Round ’em Up: Our Favorite Go-to Texas-based Outdoor Brands

Texas is both a mecca and touchstone for the outdoor industry. With tech-epicenters and entrepreneurial hubs like Austin and DFW, coupled with the state’s vast sums of wild spaces, it’s little wonder as to why that is.

Here are our favorite Texas-based outdoor brands that we’re currently obsessing over. Even if you’re not in the state, it’s 2019—so all of our favorite Texas outdoor companies ship nationwide.

Backwoods

With five locations scattered throughout the country—two of which are in Fort Worth, alone—Backwoods is an outdoor retailer, with Lone Star roots, that’s been selling outdoor apparel, gear, what have you for over 40 years. And, like everyone seems to be doing these day, they’ve recently opened their corporate office in Austin.

They, too, carry an enormous roster of brands, from Asolo to Yeti; Backwood also has its own line of in-house goods, which currently includes goodies such as stainless-steel tumblers and hammocks. (Backwoods even has supplies for your pup!)

For the adventure seekers among us, Backwood Adventures, the company’s sister travel company, both offers and organizes outdoor odyssey on all seven continents.

Whole Earth Provisions

Started in Dallas around the early-70s, Whole Earth Provisions has become synonymous with conscious consumerism in its over 50 years of operations. The company strives to offer clothing, footwear, and gear of all kinds that complement and enhance life outside, ensuring each product that crosses your path is of the utmost quality. 

With seven stores in four cities—Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio—stores are filled with goods from staple outdoor brands, all of which the knowledgeable and friendly sales staff at hand ready to offer information or advice should you need it.

Over the years, Whole Earth has funneled a portion of their revenues to support Texas State Parks, The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Texas, Hill Country Conservancy, Friends of Enchanted Rock, Big Bend Conservancy and many other non-profits, big and not-so-big, working to preserve and restore the environment. What’s not to like about that?

Alamo Outdoor Company

Alamo Outdoor Company’s (AOC) motto and mantra says it all: Life’s better outside. Erected in the heart of Texas, Alamo Outdoor Company was born out of a love for the outdoors and appreciation for well made, consciously crafted, responsibly-sourced products. We ’re big fans of their durable blankets and litany of graphic tees that boast a wide array of Texas themes.

A self-knighted small ma’-and-pop business (with ambitions to expand), AOC serves as both a boutique outdoor retailer and online information hub for all your Texas adventures. (Peruse their Field Notes to get a good taste of what we’re talking about.)

Whether you’re looking for a new blanket to keep warm during those cool Texas nights or just want to educate yourself about the state’s hidden outdoor, definitely check out AOC.

Kammok

This Austin-based hammock emporium has been a long time favorite of ours. Not only are their hammocks some of the best in the industry, but when you buy any piece of their camp gear—hammocks, hooks, hats, you name it—a hunk of your purchase goes toward mentoring young local explorers, helping to build lasting communities for Austin’s youth that all center around the outdoors.

Philanthropy aside, Kammok’s healthy rolodex of minimalistic gear is something not to overlook. And, sure, while their famous for their “Room,” “Python,” and “Joey” hammocks, Kammok’s line of no-frills shelters, accessories, and bits of insulation are worth every penny.

If you’re keen on investing in a hammock or shelter that, one, will outlast you, and, two, can withstand whatever life throws at it, give Kammok’s catalog a look over.

5 of Our Favorite Hipcamps in Texas

After checking out with your shopping cart, digital or otherwise, filled with outdoor goodies, put that new gear to the test and book one (or more) of our favorite Hipcamps in the state. 

• Mallard Pond Cabin
• Hidden Lake Safari & RV Park
• Bunk House
• Tipi In The Orchard
• The Morris Manor and Retreat

Campsites are already being booked. Stay up to date on the latest outdoor hotspots in the Lone Star State by following Hipcamp on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.