As we continue to honor the United States’ 250th Independence Day, we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge one of the things that makes our nation truly unique – its vast outdoors! The United States stretches “from sea to shining sea” and contains “purple mountain majesties,” tranquil valleys, sweeping plains, lush forests, serene deserts, massive lakes, mighty rivers, biodiverse wetlands, and cascading streams in its stunning sprawl.
Just as the Founders had the remarkable foresight to implement the mechanisms of an unprecedented democratic republic, the bounty of America’s lands and waters – and the potential of the western wilderness – were not lost on them. As products of the Enlightenment, they sought to improve their understanding of nature and cultivate its power; however, they maintained a sense of reverence for its beauty and mystery.
“A reasoning being would lose his reason, in attempting to account for the great phenomena of nature,” George Washington wrote. Before becoming president, Washington’s first career was that of a surveyor. At age 17, he began mapping the uncharted frontier of Virginia, including the Shenandoah Valley. It is said that his work in this field gave him an intimate understanding of the land that benefited him as a general.
Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and perhaps the most eloquent writer among the Founders, likewise admired and studied nature. Jefferson devoted himself to many aspects of natural science, and he observed a clear connection between all living things and their predecessors.
In an analysis of fossilized animals, Jefferson mused, “The movements of nature are in a never ending circle… For if one link in nature’s chain might be lost, another and another might be lost, till this whole system of things should vanish by piece-meal.”
Jefferson’s most significant acts as the nation’s third president were signing the Louisiana Purchase Treaty in 1803, which more than doubled the size of our young nation, and commissioning the Lewis and Clark Expedition of the newly acquired territory. At a bargain $.04 per acre, this momentous deal enabled settlement west of the Mississippi River and made a previously unimaginable abundance of natural resources accessible to Americans.
From the abundance of land and natural resources came the concept of conservation. Little more than 100 years later, President Theodore Roosevelt would sign the Antiquities Act of 1906 into law. According to the National Park Service website, “ enabled him and succeeding presidents to proclaim historic landmarks, historic or prehistoric structures, and other objects of history or scientific interest in federal ownership as national monuments.”
An avid outdoorsman and nature lover, “Teddy” solidified his place as “the conservation president” by doubling the number of national parks during his time in office. Even after his presidency, he continued to travel on safaris and excursions to remote locations.
Of the outdoor lifestyle and a country’s need to both guard and make use of its land heritage, Roosevelt once said, “There is a delight in the hardy life of the open. There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm. The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value. Conservation means development as much as it does protection.”
Though not a Founding Father, Roosevelt’s likeness on Mount Rushmore stands as a testament – nearly as large as his boisterous personality – to his vision of preserving the American wilderness and building a bridge that connects our country’s natural and historical legacy from its days as an untamed frontier to its limitless future.
This Land Was Made for You and Me
As we did in part one of our Mast General Store Made in USA products blog, which was released last week, here we’ll showcase American-made goods you can find at Mast Store as our total count culminates in a symbolic 250 items. Again, our list is not comprehensive, and it represents only a selection of the Made in USA products available at Mast Store and Mast Store Online.
As you might expect, part two features Made in USA products with an outdoor theme. We hope you can use our recommendations in the Great American Outdoors, from the trail to the backyard with your kids, pets, or simply in the solitude of your favorite personal wilderness retreat.
Like all the Made in USA goods we’ve chosen for our “250” collection, these items represent the ingenuity and diversity of American craftspeople and manufacturers. This week’s selection, however, holds a special place in our hearts as its goods are specifically designed to enhance your enjoyment of the most American of spaces – the outdoors – and the boundless hope, opportunity, and freedom it has stood for throughout our nation’s 250 years and, with our united conservation efforts, far beyond.
Footwear
Start with your base if you’re planning an outdoor day. If your feet are at ease, you’ll be able to explore longer, move comfortably, and enjoy yourself more. If you’re wearing Made in USA footwear to get you where you want to go and look good doing it, even better! The Women’s Jasper KM Lite Sneaker by KEEN, available in stores later this month, is a versatile shoe that covers ground for most any summer plan from casual days in town to hitting the trail. Check your local Mast Store for availability. If you need a wet-weather alternative to prepare for unexpected summer storms, go with the L.L.Bean Women’s Bean Boot. These rugged rainboots are all-American icons you can match with an outfit for any rainy day occasion.
