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)
