Our top made in the USA backpack brands are:

Inside Line Equipment
North St. Bags
Chrome Industries
Mission Workshop
Timbuk2
Velo Transit
Road Runner Bags
GORUCK
Triple Aught Design 
Kifaru
Stone Glacier
Mystery Ranch
McHale Packs
Hill People Gear
CiloGear
Alpine Luddites
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Zpacks
DSPTCH
The Brown Buffalo
DEFY
Recycled Firefighter
Rucksack Village
Colfax Design Works
Remote Equipment
Rickshaw Bagworks
BaileyWorks
Mafia Bags
Truce Designs
Bradley Mountain
Rivendell Mountain Works
Tannergoods
Kletterwerks
Frost River
Filson
Topo Designs
KILLSPENCER
Lotuff Leather
Outlier
Tom Bihn
Red Oxx

Bike Backpacks Made in the USA

Inside Line Equipment

One of California’s lesser-known bike carry brands, ILE are burly and bomber, and, in our book, deserve more cred. Founded in 2012 by Eric Fischer, it’s a brand that keeps it simple. Clean, no BS design, with a focus on easy functionality. Everything’s US-made, from the super tough Cordura to the threads that stitch it together, and built in-house to rigorous standards. If you want a rugged, made in USA backpack for commuting (and nowadays travel and camera gear), ILE are a local brand to check out.

Best backpacks by Inside Line Equipment:

Default, $240: ilequipment.com; velotastic.co.uk

ASNMNT, $260: ilequipment.com

Radius Mini, $160: ilequipment.com

North St. Bags

Lots of great things are coming out of Portland, Oregon, and North St. Bags are no exception. Founded in 2009 by Curtis Williams, their bags are simple and classic and made in-house, right on the store floor. In their early days, they drew acclaim for their ingenious Woodward backpack/pannier hybrid, and have now branched off into noteworthy collabs (recently with Kiriko Made) and experiments with technical fabrics like X-Pac sailcloth.

Their American made backpacks are built with mostly USA-made materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee. And if you fancy a little personalization to your pack, there are custom colorway options too.

Best backpacks by North St. Bags:

Belmont, $175: northstbags.com; 

Flanders, $235: northstbags.com; keus-store.com

Davis, $145: northstbags.com; keus-store.com

Chrome Industries

SF’s infamous Chrome Industries have been carried on the shoulders of tattooed couriers since 1995 and it’s a brand that sparked a new movement into technical lifestyle cycling bags. Instantly recognizable with its Russian-star red hits and Pegasus logo, it’s a brand known for crazy tough bags built to take a beating – and all backed by a lifetime guarantee.  In their stable, you’ll find backpacks for travel, commuting, or hitting the blacktop on a bike, of course. Many of their bags are made in Chico, California. And if you’re local to one of their Chrome Hubs, we’d suggest rolling in and asking them to craft you a custom bag like no other.

Best backpacks by Chrome Industries:

Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 30L, $160: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com

Barrage Cargo, $160: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com

BLCKCHRM 22X Bravo 3.0, $200: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com; rei.com

Mission Workshop

Few brands have had such influence on an entire category as Mission Workshop. From their very first pack, the Vandal (the first-ever expandable bike pack), to their Arkiv System, they’ve blazed a trail of innovation like no other. Designed in San Francisco, made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty, theirs is some of the finest, burliest and aesthetically pleasing carry you’ll find, period. 

Best backpacks by Mission Workshop:

The Rhake, $380: missionworkshop.com; urbankitsupply.com; condorcycles.com

The Rambler, $335: missionworkshop.com; urbankitsupply.com; condorcycles.com

The Sanction, $215: missionworkshop.com; amazon.com

Timbuk2

One of the original cycling carry brands, Timbuk2 has been going strong since 1989. Forever experimenting and playing with new forms, the San Francisco brand backs their bags with a lifetime warranty and crafts bike-friendly backpacks that embrace work, travel and play. Although, nowadays, if you’re after US-made, you’ll have to invest in one of their custom packs – their non-custom products are now all produced off-shore.

Velo Transit

While weather-resistant bags work for a lot of environments, sometimes you need more protection. And that’s what Velo Transit are dedicated to providing with their waterproof laptop and cycling bags. The bags are made by hand in Seattle and feature RF welded liners for 100% waterproof protection. Even better? They’re backed by a lifetime warranty too. And realizing that people aren’t built the same, Velo Transit also creates gender-specific bags and harnesses to suit different users. If you need a top-notch waterproof bag that organizes and protects your tech and gear no matter what the elements have in store, Velo Transit should definitely be on your carry radar.

Best backpacks by Velo Transit:

Edge Pro 40, $299.95: velotransit.com

Edge Molle 40, $259.95: velotransit.com

Road Runner Bags

Road Runner started with a dream for better bike carry and a tiny manufacturing studio in founder Brad Adams’s bedroom. Founded in 2010, the brand has subsequently flourished and is dedicated to crafting bags for a variety of cycling-related needs. Bike touring? Cycle commuting? Chilled weekend rides? Large loads? Just the essentials? Whatever you need, they’ve got a bag for you. The bags are handmade in Los Angeles using USA-made materials and hardware.

Best backpacks by Road Runner:

Large Anything Pack, $270: roadrunnerbags.us

Evil Mini, $130: roadrunnerbags.us

Large Roll Top Backpack, $255: roadrunnerbags.us

American-Made Tactical Backpacks

GORUCK

GORUCK have made a name for themselves by creating some of the toughest American-made backpacks around. Founded by a Green Beret and made with military-grade toughness in mind, their gear is built to take a beating and keep on performing. Backed by their Scars Lifetime Guarantee, you’ll find GORUCK bags embracing everything from GORUCK Challenges to everyday commutes and day hikes. Rugged 1000D Cordura is the material of choice for their bags, and legions of loyal fans will testify to the bags’ hard-wearing durability and adaptability.