Your feet’s comfort doesn’t end with your shoe choice, nor does your patriotism. Socks are often-neglected accessories, but they go a long way toward enhancing the feel of your shoe, movement, and even your body temperature. Mast Store has an expansive selection of Made in USA sock brands, which you can discover at Mast Store Online, including 11 of our own Mast Store socks, which come in different styles, heights, and weights to match the needs of your outdoor activities. There are also a couple of styles for kids as well as a two-pack of our Christmas socks. After all, it’s never too early for Santa to start checking gifts off this coming holiday season’s list.
Farm to Feet socks are manufactured in North Carolina, and the brand’s entire supply chain proudly boasts all-American credentials, including wool sheared from U.S.-raised sheep and product packaging. Don’t let their Merino wool recipe trick you into thinking they’re only for winter. Merino’s natural moisture-wicking properties keep your toes cool and dry when the weather heats up just as it insulates them in cold conditions. There are 11 pairs of Farm to Feet socks available at Mast Store Online that feature creative designs inspired by and named for, in many cases, destinations within Mast’s region.
Darn Tough Vermont socks are produced at Cabot Hosiery, which has manufactured textiles for nearly 50 years. Their socks are expertly crafted with the highest attention to detail and incorporate smart design features like high-density weaves and invisible toe ring seams that most wearers may not be aware of but will certainly appreciate thanks to their unparalleled feel and longevity. Darn Tough has by far the largest selection available at Mast Store Online where you’ll find 41 men’s and women’s styles for running, hiking, and everyday wear.
Knives & Multitools
There’s no question that a trusty knife comes in handy on any outdoor adventure. The question lies in which knife best suits your needs. Mast Store Online has a wide range of Made in USA knives, and the Mast Store Knife Shop has even more when you visit any of our stores in person. In the meantime, here is a sampling of our favorites.
Benchmade is a legendary knifemaker that is renowned for crafting each of its knives in the United States. There are many to choose from at the Mast Store, so we’ll try to represent some of Benchmade’s variety. For example, the 533 Mini Bugout is one of the Mast Store’s most popular knives. Its size and versatility make it an excellent introduction to Benchmade. The 940-2 Osborne steps up the game for an everyday carry. The Osborne’s unique reverse tanto blade is fashioned out of corrosion-resistant steel with a satin finish to enhance its durability. Benchmade’s 537-FE Bailout is a heavy-duty everyday carry with an ultralight design and slim profile. It offers users an optimal strength-to-weight ratio. Benchmade also provides knife aficionados options like the compact and precise Hidden Canyon Hunter and the sleek 203-BT 101 Dacian Spear Point with its standout, high-grind Blue Cerakote finish.
Like Benchmade, Case Knives has its own loyal following. Case is also known for its wide variety of all-American offerings. If you’re a collector, the Mast Store is a terrific place to search for your next addition. You’ll discover classic styles your grandfather might have carried like the Smooth Black Curly Oak Folding Hunter, the retro Trapper Yellow Handle, the stately Mini Copper Lock, and new interpretations of classics like the tri-blade Peach Seed Dark Red Bone Med Stockman. Though traditional styles are its bread and butter, check out Case’s take on a modern folding knife in the Smooth Black Burlap Micarta Highbanks. Its clean lines are complemented by the rustic micarta handle and a stonewashed satin blade finish.
Buck Knives is also a brand whose styles span from old-fashioned to modern. The Buck 790 Mini Range Pro Knife incorporates a drop point blade and lightweight design, while the 112 Slim Heritage Elite Knife is a nimble folder with a clip point blade. Buck Knives’ fixed blade options include the 662 Alpha Scout Backcountry with jimping along the spine for extra grip.
