Jeans Made In The U.S.

• AG Jeans — Los Angeles, California — jeans (only selected products)
• Jean Shop — New York, New York —  jeans
• Levi Strauss & Co. — San Francisco, California —  jeans (only selected products)
• Rag & Bone — New York, New York —  jeans (only selected products)
• Raleigh Denim — Raleigh, North Carolina —  jeans
• Tellason — San Francisco, California —  jeans
• The Stronghold — Los Angeles, California —  jeans
• True Religion — jeans

Accessories Made In The U.S.

• American Optical — sunglasses, eyeglasses
• Bollman Hats — Adamstown, Pennsylvania — hats
• Buffalo Gold – Goodnight, Texas – Bison wool clothing
• David Hart & Co. — New York, New York — neckties
• Dodo Case — San Francisco, California — iPad / iPhone cases
• Edgar Leather — Tallahassee, Florida — leather goods
• Faribault Woolen Mills — Faribault, Minnesota — blankets
• Geier Glove Co. — Centralia, Washington — leather gloves
• The General Knot Co. — Bedford, New York — neckties
• Gfeller Casemakers — Meridian, Idaho — leather goods
• Noble Buffalo — St. Louis, Missouri — leather belts
• Leather Man Limited — Essex, Connecticut — belts, accessories
• Optimo Hats —Chicago, Illinois — hats
• Pierrepont Hicks — Minneapolis, Minnesota — ties, accessories
• Randolph Engineering — Randolph, Massachusetts — glasses, sunglasses
• Shuron — Greeneville, South Carolina — glasses, eyeglasses
• Solesu — Belleville, Illinois — leather belts
• Tanner Goods — Portland, Oregon — leather goods
• Wiley Belts — Charlottesville, Virginia — belts, leather goods

Luggage Made In The U.S.

• Accessories Unlimited — Portland, Maine — bags
• Acorn Bags — California — cycling bags
• Artifact Bags — Omaha, Nebraska — bags
• Bailey Works — Portsmouth, New Hampshire — bicycle bags
• Billykirk — Pennsylvania — bags, leather goods
• Beckel Canvas — Portland, Oregon — bags, tents, etc.
• Buzzline — Fort Pierce, Flordia — bags
• Dandux — Ellicott City, Maryland — bags
• Domke — Hauppauge, New York — camera bags, accessories
• Duluth Pack — Duluth, Minnesota — luggage
• Emil Erwin — Nashville, Tennessee — luggage, accessories
• Estex Mfg. Co. — Fairburn, Georgia — bags
• Equinox — Williamsport, Pennsylvania — bags, outdoor gear
• Frost River — Duluth, Minnesota — bags, tents
• Ghurka — New York, NY — bags, leather goods, accessories
• Goruck — Bozeman, Montana — bags, hats
• Johnson Woolen Mills — Johnson, Vermont — bags, clothing, accessories
• Joshu+Vela — San Francisco, California — bags
• J. W. Hulme Co. — St. Paul, Minnesota — briefcases, bags, accessories
• Klein Tools — Lincolnshire, Illinois — bags, accessories
• LL Bean — Freeport, Maine — luggage (only selected products)
• Makr — Orlando, Florida — luggage, accessories, leather goods
• Mer — Brooklyn, New York — luggage
• Moop — Pittsburg, Pennsylvania —bags
• Port Canvas — Kennebunkport, Maine — canvas bags
• Red Oxx — Billings, Montana—  adventure luggage
• Topo Designs — Denver, Colorado — bags
• Tough Traveler — Schenectady, New York — bags
• Triple Aught Design — San Francisco, California — bags, accessories
• Utility Canvas — Gardiner, New York — bags, accessories
• Wm. J. Mills & Co. — Greenport, New York — bags
• Wood&Faulk — Portland, Oregon — bags, accessories

Clothing Made In The U.S.

• Anderson-Little — Tamarac, Flordia — navy blazerslected products)
• Berle Manufacturing — Charleston, South Carolina — trousers
• Beyond Clothing — Seattle, Washington — outdoors clothing
• Bill’s Khakis — Reading, Pennsylvania — khaki pants, clothing
• Brooks Brothers — New York, New York — clothing, sportswear, footwear, accessories (only selected products)
• Bemidji Woolen Mills — Bemidji, Minnesota — clothing, blankets
• Camber — Norristown, Pennsylvania — tee shirts, sweatshirts
• Carhartt — Dearborn, Michigan — workwear, outerwear (only selected products)
• CC Filson — Seattle, Washington — outwear, bags, accessories (only selected products)
• CEGO — New York, New York — custom shirts
• Commonwealth Proper — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — shirts
• Centralia Knitting Mills — Centralia, Washington — outerwear
• Crescent Down Works — Seattle, Washington — outerwear
• Ebbets Field Flannels — Seattle, Washington — jackets, jerseys, accessories
• Engineered Garments — New York, New York — clothing, bags, accessories
• Epaulet — Brooklyn, New York — shirts, ties
• Gitman Brothers — Ashland, Pennsylvania — woven shirts
• Hamilton Shirts — Houston, Texas — custom shirts
• Hart Schaffner Marx — Chicago, Illinois — tailored clothing
• Hertling Trousers — Brooklyn, New York — pants
• Homage — Columbus, Ohio — tee shirts, sweatshirts, accessories
• Individualized — Perth Amboy, New Jersey — woven shirts
• Langlitz Leathers — Portland, Oregon — motorcycle jackets
• New England Shirt Company — Fall River, Massachusetts — shirts
• Oxxford Clothing — Chicago, Illinois — tailored clothing
• Pendleton Woolen Mills — Portland, Oregon — sportswear, blankets (only selected products)
• Pointer Brand — Bristol, Tennessee — clothing, denim, workwear
• Post Overalls — New York, NY — clothing
• Ramblers Way — Kennebunk, Maine — wool clothing
• REI — Kent, Washington — outdoor clothing  (only selected products – see their “Made In USA” section)
• Rogue Territory — Los Angeles, California — clothing, accessories
• Round House — Shawnee, Oklahoma — denim, workwear
• Self Edge — San Francisco, California — clothing
• Schott NYC — New York, New York — outerwear
• Spiewak — New York, New York — outerwear
• Sterlingwear — Boston, Massachusetts — outerwear
• Steven Alan — New York, New York — sportswear, accessories (only selected products)
• Stormy Kromer — Ironwood, Michigan — hats, clothing, outerwear
• Taylor Stitch — San Francisco, California — shirts
• Thom Browne — New York, New York — tailored clothing, sportswear
• Vanson Leathers — Fall River, Massachusetts — leather jackets
• Western Mountaineering — San Jose, California — down jackets, sleeping bags
• Wrath Arcane — Cleveland, Ohio — sportswear

