No matter what they say, there ARE made in USA backpacks and school bags! We found a plethora of backpacks made in the USA for kids and adults. If you need a new one, this is a good opportunity to buy American and get a bag that will last.
Backpacks Made in USA
USA Love List editors have searched the web and box stores for American backpacks and bags for students of all ages. You will find backpacks suitable for preschool, elementary school, college, and even for those in the work force on this list. We have included canvas backpacks, laptop backpacks, commuter backpacks, travel backpacks, and sports bags.
Why buy a backpack made in USA?
American made backpacks are more expensive than backpacks that are made in China. There is no getting around that fact. So why should you purchase one?
The backpacks that you see in big box stores are mass produced. Factories manufacture huge qualities at once, to keep prices low. Our list includes mostly backpacks that are made in small batches. Most of the backpacks are even assembled and sewn by hand.
This mass production can keep prices low and it can also make the quality of the product low too. Additionally, backpacks made in large factories can be made with cheaper materials. These backpacks are made for fashion trends and not for durability. The US made backpacks on our list are made from high quality canvas, leather, and other materials sourced locally and globally.
Remember- A backpack's price is weighed with the quality of the bag. In most cases, the more expensive bags have great warranties, while several companies even offer repairs. Why buy a new bag every year (or even every 6 months), when you can invest in one that will last?
Best Bags for Students
We kept in mind the needs of a student while compiling this list. We looked at size, style, and quality. I am a mom of two high school kids, so I know that more than one bag is needed to handle all of the school necessities. There is the backpack which carries books, a laptop and school supplies. My daughter is active in sports, so she has another bag for her uniforms and gear. Similarly, my son needs specialty bags for his music equipment. We tried to find bags for all of a students needs.
Made in USA Backpacks and School Bags
Bags USA
Bags USA offers many sizes and styles of backpacks, duffle bags, sporting gear bags, messenger bags, laptop bags and more. Bag USA school bags are reasonably prices. All bags are handcrafted in California.
Duluth Pack
Duluth Pack bags have been handcrafted in the USA since 1892 which makes them the oldest canvas and leather bag maker in America. The Duluth Pack Standard Book Bag is popular with college and high school students. These durable bags are made to be used and abused and they have a lifetime guarantee. Duluth Pack even offers a repair service. Bags are handmade in Duluth, Minnesota.
Green Guru
Green Guru backpacks and messenger bags are made Colorado from upcycled bicycle tubes, industrial fabrics and street sign scraps. Green Guru bags are designed for commuters. They are durable, water resistant and come in a variety of sizes and styles.
Little Packrats
The animal-themed Little Packrats school backpacks are the perfect size for the pre-school or kindergarten student. All bags are manufactured in the USA by CBHstudio, an American company that is woman owned and family run.
MIS
MIS, short for ‘Make it Simple' was founded in 2014. MIS bags are made in California from military fabric, so they are sturdy and rugged, yet simply designed. MIS products include backpacks, duffle bags, and tote bags.
Mokuyobi
Mokuyobi is a made in USA accessory, backpack and clothing brand that focuses on fun, functional, and colorful products. Mokuyobi backpacks come in several styles and a variety of colors. The Alex Mega Backpack pictured above has numerous zip compartments for smaller items and it has a padded laptop sleeve in the main compartment that fits up to a 17" Macbook. All of Makuyobi products are made in Los Angeles, California.
North St.
North St. backpacks are designed, cut, and sewn in their Portland, Oregon studio. Each backpack is made to order. It is light weight and comes standard with a 15" laptop sleeve. This backpack is perfect for commuter and has a customizable interior velcro system to keep your gear organized.
North St. is featured in Things We Love Made in Oregon.
Red Oxx
Red Oxx backpacks are suitable for grades K-12. This bag is built to last! The rectangle design fits more books and special attention has been made during manufacturing to eliminate side tearing, broken zippers and straps and a worn out bottom. Red Oxx backpacks are made to order in Billings, Montana and come with a “No Bull” Lifetime Warranty. Red Oxx also manufactures duffle bags, laptop bags, messenger bags, and more- all made in Montana.
Taaluma Totes
Taaluma Totes is a fun and unique company! Their backpacks are made in the USA from material sourced globally. The material is purchased in small batches, which makes each backpack part of a limited edition collection.
20% of Taaluma Totes profits are used as microloans to support small businesses around the world. The money goes back to the country where the material from a bag is sourced.
Taaluma Totes backpacks are the perfect size for a day adventure. They can fit a 15" laptop and other supplies. They make a great bag for field trips, a day at the beach, and travel exploration.
Timbuk2 Customized Bag
The custom line of these ultra-high-quality bags are made in San Francisco. Customize a Timbuk2 backpack, messenger bag, or other type of bag that suits your student's needs with pattern/colors that suit their taste. Choose these bags for the high school or college student who hauls a laptop, needs to stay organized, and values personal style. Please note: only the customized Timbuk2 bags are made in the USA.
