When Tech Meets Timber: Why Keyport Pulled Up a Seat at the Campfire
At Keyport, we’ve always been about innovation, crafting modular, tech-forward everyday carry (EDC) solutions that streamline your essentials. We design modular tools for people who care about readiness, clean carry, and gear that earns its place.
So what’s Keyport, a company known for urban EDC, doing in a community full of outdoor legends?
Because the best gear isn’t defined by where it lives. It’s defined by why it exists. And in the Campfire Co-Op, we found gearmakers who don’t just make awesome tools, they make awesome tools that matter.
This post is about what happens when urban EDC meets outdoor EDC - two different approaches to the same core idea: carry smart, live ready.
Image courtesy of Campfire Co-Op
Quick Answer: Urban EDC Meets Outdoor EDC at Campfire Co-Op
What is the Campfire Co-Op?
The Campfire Co-Op is a curated collective of outdoor gear brands, makers, creators, and media who believe in collaboration over competition. It’s a community rooted in shared values: craftsmanship, usefulness, and mutual respect, not just marketing hype.
Why does Keyport care?
Keyport joined the Co-Op to learn, contribute, and connect. While we come from the urban EDC world, we share common ground with outdoor makers who value modularity, preparedness, and purposeful design.
What makes it different?
Campfire Co-Op isn’t a logo wall. It’s an active network of trusted creators and builders. Members actually use what they make and support one another with transparency and intent.
Who’s in it?
Members include standout brands like Wazoo Survival Gear, Georgia Bushcraft, Grim Workshop, PNWBUSHCRAFT, L.T. Wright Knives, editors like Jim Cobb at Backwoods Survival Guide, and influencers like Melissa Backwoods and Taylor Martin of Best Damn EDC. It’s gearheads, quiet legends, and skilled hands around the same fire.
How can I learn more?
Visit campfireco-op.com to explore the community, or browse Keyport’s approach to modular urban EDC to see where we fit into the mix.
Why Trust Us
At Keyport, we’ve spent over a decade building gear that blends urban utility with outdoor preparedness, and we’ve collaborated with or spotlighted many of the creators featured in this post. Our insights come from experience, not algorithms.
This post also reflects direct conversations with Campfire Co-Op members and firsthand interactions at events like SHOT Show, Discord chats, and community forums. We’ve done our homework, and we’re proud to share what we’ve learned.
We’re not just here to swap stories around the fire. We build gear for the real world. Here are a few examples that prove it.
Quick Summary: Urban EDC Meets Outdoor Gear Community
Campfire Co-Op is a curated community of outdoor gear brands, makers, creators, and media.
It values collaboration over competition, and members actively support each other.
The Co-Op brings together makers, survivalists, YouTubers, writers, event hosts, knife smiths, and gear obsessives who live what they build.
Featured members include Wazoo Survival Gear, Georgia Bushcraft, Grim Workshop, PNW Bushcraft, Backwoods Survival Guide, Melissa Backwoods, and Best Damn EDC.
Keyport brings a modular urban EDC perspective to a mostly outdoor-focused crew and believes in building bridges between urban and outdoor EDC, one tool at a time.
Table of contents
When Tech Meets Timber: Why Keyport Pulled Up a Seat at the Campfire Quick Answer: Urban EDC Meets Outdoor EDC at Campfire Co-Op Why Trust Us Quick Summary: Urban EDC Meets Outdoor Gear Community The Invitation: Bridging Two Worlds How a modular EDC brand found unexpected common ground with knife makers, creators, and outdoor purists - and why we’re better for it. Urban EDC and Outdoor EDC: Two Worlds, One Mindset Gearmakers Who Blew Us Away More Badasses, Less Bandwidth What a Key Organizer Shares with a Survival Knife Why We’re Staying by the Fire Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Urban EDC Meets Outdoor EDC
The Invitation: Bridging Two Worlds
How a modular EDC brand found unexpected common ground with knife makers, creators, and outdoor purists - and why we’re better for it.
Our journey into the Campfire Co-Op started with genuine admiration. We’d featured a couple of Wazoo Survival Gear products in earlier blog posts—not as favors, but because they’re smart, functional, and worth talking about. That led me to reach out to Dustin directly to explore potential collaborations and co-marketing ideas.
What followed were several great conversations—not just about gear, but about mindset, community, and shared values. Eventually, Dustin was kind enough to invite me in and introduce me around.
