Looking for Made in the USA hats and scarves to stay warm? How about a sled to play in the snow? Or a shovel to dig out the driveway?
It seems like it’s been an especially cold winter this year, and many of you may be looking for gear that’s not only cozy, but proudly Made in the USA. As a proud Wisconsin resident, I know what it takes to survive a cold winter and support local manufacturers and workers at the same time.
Here are my picks of top-notch winter essentials that will keep you warm and stylish throughout the season.
Hats, Scarves, Gloves: Handcrafted Warmth
The knit hats and headbands made in Cedarburg, Wis. by Covered Bridge Crafts will bring some style to your winter wardrobe. The company’s popular “Little Heart” and “Classic” knit caps are designed with premium yarn to keep you cozy. Covered Bridge Crafts is a women-owned, small business.
Made in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – The U.P. for short – the fleece line hats made by Yooper Chook double as face masks, perfect for facing cold winds and snow from November to March. Whether you’re hunting, ice-fishing, shoveling, or walking down your driveway to reach the mailbox, these are bound to protect your face. This small business is also women- owned.
Stormy Kromer is well-known for its iconic winter caps, but this family-owned company also sells a variety of winter weather gear to keep you warm during the coldest weather. Based in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Stormy Kromer sells everything from plaid hats to mittens and jackets to neck warmers.
The Buffalo Wool Company’s wool socks, hats, scarves, and gloves are guaranteed to keep you warm this winter. Based in Texas, Theresa and Ron Miskin have spent almost 40 years raising bison and have cultivated a supply chain connecting small mills, local designers, and ranches to give rise to their company. Some of the warmest winter gear you’ll find, including the brand’s Bison Fiber socks.
The Mitten Company has been making hand-sewn, fleece-lined mittens from recycled wool sweaters in Minnesota for over a decade. There’s something for everyone in the family, with sizes available for baby, kids, and adults. Like many of this list, The Mitten Company is a family-run small business.
Frost River’s handmade mittens are crafted from locally sourced buckskin are warm and durable. They are available in three colors and can be paired with removable liners for extra insulation. Frost River is based in Duluth, Minnesota.
Boots: Stepping into Comfort and Tradition
Kamik has made winter boots made in Littleton, N.H. for nearly 30 years, but the company’s history dates back 125 years to Montreal, Canada. Kamik boots are now a staple in households across North America. They’re not only attention-grabbing, but also 100% recyclable. Boot options are plenty, with children’s and adult styles. But check that country of origin label, as some of their boots are still made in Canada.
While not everything L.L. Bean sells is Made in America, the brand’s iconic Bean Boots are still handcrafted, one pair at a time, at two factories located in the Pine Tree State. Bean Boots are triple-stitched, waterproof, durable, and designed to last a lifetime.
Jackets/Snow Pants: Style and Functionality
Seattle’s Northwest Tech makes fully customizable winter gear that never goes out of style, perfect for snowboarding, skiing, or just playing in the snow. The company’s snow jackets and bibs are all made at two production facilities in the Emerald City.
Wintergreen Northern Wear is a great source for American-made anoraks, wool coats, and ski jackets. Handmade in Minnesota, this one is another family-owned small business.
Sleds: Winter Joy
Paricon Sleds got its start in 1861, when Henry F. Morton started making sleds in his kitchen in South Paris, Maine. Today, Paricon still makes plastic pull sleds like the Slalom Master in the United States, but be sure to read those country of origin labels, because not all of the company’s products are made domestically.
There’s not a lot of fuss when it comes to Bradley snow tubes, but they are among the best on the market. And when temps warm up, use them for summertime fun in the lake, river or swimming pool.
Shovels: Conquer Winter Challenges
YEOMAN has been in business for nearly a century, and its heavy-duty aluminum snow shovels are still made in Monticello, Iowa.
Everything made by Bully Tools is advertised as 100% Made in the USA, including the Steubenville, Ohio company’s line of snow pushers, shovels and sidewalk scrapers.
Others: Winter Essentials Beyond the Basics
Looking for handwarmers for cold outdoor activities? HotHands makes air-activated hand, foot, and body warmers at a factory in Dalton, Georgia.
The Snow Brick is Flexible Flyer’s snow toy, and it is what every kid wishes they had on a snow day for fort building.
The father-and-son team behind Northern Lites craft ultralight and durable snowshoes in Englewood, Colo., perfect for hitting the slopes or enjoying the winter weather.
What did I miss? Let me know on X (formerly Twitter) at @keepitmadeinusa.