As the proud owner of a Recycled Saithcloth Vanguard Bifold Wallet from flowfold that I would describe as “bombproof,” I am eager to share some details with you about this innovative and growing company.

flowfold Products

Wallets, bags, packs, totes, duffles, dog gear, apparel, and accessories . . . and more to come!

Their partnership with L.L. Bean on a Bean Boot Mashup has only added fuel to the very hot fire that is driving company growth. All of their products are made in the United States and almost all (approximately 95%) of their raw materials are sourced domestically as well, with all of their fabrics sourced in Connecticut. The only reason they can’t source everything domestically is because a few pieces and parts they use are just not available in the United States.

Sustainability, Innovation, and Durability

flowfold was started in 2010 in a basement on Peaks Island, Maine, on a foundation of sustainability and minimalism. It was founded in Maine because Maine is home. Charles Friedman, flowfold founder, grew up on Peaks Island where he put gear to the test – tests that led him to flowfold and fixing the problems he encountered with gear strength, durability, weight, and fit. Plus, Maine has a history of craftsmanship, including textiles and sails. It also has enough climate variability and outdoor activity options to serve as a great outdoor playground to test a myriad of products.

Sustainability

“Not having to ship products back and forth across the Atlantic was the best thing we could do for not only our local community, but for the environment as well. We wanted to source as much as we could locally, make as much as we could locally, and have minimal waste in the process.” – flowfold

Innovation (and serious customer connection too!)

Today flowfold has BOTH design and manufacturing under one roof, which they say helps them innovate faster and keeps them more closely connected to the market and their customers. The roof covers their new 7,500 square foot headquarters building in Gorham, Maine.

“The biggest benefit of being made in the USA for us is speed and agility. There are tools out there that can help companies learn about markets and trends. The CONSUMERS are dictating trends now, NOT designers or merchants. Brands and manufacturers need to be hyper-connected with their markets and their customers and then you need to execute. This is easier when you can make smaller runs domestically. As trends change and dynamics shift, you can react more quickly when making products in the United States.” -flowfold

Durability

flowfold uses the following seriously awesome materials, which is to say they are strong, light, and resilient.
• Composite Racing Sailcloth with X-Ply®
• X-Pac™ Outdoor Fabric
• Lite Skin® Composite Fabric
• Sterling® Rope

In addition to using great materials, they are also committed to quality craftsmanship and versatile design. These commitments are not just a marketing ploy either. They are backed up by flowfold’s lifetime guarantee.

Economic Benefits

Not only is flowfold putting out great products, they also beneficially impact their local economy and that of Maine more broadly. Although they have fewer than 10 employees, they hire locally and have their sights set on growing to a 50-employee company with a 10 to 20-fold revenue increase in the coming decade or two. They pay local taxes, as do their employees, which helps pay for the provision of public goods and services.

In addition to traditionally tracked economic metrics like jobs and tax revenue, they support the economy in less obvious ways too. For example, their philanthropic efforts are almost exclusively focused locally. They participate in local speaking engagements and events to promote Maine locally and throughout the country. And they are part of Maine Outdoor Brands and other local initiatives.

You Better Get Some!

flowfold is committed to innovation and a strong connection with their customers. So, my plea is to:
1. Get your hands on some great flowfold gear HERE or at a retailer near you. Not only will it last forever, but your dollars support real people in Maine!
2. Continue to check in with American Outdoor Gear Hub for information on other great companies making or assembling outdoor gear in the good ole’ U.S. of A.
3. Follow along on Instagram @americanoutdoorgearhub
4. Get outside with your American-made gear and send a little hashtag love #AmericanOutdoorGearHub