Best backpacks by GORUCK:

Rucker 4.0, $215: goruck.com; huckberry.com

GR1, $335: goruck.com

GR2, $395: goruck.com

Triple Aught Design

Triple Aught Design build gear to help people live more adventurously. It’s reliable and adaptable gear that will get you through the task at hand, whether that’s scaling a summit or commuting to work. Based in Dogpatch, San Francisco, the brand has been one of constant progression. Experimenting with technical fabrics, modularity and expansion, their packs are some of the most exciting on the market. You’ll find packs with military-grade toughness for demanding travel and outdoor use, to sleeker offerings that employ stealthy aesthetics.

Best backpacks by Triple Aught Design:

Axiom 24, $425: tripleaughtdesign.com

FAST Pack EDC, $395: tripleaughtdesign.com

Azimuth Pack, $185: tripleaughtdesign.com

Kifaru

Kifaru is a brand that flies under the radar for most folks, with little spent on marketing and everything invested in crafting the best gear possible. And from that, they’ve built an incredible reputation in durable and reliable hunting and military backpacks. The brand was founded in 1997 by Patrick Smith (also the founder of Mountainsmith) and builds packs to order, focusing on comfort and functionality to ensure years of dependable use.

Best backpacks by Kifaru:

X-Ray, from $454.25: kifaru.net

Stryker XL, from $310.50: kifaru.net

Antero 2.0, from $415: kifaru.net

Stone Glacier

Stone Glacier focus on creating a range of made in USA backpack options that blend lightweight performance with durability and functionality for hunting and backcountry environments. Based in Bozeman, Montana, the brand offers over 15 years of experience refining US-made packs that will stand up to demanding use year after year.

Best backpacks by Stone Glacier:

Kiowa 3200, $329: stoneglacier.com; mountain-archery.com

Avail 2200, $289: stoneglacier.com; scheels.com; blackovis.com

Serac 1700, $239: stoneglacier.com; scheels.com; blackovis.com

Outdoor Backpacks Made in the USA

Mystery Ranch

If you haven’t heard of Mystery Ranch, then you haven’t been reading Carryology.com for very long. Whether they’re making for the military, fire department, or taking those learnings to their everyday line, their packs have a following at cult level. Revered throughout the carry world for their laser-like attention to detail, bomber builds, and comfort when carrying loads, they’re some of the very best packs in the world, bar none.

Note, while many of their packs are now made in the Philippines, Mystery Ranch does build some of their outdoor packs, tactical and fire packs in the USA.

Best backpacks by Mystery Ranch:

3DAP CL, $450: mysteryranch.com

ASAP, $300: mysteryranch.com

Komodo Dragon, $435: mysteryranch.com

McHale Packs

Most might not have heard of McHale Packs. But if you scratch away at the backpacking world (and its burrow-like forums), you’ll discover the army of Dan McHale disciples who swear they’re the greatest UL packs around.

And the best part: they’re reportedly built in his garage. All by hand, using Dyneema and Cordura. Completely custom-built to each individual’s precise measurements. No two are alike. A word of warning, you’ll need to navigate your way through his archaic website to make contact, but trust us, it’s worth it.

Best backpacks by McHale Packs:

All custom

Hill People Gear

Hill People Gear knows that when you’re in the backcountry you need dependable gear that won’t let you down. That’s why they prioritize efficiency in their designs, creating gear for backcountry travelers that focuses on functionality, effective load carriage, flexibility, and long-lasting durability. While they are aware that the do-it-all pack is likely never achievable, they do believe in crafting gear that adapts to a wide variety of needs. In addition to making gear in the USA, they also use American suppliers and are dedicated to maintaining American manufacturing.

Best backpacks by Hill People Gear:

Tarahumara Pack, $150: hillpeoplegear.com

Ute Backpack V2, $377: hillpeoplegear.com

Umlindi Pack V2, $297: hillpeoplegear.com

CiloGear

CiloGear crafts their American-made backpacks in Portland, Oregon on a built-when-ordered process. For them ,‘In Stock’ means they have all of the sub assemblies of the pack. Then they build it for you. Lean and mean, and we like that. While their focus is on crafting lightweight alpine climbing and hiking packs, you’ll find UL urban commuter packs in the mix too, and they’re darn great! 

Best backpacks by CiloGear:

30L Commuter II, $219: cilogear.com

20L WorkSack, $79: cilogear.com

Ski Pack, $299: cilogear.com

Alpine Luddites

John Campbell is Alpine Luddites… quite literally. AL’s a one-person operation. Every pack or bike bag is built to order by him, with his famed attention to detail and quality. John’s waiting list can bounce from 6 to even 12 weeks at times, but you’re getting something special when you wait, especially if you go the custom route, so we recommend you roll into his Colorado workshop with a little patience, and a big plan for your perfect pack.

Best backpacks by Alpine Luddites:

White Light / White Heat, $385: alpineluddites.com

Alpine Machine, $750: alpineluddites.com

Pinnacle Rucksack, $250: alpineluddites.com

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

If you’ve ever been passed by a hot white pack hammering up the trail, it’s most likely come from the Maine workshop of Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Building for alpinists, backpackers, thru-hikers, and other adventurers, their made in USA backpack offerings are stripped back and minimal, ultralight, and dialed to increase speed, distance, and efficiency. One of our favorite UL brands. And well worth a closer look.