Tough Traveler
No matter what grade your student is entering, Tough Traveler has a bag of every size suitable for any need. You can find backpacks for books and school supplies, duffel bags for gym clothes and sports gear, and even musical instrument bags! Made in the USA since 1970, Tough Traveler manufactures their bags in New York.
Made in USA Lunch Bags, Lunch Gear for Kids and Adults: An Ultimate Source List
Whether you are on the hunt for Made in the USA lunch bags and lunch gear for the new school year, or you are looking for some reusable container (and possibly lunch packing) inspiration, we have this ultimate source list just for you
Best Duffel Bags for College Made in the USA
We've rounded up the best duffel bags for college Made in the USA. Whether you’re headed to the classroom, gym, or airport, these American-made duffle bags get an A+ for college student use. Keep reading to learn more and discover our USA Love List recommendations!
Check out our other American made school supply guides
- Eco Friendly School Supplies, Made in USA
- Made in USA School Uniforms
- Best American Made Polo Shirts
- Back to School Beauty and Personal Care Supplies
- Tips on Packing an Eco-Friendly School Lunch
- Made in USA Clothing for Kids, Ultimate Source Guide
- The Season's Best Back To School Supplies, Made in USA
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Some of these backpacks really look fantastic … except … on first glance most of them don’t have water bottle sleeves on the outside sides. Not sure why this is. Most imported backpacks do and most Made in USA seem not to. Going to take a second run through them, but seem like only a few good options for HighSchool/College with that requirement (which is high on my son’s list), plus hold a laptop + books.
I am looking for a reliable partner to be able to mass produce our company’s new products.
We are looking for a manufacturer that can do a customized book-bag/computer bag for a new product we are developing.
Rickshaw has a great selection of bags you can customize, and made in San Francisco. They have a great selection of backpacks for school, this is what my kids use.
https://www.rickshawbags.com
The Duluth Pack is super cute!
All of these backpacks seem terrific. I would really like the CourierWare messenger style bags for myself.
This is wonderful for everyone
Cool picks for students of all ages!
I know from experience that whatever kind of backpack you get, make sure it’s waterproof. I’ve had school papers and scantrons ruined from being caught in a downpour while walking across college campus going to my next class for an exam with a backpack that wasn’t waterproof. My backpack stuck out too much and my small umbrella didn’t protect it. My scantrons that I needed for an exam in that class were ruined, as well as, a lot of my class notes.
I love the cat backpack! The Timbuk2 one looks great too! Thanks for sharing this list.
Tracey it is very helpful to choose the school bags with those great options you brought here. Thank you very much.
Also, Granola backpacks are made in Chattanooga, Tennessee. http://www.granolaproducts.com/
Armor Manufacturing Sews Customs bags to your specs, they are also made in the USA
LLBean also has backpacks that are made in the US.
And remember WaterField Designs, which are crafted entirely in San Francisco with care! So many great Back-to-School bags, including the new Vitesse Messenger: https://www.sfbags.com/products/vitesse-messenger-bag . And the medium Gear Pouch makes for a pencil pouch that will last a lifetime: https://www.sfbags.com/products/gear-pouch .
Still love those Duluth Packs!
YES! DULUTH PACK! Also Frost River from Duluth Mn. My son has one of their messenger bags that will last forever.
My kids have the Red Oxx and the Tough Traveler, I’d like to recommend Tom Bihn, made in Seattle, WA; is Timbuk2 100% American-made, some of their bags are made in Asia-Vietnam or philippines.
These are great bags, I like the animal themed Little Packrats school backpacks, they are very cute. Thank you for sharing this post.
My son has a Little Packrats backpack. He gets lots of compliments on it.
Those look really well made. I like the kitty design.
How neat these backpacks are, I like the ones made in San Francisco TIMBUK2 and you can even design your bags with them, as far as color, textures and the like, thank you for your time and this review.
Thnks for sharing this beautiful post. it is really a nice collection for backpacks sport bags for school kids .
These back packs look so sleek and stylish. And the owl one is so cute. I know some children who would just love to have it. Made in the USA and family owned? I am on board. There is nothing better then to see a family get together and make quality products. I really hope this company succeeds. And with the look of these products I think that they will. 🙂
Timbuk2 messenger bags are pretty popular in SF, especially with bikers. I still have my Timbuk2 backpack since college and use it for work and travel now! They’re pricey, but their coupons on Groupon/Living Social/etc. are helpful. 🙂
Time for back-to-school posts already? Say it ain’t so….
No kidding, Susan, I feel the same way, but our calendar says we have to! It will all be here when you and I are ready! -SW