The 15 Best USA-Made Pieces Of Training Gear

Photo: GORUCK

Adopting a fit lifestyle is something many people can start, but only a few succeed in continuing consistently throughout their life. Staying in shape and maintaining exceptional health overall can feel like a task to many, but those unique beasts who invest themselves in the culture of fitness cease to see exercise as a chore. But that doesn’t mean it gets easier to stay in shape throughout your lifetime–which is why grabbing the best training gear in the world is paramount.

Not many people are conscious about where their gear is constructed, but it plays a critical factor in the quality of the product. You may not think there’s a noticeable difference whether your fitness gear is made in the USA or elsewhere, but the overall quality of American-made fitness gear is unrivaled. We’ve scoured the web to curate a list of the best training bear made in the USA so you can invest in quality apparel and equipment.

Primer

Why American-Made Gear Is Better

Products manufactured in America are usually high-quality. Since the late ‘90s, however, there’s been a steady decline in American manufacturing, as many U.S. companies transported their factories to other countries for cheaper labor. So, finding fitness gear made on American soil is rare. But why should you spend your paycheck on U.S. products? Well, there are several reasons to invest in American-made training gear, including the following:

  • Gear made here in the United States is often of the utmost quality, as craftsmen here tend to value quality above all.
  • Buying American-made gear will save or create more jobs on home turf.
  • It improves health across the globe since the lack of overseas safety regulations put foreign workers at risk for health issues.
  • You’ll be supporting American workers and helping the economy.
  • There’s a lower carbon footprint for American-made goods since products made elsewhere have to cross the ocean, burning more fossil fuels.

Smartwool PhD Cycle Ultra Light Mini Socks

When you’re cycling, putting on these Smartwool Cycle socks will keep your feet cool thanks to breathable, super soft Merino wool and mesh venting. The ultralight socks feature patent-pending Indestructawool technology for unsurpassed durability and a 4 Degree Elite Fit System for a dialed-in comfort you can count on no matter what trail you tackle. And they’re made with Virtually Seamless toes for enhanced comfort, allowing you to enjoy the ride and not worry about your soles.

Purchase: $16

Liberty Bottleworks Straight Up

Hitting the beast mode button will have you drenched in sweat, so replenishing your fluids properly throughout your workout is crucial. Keep your favorite fitness beverage safe in the American-made 32 oz Straight Up water bottle made from recycled materials. Available in an array of colors, this single-wall aluminum water bottle is durable for any workouts you, including outdoor sweat sessions. You can leave it as is with a minimalist design or customize it with your company logo, favorite superhero symbol, or anything in between.

Purchase: $20

Tiger Tail The Classic Massage Stick

To ease the tension in your muscles after a grueling workout, the Tiger Tail massage stick will come in handy. This USA-made massage roller has non-slip grips, and a cushion cover with closed-cell, non-absorbing, and non-deteriorating foam. Due to the minimalist design, high-quality design of this recovery tool, you won’t experience pinched skin, snags, or pulled hair. It also has a durable design so it can survive the long haul. You’ll be able to massage about 95% of your body on your own–including your shoulders, IT bands, quads, and calves.

Purchase: $30

Elite Surge 3.0 Jump Rope

Jumping rope is one of the best cardio workouts on the planet, which is why top athletes like boxers incorporate it into their everyday routine. The Elite SRS Surge 3.0 Jump Rope has dual-ball bearing aluminum handles, allowing you to achieve about seven jumps per second if you’re committed. Designed by a national champion speed jumper, the Surge 3.0 is the perfect fitness jump rope for anyone looking to increase their stamina and burn calories fast. Not to mention, it has an upgraded ball bearing design for a smoother spin and a built-in adjustable screw for easy resizing.

Purchase: $35

Onnit Division Pocket Performance Shirt

You might not think twice about your workout shirt, but it plays a significant factor in staying comfortable during your gym session. Onnit’s Division Pocket Performance shirt is the perfect top for athletes who enjoy putting maximum effort into each workout. The moisture-wicking shirt is anti-microbial and provides UPF 50+ protection–in case you want to go for a run outdoors or flip some tires to work on your explosive strength. It also features reflective details to help keep you safe during nighttime runs.

Purchase: $48

American Fitness Wear Organic French Terry Jogger

A pair of sweatpants may not seem like they matter much, as plenty of them feel the same, but once you put on American Fitness Wear’s Organic French Terry Jogger, you can tell the difference. Made with 50% organic combed ring-spun cotton and 50% RPET recycled polyester, theses joggers feel like heaven. They’re soft, extremely comfortable, and don’t irritate your skin. The joggers have side pockets, ride sleeve cuffs and bottom band, an elastic waistband, and a drawcord so you can make the proper adjustments.