Best backpacks by Hyperlite Mountain Gear:

2400 Ice Pack, $359: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Daybreak, $229: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Summit Pack, $199: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Zpacks

Zpacks was founded in 2005 by Joe Valesko, a man who knows all about long-distance thru-hikes and the gear needed to conquer them. The brand builds ultralight backpacking gear that finds that tricky balance of shedding grams while remaining comfortable and durable enough for extensive use. Their designs cater to day hikes, short trips and long-distance hikes, with optional modular accessories and a choice of sizes to tailor them to specific users. The bags are made in West Melbourne, Florida.

Best backpacks by Zpacks:

Arc Blast

Arc Scout

Nero

American-Made Backpacks for Urban / Everyday

DSPTCH

DSPTCH is a great example of humble beginnings to global success story. Beginning life in an apartment, their first product (a camera strap) was launched in 2010. They’ve come a long way, with stores in San Francisco, New York and Tokyo and a solid offering of gear that caters to EDC, work, travel, photography and workout carry needs. Products are cut and sewn entirely in the USA, mostly in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Built to be durable, timeless and functional, their gear mixes military inspiration with urban styling and functionality and comes with a lifetime guarantee too.

Best backpacks by DSPTCH:

Daypack

Ruckpack

Bookpack

The Brown Buffalo

The Brown Buffalo is a carry brand based in California, crafting seriously slick and considered pieces. Founded by our good friend and master designer Douglas Davidson (whose extensive experience includes Burton and The North Face), the brand creates quality, functional pieces for urban everyday and travel needs. The USA-made ConcealPack is a fine example of understated aesthetics, excellent craftsmanship and practical design that reliably handles work, travel and play requirements.

Best backpacks by The Brown Buffalo:

ConcealPack

DEFY MFG. Co.

DEFY is a brand built on, well, defying expectations. Founder Chris Tag defied remaining in a “safe” but soulless corporate job in favor of venturing into the unknown with the aim of creating a top-notch American manufacturing company. And he’s done just that. The brand defies fast fashion in favor of what they like to call “slow manufacturing” and an appreciation of enduring quality, building their gear by hand in Chicago. Overbuilt to take years of demanding use and keep on thriving, their backpacks feature rugged materials such as Martexin Original Wax Canvas, M35 Military Truck Tarpaulin, and 1000D Ballistic Nylon. Ruggedly suave style, excellent durability and straightforward functionality lets their packs adapt easily to diverse urban settings and needs.

Best backpacks by DEFY:

VerBockel Rolltop 2.0

Bucktown

Menace Backpack 2.0

Recycled Firefighter

Dig into the history behind Recycled Firefighter and you’ll find a pretty darn inspiring story. It was founded by full-time firefighter Jake Starr who wanted additional part-time work he could do from home to support his family. He taught himself to sew and went through hundreds of failed products and prototypes before getting his big break in the carry community through a wallet made from decommissioned fire hose. Countless hours of work month after month (and learning from plenty of mistakes along the way) allowed him to grow the brand. Now Recycled Firefighter offers a range of bags and wallets, made by hand in the USA. The packs are crafted with 1000D Cordura, USA-made hardware and reinforced stitching in high-stress areas. Designed for everyday use and short trips, these tough packs offer an appealing mix of functionality and dependable durability you can count on for years to come.

Best backpacks by Recycled Firefighter:

24hr Battalion

12hr Battalion 

Battalion Duffelpack

Rucksack Village

Rucksack Village is a custom carry brand founded by James Kamo. Bags are designed based on a thorough understanding of each user’s carry needs as well as influences from their personalities and preferences. Though James is super busy and the packs are a side project now, there’s still a chance to get your own (just be prepared to wait for the carry goodness).

Best backpacks by Rucksack Village:

All custom

Colfax Design Works

Military inspiration meets everyday versatility with Colfax Design Works’ gear. Made with adaptability and durability in mind, CDW bags feature technical fabrics and mil-spec components. All brought together in functional designs that don’t shy away from demanding EDC and travel needs. Their gear is made in small batches, giving nods to modularity and multifunctionality so it’s ready to tackle present and future carry needs equally well.

Best backpacks by Colfax Design Works:

Project T.O.A.D.

Recon Pack

Remote Equipment

Remote Equipment was founded with the goal of creating adaptable gear for urban mobility needs. Gear that could handle active commutes and weekend adventures, embrace the elements, and carry comfortably throughout the day. All while celebrating simplicity and functionality. And while they’re a young brand, it was founded by a designer with over ten years of industry experience. And it shows in their first offering. The Alpha 31 was successfully launched through Kickstarter and is a fine example of technical design honed for everyday use. An impressive debut that has us keen to see future creations by this up-and-coming brand.

Best backpacks by Remote Equipment:

Alpha 31

Bravo 18

Charlie 25

Rickshaw Bagworks

Rickshaw Bagworks are a customizable bag manufacturer based in San Francisco. Founded by Mark Dwight in 2007, Rickshaw Bagworks was born from an appreciation and passion for the maker culture and interaction with customers. But it’s also a brand fully aware that accountability falls on them, driving them to create quality bags and a good employee working environment. Bags are crafted with urban mobility, simple functionality and enduring quality in mind.

Best backpacks by Rickshaw Bagworks:

Sutro Backpack

Potrero Backpack

Medium Velo Backpack

BaileyWorks

BaileyWorks have been in the business of making tough, utilitarian bags since 1993. The brand was inspired by California’s bike messenger culture and their need for rugged, functional bags that could take a beating and keep on performing. Turns out, that kind of bag had widespread appeal beyond bike messengers. So BaileyWorks set out to deliver simple, practical and durable bags for a range of urban carry needs. Over two decades later, you’ll find those design principles haven’t changed. Each bag is made by hand in Newmarket, New Hampshire, and can be customized to suit your particular style and requirements.