We didn’t join because we thought we were a perfect fit. We joined because we saw a shared mindset: build tools that are functional, dependable, and built with intent.
Keyport exists in the world of urban EDC - modular setups, smart integrations, tools that work just as well in a city as they do on a trail. But we’ve always admired the ethos of outdoor EDC: minimalism, self-reliance, and gear you’d trust with your life. That said, I was definitely concerned about how we could contribute to the community.
Turns out, we have a lot more in common than not.
Urban EDC and Outdoor EDC: Two Worlds, One Mindset
Preparedness is not a place. It’s a principle.
Urban EDC is about managing keys, tech, and tools without bulk. Outdoor EDC is about carrying what you need to survive, navigate, and repair in the field. But in both cases, every item must earn its keep.
At Keyport, we build tools like the Pivot 2.0 and Slide 4.0 to integrate keys, flash drives, NFC, multi-tools, and even YubiKeys into a single, modular form factor. They’re made for efficiency, reliability, and real-world use.
And while we lean titanium over canvas, we’re walking parallel paths. The materials may differ, but the thinking is the same.
Gearmakers Who Blew Us Away
Image courtesy of Campfire Co-Op
Campfire Co-Op isn’t a list of logos. It’s a group of makers who care—deeply—about what they put into the world.
Some forge steel. Some stitch canvas. Some document gear in the field, and some tell the stories behind it. What they share is a level of intention that’s rare in any industry, especially one that moves fast and rewards flash.
You won’t find ego-driven marketing or empty brand noise here. You’ll find people who obsess over detail, utility, and meaning—whether they’re prototyping a new blade or writing a field guide someone might actually use.
It’s not about being loud. It’s about being real. And for us, that’s exactly where we want to be.
WAZOO Gear
What They Do:
Wazoo—founded by Dustin Hogard and Nick Blackman—is redefining what it means to wear your survival kit. Their gear integrates tools into everyday items so seamlessly, you almost forget they’re there… until you need them. Products like the Cache Belt and Adventure Kit pack fire starters, fishing line, navigation tools, and emergency gear into wearable, stealthy formats. It’s survival gear for people who actually go outside—and still have to go to work.
Why We Admire Them:
Because stealth is hard. Function is harder. And doing both—without compromise—is rare. Wazoo pulls it off with gear that’s durable, thoughtful, and damn near invisible until it matters. They’re not just selling tools. They’re selling confidence, competence, and calm under pressure. And they do it with humility, integrity, and zero gimmicks.
Also? They were the first ones to welcome us in. That counts for a lot.
Georgia Bushcraft
https://www.georgiabushcraft.com
What He Does:
Founder of Georgia Bushcraft, Owner of Griffin Pocket Tool, Co-Founder of Bushcraft Coffee Company, and Operator of Outpost Oconee, Casey is a one-man outdoor industry ecosystem. From hosting immersive survival weekends to roasting small-batch campfire coffee, designing EDC tools, and running one of the best gear shops in the Southeast, he’s constantly building spaces where skills, stories, and community thrive.
Why We Admire Him:
Because nothing Casey does is surface-level. Georgia Bushcraft is more than a brand. It’s a proving ground, a classroom, and a rally point for both new makers and seasoned pros. He’s created an ecosystem where brands grow, friendships form, and real outdoor knowledge gets passed down without ego.
A true OG in the outdoor space—quietly building brands, communities, and campfires long before it was cool to hashtag it.
Grim Workshop
What He Does:
Jordan Grimes doesn’t just make survival tools—he rethinks how and where they should live. From a 5th-generation Texas homestead, Jordan designs flat, reusable, and wearable tools that tuck into your wallet, ride on your wrist, or slip into your patch kit. Grim Workshop’s lineup includes everything from fishing and trapping tools to escape kits and EDC lockpicks—all built to be low-profile, durable, and quietly over-prepared.
Why We Admire Him:
Because Jordan’s not just a maker—he’s a tradesman, knife builder, rancher, and problem-solver who’s lived the kind of life where preparedness isn’t theoretical. Grim Workshop’s tools are clever, compact, and deadly functional, but what really stands out is the philosophy: make gear that disappears until you need it, then works every time.
Jordan isn’t chasing trends. He’s building gear you’d want if the power goes out, the car breaks down, or your “just in case” moment suddenly becomes right now.
