Over the past few years it has become fashionable to carry iconic American bags from companies like LL Bean, Filson and Klein Tools and more contemporary brands like Billykirk and Rogues Gallery. Much like the Wayfarer trend, you see Filson bags everywhere on stylish guys that range from preppy, to hipster, to financier. A great alternative to the more widely seen options is the sleepy Union City, Georgia based Estex Manufacturing Company. The 108 year old brand started out making “horse collars, saddles, bridles, and other companion items in heavy use during the horse and buggy days.” Today Estex employs 125 people at their factory in Fulton County, Georgia making simple and sturdy bags for government, utilities and the aerospace industry.
While I’m not clear as to the exact price of the bags shown below, considering what companies like Klein are charging, an Estex bag won’t break the bank. Plus buying Estex products makes you a friend to the American worker, which is a good thing.
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It is interesting to read what Estex says on their website about the company’s Georgia workforce: “Our location in Georgia has helped us maintain a skilled workforce throughout the years. The textile industry has always been a major part in of the Georgia economy with many fabric and carpet mills throughout the state. This gives us a pool of workers with the necessary skills to manufacture products to our quality expectations. It also allows us to find workers for expansion as we need them.”
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Tool bag #6 OD Cotton Duck w/web strap handles
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Estex Mfg Co. // 1-800-749-1224 // orders [at] estexmfg.com
9 Comments
August 1, 2008 at 4:23 pm
So good. The first bag is perfect for intimidating your squash opponents when you walk on the court.
August 1, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I’m partial to the plenitude of canvas bag styles by the 128 year old Wm. J. Mills & Co. Sailmakers. They’ve been doing boat work for ages and used their canvas know-how for the bag business. Totes, “Ice Bags,” gear bags, flight bags, duffels, and canvas dock boxes. The silk label is the gravy on the cake.
August 1, 2008 at 5:38 pm
http://acontinuouslean.com/2008/04/14/mills-canvas-bags/
August 2, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Nice bags, Michael. From what I can tell, Estex’s are actually a bit pricier than Klein’s — http://www.thechoosybeggar.com/2008/08/bag-em-tag-em.html — though I did just find a 20″ Estex on eBay for $3! Enjoy your weekend.
August 2, 2008 at 10:12 pm
also check out duluth pack out of duluth minnesota. the company has been around for a long time and make some incredible bags that will last for ever. here is the site http://www.duluthpack.com
August 4, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Touche
August 4, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I recently purchased a Filson small field bag and love it, but these bags would make great weekend luggage.
August 5, 2008 at 3:09 pm
these are good-looking! thank you for the intro.
August 19, 2008 at 3:07 am
love the 1st and the 2nd one!!!!!