Today we have another edition of the FirstSpear OEM Partner series taking a closer look at an all new company FirstSpear manufacturers private label equipment for. Introducing Tuff Possum Gear and the Shackleton EDC Satchel, 100% American Made by FirstSpear. Currently available in Coyote Brown, Ranger Green, and Black.
tuffpossumgear.com/product/shackleton-edc-satchel
How was Tuff Possum started?
I, Jayberry, grew up hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and just generally exploring like kids ought to be able to do. A fellow needs a way to carry those essentials for his adventure, right?
My mother was working as a part time private seamstress, so naturally I would bring requests for pouches and bags for my “kit”. These grew until, when I brought her a small pack design, she decided it was time for me to learn to sew.
That summer of 2012, a family friend gave 13 yr old me a little home sewing machine that she no longer needed and so it began. I only sewed projects for myself and friends for a few years.
But around age 15, in search of funding my own material purchasing, I started selling a few pieces on an online discussion forum and quickly realized there were customers to be had. People who took this gear out and used it hard.
Fast forward to November of 2017, I graduated highschool, quit my part time machining job of 3 years, and decided to launch this full time. Tuff Possum Gear was born!
We exist to bring trustworthy gear to people who go places and do things. Whether that means hiking to Machu Picchu, commuting in the heart of New York City, or camping along a riverbank in the Missouri Ozarks.
Why was the Shackleton Developed?
The Roman emperor and philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, once said, “Usefulness and happiness are largely found in the same soul.” The Shackleton EDC Satchel was really developed as a grab-and-go, everyday carry bag. Designed to easily carry the items I wanted to have on hand, no matter where I go. Namely: A water bottle, a battery pack and charger cords for my phone, a first aid kit to lend help around me, a pair of gloves, a multitool, 550 parachute cord, and the like.
If something isn’t easy to keep with you at all times, you are more likely to leave it behind. A single strap satchel is preferable, in my opinion, for easy access on the go. It has merit as well, when it comes to donning and doffing when entering and exiting motor vehicles.
Why did you choose FS manufacturing?
For for a small business like ours, scalability is hard. Producing gear at high enough quantities and maintaining a high standard of quality is the challenge of the day.
FirstSpear has the manufacturing capabilities, both in the pool of talent and the specialized equipment, to make that a smooth process. For a small business owner doing almost everything himself and bootstrapping a brand from nothing, this is a huge boon.
As part of this, this also meant we have the ability to take advantage of utilizing FirstSpear’s patented 6/12 material and their laser cutting abilities with other laminate components.
Why is American manufacturing important to Tuff Possum?
The answer is twofold.
The first is transparency and human connection. We place a lot of value on the ability to drive to whereever our products are made, talk to the people making them,see the machines they are being made on and know that the people value the things we value.
The second is gratitude. For the land and the country that has given us so much. Despite its flaws, it has stood as a bastion for freedom and righteousness in a world of darkness. And it is truly a land of opportunity. A land that has been fertile ground for generations of our forefathers. American manufacturing is important to us as a way of giving back. Of supporting the industry, the grit and tenacity, the people, and the families that compose this great country.