Footware Made In The U.S.

• Allen-Edmonds — Port Washington, Wisconsin — shoes (only selected products)
• Altama — Atlanta, Georgia — boots
• Arrow Moccasin Company — Hudson, Massachusetts — footwear
• Chippewa Boots — Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin — footwear (only selected products)
• Danner — Portland, Oregon — footwear
• Darn Tough — Northfield, Vermont — socks
• E. Vogel — New York, New York — boots, shoes
• Fox River Mills — Osage, Iowa — socks
• Keen – Portland, Oregon – footwear — (only selected products)
• Limmer Boots — Intervale, New Hampshire — boots
• LL Bean — Freeport, Maine — boots
• New Balance — Boston, Massachusetts — athletic shoes (only selected products)
• Oak Street Bootmakers — Chicago, Illinois — shoes, boots
• Oliver Moore — New York, New York — custom shoes
• Perry Ercolino — Doylestown, Pennsylvania — custom shoes
• Quoddy — Perry, Maine — footwear
• Rancourt & Co. — Lewiston, Maine — footwear
• Red Wing — Red Wing, Minnesota — footwear (only selected products)
• Russell Moccasin Co. — Berlin, Wisconsin — footwear
• Townview Leather — Dexter, Maine — footwear
• Vincent & Edgar — New York, New York — bespoke shoes
• Weinbrenner — Merrill, Wisconsin — footwear
• Wesco Boots — Scappoose, Oregon — footwear
• White’s Boots — Spokane, Washington — footwear
• Wigwam — Sheboygan, Wisconsin — socks
• Wolverine – boots (only selected products)
• Yuketen — Hermosa Beach, California — boots, shoes

Tools Made In The U.S.

• All American Pressure Cooker — Wisconsin — Pressure Cookers
• Ambruster Tent Company — Springfield, Illinois — Canvas Tents
• Annin & Company — Roseland, New Jersey — Flags
• Baxter of California — Los Angeles, California — Men’s Grooming Products (only selected products)
• Benchmade — Oregon City, Oregon — Knives (only selected products)
• Buck Knives — Post Falls, Idaho — Knives
• Estwing — Rockford, Illinois — Axes / Wood Splitting
• Field Notes — Portland, Oregon — Notepads, Writing Instruments
• Fisher Space Pen — Boulder City, Nevada — Writing Instruments
• Klhip — Ketchum, Idaho — Nail Clippers
• The Good Flock — Portland, Oregon — Technology Cases
• Jacob Bromwell — Tempe, Arizona — pots, pans, accessories
• Klein Tools – only selected products
• Leatherman — Portland, Oregon — Multi-Tools
• Luma Labs — Portland, Oregon — Camera Straps
• PortaBrace — North Bennington, Vermont — Camera Bags
• Pocket Pin High Pro – Knoxville, Tennessee — Golf training equipment
• Rada Cutlery — Iowa — Kitchen Utensils
• School House Electric — Portland, Oregon — light fixtures, home accessories
• Scout Books — Portland, Oregon — Notebooks
• Springbar Tents — Salt Lake City, Utah — Canvas Tents
• Snap On Tools – only selected products
• Steelcase —  Grand Rapids, Michigan — Chairs
• Streamlight — Eagleville, Pennsylvania — Flashlights
• Surefire — Fountain Valley, California — Flashlights
• The United States Playing Card Company — Cincinnati, Ohio — Playing Cards
• Vornado Fans — Andover, Kansas — Fans
• Wiggy’s — Grand Junction, Colorado — Sleeping Bags, Outerwear
• Wilson Bohannan Co. — Marion, Ohio — Padlocks
• Woodman’s Pal — Boyertown, Pennsylvania — Machetes
• W.R. Case & Sons — Bradford, Pennsylvania — Knives
• Zeroll — Fort Pierce, Flordia — Ice Cream Scoops
• Zippo — Bradford, Pennsylvania — Lighters

Audio Gear Made In The U.S.

