Near and dear to my Minnesotan heart, Ìýgot its start craftingÌýÌýforÌýpaddlers in the nearby Boundary Waters. Over 200 years later, the company makes much more than that—from bikeÌýbags to commuterÌýbackpacks. I picked up the Ìý($145) a couple years ago, and itÌýhas become part of my everyday carry.
The Boardwalk is handmade fromÌýwaxed-cotton canvas, harness leatherÌýfrom Red Wing, Minnesota, and solid-brass hardware. The large main compartmentÌýfits a 13-inch laptop, while a drop-in zippered pocketÌýholds small valuablesÌýlike my wallet and the five various types of lip balm I usually carry. TheÌýexterior slip pocketÌýon the front and two smaller ones on the back are where I store myÌýkeys, small notebooks, and pens.
Mine is a limited-edition gray color, which is no longer available, but theÌýbag generally comes in either heritage black or field tan.ÌýThe 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 areÌýfully extended.
Frost River has aÌýÌýon everything itÌýmakes, although I don’t think I’ll ever need it. After two years of nearÌýdailyÌýuse, the Boardwalk looks just as good as the day I bought it.