Photo: A man and woman canoeing on a clear lake. They are surrounded by a green forest. Photo: A man and woman canoeing on a clear lake. They are surrounded by a green forest.

Our History

The Story of Duluth Pack

A Legacy and Product You Can Depend On

Duluth Pack is proudly the oldest canvas and leather bag and pack manufacturer in the USA. The company’s mission is simple; we handcraft the highest-quality American made canvas and leather goods, guaranteed for life. We stand behind our products because they stand the test of time.

Buy it once. Have it for life.

Photo: Camille Poirier wearing his patented canoe pack.

1839-1870

The Beginning

Born in Montreal, Canada, in 1839, Camille Poirier grew up working on his uncle’s farm. When he was just a young man, he decided to pursue a career as a leather shoemaker.

In 1870, he immigrated to the United States and traveled to Duluth, where he built a leather shoe shop.  

Photo: Camille Poirier shoe company in Duluth, MN

1870s-1880s

A Brand in the Making

Demand for durable gear was growing in the Duluth area alongside the booming railway, shipping, timber, and mining industries. Camille Poirier began to outfit workers with his shoes and expanded into crafting canvas packs.

December 12, 1882

Camille Poirier patented his 'C. Poirier Pack Sack' with a unique feature called the tumpline. Duluth Pack, as the brand would later be known, was born.

Olive Drab Tumpline For Pack
Tumpline
$14.95
#2 Original Canoe Pack - 59 L in tough 15-ounce canvas with rugged leather straps, designed for outdoor hiking and canoeing by Duluth Pack.
#2 Original Canoe Pack - 59 L with rugged leather straps and durable canvas, designed for outdoor use and crafted by Duluth Pack.
#2 Original Canoe Pack - 56 L
from $249.95
Photo: Vintage image of West Duluth, MN

1911

Moving Forward

Poirier sold his pack business to Duluth Tent & Awning Company. Packs were manufactured for the rugged tradesman of the Midwest. From canvas tents to heavy canvas aprons, quality became a staple of the brand.

Vintage catalog page showing illustrations and descriptions of outdoor hunting bags, including canvas pack sacks, hunters bags, game carriers, and loaded shell cases designed for rugged use and durability.

1917-1930

Getting our Name out There

Duluth Pack began selling gear in different catalogs and creating gear for companies like Orvis, Abercrombie & Finch, and Gokey.

Historic Duluth Pack storefront with vintage brick exterior, classic signage, and large windows, reflecting a heritage of handmade outdoor canvas and leather gear since 1882.

1991

Store opening

Duluth Pack opened its doors in the historic neighborhood of Canal Park in Duluth, MN. We are still in Canal Park today!

Photo: Image of two women laughing and hugging wearing Duluth Pack t-shirts.
Photo: Two men in the Duluth Pack factory smiling.

Work Hard. Play Harder.

Building Duluth Pack hasn't been all work, they had some fun along the way too.

Duluth Pack canvas backpack in snowy mountain wilderness setting, capturing rugged outdoor lifestyle and heritage craftsmanship from 2012 collection.

2000

Joining the 21st Century

In 2000 Duluth Pack started their first website.

Handmade canvas hunting backpack with camouflage pattern placed against a tree in a forest setting beside a person dressed in full camouflage gear, highlighting outdoor durability and heritage craftsmanship.

2010s-2020s

New Frontiers

Duluth Pack began expanding into new outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and bushcraft.

A man and woman walking with a dog on a snow-covered trail surrounded by evergreen trees in a forested outdoor setting.

Today

Something for Everyone

Today, Duluth Pack's customer base and community have grown international, invoking adventure, not just for outdoor enthusiasts but for everyday life. Although canoeing and the outdoors will forever be ingrained in Duluth Pack, the brand has evolved to carry the spirit of the outdoor adventure with its customers in their everyday use cases as well. Duluth Pack is a community for everyone, every day.

We're Proud Of...

Premium Product

We take great care in our materials and manufacturing. Sourcing the majority of our materials in the US.

Made in USA

Gear sourced and manufactured in the US. We are proud to be manufactured in Duluth, MN since 1882.

Lifetime Guarantee

Bags handcrafted to be handed down. We offer a lifetime guarantee on our gear, covered with a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship and hardware

Handmade with Care

Each Duluth Pack-manufactured item is crafted in Duluth, MN, by our friends and neighbors. We take great pride in our work, crafting with care and detail.