About us

UGQ Outdoor was founded in 2011 with a simple goal: build gear trusted for real adventures.

What started as a small passion for the outdoors has grown into a family-run company built around craftsmanship, honesty, and a genuine love for the backpacking community. Today, UGQ Outdoor is operated by Chad and Britani Houghton alongside their four children, right here in their shop in Jackson, Michigan.

UGQ Outdoor is not a massive corporation or a marketing machine. It is a small family business that believes the details still matter.

Every quilt, tarp, underquilt, and accessory that leaves the shop is built by real people who deeply care about the finished product. From the materials selected to the final stitch, the focus has always remained the same: create gear worthy of being trusted in the backcountry.

Over the years, UGQ Outdoor has been incredibly humbled by the support of the ultralight community. Whether someone is a thru-hiker counting every ounce, a weekend camper looking for comfort, or preparing for a very first trip outdoors, the belief remains the same — gear matters. It is not just equipment; it becomes part of the memories and experiences people carry with them.

That is why corners are never cut.

Premium materials, strict quality standards, and true USA craftsmanship remain at the heart of everything built at UGQ. More importantly, the company stands behind what it makes. When customers reach out to UGQ Outdoor, they are speaking with real people who genuinely care about the experience before and after the sale.

There are many gear companies in the outdoor industry, and UGQ Outdoor never takes the trust of its customers for granted. The goal has never been to become the biggest brand in the industry. Instead, the mission is simple: build gear the right way, treat people the right way, and create products that help people enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

At the end of the day, that is what UGQ Outdoor is really about:
Family.
Craftsmanship.
Community.
And a commitment to building gear worthy of the adventures ahead.

From the entire UGQ Outdoor family — thank you for being here.