Frost River

I have 3 packs made by Frost River all of them have seen action in the Ozarks, Missouri River and Big Muddy W/R . They have never let me down. If you ever wondered what heaven might look like stop at their store in Duluth and visit you will no be disappointed

I just happened by this place. Decided to take a look. I was not disappointed. They make all of their products onsite. Bags, satchels, back packs, and many other products. Made of heavy canvas and leather. Beautiful craftsmanship. These products are the kind you will own for life and then some.

I've always wanted the Arrowhead Pack. I needed a new carry on piece of luggage too, so I went on to purchase it. I've been along the Arrowhead Trail in route to the BWCA, so I loved the name too. It's built right in Duluth USA, so I know that it'll be a quality pack for when I hit the BWCA and when I travel the world. I only use a carry on when I travel, and this will do nicely. I've traveled to five continents using just a carry on and I'm more of a traveler than a vacationer and like to get off the beaten path. It's rugged and durable, and I'll have to pass it down to a nephew when I pass...

I own 4 of their packs. The voyageur backpack luggage is great for a carry on and fits a couple days worth of clothes for short trips. The voyageur backpack brief is a bit smaller but works well for a summer pack for a couple days. The high falls day packs are perfect for a short hike to throw in some water bottles and snacks or works great to carry some souvenirs while out on vacation. Everything holds up extremely well. The quality of their packs convinced me to purchased a pair of their waxed canvas hunting chaps.

About 25 years ago while sitting at an NTB waiting room I was reading an old Field and Stream when I saw a small ad for a waxed canvas backpack offered by Bradfield Outdoor Clothier. Three side pockets, a map vest on the front, a zippered pocket on the inside, maybe shy of three liters of space.

My Bradfield pack has proved resilient over the years, but facing the effects of its age and extended use I began looking for its replacement. I found no sign of BOC online, and as a result I had to expand my efforts to find a suitable replacement.

That’s when I discovered Frost River Trading Company, based in Minnesota. Frost River Trading Company offered a free print version of its offerings catalog. From this, I believe I’ve found my source for a durable waxed canvas backpack.

Frost River wasn’t my first choice. Viewing online pictures of canvas backpacks led me to a site that offered what looked like the kind of pack I had in mind, one that would replace my Bradfield pack. I ordered it from a vendor based on reviews that I now have reason to believe may have been less than objective and authentic.

The bag’s straps appeared to be constructed of poorly treated cowhide, supplemented with magnetic tabs that supposedly would release only when intended by the user. That did not prove to be true; the straps readily disengaged and appeared to lack the strength needed to be effective over time. When I tried to return the bag, I was told I would have to pay to ship the bag back to China, at my expense. Won’t be doing business with that firm again.

The lesson learned was that it’s probably best to do business with a company that has a well-seasoned stock of various camping and travel offerings and has a decent track record for customer service. Companies like Frost River.

Last week I flew from DC to Duluth just to see the operation by Frost River. The company operates a shop in the Lincoln Park Craft District of Duluth. It relies on team efforts rather than an individual sewer, and as I understand it the teams can be seen tending to their craft at this shop.

I walked a couple of miles from my hotel in Duluth, leaving the well-developed center city and heading out to what has become Duluth's manufacturing zone. When I got to the shop I wandered around the store and started up the staircase. At this point a guy approached me and asked if I worked there. Responding no, I learned that the stairs led to where the fabricators were working and was not part of the store. Copy that.

The store is amazing. I had exchanged emails with KJ, letting her know of my intention to visit and asking about one of the Frost River backpacks: the Nessmuk Pack, which we’re told was named after Nessmuk, “the alter ego of writer George Washington Sears,” and which was based on the Maine Guide Pack.

KJ responded, appreciating the motivation that led me to Duluth and to their shop. I met her as she was tending to the cash register - she looked up when I brought a Nessmuck to the checkout line and asked if I was Chris McNeil, who had been corresponding with the store. I acknowledged that I was, and I appreciated the human element in this exchange.

I have since learned that Frost River products are available through the company's website (and elsewhere). I don't regret, however, making the trip from DC to Duluth. While shopping near the Frost River shop I lucked into OMC, a great barbeque location that I reviewed elsewhere (on TripAdvisor).

I gotta say the backpack is awesome. It was fabricated with waxed cotton, leather, and brass rivets. They made it in Duluth. They put a lot of experience into this backpack and I'm pretty sure the backpack will be around for a lot longer than me. Really good stuff.

I had been searching for a backpack for a while and happened to walk into their store on a trip to Duluth. The quality of their craftsmanship is exceptional. I had never heard of them before. I bought their North Bay Daypack and have used it happily for a year and a half. It’s been on planes, on the beach, out in snow, you name it. It’s unobtrusive and functional and I love it. There are plenty of pockets. The zippers are very durable. Personally I think it’s better value for the money than a traditional Duluth pack. This company doesn’t suffer from having a well-known name. I would highly recommend this backpack or any of their products.

