A Bit of Kempain History: This photo was taken on a hike back before the Kempain brand officially existed. Looking at it now, I can see that my wife and I were a lot more well-rested before our son entered the picture! It’s funny how a single image can take you back, but it also makes me realize why I’m so excited to share this new curation with you. I’ve started with a small collection of gear that I think any hiker or camper would appreciate. For instance, I would’ve loved to have the flat-pack stove on these early hikes to cook a warm meal for our picnics together, or a clean-up kit to ensure we left the forest cleaner than we found it. I hope you enjoy the read and browsing this new collection. — Jordan Kempain

Introducing The Mercantile: Field Gear Collection

True Field Gear is an investment in every mile ahead. At the Mercantile, we curate professional-grade outdoor tools designed to last.

This collection is built on the core principles of stewardship and self-reliance. We prioritize gear that eliminates single-use waste and stands up to the elements, ensuring that your equipment is as resilient as you are.

To earn a spot in this collection, a tool must prove its worth. Every piece—whether it’s a stainless steel twig stove, a traditional flint and steel fire kit, or recycled wool packs—is chosen for its craftsmanship and its usefulness in the field. 

Featured Field Essentials & Their Makers

We’ve vetted these makers and their tools so you don't have to.

The makers at Überleben are based in Bonners Ferry, Idaho sandwiched directly between Washington and Montana, immediately south of British Columbia and they simply make the best fire starters and flat pack stoves. Their values = Less is more. Quality over quantity. Respect tradition, but always challenge it. And, fire is non-negotiable. Who can argue with that!

The makers at United By Blue have a Mission that we simply love. For every product sold, they remove 1 lb of trash from oceans and waterways. Since 2010, they have helped clean millions of pounds of trash from the natural places that need it most. Every purchase makes a measurable difference. And of course, they make great gear from recycled materials too.

The makers at Mission Mercantile Leather Goods have a long history of making handcrafted leather goods that last a lifetime. They are committed to remarkable, vegetable and chrome tanned leather goods crafted with carefully selected 100% full grain steerhides. Their craftsmanship and old-world manufacturing techniques are what make their gear stand out.

Fire & Heat:

The Überleben Flatpack Twig Camp Stove: A stainless steel solution for self-reliant cooking

 

The Überleben Handcrafted Hardwood Ferro Rod: Traditional fire-starting reliability paired with heritage materials.

 

The Überleben Traditional Fire Kit: A 4oz kit for those who value the skill of flint and steel.

Packs & Provisions:

The United By Blue 9L Sidekick Backpack: Crafted from a recycled wool and polyester blend.

 

The Mission Mercantile White Wing Waxed Canvas Large Cooler: Heavy-duty, handcrafted protection for your provisions.

 

Stewardship on the Trail:

The United By Blue Reusable DIY Trash Cleanup Kit: Because we believe in leaving the trail better than we found it.

 

The United By Blue Utensil Field Kit: Eliminating single-use waste one meal at a time.

 

 

A Note on Curation

Just like our Sundries, we are constantly "in the weeds" vetting new independent American workshops to expand this collection. We prioritize natural materials and heritage craftsmanship because we believe the gear you carry should tell a story of quality, not mass production.

Take a look around The Mercantile Collection

Jordan Kempain
Owner Kempain Family Outfitters