Simplified: Paxton Alsgaard and Jeff Hayward became fast friends through outdoor adventures while working at a Boy Scout camp. Today, their company, Dakota Adventure Supply, makes heirloom-quality gear made in South Dakota, with the goal of bringing people together.
Why is this important
- Alsgaard and Hayward – both Eagle Scouts – have strong connections to nature and the friendships they made during their outdoor adventures. That camaraderie is at the heart from Dakota Adventure Supply.
- There is also a focus on sustainability and ensuring products are made in the USA. All products are made in South Dakota in partnership with Aerostar and WeStitchStuff, and the company recently achieved green certification by local nonprofit Building Sustainable Connections.
- In addition to quality products, Dakota Adventure Supply's business is based on the importance of community and connection. One way to encourage this is to Fellowship bag – an early prototype of their Adventure Tote that customers can borrow, go on an adventure and leave their mark with a patch.
“We're at an age where we reflect on our life experiences and the things that stand out are the experiences we have with other people,” Hayward said.
Tell me more about the products
Dakota Adventure Supply's flagship product is the Adventure 44 Tote – a durable, versatile, and functional gear hauler with vintage camp and Midwest-inspired styling.
Cool features include:
- a three-set strap system designed to carry any type of load,
- durable canvas,
- capacity to hold 44 liters (hence the “44” in the name),
- made in South Dakota.
“If you look at the big brands like North Face, Patagonia, any big brand, a lot of it is not made in the United States,” Alsgaard said.
The Dakota Adventure offer also has a accessory pouch made from scrap materials generated during the making of the adventure tote.
Are there other products in the pipeline?
You bet. Dakota Adventure Supply has three big things to come.
- The first is a waxed canvas version of the adventure toteintended to add a little more durability and waterproofing.
- Meanwhile, the company is developing its next large-scale textile good – a oilcloth camp blanket which will roll up and can also be used as a rack to carry things like firewood, camping gear or whatever you bring to the picnic.
- Dakota Adventure Supply is also working with a journeyman blacksmith in Beresford on an extremely limited run of a personalized and hand forged hunting knife based on old-fashioned camping knives.
Additionally, if you go to Pheasant Fest March 1-3, you'll see a prototype of a smaller tote with a shoulder strap as well as a limited edition flamboyant orange adventure tote. Plus, check out prototypes of the new products listed above.
How can I find out more?
You can view more photos and purchase products at Dakota Adventure Supply Website.
And if you want to stay informed of new products, sign up for their email newsletter and follow them Instagram.
