
Why I Choose Wood: A Story of Purpose, Connection, and Stewardship
When it comes to crafting outdoor gear, I often get asked why I choose wood over plastic or carbon fiber. It's a fair question, especially in a world where lightweight, synthetic materials dominate. But for me, wood isn't just a resource—it’s a living testament to resilience, beauty, and respect for the journey.
Built to Last: Honoring Time and Craft
Out in the wild, nature quietly reveals what endures. Weathered fence posts standing strong after decades, cabins tucked into the woods that have seen generations pass by, bridges worn smooth but unbroken. Wood carries its history with grace, reflecting every storm and sunlit morning it’s weathered.
Wood’s strength is not just in its durability, but in its evolution. Over time, a wooden canoe paddle becomes an extension of its owner—polished by years of use, becoming smoother with every adventure. These pieces absorb the moments you spend with them, deepening in character and meaning.
Its imperfections, knots, and grain patterns tell a story of resilience and growth. Unlike plastic, which becomes brittle and disposable, or carbon fiber, which feels clinical, wood gains character and patina. It becomes more valuable with age, mirroring the adventures it’s part of.
Choosing wood is choosing something that will walk alongside you for years—a companion rather than a commodity.
Sustainability Done Right: Rooted in Responsibility
At Temperance + Penn, sustainability is about engaging in a cycle of respect—taking only what can be replenished and giving back more than we take. This means supporting an approach to forest management that prioritizes biodiversity and regeneration.
Healthy forests thrive on variety—a blend of mature trees, saplings, and open glades that provide habitats and nourishment for wildlife. Instead of static preservation, sustainable forestry involves active care: planting to replace what’s harvested, protecting key habitats, and ensuring ecosystems remain balanced.
The wood I use isn’t just raw material—it’s a symbol of conscious stewardship, shaped by landscapes that are nurtured rather than exploited. Each board reflects the character of its origin, from the rivers of grain that flow across its surface to the warm hues that shift like the seasons.
Forest Management in Minnesota: A Story of Renewal
In Minnesota, forestry isn’t just about economics—it’s about legacy. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plays a crucial role in keeping forests vibrant, using strategies that sustain both natural beauty and practical use.
Forest management here focuses on renewal at every stage. Short-term efforts, like removing invasive species and conducting prescribed burns, prepare the land for growth. Mid-term strategies, such as planting native species and monitoring wildlife habitats, help strengthen the balance between human use and nature’s needs. Long-term planning ensures that forests remain resilient to climate challenges, pests, and soil degradation for generations to come.
These forests provide more than resources—they provide places of connection, where we share stories, find solitude, and seek adventure. The materials I source from this region carry that legacy—a reminder that good forestry isn’t about extraction; it’s about renewal and respect.
A Choice That Reflects Purpose
When I choose wood, I choose connection—connection to the natural world, to tradition, and to a way of living that values resilience over convenience. Each piece tells its own story, but more importantly, it invites you to add yours.
At Temperance + Penn, we craft more than gear. We create companions for the trails ahead—pieces that endure, evolve, and remind you that you’re part of something greater. Because the best adventures, like the best stories, are those shaped by time, care, and a respect for the journey.
So when I choose wood, I’m choosing to honor the land, support sustainability, and make something that feels as timeless as the memories it helps create—for this adventure and the next.
And honestly? I have no idea how to manufacture plastic or carbon—but I know how to honor a piece of wood and let it tell its story.