There are hundreds of backpack options out there – some made in the U.S. and many more made internationally. Whether you need one for day hiking, camping, skiing, or some serious alpine adventures, the options are virtually endless. We set out to help you make sense of it all. We did the research to find all the backpacks that are made right here in the USA. Check out our findings below, along with some shopping tips to find the country of origin.
Complete List of Backpack Brands Made in the USA
Duluth Pack has been made in the USA since 1882 and has a ton of waxed canvas and full-grain leather packs to choose from. Whether you need a canoe-style backpack or an everyday carry backpack, Duluth Pack should have you covered. These bags will last a lifetime if you take care of them, too.
North St. Bags makes eco-friendly backpacks for people with an active lifestyle. Everything is handcrafted in-house with recycled materials and is highly water-resistant.
DSPTCH is a California-based manufacturer that makes bags for modern travelers and everyday urban commuters. They have a ton of backpack styles to choose from, no matter if you’re looking for something to take to work or on the trail. Check out their slings and other carrying cases as well – their collection is very versatile.
Mission Workshop makes outdoor technical gear including a wide range of waterproof backpacks that can perform well in just about any conditions. They have a few different styles, so check them out and see which ones you like.
Alchemy Goods makes backpacks from recycled bicycle inner tubes. Because of the material they use, all of their backpacks are highly water-resistant, and a lot of them feature laptop sleeves, accessible outside pockets, and other desirable features. The Brooklyn Backpack and the Madison Backpack are two of their most popular styles.
Tough Traveler has been around since 1970 and manufactures tons of great backpacks of all sizes. They have everything from day packs to large hiking backpacks – even ones that will fit your dog!
Tactical Tailor makes military-grade backpacks and other tactical gear. Their products are very popular with military and law enforcement, and for good reason – it’s some of the most durable and functional gear on the market.
ULA stands out because of its light weight, strength, comfort, and weight distribution in its backpacks – all qualities (along with customer service) that ULA’s Chris McMaster says their customers love most about them. Sewing their packs in the U.S. helps them make fabric innovations and introduce new ideas quickly, says McMaster – they can “control the production and keep things simple.”
MIS was founded in LA in 2014 and all their packs are manufactured in a factory built for military goods. All of the materials used in their products are even military specification (Mil-Spec). The Mesh Backpack from MIS is an awesome lightweight pack that you can be an everyday carry or a great pack for a day hike. The mesh is military grade with a water-resistant coating. They also have tons of other backpacks, shoulder bags, and bag styles to choose from.
Made in their factory in Portland, Oregon, some Cilo Gear backpacks have been voted #1 by the American Alpine Institute and several other well-renowned climbing and hiking authorities. They are very light, but they have some serious strength to carry the heaviest gear and last a long time.
Exo Mountain Gear started in 2014 and specializes in packs and gear for hunters. The K² 3500 pack, one of their most popular models, is a total behemoth of a pack. The price tag is higher than other typical hunting packs, but the quality is good. Everything is designed, built, and shipped from their headquarters in Boise.
Straight from Exo Mountain Gear on why they love to manufacture in the U.S.:
“We are proud to make our packs right here in the USA. By utilizing domestic production, we are not only keeping American factories and workers going, we are able to be much more involved in all aspects of production. It is very important to us that we don’t have to ship our design changes and new product prototypes overseas and then wait for those factories to return production samples; instead, we can work directly with the production lines here in the States to make our product come to life in a very hands-on way.”
Free Range Equipment makes simple, sport-specific backpacks for a wide variety of activities. They got started in 2012 by Tosch Roy when he started sewing his own backpacks and never looked back. Check out the Raven pack, one of their most popular options.
Elemental Horizons is a relatively small pack maker, but is nonetheless making some incredibly high-quality backpacks; all made to order. You can choose your color, hip belt size, and torso size to get the perfect fit for your next backpacking adventure.
Seek Outside is also a tent manufacturer, and their lightweight backpacks aren’t too shabby either, especially the Unaweep 4800 Backpack. This pack is one of Seek Outside’s more popular options, and for good reason. If you are doing various outdoor activities and need a backpack that can flex with you, definitely give the Unaweep 4800 Backpack from Seek Outside a look. Some small plastic parts are imported.
Frost River is a great brand for waxed canvas bags and canoe packs. If you want something that you don’t need a ton of bells and whistles on, Frost River is a solid option that will last you a lifetime.
Lone Peak Packs is a durable pack maker based in Washington. They are known for their radio chest packs, but also offer fanny packs, bicycle bags, and backpacks. They use primarily US-sourced materials but, unfortunately, have to get a few small materials from overseas.
KILLSPENCER makes high-end leather backpacks in Los Angeles that are for folks who want to make a fashion statement. They aren’t cheap, but they are well-made and will certainly stand out.
Rivendell Mountain Works is a small-batch backpack manufacturer that is decentralized, meaning their production happens across several home workshops around the region. Their backpacks have a vintage outdoorsman feel to them and they come in a variety of styles.
