Brands that Make Our Hearts Beat

Whether you live in Lake Tahoe, love the area, or are visiting and want to represent the local vibes at home, we have a few recommendations of brands you can buy that are locally owned and support our community.

Rise Designs brings imagery and the Tahoe lifestyle together through creative graphics and comfortable gear. If you're familiar with their designs you'll see them all over the area.

Mike and Marley have been creating unique, Tahoe inspired gear since 2007. They used to screen print in their garage and we would pick up our orders in their kitchen. They've successfully grown their business and expanded into a larger location where they still screen print and, now, embroider their creations and more onto clothing locals love to wear.

The team at Rise mountain bikes, hikes and gets outside to play in Tahoe. They are supporters of the Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association and the Sierra Avalanche Center. They've also create logo wear for local businesses including Lake Tahoe Yoga, Coldwater Brewery and Tahoe Bagel Company.

You can visit their website, or check around town at stores like Sports LTD to pick up their most recent creations. Some of their older designs are coveted by locals who knew them when. . .

Lovin' Lake Tahoe brought the shape of the lake as viewed from the sky onto our cars, clothing and water bottles. This simple sticker design can be found throughout the basin and represents our love for the lake. 
 
The brand not only symbolizes a love for the lake, sales of their products benefit support, engage and protect the Tahoe Basin. When you show your love through the purchase of apparel, decor and stickers from Lovin' Lake Tahoe, you're spreading the word.

Visit local shops to pick up a few stickers and grab some gear or go to their website to order from anywhere in the world. Our favorite products are their wine glasses and patches.

We are a women owned business and we love supporting other women owned businesses. Marcela from Fallen Leaf Designs approached us to carry her line of custom designed hats. She's created a brand that represents her and her love for the Lake Tahoe area. The images printed and embroidered on her hats include yoga positions, plants, representations of cycling and, of course, the lake. 

If you're feeling inspired by Tahoe and want to represent a women owned company during your travels, we recommended donning a Fallen Leaf Designs hat. They come in a variety of styles to fit everyone's noggin. You can pick up embroidered hats at local retailers, or purchase printed hats on her website.

While Big Truck may not immediately make you think of Tahoe, this company has been producing high quality, comfortable hats since 2010. You've probably noticed them around town with their signature Big Truck logo.  Beyond ball and trucker caps, they also make beanies, which we all know the value of here in the Tahoe basin area.

Local non-profits and companies in the Tahoe area, as well as Reno have partnered with Big Truck to fundraise and create custom brandwear. They've made their mark by partnering with GoPro, Giro and even the US Ski team.  You can visit their site to check out the variety of styles and images they offer. Check the shops in the Heavenly Village as well as Blue Zone Sports to get your hands on one.

Lake Tahoe General Store has quietly begun selling their merch at local markets and on their Etsy site. Their images are all locally designed and can be ordered on-demand.  Jenna has gone all-in on her love of the area and picks up on the ski and outdoor vibes. The most recognizeable item they carry features the Mountain Chickadee chirping about a cheeseburger. 

Be ready for a conversation when your wearing or carrying their graphics. You may have to answer some questions about the throwback logo or cheeky comment about wildlife.

Our non-profit companies have their own approach to logo-wear. You can show your support for your favorite Tahoe organization by purchasing hats and gear from their sites or by participating in events. 

Organizations including The League to Save Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Rim Trail, Tahoe Wildlife Care and Sierra State Parks Foundation allow you to purchase right on their website. If you want to get a hold of a Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association hat you'll have to become a member and participate in an event. However, when you sign up, you do get a pair of socks.

Do you have love for a local company that not only makes good gear, but also supports the commjnity? Let us know! We want to know who we can support and how we can share the Tahoe love.