Best backpacks by BaileyWorks:

The Nomad

Citi Pack

Upcycled Backpacks Made in the USA

Mafia Bags

Mafia Bags got its start in 2012 in Buenos Aires, founded by brother-and-sister team Marcos and Paz Mafia. As a former professional kitesurfer, Marcos came across piles of sails in storage and knew they could be put to new use. The brand expanded to San Francisco in 2014, now their HQ, and has an in-house production facility. Mafia Bags has a strong commitment to sustainability and uses upcycled sails to make their bags, guaranteeing gear with a lifetime warranty. The certified B Corp offers a variety of unique bags for urban carry requirements, including backpacks, duffels, messengers, and totes.

Best backpacks by Mafia Bags:

Discover

Deep Blue Bag

W-Pack

Truce Designs

Truce was founded by Luke Mathers, who learned to sew industrial-grade fabrics while crafting boat covers and repairing sails at North Sails Oregon. In 2016 Truce Designs joined the TREW family, an Oregon-based outdoor company. Truce still holds true to its commitment to environmentally responsible design and manufacturing, using reclaimed materials such as sailcloths and drysuit fabrics to create unique bags. Made in Portland, Oregon, and designed to offer high-performance functionality, Truce bags are also backed by a lifetime warranty.

Best backpacks by Truce Designs:

Drop Liner Backpack

20L SL Backpack

American-Made Heritage Backpacks

Bradley Mountain

Heritage-inspired carry has enjoyed a huge resurgence during the past few years. But while plenty of brands jumped on the bandwagon of heritage aesthetics, many toppled off hitting functionality and quality stumbling blocks. Not so with Bradley Mountain. Founded in 2012, the brand aims to inspire adventure not just through travels but in everyday life, crafting gear that embraces whatever the day brings. Bags are designed with a considered mix of functionality and durability in addition to handsome heritage aesthetics. Their bags are made by hand in San Diego, California, and where many other brands have fallen short Bradley Mountain keeps going strong, backing their commitment to long-lasting quality by offering free repairs too.

Best backpacks by Bradley Mountain:

The Wilder

The Biographer

Muir Pack

Rivendell Mountain Works

One of the original cottage industry carry brands, RMW was founded in 1971 and has influenced numerous designers and brands within the outdoor industry. While it dropped off the radar in the ’80s, RMW has enjoyed a brand resurgence over the past decade. Staying true to their heritage roots, the brand makes gear by hand through what they like to call a “village” manufacturing process. In addition to the iconic Jensen Pack (a true game changer in the carry industry), RMW offers a variety of backpacks to handle outdoor and urban environments alike.

Best backpacks by Rivendell Mountain Works:

Jensen Pack

Mariposa

Larkspur

Tanner Goods

Based in Portland, Oregon, Tanner Goods was founded on the principle of crafting gear that’s worth holding onto. They do this through gear that fuses heritage styling, modern-day functionality, and long-lasting construction that will have you sighing in appreciation. Made for day-to-day and travel needs, the carry range features quality materials such as waxed 18 oz. filter twill canvas and vegetable-tanned leather, brought together in practical and durable designs built to last for years to come.

Best backpacks by Tanner Goods:

Voyager Daypack

Koru Rucksack

Kletterwerks

Kletterwerks was founded by the legendary Dana Gleason in 1975, his first endeavour in pack design and manufacturing. Though the brand stepped off the carry stage for many years, it was resurrected as part of the Mystery Ranch family. While the enduring, simple designs merited a resurrection, there have been new additions (such as padded laptop sleeves) to set these bags up for modern-day use while still retaining their heritage charm.

Best backpacks by Kletterwerks:

Flip

Drei Zip

Frost River

Born from the need to traverse the terrain of the Northern Wilderness, Frost River builds its gear to withstand just about anything. Handmade in Duluth, Minnesota, their bags are crafted with care and precision, using American-sourced materials, such as Martexin Original Wax Canvas and leather from the SB Foot Tannery. And, the fun part, you’ll never have trouble spotting one from afar. See that brown waxed canvas, chestnut leather and solid brass combo above? That’s the signature vibe, and they darn well stick to it.

Best backpacks by Frost River:

Summit Expedition Pack

Isle Royale Bushcraft Packs

Arrowhead Trail Rolltop

Filson

When you think of heritage-style carry, Filson’s name always crops up. Not surprising when you consider they’ve been creating quality gear for demanding outdoor use since 1897. The brand has a manufacturing facility in their Seattle HQ and backs its gear with a lifetime guarantee. Pore over their packs and you’ll find hard-wearing, functional pieces that accommodate work, travel, outdoor and everyday needs.

Best backpacks by Filson:

Journeyman

Rugged Twill Rucksack

Tin Cloth Backpack

Topo Designs

Founded in 2008, Topo Designs was born in a basement in Fort Collins (and continues to make a lot of bags in Colorado) but now enjoys a global fan base. They set themselves apart in the industry by finding that sweet spot between urban and outdoor functionality. Rather than making you choose the city or the wilderness Topo gear embraces both, balancing heritage style with fun and modern practicality. You’ll find designs catering for everything from day hikes to work commutes to weekend getaways, all backed by a lifetime warranty.

