Why DIY Gear is Taking Over the Outdoor Industry

Have you ever bought outdoor gear that almost worked, but not quite? Maybe the pockets were in the wrong spot, or it didn’t hold up to real weather. You're not alone. More and more outdoor enthusiasts are saying, “Forget it, I’ll just make my own.” And honestly? We get it. DIY gear is taking over, and for good reason.

DIY gear is no longer just a niche hobby, it’s a growing movement. From custom backpacks to ultralight tents and bike bags, people are designing gear that fits their needs better than anything they could find on a shelf. It’s personal, practical, and, in many cases, way more fun.

So, what’s behind the shift? Why are more people pulling out sewing machines and fabric shears instead of shopping carts? It turns out the reasons go way beyond just saving money. DIY gear makers are driven by everything from customization to durability to the pure satisfaction of building something with their own hands.

The Rise of the MYOG Movement

MYOG, short for Make Your Own Gear, is exactly what it sounds like: designing and building your own outdoor equipment from scratch. What started as a niche corner of the internet has grown into a thriving, fast-growing community of makers who are rethinking how outdoor gear gets made.

In the early days, MYOG was largely driven by ultralight backpackers and hardcore adventurers who couldn’t find gear that was light enough, durable enough, or functional enough for their needs. Tactical gear builders and survivalists followed, customizing packs and pouches to meet highly specific setups. The unifying trend? Off-the-shelf gear wasn’t cutting it, so people started building their own.

Fast-forward to today, and MYOG has gone mainstream. Whether through Reddit threads, YouTube tutorials, or Instagram tags, more people than ever are sharing builds, swapping tips, and diving into technical fabrics and hardware. Some are hobbyists. Others are launching small businesses. Either way, the maker mindset is spreading, and it’s changing the outdoor industry from the ground up.

Why People Are Choosing DIY Over Store-Bought Gear

So why make your own gear when you could just buy it? For a growing number of people, the better question is: why not?

One of the biggest reasons people get into MYOG is customization. Store-bought gear is designed for the average user, but not everyone is average. Maybe you need a backpack with extra-long straps or a pouch that fits your specific setup. Maybe you want a certain pocket layout, a specific fabric, or a color that doesn’t scream “off the shelf.” DIY lets you build exactly what you want, nothing more, nothing less.

Then, there’s the question of quality. Many MYOGers quickly realize they can actually build something better than what’s available at their local gear shop. By choosing high-performance fabrics, waterproof zippers, and tough-as-nails hardware, makers are in full control of the materials that go into their gear, and that often means it lasts longer and performs better.

Cost is also a big motivator, especially for technical gear. Sewing your own stuff may take time and effort, but it can cost significantly less than buying from premium brands, especially if you’re building for a specific trip or need. Plus, when you make it yourself, repairs are easier, and upgrades are totally up to you.

Finally, there’s the satisfaction factor. There’s just something rewarding about building gear with your own two hands. You know how it was made, why it works, and how to fix it if anything goes wrong. Whether you’re sewing a pack for your next thru-hike or experimenting with new 

What Makers are Building

Check out our page titled “Photos” for even more!

Building Better Gear Starts with Better Materials

As the MYOG community grows, access to the right materials has never been more important, and that’s where we come in. At Rockywoods, we’re proud to support makers of all experience levels by offering the same high-quality fabrics and components used by big outdoor brands.

We know that building your own gear isn’t just about having a great idea; it’s about having the right tools to bring it to life. That’s why we stock everything from waterproof laminates and ultralight ripstop to heavy-duty webbing, zippers, and hardware. Whether you’re sewing your first pack or prototyping a new product line, we’ve got your back (and your fabric).

For us, this isn’t just about selling materials. It’s about being part of a community that values creativity, self-reliance, and getting outside with gear that actually works for you.

The Future of Gear is DIY

The MYOG movement is more than just a trend, it’s a shift in how people think about the gear they carry. When you build it yourself, it fits better, performs better, and means more. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just getting started, there's never been a better time to dive in.

At Rockywoods, we’re proud to be part of that journey, supplying the materials, inspiration, and support to help makers create gear that’s built for their adventure.

Got a project in mind? Let’s make it happen.