PNWBUSHCRAFT
https://www.pnwbushcraft.com, Instagram
What She Does:
Heather Saulsbury runs PNWBUSHCRAFT, a small family business in Washington state crafting waxed canvas gear that’s built to last and designed to be used. From foraging pouches to fire kits, her work reflects a deep connection to the outdoors and a real appreciation for gear that earns its keep.
Why We Admire Her:
Because every product she makes feels intentional—built for real use, not just shelf appeal. Heather doesn’t cut corners or follow fads. She builds with purpose, and it shows. She’s also a Campfire Co-Op board member, helping guide the community with the same thoughtfulness she puts into her craft.
We haven’t known Heather long, but her work speaks volumes—and it’s easy to respect the way she shows up, both in what she makes and how she supports the Co-Op.
More Badasses, Less Bandwidth
Image courtesy of Campfire Co-Op
We could write deep-dive profiles on every member of the Campfire Co-Op. Honestly, we started to but then realized this post was getting longer than a late-night Discord thread after someone asks, “What’s the one piece of gear you never leave behind?”
Plus, let’s be honest, when you’re rubbing elbows with actual legends like Taylor (@bestdamnedc) and Melissa Backwoods, you try to keep things tight and not embarrass yourself.
So here’s a rapid-fire rundown of more creators, brands, and quiet legends worth knowing. If we missed you, blame word count… not heart.
Jim Cobb @ Backwoods Survival Guide
Backwoods Survival Guide No.32
Who He Is: Editor-in-Chief of Backwoods Survival Guide and Prepper Survival Guide, Jim Cobb has written the book(s) on preparedness—literally. He’s published widely across the survival space and authored trusted titles like Prepper’s Home Defense and Prepper’s Long-Term Survival Guide.
Why We Admire Him: Because Jim brings clarity to chaos. His writing is sharp, tested, and focused on real-world readiness—not fear-mongering. He’s one of the voices in this space who’s earned his audience by consistently delivering value, not noise.
Travis Stevenson @ Loki Tactics
What He Does: Travis Stevenson is the mind behind Loki Tactics, a custom shop known for clever, handmade EDC gear like the LOKI RING—a compact KYDEX® key ring that blends function and flair. Travis brings a DIY maker’s mindset to every design, turning raw materials into tools that hit that sweet spot between practical and personal.
Why We Admire Him: Because Travis isn’t mass-producing anything—he’s crafting gear with edge, character, and purpose. Whether it’s a bone knuckle or a minimalist carry solution, his designs are unapologetically original and built for real-world use. He’s a builder, an inventor, and a true one-man gear lab.
Prepping with Sarge
Who He Is: Sarge is a longtime prepper with 30+ years of boots-on-the-ground experience. He’s a martial artist, lifelong gardener, storm chaser (accidentally, allegedly), and a calm voice in the chaos. His content spans everything from knife reviewsand tactical gear to silver stacking, self-sufficiency gardening, and TEOTWAWKI scenarios. He’s not here for fear clicks—he’s here to teach you how to get ready and stay ready.
Why We Admire Him: Because Sarge gets it. He’s the kind of guy who’ll teach you how to prep without preaching, who talks EDC with the same ease he talks heirloom seeds. Practical, no-BS, and grounded in decades of real practice. If the world’s coming to an end, we want him on our team.
Michael Henninger @ L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives
What He Does: Michael Henninger is the Director of Marketing and Media at L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives, where he blends storytelling with craftsmanship to elevate the brand’s presence. Beyond marketing, Michael is also the designer of the GNS (Go No Show) knife—a versatile blade that has become a staple for bushcrafters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Why We Admire Him: Because Michael bridges the gap between product and community. His dual role as marketer and maker ensures that L.T. Wright Knives not only produce high-quality tools but also resonate with the needs and values of the outdoor community. As a founding member of the Campfire Co-Op, Michael’s commitment to collaboration and innovation helps foster a culture where craftsmanship and community go hand in hand.
Paul Herrera @ EverythingLifeSaving
Everything LifeSaving Foundation
What He Does: Equips veterans, aviators, and outdoor enthusiasts with mission-ready emergency and survival gear. Also leads the Everything LifeSaving Foundation, supporting preparedness at the community level.
Why We Admire Him: Paul doesn’t just talk about service. He lives it. A U.S. Army veteran and former government contractor, he’s dedicated his life to protecting others both abroad and at home. From combat operations and drone surveillance to empowering others through gear and guidance, Paul’s mission-first mindset is unmistakable. He served his country with honor and came back to keep serving. This time through preparedness, education, and action. We’re proud to stand beside him and support both his company and his cause.
