We were given a behind-the-scenes tour of their production facility, and beyond the high quality of the leather, fabrics and metal, a whole lot of love goes into every step of the process. 

Each craftsperson at Duluth Pack specializes in one area: fabric and leather cutting, sewing, riveting and quality control. The process flows together to produce top-of-the-line products for life in the city, adventures in the wilderness and everything in between. 

As a lifelong Duluth Pack user -- I grew up carrying one across portages in the Boundary Waters, and now in addition love my Scout Pack and Shell Bag for around town -- I’ve already experienced the unparalleled quality of the brand. It was a real treat to meet the dedicated crew at Duluth Pack’s North Shore warehouse. But you don’t have to travel to Duluth to meet your craftsperson; their names are written on the tags of each product produced. 

Visit DuluthPack.com to meet your craftsperson.

Let this be known... there IS a right way and a wrong way to sport your Kromer! The right way involves putting the cap on your head, grabbing the ear band on both sides and pulling down. There’s no unfolding or flipping, and you never have to take the cap off your head. Just pull down and settle in. Believe it or not, we've seen people trying to flip the flap, untie the tie, as well as other creative methods. If you're unsure, watch this video-- it couldn't be easier. Then reap the benefits when heading outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, or trekking around town.

STORY

The Duluth Pack has its humble roots in a French-Canadian named Camille Poirier, who made his way west to Duluth. Arriving there in 1870 with his "little stock of leather and tools", he began a small shoe store and quickly made a go of it in this booming frontier town on the shores of Gitchi Gummi. On December 12, 1882, Camille filed for a patent on a new type of packsack. It was a canvas sack that closed with a buckled flap, had new-fangled shoulder straps in addition to the traditional tumpline, a revolutionary sternum strap and an umbrella holder (for portable shade in this newly cutover country). Known then as the Poirier pack, this northwoods classic is referred to today as the original Duluth Pack.

In 1911, Camille sold off the pack business to the new Duluth Tent and Awning Company. They opened shop on 1610 West Superior Street in the then bustling West End. (You can still find them at this address.) In addition to the packs, they made countless awnings for booming Duluth businesses. Remember, during the early 1900s there were more millionaires per capita in Duluth than in any other town in America. Duluth had lumber barons, shipping magnates, railroad tycoons and big shots in the iron ore business. Their early catalogs feature hay wagon covers, cots, wall tents and heavy canvas aprons for working blacksmiths.

America was changing. The Roaring 20s found the common man with more money and leisure time. Auto-camping became the rage, and hoards of adventure-hungry sportsman and fun-loving families headed for the hinterlands. Duluth Tent & Awning responded by creating the "auto-pack" that clamped on to the running boards of a touring car to carry extra gear. They also made canvas tents that attached to a car to create the first "mobile home".

Duluth Pack has always made rugged packs for working people. This was certainly the case in the 1940s with the introduction of their Cruiser packs. They were the perfect field pack for the timber cruisers who snowshoed countless miles through the great North Woods grading lumber for the logging companies. Built narrow and in the box style, they could haul a load yet slip easily between thick brush. They still make the cruisers which are popular with hunters.

The 1960s and 70s brought us into the age of jet travel and folks had even more leisure time. Durable luggage was once again a necessity. Though they had been manufacturing bags for big companies like Gokey's and Orvis since the 50s, Duluth Tent & Awning decided to introduce its own line of heavy duty canvas and leather Sportsman's Luggage. It was an instant hit.

In June of 1991 they opened a tiny "hole-in-the-wall" retail store in Duluth's Canal Park...a revitalized warehouse district on the waterfront. They quickly expanded three times and finally built their 5000 square-foot flagship store a few doors down...opening in April of 1998. 

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