Best backpacks by Topo Designs:

Klettersack

Daypack

Rover Pack

Luxury Backpacks Made in the USA

KILLSPENCER

Founded by Spencer Nikosey, KILLSPENCER have been crafting covet-worthy carry since 2009. A suave mix of clean styling, premium materials and excellent construction ensures low-key luxury in every piece. But the Los Angeles brand puts a focus on utility too, so their California-made pieces don’t just look good but perform reliably day in and day out. Their range of fashion-friendly yet functional packs are well suited to work and everyday use in urban settings, featuring chic silhouettes and quality materials such as premium full-grain leather, waxed canvas, and fire retardant and weatherproof nylon.

Best backpacks by KILLSPENCER:

Special Ops Backpack 3.0

Daypack

Utility Daypack

Lotuff Leather

Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Lotuff Leather crafts uber-luxurious leather carry pieces by hand. Many of the team members are artists who create Lotuff’s meticulously crafted pieces – pieces that nail that appealing balance of luxe style and everyday functionality. Each piece is backed by a lifetime guarantee and features premium vegetable-tanned leather.

Best backpacks by Lotuff Leather:

Leather Zipper Backpack

Leather Knapsack

Leather Backpack

Outlier

Brooklyn-based Outlier stand out from the crowd through their commitment to innovative, technical apparel and fabric experimentation, but check out their carry offerings and you’ll find them impressive too. Pieces such as the Ultrahigh Dufflepack, Ultrahigh Duffle and Ultrahigh Backpack have delivered eye-catching modern aesthetics with premium technical fabrics. Made in small batches, their bags sell out fast, so keep an eye out. One better, sign up to their newsletter to be one of the first to know.

Best backpacks by Outlier:

Ultrahigh Backpack

Ultrahigh Dufflepack

American-Made Travel Backpacks

Tom Bihn

Tom Bihn combines over three decades of design experience (four if you consider the founder has been making bags since 1972) with a dedication to eco-conscious production and a rad company philosophy (that they actually genuinely follow). Their gear is known for its functionality and durability and is made in their Seattle factory. Tom Bihn’s travel backpacks handle diverse needs and trips, from outdoor excursions to urban carry-on use. But they also make a variety of other packs that handle work and EDC needs. All backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Best backpacks by Tom Bihn:

Synapse 25, $235: tombihn.com

Aeronaut 45, $320: tombihn.com

Synik 30, $320: tombihn.com

Red Oxx

Red Oxx makes some of the burliest travel bags out there, backed by their legendary “No Bull” lifetime warranty. The bags exude a military level of toughness and dependability (not surprising since the founder and current CEO both have military backgrounds). Wherever you’re going, these bags will get there and back again, multiple times over. Their bags are made by hand in Billings, Montana, using trusty 1000D Cordura, rugged #10 YKK zippers and reinforced stitching for dependable durability.

Best backpacks by Red Oxx:

Sky Train

Tres Hombres

C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack

Originally published in September 2018 and recently updated

The post The Best ‘Made in the USA’ Backpack Brands of 2022 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

History of waxed canvas

With its beautiful, distinct character and rugged durability, it’s not hard to see why waxed canvas (also known as waxed cotton) is a popular material in the carry community. But this tough fabric has a history stretching back centuries. And one that involves the sea.

What does waxed cotton have to do with the sea? Sailors discovered that sails were able to catch wind better when they were wet. However, when sails are wet, this makes them heavier. Not ideal for a seafaring vessel.

Sailors as far back as the 15^th century coated their sails with fish oil to make them waterproof. However, over time there was a shift to using linseed oil on flax canvas sailcloth, allowing water to gather on the surface but preventing it from penetrating into the fabric, thereby keeping it light and waterproof. The fabric was also used to create smocks worn by the sailors to protect them against the harsh elements while out at sea. However, the linseed oil caused the cloth to yellow over time.

Near the end of the 18^th century, a Scottish mill and sailmaker by the name of Francis Webster Ltd began supplying flax sails treated with linseed oil to British clippers. However, sail production evolved with the need for lighter sails and greater efficiency and speed, altering the cloth to become more durable yet lighter, and so flax sails made way for cotton sails. Francis Webster honed a method of creating cotton treated with linseed oil and supplied these waxed cotton sails to the Royal Navy and tea clippers. But the linseed oil continued to turn the cloth yellow with age and would crack when it was cold, reducing the weather resistance of the cloth.

In the 1930s British Millerain tackled this problem by impregnating cotton with paraffin wax, creating a fabric with better weather resistance and enhanced breathability, while also doing away with the yellowing effect of linseed oil. This marked the foundations of modern-day waxed canvas.

Various mills including Francis Webster made use of British Millerain’s textile finishing services to turn woven, dyed cotton into waxed cotton.

Francis Webster exported a lot of waxed cotton to New Zealand, marketed as Japara. The proven overseas success of the material led to Francis Webster launching waxed cotton in the UK.

The British Army began using waxed canvas for clothing during WWII, later utilizing it for duffels and tents as well. Thanks to its weather resistance and durability, waxed canvas became popular in commercial settings too, being adopted by the likes of outdoor, country-living, and motorcycle brands to create tough weatherproof clothing.  

How does waxed canvas age? 

Much like full-grain leather will develop a unique patina over time, one of the features that makes waxed canvas particularly appealing is the way it ages with time and use. As the material takes on scuffs and creases through use, it will develop a unique patina that gives your pack a very personal touch.

How to rewax your waxed canvas backpack

Waxed canvas needs to be reproofed occasionally as the wax will eventually rub off over time. Rewaxing enhances the water and wind resistance of the material, giving new life to your pack and helping it to protect your gear for many more adventures to come.

The more frequently you use your bag, the more often you’ll need to rewax it. However, this is still only likely going to be once or twice a year.

There are different products and methods you can use to rewax canvas. You can get reproofing sprays as well as solid waxed bars. It’s important to pay attention to manufacturer guidelines as some products might only be suitable for particular items and materials.

