Frost River

General information

We handcraft heritage waxed canvas packs, bags, luggage and accessories in Duluth, Minnesota, USA— softgoods that are generation-proof, reliable, and purpose-built for function to the standards of those who came before. Everything we make is built by hand in our workshop on West Superior St. at the headwaters of Lake Superior, and the doorstep to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Using old-world craftsmanship and the highest-quality raw materials like waxed canvas, premium leather and solid brass, we make quality, timeless gear you’ll use for years.

Frost River is built on the heritage of canoe-country ideals, that get-up-and-go, do-what-needs-to-be-done, expedition mindset. We’re in it for the long haul, and we make gear that’ll go along with any of your adventures. Whether for an hour, a weekend, an entire season, a full wilderness year, or into the next generation, the gear we make is built to hold up to the task and get better with age. Our bags are tough, difficult to wear out. We took generations of necessity and turned it into something that is somehow new and old at the same time. A new tradition. An old innovation. Made in Duluth, MN.

Our manufacturing and flagship retail store are both at 1910 W Superior St. with production in the basement and upper levels, and the retail store on street level. Come in during production hours and you'll hear sewing machines going, hammers pounding, riveters firing. It all happens under one roof.

We offer free workshop tours whenever the store is open. In the shop, you can find a wide selection of everything we make, plus an assortment of other high quality Made in USA goods, snacks, trail food, maps and BWCA Permits. Everything we sell, even our clothing, is made in the US. It's important to us because we care about where stuff comes from, who made it and how it got here. Come see where our Reliable Softgoods are made by visiting our home base in Duluth, MN USA!