My Top Five British Independent Outdoor Gear Makers. Bushcraft Gift Ideas for Christmas.

We have so many great outdoor brands here in the UK, ranging from the big, long standing companies like Rab, Mountain Equipment, Vango, Karrimor, Berghaus, right down to the small, independent designers and makers, producing hand crafted gear. With so many to choose from, I have tried to pick out just five of the smaller businesses, makers of quality gear that I use and trust.

I think it is important to support these hard working craftsmen and women, especially with uncertain times ahead post-COVID and post-Europe. We will all be relying on our UK businesses to secure a strong future for the UK and with our continuing support, they will be able to carry on producing beautiful kit for us to use out in the woods. With Christmas approaching, and many shops closed due to the current restrictions, it might give you some gift ideas too - either for a loved one, or just for yourself!

Below the links for the brands I have included in the video, I have also listed additional British companies making quality outdoor gear - all great brands, making quality kit. It's not a complete list, by any means, and will be a work in progress!

I’d like to thank Blister4walken for the video suggestion!

I hope you enjoy the video, thanks for watching.

Links

Ben and Lois Orford

TJM Metalworks

David Friars

Backpackinglight

Outhaus

Other brands not included in the video (but also highly recommended!)

Rab, Montane, Mountain Equipment, Berghaus, Karrimor, Snugpak, Vango, Terra Nova, Alpkit, Multimat, Aquapac, DD Hammocks, Tenth Wonder, GingeHammocks, Caranex, Hilltrek, Keela, Ray Mears, Buffalo Systems, Paramo, Lifesaver, TBS, Bison bushcraft, Rob Evans, GM knives, Greenman Knives, Millican, Woodlander leather, The Gentlemans Artisan, Bucklehurst leather, Knivesfoxspoons, Richard Outdoors, OMM, Sealskinz, Brasher, Survival Aids, Silverbirch canoes, Venture canoes, Peak UK, Palm equipment, Endless River, Ghillie kettle, Greencraft shop, Three trees products, Blues Bushcraft boutique, bushcrafttools, Jacklore knives...

Contact me at:

Or by mail at:

Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK

Facebook - Simon, a bloke in the woods

Instagram - simon_a_bloke_in_the_woods

Music:

Cattails - Thatched Villagers By Kevin Macleod
Covid come not here By Nat Keefe and Hot Buttered Rum

[terry]

Any video with Maggie is a great video. The guy is pretty good, too.

[pilgrimjames]

A great message at the right time. Support home industry and artisans. I am trying to use the internet to search for this stuff and stop chasing the cheap import to save a penny on slave manufactured goods. Sounds noble and is quite difficult to do when faced with the barrage of cheap imported goods. Anyway your choice people. Good man Simon. Take a stand and pass it on.

[AcfLavertyy]

I really appreciate you making this video and the description. Thankyou. I'm always on the lookout for small British brands

[mariaedwards]

Great video please keep them comeing Good job

[JeffsK]

I'm in America, those are some good Items, wouldn't mind seeing a series on UK makers. Show us More 8)

[tonybareham]

After watching this video, I purchased a box pouch from David Friars... What an amazingly well made piece of kit... I will be buying more for sure.... looks like he's reasonably local (within 30mins drive) so pleased to be supporting local traders. Good call Simon!!

[danielsalisbury]

Thanks for the overview Simon - there's definitely something very reassuring about using UK based manufacturers - I've had several items from Scott at Thornhill Ultra Heavy - mostly waxed canvas kit but he'll make to order too for very reasonable cost

[ronpownall]

Your dog knew you were going to stop there.
Thanks have fun.

[paulsadler]

Great vid actually, and I'm so chuffed to see the promotion of UK brands!

[nirvilchigs]

Great in these times to promote the small guys 👏👏👏

[greatsouthlandmike]

G'day Simon.
That's what we should all want to see. Made in Australia, Made in the UK. Made in the USA. Bring our businesses home. Produce items that last a lifetime. Own products we can be proud of. Support the craftsman down the street, over the creek and leave the cheap copies in the department stores.!

The land down under
Mike 🤠

[Mat-krnf]

Well I first watched this 2 years ago and have been lusting after a TJM Metalworks “pocket fire anchor” and the “original pan mini fire anchor” ever since!😩🤔. I’m very happy to say I’ve finally forked out for both, can’t wait to get to use it!😁🔥🔥 I’ve also had a titanium honey stove with the extension “hive”. That is absolutely brilliant, so light, it lives in my backpack permanently. With the extension, it is the perfect size for a campfire, I rarely have a fire on the ground nowadays, there’s no need and it’s so easy to clean up after with no ugly scar on the ground, I highly recommend it. I also have a firebox which I love but rarely take nowadays due to the weight, I’ve been on the lookout for a titanium one, but the one place that sold them no longer has any and I begrudge paying the ridiculous postal charges for one from America, so……☹️

[NewHampshireJack]

Totally agree, whenever possible, support local craftspeople. The hand forged ironwork you demonstrated took me back to the states in the small New England town I lived in for many years. Gilmanton Iron Works New Hampshire (yes, the very same place Grace Metalious wrote Peyton place). Several proto-type machine shops were located there. One shop owner had a hobby of restoring Stanly Steamers. You can not run down to the local wrecking yard or car parts distributor for replacements. He collaborated with a gentlemen who was renting a complete blacksmith shop my neighbour had constructed to forge new front axels and then did the machining. Until the machinists death, they would fill orders for new axels that came in . The young fellow renting the shop created all manner of iron work. wall hooks, brackets for shelves and the list went on and on. He even forged a bolt handle for me when I was restoring an old rifle back to shooting condition.

[kevinelectrician]

Hi Simon. Looks like your very happy doggo, knows exactly where she is going. Thanks for the video

[effyleven]

This man has such pleasant reassuring voice...

[frankiepips]

Uncertain is the weather, the times ahead are adaptable in comparison but keep being cheerful you smiley diamond of a bloke in the woods!

[ronkierstead]

I love watching you out and about with Maggie. Cheers!

[tonyanddeb]

Yay a new vid, always a good day in our house. Cheers Simon

[safesanesuccessful]

Thanks Simon for another super helpful and informative post. So kind of you to post all the links to your products. I look forward to your next expedition and adventure.

[paddycarr]

Fantastic Simon mate, my sentiments exactly. You know what your getting from local rather than waiting for a product for 6 weeks coming from overseas that falls apart after the first use.