Made in VIETNAM

[Mt Al]

The sad fact is most people posting on this site are doing it with Chinese made devises.
. ,

Bingo!! Plus our boots, gloves, socks, headlamps, jackets and sometimes car/truck, etc.

I buy US made - but probably not as much as I can/should and support competition, makes everything better and I don't buy American made crap.

Hope Stone Glacier stays made here as long as possible. I'm guessing Kifaru is here to stay based on Pat's experience with his pack company years ago!

Seen it a bunch: slick "sourcing" consultant shows up, does a few test runs, then they do the press release "this allows us to better serve our customers" or some crap like that vs. "we're doing this because we don't like to manufacture because it's a pain in the butt"

 

[Kevin Dill]

I completely support anyone's desire to buy American for whatever reason they choose. I sometimes hear or see comments of a negative or derogatory nature directed at products made in other countries, but especially Asia in general. What really interests me is how many foreign made items could be found in the homes of those who speak so negatively of that. Do people check the labels on their groceries and buy only American-sourced food items? Clothing, shoes, electronics, building materials, tires, and so on....who is exclusively USA only?

 

[Huntindog45]

just out of curiousity...you are typing all this on a product made where???? probably sitting at a desk or table made in...some overseas country, .. I GUARANTEE you are wearing clothes right now made in vietnam or china.. probably 80% of what you use daily comes from an asian country. where is the line where your product/geographic boundary allegiance comes into play? just curious.

 

[Huntindog45]

What have we here? Singer 15-90 or maybe an 88 converted to electric? Nope. Japanese Clone. The United States government GAVE the Japanese the blueprints all the patant stuff etc on these machines after their surrender in WWII. Same with some other things like a couple typewriters etc- all this was an effort to get them back in the game after getting dickstomped. To rebuild there industry and economy. This machine is the bees knees. Does both silnylon and canvas duck or multiple layers of webbing and cordura equally beautifully. Its every bit the equal of the singer 15-90.

Now I made a couple jokes earlier- but I do get it. I won’t share a sidewalk with a haji- I cross the street. If they work at a business I won’t frequent it. If they walk into the restaurant where I’m eating I put cash on the table get up and leave. I’ll probably be that way forever. Unapologetically. That’s just what happens after a couple of them blow up all over you- or shoot your buddy, or blow up your truck etc etc My uncle would deeply personally offended - I mean table flipping mad- if rice was served at the same meal he was attending. But- that wasn’t my fight- and that’s duality. Just because I had and maybe still do have a cause or what have you doesn’t mean I have to take up my fathers cause or demand my son take up mine.


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My grandparents were the nicest most loving people on earth. My grandfather served on a navy vessel in the pacific theatre, came into Pearl Harbor the day after it happened and saw several of the major battles first hand. My grandma would not hurt a soul, loved everyone... but if a Japanese person came into the conversation you would not believe the racial slurs and rage that exited her mouth... I get it... for a couple year my grandfather witnessed death and war atrocities I don’t want to imagine. My grandmother suffered with all America as he was gone... luckily for us he came home. I won’t even pretend to understand what they went through.. and I certainly won’t condemn her for her feelings toward the nation that we were at war with. As far as I am concerned that generation earned the right to have whatever feelings they want toward those we were at war with.


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[Violent Hippie]

To the OP (Violent Hippie, I think?), I would like to propose a test, or challenge; call it what you want.

1. Take all of your hunting gear that you use throughout the season. Check the labels, and EVERYTHING that is not US made, set it aside. Take the remaining items that are US made, and set those in another pile. Now, research, source and purchase the items that are in the "foreign made" pile, replacing your kit with 100% US made gear. Donate your non-US made products to someone getting started out in hunting, sell them on Craigslist, whatever. But the non-US made stuff has to go.

Provide the forum a list of your now 100% US made products. I am saying this with sincerity, not sarcasm. It would be an interesting project, and I believe the OP would be the best person for it. Obviously, he believes strongly in his position and opinion. I commend that, I commend his service to our country. But if the thought of an MR pack being made overseas can kick off this much forum activity, I would like to see if the proverbial "put your money where your mouth is" can be taken one step further, and one can truly have 100% US made gear that fulfills all of the needs of a hunter -- outerwear, boots, optics, packs, water filter, stoves, knives, base layers, headlamps.....the list is long.

So, to the OP, are you up to the challenge?

No. This challenge is of no interest to me and I dont see how my original post would lead one to believe so. You could always start your own post issuing any variety of challenges .

