Warm, fed and rolling with a Minnesota Winter Survival Guide

Buying local needn't stop at the produce you eat and the beer you drink. We are lucky enough to have a wide array of brands based right here in Minnesota that are working hard to appeal to the outdoor-minded folks of the Great North. To be sure, who understands the things we need to survive the trials and tribulations of a long, bracing winter better than other Northlanders? In a run-up to the holidays, we've rounded up some of our favorite products from Minnesota makers to get you through the upcoming season:

[1] Wintergreen Northern Wear Expedition Fleece Anorak (Ely)

*$275, wintergreennorthernwear.com

Founded by wife-husband team Susan and Paul Schurke more than 30 years ago, Wintergreen Northern Wear became known after outfitting explorer Will Steger's expedition in 1986 to the North Pole. Wintergreen's famous anoraks, fleeces, wool jackets and other gear are designed with sub-arctic climates in mind. Marked by a distinct Nordic flair, these polar-tested pieces are made in downtown Ely.

[2] Salsa Bucksaw GX1 (Bloomington)

*$3,999, salsacycles.com

One of the first full-suspension fat bikes to come to market, the Bucksaw (three models) was designed and built at Salsa's parent company headquarters, Quality Bicycle Products in Bloomington. The idea for a full-suspension fattie was born from a need for greater traction and stability over rough terrain. Pricey? Absolutely. (The carbon is $6,499.) But the Bucksaw will pretty much float over whatever the trail has to throw at you all year round, whether navigating the ice and snow across a frozen Lake Calhoun or shredding the red dirt of Cuyuna Lakes in July.

[3] Duluth Pack Scout Pack (Duluth)

*$245 (Southwest limited edition); $185 (wool); $115 (canvas), duluthpack.com

The Minnesota aesthetic is having its moment in the fashion industry, and Duluth Pack nails it with its Scout Pack. Blending function and fashion, the Southwest limited-edition pack is the result of a collaboration with Pendleton Woolen Mills. Also available in other colors and prints, in both wool and canvas, these packs are as sturdy as they come, making them perfect to carry everywhere from the snowshoe trail to the market.

[4] Vasque Sundowner GTX (Red Wing)

* $219.99, vasque.com

In response to overwhelming customer demand, Vasque released an updated version of its classic Sundowner GTX boot. It's a style that is more than 30 years old. Vasque used the original last and heritage style of the old model. Made with Red Wing leather and sporting a GORE-TEX insert, these boots will look good and feel good even on those dreaded wintry mix days.

[5] Enlightened Equipment Enigma Backpacking Quilt (Winona)

*$250, enlightenedequipment.com

Enlightened Equipment was born in 2006 when owner Tim Marshall couldn't find backpacking gear that was up to snuff on weight and functionality. Appealing to everyone from long-distance cyclists to paddlers to winter campers, the Enigma is a minimalist, down-filled quilt. It's water-repellent, customizable on size, and has temperature and fill options.

[6] Seven Sundays Muesli (Minneapolis)

*$4.99-$5.99, sevensundays.com

After adventure honeymooning on New Zealand's South Island, Minneapolitans Hannah and Brady Barnstable replicated the Kiwi muesli recipes they grew to love. They scoured local farmers markets and eventually devised their Original New Zealand recipe. Their offerings also include Vanilla Cherry Pecan, Ginger Pear Macadamia, gluten-free Blueberry Chia Buckwheat, and Bircher Swiss-style muesli.

[7] Peace Coffee Snowshoe Brew and Klean Kanteen Insulated 12-ounce Travel Mug (Minneapolis)

$11 (12 ounces, coffee); $30 (mug), peacecoffee.com

A perfect blend for winter, the Snowshoe Brew from the beloved local coffee maker evokes hints of chocolate, dried cherries, molasses, caramel and walnut. Bring it with you in the Klean Kanteen to help offset that first slap of subzero air as you step out your front door.

[8] Gamle Ode Holiday Aquavit (Minneapolis)

* $42-$44, gamleode.com

Minneapolitan Mike McCarron was first introduced to aquavit over a traditional smØrrebrØd meal (open sandwiches) hosted by Danish friends. After being unable to find something similar in Minnesota, he decided to begin distilling it in 2012. Partnering with 45th Parallel Spirits microdistillery in New Richmond, Wis., Gamle Ode touts three aquavits: a dill, a "celebration" variety and a rye whiskey, barrel-aged "holiday" version, all infused with a variety of botanicals, including dill, caraway, juniper, mint and allspice.

Mackenzie Lobby Havey is a freelance writer from Minneapolis.