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.

I was out of their TV market, the newspaper didn’t cover them (and I didn’t get the paper), the games ended too late to make it on the nightly Sportscenter. I was basically reduced to checking box scores on ESPN’s website, occasionally following the proceedings live, refreshing results every 30, 60, or 90 seconds. This was the equivalent of sitting in traffic on the 405 on a hot summer day, but without the payoff of finally arriving at the beach.

Last Wednesday morning I checked my email on the iPhone, a part of my morning ritual. MLB.com, where I subscribe to watch all out-of-market baseball games live, informed me that through their MLB AT BAT app I could now stream every game live from my iPhone. I spent the $10 as fast as my fingers could type.

Ever since I got my first generation iPhone I have been wishing it had two things: A video camera and the ability to stream baseball. iPhone 3G S made all my dreams a come true.

Wednesday evening brought the big payoff. Andrew and I were coming back from a PDX Social Media Club event and stopped at Fred Meyer for a few miscellaneous items. I decided to test out the video quality.

It was Manny bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium, but Manny was sitting out due to a sore wrist (he had been hit by a pitch the previous night.) The game was tied at 2 in the bottom of the 6th. The Dodgers managed to loaded the bases with the pitcher spot due up.

Andrew searched for a storage bin. Manny came out of the dugout to pinch hit. The Reds changed pitchers. Andrew perused the picture frames. We headed for the checkout stand. Manny hit the first pitch on a line straight into “Mannywood” (the section right inside the foul pole in left field), grand slam home run. The crowd went wild, including me as we approached the checkout stand in Fred Meyer.

This is the age we live in. Live baseball streamed to my cell phone.