There’s nothing like rooting for the home team. Here’s a sampling of some of the best gear made right here in the Appalachians. Buying local supports the region’s people, economy, and environment. Best of all, local companies often provide home-grown quality, innovation, and integrity that the big-box stores can’t match.

NEMO MORPHO Tent,

Nashua, N.H.

The days of fumbling with tent poles are over. Introducing Airbeams! Nemo’s foot-pump inflation system has garnered news across the world, likely because it will change the face of tent design in the future. The 4.8-pound Morpho is a spacious two-or-three-person dome that Nemo claims can go up in 45 seconds. Once our testers figured out which tube went where, they got the tent to stand in a little over a minute. If you’ve got the coin, be the first to freak your friends out with the latest in outdoor magic. These tents are durable, tightly packed for an extended trip, and easier to pitch than anything you’ve ever seen. $495. www.nemoequipment.com.

Mouseworks HATS,

Crozet, Va.

Tucked away in a small mountain nook of the Virginia Blue Ridge, Mouseworks company founder Ryan Williamson hand-makes clothing out of “double recycled” fleece, meaning he uses the scraps that are set to be discarded from factories. “It is slightly more time intensive but I believe that it is our responsibility both as individuals and businesses to do all that we can to lower the environmental impact of our daily lives,” he says. He turns it all into a colorful line of hats and patchwork clothing, from comfy overalls to skirts. It’s quality stuff that can be found in major outfitters around the region and as far west as Montana, but you can also find Williamson at regional festivals every weekend. www.themouseworks.com.

KingSport Running Shoes,

Greensboro, N.C.

Kingsport offers economical running shoes in a market saturated with high-priced bling. This shoe does the job for short runs, hiking, or just kicking around thanks to the support of its comfortable EVA midsole and a rubber bottom. This shoe is so no-frills, it doesn’t even have a name. $34. www.kingsport-gear.com.

Oobe Clark PULLOVER,

Greenville, S.C.

Oobe brings outdoor performance and lifestyle gear from the upstate South Carolina. The Clark is a moisture-wicking pullover that protects you from the wind and manages sweat on Table Rock jaunts. $54. www.oobegear.com.

Misty Mountain Stealth

Boulder Pad, Valley Crucis, N.C.

High Country climbers are world renowned for backyard bouldering and cragging. So it’s no surprise the creators of Misty Mountain Threadworks-located just south of Boone in the small village of Valley Crucis-know how to smooth out the rocky edges when it comes to designing high-quality climbing gear. The Stealth has bombproof construction wrapped around beefy padding for the long falls, while a versatile hinged design lets you reconfigure your landing zone. $189. www.mistymountain.com.

Liquid Logic CR125 KAYAK,

Flat Rock, N.C.

Born on the rough and rugged Green River, Liquid Logic is the result of a group of hardcore paddlers sitting on too many homemade boats. When the company of 10 employees was formed, the only rule was that there would be no boundaries in boat design. That’s one reason they’ve been able to create some of the most innovative kayaks around, from 2006’s upcoming CR125 to the ubiquitously loved steep creeking Jefe. $1,099. www.liquidlogickayaks.com.