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.
Here are 8 vet-owned brands to support year-round.
Kryptek Hunting and Fishing Apparel
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
Kryptek Ghar Camo Hunting Jacket from $250
Kryptek
Kryptek Cronos Half-Zip Fleece from $100
Kryptek
Kryptek Midnight Lump Fishing Hoodie from $85
GORUCK Packs and More
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
GORUCK Rucker 4.0 Rucking Backpack from $255
GORUCK
GORUCK Ballistic Trainers from $140
Toor Knives
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
Toor Knives Field 3.0 Knife from $250
Toor Knives
Toor Knives Merchant 2.0S from $295
Heron Handmade Trout Nets
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
Heron Handmade Trout Net from $250
LogOX Forestry Tools
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
LogOX
LogOX 3-in-1 Forestry MultiTool
LogOX
LogOX Hi-Vis Premium Leather Work Gloves
Original 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 2 oz Bottle from $15.50
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
Sh' That's Hot!
SH' That's Hot! Marsh Madness Hot Sauce from $10
Sh' That's Hot!
Sh' That's Hot! Carolina Reaper Throat Punch from $10
Sh' That's Hot!
Sh' That's Hot! 4-Pack Hot Sauce Mix & Match from $40
Alpha Coffee
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
Alpha Coffee
Alpha Coffee Seven Summits Instant Coffee from $16
Warrior Coffee
Alpha Coffee Warrior Select Adventure Blend from 19
