About us
Mule & Horse Packing Equipment by Mountain Ridge Gear
Welcome to Mountain Ridge Gear, a classic case of hobby-turned-small business born inside a fabric store.
It all began the summer of 1994, wandering through aisles of cotton, satin and crepe with my wife, looking for material to make a dress for our daughter. That was when I noticed the camouflage material (not for my daughter's dress, of course). I got the idea in my head that if I could make my own hunting clothes, I'd save a little money. My wife helped pick out patterns and material, but since her spare time was taken up with night classes, it was up to me to sew. I convinced her to show me how to lay out the pattern and use the sewing machine. Eventually, after a few not-so-impressive starts, I sewed clothing I would actually wear. From that experience and several years hauling packs and gear in the military, I decided I’d tackle making mule and horse packing equipment that had the same durability as those military packs, and not the imports on store shelves that break down after just one trip. It began with a pack, then came bags and all the accessories.
My Mule & Horse Packing Equipment and Gear Takes Off!
Friends noticed some of my gear, and said they’d pay me to make gear for them. After breaking my wife’s sewing machine, I realized I needed one more heavy duty to support the hobby. I came to the realization that I could pay for my new sewing machine (and replace my wife’s) by selling some of the packs and bags... and Mountain Ridge Gear was born.
Veteran Owned and Family Run
After serving over 24 years in the military I gained an affinity for rugged, functional gear that is made to last. Unfortunately, time after time, I’d find that gear on the store shelves, with promises of backcountry ruggedness, didn't deliver. As many of you know, it’s hard to find high-quality, rugged gear that’s made in America. Mine is just that. Everything I make is to the highest standards, with the best materials available. I don't put lots of useless pockets and do-dads on my mule packing equipment and gear. The design is made to be functional, with strong molle webbing for the option to firmly secure additional pouches or packs. MRG makes "GEAR THAT'S OVER-BUILT, NOT OVER-DESIGNED."
What's in a Name?
I was once inspired by the following quote by the late Fred Bear.
I am an avid outdoorsman and while on a backcountry archery elk hunt in Northern New Mexico I decided that when I started my company I would do so with the spirit of high adventure as my theme, as well as build gear that would withstand the rigors of a backcountry experience. Elk live in some of the wildest, most beautiful places in North America. Naming my company Mountain Ridge Gear reminds me of my desire to be on a high, remote mountain ridge listening to the distant bugle of a bull elk.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121:1,2)