Quality products at fair prices. I'm very happy with my Summit Boulder Junction pack. The Minnesota and Lake Superior patches that I had installed (with in an hour) at the time of purchase are a nice addition to my pack.
Tucker did an awesome job answering all of my questions, and there was a lot of them. There is definitely a return trip to Frost River in our future.

I really enjoyed my experience here, I bought a handcrafted leather belt that was made in the building.

A truly amazing place of extraordinary craftsmanship. Everything is carefully constructed and the workmanship is obvious. Fros is expensive and sometimes shockingly so. I see the true cost of US manufacturing and excellent materials when I come here. Highly recommended for outdoor types and especially canoe camping but with a great selection of durable backpacks and laptop bags for the discerning person who knows and respects quality.

Quality products. They look great and are durable. I have one of the messenger bags.

Also the best customer service! They went above and beyond. I bought some mitts online and didn't realize they were never delivered until months later. Aaron helped me try to track down the lost package, but we couldn't find it. They shipped a different pair to me no problem!

We absolutely LOVE our Frost River products. They were amazing with shipping and answering any questions about the orders. We loved our Great Northern Choppers so much we ordered a second pair to give as a gift. Love this company and supporting Midwest companies!

We bought my son a back pack and wanted one that would last. Awesome place!

I have become a repeat customer of Frost River because of the quality of their product, their lifetime warranty and the awesome customer service they provide. They sell traditional style products that use proven materials (for generations) that are durable, practical and useful. Sure, there is lighter gear but I have learned from experience that weight at the cost of durability is a losing proposition. I trust Frost River gear. I don't worry about it because it is so well made and they stand behind their products if something were to fail. Oh, and it's made in Duluth, Minnesota where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.

Excellent customer service; I can't wait to receive my bags!
Will edit the review once I get them.

Edit: I love these freaking bags. I'll hand them over to my grandchildren and they'll love them too. It's hard not to like a well crafted bag, especially when it's stuffed with wholesome dessert. Man, I can't wait to become the cool grandma with the vintage bags. But I digress.

I could go for a “fancy” shiny leather wannabe canvas tote but I spent a little less for a little more. And I'm glad I did because if anybody wanted to kidnap me they would have the convenience of folding and stuffing me into my Gooseberry tote. Just like I fold and stuff my Gooseberry tote into my Zippy Tote. I always have enough carrying capacity to do spontaneous grocery shopping. I know, I'm wild.

One time I put so many groceries into the Gooseberry tote that I had to have my friend help me carry the bag. Just imagine how many baguettes you could fit in there. Like, 35 baguettes, maybe? 60 demi baguettes? Half a bakery? The possibilities are endless.

These bags are cool. I feel comfortable wearing them no matter what the occasion. Take the Zippy tote for example.

Hold on, let me order some food. I'm so hungover.

Am I going to work? The Zippy tote is a briefcase. If I'm going abroad it is now my little weekender. If I'm shopping it's the best tote I could wish to have. Sure, it's heavier than a Goyard. But the Zippy won't be impaled by a pair of scissors I might (might!) toss in there.

And then again, a Frost River tote is a gateway bag to their backpacks. I'm eyeing one and will get it as soon as my current backpack decides it's had enough.

Now, where's my burrito bowl at?

I love Frost River. The workers are so down to earth and eager to help—you can tell that they love their jobs and will do anything to help you find what you are looking for. My husband bought me a shoulder bag from here and I love it. The quality of the material is top notch 👍🏻

My husband has a backpack from Frost River that he has had for years that gets heavily used and abused on airplanes. And it still looks brand new! Amazing quality and craftsmanship

I purchased a North Bay Day pack to replace a worn out nylon one I had used constantly for years. I wanted a panel loading pack like my old one but made of sturdier material that would be the last pack I would need. This not only has all the features I wanted, but is so well made that I think it will withstand any use I put it through and more. The price was more than reasonable for such a fine pack. I would not hesitate to buy any of the other Frost River products should the need arise.

I've bought multiple bags from Frost River. Products are outstanding, communication is great, and shipping is fast! The craftsmanship is evident in every part of the bags I've ordered. If you want a timeless product your grandchildren could use you've found the right store!

Frost river is an amazing, American-owned, quality company. Their products are pricey if you expect a $15.00 backpack. They sell quality gear at excellent prices and their products should last for you for decades if taken care of.

Love the quality and character of Frost River. Started out with a pint glass holder and just got a pilot brief. Their pistol rugs are top notch and every one of my pistols has one. They recently went out of their way to assist me when the postal service made a huge mistake. Look forward to many more purchases!