Central Canvas Manufacturing Inc. has been around for more than 30 years. Over the years they have focused on the marine and fish house industry, and have done private label bags and contract sewing for other companies. “We figured if we can make a boat cover or boat lift canopy last many years we should be able to make a bag that lasts a lifetime, so in 2015 Rustic River Gear was born.
The parent company, Central Canvas, has typically been an OEM manufacturing operation for the marine industry. When Rustic River Gear started in 2015, the company was designed to sell wholesale, and retail waxed canvas and leather products. And the products and patches they make are BEAUTIFUL.
“Rustic River Gear was created based on Quality and Customer Service. We provide a very high-quality product by sourcing all of our materials domestically. We offer a wide variety of products from hunting and fishing accessories, duffels, totes, backpacks, travel and toiletry storage bags, shoulder bags, and more. The materials we use adds a unique character to each bag. It’s locally made here in St. Joe and each product is created by hand, from cutting and sewing to hardware installation.”
Mike Patton grew up in Faribault, MN and after graduating college he and his wife moved to the St. Cloud area in 1978 where they raised their 4 children – including his son Tim, who joined the company full-time in 2006 after he Mike & Tim are both still in the St. Cloud area and have stayed in the area because “it has been a great place to raise a family and operate a business. This area is a nice central hub to MN, not too big, not too small, and has been a great place to call home.”
A love for local goods inspired the Pattons to start the business. “The best part about Rustic River Gear has been our customers. You never know who you will meet, talk to, or see. We ship to all areas of the USA along with the occasional request to ship overseas. Pre-Covid we did a few shows a year and our customers always seem to come back to tell us how much they love their bags, want to buy new bags, ask about new designs, or just say hi.”
And when they say ‘a bag that lasts a lifetime’ – they mean it. Not only are these products made to withstand just about anything, they also offer a lifetime guarantee on all waxed canvas products, which covers workmanship and materials.
“We offer great products at all price levels that make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, graduation, Mother’s day, Father’s day … really any occasion. Most items are in stock and can be picked up locally, if we do not have what you are looking for in stock we can typically have it within a week or so.” You can shop and browse their goods at www.RusticRiverGear.com
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