On Monday I wrote this post about the disconnect between Levi’s excellent “Go Forth” campaign and the company’s implementation of their online presence.
That same day I wrote a blog post comparing a Beckel Canvas bag to a Duluth Pack bag. Like Levi’s, Duluth Pack has a long history (128 years!) of quality crafted goods. Both companies are making the transition to the New Rules of Marketing and PR-style of utilizing the web and inbound marketing. In the last two days Duluth Pack has shown that they get it, Levi’s still hasn’t.
I present to you, evidence that Duluth Pack gets it:
1. When I wrote the blog post that touched on Duluth Pack’s quality I didn’t alert the company to my post. I wasn’t looking for their approval or affection, I was just citing them as an example of quality crafted goods.
2. This morning I received a comment on that blog from Duluth Pack.
3. Immediately after the posting, I received an e-mail notifying me that Duluth Pack was following me on Twitter.
Both companies have all the right tools in place. In fact, Levi’s interactive website and video campaign is brilliant. The difference is Duluth Pack is using the tools to reach out to customers and potential customers. They are tuned in to the online discussion of their brand and products. They don’t have the flash. But, as you might expect, they are focused on quality and doing the job right.
So with that as my inspiration, I’m making a list of the five products on Duluth Pack’s website I think are really cool. Call it a shout out to an old-school company that is transitioning well in a difficult time.
PRODUCTS I OWN
1. Ammo Bag
I already went into detail on this bag, but I mostly use it for a small film/video production ‘diddy’ bag (is that a real term or is it just what we called it at my film school?). It holds grip tape, dv tapes, clothespins, clamps, light meter, lav mic, and more. All with ease.
2. Field Satchel
This is my every day bag and has been for almost a year. It’s small enough to fit in my big Rivendell Baggins bag on my bike (to get it to and from work), but large enough to fit my Klean Kanteen, Sigg 9 x 13 lunch box, 5 x 8 notepad and pen, iPhone, wallet, checkbook, leatherman, and a book or two. Really the perfect size everyday bag. Mine is blue.
3. Leather belt
Sturdy, strong, and built to last. Nothing flashy, just a solid belt.
ON THE WISHLIST
4. Rambler Pack
I’ve had my eye on the Rambler for some time. I really like it. Unfortunately, at this point in my life, I don’t do nearly enough rambling to justify the purchase. When traveling I use a duffel style bag. It isn’t ideal for a bike. And I have a bigger pack for camping. I just need to do more rambling is the problem.
5. Money Clip Wallet
I’ve needed a new wallet for a while, but I’ve been holding off on making the decision. I had one that was similar in style to the i.d. window money clip. I really liked that style. Now I’m trying to balance size and function. This is what I’ve settled on, for now. They carry a number of solid wallet options.
BONUS
6. Gransford Wildlife Hatchet
I’ve been lusting after this hatchet for over a year. Lifetime guarantee. At 14″, I could attach it to the rack on my bike and go camping. Great for camping in general, and who doesn’t need a great hatchet around?
A close second, Gransford Small Forest Axe. At 19″ it packs a bit more punch than the hatchet, but loses something in the portability department. Everything is a compromise.
Everything except the quality of these products.
Tags: handcrafted, quality, technology
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For as long as I can remember I’ve gone for price over value in choosing my belts. Just this week my most recent deteriorating belt broke. I already threw it away or I’d identify the brand. I think I bought it at Target. Now I’m looking at Duluth Pack for my next belt.
That’s what I did just two months ago. It’s a whole new mindset. Value. Value. Value.
That’s right. It may cost more up front, but when you use it a ton and use it for years, that cost-per-use keeps lowering. I love seeing a 50+ year old pack come in for repair that has been making journeys to the wilds since it’s birth. It’s even better when it’s acutally a broken stitch or rivet, a free warranty fix under our lifetime warranty for a decades old pack.