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August 2024 by Tyson Broad
Their canoe display is worthy of a museum. What a treat.
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July 2024 by Nick Acton
Super friendly staff who helped me find what I was looking for!
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June 2024 by David
I had a chance to visit their store and took the opportunity to request a fix to my Explorer Duffel Bag. The leather strap that holds the two handles was too long and when closed, made carrying the bag difficult and uncomfortable for the average sized hand. The person in the store was offended that I even asked to make the modification and that they didn't want to fix the bag because they were not willing to use another leather strap from their inventory. It was disappointing customer service after spending $260 on a duffel bag. Looks like I'll just have to cut the leather strap off when I get home.
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February 2024 by Charles Gibeau
I really enjoyed my experience here, I bought a handcrafted leather belt that was made in the building.
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January 2024 by Chris McNeil
About 25 years ago while sitting at an NTB waiting room I was reading an old Field and Stream when I saw a small ad for a waxed canvas backpack offered by Bradfield Outdoor Clothier. Three side pockets, a map vest on the front, a zippered pocket on the inside, maybe shy of three liters of space.My Bradfield pack has proved resilient over the years, but facing the effects of its age and extended use I began looking for its replacement. I found no sign of BOC online, and as a result I had to expand my efforts to find a suitable replacement.That’s when I discovered Frost River Trading Company, based in Minnesota. Frost River Trading Company offered a free print version of its offerings catalog. From this, I believe I’ve found my source for a durable waxed canvas backpack.Frost River wasn’t my first choice. Viewing online pictures of canvas backpacks led me to a site that offered what looked like the kind of pack I had in mind, one that would replace my Bradfield pack. I ordered it from a vendor based on reviews that I now have reason to believe may have been less than objective and authentic.The bag’s straps appeared to be constructed of poorly treated cowhide, supplemented with magnetic tabs that supposedly would release only when intended by the user. That did not prove to be true; the straps readily disengaged and appeared to lack the strength needed to be effective over time. When I tried to return the bag, I was told I would have to pay to ship the bag back to China, at my expense. Won’t be doing business with that firm again.The lesson learned was that it’s probably best to do business with a company that has a well-seasoned stock of various camping and travel offerings and has a decent track record for customer service. Companies like Frost River.Last week I flew from DC to Duluth just to see the operation by Frost River. The company operates a shop in the Lincoln Park Craft District of Duluth. It relies on team efforts rather than an individual sewer, and as I understand it the teams can be seen tending to their craft at this shop.I walked a couple of miles from my hotel in Duluth, leaving the well-developed center city and heading out to what has become Duluth's manufacturing zone. When I got to the shop I wandered around the store and started up the staircase. At this point a guy approached me and asked if I worked there. Responding no, I learned that the stairs led to where the fabricators were working and was not part of the store. Copy that.The store is amazing. I had exchanged emails with KJ, letting her know of my intention to visit and asking about one of the Frost River backpacks: the Nessmuk Pack, which we’re told was named after Nessmuk, “the alter ego of writer George Washington Sears,” and which was based on the Maine Guide Pack.KJ responded, appreciating the motivation that led me to Duluth and to their shop. I met her as she was tending to the cash register - she looked up when I brought a Nessmuck to the checkout line and asked if I was Chris McNeil, who had been corresponding with the store. I acknowledged that I was, and I appreciated the human element in this exchange.I have since learned that Frost River products are available through the company's website (and elsewhere). I don't regret, however, making the trip from DC to Duluth. While shopping near the Frost River shop I lucked into OMC, a great barbeque location that I reviewed elsewhere (on TripAdvisor).I gotta say the backpack is awesome. It was fabricated with waxed cotton, leather, and brass rivets. They made it in Duluth. They put a lot of experience into this backpack and I'm pretty sure the backpack will be around for a lot longer than me. Really good stuff.
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November 2023 by Jeremy Witkins
Lousy gear. No wonder they didn't want it seen in the movie
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November 2023 by Gerald Bruno
Really high quality goods.
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September 2023 by Ryan Bishop
I own 4 of their packs. The voyageur backpack luggage is great for a carry on and fits a couple days worth of clothes for short trips. The voyageur backpack brief is a bit smaller but works well for a summer pack for a couple days. The high falls day packs are perfect for a short hike to throw in some water bottles and snacks or works great to carry some souvenirs while out on vacation. Everything holds up extremely well. The quality of their packs convinced me to purchased a pair of their waxed canvas hunting chaps.
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July 2023 by David Custer
I have 3 packs made by Frost River all of them have seen action in the Ozarks, Missouri River and Big Muddy W/R . They have never let me down. If you ever wondered what heaven might look like stop at their store in Duluth and visit you will no be disappointed
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June 2023 by Josiah Dyrud
I had been searching for a backpack for a while and happened to walk into their store on a trip to Duluth. The quality of their craftsmanship is exceptional. I had never heard of them before. I bought their North Bay Daypack and have used it happily for a year and a half. It’s been on planes, on the beach, out in snow, you name it. It’s unobtrusive and functional and I love it. There are plenty of pockets. The zippers are very durable. Personally I think it’s better value for the money than a traditional Duluth pack. This company doesn’t suffer from having a well-known name. I would highly recommend this backpack or any of their products.
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March 2023 by Luna Vespina Concordia
Excellent customer service; I can't wait to receive my bags!Will edit the review once I get them.Edit: I love these freaking bags. I'll hand them over to my grandchildren and they'll love them too. It's hard not to like a well crafted bag, especially when it's stuffed with wholesome dessert. Man, I can't wait to become the cool grandma with the vintage bags. But I digress.I could go for a “fancy” shiny leather wannabe canvas tote but I spent a little less for a little more. And I'm glad I did because if anybody wanted to kidnap me they would have the convenience of folding and stuffing me into my Gooseberry tote. Just like I fold and stuff my Gooseberry tote into my Zippy Tote. I always have enough carrying capacity to do spontaneous grocery shopping. I know, I'm wild.One time I put so many groceries into the Gooseberry tote that I had to have my friend help me carry the bag. Just imagine how many baguettes you could fit in there. Like, 35 baguettes, maybe? 60 demi baguettes? Half a bakery? The possibilities are endless.These bags are cool. I feel comfortable wearing them no matter what the occasion. Take the Zippy tote for example.Hold on, let me order some food. I'm so hungover.Am I going to work? The Zippy tote is a briefcase. If I'm going abroad it is now my little weekender. If I'm shopping it's the best tote I could wish to have. Sure, it's heavier than a Goyard. But the Zippy won't be impaled by a pair of scissors I might (might!) toss in there.And then again, a Frost River tote is a gateway bag to their backpacks. I'm eyeing one and will get it as soon as my current backpack decides it's had enough.Now, where's my burrito bowl at?
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December 2022 by Luna Artemis
Excellent customer service; I can't wait to receive my bags!Will edit the review once I get them.
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December 2022 by Colleen Carlson
Very knowledgeable and helpful sales staff! Thank you for helping me find the perfect gift.
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November 2022 by Rosalie Wolff
My husband has a backpack from Frost River that he has had for years that gets heavily used and abused on airplanes. And it still looks brand new! Amazing quality and craftsmanship
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July 2022 by David Lincecum
A truly amazing place of extraordinary craftsmanship. Everything is carefully constructed and the workmanship is obvious. Fros is expensive and sometimes shockingly so. I see the true cost of US manufacturing and excellent materials when I come here. Highly recommended for outdoor types and especially canoe camping but with a great selection of durable backpacks and laptop bags for the discerning person who knows and respects quality.
