I’m writing today about a company you likely don’t know about, but one you should. But first, let me start with the humble bag.

In packing for a trip, you have to pack as much for what you expect as for what you can’t. The weather in fishing places can be highly variable, changing quickly, and if you’re not prepared it can be dangerous. And so, I often pack more than I need as insurance against the elements. This means I have two bags with me — my lightweight pack of fly boxes, an extra layer, and maybe a camera, and a second bag that is packed with the rain jacket, or the backup reel. It may not be minimalist, but it is prepared.

In searching for the right bag, I wanted something that fit a few rew requirements:

• I wanted it to be highly durable and thus well-constructed
• I wanted to be American made, if possible
• I wanted it to be large and roomy, but not unwieldy
• And I wanted it to be not made of plastic. This might be the bamboo fly rod fishermen in me, but I wanted something made of more natural materials than the latest, brightest neon colored fabric.

In searching for the right bag, I’ve tried a few things: a big canvas tote, which is fine but for the lack of a shoulder strap; a duffle which is fine but for the trade-off between roomy yet unwieldy; and a backpack, which for whatever personal reason, didn’t seem quite right.

My search led me to the Duluth Pack Company, which has been producing outdoor gear in Minnesota since 1882, when they patented their Duluth Pack. Their bags and clothing have the American-made, canvas and waxed cotton look so popular today. One line of bags in particular, the Canoe Bags, looked promising, and so I thought I’d give it a shot.

I’m glad I did; this is a great, little-known bag out East. One worth of more recognition.

At 18 ounces, the bag is roomy, easily accommodating a day’s worth of clothing and supplies. According to their site, the bag is “most often used as a food pack for long trips into Northwoods canoe country.” That seems good enough for a day out fishing. It also has two flap-covered side pockets, that makes quickly accessing some necessities easy.

But cotton, you say? Yep. This bag comes with a heavy duty 6ml poly liner and a tumpline. It’s not a sponge.

The craftsmanship is clearly apparent. The leather is high-quality, as are the brass rivets, and the fabric is sturdy. One can understand why these bags come with a lifetime warranty.

They also have a heritage that I like. The company has been producing the same line of bags in the United State for more than 130 years. How many companies can say that? It’s where ths aesthetic that now underlies the whole concept of American brand, or the resurgent “Brooklyn” brands.

In using the Cruiser Combo, I came back to my checklist.

American-made? Check.
Roomy but not unwieldy? Check.
Straps for easy carrying? Check.
Highly durable? Check

In short, this is a great bag made by a long-standing but little-known company on the East Coast. I hope that changes. Check Duluth Pack Company out here.

#3 Cruiser Combo Technical Specs (from their website)

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