About

My Story

I’m a serial hobbyist who always needs a project in motion. Some projects are short-lived, while others grow into something much bigger. That’s what happened in this case.

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I grew up in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, spending weekends hiking the White Mountains and canoeing or kayaking throughout the Northeast. Those early experiences fostered my love for the outdoors and continue to shape the activities I pursue today. I now live in Traverse City, Michigan with my wife and our three dogs. While Michigan doesn’t have the mountains of Vermont, it makes up for it with its incredible waterways. My summers are spent kayaking and canoe camping across the Midwest.

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Canoe camping is what first led me to making gear. Before one trip, I realized I didn’t have a backpack that was even remotely water resistant. While searching for options, I discovered the Make Your Own Gear community and decided to try building one myself from a pattern. That first project was a success, and it encouraged me to take on more complex designs. Eventually, I began creating my own patterns to build exactly what I wanted.

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Now I make packs for many different uses, but they all share a common theme: durable, purpose-driven designs with everything you need and nothing you don’t. Each design is named after a place or area that holds significance for me or my family. Some are named for memorable trips, others for favorite mountains, and some for people who have played an important role in my life.