The Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina are known for their stunning natural beauty, offering locals and visitors a variety of casual and adventurous outdoor activities. In fact, our region's diverse outdoor sport and recreational opportunities are so plentiful that Asheville and the surrounding mountains have been listed at the top of many outdoor destination lists for the Southeast, as well as the country.
While many flock to the region for the plethora of outdoor experiences in the Asheville area, few are aware of the many outdoor products designed and manufactured here. With nearly 50 manufacturers located in WNC, they have banded together to create an industry trade association called the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC. Some of the members of the Outdoor Gear Builders have been making high-quality products in these mountains for over 100 years. 
Diamond Brand Gear
One such company, Diamond Brand Gear, started sewing wall tents in Asheville over 130 years ago. After many years of mostly making tents for the military, DiamondBrand Gear is back to manufacturing tents and other outdoor products for summer camps and weekend campers across the country, all from their manufacturing facility in South Asheville. Other companies in the region design and manufacture shoes, life jackets, dry bags, kayaks, pop up campers, bike components, and many other outdoor products.
Astral footwear is made for water, trails or just casual wear.
Outdoor gear companies can be separated into two main categories depending on whether they manufacture locally or simply operate a business headquartered in this region to design and market products that are imported to the United States. In either case, these companies support the local economy by providing jobs and by sponsoring outdoor industry events, competitions, and professional outdoor athletes in the NC Mountains.
Outdoor Gear Manufactured in Blue Ridge Mountains
To celebrate these companies we have curated a list of some of our favorites starting with companies who manufacture their products right here in the Blue Ridge Mountains:
Diamond Brand Gear, Asheville
This 138 year old company manufactures hand-crafted durable outdoor gear made from a wide range of materials,from heavy to high performance to ultra-lightweight. Products include tents, bags,… read more
This 138 year old company manufactures hand-crafted durable outdoor gear made from a wide range of materials,from heavy to high performance to ultra-lightweight. Products include tents, bags, packs and more.
Outdoor Gear Headquartered in Asheville
The following list are some of our favorite outdoor industry companies who are headquartered in the Asheville area who import the products that they design:
Astral, Asheville
Founded in 2002, this gear company creates high performing products for wilderness athletes, focusing on building them in the least toxic, lowest impact way. They create durable, high-quality… read more
Founded in 2002, this gear company creates high performing products for wilderness athletes, focusing on building them in the least toxic, lowest impact way. They create durable, high-quality footwear, life jackets, apparel and dog beds in the cleanest, most sustainable way.
ENO, Asheville
Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO) was founded in 1999 with a mission to create the most comfortable, packable, travel-ready parachute hammocks for outdoor lovers. The company has grown to produce a… read more
Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO) was founded in 1999 with a mission to create the most comfortable, packable, travel-ready parachute hammocks for outdoor lovers. The company has grown to produce a variety of high-quality hammocks, stands, straps, chairs, packs, lights and other gear. ENO gives back by committing 1% of annual sales to support nonprofit organizations focused on the environment.
