Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

The 5 Best Veteran-Owned Gear Brands in the U.S.

Mike Richard
By

Few groups are as hard on their gear as the United States military. The backpacks, clothing, weapons, and essentials they take into battle must withstand the harshest conditions on Earth. Anything that can’t go the distance is quickly weeded out. So, you can feel confident buying from a veteran-owned brand. Here are a handful of the best veteran-owned companies in the U.S.

GoRuck

GoRuck

In a few short years, EDC has devolved into little more than a marketing buzzword. GoRuck, though, has remained a mainstay of the EDC-savvy community for years thanks to its focus on crafting no-nonsense gear that’s streamlined, reliable, and durable. Its top-of-the-line GR1, in particular, was field-tested by Special Forces soldiers in Baghdad to be “bombproof.” The rugged design is rainproof, offers tons of pockets, and opens completely flat. Despite its military roots, it’s still versatile enough for travelers, preppers, and everyday users.

Related Videos

Virtus Outdoor Group

Virtus Outdoor Group

Marine Infantry Sergeant David Wood was deployed four times overseas and is an extreme athlete whose leisurely pursuits include canyoning, mountaineering, and Crossfit. It’s safe to say he knows a few things about extreme activities and the gear they require. His company, Virtus Outdoor Group, is the result of his training, passion, and years of product testing on friends who are active duty, first-responders, professional athletes, and avid outdoorsmen. VOG’s catalog includes a long list of premium apparel and tactical gear that features high-tech fabrics, a unique three-layer jacket system, and a pioneering style of 3D-printed camo.

ITS Tactical

For military-inspired accessories, ITS Tactical (that would be Imminent Threat Solutions) is a favorite among preppers and survivalists. The company’s extensive line of MOLLE pouches, utility packs, first aid kits, and other essentials is simple and reliable. Beyond its product catalog, however, ITS also offers a wealth of information about survival and preparedness topics. The website features more than 2,000 articles written by a staff that include an ex-Navy SEAL, an Army Military Police Corps member, and other military personnel.

Black Rifle Coffee Company

Black Rifle Coffee Company

Service members know a thing or two about good, strong coffee. So, when veteran Evan Hafer started Black Rifle Coffee Company, he didn’t need to look far to find the resources for roasting. These days, many products are white-labeled (i.e., one company slaps its name on another company’s products). Black Rifle instead does everything in-house. It imports world-class beans from Brazil and Colombia and roasts them to order in small batches at its facilities in Salt Lake City and Manchester, Tennessee. Plus, the company’s staff consists almost exclusively of former military personnel, and it proudly works with and donates to U.S. military-centric charities and causes.

Red Oxx Manufacturing

Red Oxx Manufacturing

The founders of Montana’s Red Oxx Manufacturing have decades of U.S. military service under their collective belt. The veteran father and son team started the company in 1986, and have built a hardcore following since. At its core, Red Oxx is a bag maker, including everything from simple backpacks and travel packing cubes to toolbags and railroad-inspired rucksacks.

Bravo Sierra

Bravo Sierra

For a field-worthy skincare regimen, look no further than Bravo Sierra. While the NYC-based company is not veteran-owned, it worked closely with active military personnel to develop a long list of battle-tested products. It also contributes 5% of all sales to Morale, Welfare, and Recreation veterans programs.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Your winter gear deserves serious protection: The best ski and snowboard bags
Pack your snow-riding equipment in the best ski and snowboard bags
The best ski and snowboard bags help protect your expensive wintersports gear.

Winter is officially here, and that means skiing and snowboarding season is too. While a good bag is excellent for getting your gear to the mountains and ski resorts, it's also a great way to store your ski or snowboard until the weather turns cold again and the ski resorts reopen. Keep moisture and dust off your gear so when you pull it out next season it'll be ready to go.

In addition to a good waterproof duffel bag, ski and snowboard bags are essential for travel to avoid dinging and denting your expensive equipment, and many are padded, offering additional protection. This is especially if you plan to travel. Not sure where to go? Colorado is a great ski destination and you can even stay in Hunter S. Thompson’s cabin while you're there. Wherever you decide to go, here are our picks for the best ski and snowboard bags you can buy, covering soft shells, hard shells, and rolling models for both snowsports.

Read more
Upgrade your winter gear closet with the world’s best snowboarding brands
The best slopes demand the best gear: Get everything you need from the world's best snowboarding brands
ride snowboard air feature

Whether you’re a newbie, a weekend resort warrior, or an old-school ripper looking to shred the backcountry gnar, the one thing that binds veterans and novices is the allure of new gear. While we all have signature pieces that remain part of our seasonal kit, no 'boarder can help shopping the latest and best snowboards, snowsport apparel, and accessories. But with new ski and snowboarding gear released every year, it's hard to keep up.

That's when we look to the very best snowboarding brands — those who consistently put out gear that's durable, versatile, looks great, and is maybe (just maybe!) even affordable. There are hundreds of snowboarding brands on the market, and new ones debut every year. We've researched and field-tested dozens of them to narrow down our picks of the 10 best snowboarding brands for shredding fresh pow or groomed slopes in style.
Best snowboards, bindings, and essentials
Burton

Read more
The 10 best ski resorts and mountains in the U.S.
The best ski resorts: How and where to get out and play in the winter snow
best places to ski in the us

When figuring out vacations, most people usually think of warm tropical locations with sandy beaches and surfing. There are those, however, who love the cold and snow. These individuals wait every winter to hit the best ski resorts and mountains in the U.S. They travel from location to location testing out the powder on every slope.
If skiing is a hobby or your favorite activity, then these quaint ski towns and shops will be of interest—  some for their epic mountain terrain, and some for their deep, fluffy powder. These are the best of the best places to ski in the United States. Check out these top ski resorts in the U.S. that are perfect for every kind of skiing and snowboarding.

More Ski Guides

Read more