Bars are more time-consuming to apply, while reproofing sprays are quicker to apply but may end up changing the finish appearance (for example, giving an item more of a dry finish). There are many good options on the market but we recommend checking out Trakke’s Reproofing Spray (great for reproofing their dry-finish canvas), Trakke’s Reproofing Wax (suitable for their wet-finish canvas), and Fjällräven’s Greenland Wax.

If you’re using a solid bar, you’ll need to apply it in strokes across the backpack material, before applying heat to the wax using a hairdryer or iron. As the wax melts, you can use a cloth to evenly distribute it across the canvas. Once the wax is evenly applied and the material is sufficiently covered, you’ll need to leave the bag overnight so the wax can dry. Check out this handy step-by-step guide from Trakke for reproofing wet-finish waxed canvas, as well as this video tutorial for using Fjällräven’s Greenland Wax.

How to clean waxed canvas

Waxed canvas is not only water repellent but also dirt repellent. You may simply be able to allow dirt to dry and then dust it off by hand or brush it off with a stiff brush. You can also remove the likes of dust, dirt, and mud by wiping the canvas with a damp cloth.

For more significant staining that has penetrated the canvas, such as oil stains, you can apply an absorbent substance such as corn starch and leave it on for two days and then use a stiff brush to brush it off. You may need to repeat this process. You may also be able to wash a stain with cold water and a mild detergent (use a sponge or cloth in circular motions) but you’ll need to reproof the affected area. Do not wash your waxed canvas backpack in a washing machine. Always leave it to dry naturally (ideally overnight).

Best waxed canvas backpacks for 2021

Great materials alone don’t make great bags. But using quality waxed canvas to create functional, stylish designs that will put in years of hard use and just get better with age? Now you’re onto something special. Just like our picks of the best waxed canvas backpacks to enjoy in 2021…

Fjällräven Vardag 28 Laptop Backpack (US$90)

Fjällräven’s Vardag 28 Laptop Backpack offers an enticing blend of functionality, understated aesthetics, durable construction, and value for money. It’s constructed with G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S, a fabric made with a mix of recycled polyester and organic cotton and impregnated with Greenland Wax on both sides for added durability. The pack offers a range of practical organization including quick-access exterior pockets, a main compartment, and a separate 15” laptop compartment. The pack also includes a seat pad and is versatile enough to swap weekday commutes for weekend day trips and outdoor explorations too.

Fjällräven Greenland Top (US$130)

The Greenland Top is an appealing option for those seeking urban/outdoor versatility with a nod to classic heritage style. The pack is made with Fjällräven’s waxed G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco S fabric and comes in a choice of colorways. It features a flap and drawstring closure to keep gear secure and protected from the elements. An interior padded pocket accommodates up to 15” tech, with additional pockets for valuables and quick-access storage.

Duluth Pack Scout Pack (US$145)

Duluth Pack is the USA’s oldest canvas and leather bag manufacturer, crafting high-quality outdoor gear since 1882. Their Scout Pack offers their extensive expertise in a slim-profiled and stylish bag that suits a range of everyday or outdoor uses. A pared-back take on their canoe packs, the 16L pack is an attractive and tough option for commutes, day hikes, and day-to-day use. Handcrafted with 15 oz. canvas and leather detailing, it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Fjällräven Rucksack No. 21 Medium (US$180)

Classic Fjällräven style, burly construction, and a versatile design make this an appealing option for those who want an everyday pack that’s ready for outdoor adventures too. The interior has a padded laptop pocket, a thermos pocket, and a removable seat pad. Externally you’ll find front and side pockets for exterior storage. Add in the G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco and leather construction and you get a fine-looking pack that will last for many years of urban and outdoor adventures.

Trakke Assynt Backpack (~US$232)

Sleek and rugged, Trakke’s Assynt is equally at home roaming on the hills or navigating city streets. The pack takes inspiration from vintage mountaineering equipment but is built for modern-day use, with an interior laptop sleeve, interior pocket, and quick-access lid pocket. Handcrafted in Glasgow with British-made materials, it’s a great one-bag option for diverse carry environments.

Treesizeverse Waxed Canvas Backpack (~US$260)

This handsome pack is handmade in Belgium with heavy-weight waxed canvas and oiled leather. The rolltop closure adjusts to a variety of loads, while the front pocket keeps frequently used gear at the ready. Additionally, the pack also includes a padded laptop compartment. A solid choice if you’re after a head-turner with everyday and travel functionality.

Trakke Bannoch Backpack (~US$265)

We’re big fans of the Bannoch. So much so, we awarded it our Best Work Backpack 2019 award. And it’s not hard to see why. The Bannoch offers a honed blend of stylishly understated aesthetics that suit a range of settings, a useful selection of pocketing, and top-notch craftsmanship with premium materials. Handmade in Scotland, the pack is backed by a lifetime guarantee and ready to put in the hard graft wherever the day takes you.

Winter Session Waxed Canvas Roll Top Backpack (US$289)

Available in a range of colorways to suit personal tastes, this pack offers an eye-catching blend of smart aesthetics and functional design. The Roll-Top Pack is made in Denver, Colorado with 20 oz. waxed cotton canvas, vegetable-tanned leather, and brass hardware. The rolltop closure accommodates diverse loads, with plenty of organization options on hand too including front snap pockets, side pockets, an interior pocket, and a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to 15″ devices.

Winter Session Waxed Canvas Backpack (US$289)

Tough and classy, this pack lets the fabrics shine in the spotlight, while also providing a functional and adaptable design for work and play alike. The pack features 20 oz. waxed cotton canvas, leather shoulder straps, solid brass hardware, and rivet-enforced pockets. The pack is handcrafted in Denver and incorporates a YKK double-zipper closure for easy access. The padded quilted back panel offers comfort and protection for gear, while a selection of interior and exterior pockets keep your tech and EDC essentials tidy while you’re on the go.