• Audio by Van Alstine — Woodbury, MN — preamplifiers, amplifiers, digital-to-analog converters, and phase inverters
• Ayre Acoustics, Inc. — Boulder, CO — full line of audio and video components
• Audeze — Headphones
• Car Audio Factory — Richmond, TX — subwoofer enclosers
• Carr Amplifiers — Pittsboro, NC — guitar amplifiers, made by guitarists for guitarists.
• CI Audio — Port Hueneme, CA — headphone amplifiers, monoblock amplifiers, and power supplies.
• Fargen Amps — Sacramento, CA — all tube (not solid-state) guitar and bass amplifiers
• Grado Labs — Brooklyn, NY — high-quality headphones and phono cartridges (their SR80-i is one of the best headphones under $100)
• KCS Loudspeakers — Sun Prairie, WI — custom horn loudspeakers
• Klipsch –  Hope, AR – audio gear
• Koss Headphones – Milwaukee, WI – headphones
• Manley Labs — Chino, CA — Hi-Fi and professional recording gear
• McIntosh Labs — Binghamton, NY: fine audio and home theater sound systems
• Mohu, Inc. — Raleigh, NC — makers of the LeafTM, a USA-made indoor HDTV antenna
• Moog Music — Ashville, NC — miniMoog Voyager analog monosynth, MoogerFooger guitar pedals, and Etherwave theremin
• Ohm Acoustics — Brooklyn, NY — high-end speakers for audio and home theater applications
• Orb Audio — Sherman Oaks, CA — Mod1 and Mod2 satellite speakers for flat screen and home theater applications, handmade in the USA. “Small Speakers for Smart People”
• Schitt Audio – Audio Gear
• Synthesizers.com — Tyler, TX — modular analog music synthesizers, assembled in USA with domestic and imported components
• SVS — Ohio — speakers and subwoofers for music and home theater
• Wavefront Technologies — Los Angeles, CA — theremin musical instruments and accessories
• Westone — Colorado — Earphones
• Woo Audio — New York — amps
• Zinky Electronics — Flagstaff, AZ — electric guitar amplifiers & accessories

Camping Equipment Made In The U.S.

• American Outdoors — coolers, boat totes, camp chairs, etc.
• Arc Flashlight —Phoenix, AZ — LED pocket flashlights that run on a single AAA battery
• Awl for All —Arlington Hts., IL — indispensable wooden-handled awl for repairing leather, canvas, and vinyl outdoor gear
• Butler Bags —Cedar City, UT — sleeping bags, bedrolls, and gear bags
• Cascade Designs —Seattle, WA — manufacturer of camping gear of all sorts (including Therm-a-rest self-inflating camping mattresses, MSR camping stoves)
• Equinox. —Williamsport, PA — makers of ultralight backpacking gear, including sleeping bags, tarps, ponchos packs, and totes
• EZ-Sales and Mfg. —Gardena, CA— American-made hammocks, folding aluminum camp chairs, cots, and canteens (only selected products)
• Feathered Friends —Seattle, WA — sleeping bags, outwear, and comforters
• Fuerte Cases —La Mesa, CA — waterproof protective cases for laptops, PDAs, firearms
• Kirkham’s Outdoor Products —Salt Lake City, UT — manufacturer of Springbar and AAA canvas wall tents
• Nalgene —Rochester, NY — water bottles, bike bottles, travel mugs, and other “hydration necessities” (only selected products)
• Northern Lites —Wausau, WI — high-tech, lightweight snowshoes for all uses, from racing to hiking
• Open Country Campware — aluminum camp ware kits, plates, pots, and canteens made by Metal Ware Corp. (Two Rivers, WI)
• Outdoor Research —Seattle, WA — shelter systems, headwear, gaiters/footwear, and storage systems/stuff sacks (only selected products)
• Princeton Tec — headlamps, outdoor gear, bikes lights
• Purcell Trench Mfg — Addy, WA —ultra-lightweight camping grills and tarp shelters
• REI — Kent, Washington — outdoor equipment  (only selected products – see their “Made In USA” section)
• TarpTent —Redwood City, CA —ultralight, mobile shelters made with US materials in Seattle, WA
• Tektite —Trenton,NJ — LED flashlights and lanterns, divelights, and marker lights

Bikes Made In The U.S.

• Ahearne — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• A.N.T. Bicycles — Holliston, Massachusetts — bicycles, bicycle accessories
• Bilenky Cycle Works — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — bicycles
• Brooklyn Machine Works — Brooklyn, New York — bicycles
• Calfee Design — La Selva Beach, California — bicycles
• Courage Bicycle MFG Co. — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Cygolite  — bike lights
• Davidson — Seattle, Washington — bicycles
• Fast Boy Cycles — New York, New York — bicycles
• Gunnar Cycles — Waterford, Wisconsin — bicycle frames
• Hufnagel — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Independent Fabrication — Somerville, Massachusetts — bicycles
• Ira Ryan Cycles — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• J.P. Weigle — Lyme, Connecticut — bicycles
• Lightspeed — Chattanooga, Tennessee — bicycles
• MAP — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Metrofiets — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Moots Cycles — Steamboat Springs, Colorado — bicycles
• NiteRider  — bike lights
• Outlier — Brooklyn, New York — cycling clothing
• Pereira — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Phil Wood —San Jose, California — bicycle components
• Princeton Tec — bikes lights
• Richard Sachs Cycles — Chester, Connecticut — bicycles
• Seven Cycles — Watertown, Massachusetts — bicycles
• Signal Cycles — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Six-Eleven Bicycle Co. — Roanoke, Virginia — Bicycles
• Steelman Cycles — Redwood City, California — bicycles
• Strawberry — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Tet Cycles — West Branch, Iowa — bicycles
• Townsend Bicycles — Monrovia, California — bicycles
• Waterford Precision Bicycles — Waterford, Wisconsin — bicycle frames
• Worksmen Bicycles — Queens, New York — bicycles

The post A List Of Goods Still Made In The USA appeared first on Reactual.

