Veterans Day weekend is a meaningful time for Americans to honor the courage, sacrifice, and contributions of the brave men and women who served in the U.S. military. From family gatherings to acts of giving back, it’s an opportunity to recognize their service, express heartfelt gratitude, and foster a strong sense of community.
Other ways to show appreciation include thoughtful spending to support unique veteran-owned gear brands built on inspiring missions and durable products. From flip-flops and surfboards to backpacks and rucksacks, we cover veteran-owned brands that are designed for travel, outdoor adventures, and more.
R. Riveter
R. Riveter, a gear brand with a unique story, was founded by military spouses Cameron Cruse and Lisa Bradley in 2011. Faced with frequent relocations, common for military families, the founders recognized a need for flexible and meaningful employment opportunities for military personnel. The company was named in honor of "Rosie the Riveter," the WWII iconic symbol representing women's contributions to the war effort. R. Riveter provides mobile employment opportunities, enabling military personnel to contribute to the company regardless of where they live.
The company sells handcrafted handbags, totes, and other gear made from upcycled and durable materials, including military surplus like tents, blankets, canvas, and uniforms. Each product is tagged with information about the military spouse artisans involved in its creation. Discounts are available for military personnel, teachers, first responders, and university students.
Surf Brigade
Surf Brigade, a nonprofit organization founded by U.S. veterans, is a unique brand that empowers veterans through surf therapy. Surf Brigade designs and sells American-made surf equipment and lifestyle apparel, with all proceeds supporting therapeutic surf programs for veterans. One of Surf Brigade's most popular products is the M4, crafted with rugged, closed-cell foam to provide durability and performance akin to a glassed board while still being lightweight and easy to handle.
This surfboard embodies Surf Brigade's commitment to quality, community support, and the joy of surfing, especially for veterans. Surfers can support veterans with a range of offerings, including hats, shirts, and surf gear. Each purchase makes a difference. For instance, buying a surfboard from Surf Brigade provides you with a quality product that directly supports therapeutic surf programs for veterans with disabilities. This mission-driven brand combines military spirit with surf culture to create products that promote well-being and community among veterans.
Go Ruck
GORUCK, a brand known for its quality and durability, was founded by Jason McCarthy, a former Green Beret who created the company in 2008. Initially, he focused on crafting durable, functional backpacks rooted in the Special Forces' values, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and community. Today, GORUCK's most popular product is its flagship backpack, the GR1, designed to withstand the rigorous standards of Special Forces operations and civilian use. This backpack, known for its quality and durability, has become iconic within the GORUCK community and beyond, especially among outdoor enthusiasts, rucking aficionados, and anyone seeking high-quality, reliable gear.
GORUCK's product line spans backpacks, apparel, footwear, and accessories, all built for versatility, durability, and endurance under demanding conditions. GORUCK offers a 15% discount to active-duty military members, veterans, reservists, and military spouses and a 25% discount on their rucking events. Discount is part of GORUCK's commitment to honoring the military community.
Sword and Plough
Sword & Plough was founded in 2012 by sisters Emily Núñez Cavness and Betsy Núñez. Growing up in a military family, Emily later served as a U.S. Army officer. Inspired by her experiences, she and her sister launched Sword & Plough to repurpose military surplus material into durable, fashionable bags that people could use daily. Sword & Plough appeals to socially conscious outdoor enthusiasts who are interested in high-quality and sustainable fashion.
The brand's product line includes backpacks and oversized tote bags crafted from the military surplus that tell the stories of resilience and strength. Sword & Plough focuses on made-in-the-USA manufacturing, repurposing waste, and veteran employment. The company donates 10% of its profits to veteran organizations and fosters conversations that encourage understanding between military and civilian communities through its products.
StorQuest Is Your Base Camp for Outdoor Adventures This Veterans Day
Keeping your outdoor gear in top condition is essential for every adventure. If finding space at home for ropes, climbing essentials, or outdoor sports equipment feels overwhelming, StorQuest is here to help. This Veterans Day, choose one of our convenient locations as your dedicated storage solution for all your recreational gear. With secure and accessible storage, you can focus on planning your next adventure—leaving your gear in good hands.