Duluth Pack

It was not that long ago that life was perhaps a grittier journey. As we often commend modern American companies for their commitment to durable and dependable products, there was a time when such quality was the norm, not an anomaly. So where did we all go wrong? Likely the first day we shipped our interests off to some Chinese warehouse. But as the pride of the American manufacturer is slowly but surely returning to its glory, we must note that some companies never lost it in the first place.

Count Duluth Pack as one of them.

It began in Duluth, Minnesota in 1870 and has ceased to stop since. At first it was shoes and other wares necessary to traverse the land, but it was when a new type of packsack was patented that sent the company into folklore. A canvas sack was invented with a closable buckled flap and new-fangled shoulder straps to compliment the traditional tumpline, as well as a revolutionary sternum strap and an umbrella holder. It became an instant northwoods classic; today it is revered as the original Duluth Pack.

While the Duluth Pack has always been the crown jewel, the company of the same name has become the standard for rugged, hands on workers and sporting folk. From blacksmiths and loggers to hunters and weekend warriors, Duluth Pack is one of the world’s premium suppliers of dependable and authentic American-tough outdoors accoutrements. With the company’s growth, the roster has expanded from tools of the trade to wallets, biking gear, cabin essentials, dog accessories, clothing-and pretty much anything else that comes to mind. And the meticulous and precise effort that Duluth Pack pours into each piece makes their lifetime guarantee very believable, whereas such claims from an overseas competitor merits only rolled eyes and a dismissal.

Maybe we should send them a Duluth Pack tote. When their giant factory sewing machines break down, they’ll need something strong enough to lug around the scrap.