Northern Minnesota isn’t just a destination for outdoor adventure; it’s a place where rugged landscapes demand tough, durable gear.
So, it’s no wonder the region is home to numerous impressive gear companies creating long-lasting equipment built to tackle the harshest terrain. Northern Minnesota is home to a wide range of gear companies crafting handmade goods like snowshoes, backpacks, bike-packing gear, wool clothing, dog sleds, and toboggans. Four North Shore businesses stand out for their shared commitment to crafting top-quality gear, all proudly made in their Minnesota workspaces.
FROST RIVER TRADING COMPANY: DULUTH, MINNESOTA
Long before settling into the brick-and-mortar location in Duluth on West Superior Street in 2011, Frost River Trading Company had been a staple of the northern Minnesota outdoor gear landscape.
The company is renowned for crafting timeless, durable waxed canvas packs, bags, and goods made to last a lifetime. Each item is handmade with carefully sourced United States materials and crafted with precision in Frost River’s two-story Duluth workshop.
Inspired by the heritage of the Northwoods lifestyle, Frost River’s products are built for those who value gear that can withstand the most challenging wilderness adventure. Frost River’s commitment to quality is evident in every product, from its signature canoe packs to its durable day bags and accessories. Regardless of whether an individual is looking for a trusty pack for the next Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness adventure or a messenger bag for running errands around town, the quality of craftsmanship remains the same.
Drawing on a rich legacy of craftsmanship, the company combines traditional techniques with modern design to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts today.
CEDAERO: TWO HARBORS, MINNESOTA
Another North Shore outdoor company that operates with a daily commitment of intention is Cedaero.
Based in Two Harbors, the small company designs and manufactures handmade bags and accessories for the bike-packing industry. With a desire to do things a little outside the norm, Cedaero has carved out a niche for those who value well-crafted gear with aesthetic flair.
Rather than off-shoring the sewing and manufacturing tasks to an international country like China, the team of eight employees handles every step of the production process in the 600-square-foot shop. The company also sources all the materials for its bags and accessories from the United States.
Cedaero acknowledges that sourcing materials from the U.S. and handling all design and production processes in-house results in higher costs and added challenges when competing with bike-packing companies that outsource these tasks. Despite those challenges, the Two Harbors company remains steadfast in its values and approach to the bike-packing industry. By keeping all of the manufacturing tasks in-house, the company provides job opportunities for local Two Harbors residents.
Each Cedaero bag and accessory draws inspiration from the landscape and activities of Minnesota’s North Shore. With names like Portage Pack, Devil’s Kettle Pack, and Bar Hopper, these durable and vibrant seat and handlebar bags are designed to carry essentials for riders heading out on their next road or trail adventure.
GRANITE GEAR: TWO HARBORS, MINNESOTA
Since the late 1980s, Granite Gear has been a trusted name in the outdoor gear industry. Jeff Knight and Dan Cruikshank founded the company in Two Harbors after a trip to Quetico Provincial Park. Since then, Granite Gear has expanded to international recognition for its durable and functional backpacks.
Known for designing high-quality backpacks, stuff sacks, and accessories, the company focuses on creating innovative, well-crafted products that meet the demands of serious adventurers. Like its North Shore outdoor gear neighbors, Granite Gear prides itself on manufacturing its products using U.S. materials.
Whether navigating a long-distance backpacking trail in the southeast or portaging to a favorite lake in the Boundary Waters, Granite Gear, with its distinctive black label and white text logo, symbolizes gear built to endure any adventure.
In recent years, the company has branched into manufacturing tactical gear for the military. After securing a military contract, the company expanded the business to design and craft backpacks, bags, trauma kit pouches, shoulder straps, and more for the service men and women of the U.S.
EMPIRE WOOL & CANVAS COMPANY: DULUTH, MINNESOTA
Empire Wool & Canvas Company, based in Duluth, stands out as a unique operation in the outdoor gear world.
Unlike many gear companies, Empire Wool & Canvas operates without a brick-and-mortar location; instead, owner Kevin Kinney crafts every item in a dedicated workshop at his home and sells directly to customers online.
Kinney specializes in handmade wool and winter clothing for the most brutal winter conditions. What sets Empire Wool & Canvas apart is that Kinney does not run a traditional production schedule. He designs and crafts his products on his own schedule, and when the mittens or wool shirts are out of stock, that’s it. There may not be another resupply for quite a while.
A dedication to small-batch production and a lifetime of experience in the outdoors drives his craftsmanship. At the heart of his craft is wool. The material provides natural insulation and moisture-wicking components that retain warmth, which comes in quite handy in the frigid Minnesota winters. Kinney is known for his Boreal Superhoodie, Big Mitts, and, most importantly, attention to every handcrafted detail.