 

[Sverimerica]

I absolutely see how the original post would spawn this idea. Anyone else?

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[Kevin Dill]

BUT seeing the word VIETNAM on it ( others have posted that its not Vietnam but they list VIETNAM on the website and on the inner pack label) bothers me.I was aware of the outsourcing and still made the purchase but when I read the label it really hit me. BAD move and I am done buying MR products.View attachment 67741

Okay, so let me be upfront and say I'm NOT down on you for your opinion. What I am curious about is why MR using Vietnam for manufacturing constitutes a bad move?

Cherry-picked from Wikipedia: "In 2016 Vietnam was our 16th largest goods trading partner with $52.3 billion in total two-way goods trade, while we are Vietnam's largest trading partner behind China."

 

[Violent Hippie]

Okay, so let me be upfront and say I'm NOT down on you for your opinion. What I am curious about is why MR using Vietnam for manufacturing constitutes a bad move?

Cherry-picked from Wikipedia: "In 2016 Vietnam was our 16th largest goods trading partner with $52.3 billion in total two-way goods trade, while we are Vietnam's largest trading partner behind China."

BAD MOVE due to first NOT being made in America anymore when the prices dont really reflect much consumer cost saving. Being "boutique" but manufacturing overseas and then keeping cost up is a greasy move IMO .I viewed MR as one of the solid pack companies that I could turn too but now its "another one bites the dust" . If they had been doing this from the beginning as many companies have it wouldnt be a matter of discussion IMO. Now on to VIETNAM. Choose India ( not that I am a fan of that either but at least they arent commies) for Christ Sake . Vietnam is a bunch of COMMIES that havnt really cleaned up their act. Again . I explained my personal story and if that isnt understandable to you or some others I expect that. Those that dont get it and I will most likely NOT see many issues or subjects eye to eye. The way of the world. Its obviously of interest to many of the men on here and I'm glad I brought it up. Thanks

 

[juan trueno]

“If they had been doing this from the beginning it wouldn’t be a matter of discussion in my opinion”

Now that doesn’t make any sense. It’s ok to get in bed with the commies from the start- but not to switch over to them later? How is this about Vietnam, communism, and principal- but also about timing? If it’s wrong it’s wrong I thought?

Hey- it irritates me too. Especially how plasticky the material in those packs is. It doesn’t feel like 500d cordura.


I’m not going to even try to lean on principal about it though. or summon the ghosts of my ancestors about it. It’s just me being irate.



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[AdamW]

EXO, Stone Glacier, Kifaru, Seek Outisde....who am I missing?

 

[Sverimerica]

I almost thought I was reading a joke forum or something with COMMIES in capital letters. Neither Mystery Ranch nor any other company for that matter has any obligation whatsoever to pass any savings on to consumers. In fact, I bet they charge as much as they feel the customers are willing to pay. The market sets the price, and if there is a profit margin to be made it goes to the capitalist (mystery ranch).

An elementary marxist idea is that prices are based off of the cost of labor input, not markets....so it would be immoral to charge a higher price in order to make a profit. Sounds like the OPs idea.

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[Kevin Dill]

For the record: China is a communist country and they are the USA's largest trade partner....period. We've never fought a war with them though, so maybe that's a different deal. The bottom line is our country willingly trades and supports global trade with both China and Vietnam which have communist ideologies driving governments in both.

Canada is #2, followed by Mexico, Japan, Germany, Great Britain and South Korea. You might recognize some countries there that killed many thousands of Americans in past wars, and they are now our valued allies.

 

[Poser]

For the record: China is a communist country and they are the USA's largest trade partner....period. We've never fought a war with them though, so maybe that's a different deal. The bottom line is our country willingly trades and supports global trade with both China and Vietnam which have communist ideologies driving governments in both.

Canada is #2, followed by Mexico, Japan, Germany, Great Britain and South Korea. You might recognize some countries there that killed many thousands of Americans in past wars, and they are now our valued allies.

I’m still harboring ill will over that Yankee bullet my great, great grandfather caught at Shiloh. It was probably some pansy ass Yankee, German immigrant drafted straight off the boat who hadn’t even earned his citizenship yet and was doing Uncle Sam’s dirty work.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

There are not many Americans lining up to be professional seamstress's. Simply put, labor is quickly becoming the defining variable in American Manufacturing jobs. Especially in a career where it involves manual labor or technical ability. That's a job that has been preached to be below the average American worker for the last 25 years. So, we have employers that must consider how they are going to meet demand for a global product. As far as outsourcing these jobs for an exponential profit compared to being American produced, I'm not so sure of that. After researching it, I am certain that all consumer goods produced in other country's have a cheaper labor and manufacturing cost. But, getting that produced good to the american market only becomes more profitable when there is a high demand for it. Meaning profits are still small but, margins equal bigger profits with increased sales.






