Heritage Over Hype: A New Chapter for Kempain Family Outfitters

I am a graphic designer and illustrator by trade. For over 15 years, I’ve spent my days looking at the details—the weight of a line, the balance of a layout, the feeling a piece of art evokes. When you work in a creative field, you develop a deep, almost reverence-like respect for other artists. You know the struggle, the time, and the "heart" that goes into making something with your hands.

But we live in a world that is rapidly losing its appreciation for that process.

We have all fallen into the trap. The Amazon Prime trap. The big-box store trap. We prioritize "fast" and "cheap" over "good" and "real." We buy candles loaded with chemical scents that hurt our health without us knowing. We buy synthetic fleeces that shed microplastics into the water. We buy things that have no soul, made by people who are pushed to produce quantity over quality.

Frankly, I hate it. And I wanted Kempain Family Outfitters to be the antithesis of all that crap out there.

From Graphic Art to True Outfitters When I started this business, it was a way to bring my digital illustrations to life—to put my art on t-shirts and hoodies that you could wear on your own adventures. I stand by those designs; they are my personal creative expression.

But the dream was always to be a true "Outfitter." I wanted to curate a collection of gear that lived up to the lifestyle I love.

I am an outdoorsman. I’m not a "pro" angler or a trophy hunter—I’m just a guy who loves the peace and quiet of the woods. I love canoeing, archery, gardening, and just sitting in the silence of nature. When you spend time outside, you realize that nature doesn't do "synthetic." Nature deals in wood, wool, stone, and wax.

So, why should our gear be any different?

Introducing the Outfitters Mercantile I am proud to announce the launch of the Outfitters Mercantile, a curated standard of goods from makers I respect deeply. Whether it's the premium MuskOx flannels we’ve added to our apparel line, or the hand-dipped Bluecorn Candles and Farmhouse Pottery now available in our goods section, these items share a common thread: they are built to last.

We are partnering with brands like Bluecorn Candles, Purely Alpaca, and Farmhouse Pottery. These aren't just brand names; these are artists and experts in their craft.

• It’s the difference between a mass-produced mug and wheel-thrown stoneware made by an artist’s hands, without a mold.
• It’s the difference between a petroleum-based candle and one made of 100% pure beeswax that cleans the air rather than polluting it.
• It’s the difference between fast fashion and heavy, natural wool that will last a lifetime.

The "Curator's" Promise I want to be clear: this collection isn't for everyone. If you are looking for the cheapest option, you should probably shop somewhere else.

This section of our store is for the people who value American-made goods, ethical practices, and natural materials. It is for the people who understand that when an artist is passionate about their craft, that energy is transferred to the object. You can feel it.

We are stepping off the hamster wheel of "cheap and fast." We are choosing craftsmanship, health, and heritage.

I invite you to browse the new collection. Read the stories behind these makers. And let’s get back to appreciating the things that are built to last.

Explore the Outfitters Mercantile

Jordan Kempain
Kempain Family Outfitters