Near and dear to my Minnesotan heart, got its start craftingforpaddlers in the nearby Boundary Waters. Over 200 years later, the company makes much more than that—from bikebags to commuterbackpacks. I picked up the ($145) a couple years ago, and ithas become part of my everyday carry.
The Boardwalk is handmade fromwaxed-cotton canvas, harness leatherfrom Red Wing, Minnesota, and solid-brass hardware. The large main compartmentfits a 13-inch laptop, while a drop-in zippered pocketholds small valuableslike my wallet and the five various types of lip balm I usually carry. Theexterior slip pocketon the front and two smaller ones on the back are where I store mykeys, small notebooks, and pens.
Mine is a limited-edition gray color, which is no longer available, but thebag generally comes in either heritage black or field tan.The leather handles have worn in beautifully with time and taken on the shape of my shoulder. They’re adjustable, which gives them a custom feel. I’ve found that the bag rests easiest against my body when the straps arefully extended.
Frost River has aon everything itmakes, although I don’t think I’ll ever need it. After two years of neardailyuse, the Boardwalk looks just as good as the day I bought it.