Journey Begins with Lindsey:
Every love story has a beginning, and ours starts amidst the rugged landscapes of the mountains. Growing up, Lindsey was no stranger to the raw beauty of nature. She spent her days packing salt to summer ranges with her father, tending to cows, and immersing herself in the vastness of the mountains. It was during these formative years, while moving cows or accompanying her father on bow hunting trips, that Lindsey's deep-rooted love for the outdoors blossomed. At the tender age of 12, she throat-bugled her first 6-point bull, marking the start of many adventures to come.
Enter Jason:
Our paths intertwined in 2011 when Lindsey reached out to Jason for guidance on a deer tag. Little did they know, this would be the beginning of not just a beautiful relationship but also a shared dream. Their first date was as unconventional as their love story – an early morning archery elk hunt. By the end of that day, Lindsey had notched an impressive feat, shooting a badger with her bow, and thus laying the foundation of a life built around the love for hunting and each other.
The early days were filled with hunts that doubled as dates. Their honeymoon was a testament to their shared passion, with a 5-day bear hunt in the north fork of the Salmon, where Jason successfully shot a bear. Over the years, their adventures took them to places like Alaska for caribou hunting, Idaho for mountain goat archery, and California for big horn hunting. Every trip was a lesson, an opportunity to refine their skills, understand their gear, and gather inspiration for the next big thing.
Birth of Rugged:
Jason may have been the driving force behind the inception of Rugged, but it was Lindsey who breathed life into its name. The philosophy behind Rugged is simple yet profound: recognizing and celebrating everyone's inherent ruggedness. Every individual possesses a unique spirit of adventure, resilience, and self-reliance, waiting to be discovered and honed. Through Rugged, we aim to inspire people to recognize this intrinsic quality and to boldly embrace it.
Beyond Just Hunting:
What truly differentiates Rugged from the plethora of outdoor brands is its universal appeal. To us, ruggedness is not limited to hunting or trapping. It's evident in a plethora of activities like backcountry backpacking, rock climbing, dirt biking, cowboying, and even competitive leg wrestling. Every activity, every adventure, every challenge faced in the great outdoors speaks to the Rugged spirit.
Life on the Farm and the Vision Ahead:
The work ethic and knowledge imbibed from life on the farm, from running cows to handling horses, have undeniably influenced our hunting journeys. The ranch lifestyle itself is a testament to the rugged ethos. Drawing from this experience, Lindsey envisions designing a pair of pants that cater to both the ranch and hunting lifestyle, emphasizing durability and adaptability.
As for the future of Rugged, the horizon is vast and full of possibilities. We dream of introducing a versatile clothing line, incorporating solid natural colors, ensuring durability and weather resistance. A specialized camo line is also on the cards.
In Closing:
Our journey, from the mountains to the vast terrains we've hunted, has been incredible. Through Rugged, we hope to share this passion, inspire adventures, and reignite the spirit of self-reliance and connection with nature in every individual.
Welcome to Rugged. Explore. Discover. Embrace Your Ruggedness.