We’ve done a lot of research on outdoor apparel and gear made in the USA, and when we found FORLOH in late 2020, we knew they were something special. All of their technical apparel is 100% American made; they just seem to be doing it the right way.
So, we knew we wanted to reach out for an interview at some point to hear their story. Finally, we were able to get in touch with Andy Techmanski, the founder of FORLOH, and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this amazing American manufacturer.
Below is FORLOH’s story told from Andy’s perspective. Our questions are marked with “AAO,” and Andy’s responses have an “AT” beside them. We hope you enjoy reading more about this wonderful company! I know we certainly did.
Behind the Scenes of FORLOH
AAO: Give us a look inside the history of FORLOH. How did y’all grow up into the company you are today?
AT: FORLOH was born out of frustration. As a hunter who spends a lot of time in extreme environments, I was tired of gear that couldn’t last a single season. I was a lineman in the electrical industry for years, a job where you learn a lot about what clothing works and what doesn’t under demanding conditions. I realized there was a huge gap in the market for hunting apparel that was not only durable and technically superior but also made right here in the United States.
We launched in mid-2020, and then COVID hit. It was a moment where everything could have unraveled, especially since I had invested millions to get us to that point. But we adapted quickly. We realized our factories were perfectly suited to make medical isolation gowns, and for about five months, FORLOH became one of the largest medical isolation gown manufacturers in the country, making over five million gowns. That experience was a testament to our ingenuity and determination, and we’ve kept that problem-solving mindset ever since.
AAO: What made you want to get started?
AT: I wanted to do more for the outdoor industry, but I also wanted to prove to everyone that it was possible to make a superior product right here at home. It wasn’t about beating the competition; it was about showing that the rebirth of American manufacturing was possible. My goal was to create a blueprint that other companies could follow. More than anything, it was about winning the trust of the consumer—the person heading into the wild who needs to know that their gear won’t fail them.
AAO: How many U.S. based employees do you have and in what locations?
AT: Our commitment to ‘Made in America’ is more than just a tagline—it’s a job creation engine. We’re proud to have a small, but mighty team of 13 employees distributed across nine states, from our five-person hub in Whitefish, Montana, to our home base in Tennessee.
But our impact extends far beyond our own payroll. Through our network of 60 U.S. partner companies, we’ve generated thousands of American jobs, creating over 3,500 jobs across the nation in our supply chain alone. We’re not just selling products; we’re investing directly in American communities.
Our Favorite FORLOH Products
Below is some of our favorite FORLOH gear along with some notes on each one from Andy and team.
Men’s BTM Pro Jacket
AT: Made in America, FORLOH’s new BTM Pro Jacket combines a durable, military-grade nylon/cotton ripstop fabric with the option to add a paraffin wax bar treatment to deliver genuine ‘Brush To Mountain’ (BTM) protection. Designed for layering and a perfect shoulder season style, the BTM Jacket offers wind resistance and water repellency while ventilating body moisture. The sleeves are pre-shaped for a better, more comfortable fit and the cuffs can be adjusted using the low profile snap closures. The YKK AquaGuard front zipper to keep weather out is also protected by a flap secured with press buttons at the chin, chest, and hem. The BTM Wax Cotton Jacket also features an adjustable hood. Storage options are numerous with two vertical chest pockets and two side pockets, all equipped with zippers featuring oversized zip pulls for easy operation while wearing gloves. Additionally, there are two spacious internal pockets suitable for storing items like gloves or hats. The hem can be adjusted using a drawcord for a customizable fit.
Women’s BTM (Brush to Mountain) Pro Pant
AT: Crafted to endure harsh terrain, BTM Pro Pants are entirely sourced and made in the USA with a waxed nylon & cotton blend ripstop fabric that is water and tear-resistant. Although rugged and durable, the pants also offer breathability, ease of movement, and comfort features.
Built to move, there is 4-way stretch fabric paneling placed throughout the pants allowing better movement and zippered side vents for temperature and moisture regulation, all while strategic reinforcements of ripstop in high-abrasion areas enhance durability exactly where you need it. Two knee pad pockets to insert optional molded knee pads give additional protection. There are carry and customization options throughout the garment with multiple pockets, snap cuff, leg adjustments.
SolAir Long Sleeve Hooded Tech Mesh Shirt
AT: A go-to technical layer for summer scouting, early season glassing, or long days on the water. Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, the SolAir Hooded Tech Mesh offers complete UV and odor protection with built-in cooling minerals.
A Mission Driven Company Run By Real Outdoorsmen
AAO: What do your customers love most about FORLOH and your products?
AT: Our customers appreciate the fact that we are a genuine word-of-mouth brand. We don’t spend huge amounts on paid media to buy attention. Instead, we focus on organic growth and building customer loyalty through a direct-to-consumer model. This allows us to offer a “white-glove experience” where I’m personally involved in customer communication. Our customers know they can reach out to a founder who is also an avid outdoorsman, spending over 120 days a year in the field using the very products we make. They trust that when they buy FORLOH, they’re getting a product from a brand with a soul and a mission they believe in.
AAO: What makes your products unique vs. the competition?
AT: Our uniqueness comes down to our three pillars:
- 100% USA Made: We’re the only hunting and fishing apparel brand that’s fully made in the USA.
- Tech Innovation: We only use the newest and most innovative technologies in textiles, with zero compromises. For example, our cold-weather insulation pieces use Trizar, a certified space technology used to insulate astronauts.
- Built to Last: We build our gear to its fullest potential, making it as durable and robust as possible. We make zero concessions on quality.
The Future
AAO: What gets you excited about the future of FORLOH? Where are you headed?
AT: The future is all about growth, both for the company and for the movement we’ve started. I recently acquired Divide Gun Company and am actively looking at other premium USA-made brands. The goal is to build a USA-made outdoor conglomerate of brands that enhance the outdoor experience and complement each other. We are also always pushing the boundaries of technology, with our eyes on innovations like automation in manufacturing and even space-age textiles, to ensure FORLOH will be ready for whatever new frontiers our customers want to explore.
Big thank you to Andy and team for sharing the FORLOH story – very inspirational. We wish you the best of luck in the future and look forward to seeing FORLOH grow to new heights.
