Leader of the Pack
In men’s style circles, there exists disdain for backpacks. Living in Minnesota, however, backpacks are the bag of choice for most men. Carrying a satchel is cumbersome, and toting around a man-bag wouldn’t pass muster. The state’s outdoor tendencies also make backpacks more appropriate than their formal counterparts, especially for guys making a jaunt from the office to the cabin on a weekend. When in Rome, do what the Romans do.
The durable canvas bags from Duluth Pack have turned me from a reluctant adapter into a backpack aficionado. Crafted in Duluth, 150 miles north of Minneapolis, their stellar line of canvas bags command a price point in line with their quality. These are bags destined for family heirloom status, or at the very least have the durability to become beautiful patinaed pieces that stay with each wearer for life.
I picked up my beloved Scout Pack at last year’s Northern Grade menswear show. Though the smallest of Duluth Pack’s offerings, the Scout Pack still offers ample room for the urban adventurer. With enough space to cart around my laptop, notebook and a few choice groceries, it allows for versatility that a satchel or man-bag do not. And $115 for an American-made backpack is an absolute steal.
The Scout Pack’s small, rugged stature also make it the ideal bag for travel. I took it on a recent trip up North, and carted it everywhere without feeling like I was carrying a heavy load. Since I wear a lot of heritage wear and Nordic-inspired clothing, it fits in with my look rather than stands out, which so many backpacks do because of their boring or flashy designs. Duluth Pack’s bags inhabit a happy medium between the two; while no one will mistake it for the latest Off White pack, it's ten notches above pedestrian Swiss Gear and Jansport models.
The Scout Pack's compact design isn't for everyone, though. Duluth Pack has a wide selection of larger bags as well, suited for serious outdoorsman, travelers and those in need of spacious sacks for work or leisure. Rucksacks like the Canoe Pack are spacious enough for long backwood camping trips, and bags like the Urban Pack have more room for those who carry lots of equipment, like videographers, photographers and students. The Medium Sportsman's Duffel is for the frequent flier who wants their bag to stand out amid a sea of rolling suitcases (and not get lost on the luggage rack). While none of these bags are flashy, their understated style is the true mark of luxury.
Bag: Duluth Pack