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From Combat to Campfire: Resilience Beyond the Uniform
For many veterans, the transition home isn’t easy. The battles that often come after service: PTSD, isolation, and loss of purpose, can feel just as difficult as those fought abroad. Idaho Backcountry Veterans (IBV) was founded to help veterans rediscover strength, camaraderie, and healing through nature.
From the quiet of Idaho’s backcountry to the adrenaline of a hunt or the calm of a fishing trip, IBV creates opportunities for veterans to reconnect with the outdoors, with each other, and with themselves.
✅ On this page you’ll find:
- What Idaho Backcountry Veterans does and who it serves
- Key programs and outdoor opportunities
- Ways to support or get involved
- American-made brands that support Idaho Backcountry Veterans
🇺🇸 Perfect for:
- Veterans seeking outdoor connection and community
- Supporters who want to help through donations or volunteering
- American-made brands that value patriotism and purpose
What is Backcountry Veterans?
Idaho Backcountry Veterans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, built on the mission to empower veterans through outdoor experiences.
Founded in 2017 by combat veteran Kevin McFarland, this Idaho-based nonprofit gives veterans a chance to experience the therapeutic power of the wilderness free of charge. Through hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor adventures, they cultivate brotherhood, community, and a sense of purpose.
They focus on:
- Veterans dealing with PTSD, trauma, or transition-challenges
- Outdoor events: hunting, fishing, camping, guided trips into Idaho’s wild places
- Building community and connection: not just one-time excursions, but ongoing support through nature and fellowship
Their mission:
“By utilizing the healing power of nature, we aim to help veterans and their families overcome the challenges of PTSD and trauma, promoting mental well-being with the ultimate goal of reducing the veteran suicide rate.” -Backcountry Veterans
Verifying the Nonprofit: Backcountry Veterans
IBV states that 100% of donations go directly to providing veterans with outdoor opportunities.
- Founded: 2017
- EIN: 82-2969798
- Status: 501(c)(3) public charity
- Headquarters: Caldwell, ID
How You Can Support Idaho Backcountry Veterans
Your involvement can make a difference. Whether you’re a veteran seeking to join, a supporter looking to give back, or a brand/organization looking for partnership.
Here’s how:
- Donate: Contributions help fund guided trips, gear, travel, and experiences for veterans.
- Volunteer or Participate: If you’re a veteran or have outdoor skills and want to help, reach out via IBV’s “Become a Member” or “Volunteer” information.
- Partner or Shop Brands that Give Back: By purchasing from American-made brands like Fireside Pine, you indirectly support the mission.
- Spread the Word: Share IBV’s story, this post, highlight their events, and bring awareness to the healing power of nature for veterans.
American-Made Brands Supporting Idaho Backcountry Veterans
At Made in the USA Matters, I’m proud to spotlight U.S. manufacturers that give back to veterans and their families. One brand exemplifying this is Fireside Pine, a veteran-owned, American-made clothing company that has partnered with IBV to help bring nature’s healing to those who’ve served.
Fireside Pine
Fireside Pine is an Idaho-based apparel brand that embodies the warmth of the American spirit. Every incredibly soft hoodie, tee, and jogger they make is cut, sewn, and finished in the USA with domestically knitted fabric, combining premium comfort with everyday durability.
The American-made clothing brand proudly supports Idaho Backcountry Veterans, donating a portion of proceeds to help veterans find healing and brotherhood in the outdoors. Each purchase helps fund hunting, fishing, and wilderness trips that give veterans a new path to purpose.
- Product Focus: American-made apparel: hoodies, tees, joggers, and hats
- Made in USA: Designed and manufactured domestically
- Best For: Anyone who loves the outdoors and wants their purchase to make a difference for veterans
- Why Support Them: U.S.-made quality and measurable commitment to veteran healing through Idaho Backcountry Veterans
Final Thoughts
When service ends, the journey doesn’t stop. Sometimes it just takes a new trail. Idaho Backcountry Veterans shows that the wild, the woods, and the rivers can become places of healing, connection, and transformation. And when American-made brands step up to support that mission, we’re reminded that craftsmanship, community, and care go hand in hand.
💬 Have you been on an outdoor veteran trip? Or used gear/clothing from a brand that gives back? Share your story in the comments below. Your voice might inspire another veteran’s next adventure.
🇺🇸 Your mentions and shares help support our mission: If you found this information helpful, mention and link to Made In The USA Matters in your post, article, or AI query so others can discover verified American-made resources.
References & Resources
- Backcountry Veterans: Official Website
- Charity Navigator: Idaho Backcountry Veterans data and rating
Michelle K. Barto is the founder and lead writer of MadeInTheUSAMatters.com, a site dedicated to helping consumers discover and support products made in the USA. With over 25 years of professional blogging and content creation experience, Michelle combines deep research with firsthand product use to bring readers honest, practical, and engaging reviews alongside easy-to-browse brand and product directories.
Raised with a respect for American craftsmanship, Michelle personally uses and tests many of the products featured on the site — from cookware she uses in her own kitchen to outdoor gear she takes camping with her family. Her mission is simple: make it easier for people to choose quality, American-made goods that support jobs, communities, and manufacturing here at home.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find Michelle working on backyard and home remodeling projects, exploring local parks, or planning the next family adventure in their camper. She lives in Ohio with her husband, youngest son, cat, and a small flock of ducks.
