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GORUCK

Support Veteran-Owned Outdoor Gear Brands This Veterans Day

Veterans own nearly 2 million small businesses across America. These are our favorites.

Veterans Day comes every November 11, and now more than ever, it can be difficult to fathom what it means to serve.

In 2022, veterans made up 6.2 percent of the U.S. population, or roughly one veteran for roughly every 17 civilians. That same year, the U.S. Small Business Administration found that veterans own nearly 2 million small businesses, employing over 5 million Americans—yet another reason to admire those who come home from service only to continue giving back.

If you're in the market for some new outdoor gear, supporting veteran-owned businesses is a great way to show your appreciation for the sacrifices made. Another great reason? Veterans who've been in harsh conditions know a thing or two about what makes for reliable products, in the field and at home.

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Here are 8 vet-owned brands to support year-round.

Kryptek Hunting and Fishing Apparel

A hunter wearing Kryptec apparel while holding a deer

Kryptec

The brand motto "Battlefield to Backcountry" couldn't be more apt for Kryptek's offerings, which were designed based on attributes from military gear worn by its founders in Afghanistan and Iraq. The hunting and fishing apparel is graded for hot, mild, cold, and extreme cold weather conditions and is available in a wide variety of original patterns. They offer discounts for active, retired, and veteran military members, along with first responders, guides and outfitters, industry members, and government employees.

Our Top Picks

Kryptek Ghar Camo Hunting Jacket

Kryptek

Kryptek Ghar Camo Hunting Jacket from $250


Kryptek Women's Cronos

Kryptek

Kryptek Cronos Half-Zip Fleece from $100


Kryptek Midnight Lump Hoodie

Kryptek

Kryptek Midnight Lump Fishing Hoodie from $85


GORUCK Packs and More

Person in a weighted squat next to a GORUCK pack

GORUCK

Founded by a husband-and-wife team from the Special Forces and CIA respectively, GORUCK started off with "life or death quality" rucksacks. Now the brand organizes community fitness challenges based on Special Forces training regimens and offers apparel, training equipment, and more. They share a percentage of profits with non-profit partners who serve the military and offer discounts for military members past and present.

Our Top Picks

Goruck Rucker 4.0

GORUCK

GORUCK Rucker 4.0 Rucking Backpack from $255


GORUCK Ballistic Trainers

GORUCK

GORUCK Ballistic Trainers from $140


Toor Knives

A black Toor Knives axe

Toor Knives

The namesake founder of Toor Knives, a former Marine, started his knife-making journey with a forge, hammer, and anvil in his backyard. Now, the brand offers a wide range of blades, including field knives and accessories, all designed as an improvement on common retail and even military-issued knives and manufactured by a staff of 30, boasting multiple veterans. If you're a military member, veteran, or first responder, let them know for a discount.

Our Top Picks

Toor Knives Field 3.0

Toor Knives

Toor Knives Field 3.0 Knife from $250


Toor Knives Merchant 2.0S

Toor Knives

Toor Knives Merchant 2.0S from $295


Heron Handmade Trout Nets

A tan net outline with white mesh netting

Heron Handmade

The signature offering of Heron Handmade is a trout net—but it's not just any ole fishing gear. Each one is handmade by the two owners, brothers, who are both lifelong anglers and one of whom is a vet. You may choose from long or standard handle variations—and they're built to last a lifetime.

Our Top Picks

Heron Handmade Trout Net

Heron Handmade

Heron Handmade Trout Net from $250


LogOX Forestry Tools

Person standing outdoors, cutting a log

LogOX

LogOX offers products for professional foresters and outdoor leisure-seekers alike. All the brand's products, from the 3-in-1 Forestry MultiTool to the WoodOX Sling Ergonomic Firewood Hauler, have been carefully designed to reduce the bodily strain associated with traditional methods of processing and transporting lumber. The company was co-founded by a veteran and offers a military, veteran, and first responder discount.

Our Top Picks

LogOX Hauler

LogOX

LogOX Hauler from $159


LogOX 3-in-1 Forestry MultiTool

LogOX

LogOX 3-in-1 Forestry MultiTool


LogOX Hi-Vis Premium Leather Work Gloves

LogOX

LogOX Hi-Vis Premium Leather Work Gloves



Original Gun Oil

A bottle of gun oil

Original Gun Oil

The brand's sole offering, Original Gun Oil is formulated for extreme temperatures and protection against rust and corrosion, yet boasts NSF H1 nontoxic protection: "Safe around you, your loved ones, pets, and our environment." Its cofounder, a U.S. Army veteran used the oil himself while deployed and supplied it to his own team. For every bottle sold, the brand donates a dollar to veterans' foundations.

Our Top Picks

Original Gun Oil

Original Gun Oil

Original Gun Oil 2 oz Bottle from $15.50


Sh' That's Hot! Hot Sauce

Several different bottles of Sh! That's Hot Hot Sauce

Sh' That's Hot

Founded by a Navy veteran and the granddaughter of a Navy sailor, the line of hot sauces from Sh' That's Hot! draws together flavors from near and far, including jalapeño matcha and sweet gherkin spicy relish. Pack your favorite on your next adventure to take your campfire meal from ho-hum to yum-yum. The brand donates a portion of every sale to Hope for the Warriors, a nonprofit offering various support programs for service members, veterans, and military families.

Our Top Picks

Marsh Madness Hot Sauce

Sh' That's Hot!

SH' That's Hot! Marsh Madness Hot Sauce from $10


Carolina Reaper Throat Punch Hot Sauce

Sh' That's Hot!

Sh' That's Hot! Carolina Reaper Throat Punch from $10


4-Pack Hot Sauce Mix & Match

Sh' That's Hot!

Sh' That's Hot! 4-Pack Hot Sauce Mix & Match from $40


Alpha Coffee

A bag of ground coffee clipped to a hiker's pack

Alpha Coffee

Founded by a 21-year combat veteran, Alpha Coffee sources arabica beans from cooperatives and plantations around the world while supporting its local community and ecosystem in Utah. The company's Grounds for Goods program donates a portion of profits to organizations ranging from conservancy efforts to veterans groups. Stock your pantry with one of its Fair Trade single origin roasts, and take some of the instant coffee to the campground. And if you're a military service member, veteran, law enforcement officer, first responder, nurse, government worker, or teacher, they offer a 10% discount.

Our Top Picks

Seven Summits Coffee

Alpha Coffee

Alpha Coffee Seven Summits Instant Coffee from $16


Alpha Coffee Warrior Select

Warrior Coffee

Alpha Coffee Warrior Select Adventure Blend from 19


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