About Us

A cottage gear maker since 2004 — handmade down quilts, built for the trail.

About Us

General

Jacks R Better is a cottage outdoor gear manufacturer. We produce high-quality quilts, hammocks, tarps, and other gear — all proudly made in the USA.

We started in 2004, making the first hammock underquilt and top quilt years before anyone else — and we’ve refined them ever since, guided by our own miles on the trail and the feedback of our customers.

Our quilts have completed countless thru-hikes of the AT, PCT, and CDT. And every year since 2004, we’ve been at Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia, catching up with old friends and making new ones.

Our gear is a favorite among ultralight backpackers, thru-hikers, and weekend campers alike. Every Jacks R Better product carries a satisfaction guarantee and a one-year warranty on materials and craftsmanship. We’re proud of our reputation for unique, top-quality gear at real value — backed by excellent customer service and hundreds of customer reviews.

About the Owners

In 2007, I had the pleasure of meeting The Jacks at a hammock hang, and a few months later, we set out on the first of many AT section hikes together. Over the years, they’ve become friends, mentors, and family. So in 2018, when the Jacks decided to move on to new adventures and offered me the chance to leave my old career to do something I'm truly passionate about, I jumped at it. It’s an honor to carry on the Jacks R Better story — and look forward to bringing you great customer service, fast shipping, quality products, and a few new surprises along the way.

Our Philosophy

Design and build quality products with quality materials and craftsmanship, right here in the USA.

In-stock products ship the same or next day. Made-to-order products ship within 2–4 Weeks.

We take pride in both our products and our service. If you’re ever dissatisfied for any reason, let us know — we’ll do everything we can to make it right.

About the Founders

Jacks R Better founders Jack Tier and Jack Myers
Jack (Peter Pan) and Jack (Smee)

Jack Tier (left) and Jack Myers (right) are retired Army officers with a combined 50 years of active-duty service. They began hiking together in 2002, started making some of their own gear, and founded Jacks R Better in 2004.

We love our customers and welcome your feedback. Use our Contact Us page to tell us what we’re doing right — or how we can do better.