Welcome to RuggedOutdoors. We’re glad you’re here.
We are a third-generation, forward-thinking outdoor retailer located in the heartland.
We know you’re a regular person, living a hectic life. So, everything we do is aimed at making it easy for you to enjoy a casual outdoor lifestyle. Starting with making sure you feel happy and confident shopping here.
Learn more about our storied history.
Why shop with us, you ask? Plenty of reasons.

Great things come in small packages. In our family business, we’ve considered being nimble and innovative, despite our size, to be our superpower since 1947.
Our roots are the best of small business: individualized service, quality merchandise, expertise, and close-knit employees with community mindedness. Our capabilities are mighty: sophisticated systems, fast shipping and great prices.

Shop local from anywhere. What began as a small brick-and-mortar shop in a unique college town has evolved and modernized into a nationally loved online outfitter of gear, footwear and apparel.
We may not be local to you specifically, but you'll be supporting a local midwestern business with a storied history when you shop with us.

We keep it real. No pressure. No condescension. And, no jargon if you are new to the outdoors. You can count on us to be patient, straight forward and responsive.
We are more than just an eCommerce site and what we sell. We are real people, sitting stateside, who work hard and are passionate about what we do and getting people outdoors.

You’re more to us than an order number. When you shop with us, you become part of our RO family. We truly enjoy helping you, and hearing from you.
Each person here — from the office to the sales floor — cares deeply and has the go-getter mentality to back it up. Everyone on our Customer Service team started out working on our sales floor and has been here years — so they really know their stuff. If you do manage to stump them, they'll be honest about it, and get right back to you with an answer. Our warehouse fulfillment team takes pride in being accurate and fast. Our retail associates are deeply invested in our local customers and community.

We want your purchase to put a smile on your face. We sell useful, functional, quality items you need. Or, sometimes, have just been pining for. Things to simplify and benefit your daily life and adventures. Items designed to make you happy and better your day.
While we're at it, we work hard to find and offer you fair prices and deals that are easy on your wallet.

We’re Flatlanders at heart, adventurers by nature. We're happiest outside, but cheerful wherever we are. We love our planet and want all to be able to enjoy her. We try not to take ourselves too seriously, and think laughter is a powerful force for good. Even dad jokes.
We love solving puzzles. Literally and figuratively. We don’t shy away from a challenge. We are curious and creative. We’re proud data geeks. Some of us have some pretty quirky hobbies. Plus, we’re midwesterners, so we have been known to say roof like ‘ruf’ and some of us even say pop instead of soda. But, no, we never say ‘youbetcha’!
Meet Our Team

Dan
CEO
+ Chief Outdoor Enthusiast
Company owner since 2010

Shira
President
+ Chief Creative Officer
Company owner since 2010

Sue
Director of
Business Development
Employee since 1994

Micki
Director of Operations + Human Capital
Employee since 2011

Wendi
Director of Retail Sales
Employee since 2019

Tim
Warehouse Supervisor
Employee since 2018

Kiersten
Retail General Manager
Employee since 2019

Irene
Internet Data Lead + Customer Service
Employee since 2009

Rob
Warehouse Shift Supervisor
Employee since 2018

Jason
Sales Support Associate
Employee since 2019

Brian
Retail Sales Lead
Employee since 2018

Laken
Internet Customer Service Lead
Employee since 2015

Lesley
Internet Customer Service Specialist
Employee since 2013

Adam
Shipping Associate
Employee since 2012

Bryson
Picking/Packing Associate
Employee since 2021

Mandy
Marketing + Product Development Manager
Employee since 2014

Jessi
Data Specialist
Employee since 2019

Kevin
Sales Manager
Employee since 2021

Matthew
Retail Sales Associate
Employee since 2019

Leo
Internet Data Associate
Employee since 2018

Reese
Picking/Packing Associate
Employee since 2019

Michelle
Retail Sales Lead
Employee since 2022

Aspen
Retail Sales Lead
Employee since 2022


Jasper
Barker in Chief
Employee since 2020

Whiskey
Barker in Training
Employee since 2021