Born from two aerospace engineers’ homemade light-up vest for nighttime ultimate frisbee, Noxgear designs active-lifestyle gear that helps people and their pets stay visible and connected after dark. Headquartered in Worthington, Ohio, the company is best known for its Tracer visibility vests and LightHound LED dog harness, alongside its compact 39g wearable Bluetooth speaker. Noxgear says its designs are informed by visual-science research and developed by a close-knit team of family and friends.
BAYDOGFounded by Marine veteran Barton O’Brien after a Chesapeake Bay walk with his puppy Walter, BAYDOG makes dog gear for active outings, from everyday harnesses to life jackets. The Annapolis-based company began with the Pack-N-Go Bag, an invention that solved the messy problem of carrying a tennis ball, treats and waste bags at once, and it remains veteran owned and operated. BAYDOG also pairs select harnesses with its Find My Owner registration system to help reunite lost dogs with their families.STEVENSVILLE, MD
Spruce PupSpruce Pup, founded by former consumer-product designers Elijah and Leah, creates travel-minded dog gear that helps people explore with their pets. Its signature foldable dog bed doubles as a compact travel case for a pup’s belongings, while its leash bag keeps walk essentials organized. The Pittsburgh-area company launched the bed through Indiegogo in April 2018, reaching its funding goal within 24 hours and shipping its first production run later that year.WEXFORD, PA
A&A Tactical, LLCFounded in February 2013 by mother-and-son team Alexandra and Austin Adams, A&A Tactical makes custom tactical nylon gear and armor solutions for military, law-enforcement, and civilian shooters. The Berkeley Springs company also sells and rents night-vision equipment and supports small- to medium-scale OEM work with design assistance, material sourcing, and automated cutting. Its American-made gear carries a lifetime warranty.BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV
Valhalla TacticalDeveloped by law-enforcement and special-operations professionals, Valhalla Tactical makes mission-ready tactical gear for operators, officers and everyday carriers. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the company is best known for purpose-built equipment such as its concealed-access Loki Jacket and adjustable Rukh offset optic mount, engineered for high-pressure environments.COLUMBUS, OH