• The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: Ultimate Ears UE Boom 2
• The Best Bluetooth Speaker for Sound Quality: FUGOO
• The Best Indoor Bluetooth Speaker: Bose SoundLink Color

The Details

The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: Ultimate Ears UE Boom 2

Pros: Waterproof, rugged, great battery life, impressive sound, lightweight

Cons: playback controls occasionally unresponsive

A favorite pick of top tech magazines, the UE Boom 2 is a remake of the popular, original UE Boom.  Although just over 1 lb., the compact, cylindrical speaker projects a loud, clear sound with deep bass in all directions.  Unlike many delicate tech gadgets, these speakers were meant to be taken outside – the outer shell is resilient, rugged and made to withstand dings and dents.  It’s not just water-resistant – it’s waterproof – and can be submerged in over three feet of water for up to 30 minutes.  The rechargeable battery lasts an impressive 15 hours, perfect for a weekend camping trip with a group of friends.  The UE Boom 2 also offers a variety of other features, including the ability to sync with a second UE speaker for even more sound, intuitive app features, and a variety of color options to suit any style.

The UE Boom 2 is available at Amazon for around $200.

The Best Bluetooth Speaker for Sound Quality: FUGOO

Pros: Powerful sound, excellent battery life, durable design, customizable “jackets”

Cons:  Does not give visual cues on volume or battery life, changing jackets requires some dis-assembly

According to TechRadar, the FUGOO Bluetooth speaker is one of the industry’s best-kept secrets.  Although some high-end Bluetooth speakers from well-known brands, such as Bowers & Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen, Sony, Marshall Kilburn, and Bose, may boast of higher quality sound, many of these are not realistically portable, or likely to be used as portable speakers, due to their size, weight, and price tag.  However, the FUGOO is a true portable speaker at a little under 1.5 pounds, and includes a durable core and different exterior “jackets” depending on the purpose and environment.  Specifically, the core is itself a rugged machine capable of handling dings, dents, and spills.  The “style” jacket offers additional protection and a streamlined silhouette.  The “sport” and “tough” jackets offer additional protection.  The speaker sound is exceptional; music lovers will be astounded by the depth and clarity of the sound produced via its six drivers, including two tweeters, two mid/sub drivers, and two passive radiators.  The FUGOO also offers an unbelievable 40 hours of continuous battery life.

The FUGOO does have some small drawbacks.  Its streamlined, minimal visual design only indicates whether the machine is turned on or off.  All other cues are voice-activated, which means a simple glance to check the volume level or battery life is not possible.  Additionally, the jackets are not easily interchangeable.  Although the “style” jacket slides and locks in, the other jackets require a little more assembly; many reviews noted changing jackets was frustrating and somewhat confusing.

The FUGOO Bluetooth speaker is available on Amazon for $178 to $230, depending on jacket type.

The post The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers appeared first on Reactual.

The Details

Microsoft Surface Book is a top-of-the line high performance laptop that houses a 6th Gen 2.4GHz Intel Core i5 processor and runs a NVIDIA GeForce GPU with 8GB memory and a 256GB solid state drive.

The Surface Book specs are good enough that TechRadar dubbed it both the world’s most powerful and thinnest laptop of 2016 running Windows 10 PC. The 15″ MacBook Pro has similar computing power, but the flashy Surface Book (.51″) is still thinner than its equally-powered Apple competition (.71″).

In addition to being thin and powerful, the Surface Book comes equipped with the the latest in touchscreen technology and connectivity.  It’s 13.5″ screen has 3,000 x 2,000 (267 ppi) PixelSense Dispaly on a “dynamic fulcrum” hinge that can swivel around and detach to become a tablet. A very responsive Surface Pen allows users to take notes, sign documents, draw, and play games. Its 8 megapixel auto-focus camera displays at 1080p HD.

Microsoft promises that the Surface Book has a 12 hour battery life, but many users report that the real battery life lasted between 7 and 8 hours of continuous usage and web browsing. The laptop is also criticized for having just one gigabyte of video memory. It is also a bit heavier than similarly sized ultrabooks, weighing 3.5lbs. Overall, the futuristic look, hybrid functionality, and killer specs of the Surface Book offsets these deficits.

The Microsoft Surface Book is available for around $1,800.

Another Option

Tech companies first offered ultrabooks such as the Surface Book in response to Apple’s thin, sleek laptops. Currently, the MacBook Pro 12″ is the thinnest Apple laptop. It is .51 inches, which is just as thin as the Surface Book. At 2.38lbs, the MacBook is lighter, though its specs are not as good.

The post The Thinnest Laptop appeared first on Reactual.

The Details

Typically, 60% of the chlorine that most people absorb daily comes from showering or bathing in chlorinated water. Chlorine damages your hair and skin. Bath water also contains things like heavy metals and VOCs (volitive organic compounds). Ideally, all these things should all be filtered out.

Vitamin C Tablets or Powder

Vitamin C tablets or Vitamin C powder will remove 99% of free chlorine and 99% of chloramines from bath water. Chloramine or NH₂Cl (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) is now commonly being used in place of chlorine for disinfection, but chloramine is not easily removed from water. However, Vitamin C can neutralize 99% of the chloramines from water. To back this up, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission now states on their website that only Vitamin C can be used to remove chlormaines from municipal water. Here is the quote from the Commission:

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has recently been included in AWWA Standard (AWWA, 2005b) as one of the methods for dechlorination of disinfected water mains. SFPUC and other utilities have used Vitamin C for dechlorination prior to environmental discharges of chlorinated and chloraminated water. Since ascorbic acid is weakly acidic, the pH of water may decrease slightly (Tikkanen et al., 2001). Ascorbic acid has been used for a long time as one of the dechlorinating agents for preservation of chlorinated or chloraminated water samples for laboratory analysis.

