FROST RIVER – DULUTH, MINNESOTA

This company started 250 years ago, kind of.

Back then, old-world craftsmen, trappers, miners and makers who bore our last names came to the North Woods to start anew. Turns out, our work ethic is a hand me-down. Our grandfathers gave it to our fathers, who in turn passed it on to us. They knew what we know: deep forests, driving rains, drifting snows and rock-strewn portages do a great job of helping you sort out your character and find the parts of you that really matter.

Today, we build our bags to the standards of those who came before. 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. Either way you describe us, the people who know us will know what you’re talking about.

Martexin Original Wax is an authentic American product that has stood the test of time and has outfitted American workers, farmers, explorers, fighters and outdoorsmen for many generations. The Martin family has been involved in the dyeing and finishing of textiles in the United States since 1838. It is the best canvas available, and we stand behind it.

All of the buckles, snaps, slides, and D-rings on Frost River packs and bags are solid brass. It matters because Frost River stuff will outlast brass plating. Instead of turning steel grey the hardware will develop a old world brass patina. It’s the way it’s meant to be- and has a great sound.

We use premium deerhide buckskin on our choppers, mitts and leather padded shoulder straps. It’s a supple, durable, and natural material that is sourced from wild deerhides taken during hunting seasons in the US. Most of our hides come from the Midwest. There will be some natural scars, scratches and imperfections in the leather. This is normal, and not a defect, adding character to our Reliable Softgoods.