Inside Line Equipment is a great gear manufacturer in California that handmakes everything from American sourced materials. They have a variety of backpacks that are waterproof and super durable for everyday carry or your next outdoor adventure.
Mike’s YouTube Video on American Made Backpacks
How To Find Backpacks Made In The USA
So, instead of just rattling off a laundry list of American-made backpacks, let’s gear you up with the savvy to do some sleuthing and shop smarter in the realm of backpack manufacturing. Below, we’re diving deep into the backpack production scene – from where they source materials to decoding those “made in the USA” labels, plus some sharp shopping strategies to bag those top-notch brands crafted right here. But first, let’s unpack what “made in the USA” really means and how to crack the code.
What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?
First, let’s define what it means for something to be made in the USA. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines “made in the USA” as a product that can claim that “all or virtually all” of the product is made in the United States. This means everything from sourcing the raw material to manufacturing the product itself must take place in the USA.
To learn more about this, check out our detailed “made in the USA” guideline.
Materials
To find a backpack made in the USA, it’s essential to research the materials used.
Canvas
Canvas is a popular material used in backpacks of all sizes and shapes. It’s a sturdy fabric that can last you years of daily wear and tear. China is the largest producer and exporter of this product, but canvas can also be easily sourced in the United States. In fact, most of the canvas used in the American textile industry is produced domestically. However, canvas is also produced in Asia and Central America, so it’s always worth double-checking the source of the canvas if you’re after a genuinely American-made backpack.
Cotton
Cotton is another popular material used to make backpacks. Thankfully, cotton is one of those raw materials easily sourced in the United States. The USA is one of the world’s leading cotton producers and is a 21 billion-dollar industry here! However, most of the world’s cotton is produced in China and India, so it is important to research where a company sources its cotton.
Nylon
Nylon is a stretchy material that can handle heavy loads, so it’s another commonly-used backpack fabric. The USA produces roughly 2.4 million tons of nylon yearly, ranking fourth in terms of nylon production in the world. On the other hand, China is the top nylon producer, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on the country of origin when it comes to nylon backpacks.
Cordura
Also a nylon fabric but softer, Cordura fabric is used for extra-durable backpacks. Although most companies produce Cordura abroad, Invista, in Kansas, is a major producer of Cordura fabric. In fact, out of 78 licensed Cordura partners, 13 of them are in the United States. So, the chances that a backpack made out of Cordura fabric is “made in the USA” is quite high.
Zipper
Zippers are another major component in backpacks. Most zippers around the world are made by YKK, which is a Japanese company. However, YKK also has some manufacturing facilities in the USA. Due to this, it is definitely possible to find backpack zippers that are made in the United States. Other major US zipper brands include Coats & Clark and Talon.
Labeling
After researching the materials, the next step to finding a backpack made in the USA is to look at the label. Title 19 Chapter 4 Section 1304 of the United States Code states that companies must properly label their products with the country of origin. So, when finding an American-made backpack, you should look specifically for the label: “made in the USA.”
Companies may use tricky wording and phrases to confuse some consumers into thinking their products are made in the US. Phrases like “assembled in the USA” indicate that only a product’s assembly takes place in the USA. Similarly, “made in America” can also mean the product is made in Mexico or Canada, per the free trade agreement (NAFTA) with these two countries.
It’s worth noting that although the FTC protects the usage of the “made in the USA” label, the reality is that they are not the best at policing it. In fact, there is no pre-approval process, so it’s up to the companies to determine whether or not their products meet the “made in the USA” requirements. And ultimately, it’s up to the consumers to report any incorrect usage of the label.
Another thing to look out for is the usage of the American flag sticker. The USA doesn’t regulate using American flag stickers or US symbols like a bald eagle or the Statue of Liberty on products’ labels and packaging. So don’t be fooled by these tactics.
Other Tips
Here are some more tips to help you find backpacks made in the USA.
Company’s Official Website
Browse the company’s official website. If a product is truly made in the USA, this fact should be loudly advertised on the company’s website. Specifically, check out the “About Us” section or the product page.
Unlike on labels, companies are not required to state the country of origin on their websites or marketing materials. So, it can be harder to determine whether or not something is US-made. But since “made in the USA” is a huge selling point, if there is no mention of the country of origin, assume it’s made elsewhere.
Call the Company
When in doubt, kick it old school and simply call the company. A representative will be able to help you and let you know where their products are made.
Backpacks Not Made in the USA
Check out these popular backpack brands that aren’t making their products in the USA. We included more information about where their backpacks are manufactured and will continue to update this list as we research more brands.
- Herschel Supply Co – Based in Canada but manufactures across 15 factories in China.
- The North Face – Mostly manufactures its products in China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, but also manufactures in Guatemala, El Salvador, Jordan, Mexico, and Cambodia.
- Jansport – Headquartered in Colorado, but manufactures in Mexico, China, Cambodia, and Bangkok.
- Patagonia – Manufactured in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, China, and other far eastern countries.
- Fjallraven – Manufactured in China, South Korea, and Vietnam.
