Frost River

"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 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."

"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'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 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."