Company Profile: Boyt Harness Company
My connection to Boyt Harness Company started with a Browning shotgun. I purchased my first “nice” shotgun years ago, a Browning Over/Under. It didn’t seem right to put this beauty in one of my old gun cases, I selected a Boyt Signature Series gun case and since then, a Boyt gun case has been the only gun case that I trust with my hunting guns. I no longer have that Browning, but I still have the Boyt gun case. In a world where many companies seek to make their products cheaper, Boyt Harness is a steadfast reminder that quality matters and stands the test of time.
Boyt Harness Company History
Boyt Harness: Origin
For most people, Boyt Harness Company, is a name that is synonymous with top-quality gun cases and outdoor gear. Many people don’t know the company had its roots in a small, family-owned saddle and harness shop in early 1900s Iowa.
It all started when Walter Boyt, a young Englishman, went to America and joined his brother John at the Des Moines Saddlery Company. The brothers quickly learned the art of saddle making and leatherwork, and in 1901, they set out on their own, founding the Walter Boyt Saddlery Company. Though their original focus was on harnesses for buggies, World War I changed the game, leading them to start producing military gear like pistol holsters and saddle bags. This pivot would lay the foundation for Boyt’s century-long reputation as a trusted name in military and sporting goods.
Boyt Harness: WWII
After the company was passed down to the next generation in 1925, Boyt Harness continued to thrive, even through the tough years of the Great Depression. However, it was World War II that solidified Boyt’s status.
The company produced millions of pieces of gear for the U.S. military, including backpacks, cartridge pouches, and web belts. Boyt’s products became a staple for Marines in the Pacific theater, and there was even a saying among factory workers that no Japanese soldier had ever seen a Boyt backpack—because Marines didn’t retreat!
After the war, Boyt turned its attention back to civilian life, focusing on gun cases, hunting vests, and other outdoor gear that hunters and shooting enthusiasts have relied on ever since.
Boyt Harness: Modern Era
Today, under the leadership of Tony Caligiuri, Boyt Harness Company continues to build on its legendary past while looking ahead to the future. Tony’s connection to Boyt’s history runs deep—his uncles served in the Pacific during WWII and were issued Boyt gear straight from the factory just a few blocks from their home.
Since taking the helm, Tony has spearheaded Boyt’s expansion, bringing brands like Bob Allen Sportswear, Mud River Dog Products, and Gokey Boots under the Boyt umbrella. With innovations like the hard-sided H-Series gun cases and a lifetime warranty that’s become a hallmark of the brand, Boyt continues to set the standard for rugged, reliable gear built to last.
Boyt Harness Family of Brands
Boyt Harness Company has been steadily expanding its portfolio, bringing together a diverse collection of high-quality hunting and outdoor gear companies under its banner. Each acquisition has been carefully selected to align with Boyt’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and meeting the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. The following companies are all part of the Boyt Harness family of brands:
- Bob Allen Sportswear: Acquired by Boyt in 1997, Bob Allen is a well-respected name in the world of shooting sports. The brand, originally founded in the 1940s by Bob Allen, a renowned clay target shooter, is known for its high-performance shooting vests, caps, and accessories. Bob Allen’s products are designed with shooters in mind, combining functional design with durable materials.
- Mud River Dog Products: Focused on creating innovative and reliable products for hunting dogs, Mud River has become the premier brand for dog enthusiasts. From kennel covers to training bags, vehicle protection mats, and dog beds, Mud River products are known for their ruggedness and durability. Boyt’s acquisition of Mud River added a full line of high-quality dog gear to their offerings, enhancing their ability to serve both hunters and their canine companions.
- The Outdoor Connection: This brand, founded in 1983, is best known for its signature product, the Super Sling, a reliable, padded sling for firearms. The company also produces a variety of other tactical gear and accessories, including gun cases and range bags. Boyt’s acquisition of The Outdoor Connection expanded its reach into the tactical and shooting accessory market.
- Gokey: Known for producing premium boots, shoes, and leather goods, Gokey is another heritage brand that aligns perfectly with Boyt’s values. Gokey boots have been worn by hunters, explorers, and even U.S. Presidents like Teddy Roosevelt. When Boyt acquired Gokey in 2019, they brought on a brand renowned for handcrafted leather footwear that’s designed to last for generations, complementing Boyt’s focus on enduring quality.
- MAX-OPS Tactical Shooting Gear: Designed for the modern tactical shooter, MAX-OPS brings a cutting-edge line of tactical gear to the Boyt family. From specialized gun cases and range bags to tactical vests and pouches, MAX-OPS products are built to withstand the demands of serious shooters and military personnel. With a focus on functionality and durability, MAX-OPS ensures that tactical enthusiasts have the gear they need for intense training sessions or real-world operations.
By bringing these brands into the Boyt Harness family, the company has created a comprehensive range of products that meet the needs of hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts. Each brand brings its legacy of quality and innovation, and together, they form a diverse but unified group committed to supporting outdoor traditions.
Community and Conservation
Boyt Harness Company is deeply committed to conservation and the hunting community through its support of responsible hunting practices and sustainable wildlife management. With a strong connection to outdoor traditions, Boyt actively partners with multiple conservation organizations to help preserve natural habitats and protect wildlife populations for future generations.
The company is also dedicated to fostering ethical hunting practices, ensuring that the hunting community continues to thrive while maintaining a balance between sport and environmental stewardship. Through their involvement in hunting and shooting sports organizations, Boyt consistently advocates for the preservation of these traditions and the importance of conservation efforts.
Boyt Harness Company: Final Thoughts
I’ve always been drawn to heritage brands like Boyt—companies with a rich history, often spanning decades or even centuries, that are built on a foundation of tradition, craftsmanship, and unwavering quality. These brands don’t just make products; they carry forward a legacy, staying true to their original values and maintaining time-honored methods of production. Heritage brands evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and trust because their reputation for reliability has been forged through generations of hard-earned excellence.
Boyt Harness embodies everything that makes a heritage brand special. Whether it’s a classic gun case passed down from grandfather to grandson or a pair of handmade Gokey boots, Boyt continues to deliver the same craftsmanship and durability that made it a trusted name more than a century ago. Boyt’s legacy of quality remains not just a tradition, but a promise.
For more information visit: Boyt Harness Company
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