Granite Gear’s Minnesota Made collection is designed and hand-sewn in Two Harbors, Minn. We tested an 18-liter day pack and tube-style duffel during a month of travel and climbing for this review.
Classic design, tough materials, and made in the USA. Granite Gear’s Minnesota Made collection hits the mark between urban and adventure.
For summer 2017, Granite Gear brought production all the way back to its headquarters. The collection contains five packs, with backpacks and duffels among the offerings.
I tested the 18L Crux Pack and 24″ Tube Duffel during travel and day trips this past month. They have old-school, minimalist design and bright, blocky colors. Both are constructed of durable 500D Cordura fabric.
In short: I was impressed with the capacity of the Crux, and although the 24″ duffel seemed large, it was easy to carry around. While the bags are nested in Granite Gear’s Lifestyle category, they can definitely withstand more than light use.
Disclaimer, I am a Granite Gear Go-Getter and sponsored by the brand. However, I do my best to remain objective when reviewing gear.
Review: Granite Gear Crux Day Pack
The Crux ($129.99) is the largest of the packs, carrying 18 L but stripped down to weigh 0.88 lbs. It is a simple design, with a large compartment topped with a zippered pocket. The pack is made completely of 500D Cordura and has a daisy chain sewn on the outside for quick attachments.
The pack has a simple design and can be used for a host of activities. It makes an excellent travel backpack, but you can’t name something a “Crux” and expect me to not take it climbing. So, does it hold up?
If you’re looking for a lightweight sport climbing pack, definitely. A 60-meter rope stacks easily in the bag and leaves plenty of space to store quickdraws, leaving the top pouch open for your other necessities.
Review: Granite Gear 24″ Tube Duffel
The tube-style duffels are the same design in an 18″ (19L, $79.99) and 24″ (43L, $89.99) and are made of 500D Cordura. The offset handles allow you to carry like a traditional duffel or as a backpack.
Both this duffel and the Crux were carted on bikes through Seattle, to campgrounds on the Pacific Ocean, and then back to the Cascades.
After shuffling in and out of airports, to sandy Florida beaches, and (finally) resting a bit in Appalachia, they still look brand new.
Final Thoughts: Granite Gear Minnesota Made
These packs are affordable and versatile. While there are many made-in-USA Cordura products on the market, Granite Gear edges out the competition with their lower prices and simple, multi-use designs.
