THE LOADED TRUNK Springbar is a small company, based in Salt Lake City, that has been making canvas products, cut and sewn in their Salt Lake shop since 1944. Jack Kirkham’s Springbar® tent, in production for nearly 60 years, has a cult following worldwide. I love companies with a story, a great brand and strong ethos, and this company is just that... Jack Kirkham purchased the AAA Tent & Awning shop in 1944, where he dove headfirst into the canvas business, making goods for outfitters, ranchers, herders and miners. In the 1950’s, when camping for pleasure gained popularity among Americans, Jack put more focus on building tents. He thoughtfully spent time developing new tent construction ideas, until he invented the Springbar Tent in 1961 and later changed the company name to Kirkham’s Outdoor Products. Last year, the late Jack’s son, Jack Jr, partnered with Dwell Outdoors and the name of the company changed to Springbar®, where Jack Jr continues to work as Lead Tent Designer. I really enjoyed visiting the Springbar factory and chatting with co-owner, Pace Measom, who was gracious enough to guide around the factory. Little did he know, when I stopped by the warehouse last spring to pick up a tent, the can of worms he opened when he asked this curious gal if I wanted to have a peek in the factory. Did I ever! This kind of place is right up my alley… getting a glimpse of the process and people behind the scenes. I returned this fall for a more in depth tour and was able to learn more about this fantastic company -- and I saw my tent actually being made, which was a thrill. It was a hive of activity. About 15 employees work in the factory itself, cutting canvas and sewing a variety of tents in a range of standard colors. They often make small batches of multiple color combinations, perhaps ten tents at a time, signed by the maker, and when they’re gone they’re gone. Springbar also makes hot tents, which are equipped for their folding stainless steel Winnerwell stoves, to stay toasty during cold weather camping.
The Loaded Trunk - Autumn 2020 - Marrakesh
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