25 Sep Round Up: Best of the West

Wild Rag by Rusty Sagebrush and Rawhide Slide by Bebout Braiding

44-inch Wild Rag: $85
Scarf Slide: $70
rustysagebrush.com

When Montana rancher Kate Mannix was discovering botanical dye, she added silk fibers that were first dyed with fresh sagebrush leaves to a bucket of rust water generated from bits of metal from her family’s ranch. The iron transformed the fibers to a light sage color and alighted her journey with natural dyes. Mannix sources her silk from Northern China and produces dyes from plants grown in her home garden as well those grown all over the world. Given the variation within the hand-dying process, each wild rag is unique, sporting a range of hues reflecting the vibrancy of the Northern Rockies. They pair beautifully with a rawhide scarf slide made by Bebout Braiding.

PHOTO BY KATE MANNIX

Howler Recurve by Robertson Stykbow 

Starting at $1,550  |  robertsonstykbow.com

The family-owned Robertson Stykbow has been crafting bows in Lewistown, Montana for over 45 years. Committed to honoring archery’s heritage while embracing modern innovations, each Robertson bow boasts meticulous attention to detail. The Howler Recurve is a three-piece takedown that can be transformed into a hybrid longbow and is suitable for all levels of archers thanks to its interchangeable limbs. Designed by bowyer Dick Robertson, the Howler is crafted from exotic woods that add stunning beauty.

Skyscraper 2P Tent by Stone Glacier

$645  |  stoneglacier.com 

A tent is an essential tool for the outdoor adventurer, and Stone Glacier’s shelters have proven reliable, durable, and practical. For their line of tents, the Bozeman, Montana-based company partnered with gear pioneer Martin Zemitis, who has designed technical sleeping bags, packs, and tents since 1977 for companies like The North Face, Sierra Designs, and Mountain Hardwear. These ultralight tents feature a strong framework that evenly distributes force, helping them stand up against snow loads and high winds. The low-profile Skyscraper is a comfortable two-person, four-season tent with an external venting system to minimize condensation. Even better, it can be paired with two large vestibules to accommodate gear.

PHOTO BY SAM AVERETT

Custom Knife by Maverik Knives

Price subject to design  |   maverikknives.com

Handmade in Bozeman, Montana by bladesmith Maverik Murdock, these custom knives blend heirloom art and functionality. Murdock builds pieces for outdoor enthusiasts, chefs, and collectors using unique materials — stabilized woods, horn, bone, antler, exotic composites, and carbon fiber — paired with high-performance steels. The Damascus blades are hand-forged in his shop, and each piece includes a custom leather sheath crafted by the maker.

PHOTO BY MITCHELL D. COHEN

ATC Compact Spotting Scope by Swarovski Optik 

$2,569  |  swarovskioptik.com

The latest in a long line of proven quality optics, the ATC Compact Spotting Scope capitalizes on Swarovski Optik’s reputation for optical clarity and precision manufactoring and packs it into a compact, easy-to-use instrument. At just 10.2 inches and 34.2 ounces, the scope fits nicely in a backpack for the field, and its angled design and half-shell covering make it simple to position without a tripod.