Taylor Martin @ Best Damn EDC
https://bestdamnedc.com/, YouTube, Instagram
Who He Is: Taylor Martin is the creator behind Best Damn EDC, a cornerstone of the everyday carry world. Through YouTube, Instagram, and his site, he’s helped elevate EDC from niche hobby to design-forward lifestyle—spotlighting loadouts that are as functional as they are refined.
Why We Admire Him: Because Taylor doesn’t just review gear—he curates a point of view. His eye for detail, commitment to quality, and refusal to play hype games have earned him real credibility. In a space full of noise, he’s built something rare: a trusted platform that actually makes people rethink what they carry—and why.
Melissa Miller, aka Melissa Backwoods
https://melissabackwoods.com/, Instagram, YouTube
Who She Is: Melissa Miller—better known as Melissa Backwoods—is a knife maker, survivalist, and content creator who’s carved out a unique space at the intersection of craftsmanship and adventure. From forging blades to field-testing gear, she brings real experience to everything she does—whether it’s on YouTube, Instagram, or national TV. Her work is raw, skilled, and deeply personal.
Why We Admire Her: Because Melissa doesn’t just talk about knives—she makes them, tests them, and lives the lifestyle. She’s probably tested more sharp objects than the entire Game of Thrones cast. When she stopped by our SHOT Show booth in 2024, we admit—we were a little starstruck. She’s not just part of the outdoor world—she transcends it, blending edge and authenticity in a way that few can match.
What a Key Organizer Shares with a Survival Knife
You might not think a modular key organizer and a forged blade have much in common.
But they do.
They’re both designed for reliability. Both used in high-trust moments. Both reflect the mindset of the person who carries them—and the one who built them.
That’s why urban EDC and outdoor EDC aren’t opposites. They’re branches of the same tree.
We’re not trying to blend in. We’re just showing up as we are, recognizing shared DNA when we see it, and learning everything we can from the people who’ve been doing it right for a long time - the ones who are quietly the best at what they do.
Why We’re Staying by the Fire
We didn’t join Campfire Co-Op to sell more gear. We joined to be part of a conversation worth having.
Because whether you’re shaping steel, stitching leather, or CNC machining titanium, the mission is the same: create tools that carry meaning.
We’re grateful to be here. And if you’ve got an idea that bridges urban EDC and outdoor EDC? Pull up a chair. We’ve got a cold one waiting and a spot by the fire with your name on it.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Urban EDC Meets Outdoor EDC
What is Campfire Co-Op?
Campfire Co-Op is a curated alliance of outdoor gearmakers, content creators, educators, and small brands who share a common mission: to elevate craftsmanship, support one another, and build meaningful connections in the outdoor and EDC communities. It’s not a marketplace or a logo wall. It’s a trust-based collective where collaboration beats competition, and every member brings something real to the fire whether it’s tools, skills, or hard-earned wisdom.
Why did Keyport join Campfire Co-Op?
Keyport joined Campfire Co-Op to build meaningful relationships with likeminded makers, educators, and creators across the outdoor gear space. As a brand rooted in modular urban EDC, we saw an opportunity to contribute a different perspective focused on compact design, digital integration, and real-world readiness. The Co-Op gives us space to learn, share, and collaborate with those who value function over flash.
Is Keyport an outdoor gear brand?
Not in the traditional sense. Keyport specializes in modular everyday carry tools designed for urban environments. But the overlap is clear. Like many outdoor gear brands, we prioritize durability, adaptability, and utility. Our products are built to perform whether you’re navigating city streets, forest trails, or somewhere in between.
Can I join the Campfire Co-Op?
Can I join the Campfire Co-Op?
Yes. Campfire Co-Op is open to outdoor industry professionals who share a commitment to collaboration, craftsmanship, and community. Whether you’re a gear maker, educator, content creator, or industry leader, the Co-Op offers a space to connect, contribute, and grow together.
Membership includes access to shared resources, cross-brand opportunities, and a trusted network of makers and storytellers shaping the future of the outdoor world.
Will Keyport collaborate with other Co-Op members?
Absolutely. We’re always open to partnerships that make sense. Whether it’s blending modular EDC tech with handmade outdoor tools or co-developing limited editions, we’re here to collaborate with brands and creators who care about quality, innovation, and solving real-world problems together. We look forward to updating you on our progress.
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