Frost River

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Frost River Frost River handcrafts heritage-style bags and packs at our shop in Duluth, MN. Everything we make is built by hand in our workshop on West Superior St.
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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. 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!

10/12/2026

Last week, we took a trip down to Red Wing, Minnesota, to visit our friends and leather suppliers at the SB Foot Tannery.

We’re pretty particular about the materials that go into our gear, which is a big reason we choose to work with S.B. Foot.

We got a firsthand look at just how much testing goes into their leather, and honestly, it’s almost absurd. They test for absolutely everything to make sure the leather leaving their tannery lives up to their standards.

When you’re trying to make gear that lasts, you’ve got to start with good materials. That’s why we work with people who care about making them right.

“Not the first bag you think you need, but I use the Birchbark GDT Log Bag for everything: laundry, cleaning up the hous...
10/11/2026

“Not the first bag you think you need, but I use the Birchbark GDT Log Bag for everything: laundry, cleaning up the house, moving stuff from the workshop to the house, car bag, etc. The only thing I haven’t done with it is carry logs. I love this bag. It has so much utility. Highly recommended.” ~ M.S.

We’re starting to think we might be pigeonholing these bags with such specific names. Time and time again, y’all show us just how versatile they really are.

The places a bike (and sometimes a ferry) can take you are incredible.
10/10/2026

The places a bike (and sometimes a ferry) can take you are incredible.

“Your hunting dogs will appreciate this small gift and it weighs so very little.” - Jack“Love this bag. I use it as a pu...
10/09/2026

“Your hunting dogs will appreciate this small gift and it weighs so very little.” - Jack

“Love this bag. I use it as a purse actually and it’s the perfect size to fit way more than what you actually need without carrying a huge bag.” - Chantel

“This this is just flat handy. Great for bailing the canoe, organizing gear in the pack, hauling water or foraging tinder or wild edibles. Doesn't take up much room in the pack and built very durable.” - Josh

Originally designed to carry water for drowning out your campfire, but judging by these reviews, our waxed canvas buckets are good for a whole lot more than that.

TJ of Dusty Dog Wood Work was nice enough to let us into his shop for the morning. We got a look at the projects he’s go...
10/08/2026

TJ of Dusty Dog Wood Work was nice enough to let us into his shop for the morning. We got a look at the projects he’s got going on, his collection of tools, and just how good waxed canvas looks covered in sawdust.

The Frost River Shop Apron is made for getting to work. Built from durable waxed canvas, it’s right at home in the wood shop, garage, workshop, kitchen, or anywhere else things tend to get a little messy.

Tough, simple, and ready to get after it. The kind of apron that looks better once it’s got a little sawdust, grease, or whatever else you want to throw at it.

dustydogwoodwork.com

Not every expedition needs to be a massive feat. Sometimes you’re just going to work, walking the dog, or disappearing i...
10/07/2026

Not every expedition needs to be a massive feat. Sometimes you’re just going to work, walking the dog, or disappearing into the woods for a couple hours. The Summit Expedition Pack doesn’t care. It’s just happy to be along for the ride.

Winter is coming up fast, which means now is a good time to take a look at your vehicle’s emergency kit. Whether you’re ...
10/06/2026

Winter is coming up fast, which means now is a good time to take a look at your vehicle’s emergency kit. Whether you’re putting one together for the first time or refreshing one you’ve had for years, starting with a solid bag keeps everything organized, easy to find, and easy to move from one vehicle to another.

Our Gladstone Tool Bag is a great place to start if you’re looking for something tough enough to live in the back of your vehicle for years to come. Fill it up, toss it in the trunk, and hopefully you’ll never need most of what’s inside.

But when you do, you’ll be glad it’s there. Here are a few things we recommend keeping in your winter emergency kit:

- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Warm gloves, hat, and an extra layer
- Emergency blanket
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Small shovel
- Traction aid or a bag of sand
- Basic tool kit
- Tire pressure gauge and portable inflator
- Tow strap
- Phone charging cable or power bank
- Bottled water
- Nonperishable snacks

You can always add more depending on where you live and how far you travel, but the important part is putting a kit together before you find yourself wishing you had one.

Back to the grind.
10/05/2026

Back to the grind.

The Firewood Sling is one of those things you never think you need until you use one. Then you’ll kick yourself for not ...
10/04/2026

The Firewood Sling is one of those things you never think you need until you use one. Then you’ll kick yourself for not getting one sooner.

It’s like a Cadillac for the stuff you carry to work.The St. Louis Briefcase, handcrafted in Duluth, Minnesota.
10/03/2026

It’s like a Cadillac for the stuff you carry to work.

The St. Louis Briefcase, handcrafted in Duluth, Minnesota.

Address

1910 W Superior Street
Duluth, MN
55806

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+18003767884

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