Reviewing Topo Designs: Local and Global; Made for Adventure and Work.

Get to know Topo Designs, a backpack and adventure-gear shop that appeals to hikers and professionals alike.

About Topo Designs

In 2008, Topo Designs founders Mark Hansen and Jedd Rose began prototyping travel packs in Jedd’s basement in Fort Collins, Colorado. Fast-forward more than a decade, and Topos Designs has become a darling of travel, adventure and lifestyle gear.

The company produces really attractive, functional and durable bags for laptops, travel, work and hiking.

While some brands can get pigeonholed into selling functional hiking gear only, or siloed into sleek work bags, Topos Designs has managed to position its brand as cool across multiple segments.

Customers can find Topos backpacks while browsing around the stylish, upscale offerings at Portland Dry Goods in Maine and the extremely-well curated stock at Stag Provisions in Austin, Texas.

Topos is also available online at the also-well-curated Huckberry and via major retailers including the always innovative Nordstrom and at Zappos.com. Hiking and adventure gear retailers including REI and Moosejaw also stock the brand.

Are Topo Designs packs made in the USA?

One thing I admire about Topos is they embrace local and global at the same time.

Jeff and Mark began their journey working with local manufacturers and suppliers in Colorado who were, like them, just getting their feet on the ground. Their initial production was made in America. In fact, they were made in Colorado.

They note that American manufacturing will always be a big part of their brand and identity. But they also embrace the global economy and recognize that talent is everywhere:

We search long and hard for talented partners to help us build our products. Whether we’re building classic packs in Colorado, organic cotton tees in Mexico, insulation pieces in Canada, or technical shells in Vietnam, our partners are the most talented people on the globe.

Do you own a Topo Designs pack? What’s been your experience? Leave your thoughts in the comments.