Arguably one of the most bona-fide and original pack-making companies, and certainly an inspiration to many industry newcomers, Madden Equipment continues to make their packs by hand in their shop in Boulder, Colorado. Though you needn’t look further than their own story page on the Madden site to learn more about the company, it doesn't take long to see that Madden Equipment embodies the grassroots, experience-inspired identity that so many American outdoor product makers seek to emulate.

Other mentions of the brand, as well as the Madden blog, claim that the company began when founder, Dan Madden, was helping run an Outward Bound School in North Carolina and noticed that the packs he and others were using fell into disrepair rather quickly during use. Dan had learned to sew from his grandmother at an early age, and was tasked with repairing the packs with an old sewing machine the OB school had around for repairing the team’s canvas tents. After managing some of the pack repairs, Dan Meyer, the NC Outward Bound School Director posed the question, “What about if we made our own packs?”

From there, Dan Madden left his day job and began sewing minimal, durable packs that could be trusted to last through entire OB trips to Alaska, etc. 40 years later, notwithstanding certain company breaks and hiatuses, Madden Equipment master sewers sew and craft individual bags from start to finish in their workshop in Boulder.

What’s arguably most attractive about Madden Equipment is the brand’s authenticity and story. Borne of a true need for functional, durable bags in the crucible of Outward Bound trips, Madden packs carry the true nature of what makes outdoor recreation most beautiful: gritty, simple, and timeless experience of just getting out there. Though the company has a minimal social media presence and a budding, recently updated website, Madden has deservedly attained legendary rapport among outdoor enthusiasts who want equipment to carry their kit in authentic, simple outdoor adventures. First pictured below is the Getaway Cordura* 2-Way Pack 23 liter in Gray. As described on the site:

“From 1981, this is the original convertible briefcase/daypack. There’s a leather handle for carrying like a briefcase and there are hide-away backpack straps for when you’re on the move. A very sturdy everyday bag, it’s great for quick overnight trips, too. The Getaway pack is practical, versatile, and durable.”

One of the coolest parts of the pack is the tag sewn in the main pocket noting the master sewer who crafted the bag, as well as the month and year the bag was sewn. This is one of the coolest parts of the company’s devotion to connecting the consumer with the craftsman, giving the buyer a piece of kit that he can share the story of and imagine the creation of, in a gritty little shop in one of the country’s best outdoor towns. Though not explicitly noted anywhere, the Madden logo seems to emulate the jagged in-line peaks of the iconic Boulder Flatirons.

*Madden Corduroy Ball Cap*

“Low-crown ball cap in classic 1980’s mountain style. Rich, wide corduroy with an adjustable strap made from Colorado bison leather.”

To learn more about Madden Equipment, visit their site here.

Madden Equipment - Boulder, CO