Ignoring the potential risk of being branded a canvas bag blog, allow me to introduce you to the Minnehaha Bag Co. I first learned about the company from an ACL reader – thanks Kevin – a few weeks ago. The canvas and leather bags are designed to be simple, affordable, utilitarian carryalls that get better with age and use. The concept for the Minnehaha bags was hatched on a 75 mile ride from Hinckley to Duluth (hometown of the classic bag company Duluth Pack) by two avid cyclists or as they say “bike nerds.”
From the company’s website:
“So why canvas and leather bags? Lots of reasons actually, but primarily, we wanted to build a line of really good looking and functional bags in traditional materials which did not require a second mortgage to buy or if a spouse were to discover an un-planned purchase of one that you wouldn’t end up in counseling or sleeping on the couch.”
I am a strong proponent of domestically manufacturing, but the fact that these bags are made offshore doesn’t discourage me from appreciating the look and feel of the product. I drawn to the simplicity and affordability (leaves more money for that Brooks saddle) of the Minnehaha bags. Classic, unbranded goods that are made from natural materials are a market niche that should be exploited by more companies.
Freakin’ Duluth! It’s takin’ over the world!
love this. want this. desperately.
I hunted down a Klein tool bag and was amazed by the selection of amazing bags you can find in a hardware store. And if you did turn into a canvas and leather bag/jacket site I don’t think anyone would complain.
I’d also recommend the bags by Acorn (similar in style and design… and also patterned off of the original UK Carradice designs). Acorn started out selling bags on ebay but their canvas and leather cycling luggage is now available through their website:
http://www.acornbags.com/index.html
And of course, one should also check out the wax and canvas offering of Rivendell bicycle works:
http://www.rivbike.com//
I ride with Carradice, the original. http://carradice.co.uk/.
A bit pricey but the Nelson long-flap is incredible.
Just found out the Minnehaha bags are made in China (even though they’re being sold out of the cradle of canvas luggage production, Minnesota). So..I’d drop M from my list of recommended cycling luggage vendors. I’ll be sticking to Carradice, Rivendell (Baggins bags) and Acorn.
It’s true, but I said that in the post. “I am a strong proponent of domestically manufacturing, but the fact that these bags are made offshore…”
HAHA.
In response to Lesli Larson – aren’t all things made in China! That is why Hong Kong is so polluted…because all the factories pollution ‘travels’ to Hong Kong.
I live in Hong Kong so all of these products that are being made are affecting me and my health…