In a world swimming in mass-produced outdoor stuff, Truce Designs, based in Portland, is like a cool workshop where they make awesome custom backpacks. They’re so well-made, they’re like functional art.
Luke Mathers started Truce Designs with a cool idea: to use materials that would otherwise be trash to create one-of-a-kind bags. It began as something he was passionate about, but it’s now a company changing how we think about sustainable, top-notch outdoor gear in America.
I’ve been testing two different Truce Designs backpacks for six months—the Daypack (their main one) and the Drop Liner Backpack (the waterproof one). I can honestly say that if you want a pack that’ll last longer than your hiking boots, tent, and maybe even your car, Truce Designs is worth checking out.
The Truce Idea: Making Good Stuff from Old
They use new, recycled, and even a bit flawed, but still awesome, materials to handmake custom bags and accessories right here in the USA. Think sailcloth, dacron, kevlar, spectra, cordura, cuben, dyneema, and those super-light fabrics. This isn’t just talk—it’s how Truce does things.
Truce is special not just because they recycle; they also make sure their products work great. They use materials that would be trash and turn them into something better than most other brands. Mathers uses tough material he can find, from old Dacron and Kevlar sail cloth to all sorts of nylon. Over the years, he’s built relationships with companies like North Sails Oregon and Pendleton.
How It’s Made: Seriously Tough
Top-Notch Work
Each Truce backpack shows careful work. The stitching is neat, strong, and done by people who know these packs need to hold up in the real world. I’ve used these packs every day for six months, including hiking trips and commuting. I even dropped them a few times, but they don’t show wear where it counts.
The way they stitch the seams is similar to what you see in high-end sailing gear, which makes sense since they use sailcloth a lot. They stitch the seams that hold weight many times, and the spots that get stressed have extra stitches that look like they could hold a yacht’s sail.
Using Different Materials
One thing that’s awesome about Truce is how they put different materials together. The Daypack I tested had parts made of old sailcloth, Cordura, and Dyneema. But it all looks like it was planned, not just thrown together.
The zippers are worth talking about. They are YKK Aquaguard zippers, and they’re put in perfectly. After months of using them a lot, they don’t snag or show wear.
The Daypack: Good for the City and the Woods
The Truce Designs Daypack is their most useful pack. After using it a lot, I know why it’s their main model.
How it Looks and Works
The Daypack is made for everyday use and fits most people. It’s both useful and tough. It has a padded spot for your laptop, so it’s great for both work and the trail.
- Volume: About 25-30 liters (depends on the material)
- Weight: Around 1.8-2.4 lbs (depends on the material)
- Laptop spot: Fits laptops up to 15
- Storage: Lots of pockets inside and places to attach things outside
- Customization: Many choices for materials and features
What It’s Like to Use
- City Use: The Daypack is great for commuting and carrying stuff to the office. The laptop spot keeps your computer safe. I’ve taken my MacBook Pro on crowded trains, bike rides, and even a fall without worrying. The main area has space for gym clothes, lunch, books, and other stuff.
- Trail Use: The Daypack did well on weekend hikes. The shoulder straps let you carry weight comfortably. The outside spots let you attach hiking poles, and it’s tough enough for going off the trail.
- Travel: As a travel pack, it’s the right size. It works for getting around town or weekend trips. The smart storage keeps your stuff from getting lost at the bottom of the bag.
The Drop Liner Backpack: Super Waterproof
The Drop Liner Backpack is Truce’s answer to really bad weather and long trips in the wilderness.
Seriously Waterproof
You can pick from drysuit Nylon, eco-friendly Northpak® Polyester, or strong materials like Dyneema® or Kevlar®, Cuben® Fiber. The inside liner is sealed, keeping your stuff dry. This isn’t just water-resistant—it’s as waterproof as a dry bag.
Testing It Out
I went on a super wet hiking trip in the Pacific Northwest. The Drop Liner had the test: three days of rain, creek crossings, and even a quick dunk when I slipped. Everything inside stayed dry, even my paper maps and electronics.
Cool Features:
- Seam-sealed liner: Truly waterproof.
- Roll-top closure: You can compress it and change the size.
- Outside pockets: Easy to reach often-needed stuff.
- Compression straps: Change the bag’s size.
Material Choices: Making It Your Own
The materials Truce uses are what make them special. They’re honest about the materials and buckles.
Sailcloth: The Classic Choice
Old sailcloth has character and is durable. You can see the wind, salt, and racing history in the fabric. It resists tears and protects from the weather while looking better over time.
Dyneema and Cuben Fiber: Super Light
If you want something light, Truce’s Dyneema and Cuben Fiber options are great. My Dyneema test pack weighed only 1.6 pounds but was still strong.
Cordura and Other Fabrics
Cordura is a normal choice for people who want something as strong as possible. These materials clearly show Truce’s quality—if the material is good, any problems are because of how it’s made.