The full document can be found here.

Vitamin C tablets are slight more convenient since the some in measured amounts (tablets) and they also “fizz” to release the Vitamin C. However, Vitamin C powder is quite a bit less expensive overall.

One More Option

The post The Best Bath Filters appeared first on Reactual.

KitchenAid Artisan Mixers

Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (from 2037+ reviewers)

Since 1919, KitchenAid classic mixer have been assembled by hand in Greenville, Ohio. The KitchenAid mixer is one of a few consumer appliances trademarked specifically for its unique shape!

Buy on Amazon for about $267.

Lodge Logic Skillet

Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (from 901+ reviewers)

Lodge Cast Iron remains a family owned, family operated business in Tennessee. Lodge’s cast iron pans are known for their extreme durability. There are 100-year-old Lodge pans still in use in kitchens today!

Buy on Amazon for about $21.

Groom Mate Noise Hair Trimmer

Average Rating: 3.9 out of 5 (from 578+ reviewers)

The Groom Mate Nose Hair Trimmer is made with brushed stainless steel. The trimmer doesn’t require any batteries — instead you twist the bottom with a gentle motion, and the rotary blades cut ear or nose hair without the risk of injury. It comes with a lifetime “no questioned asked” guarantee.

Priced at $18.88 from Amazon.

Wahl Clipper

Average Rating: 4.1 out of 5 (from 335+ reviewers)

Wahl has been making hair clippers since 1919, and they are still making their clippers in Sterling, Illinois.

Buy on Amazon for about $30.

Weber Kettle Grill

Average Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (from 178+ reviewers)

Weber, founded in 1893, still manufactures their classic grills in Palatine, Illinois.

Buy on Amazon for about $100.

Kahtoola Microspike Ice Cleats

Average Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (from 126+ reviewers)

Made by Kahtoola, a small company in Arizona, these Microspikes are ice cleats that attach firmly to your shoes, and require no special buckles or straps. The spikes constructed of hardened stainless steel. The Kahtoola company founders say:

Nearly every one of our products is designed and developed in-house, but we take it one step further – a large portion of our production is also kept in-house as well.

The Kahtoola MICROspikes are available from Amazon for $55.

1888 Mills 100% Organic Cotton Towel Set

Average Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (from 80+ reviewers)

Made by the last operating terry producing mill in the United States, these bath towels are made with 100% organic cotton.

Buy on Amazon for about $60.

Correlle Dinnerware

Average Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (from 75+ reviewers)

Corelle dinnerware is made with Vitrelle, a laminated tempered glass product, which is very durable and stain-resistant. A Corelle plate is created like a sandwich — a glass core is thermally bonded to two layers of glass glaze. The bonded layers give Corelle its strength, allowing it to be much thinner than other dinnerware. Introduced by Corning Glass Works in 1970, it is now manufactured and sold by World Kitchen.

Correlle Dinnerware is available from Amazon for about $46 per set.

Fischer Space Pen

Average Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (from 77+ reviewers)

A classic American product, the Space Pen can write at any angle, in outer space, and in temperatures ranging from -30F to 250F.  Each Fisher Space Pen is precision assembled, hand tested, and carries an lifetime guarantee.

Buy on Amazon for about $16.

Pyrex Bowls

Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (from 50+ reviewers)

Pyrex is another brand of tempered glass products that are renowned for their durability. Their glass bakeware products are to be found in an estimated 80% of American homes. The Pyrex brand was introduced by Corning Incorporated in 1915. Today, Pyrex is owned by World Kitchen, and Pyrex glass products are manufactured in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. Recently, there has been lot of rumors circulating about Pyrex products. The rumors suggest the following: Pyrex products made with inferior materials and are prone to breakage, and the Pyrex products now manufactured in China. However, this long article on the myth-busting website Snopes.Com, concludes that the rumors are false.

Pyrex Bowls are available from Amazon. $15 for a set of 3.

Granite Ware Oven Roaster

Average Rating: 4.2 out of 5 (from 44+ reviewers)

Granite Ware roasters are rated a “Best Buy” by Cooks Illustrated. Granite Ware has been made in Illinois since the 1870s. The company was created by Frederick G. and William Niedringhaus — they discovered an enamelware process whereby metal utensils could be coated with enamel to make them lighter and more resistant to oxidation.

Buy on Amazon for about $18.

Microplane Professional Grater

Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (from 36+ reviewers)

The Microplane rasp was invented in 1990 by brothers Richard and Jeff Grace in Russellville, Arkansas. They originally produced the rasp as a woodworking tool, and it took four years before people started using it in the kitchen as a grater (you can read the whole story in this New York Times article).

The Microplane Grate is made with surgical grade stainless steel. The microplane teeth are particularly sharp because the edges are created with ferric chloride instead of stamping.

The Microplane Professional Grater is available at Amazon for about $14.

American Kitchen Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (from 35+ reviewers)

This cookware set from American Kitchen is made in Regal Ware’s West Bend, Wisconsin facility. The dinnerware features a biodegradable “eco-satin” nonstick surface (PFOA-free). The dinnerware is guarantee for life.

Buy on Amazon for about $170.

Zeroll Ice Cream Scoop

Average Rating: 4.9 out of 5 (from 29+ reviewers)

The Zeroll Ice Cream Scoop was invented by Sherman Kelly in Florida in 1935, and the design has remained virtually unchanged since then. Kelly’s innovation was simple but effective — the scoop contains liquid freon inside, which is warmed by the user’s hand, allowing the scoop to slice through ice cream like butter. The one-piece, die-cast aluminum scoop is still made in Fort Pierce, Florida, and it is known for lasting decades. Just don’t wash it in a dishwasher — the high heat causes the freon to leak out.

