25 Brands Making Gear You Didn’t Know Existed
“Wait, they make what now?”
You know the feeling — you’re scrolling gear sites thinking you’ve seen it all. Then you realize your favorite belt brand makes tactical shorts, or your cooler company makes dog bowls. Welcome to the rabbit hole, my duuudes.
These are 25 brands doing way more than you think — and making surprisingly awesome gear while they’re at it.
Did you know: They make camp chairs, dog bowls, and luggage — yes, you can now travel, sit, and feed your dog like a Yeti bro.
2. Ridge
Known for: That slim metal wallet every duuude on Instagram owns.
Did you know: They make knives, key organizers, and even tactical pens now. Basically everything you can fidget with while pretending to work.
3. Kore Essentials
Known for: Ratcheting gun belts.
Did you know: They’ve quietly dropped tactical shorts, ballistic sunglasses, and dive watches. Oh, and holster mounts that look like they belong in a Bond movie.
duuude tip: If they build shorts anything like their belts, expect them to outlast your truck.
4. Benchmade
Known for: Fancy knives you’re afraid to actually use.
Did you know: They make pens and tactical axes — because sometimes writing angry emails requires backup.
5. Leatherman
Known for: The multitool that built your childhood fort.
Did you know: They’ve got wearable multitool bracelets and knives that look too nice to scrape a sticker off your tailgate with.
6. Dango
Known for: Wallets with screws and aluminum plates.
Did you know: They make knives, belts, and carabiners — basically EDC accessories for guys who alphabetize their gear drawers.
7. Carhartt
Known for: Brown jackets and Midwest pride.
Did you know: They’ve got backpacks, boots, and even dog harnesses. Your pup can now match your jobsite aesthetic.
8. Patagonia
Known for: Those fleece vests tech bros won’t take off.
Did you know: They make wetsuits, fly-fishing gear, and travel packs built for actual adventure, not just brunch.
9. Oakley
Known for: Sunglasses your gym bro swears by.
Did you know: They make tactical boots and backpacks for military contracts. If the SEALs wear it, it’s probably good enough for leg day.
10. 5.11 Tactical
Known for: Pants with more pockets than common sense.
Did you know: They make shoes, watches, and gym gear. Basically, CrossFit meets covert ops.
11. Huckberry
Known for: Curated man-gear store.
Did you know: They design their own Flint & Tinder hoodies, whiskey glasses, and camp furniture — rugged luxury done right.
12. Magpul
Known for: AR-15 magazines and range gear.
Did you know: They make sunglasses, phone cases, and belts that are way more chill than their day job.
13. Gerber
Known for: Knives and multitools.
Did you know: They’re making axes, machetes, and survival gear — think Bear Grylls starter pack.
14. GoRuck
Known for: Indestructible backpacks.
Did you know: They make boots, apparel, and training gear built to survive an apocalypse (or your next road trip).
15. Pelican
Known for: Military-grade hard cases.
Did you know: They make coolers, flashlights, and phone cases tough enough for a zombie outbreak.
16. Spyderco
Known for: Pocket knives with holes in the blade.
Did you know: Their kitchen knives are legit — and terrifyingly sharp. Date night charcuterie board? Risky business.
17. Vuori
Known for: Yoga-dad joggers.
Did you know: They make button-ups, golf polos, and everyday shorts that don’t scream “I just left pilates.”
18. Gerbing
Known for: Heated motorcycle jackets.
Did you know: They make heated gloves and vests for winter commutes. Toasty hands, happy heart.
19. Harley-Davidson
Known for: Loud bikes and louder personalities.
Did you know: They sell boots, wallets, and barware. Because apparently Harley wants to dress you and host your BBQ.
20. Zippo
Known for: That satisfying flick of a lighter.
Did you know: They make hand warmers and camping gear that smells like nostalgia and lighter fluid.
21. Mystery Ranch
Known for: Tactical packs.
Did you know: Their everyday carry and hiking lines are basically indestructible fashion.
22. Eddie Bauer
Known for: Puffy jackets and mall nostalgia.
Did you know: They’ve quietly leveled up into backpacks, tents, and adventure travel gear.
23. Costa Del Mar
Known for: Polarized fishing sunglasses.
Did you know: They’ve branched into apparel and gear that looks good even when you’re not on a boat.
24. Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear)
Known for: Sneakers.
Did you know: They make real outdoor gear — rain shells, trail boots, and technical pants that don’t fall apart after one hike.
25. Under Armour
Known for: Compression shirts that make you look more shredded than you are.
Did you know: They’ve got tactical boots, hunting camo, and fishing gear. Turns out the gym brand’s gone full outdoorsman.
Final Thoughts…
Turns out your favorite brands have been moonlighting as lifestyle companies this whole time. The takeaway? Don’t just buy what they’re known for —
dig a little deeper and you’ll find gear that fits your life way beyond the logo.
More Goods to Grab!
