The Tariff Question Lingers. American-Made Goods Like These Are Always a Safe Bet.

Buying American-made goods has always felt like a very small, though not always inexpensive, way to feel like we're keeping the wheels of American manufacturing turning. However, the uncertainty surrounding tariffs lately has made buying domestic a little less a matter of preference and a little more a matter of peace of mind.

The editors here atPopMechtest a lot of gear throughout the year (and I meana lot), and we thought it would be good to highlight someAmerican-made goodsin our favorite categories that won't (hopefully) bear the brunt of import taxes. From items as small as apocket knifetoa competition-size pellet grill, we've rounded up some tried-and-tested items that we find ourselves coming back to, all of which bear the label "made in the U.S.A."

However, craftsmanship is not limited to just these 50 states: Leon, Mexico, is renowned for making cowboy boots, denim jeans from Japan are unmatched, Shetland wool from Scotland is considered top-notch—the list goes on. A product stamped "made in America" does not mean it is any better than one made overseas; it requires some vetting, which is where we come in. Some of the following products are made in the U.S. from start to finish, whereas others may use components overseas; however, the majority of the work is done here.

Editor-Loved American-Made Goods

Everyday Carry

A significant portion ofEDCthat has impressed us this past year is made and machined here. Recently, theLeatherman ArcGot a new look while maintaining its premium materials and sleek design. The MagnaCut blade has been used on pocket knives before, but this is the firstmultitoolTo employ this type of steel. The new Cerakote option enhances the handle's durability with a thin film of ceramic, which improves corrosion resistance.

Speaking of blades, theBenchmade Mini Bugoutwas a top choice when freelancerJustin ParkPut a bunch of different pocket knives to the test out in the field. He praised the Mini Bugout for its high-carbon blade and top-quality finish. At just an ounce and a half, it's a pocket knife you'll barely feel but one that maintains maximum utility.BenchmadeAlso makes flashier automatic and spring-assisted pocket knives, but the Mini Bugout is subdued enough for everyday use.

Lawn and Backyard Equipment

Smokeless fire pitsanchor a backyard as much as aSolid grill setupBreeo makes its fire pits using heavy-duty steel that patinas over time, creating a rustic look that also prevents corrosion. The brand offers a range of sizes and finishes, along with a selection of accessories to complement them. They even havea pizza oventhat test editor Brad Ford used to make live-fire pizzas.

It may surprise you to know that an iconic piece of grilling history is still made in Huntley, Illinois.Weberis almost synonymous with grills at this point and is manufactured all over the world, but it is famous22-inch Kettle GrillIt is still mostly made here in the States. True, it uses some parts that are manufactured overseas, but for a company of that size, it's challenging to keep everything domestic.

Whether you're enjoying the fire pit or grill, you'll want something comfortable to sit in. TheLawn Chair USA patio chairtells you everything you need to know upfront—it’s perfect for the patio and made stateside. Its aluminum and nylon construction keeps the classic folding design light enough to move around the yard or even take to the beach.

Apparel

I'm a big fan ofWaxed jackets, and one of my favorites isHuckberry's Flint and Tinder jacket. I'm excited to break it out in the fall because it's the perfect combination of weight and weather protection. The flannel lining isn't scratchy, and the trucker design can be worn casually or to the office. It just keeps getting better with time the more it's broken in; all it needs is anew layer of waxevery other year or so.

Filsonis an American heritage brand that also produces asolid waxed jacket; however, it has recently moved the majority of its manufacturing overseas. Some Filson canvas twill bags are still made in the U.S., but theTin-cloth dufflesare no longer made here. Personally, I've seen no decline in quality and believe Filson is still producing reliable goods. The brand's Mackinaw wool is still produced here, as is a lot of its wool apparel. TheCruiser jacketis a heavy-duty 24-ounce wool that insulates even when wet and blocks out the wind. Four pockets on the front plus two hand pockets give you plenty of space to store hats, scarves, or gloves.

Buck MasonHas been a longtime favorite of mine for elevated staples. In 2023, they started working with Mohnton Knitting Mills in Pennsylvania to make the most American garments you could think of—white T-shirts and blue jeans. The tees are made from Supima cotton, renowned for its exceptionally soft feel. The jeans are cut and sewn using Japanese denim because, again, they just do it the best.

Boots

I've tested steel-toeWork boots,Hiking boots, and casualboots for everyday use—Needless to say, I'm picky, but a brand that has yet to fail me is Red Wing.

The brand is known for its work boots, but I prefer itsHeritage line. It's an array of classic Red Wing styles, made from start to finish at their factory in Red Wing, Minnesota. Red Wing owns and operates S.B. Tannery, ensuring quality control from the very first step, where leather hides are selected, all the way to polishing a finished boot.

TheMoc-Toe BootIt's their best-known style, and many work boots you see today mimic the design, but Red Wing was the original. I have three pairs of these same boots, my oldest pair being almost 10 years old. All they've needed is one resole and occasional conditioning, but they're still going strong.