Buying Local: BC-Based Outdoor Gear Companies
With outdoor recreation being a large part of BC culture, it should come as no surprise that our province is home to many outdoor gear companies. These days, more and more people are turning to buying locally and supporting businesses right here in the province. So who are these companies and what do they make?
Gathering a list of all outdoor gear companies in BC is a considerable task. While the following list is as comprehensive as possible, it shouldn’t be considered complete. More companies appear every year, and many small, local operations and artisans may have been missed. The list focuses on gear only and excludes apparel, which will be covered in a future article.
Made in Canada vs. Product of Canada
Since there is no distinction by province for what qualifies as being created here, we can look to Made in Canada and Product of Canada labelling. The Canadian Competition Bureau defines specific criteria that companies must meet before labelling their goods as made or product.
|
Label |
Canadian Content Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Made in Canada |
At least 51% of direct production/manufacturing costs were incurred in Canada, with the last substantial transformation of the good occurring here. Must also be labelled as being made with imported and/or domestic parts. |
|
Product of Canada |
At least 98% of direct production/manufacturing costs were incurred in Canada, with the last substantial transformation of the good occurring here. |
Just because a company is BC-based does not mean that the product is BC-made. Many brands may decide to manufacture their product elsewhere to save on costs, but operations stay in BC and support the province economically. In the end, it’s up to the consumer to decide which they’re most comfortable supporting.
Paddling Gear
Check out Paddle BC’s Paddlesport Gear Makers in BC list.
Kayaks and Canoes: Delta Kayaks, Atlantis Kayaks, Orca Boats (wood), Trak Kayaks (packable/foldable), Clipper Canoes, Hellman Canoes
SUPs: Paiwen Board Sports, Kahuna Paddleboards, Kerr Paddleboards, Cascadia Board Co, True North Standup Paddle Co, Silver Paddleboards (DIY kits)
Paddles: Nimbus Paddles (kayak), Blackfish Paddles (SUP)
Drybags: Aquaquest, Hotcore, Mountain Lab Gear
PFDs and Life Jackets: Mustang Survival
Helmets: Predator Helmets
Kayak Safety Gear: North Water
Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking Gear
Camp Kitchen: Gank Outdoors (products for cooking on fire)
Food: A complete list can be found in my Made in BC Backpacking Meals article.
Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Liners: Hotcore, Taiga Works, Shishka Outdoors
Sleeping Pads: Hotcore
Packs: Northern Ultralight, Durston, Aquaquest
Tents: Durston, Hotcore, Taiga Works
Bivies: Aquaquest, Mountain Lab Gear
Hammocks: Hennessy Hammocks
Tarps: Hotcore, Aquaquest, Taiga Works
Knives: Mike Jones Knife & Tool, Beval Forge, Cariboo Blades Tools & Knives, Running With Knives, Stevenson Knives, North Arm Knives, Spindrift Knives
Multi-Tools, Saws: Mountain Lab Gear
Headlamps: Lynx OGT, J-Tak Magbrite Headlamp, Mountain Lab Gear (flashlights too)
Trekking Poles: Durston
Gaiters: Hillsound Equipment
Camp Chairs: Hillsound Equipment
Accessories: Hotcore (stuff sacs, bag liners, pack covers, pillows), Northern Ultralight (stuff sacs, pack liners, pouches), Hillsound Equipment (pack storage pouches)
Bike Gear
Check out the BC Manufacturer List and Bikes Made in Canada.
Bikes: Jackalope Bikes, Aplomb Cycles, Archibald Cycles, Chromag Bikes, Brodie Cycles, Dekerf Cycle Innovations, Forbidden Bike Company, Knolly Bikes, Naked Bicycles, Norco Bikes, Rocky Mountain Bikes, Kermode Cycles, Wildwood Bikes, Schon
Electric Bikes: OHM Electric Bikes, Voltbike, ENVO
Frames: Wildwood Cycles, Forbidden Bike Company, Cove Bikes, Dekerf Cycle Innovations, Schon
Parts: Godfather’s Garage (lube, sealant, grease), Nobl Wheels, North Shore Billet (various parts), OneUp Components (various parts), RaceFace (various parts), Reform Saddle, Tairin Wheels, Vorsprung (suspension), We Are One (rims, accessories), Dekerf Cycle Innovations (forks, stems), Forbidden Bike Company (parts)
Accessories: Ghostrider Equipment (bike bear spray holder), Wildwood Cycles (bear spray holder, other gear holding devices), Haf-Clip (gear holder), RideWrap (frame protection)
Winter Sports Gear
Skis: Skevik Skis, Instinct Skis, Fels Skis, Exegi Ski and Snowboard, Waist Deep Ski Company, Thoroughbred Skis, Foon Skis, Kindred Custom Snowboards & Skis, Poet Snow Sports, Prior Snowboards & Skis
Snowboards: Exegi Ski and Snowboard, Kindred Custom Snowboards & Skis, Poet Snow Sports, Trapper Snowboards, Starlight Snowboards, Proboard Design (bindingless snowboards), Prior Snowboards & Skis, Hightide Mfg, KNWN Manufacturing, Wired Snowboards, Nation Made Snowboards, Spline Snowboards
Snowshoes: Powder Paws Snowshoes
Touring Skins: G3 Gear
Parts: FIX Bindings, G3 Gear (bindings, straps)
Poles: Wolverine Snow Products, Waist Deep Ski Company, G3 Gear
Crampons: Hillsound Equipment
Where to Buy BC Gear
British Columbia has two main outdoor retailers, Valhalla Pure Outfitters and MEC (Mountain Equipment Company). Sport Chek also may have outdoor gear, as it absorbed inventory from the now-closed Atmosphere stores (RIP Atmosphere and its excellent sales). For more budget-friendly camping options, British Columbians can look to Canadian Tire.
Many BC outdoor gear companies may be small and have their products only available locally, while others may be found in major retailers. It can sometimes take a bit of hunting to locate an item. Check a company’s website first to look for a list of dealers that carry their products. Also be sure to visit your local outdoor store and support small businesses in your community.
Canadian, European, and Australian Outdoor Gear Company Lists
Those looking to shop outside the province will be happy to know that Canada has many major, well-known brands that make high-quality outdoor products. Putting together a comprehensive list of every outdoor gear company in Canada is a daunting (if not impossible) task, but fortunately other websites have already done some of the work.
- Made in CA
- Canadian Camping Gear Manufacturers
- Buy Canadian Outdoor Gear
- Cottage Industry Gear Manufacturers
Those who don’t find what they’re looking for in Canada but still want to support friendly trading partners might want to check out European and Oceanian outdoor gear companies. While buying gear from overseas can be cost-prohibitive, and companies may not ship to Canada, the following lists can provide a starting point for research.
Article cover photo by Adam Young on Unsplash, featuring a Durston tent.
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