At Frost River, our handcrafted heritage has been an outdoor tradition for more than 250 years.

Our company legacy has been passed down from generations of craftsmen, trappers, miners and makers of yesteryear. Today, we still carry on their tradition of genuine craftsmanship, hard work, and quality materials to hand-make reliable softgoods for the modern-day explorer. By combining our modern methods with the knowhow of our ancestral explorers-- the character-building qualities of camping in deep forests, paddling through driving rains, navigating drifting snows and hiking rock-strewn portages-- we've maintained a legacy of quality with state-of-the-art sustainable methods that are good for both people and planet. Every day of the week, (almost every day of the year), we make something out of nothing for a living—just like our forefathers—right here in America.

Why do we do this when it's cheaper to outsource to other countries? Because we believe in the tradition of manufacturing quality products at reasonable prices, while paying fair American wages to our employees, right here in the place we call home.

In fact, we believe that we are outfitting a whole new generation of adventurers and explorers both in America and worldwide. Whether it's in the urban jungle or through an actual one, we know our customers rely on authentic, quality products to get them wherever they're going. 

At Frost River, our handcrafted heritage has been an outdoor tradition for more than 250 years.

Our company legacy has been passed down from generations of craftsmen, trappers, miners and makers of yesteryear. Today, we still carry on their tradition of genuine craftsmanship, hard work, and quality materials to hand-make reliable softgoods for the modern-day explorer. By combining our modern methods with the knowhow of our ancestral explorers-- the character-building qualities of camping in deep forests, paddling through driving rains, navigating drifting snows and hiking rock-strewn portages-- we've maintained a legacy of quality with state-of-the-art sustainable methods that are good for both people and planet.

The Frost River Outpost, which once was, FrostRiverTrading.com was created in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. When state of Minnesota shutdown, the manufacturing of our waxed canvas packs and bags was deemed non-essential. To keep our production staff employed and help out our local healthcare workers, we quickly pivoted to making face masks, face shields, and other Personal Protective Equipment as the world was going through a PPE shortage. 

With our brick and mortar store closed, and unable to produce Frost River goods, we decided to build a virtual pop-up shop to bring the charm of our Duluth, Minnesota store online, and sell through a stock of goods that deserved to be out adventuring in the world rather than in a box. From outdated samples to a demo-fleet of items, we launched these goods for sale online at special prices and received an overwhelming response from Frost River fans and supporters. Through this quick pivot and so much support from customers, we were able end the tumultuous year on a high note.

FrostRiverTrading.com-- now, The Frost River Outpost, is an online event that people look forward to throughout the year! Most of the items on this site are limited edition, repaired and ready, pre-patinaed, and truly one-of-a-kind. We hope you enjoy shopping the Outpost-- please remember the online store is only open for a limited amount of time with very limited quantities available. 

While we do not offer our Lifetime Guarantee on Frost River Outpost items, you can bet that they are still going to hold up to all kinds of adventures for years to come. 

Martexin Original Wax is an authentic American product that has stood the test of time and has outfitted American workers, farmers, explorers, fighters and outdoorsmen for many generations. The Martin family has been involved in the dyeing and finishing of textiles in the United States since 1838. It is the best canvas available, and we stand behind it.

The leather in our straps and reinforcements comes from the SB Foot Tannery in Red Wing, Minnesota. In 1872, Silas Buck Foot began tanning leather to provide high grade footwear for fellow Minnesotans to stay warm in the winter. In 1905 the Foot family partnered with what will become Red Wing shoes. The partnership remains to this day.

The flap straps on our canoe packs are double reinforced… riveted and sewn. The straps hold the pack closed and often bear the weight of the pack as it is lifted into and out of a canoe. They are relied upon and must hold, therefore we ensure the security of the connection by both riveting and sewing it.

All of the buckles, snaps, slides, and D-rings on Frost River packs and bags are solid brass. It matters because Frost River stuff will outlast brass plating. Instead of turning steel grey the hardware will develop an old world brass patina. It’s the way it’s meant to be- and has a great sound.

We use premium deerhide on our choppers, mitts and leather padded shoulder straps. It’s a plush, durable, and natural material that is sourced from wild deerhides taken during hunting seasons in the US. Most of our hides come from the Midwest. There will be some natural scars, scratches and imperfections in the leather. This is normal, and not a defect, adding character to our Reliable Softgoods.