remarkably well - despite the rough and tumble use by my kids.

LawnChair USA chairs fold compactly and are lightweight, and they’re more comfortable than sling camp chairs I have tried. I appreciate that the company offers replacement webbing and screws in the event that someday I have to repair it.

In short you need to get these chairs. The only issue I’ve had is with group camping around the campfire, because everyone always tries to steal my LawnChair USA Chairs, leaving me to sit in their sling camp chairs.

American Made Camping Products

5. ATC (Adventure Tool Company)

ATC is a Colorado based manufacturer of gear bags, tool/sport rolls, and other camping gear. This company makes high quality products with mil-spec components and American made waxed canvas, then backs them with a lifetime warranty.

For example, their ShopRoll offers an impressive amount of space with room for all your most important tools. I keep everything from a hammer for tent stakes, needle nose pliers for impromptu fish hook removal, to JB Weld epoxy/super glue for trail repairs in mine. The tool roll holds everything conveniently organized and rolls tightly with cinch straps. It has room for maps/flat items in the large zippered pocket that also functions as a work mat. The best part about the ShopRoll is that it's made out of waxed canvas and looks better with age.

In short the ShopRoll is something you can load with all your critical supplies and get a grunt of approval from the sage old mechanic dude in your group when you pull it out for a repair.

6. Yoke Chuck Box Camp Kitchen

Yoke outdoors makes roto-molded Chuck Box Camp Kitchens in its Minnesota and Wisconsin manufacturing facilities. The original Chuck Box Camp Kitchen design dates back over 20 years, and has proven itself with durability and convenience. I have had my Chuck Box Camp Kitchen for over 15 years, taking it on countless camping trips and moving it three times cross country. And it still looks brand new.

Something I love about the Chuck Box Camp Kitchen is that it offers a simple yet incredibly functional design, with built in carry handles and storage compartments to organize all my outdoor cooking supplies. My camp stove sits conveniently on top and raises the cooking area when placed on a tailgate or picnic table. The roto-molded design is durable and has taken falls from my tailgate/picnic tables without damage. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty. My Chuck Box Camp Kitchen is always the envy of the campsite - while others struggle with disorganized cooking gear, I’m able to take a single trip from my vehicle to the campsite with all my cooking supplies easily in tow.