The Goods: For the Modern Explorer

From reclaimed wood nets to award-winning whiskey, discover local brands that will add style and substance to your outdoor adventures

 Feather Thief Fly Fishing

Specializing in the timeless art of swinging a wet fly, master angler Scott Harness’ custom-tied flies are born from a philosophy that transcends the catch. With a deep understanding of trout, trees, water, and wind, he believes the true fortune in fly fishing lies in the wisdom gleaned from nature and the connections forged along the way. Custom Tied Flies, starting at $25; featherthief.com 

Provided by feather thief fly

 Wolf Creek Watch Co.

Based in Duluth, Michael Johansen’s Wolf Creek Watch Co. crafts rugged, high-quality mechanical timepieces for life’s adventures. Its flagship Voyageur Mechanical, with its highly luminous, easy-to-read face, perfectly marries form and function. Designed with simplicity in mind, Wolf Creek watches are built to be reliable companions. Voyageur Mechanical in Bronze, $675; wolfcreekwatchco.com

provided by Wolf Creek Watch Co.

Lost Woods Whiskey

Lost Woods Whiskey, founded in 2018 by outdoorsman Tom Schaeppi, beautifully blends exceptional spirits with environmental stewardship. Lost Woods commits 1% of all sales to environmental organizations, making every sip a contribution to conservation. This dedication has earned Lost Woods unprecedented acclaim. Lost Woods Cask Strength Whiskey, $129; lostwoodswhiskey.com

provided by lost woods whiskey

 American Craftsmen

American Craftsmen, founded by Jesse Gerhard, embodies a unique philosophy: transforming forgotten wood into extraordinary outdoor gear. Gerhard meticulously crafts gear from repurposed lumber—salvaged from roadsides, dumpsters, and burn piles—making what others deem trash into beauty. This isn’t just recycling; it’s true reinvention. Small Trout Wood Fishing Net, $185; us-craftsmen.com

Provided by American Craftsmen

‘The Scenic Route: Building Minnesota’s North Shore’

“The Scenic Route” delivers a journey through stunning Lake Superior vistas, historic fishing villages, and untamed forests. Discover how the land, shaped by glacial retreat, witnessed Anishinaabe life before European American settlers transformed footpaths into today’s scenic byway. “The Scenic Route: Building Minnesota’s North Shore” by Arnold R. Alanen, $49.95; upress.umn.edu

Provided by UMN Press