Microtech Knives put a more modern spin on their Made in USA craftsmanship. Their Stitch Ram-Lok S/E knife features a striking partially serrated Wharncliffe blade while the versatile Amphibian Ram-Lok makes use of a stylish black drop point blade with a grippy G10 handle. For contemporary tactical use in fixed blade form, take a look at Microtech’s 6-inch Utility Knife or the Model 3 and 4 Fixed Blade knives by ESEE.
To have the most “cutting edge” technology at your disposal whenever you need it, go with a multi-tool. Leatherman sets the standard in this class with a range suited to tackle most any job you might encounter. From entry-level, 14-tool options like the REV, Wingman and The Mountains Are Calling!” by The Wilusz Way as a memento, or a Mountain Strong magnet for your fridge.
Kids, Pets, & Family Fun
The outdoors, like America itself, is a place for everyone, and there are plenty of ways everyone in your family can enjoy it. The Mast Store has Made in USA treats for pets, toys for kids, and puzzles families can work on together as they sit on the back porch to relax on a summer evening.
For our furry, four-legged family, Wonder Bark features dog treats that include traditional snacks as well as unique flavors like Blueberry Peanut Butter. You’ll find five varieties at Mast Store Online. GivePet also has several distinctive pet treats. Campfire Feast Dog Treats and Purrfect Cast Freeze-Dried Cat Treats happen to be – appropriately enough – outdoor-inspired to match our theme. Even Fido and Fifi like to take it easy under the big blue sky, so, for them, there’s Dr. Know’s Chill Pills Dog Treats with CBD and the Fat Cat Winery Cat Nip Toy by Alice’s Cottage. Last but not least, while they may not be “pets,” there are few outdoor pastimes as soothing as birdwatching. Fill the birdfeeder in your backyard with Mr. Bird food or hang one of their seed ornaments from a tree, sit back in your favorite rocking chair or porch swing, and watch your feathered friends wing by for a snack. Nine Made in USA Mr. Bird products are available at Mast Store Online.
With birds in mind, piece together Eurographics’ Garden Birds Panoramic Puzzle as you relax with your family under the covered porch at home this summer. Working on a puzzle is a terrific group activity everyone at home can join in when the midday sun is too hot to handle and the afternoon calls for a tray of ice-cold drinks and a calming challenge. Although it doesn’t quite match our outdoor-theme, Eurographics also makes a 2000-piece General Store puzzle we at Mast are quite fond of, but maybe we’re biased. Back to the subject of the American outdoors, you could also choose a simple 100-piece puzzle featuring its iconic champion Smokey Bear by Master Pieces or assemble one of our most treasured local vistas from The Linn Cove Viaduct by Heritage Puzzle.
Board games also make for great tabletop adventures at family outings from porches to patios to campsites. You can’t go wrong with a classic game of checkers, and you can pick up your family’s Made in USA checkerboard and set of wooden checkers at the Mast Store. Special to our region, you’ll find close-to-home twists on another classic board game, Monopoly, at Mast Store Online and in their neighborhood Mast Stores. Ten local editions of “Mast-Community-opoly" are available on our website, so you can choose the one that represents your hometown or your favorite Mast destination and play it, literally, in your own backyard.
If your kids or grandkids aren’t yet old enough to join in the friendly family games, you can provide their entertainment with a Made in USA toy. Tiny tots can dig in the dirt to their heart’s content with Green Toys Recycled Plastic Toy Scooper. Made entirely of recycled plastic, this is a toy that saves the Earth as much as it hauls it. Aspiring outdoor enthusiasts will also love Kraft Tyme’s old-fashioned ping pong ball slingshot shooter or Jameson Woodworks’s Wooden Pocket Knife Kit, which will remind you of the sheer pride and pure joy you felt when you received your own very first knife.
We Made It!
And there you have it, folks. For those who’ve been counting, over the past two weeks, we’ve directed you to 250 American-made products you can discover for yourself on your next visit to Mast General Store. When you purchase any one of these items or others among our full Made in USA collection, know that you’re supporting American creators, businesses, and values. On behalf of our vendors who go the extra mile to produce their wares at home, we appreciate your commitment to buying American goods, and we wish you and yours a safe and happy America 250 Celebration!