Evolution of Backcountry Exposure Accessory Bags

Have you ever found yourself suddenly interested in a new idea or hobby and within a short time, fully encompassed by it all? 
That's exactly what happened with me and learning how to sew. Back in 2018 or so, I got excited about the idea of sewing my own gathered end hammock and even an ambition of sewing my own tent. Well the tent idea didn't happen, but the hammock did. 

I took all my raw material over to a friend's house to use the sewing machine they had cause I hadn't yet got my own. With a little coaching, I tuned into my limited experience from Jr. High School Home Economics class and sewed together a gathered end hammock. Although pretty sloppy, it worked and was the rabbit hole to create more. 

Not long from there I bought my first sewing machine and started digging into learning everything I could about sewing. I spent too much money on various fabrics from Ripstop By The Roll and created a bunch of different bags from zippered bags to drawstring closure bags and even a second hammock.

I soon took a hold on zipper style boxed bags, like packing cubes and did my best to refine them as much as possible with the skill I had and the machine I had. I felt they were pretty good and asked friends on social media if they wanted to buy some bags from me to help me get more fabric and supplies, but also more experience. 
What came from that was a surprise amount of interest and support. I thought, could I make a business out of this? So I got talking with my good friend Jared, and after a few months of time, we launched a business together. But after a short 6 months of so in business, we got into a legal battle that resulted in us selling the business name, and really just having all the wind in our sails taken from us. It was rough. 

From that point on, I only sewed on occasion and was discouraged by everything that took place. But fast forward to 2020 and being furloughed from my job due to Covid, I was looking for ways to fill my time and even make some extra cash. So I pulled out the sewing machine again and all the fabric I had lying around and started messing with bags again. I launched an Etsy store and started selling bags again. Again, I was surprised at the support and the number of people wanting my bags, so I added more options and pushed hard to get as many sales as possible. But as life goes, I slowly stopped adding new listings and eventually stopped sewing again. 

But here we are in 2025 after a big life change in 2024 with my job, I am more motivated than ever and excited about taking my designs to the next level. Developing the Backcountry Exposure brand and creating accessory bags that truly help outdoor minded people organize their gear better and trust that the bags will last years and years of time on the trail. 

The goal with my bags isn't to reinvent the wheel with the design of my bags, but rather provide the highest quality and durability. I hope you enjoy them!