The Zeroll Ice Cream Dipper is available from Amazon for about $17.

The Complete First Aid Kit

Average Rating: 4.9 out of 5 (from 29+ reviewers)

It’s a complete first aid kit made in the U.S. in a FDA approved facility.

Buy on Amazon for about $25.

Rada Cutlery Set

Average Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (from 25+ reviewers)

Rada Cutlery is a small company in Iowa that has been making knives since 1948. Their knives are constructed with a high carbon surgical stainless steel, and they feature dual serrations and hollow-ground blades. This construction is aimed to ensure a sharp cutting edge for years. Rada offers a lifetime warranty on all their cutlery.

Buy on Amazon for about $37.

Le Creuset Spatula Set

Average Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (from 22+ reviewers)

Despite the French name, these spatulas are made in the U.S. They are made with silicone, and are pthalate-free.

Buy on Amazon for about $25.

Estwing Hammer

Average Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (from 16+ reviewers)

Estwing is a company in Rockford, Illinois that has been forging tools since 1923. It was the first company to make an all-steel hammer that is forged in one piece, according to the manufacturing manager Dan Eisman. Before this time, hammer heads were forged separately, and attached to a handle. The hammer’s leather grip was added in 1930, and has remain popular due to its classical good looks and durability.

The Estwing Hammer is available from Amazon for around $28.

New Balance Classic Heritage Running Shoes

Average Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (from 25+ reviewers)

New Balance is one of the few companies still manufacturing running shoes in the U.S.

The company says:

One out of every four pair of shoes sold in the U.S. is made or assembled in the U.S. by our U.S. workforce using U.S. and imported materials. When possible, we obtain materials from domestic suppliers. At times, due to availability, economic or quality reasons, there is a need to import components from foreign sources.

Where the domestic value is at least 70%, we have labeled the shoe “Made in the USA.” Where it falls below 70%, we have qualified the label referencing domestic and imported materials

You can see their full “American-Made” line here.

Buy the New Balance Classic Heritage Running Shoes on Amazon for $25 – $84.

Other good sources of American-Made products: Need Supply, REI (Made In USA products), Filson, Carhartt, Orvis.

The post 20 Highly Rated Home Goods Made In The U.S.A. appeared first on Reactual.

Rada Cutlery is a small company in Iowa that has been making knives since 1948. Their knives are constructed with a high carbon surgical stainless steel, and they feature dual serrations and hollow-ground blades. This construction is aimed to ensure a sharp cutting edge for years. Rada offers a lifetime warranty on all their cutlery.

Featured here is their Tomato Slicer — over sixty Amazon buyers rated this knife an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s available from Amazon for $6.40.

You can also find a Rada gift set for $43.

The post Buy It For Life: The Rada Tomato Slicer appeared first on Reactual.

Features to look for in a folding bike are weight, compactness, ease and speed of the fold, and components. In general folding bikes use either  16″ or 20″ wheels, though there are some with 24″ or 700c wheels. The 20″ wheels are a more standard size and ride more like a traditional bike, while the 16″ wheels provide more compactness. What may have started off as a novelty has now grown into a full-fledged segment of the bicycle market, with more and more manufacturers popping up and traditional bike makers producing their own version of a folding bike.

After surveying reviews from sources such as NYCeWheels, BikeForums.net, Commute By Bike, Bicycle Quarterly, Folding Bikes Blog, and Bike Radar, we’ve come up a list of the top rated folding bikes available for 2011:

Dahon Mu P8 Folding Bike ($700)

Pros:

• Lightweight aluminum frame; upgraded components
• Versatile for commuting or weekend rides
• 20″ wheels, 8 speeds, rides fast and efficient
• Simple folding in 15 seconds

Cons:

• Not the smallest folding bike
• Some may prefer the rigidity of a steel frame for commuting

Top Review Sources:

• NYCeWheels: “Great Value”
• Folding Bikes Blog: “A nimble, attractive and exceptionally fun ride with superb acceleration.”

Dahon is a maker of some of the lightest and most efficient folding bikes as well as the best selling. The Dahon Mu P8 has been a popular choice for commuters over the years and the 2011 model features some nice upgrades including faster Schwalbe tires, stronger rims, and a front luggage truss that allows for simple placement of a bag or basket.

The handlebar can be raised for an upright ride or lowered for a more aggressive feel. Located inside the seat post is a tire pump. Weighing in at 24.7 pounds, the bike can be folded quickly (some even claim with one hand) and carried up stairs or onto public transportation. Folded size is 11.7″ x 30.8″ x 25.7″.

The Dahon Mu P8 folding bike is available on Amazon.

Brompton M3L Folding Bike ($1,270)

Pros:

• Most compact folding bike
• Award winning European design with innovative luggage system
• Internal hub for low maintenance
• Front and rear fenders

Cons:

• Pricey
• Many don’t like the dual pivot brakes
• 3 gears could be limiting for some

Top Review Sources:

• NYCeWheels: “Folds with great ease and forms a small package.”
• Folding Bikes Blog: “Well-built, all-purpose bike”
• Commute By Bike: “Ingenious and elegant; rides well”

When one thinks of folding bikes, the name Brompton immediately comes to mind. Brompton bikes are handcrafted in England and are best for those looking for compact storage, portability, and quick folding all while maintaining an aesthetic design. The M3L is Brompton’s most popular model, though what’s great about the company is that no bike is standard. You can custom build your bike with options such as gearing (up to 6), frame, and color.

