Traveling American Style

If you have had trouble finding American-made luggage, briefcases or laptop carriers like I have, look no further than Toughtraveler.com. This fine American company based in upstate New York designs and manufactures all their products in the USA, and they have been doing so since 1970.

Tough Traveler makes all kinds of bags and carriers for all kinds of purposes. Some of the things you will find on their website at www.toughtraveler.com are backpacks, duffel bags, camera bags, briefcases, lightweight luggage and travel totes. Simply put, no matter where you are going or what you are taking with you, Tough Traveler has what you need. Their products can be found in certain specialty retailer stores, but the best way to order is directly through their website or by calling 1-800-GO TOUGH.

 As you may have noticed, it’s getting more and more difficult to locate briefcases and backpacks made in the USA. I haven’t even bought a carrier bag for my laptop yet since I haven’t found one made in USA! A few years ago, I bought a Jantzen backpack that had “Made in USA” proudly stitched right on the front under the brand name, but I’ve noticed that wording is now gone and most likely hundreds of jobs with it.

In an era of globalization that seems to result in large and sometimes even profitable companies moving production overseas, it is increasingly important that we support smaller companies like Tough Traveler that are swimming against the tide. Since these smaller companies don’t enjoy the shelf space at the big name retailers like the larger multinational companies do, their growth often depends on word-of-mouth by patriotic Americans.

So help spread the word. Tough Traveler has been producing in America for 33 years, and they don’t plan on going anywhere, so let’s make sure they don’t. If you’re in the market for what they sell, why not reward an American company who has been standing up for what is right and good about America? Manufacturing is the key to a prosperous America, not the guaranteed availability of cheap imports.