DEFY Bucktown Backpack (US$289)

Fun fact: Chicago’s Bucktown got its name from the large number of goats that used to be raised in the area (a male goat is a buck). Goats aren’t afraid of tough environments and challenging conditions. Neither is DEFY’s Bucktown Backpack. Built tough with 14 oz. original TEXWAX Canvas material on the exterior and 500D CORDURA® on the interior, this hard-wearing hauler is great for the daily commute and overnight trips with minimalist loads. The pack features dual compartments, both with a selection of pocketing to keep tech, EDC, and smaller items neatly organized and easily accessible. YKK AquaGuard zippers enhance protection from the elements, while its sleekly suave styling looks equally good in work settings or embracing downtime pursuits.

Azo Equipment Bashilo Backpack Leather (~US$290)

The Bashilo Backpack is a classy pack for your urban commuting or EDC needs, crafted in the UK with Halley Stevensons C4X finish medium weight waxed canvas and a Cordura base, complemented by vegetable-tanned leather detailing. The 20L pack fits a 13″ laptop, with a front pocket for easy-access gear and further pockets for organizing smaller items. And if you need more space, it also comes in a 26L option that fits 15″ tech.

Mission Workshop AP Series Sanction – Waxed Canvas (US$290)

The 20L Sanction is a ruggedly built pack that’s stylish enough for the office and tough enough to tackle after-hours pursuits on foot or by bike. Made in the USA with American-made 10 oz. waxed canvas, the weatherproof pack is backed by a lifetime guarantee and offers a range of pockets to keep your gear neat on the go. In addition, the Sanction also features Mission Workshop’s Arkiv® closure system and can be customized with Arkiv® accessories on the shoulder straps.

Billykirk No. 297 Standard Issue Backpack (US$295)

Billykirk offers a modern, mature twist on the classic bookbag with their No. 297 Standard Issue Backpack. Exuding a thoughtful balance of form and function, the pack serves up everyday functionality with urban-friendly style. A good range of pockets including padded interior laptop storage and a complementary No. 302 zipper pouch give you flexible organization for work and leisure use alike. The pack is constructed in the USA with 10.10 oz. waxed canvas, full-grain leather, and an easily cleanable water-resistant nylon canvas lining.

Bradley Mountain The Biographer (US$325)

Handsome and hard-wearing, the Biographer is handmade in San Diego and features a limited edition colorway in 18 oz. camo waxed duck canvas. Complementing the waxed canvas is 9 oz. USA harness leather, brass and copper hardware, and wool and canvas padding on the straps. The roll-top design allows the pack to expand from 15L to 20L, while front, side, and interior pockets provide organization.

GORUCK GR1 Heritage (US$395)

One of the most iconic packs ever made gets a heritage makeover with the GR1 Heritage. And it’s a stunner, combining waxed duck canvas and Red Wing leather in a bag that will stand the test of time. Available in a range of colorways in 21L and 26L options, the GR1 Heritage offers all the trusty dependability of the original, in ruggedly suave style.

Bedouin Foundry Delireis (~US$400)

The Delireis packs understated style, hard-wearing durability, and adaptability into a bag that looks chic on the streets but is ready to step into the wild when adventure calls. Handmade in England with 12 oz. Scottish waxed canvas and Italian vegetable-tanned leather, the bag includes an interior laptop sleeve and two exterior pockets for stashing quick-access essentials.

Frost River Isle Royale Bushcraft Pack (US$420)

Handcrafted in Duluth, Minnesota, this pack offers a great heritage feel combined with a quality build. The pack is built with American-made waxed canvas and leather and comes with a lifetime guarantee on craftsmanship and hardware. Available in three sizes and two colorways, this bag is tough enough for years of outdoor use but versatile enough for urban settings too, with plenty of pockets and attachment points to organize your gear.

Winter Session Adventure Pack (US$429)

Is this pack pricey? Heck yeah. But is it a head-turner? Heck yeah! If you’re after a conversation starter crafted with top-notch materials and designed to be a carry heirloom for generations to come, this might just be the pack for you. The limited-edition Adventure Pack is inspired by a vintage 1960s pack from West Germany owned by Winter Session co-owner Roy Katz’s father. Each pack is made in Denver using 16 oz. waxed cotton canvas, vegetable-tanned leather, and solid brass hardware. The 37L pack offers a range of pockets and lash points and lends itself to a variety of outdoor and travel needs.

Tanner Goods Voyager Daypack (~US$435)

Looking for luxurious versatility for urban and outdoor use? This pack may tempt you with its understated style, premium materials, and rugged build. The Voyager Daypack is crafted in the USA with 10.10 oz waxed filter twill and vegetable-tanned Cambara English bridle leather. A padded laptop sleeve keeps your tech safe, while two side pockets and an exterior zip pocket keep quick-access items within easy reach.

Trakke Storr Carry-On Backpack (US$453)

There’s no denying the Storr is an investment piece. But with this pack, you certainly get what you pay for. Designed for carry-on use, the Storr encourages you to embrace one-bag carry with a bag that looks smart but isn’t afraid to dive into rougher adventures. The 35L pack offers a range of travel-friendly features including a clamshell opening for easy packing and access, an external laptop pocket, quick-access pockets, interior pockets, three grab handles, and stowable backpack straps. Handcrafted with dry-finish waxed canvas, this pack is built to be a trusty companion for a lifetime of travel adventures.

