Outfitter: Outfitter Supply

Starting nearly 40 years ago, Russ Barnett and his crew have been building and supplying horse packing and trail riding gear to a special breed of people. He started with humble beginnings in Columbia Falls, MT, and is now recognized all over the world for making some of the highest quality and most durable outfits around. At the age of 72 years old, he is now more involved on the business side and in ensuring that his legacy will outlive him. Over the years, he has assembled and trained a crew of tack and saddle builders that are top-notch. He’ll even admit in a hushed voice that they are putting out a better product than he ever did in his day.

His focus is on how well each piece will ride on the stock using it and its durability as if the user’s life could depend on it. This goes from sourcing the highest quality leather to unusual attention to process and finish. He spoke of the challenges faced in business these days and how he has had to stay flexible over the years. His staff speaks of how fair a boss he is and what a tight sense of family they all feel together. Each person working behind the scenes is as dedicated and focused on the shared goal as Russ is.