When you’re miles from civilization, every ounce in your pack needs to serve a purpose. Through years of trial and error, we’ve identified ten pieces of gear that consistently perform in the backcountry.
These aren’t trending items or social media favorites. They’re field-tested tools that have earned our complete trust.
MKC Heavyweight Flannel
In the field, your gear needs to work as hard as you do. Our Heavyweight Flannel combines Montana toughness and classic Western style in a shirt ready for dawn patrol or late-night processing.
The heavyweight cotton fabric stands up to brush and briars, while the dual button-down flap chest pockets keep your essentials secure on the move. What sets this flannel apart is the attention to detail, reinforced construction with double-stitched seams, custom matte black MKC buttons, and a cut that allows a full range of motion, whether you’re drawing a bow or field dressing your harvest.
The thick, rugged material keeps you warm while providing a soft, comfortable feel that gets better with every wear.
MKC Fleece Hoodie
From dawn patrol to evening campfires, our Fleece Hoodie combines warmth and durability in a package that’s ready for any adventure. This heavyweight 10 oz. pullover is built from premium soft fabric with a brushed fleece interior that fights off the chill while resisting pilling and wear.
The kangaroo pocket keeps your hands warm and essentials close, while the lined hood with blaze-orange-dipped drawcords adds extra protection when the weather turns. With our bold MKC logo screen-printed front and center and sleeve detail, it’s the kind of essential layer that looks as good as it performs, whether you’re glassing a hillside or gathering around the fire pit.
Made from globally sourced materials, this hoodie layers perfectly through every season without adding bulk.
MKC Colorblock Hoodie — Camo
When you need versatility that works both in the backcountry and around town, our Colorblock Hoodie delivers. The two-tone black-and-camo design, featuring our custom camo knife pattern, blends seamlessly into the field while making a statement anywhere else.
Built from the same premium 10 oz. heavyweight fabric as our Fleece Hoodie, this pullover features a brushed interior fleece that’s durable enough for the shop, comfortable enough for everyday wear, and warm enough for long days in the field. The blaze-orange eyelets and dipped drawcords add our signature MKC touch, while the kangaroo pocket and sleeve-cuff ribbing provide practical comfort.
Whether you’re conquering mountain trails or heading to the local coffee shop, this hoodie bridges the gap between function and style.
MKC Waffle Knit Performance Hoodie
Some days demand more from your layers than just warmth. Our Waffle Knit Performance Hoodie is a technical mid-layer that delivers heat retention without the weight, thanks to an innovative grid pattern that traps warmth while maximizing breathability and moisture management.
Constructed from a comfortable stretch knit blend of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, this hoodie moves with you through shifting conditions in the field. The three-panel hood provides an enhanced fit, while the streamlined design layers quietly under a shell yet stands strong on its own during cool-weather pursuits. The tonal MKC PVC patch at the chest adds a subtle touch of branding.
When you’re pushing hard in variable weather, this hoodie keeps you comfortable without overheating.
MKC Ranch Glove
Your hands do the work, so they deserve protection that’s up to the task. Built in partnership with Sullivan Gloves right here in the USA, our Ranch Glove is for anyone who works where grit meets precision, whether you’re on the ranch, in the shop, or in the field.
Made from 100% premium deerskin leather, these gloves are soft, flexible, and highly durable with exceptional grip in wet or dry conditions. The Montana Knife Company branded leather knuckle patch adds our signature touch, while the elastic wrist ensures a secure fit.
Just like our knives, these gloves are built to be used hard, day after day, season after season. The deerskin breaks in and molds to your hand over time, creating a custom fit that only gets better with use. No gimmicks, no shortcuts. Just honest American craftsmanship designed for those who live close to the land.
MKC X Proof EDC Razor
From two Montana-based brands that pride themselves on American manufacturing and products built to last a lifetime comes the only razor you’ll ever need. Our collaboration with Proof brings the same attention to detail we put into our knives to your daily grooming routine.
The CNC-machined aluminum handle features a black anodized finish for durability and a comfortable grip, with design elements borrowed from our Whitetail and Wargoat knives, including a thumb ramp and side stippling that feels familiar in hand.
The bold Cerakote orange shaving head features a flow-through design to prevent clogging, while the pivoting head adjusts to the natural contours of your face for a close, smooth shave. The magnetic cap makes blade changes fast and secure, and the single-blade design minimizes irritation while reducing the risk of ingrown hairs.
At 4 5/8″ length, it’s compact enough to pack anywhere.
Each razor comes with a genuine leather case hand-stitched in Montana and backed by Proof’s lifetime warranty.
MKC X Tactile Turn EDC Mini Pen
When you need to mark a waypoint or jot down coordinates in any weather, our collaboration with Tactile Turn has you covered. These American-made bolt-action pens are built with the same attention to detail as our knives, available in both standard and mini sizes.
The precision-machined bolt mechanism provides smooth, one-handed operation even with gloved hands, while the machined texturing ensures a secure grip in any conditions. The mini version offers a compact option for those who prefer to travel light, fitting comfortably in your shirt pocket or pack without adding bulk.
Both feature our signature blaze orange accents and are machined from premium materials that are ready to work as hard as you do, whether you’re documenting field notes or signing your tag after a successful hunt.
MKC Field Knife Sharpener
When you’re miles deep in the backcountry, a dull blade isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a liability.
That’s why our Field Knife Sharpener has earned its permanent spot in our packs. Designed in collaboration with Work Sharp, this compact sharpener gives you a reliable working edge in seconds.
The 20° angle guides take the guesswork out of maintaining your blade, while the diamond plates handle everything from quick touch-ups to breathing new life into a well-used edge. At just 2.6 ounces, it’s a lightweight solution that delivers professional-grade results wherever your adventures take you.
MKC Cutting Boards
From field to table, this isn’t your average cutting board. It’s a six-pound testament to American craftsmanship. Handcrafted from solid maple and cherry right here in Montana, this heavy-duty board features nearly two inches of edge-grain construction that’s ready to handle everything from delicate herbs to the toughest game-processing tasks.
The thoughtfully designed juice groove contains the mess when you’re breaking down your harvest, while the rubber feet keep it planted firmly in place and allow proper airflow to preserve your investment. Each board is unique, showcasing the natural grain patterns that make hardwood such a beautiful material.
And like all our gear, it’s built to become a legacy piece, the kind of essential tool you’ll pass down to the next generation of hunters in your family.
MKC Headlamp 2.0
When your adventure extends past sunset, you need illumination you can count on.
Built with input from seasoned hunters, our Headlamp 2.0 delivers a powerful 800 lumens of focused light in a rugged, weatherproof package. Whether you’re tracking in low light, field dressing after dark, or setting up camp, the adjustable focal spot puts light exactly where you need it.
The red light mode preserves your night vision and won’t spook wildlife, while the IPX4 waterproof rating means rain and splashes won’t slow you down. We’ve thought through the details that matter, from the comfortable topographic band to the dual power options (USB-C rechargeable or three AAA batteries), and we even added a locking feature to prevent accidental activation in your pack.
At just 3.32 ounces, it’s light enough to forget it’s there until you need it.
Purpose-Driven Gear That Delivers
After spending countless days in the field, we’ve learned that the best gear isn’t always the most expensive or the flashiest. It’s the stuff that works when you need it, holds up over time, and makes your time outdoors better.
These ten pieces have earned their keep in our packs because they solve real problems we face as hunters and outdoorsmen. From early morning prep to late-night processing sessions, this is gear we trust and use ourselves, simple as that.
by Josh Smith, Master Bladesmith and Founder of Montana Knife Company
