Being a skilled Union laborer, you know that the right gear is necessary to execute your work to the best of your ability.
Union members are often called upon for the biggest projects, the steepest challenges in the most rugged environments. You need tough gear that can hang in there with you until the job is done right.
Tough laborers need tough gear.
Durable gear… quality gear…or as we call it – Tough Gear – can be hard to find and run a little steep on the price tag. But it’s worth it to invest in a product that you know is going to perform at the highest level on a consistent basis.
No matter where the job takes you, union workers are always willing to answer the call of duty. This means you can be faced with extreme heat, extreme cold, dry or wet conditions, and everything in between in these rugged environments.
Cheap gear is a detriment for tough laborers
Laborers cannot wait for the weather to be better or the conditions to be more ideal. They have a job to do. The last thing you want is for cheap gear to leave you stranded in a situation where your execution relies on the performance of the equipment you take with you—whether it’s your boots falling apart, your cooler spoiling your lunch, or a wedding ring ripping off and taking your finger with it! Working with unreliable, cheap gear can cause massive inconvenience, or worse, injury.
Tough gear is always there for you – no added anxiety of worrying about something breaking or not working as it’s expected to. Reliability is never a question for your tough gear – you know it’s going to show up for anything you put it through.
Gear that works hard and plays hard – just like you.
Your time off is just as valuable as the time and effort you put into your work – and it’s important your gear stays tough on those days as well. Your schedule can’t change just because there’s a “nicer” day to get out on the boat or out in the blind. You make the most of your time in season, and like a reliable guide, your gear should be ready to go when you are.
Gear that is not only durable and reliable but also easy to clean, maintain and prepare for the next adventure is important to invest in as a union laborer and sportsman.
How to find tough gear that performs well
Fortunately, finding quality, dependable, tough gear isn’t as difficult as it used to be. We always recommend starting with the tried-and-true strategy of asking for input from union vets to see what they recommend. No one is going to know better than your union brothers and sisters who have put the time in the trenches and their gear through the ringer.
Invest in tough gear from American manufacturers who support union labor. Avoid purchasing from Amazon because they are ‘convenient’ – that is a fast path to getting low-quality, cheap gear that will leave you high & dry. Put time into researching where your products come from and the hands that are putting things together.
Our tough gear recommendations
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance is grateful for our partners that help us continue our mission and support our team with top-quality, tough gear, for our busy and rugged way of life. These partners also understand and deeply value American Union Labor and are quick to offer exclusive discounts for our USA members.
Keep in mind – none of these businesses have paid us for our recommendation; we would just like to help point you in the right direction when it comes to American Owned – Union Labor supporting businesses that we have already qualified as ‘tough’ and are proud to partner with.
Thorogood
Thorogood boots cannot be beat. The level of craftsmanship found in each boot, made in the USA in union factories is what makes them impossible to beat. You can read more about their American-made work boots on their website. If you are looking to pick up a new pair of your own, make sure you head over to our online store – UnionSportsmenStore.com. We are an official retailer and partner of Thorogood Boots. Through our partnership, you will find the lowest prices, everyday, if you are logged in with your USA membership affiliated email!
Orca Coolers
Orca coolers are some of the highest-rated coolers in the states right now. Manufactured in Ohio and shipped out of Tennessee – Orca employs close to 100 Americans to help bring top quality coolers to union job sites around the country. Orca Coolers stand by the workmanship and quality of their coolers with an industry leading lifetime warranty on their hard sided coolers. If your cooler is damaged through wear and tear, Orca will happily send you a replacement.
That’s not to say their quality coolers won’t stand up to the daily use and abuse or extreme environments you might put them through. But there is no greater confidence you can have in your investment than to know that when you purchase an Orca Cooler, you are purchasing a cooler for life.
Groove Life
Groove Life is another one of our local partners based in Tennessee. Groove Life creates wedding bands that hold up in tough conditions, are safe, and easy to replace if you ever need. Plenty of styles designed right here in the USA – Groove Life employs over 170 Americans to support their growing business.
If wedding bands aren’t your thing, they also have engineered incredibly durable and comfortable belts. Two qualities it’s hard to find in tandem – the belts are made from high-quality materials with you in mind. Our own Jay Stuart says he hasn’t worn another belt since he got his. From board meetings to boating adventures – it’s a belt made for all occasions!
Let us know your tough gear recommendations
We are always looking for the toughest gear through recommendations from our members. The ones on the front-lines who are putting products through the toughest trials and environments on a daily basis. If you have any products that are a must-have on your job site, we want to know about it!
Send us a message anytime through our contact page!
