SHOP *ALL* OUR GREAT USA-MADE BAGS!

Experience the craftsmanship of Tough Traveler bags, meticulously created in our Upstate New York factory. Since 1970, we've been renowned for durability, functionality, and style. Explore our entire catalog here, from small pouches to large wheeled luggage!

  • Made in Schenectady, New York since 1970.
  • Handcrafted with premium materials.
  • In stock and available for immediate shipment.

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About Tough Traveler

Contact Us!

Talk to us now by clicking on the chat button on the bottom right. Live (human!) representatives are available at most times. Or, use one of the following methods:


Tough Traveler Factory Store:
1012 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12307

STORE WALK-IN HOURS:
Monday - Friday: 11am - 3pm
Weekends & Evenings by arrangement.
Just let us know when you'd like to come!
service@toughtraveler.live

All online orders are shipped within one business day. 

We ship locally & worldwide!

About Tough Traveler

How Tough Traveler Keeps American Craftsmanship Alive in New York

In an era when so many products are mass-produced overseas, Tough Traveler stands as a rare and enduring example of American craftsmanship. From our factory in Schenectady, New York, we've been handcrafting backpacks, luggage, and specialty bags since 1970—and we're still going strong today.

🏭 Premium Materials: The Foundation of Durability

Industrial-Grade Fabrics

1000-Denier Cordura® – Our primary fabric choice, known for exceptional abrasion resistance, tear strength, and longevity. This military-grade material far outlasts the lightweight fabrics used in mass-market bags.

400-Denier Packcloth – A versatile, durable fabric with water-repellent coating, perfect for travel bags and everyday use.

Water-Repellent Coatings – All our fabrics are treated to protect your belongings from the elements.

Premium Hardware & Components

YKK Zippers – Heavy-duty zippers renowned for reliability and smooth operation, even after years of use.

High-Strength Webbing – Nylon and polypropylene webbing that won't stretch, fray, or fail under heavy loads.

Tested Plastic & Metal Parts - All our buckles, hooks, frames & wheels have been tested for smooth operation  & long term durability.

🛡️ Our Commitment to You: Unlimited Warranty & At-Cost Repairs

🛡️ Unlimited Lifetime Warranty Against Defects

Every Tough Traveler bag is backed by our unlimited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. If your bag fails due to defective materials or workmanship—no matter when you purchased it—we'll repair or replace it.

This isn't a marketing gimmick. It's our commitment to the quality we've maintained since 1970.

🔧 At-Cost Repair Service

Even after decades of hard use, your Tough Traveler bag can be repaired at our factory. We offer at-cost repair services for all our products at any time—whether it's a broken zipper, worn strap, or general wear and tear.

Keep your bag in service for years to come instead of replacing it. That's sustainability in action.

✂️ A Legacy of Handmade Quality

Tough Traveler was born out of a simple frustration: Mark Goldstein, after returning from military service in Alaska, realized that civilian packs weren't built to the standards he was accustomed to. He began designing durable, comfortable backpacks using heavy-duty materials, and soon a business was born.

More than 50 years later, we continue to make every bag in our Upstate New York factory. Each piece is sewn with meticulous attention to detail, reinforced with double and triple-stitching at stress points, and designed to withstand decades of use.

Customers often share stories of bags that have lasted 30 or even 40 years—proof that durability is more than just a marketing slogan.

 Tough Traveler current building

Our current Schenectady facility

Tough Traveler building in the 1970s

Our building in the 1970s

🧵 Craftsmanship Rooted in Community

Designer Christian Timm at work

Designer Christian Timm at work

Student team designing new bag

A student team works with our staff to design a new bag

Unlike most bag makers today, Tough Traveler has never outsourced production. Every product is made in Schenectady by skilled artisans, many of whom have been with the company for decades. This commitment not only preserves traditional sewing and design skills but also sustains good jobs in the local community.

As Mark's daughter and current president Umber Gold explains, the company's mission is about more than just bags:

"The American-made manufacturing community is very important to us. We like to have good jobs for people of all skill levels."

That philosophy has kept Tough Traveler deeply connected to its roots, even as we ship products to customers around the world.

✨ Meet the Craftspeople Behind Your Bags

Tough Traveler team memberCutters Joe Mahabir and Dewan Singh
Cutter at work

Cutters Joe Mahabir & Dewan Singh
Sewer Rebecca DanielsSewer Bonnie CoxBibi Lodin demonstrates techniques

Sewers Rebecca Daniels & Bonnie Cox | Bibi Lodin demonstrates techniques for a school tour
Team at workShipper Lakshmi SinghQuality control

Our dedicated team | Shipper Lakshmi Singh | Quality control in action

Warranty & Returns

TOUGH TRAVELER WARRANTY

Tough Traveler products are guaranteed to the original owner against any defect in workmanship or materials without any time limit. If failure occurs due to a manufacturing defect, even after extended use, we will, at our option, repair or replace the product. Zippers are specifically warranted for 2 years. Damage due to normal wear-and-tear, accident, or misuse is not covered by the warranty, but we are able to repair our products at a reasonable charge! All products must be sent back in a clean condition.

To get your product repaired, send it to:

Attn: Repairs
Tough Traveler
1012 State St
Schenectady, NY 12307

Tough Traveler Return Policy

We want you to love your gear. If you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, we’re here to make your return or exchange straightforward and hassle-free.

Questions or need help with a return? Call our Customer Support Team at 1-800-468-6844 (1-800-GO-TOUGH) or open a chat with us.

Return Windows

  • Within 30 Days: Return any unused item within 30 days of your invoice date for a full refund of the purchase price.
  • 30 to 90 Days: Returns made between 30 and 90 days are eligible for store credit or an exchange.

Condition & Exclusions

  • Condition: Items must be unused and in the same condition you received them. (Feel free to remove tags and packaging to inspect your item!).
  • Exceptions: Final sale/clearance, discounted, altered, made-to-order, custom-made items, and gift certificates are non-returnable.
  • Zero-Waste: Our Zero-Waste colors are each unique combinations designed to reduce landfill of scrap.  We do our best to match customer preferences, but cannot guarantee exact color choices.  For this reason, Zero-Waste colorways cannot be returned due to color.

How to Send Your Return

  1. Include Your Info: Place a note inside the package with your invoice number, contact details, and a quick list of which item(s) you are returning.
  2. Get a Shipping Label: Request a prepaid return label via email (service@toughtraveler.live) or chat. The label cost will be deducted from your final refund.
  3. Ship It Yourself (Option B): You can also ship directly via your preferred carrier to: Tough Traveler Attn: Returns/Exchanges 1012 State St. Schenectady, NY 12307

Shipping

All items except custom typically ship within one business day. Expedited and international shipping available.