Yes, American labor and corporations are over taxed, over regulated, and over unioinized to be competitive in world markets. But, spoiled American labor created those conditions. So, don't be mad at foreign people making a living. And, I doubt very seriously Mystery Ranch is making little, if any more on those commercial packs made over seas. You can blame that on the Americans.



I'm as American as anyone. I fully support American manufacturing to the point I do pay more for American products. I chose a Kifaru for that reason. I encourage others to do the same. I just understand why MR did what they did. God Bless

 

[Violent Hippie]

“If they had been doing this from the beginning it wouldn’t be a matter of discussion in my opinion”

Now that doesn’t make any sense. It’s ok to get in bed with the commies from the start- but not to switch over to them later? How is this about Vietnam, communism, and principal- but also about timing? If it’s wrong it’s wrong I thought?

Hey- it irritates me too. Especially how plasticky the material in those packs is. It doesn’t feel like 500d cordura.


I’m not going to even try to lean on principal about it though. or summon the ghosts of my ancestors about it. It’s just me being irate.



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What I meant bye this is if MR was always made overseas I never would have been interested in their packs or even pay any attention. One of the things I liked about them is they not only made quality packs but were USA made and have recently made the shift. I hope this clarifies my comment.

 

[Violent Hippie]

I almost thought I was reading a joke forum or something with COMMIES in capital letters. Neither Mystery Ranch nor any other company for that matter has any obligation whatsoever to pass any savings on to consumers. In fact, I bet they charge as much as they feel the customers are willing to pay. The market sets the price, and if there is a profit margin to be made it goes to the capitalist (mystery ranch).

An elementary marxist idea is that prices are based off of the cost of labor input, not markets....so it would be immoral to charge a higher price in order to make a profit. Sounds like the OPs idea.

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Joke. No. No joke to me. Your average Joe could give a shiat about your mention of "elementary marxist idea" . This is about customer loyalty to a boutique pack company known for USA manufacturing moving overseas and to add to that a COMMIE country. MR can charge more for all I care . "obligation" I spoke of no "obligation". If I was a guy who was stoked that MR moved manufacturing to Vietnam ( possibly a Vietnamese national or one who is just pumped on Vietnam for some reason ?) I would pay more for their product even though I know it costs MR less to make their product. Hardly a "elementary marxist idea". MR having a price point that competes with USA made products ( similar to their previous USA made stuff )pricing bugs me. Its more about national pride than cost . I am an American who chooses to support whatever company I see fit which just happens to no longer be MR. Your missing the point which doesnt surprise me. Honestly. Are you a socialist or one who feels they identify with it ? In the state of CA were I reside Socialism has become "cool" and your rhetoric sounds familiar.

 

[Sverimerica]

I almost thought I was reading a joke forum or something with COMMIES in capital letters. Neither Mystery Ranch nor any other company for that matter has any obligation whatsoever to pass any savings on to consumers. In fact, I bet they charge as much as they feel the customers are willing to pay. The market sets the price, and if there is a profit margin to be made it goes to the capitalist (mystery ranch).

An elementary marxist idea is that prices are based off of the cost of labor input, not markets....so it would be immoral to charge a higher price in order to make a profit. Sounds like the OPs idea.

Skickat från min G8142 via Tapatalk[/Q

Joke. No. No joke to me. Your average Joe could give a shiat about your mention of "elementary marxist idea" . This is about customer loyalty to a boutique pack company known for USA manufacturing moving overseas and to add to that a COMMIE country. MR can charge more for all I care . "obligation" I spoke of no "obligation". If I was a guy who was stoked that MR moved manufacturing to Vietnam ( possibly a Vietnamese national or one who is just pumped on Vietnam for some reason ?) I would pay more for their product even though I know it costs MR less to make their product. Hardly a "elementary marxist idea". MR having a price point that competes with USA made products ( similar to their previous USA made stuff )pricing bugs me. Its more about national pride than cost . I am an American who chooses to support whatever company I see fit which just happens to no longer be MR. Your missing the point which doesnt surprise me. Honestly. Are you a socialist or one who feels they identify with it ? In the state of CA were I reside Socialism has become "cool" and your rhetoric sounds familiar.

