Collection: Heavy-Duty Field Gear

Choose dependable tools built for the realities of life outdoors.

"I put this collection of field gear together to offer outdoor enthusiasts a better alternative to mass-produced, disposable equipment. From traditional flint and steel kits to stainless steel twig stoves, each piece is selected for its practical design, dependable construction, and traditional craftsmanship. These are tools worth keeping in your outdoor kit and reaching for time and again."
— Jordan Kempain, Founder

This collection brings together carefully chosen tools from independent makers who put function and material quality first. From stainless steel twig stoves and traditional flint and steel fire kits, each piece offers practical utility for time spent in the backcountry. Whether you're building a fire, carrying your essentials, or setting up camp, these are dependable tools chosen to handle the demands of the New England outdoors and everyday use to keep unnecessary waste out of the equation.

Heavy-Duty Field Gear

Kempain Family Outfitters

The Mercantile

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What defines the Outfitters Mercantile collection?"

A: Our collection focuses on independent American workshops and ethical artisan makers. 

Q: How does shipping work for Mercantile items?"

A: These items ship directly from the artisan's workshop to your door. This minimizes carbon footprint and ensures the product doesn't sit in a warehouse. If you order a Kempain t-shirt and a Mercantile leather tote, they will arrive in separate packages.

Q: Where are your Mercantile goods made?

A: The vast majority of our collection is handcrafted right here in the USA, including our leather goods from Texas and beeswax candles from Colorado. For specific items we go to the source. We work with ethical vendors who source directly from artisans in Peru to ensure you are getting the highest grade, authentic natural fiber available. Our goal is always to support independent makers, whether they are in the American West or the Peruvian Andes.

Explore More Outdoor Gear

Kempain Originals

Why We Choose Heritage Over Hype

At Kempain Family Outfitters, we believe that the gear you carry should tell a story. In an era of disposable fashion and synthetic replacements, we built the Outfitters Mercantile to champion a different philosophy: buy less, but buy better.

The Standard of "Heirloom Quality"
When we curate items for this collection, we look for goods that don't just survive the elements—they get better with them. We prioritize natural, tactile materials over plastics. We look for full-grain leathers that develop a rich patina after years of handling. We choose natural alpaca fiber for its ability to provide warmth without the bulk of synthetic fleece. These aren't just accessories; they are tools designed to be passed down, not thrown away.

Supporting American Craftsmanship
Every item in this mercantile is sourced from independent American workshops that share our values. From the hand-dipped beeswax candles of Colorado to the hand-stitched leather wallets of Texas, these products support real families and real communities. By skipping the overseas supply chain, we ensure that every dollar you spend supports fair wages and ethical production standards.

Built for the Campfire, Kitchen, and Trail
Whether you are brewing coffee at a campsite or organizing your everyday carry for the office, these goods bridge the gap between rugged utility and refined design. We invite you to explore the Mercantile and discover the difference that authentic American craftsmanship makes.