Editor’s Note: An updated version of this article is available here.
Today is Veterans Day, and in the US we celebrate the hard work and sacrifices made by those who serve. One of the ways to do that is to support their efforts once they leave uniform. Luckily there’s a lot of veteran-founded, owned, and operated businesses out there to choose from. And when it comes to quality EDC gear, our veterans definitely know a thing or two thanks to their unique, first-hand experience from years of service. In this round-up, we’re highlighting a few EDC items made by veterans that caught our eye.
Zeebee Paper Wasp Notebook Cover
Zeebee is a veteran-owned company based out of San Diego, California. They specialize in crafting small leather goods. Their Paper Wasp in particular is a notebook cover that can add a touch of class to your everyday carry. It’s designed to carry a Field Notes or similar notebook and its accompanying pen. The design features prime Horween leather and skilled stitching for longterm durability and a luxurious feel in hand. There’s also a shell cordovan leather cover option for an even more premium carry option.
Tactical Tailor RRPS 3D Organizer Pouch
Founded by a US Army infantryman, Tactical Tailor has put out some of the finest tactical gear out there for EDC. With the RRPS organizer, they’ve put together a low-profile way to keep your gear together. Its compatibility with hook-and-loop systems lets you use it to augment most any tactical pack. It has large loops for bigger items such as magazines, as well as a zippered internal pouch for securing smaller, loose items.
ITS Discreet Tactical Messenger Bag
ITS Tactical is a veteran-operated company that make their own tactical gear in Texas. Their Discreet Tactical Messenger Bag is as advertised. It’s a low-profile tactical messenger bag with premium build quality and features. Martexin weather-resistant waxed canvas makes up the exterior of the bag for ruggedness out in the field. Sturdy YKK zippers and Cobra buckles are as reliable as they come in terms of hardware. There’s plenty of organization space within the bag, and it’s also built to be modular. The interior space works with any hook-and-loop accessories you’d want to attach, giving you the freedom to make this bag your own.
Medford Knives Eris
Medford Knife and Tool is a favorite knife manufacturer for many in the EDC community, and they also happen to be veteran-owned. The Eris is a compact EDC folding knife that’s designed to cut well above its size. It features a 1.99” premium S35VN stainless steel blade with a stout bowie-style shape. This gives the edge of the knife a very pronounced belly, increasing its cutting ability substantially. The blade is easy to open with either hand due to its large cut-out, but there is an indentation in the handle that makes it especially easy for right-handed people to use. The handle itself is made out of anodized stainless steel, and features a solid frame lock to keep the blade in place during use.
Sword & Plough Weekender Bag
Sword & Plough is a veteran-owned company that makes everything in the United States. They also donate 10% of profits to charitable organizations that benefit veterans. Their Weekender travel bag looks good both in and out of uniform, whether that be a BDU or a sharp business suit. This is a bag that’s big enough to carry your gear for a weekend trip, but not too big that it’s cumbersome. It features heavy cotton canvas construction with full-grain American leather trim. There are two carry options: the handles as well as a removable crossbody strap.
GORUCK Echo
GORUCK makes highly practical yet low-profile tactical bags and gear. That comes from their veteran founder wanting a bag that works in both civilian as well as military applications. The Echo, in particular, is a slim, minimalist everyday carry daypack. It opens flat for easy packing and removal of your gear when you need it. It’s big enough to fit a 13″ laptop and it has dedicated space for one, but it’s not huge like other tactical backpacks. And while it retains tactical features like MOLLE and hook and loop, it’s discreet enough to carry anywhere.
