Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Vick.
Chris , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Chris Vick, founder of Squatch Survival Gear in San Antonio, Texas. Before starting the business, I served as an Army Infantry soldier and officer, including as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. Deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, followed by work overseas as a contractor, taught me the value of dependable gear and people who stand behind their work.
I founded Squatch Survival Gear in 2017 to carry those values forward through American-made backpacks and outdoor gear, honest service, and support for American manufacturing.
Building the business has taken persistence and plenty of hard lessons. We’ve grown by listening to customers, improving our products, and working with small American manufacturers who care about their craft.
Today, our purpose remains the same: build gear people can count on, earn their trust, and help keep American jobs and manufacturing skills alive.
Freedom is built, not imported.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. At Squatch Survival Gear, rising material costs, long production lead times, and limited access to skilled sewing labor have tested us. Keeping our backpacks and outdoor gear American-made means working through those challenges while keeping quality and value at the center of our decisions.
Some of the hardest lessons have been about focus. We’ve had to narrow our product lineup, cut expenses, and make difficult decisions about where to invest. As a small business owner, you learn that every dollar and every hour has to count.
My Army experience taught me to adapt, take responsibility, and keep moving. That’s how I approach the business: listen to customers, learn from what isn’t working, and follow through. We’re still building, and our commitment to dependable gear, honest service, and American manufacturing continues to guide us.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Squatch Survival Gear is a veteran-owned outdoor gear company based in San Antonio, Texas. We specialize in American-made backpacks, everyday carry packs, chest packs, and accessories for hiking, hunting, travel, and everyday preparedness.
My background as an Army Infantry veteran and paratrooper shaped how I look at equipment. When you carry a pack for hours, day after day, you notice where it rubs, what’s hard to reach, and what you wish someone had designed differently. Those experiences influence what we build and the questions we ask before putting our name on a product.
What sets us apart is our commitment to making gear here in America. We work with U.S. manufacturers and small sewing shops, and we care about the details—the fabric, thread, foam, hardware, and the people putting it all together. We also focus on ergonomics wherever possible, designing gear to work with your body and the way it moves. I want customers to understand what they’re buying and why we chose to build it that way.
Brand-wise, I’m proudest that we’ve kept going without walking away from that commitment. Building a small business is tough. Building one around American manufacturing adds its own challenges. Every order matters, and there’s a real person behind this company who appreciates it.
We also share practical lessons about packing, preparedness, and taking care of your gear. I want people to get outside, use their equipment, and build confidence through experience. “Skills don’t weigh anything” is something we say often because it’s true.
What I want readers to know is simple: when you buy from Squatch, you’re supporting a small American business, American makers, and our effort to keep those skills alive. We’re proud of what we make, and we intend to keep getting better.
Freedom is built, not imported.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next five to ten years, I hope we see more outdoor gear made in America—and more investment in the people who know how to make it. That means supporting small sewing shops, training the next generation, and giving American manufacturers steady work they can build a future around. Wanting American-made products is a start. Keeping that capability alive takes customers, brands, and manufacturers working together.
I also hope the industry puts more emphasis on comfort, useful features, and long-term value. A backpack should work with your body and the way it moves, whether you’re hiking, hunting, or carrying it every day. Everything eventually wears out, but thoughtful design and quality construction should give people good service for their money.
The current market makes that future challenging. The Outdoor Industry Association’s recent reporting shows customers buying fewer products as prices rise. At the same time, its camping research shows more Americans getting outside through camping close to their vehicles. To me, that suggests there’s opportunity, but brands have to earn the purchase. People need gear that fits their lives and a clear reason to spend their money.
My expectation is that versatility will become increasingly important. A customer may want one dependable pack for work, weekend trips, and emergency preparedness. I also think brands will face more questions about where their products are made, what goes into them, and whether the claims match the experience.
For Squatch Survival Gear, that means continuing to improve our designs, supporting American makers, and sharing practical knowledge alongside our products. I can’t promise where the entire industry will go, but I know what we intend to help build.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://squatchsurvivalgear.com
- Instagram: squatchsurvivalgear
- Facebook: squatchsurvivalgear
