Behind the scenes, and a little history, at Blue Ridge Overland Gear

Most, if not all, OutdoorX4 readers are probably aware of Blue Ridge Overland Gear by now. Their line of bags, pouches, and other organizational products are carried in thousands of adventure rigs across the globe. However, their origin and unique location may not be as well known as their products.

Blue Ridge Overland Gear was started by Matt Akenhead in 2012. In those early years, every single product was cut, sewn, and shipped from Matt’s garage just steps from his backdoor. I can personally attest to the fact that the level of organizational skill and efficiency that it took to produce such a wide variety of products in that small space was truly impressive. However, after a few cramped years, Matt seized the opportunity to move the BROG operation to a slightly more accommodating space. 

Enter, the Bedford Hardware. This appropriately named building is located on a corner in historic downtown Bedford, Virginia. Three open floors allow the BROG crew a dedicated retail space on the first floor that’s large enough to showcase their product line and other large overland-related gear they stock.

This retail area is sandwiched between the third-floor loft that houses the manufacturing area, and the basement that is utilized for storage. While they don’t know the exact construction date of the Bedford Hardware building, they know it was constructed between 1895 and 1900. No matter the year the hardware store has all of the charms you’d expect from a 100-year-old building complete with a massive cargo lift, cubbies for small items, and a matrix of pegboard displays. 

The fact every item is designed, prototyped, cut, and sewn under one roof is the definition of Made in America craftsmanship. If you stop by the store or see the Blue Ridge Overland Gear crew at an event, chances are the person you’re talking to had a hand in some part of each piece of BROG gear. 

Special thanks to CT Bell from BROG for photos and facts.

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