A Peek Into the Pack-Making Process
It Starts with the Sun
Our solar panels soak up the sun’s powerful rays all day. An inverter then transforms the sun's energy into usable power for our in-store manufacturing facility.
Perfecting the Pattern
Next, Frost River’s team of makers uses that energy to cut perfect patterns on our Gerber CAD cutting table that has increased our fabric yield to 95% consumption.
Skilled Sewers
The patterns are then taken to our third floor, where a team of artisans sews each and every piece by hand.
The Finishing Table
Throughout the sewing process, the bags are taken to the Finishers for the addition of solid brass hardware. Packs are then completed when the backstraps are hand-pounded into place and leather closure straps are riveted.
Our Leather Oval Logo
Finally, each pack and bag is adorned with the Frost River logo and bright red woven label, assuring you that each piece has been individually inspected for quality and backed by our lifetime guarantee.
Doing the Most with the Least: The Modern-American Way to Manufacture Goods
For the past two decades, Frost River has set the standard in reliable softgoods. Now, we’re raising the bar. Not only do we source made-in-the-USA materials to handcraft each and every pack, we also repair packs to thwart throw-away culture, and are now harnessing the sun's powerful rays to power our sustainable manufacturing facility— located in Duluth, Minnesota's Lincoln Park Craft District.
Handcrafted Takes Time - Our Production Timeline
We work hard to keep lead times as low as possible, but the truth is that crafting a bag to last a lifetime takes time! Did you know that most of our packs and bags are made to order? From the time of receiving an order to shipping the item to you, it takes around 7 to 10 business days. Below is our production timeline detailing the 'magic' that goes into transforming a roll of waxed canvas, a handful of solid brass hardware and a hide of leather into a reliable pack that will last you years to come.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
With Earth Day right around the corner, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on a topic that Frost River holds near and dear to our hearts. This is sustainability of course! We pride ourselves on leaving as little of a carbon footprint as possible while still producing high quality products. This is a challenge, as those two things are not always easy to do together. As difficult as it may be, it is important enough to us that we go for it anyway.
