Colorado-designed and made in the USA, few brands scream ‘domestic manufacturing’ like Topo Designs.
A folded map for a logo, Topo Designs first earned a reputation for durable packs. But in the last decade, the brand blossomed across apparel categories. Now, you can find jackets, pants, packs, and more, all born in Colorado.
Topo Designs: Fast Facts
Founded In: 2008
Home: Denver, Colorado
Mission: Topo Designs’ values and products are deeply influenced by outdoor and mountain cultures. “With a team who grew up fishing, hiking, climbing, and skiing, we often look back to the wonderfully simple, yet multi-functional gear of our youth in awe. Topo Designs strives to reimagine and deliver this childhood gear into durable, classic mountain-modern packs, bags, and apparel to a new group of outdoor enthusiasts,” the brand said.
Buying Tip: Topo Designs manufactures all products in the United States with domestically sourced materials. Thus, there’s a premium price. But with burly fabrics like Cordura on packs, these products are long-lasting.
Buy From: Customers can stop into one of four retail stores in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins (Colorado), or San Francisco for a real taste of the brand. This is also a great opportunity to connect with staff, touch and feel the quality of the products, and get familiar with the company. REI and other retailers sell its products, and they are available online at TopoDesigns.com.
Fun Trivia: The first bags were ideated and sewn in the Fort Collins basement of founder Jedd Rose.
Topo Designs: Best Selling Products
Daypack ($150)
The Topo Designs Daypack is simple, overbuilt, and made with materials that won’t wear out. Start with 1000 denier Cordura fabric, add large YKK zippers, and useful leather lash points and strap reinforcements for a companion that will last for many years.
Dopp Kits ($30)
At just $30, the Topo Designs Dopp Kit is a solid value. Made in the USA with Cordura fabric and a beefy YKK zipper, this small sack keeps your essentials together for travel around the world.
Rover Rucksack ($140)
The Rover is a weekend rucksack that moves seamlessly into the workweek as a computer bag or, with the addition of a Camera Cube (sold separately), camera bag.
Topo Designs For 2017: Tech Pants
While best known for its packs, Topo Designs makes a solid line of apparel for men and women. For 2017, the brand will push its new Tech Pants ($150).
Made from a blend of nylon and spandex, the pants have a tailored fit with a bit of stretch. Cinch cord locks at the ankle and large pockets nod to a pant made for active pursuits like fast mountain hikes or rock climbing.
We’ve tested the brand’s Work Pants pheasant hunting in Colorado, and found them well made and durable. Expect a similarly slim fit from these, but with a lot more stretch and lighter weight.
