If you wanted to wear nothing but made-in-the-USA clothing you’d have a hard time filling up a closet. And you’d go broke paying for it. How about USA-made electronics? Forget it. But luggage is a different matter. The serious traveler can buy high-quality, high-value, handmade luggage that is made right here. Why does it matter? There are several reasons and they have nothing to do with xenophobia or parochialism. If you care about your neighbors and fellow citizens having good jobs, made-in-the USA means something. Ditto if you don’t want to support sweatshops staffed by children, inmates, or overworked/underpaid women. Maybe you want a bag that won’t fall apart. Or maybe you have a complaint and would like to speak to the owner/designer.
OBOW will always support the quality USA luggage companies. We’ll be putting together a page devoted just to them. Please suggest any companies that should be on the list. Here are four good ones to start with: MEI, Red Oxx, Tom Bihn, and Tough Traveler. Another worth checking out might be Bailey Works, though they are more about messenger bags than luggage per se. Tumi and Boyt are US luggage companies on the higher end of the price scale.