No, not a socialist. Just pointing out the irony of the damning commie label being used by one whose ideology seems to be pointing in that direction, as opposed to something more open, free, and capitalist. It is a shame that a fantastic pack maker is no longer good enough for you, yet not due to any design or quality issue.

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[Kevin Dill]

Having spent the better part of my adult life being an American business owner, I must say I understand and support the 'buy American' mentality and always have. On the other hand...

I know what it's like to deal with labor laws, the EPA, state and federal governmental regs, various withholdings and contributions, payments which seem to be endless and paperwork which occupies enormous hours yearly. Then comes the issue of hiring and managing employees who often don't really want to work but do just enough to barely warrant a paycheck. Say the wrong thing or terminate them and you risk reprisal. Drugs and drug use are a never-ending theme for American employers. Then there are minimum wage laws which we need of course, but are equated with minimum work. Employers are often squeezed so hard they can't run their business productively and can't offer the kind of wages and benefits some would like.

The end result for a LOT of manufacturing companies is offshore sourcing and labor. In one sense it probably is about saving money, but I'll contend it's a lot more about escaping a huge amount of governmental regulations and hassle involved in running an American workforce and manufacturing facility. Think about KUIU. Products originally built in North America, then moved to Asia. No US manufacturing employees at all. Product receiving and shipping is done by a third-party logistics firm (think warehouse) on this side of the world.

There's no question (for me) that the vast majority of the offshore manufacturing rationale is the result of companies wanting to escape the overall huge burden imposed on them by our various governmental agencies. I know in my case it sometimes feels like we work at a net loss for months, trying to show a net profit eventually. I don't mind saying it's not a hell of a lot of fun having your account looted on a monthly basis while believing much of the money is ultimately wasted by those taking it. If you're one of those who is sickened by governmental over-regulation....say you're an independent-minded Montanan....it may make a LOT of sense to go offshore, reduce the hassle factor, and ultimately retain a higher percentage of your gross sales.

 

[juan trueno]

What I meant bye this is if MR was always made overseas I never would have been interested in their packs or even pay any attention. One of the things I liked about them is they not only made quality packs but were USA made and have recently made the shift. I hope this clarifies my comment.

Heard.

Also something to consider- as a place to spend a couple months and check out the sierras and big sur etc Cali is ok. But certainly no place to try to make a life.

I read some
New legislation going into effect there next month-All heterosexual married couples are required to produce one child for mandatory donation to a homosexual or transgender couple to raise so that way of life which can’t sustain itself- doesn’t die off. Then having met that obligation they are allowed to Breed for there own kids. That and you have to turn in your guns to the police and donate 1/10th of your acreage to Mexican cartels to grow on.

Now it’s important to understand that as heterosexual white male you are a huge part of if not the cause of the problem. And you can not opt out of these “solutions” because the problem is bigger than just you. It’s everybodies.

Long live USA


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[Violent Hippie]

Having spent the better part of my adult life being an American business owner, I must say I understand and support the 'buy American' mentality and always have. On the other hand...

I know what it's like to deal with labor laws, the EPA, state and federal governmental regs, various withholdings and contributions, payments which seem to be endless and paperwork which occupies enormous hours yearly. Then comes the issue of hiring and managing employees who often don't really want to work but do just enough to barely warrant a paycheck. Say the wrong thing or terminate them and you risk reprisal. Drugs and drug use are a never-ending theme for American employers. Then there are minimum wage laws which we need of course, but are equated with minimum work. Employers are often squeezed so hard they can't run their business productively and can't offer the kind of wages and benefits some would like.

The end result for a LOT of manufacturing companies is offshore sourcing and labor. In one sense it probably is about saving money, but I'll contend it's a lot more about escaping a huge amount of governmental regulations and hassle involved in running an American workforce and manufacturing facility. Think about KUIU. Products originally built in North America, then moved to Asia. No US manufacturing employees at all. Product receiving and shipping is done by a third-party logistics firm (think warehouse) on this side of the world.

There's no question (for me) that the vast majority of the offshore manufacturing rationale is the result of companies wanting to escape the overall huge burden imposed on them by our various governmental agencies. I know in my case it sometimes feels like we work at a net loss for months, trying to show a net profit eventually. I don't mind saying it's not a hell of a lot of fun having your account looted on a monthly basis while believing much of the money is ultimately wasted by those taking it. If you're one of those who is sickened by governmental over-regulation....say you're an independent-minded Montanan....it may make a LOT of sense to go offshore, reduce the hassle factor, and ultimately retain a higher percentage of your gross sales.

Good points for sure Kevin.