No matter what they say, there ARE made in the USA backpacks and school bags! These are worth planning ahead for the school year. Kids to adults, check 'em out. If you need a new one, this is a good opportunity to buy American and get a bag that will last.
I searched the web for made in USA backpacks and school bags then put together a list of my favorites. These are my top picks. What made these selections my favorites? I looked at the size, style, and quality. Price was weighed with the quality of the bag. The more expensive bags have great warranties! Why buy a new bag every year, when you can invest in one that will last?!
Made in USA Backpacks and School Bags
Bags USA
Bags USA offers many sizes and styles of backpacks, duffle bags, sporting gear bags and more. Bags are handcrafted in California.
Duluth Pack
Duluth Pack bags have been handcrafted in the USA since 1892. The Duluth Pack Standard Book Bag is popular with college and high school students.
Green Guru Gear
Green Guru Gear backpacks and messenger bags are made in the USA from upcycled bicycle tubes. Made in Colorado.
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.
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.
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.
Check out our other American made school supply guides
- Made in USA Lunch Bags & Lunch Gear
- Eco Friendly School Supplies, Made in USA
- Made in USA School Uniforms
- 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
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