Mission Workshop The Rhake : WX (US$455)

If you’ve got the cash to splash and want a bag packed with features, the Rhake : WX could be your ideal carry companion. MW steps up the aesthetic appeal by decking the original design out in beautiful Fairfield Textile 10 oz Army Duck Canvas with a Martexin Waxed finish. Plenty of pockets are at your disposal to organize tech, EDC, or even travel items, with an adaptable rolltop main compartment for various loads. And if you need more organization, you can also customize the pack with Arkiv accessories. Eye-catching, tough and practical for a range of work, travel, and play needs, this luxe offering is a tempting pick for any waxed canvas enthusiast.

The post The Best Waxed Canvas Backpacks in 2021 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

On July 20th and 21st many of our favorite bag brands descended on New York to show their future offerings at multiple trade shows exclusive to retailers and select media.  With a little schmoozing we were able to gain access to the Agenda and Capsule trade shows to give you a sneak peak.

Let’s jump right into it!  If you’re the type of person who enjoys premium materials, Americana, hunting, fishing, biking and a love for the outdoors then Frost River is gonna get you thinking about your next adventure!  The offering is extensive, with packs and bags for just about anything you can do in the great outdoors.

Their flagship piece is in the canoe packs category called the Grand Portage Pack.  This thing can hold a lot of gear at 7,484 c.i. – you can get lost for days.

The line is pretty extensive; they’ve thought about everything you would need and have a bag for it.

If you are the type of person who has an extensive shoe collection, whether it’s the latest retro drop or some bespoke Italian shoes,  traveling with your heat can be stressful.  The brand The Shrine has the answer.  They’ve created bags that can transport your footwear.  You’re going to really want to check these bags out for yourself.

For Holiday ’15 they have a new style and several new color stories.  The new style is the Overnight Duffel; it has one shoe bay and enough room for a couple days’ worth of gear.  The first color story is the Diamond Press Collection; the outer comes in either grey or black with accent teal hits.  The second color is called Duality; up close it’s a blue/white fabric and from a distance it looks grey.  All three color stories are offered in all styles.

Here is a highlight of all the bags in the line.

Up front are the backpacks that have the shoe bays open.

This is the duality color and as you can see it looks light grey.

Poler Outdoor Stuff is the original camp vibes company that has been making product to bridge action sports and traditional outdoor activities.  For Spring 2016 they’ve added new bright colors and several new styles to the line.  These guys single-handedly married camping and skateboarding together.

The Mega Camera Cooler is the first one I noticed.  Based on the success of the camera cooler that can hold either a 6-pack or basic camera equipment, the Mega Camera Cooler can hold more camera equipment or an 18-pack of your favorite canned drink, shown in blue green.  The Roamers pack shown in blue has classic styling, three outer pockets and some really cool custom hardware. The Rolltop shown in yellow is accessible from a zipper on the outside or the top, and the Rucksack shown in green is similar to the Roamers pack but can hold more stuff and has two larger pockets on the sides.  These have a great retro feel to them and would definitely look great on your next wilderness or not-so-wilderness adventure.

Here’s some more color options of the Roamers pack and Rucksack.

This one was one of my favorites. It’s called the Tourist pack and it can either be used as a waist or sling pack.  And if you need more space in your travels it can transform into a backpack.  Shown in the two colors it’s offered in.

Drifter is an American heritage brand that started as a parachute brand in 1977 and has since entered the bag world.  The bags are made here in the USA and will be available in the USA this month.

The Urban Hiker pack is one of their best offerings. It’s not too big and not too small, perfect for holding all your stuff when you go explore your city.

Shown here is one of their very first styles they ever offered, the Fold Away Tote in Duck Hunter Camo, and another one of their best styles, the Rolltop Back Pack in natural.

They also make a number of other organizational items to make sure you have a place for everything.

If you happen to cycle or run at night then you should check out Nocturnal Workshop. The owner created the brand after one of his friends was hit by a car at night. There are several styles in the line including backpacks and duffel bags. They’ve even created smaller styles for kids. The backpack below with the dots on it is actually a mesh overlay that adds a cool feel to the pack.

This is a mini duffel.

This is their rolltop offering; it looks to be built really well and a large portion of the bag is reflective.

A new brand to hit the States is Indispensable.  Hailing from Japan, they have created a lot of great ways to carry your gear.  From reflective backpacks, to compartmentalized laptop cases, and even a duffle bag that can fold flat once you get to your destination.  From a color standpoint they have our basic colors covered and also offer a geometric pattern and camouflage for something a bit more interesting.

Burton is obviously known for their snowboards, but they’ve also built a name in the apparel and bag categories as well and they don’t disappoint for Spring ’16.  They pride themselves on thoughtful styles that are durable and look good too #durablegoods.  They are blazing new trails in the camping and festival niche for 2015 and in 2016 they set their sights on commuter bags and new color stories.

The Easy Livin’ pack is perfect for your next festival.  Shown in the Black and Tan colorway, it has an insulated cooler front pocket, rain cover, koozy built into one of the straps and has attachments for a solar panel to keep all your gadgets charged.  The Golden Haze yellow and Methyl Ripstop colors are new for the season and carry through most of the bags in the line, and finally the commuter series bags are on the end.  The Gorge pack in True Black is on the top and the Spruce pack in Pelican Grey is on the bottom. Both are made of Cordura and are built to carry everything you need to get you to and from work.

Here’s another view of the bag wall from the other side.

Here is a closer look at the commuter bags, the Gorge pack in True Black on the far right.

The Spruce pack in Pelican Grey far right.

There are a lot of great bags releasing in the very near future, the only decision now is which ones to pick up. Which ones are you interested in checking out?

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