10 Reasons I Love Duluth Packs

Written By Hugh Asher

3rd January 2024

Duluth Pack 'Wanderer' Backpack

My New Waxed Wanderer Backpack from Duluth Pack

I absolutely love Duluth Pack rucksacks and bags. I have done so for a very long time (about 15 years) and I have recently bought myself a waxed ‘Wanderer’ pack to add to the canoe pack, portage pack, seat pack, bow bag, bedroll, utensil roll and probably more that I already own. Duluth Pack, still based in Duluth, Minnesota, are the oldest canvas and leather bag making company in the USA, now in their 141st year, but why do I love them enough to have them posted to me in the UK?

Heads Up! As a consequence of this love of their products, we are now a Duluth Pack Affiliate. So if you click on any of the links to Duluth Pack in this post and buy anything for yourself, we may get paid a commission that is then used to support this website. You do not pay any extra, in fact you may well get a discount, and we only endorse products that we USE OURSELVES and REALLY LOVE! We are not paid for the reviews we do.

In no particular order, here are 10 Reasons why I Love Duluth Packs:

1) Durability
In today’s increasingly throwaway culture it is refreshing to find items that are truly built to last. Duluth Pack products are known for their exceptional durability. They are typically made from heavyweight canvas material and feature double-stitched seams and reinforced bottoms, making them incredibly sturdy and long-lasting. You know how they say “Buy cheap, buy twice”? Not with these, they will last more than just your lifetime if looked after.

2) Sustainability
Duluth Pack have continued the the ethos of repairing and sustainability throughout their history, employing sustainable practices, using eco-friendly materials and promoting repair services to prolong the life of their products, aligning with environmentally sound practices.

3) The Lifetime Guarantee
They are so sure of the quality themselves that they offer a Lifetime Guarantee on craftsmanship and on the hardware of all products. Their attention to detail backs up their high-quality products giving you the confidence that they can withstand rugged outdoor conditions.

4) Craftsmanship
Duluth Pack have a ‘one customer at a time’ philosophy. Each pack is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail by skilled artisans. The craftsmanship and quality control ensure that each pack meets high standards and the craftsmen and craftswomen are so proud of their work that sign each piece.

5) Each Pack is Individually Signed
Each pack is individually signed on a label inside by the person who sewed it together. My Wanderer Pack was stitched together by Bridger.

6) Timeless Traditional Design
The design of Duluth packs has been fairly much the same now for over a century. Their classic, functional layout with a single large compartment and a top flap that secures everything inside has proven to be highly efficient. This classic design, with its traditional and classic appeal, has stood the test of time and remains popular among outdoor enthusiasts.

Wanderer Duluth Pack in Burgundy

Wanderer Duluth Pack in Burgundy

7) Colours and Finishes
Duluth Pack now offer many of their packs in 11 different colours (or colors!) and finishes. I have always bought my bags in Olive Drab, but this time a really pushed the boat out and got Waxed Olive Drab!

8) Water Resistance
The canvas material used in Duluth packs often has water-resistant qualities, making them suitable for outdoor activities, especially in damp or wet conditions. This is why they are so popular as canoe packs.

9) Versatility
The simplicity of these packs makes them very versatile and means that they can be used for a wide variety activities such as camping, hiking, canoeing, and even everyday use. They come in a whole range of different shapes and different sizes to suit different needs.

10) Comfort
Perhaps most importantly, they are comfortable. Despite their simplicity, they are ergonomically crafted to distribute weight evenly, minimising strain even during extended periods of wear on outdoor adventures.

Duluth packs are renowned for their unparalleled durability, timeless craftsmanship, and versatile design, embodying a rich heritage deeply rooted in outdoor culture while offering users comfort and reliability for a wide range of adventures. To find out more about their products, please click on their logo below:

 
 

If you have enjoyed this article and would like to support what we do by donating £2 or more to buy saplings to plant, please follow the link below:

 
 
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Hugh Asher

I’m Hugh and I’m a Certified Forest Bathing Guide and Forest Therapy Practitioner, having trained with the Forest Therapy Institute and the Forest Therapy Hub. My purpose in life is to inspire people to improve their wellbeing, and to help people to help and inspire others to improve their wellbeing. I do this through promoting greater nature connection as I am a passionate believer in the benefits to health and wellbeing that nature and increased connection to nature can bring.

Professionally, I have worked for over twenty years supporting people experiencing: mental health problems; autism; learning disabilities; school exclusion; experience of the care system; and a history of offending behaviour. Currently I am the ‘Recovery Through Nature Lead’ in a residential rehab for people experiencing drug and alcohol problems.

I have a PhD in Therapeutic Relationships, but Dr. Hugh makes me sound too much like a Time Lord.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-asher/
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