Talk to us now by clicking on the chat button on the bottom right. Live (human!) representatives are available at most times. Or, use one of the following methods:

Tough Traveler Factory Store:
1012 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12307
Tough Traveler Store Tel: (518) 393-0168
Or: 1-800-GO-TOUGH

STORE WALK-IN HOURS:
Monday - Friday: 11am - 3pm
Weekends & Evenings by arrangement.
Just let us know when you'd like to come!

service@toughtraveler.com

All online orders are shipped within one business day. 

We ship locally & worldwide!

At Tough Traveler we make bags with the same heavy-duty materials & painstaking techniques we've used for over fifty years.  Here's how we create both beloved classic designs & exciting new ones in our Schenectady, NY factory. 

1) Everything happens in our factory building on State St in Schenectady, NY:

 
Our current building                   ---------------    Our then building in the 1970s!

2) We design all our bags in-house - from the ideas of our designers, other employees, and customers!

 
Designer Christian Timm at work  --- A student team works with our staff to design a new bag

 3) We keep a large supply of fabric & other materials in stock!  We purchase 90%+ USA-made materials.

4) Once the materials are stacked, they are ready to be cut:

 
Cutters Joe Mahabir & Dewan Singh

5) And then individually sewn.  Every seam is reinforced, and straps are triple-stitched at stress points. With good care, Tough Traveler bags can last many decades. And we always repair, no matter the age or damage level of the bag.  It's part of our commitment to creating durable products that don't contribute to waste.

 
Sewers Rebecca Daniels & Bonnie Cox

Bibi Lodin demonstrates techniques for a school tour

6) Our building is large enough to make as many bags as needed!

7) Once the bags are made, they are ready to be shipped or displayed:

 
Shipper Lakshmi Singh

Is this the 70s or 80s? Not quite sure!

7) Over the years, our products have been displayed in museums, our factory has been featured on Mister Roger's Neighborhood, and our company has won awards both local and national. We are well-known both for the quality of our product and our focus on fair, local, and sustainable manufacturing.

Crew from Mister Roger's Neighborhood with Bonnie Cox --- Our Kid Carrier featured in a display at the Schenectady Museum of Science & Industry

8) But despite the heavy weight of our legacy... our diverse team manages to maintain its comradery & sense of humor!

Unidentified sewer in need of a nap

The crew has a party, circa 2000

We rely on our valued customers so that we can continue manufacturing in the USA!  As you probably know, it's faster and cheaper to buy an import, but you won’t get the same quality or standards.  So, we hope you’ll shop with us for all your bag & gift needs!

THE TOUGH TRAVELER WARRANTY:

Tough Traveler products are guaranteed to the original owner against any defect in workmanship or materials without any time limit. If failure occurs due to a manufacturing defect, even after extended use, we will, at our option, repair or replace the product. Zippers are specifically warranted for two years. Damage due to normal wear-and-tear, accident, or misuse is not covered by the warranty, but we are able to repair our products at a reasonable charge! All products must be sent back in a clean condition.

To get your product repaired, send it to:

Attn: Repairs
Tough Traveler
1012 State St
Schenectady, NY 12307

 

THE TOUGH TRAVELER RETURN POLICY:

If you wish to return your purchase for any reason, simply send it back within 30 days of the delivery date for a full refund of the purchase price. Exchanges can be made up to 90 days from the delivery date.

All returns must be clean and undamaged.  

Gift certificates, altered, made-to-order, & custom-made products are not returnable.

Request a return label by emailing your order number to service@toughtraveler.com or by opening up a chat request. Or, simply mail your return to:

Attn: Returns/Exchanges
Tough Traveler
1012 State St
Schenectady, NY 12307

 

All items except custom typically ship within one business day. Expedited and international shipping available.