Brompton bike frames are steel which makes for a stable commute. The M3L weighs 24 pounds. If you’re looking for the lightest folding bike, Brompton offers a titanium frame which shaves about 3-4 pounds off the bike, but does add quite a bit to the price tag. Brompton also offers a wide array of accessories to increase the efficiency and functionality of a Brompton, including Eazy Wheels which can turn your Brompton into a shopping cart. Bromptons can carry up to 242 pounds.

To find a Brompton dealer near you visit their website or you can order directly from NYCeWheels.

Pacific Cycles IF Reach Folding Bike ($1,550)

Pros:

• Speedy integrated folding design
• Rolls while folded
• Front and rear suspension
• 9 speed drivetrain, 20″ wheels

Cons:

• Relatively heavy (26 lbs.)

Top Review Sources:

• Bicycle Quarterly: “A penchant for both pavement and dirt riding.”
• NYCeWheels: “Pacific bikes are practical and stylish.”

Pacific Cycles is an innovator in folding bike design. Their recent IF Mode folding bike has turned heads and won awards, though it won’t win any awards for affordability. The IF Reach model comes down a bit in price and is best for those who desire the look and feel of a more traditional bike with the convenience of a quick folding design.

What sets the Pacific folding bike apart is the dual suspension that translates well from the road to the trail or would be great for those with a rough commute, though this does add to the weight. These bikes are meant to be wheeled away, not carried, so they work well for public transit, but may not be the best for apartment dwellers or if you need to carry your bike up stairs.

The Pacific IF Reach folding bike is available on Amazon.

Xootr Swift Folding Bike ($749)

Pros:

• Lightweight (22 lbs.), aluminum frame
• Rides like a traditional bike, 8 speeds, 20″ inch wheels
• Folds in 5-10 seconds
• Rugged, built for NYC streets

Cons:

• Pedals and saddle may need to be upgraded
• Not the most compact when folded

Top Review Sources:

• Commute By Bike: “awesome for commuting, training, fun rides, errands, and it’s folding capabilities makes this bike worth the money”
• Bicycle Times: “Excels in rideability”

Born in Brooklyn, the Swift folding bike saw a cult following by NYC commuters for many years before Xootr, maker of kick scooters, began manufacturing the Xootr Swift folding bike. Designed primarily for performance on the road, the Xootr Swift rides like a hybrid bike. Though you won’t get the compactness of a Brompton, it is lightweight for hand carry.

The Swift offers flexibility in components. You can make it a fixie, add an internal hub, change out the tires, get different handlebars, etc. You can also add fenders and pannier racks with ample cargo space behind the seat post. Xootr offers different size frames, which is unusual for folding bikes. Also comes in silver.

The Xootr Swift Folding Bike can be ordered through the Xootr website.

Bike Friday Tikit ‘Model T’ Folding Bike ($1,275)

Top Review Sources

• Bike Radar: “Quick and easy fold, and a good ride quality”
• NYCeWheels: “A joy to ride, fold, and own”

Bike Friday is a specialty manufacturer of folding bikes based in Oregon who are fast becoming America’s version of the Brompton. With a loyal customer base, Bike Friday owners say that these folding bikes handle better than Bromptons, have a better braking system (V brakes), and fold faster. Though Brompton has them beat on compactness.

The ‘Model T’ version of the Tikit is Bike Friday’s most affordable folding bike. They offer custom made bikes in a variety of styles including touring, road and commuting. You can also upgrade to an internal Nexus hub. Like Bromptons, the Bike Friday comes in a variety of colors.

The Bike Friday folding bike can be ordered directly from their website.

Dahon Eco C6 Folding Bike ($380)

Pros:

• Best folding bike under $500
• 20″ wheels- for a traditional bike feel
• 6 speeds for hill climbs
• Fenders included

Cons:

• On the heavy side (27 lbs.)

Top Review Sources:

• NYCeWheels: “An economical solution for casual weekend rides or basic transportation around town”
• Amazon: 4.7 out of 5 stars, based on 3 customer reviews

Even those on a budget can benefit from the convenience of a folding bike with the Dahon Eco C6. Most folding bikes under $500 are too heavy, which can defeat the purpose. The Eco C6 is the lightest budget folding bike currently available. Best for those looking for a fun ride to get around town or run errands without spending too much. A rear rack can be added for cargo storage. The 2011 model comes in red.

The Dahon Eco C6 is available on Amazon.

The post The Top Rated Folding Bikes appeared first on Reactual.

• Intego VirusBarrier X6 ($48)
• Norton Antivirus 11.1 for Mac ($42)
• Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac ($33)
• PC Tools iAntiVirus (Free)
• Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition (Free)

While the amount of spyware targeting Mac operating systems is dramatically less than the volume of malicious software targeting Windows, an increasing number of threats today take aim at applications—like browsers and multimedia platforms—that are not platform-specific. In other words, Mac users are often as vulnerable to modern malware as Windows users. For Apple users who dual boot with Windows or share files between PCs and Macs, anti-malware protection is even more important. Two companies, Symantec and Intego, offer dual-protection products for users who run both Windows and OS X on their Macs (see reviews below).

If you are interested in securing a Mac computer, I highly recommend The Mac Security Superguide by The Editors at Macworld. It’s a easy-to-read guide that cover all aspects of security on your Mac.

After a review of sites such as About.com, Amazon, Macworld, PC-Site.co.uk, CNET’s Download.com, TechRadar, and SecureMac.com, we have pinpointed the five highest rated anti-spyware utilities for Mac. (Remember: Don’t run more than one anti-malware utility at the same time; it will cause many more problems than it will solve.)