Customization: More Than Just Colors
You can change every part to fit what you’re doing:
Better Parts
- Main Buckle: You can pick a magnetic Fidlock® buckle or a COBRA closure instead of the normal plastic one. These aren’t just fancy—they make the bag easier to use every day.
Side Pocket Choices
- Side Pocket(s): You can add one or two side pockets for water bottles. Their newest side pocket has a slide lock and nylon on top. They found that the elastic wears out over time and doesn’t look as good.
This care for durability shows that Truce wants to make gear that lasts.
Sustainability: Really Doing It
Truce makes strong, cool, and eco-friendly bags and accessories for both men and women. They use old and awesome materials, and they only make each bag when you order it. Unlike brands that only talk about being sustainable, Truce truly believes in it.
The Good Thing About Recycling
By using old sailcloth, flawed materials, and leftover stuff, Truce keeps good materials from becoming trash. They also make products that are often better than those made from new materials. It’s being sustainable by being better, not by giving up quality.
Making It Local
Making things in the USA means shorter shipping, better quality, and supporting American jobs. These are real benefits, not just marketing tricks.
How Truce Compares
Compared to Big Brands
Compared to outdoor brands that cost about the same ($200-400), Truce packs are:
- Better made: Hand-made.
- Better materials: They use fabrics.
- Custom: Made for you.
- Long-lasting: They are built to last for years.
Compared to Other Small Shops
Truce is special because:
- They use unique recycled materials.
- They offer lots of ways to customize your bag.
- They’ve been doing it for years and have good feedback.
- They are high-quality for the price.
Ordering
Making Your Own Bag
Ordering a Truce pack is special. The website helps you pick your materials, features, and other stuff. It tells you how each choice affects how the bag works and looks.
Luke Mathers answers questions himself, helping you pick materials and features for what you’ll use the bag for. You don’t find this kind of service much anymore.
How Long It Takes
It takes about 4-6 weeks to get your bag, which is normal for custom-made gear. Each pack is made when you order, so you have to wait. But it’s worth it for something made just for you.
Is It Worth It?
The Price
Truce packs aren’t cheap, about $250-500 depending on what you pick. But they last so long that they’re worth it compared to cheaper bags.
Last long, means cheap.
If a $400 Truce pack lasts 15-20 years, it costs about $20-27 per year. If you buy a $150 bag every 3-4 years, the Truce bag is cheaper.
Repairs
Truce will fix their packs, making them last way longer. Most outdoor companies don’t do this, and it makes Truce bags even more worth it.
What People Say
Who Uses Them
- Photographers like the storage and protection options.
- Scientists like that they’re waterproof.
- Professionals like the laptop protection and how they look.
- Hikers say they’re comfortable and last long.
- Cyclists say they fit well and protect from the weather.
- Travelers say they’re useful and safe.
What Could Be Better
- You can’t buy them right away.
- Some people might not like how they look.
- Some materials can make the packs heavy.
- They’re too expensive for some people.
Who Should Buy One
- People who want something that lasts.
- People who care about the environment.
- People who want a bag made for them.
- Professionals.
- People who like American-made stuff.
Maybe Not If…
- You’re on a tight budget.
- You need a bag right away.
- You want something super light.
- You care more about style than quality.
How They Compare
- Tom Bihn: Similar to Truce, but Truce has more customization options.
- Mystery Ranch: Great packs that last, but less customization and more expensive.
- Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Super light, but not as useful or durable.
- Patagonia: Good for the environment and good quality, but not as personal as Truce.
Final Word
After trying these bags, I know that Truce Designs makes great backpacks. They make tough, cool, and eco-friendly bags and accessories for both men and women. They use old and awesome materials, and they only make each bag when you order it.
These aren’t just backpacks—they show what you care about. In a world where things break easily, Truce makes things that last.
In Short
Good Things
- High-quality materials.
- Lots of customization.
- Eco-friendly.
- Made in America.
- Lasts a lifetime.
- Great customer service.
- Unique character.
Bad Things
- Costly.
- Takes a while to get.
- Not available right away.
- Can be heavy.
- Some might not like the style.
Rating: 9.2/10
Truce Designs is the best for people who want high-quality, custom backpacks that last. They use great materials, make them well, care about the environment, and offer a good price.
The bad things aren’t as important as how good the bags are. If you’re tired of buying new bags every few years, Truce Designs is the right choice.
They show that things can be made to last.
Visit Truce Designs to make your own backpack that will last a lifetime. Your back will appreciate it, and the environment!
#TruceDesigns #CustomBackpack #MadeInUSA #SustainableGear #HandmadeBackpack #UpcycledMaterials #BackpackReview #OutdoorGear #SailclothBackpack #DurableBackpack #CottageManufacturer #LifetimeGear #EcoFriendlyBackpack #AmericanMade #BackpackCustomization