Purchase: $55

Triple Aught Design Paladin GT Shorts

Providing you with consistent support during your daily training regimen, you’ll love Triple Aught Design’s Paladin GT shorts. They’re made with lightweight Schoeller nylon finished with 3XDRY DWR, providing you with comfort and resilience to last a long while. A single zippered thigh pocket is featured to help you keep your combat valuables close at hand when you train. And the training shorts have a 10-inch inseam for mobility when you take on more challenging exercises, such as CrossFit or boxing drills.

Purchase: $95

Rogue Fitness Premium Ohio Lifting Belt

If you’re a fan of going beast mode and lifting heavy, this American-made lifting belt by Rogue Fitness will support your frame when you display your strength. It has a high-grade English bridle leather construction for exceptional durability and longevity, and it’s moisture-resistant to fight off your sweat. It also has black Tuff Kote finished edges along with a slip-resistant interior so you can finish strong. Not to mention it has a seamless roller buckle for precise adjustments as you gain more muscle mass.

Purchase: $130

MaxWOD Boom Bell Kettlebells

MaxWOD and MadFitter partner up to bring you the Boom Bell kettlebells so you can increase your strength and explosive power. The Boom Bell is made to meet the standards of kettlebell sizes and weights. Each one has a fit Army Green powder coat, which is the same color used on military ammo cans and tanks. The custom, eye-catching grenade design brings some fun to your workout. What’s also noteworthy is that a portion of the profits for the Boom Bell will go back to the military community through charities and military athlete sponsorships.

Purchase: $137

Iron Company Slastix Resistance Beast Battle Rope

Normal battle ropes are challenging, but the Iron Company’s battle rope is a signature product of Stroops MMA, which means it will fight back. This battle rep is designed to build explosive upper and lower body strength via the patented Slastix resistance band technology. This 20-foot battle rope will counter each movement of your body, making your muscles work harder. The harder you pull, the more resonance and difficulty you’ll meet, allowing you to level up like a champion.

Purchase: $138

Dynamax Medicine Ball

Dynamax’s moisture-resistant medicine ball is made from 70% post-consumer recycled materials and is touted by the brand as the “world’s best medicine ball.” It’s designed to absorb high-velocity impacts for demanding workouts where you can build tons of power. The American-made medicine balls are used in training for the CrossFit Games.

Purchase: $175

New Balance 990 TripleCell

Featuring revolutionary durable 3D-printed high-rebound photopolymer resin heels these New Balance shoes are a game-changer. The legendary 990 silhouette gets an upgrade for the future of fitness with this new technology coupled with ENCAP midsoles that provide maximum durability and support. The ultralight 990 TripleCell training shoes also have a breathable mono mesh to keep your feet cool no matter what workout you’re tackling.

Purchase: $185

GORUCK Rucker 25L

Described by GORUCK as “a gym on your back,” the Rucker 25L backpack is a gritty gear carrier. The rainproof backpack is tough enough for up to 30 lbs of ruck plates and has several MOLLE attachments along with multiple pockets, so you can haul everything you need to burn calories. The American-made Rucker is the last workout backpack you’ll ever need.

Purchase: $265

Rogue Fitness Butcher V2

With a name like the Butcher, you know you’ll have some fun during your workout. The Rogue Fitness Butcher V2 is a heavy-duty, all-surface push sled co-designed with the team from Westside Barbell. It has bolt-on steel feet that perform well on any surface, a signature matte black powder coat finish for excellent grip on all handles, and a capacity of more than 500 lbs. It only takes about five minutes to put together, so you can get right to your workout of the day.

Purchase: $265+

Defy Rover Backpack

Built using 1,050 Denier MIL-SPEC ballistic nylon, the Rover backpack will carry all your gear safely so you can transition from the office to the gym hassle-free. It has detachable 4000-pound MIL-SPEC webbing with military-grade metal hardware, YKK water-resistant zippers, and a paddy computer compartment. You can use it as a backpack or carry it as a duffel bag based on what works for you at the moment.

Purchase: $299

18 Best Fitness Books


Now that you’ve picked up a few pieces of quality American-made fitness gear, it’s time to delve deeper into a healthy lifestyle. Check out our picks for the best fitness books to help you achieve your best physique.