Intego VirusBarrier X6 ($48)

Pros:

• Detects both Mac and Windows malware
• Firewall included
• iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch scanning
• Free email support

Cons:

• Cost
• No phone or chat support

Source Details:

• About.com: 5.0/5.0 “the most full featured Mac-focused security solution available on the market today”
• About.com’s Best Mac Antivirus – Readers’ Choice Awards: 1^st Place (59% of votes)
• Amazon.com: 3.5/5.0 (8 reviews)
• CNET: “A robust solution”

Intego VirusBarrier X6 includes a firewall plus anti-phishing and anti-spyware features, making it a robust solution for those willing to pay its relatively high price. Also included is access to Intego’s customer service team, something that free anti-malware suites don’t offer. VirusBarrier X6 scans for Windows and Mac threats, and you have the option of disabling Windows threat monitoring if need be. Reviewers generally find VirusBarrier X6 to be light on its feet—it doesn’t drag down system performance. And because Intego is a Mac-focused company, updates for new Mac threats are quickly issued. An added bonus: VirusBarrier X6 includes scan options for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

Intego VirusBarrier X6 (2-User) is available on Amazon.

Norton Antivirus 11.1 for Mac ($42)

Pros:

• Leader in Internet security for Windows
• Doesn’t slow down computer
• Free email and chat support

Cons:

• Cost (Additional cost to detect Windows malware)
• No firewall
• No free phone support

Source Details:

• Macworld: 4.5/5.0 “a great option for anyone who is looking for a ‘set it and forget it’ antivirus program”
• PC Magazine: 4.5/5.0 “A top-notch antivirus with impressive bonuses”
• About.com’s Best Mac Antivirus – Readers’ Choice Awards: 3^rd Place (12% of votes)
• PC-Site.co.uk : 3.5/5.0 “one of the best options out there”

Norton Antivirus 11.1 for Mac is produced by the same company that offers the best-selling PC anti-malware utilities. Given the company’s focus on Windows, some reviewers think Norton Antivirus 11.1 for Mac comes off as an afterthought, but most find the product’s protection to be effective. In the past, Norton Antivirus has been criticized for dragging down system performance—a problem it seems to have largely overcome in this latest edition. For an additional cost, you can purchase Norton AntiVirus Dual Protection for Mac ($70), which includes Windows-compatible anti-malware features. Antivirus 11.1 for Mac does not include a firewall, but because OS X already has a basic firewall, this is not necessarily a demerit.

Amazon sells both Norton Antivirus 11.1 for Mac and Norton AntiVirus Dual Protection for Mac.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac ($33)

Pros:

• Free phone, email, and chat support
• Detects both Mac and Windows malware
• Flexible scanning options

Cons:

• Not full-featured

Source Details:

• PC Magazine: 3.5/5.0 “independent labs consistently put it at or near the top”
• Amazon.com: 4.0/5.0 (4 reviews)
• Macworld UK: 3.0/5.0
• About.com’s Best Mac Antivirus – Readers’ Choice Awards: 4^th Place (4% of votes)

Kaspersky has a solid track record making Windows anti-malware utilities. The company’s Anti-Virus for Mac will detect and eliminate both Mac and Windows threats. The product consumes few resources while operating in the background; part of the reason could be that it lacks the full set of features—firewall, link screening, resource monitoring—found in its Windows counterparts. Its ability to detect and repair malware is, however, highly regarded. Of the three paid anti-malware utilities here, Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac is the least expensive.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac is for sale on Amazon.

PC Tools iAntiVirus (Free)

Pros:

• Free for personal use
• Flexible scanning options
• Simple, low-profile interface

Cons:

• Does not detect Windows malware
• No phone, email, or chat support

Source Details:

• PC Magazine: 4.0/5.0 “Very Good”
• About.com: 4.5/5.0 “[provides] exactly the features you’d expect…as unobtrusively as possible”
• CNET: 4.0/5.0 “iAntiVirus is able to maintain a lower profile on your system by focusing on Mac threats only”
• TechRadar: 3.5/5.0 “Easy to install and use”

PC Tools iAntiVirus wins praise for its simplicity and low system impact. This free software does a good job of finding and removing malware aimed at Macs, but it will not pick up malware in files that can be shared with PCs. While this may be a deal-breaker for those looking for cross-platform protection, the upside is that iAntiVirus consumes few system resources and is easy to use. As with the other anti-malware utilities reviewed here, iAntiVirus keeps itself automatically updated and monitors your computer in real time.

PC Tools iAntiVirus is available through the manufacturer’s website.

Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition (Free)

Pros:

• Free for personal use
• Detects both Mac and Windows malware
• Email alerts if malware is found
• No advertising

Cons:

• No phone, email, or chat support
• No firewall

Source Details:

• About.com: 5.0/5.0 “offers more complete scanning than most of its competitors”
• Download.com user reviews: 3.5/5.0 (18 reviews)
• SecureMac.com: 5.0/5.0 “more than what is expected from free applications”

Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition is the free edition of SophosLabs’ paid, corporate anti-malware program. Unlike many free editions of software, Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition doesn’t interrupt you with constant solicitations to upgrade to a paid version. If you run both Mac and Windows operating systems on your computer, or if you share files with Windows users, you’ll appreciate Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition’s ability to detect and repair threats to both platforms. Sophos Anti-Virus also provides you with a great deal of scanning flexibility, offering real-time and on-demand scans with options for exclusion. The program lacks some of the bells and whistles of some paid programs, and Sophos does not provide any official customer support.

Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition is available through the manufacturer’s website.

The post The Top Rated Anti-Spyware Utilities For Macs appeared first on Reactual.