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:

FOR WEEKEND & EVENING HOURS, PLEASE OPEN A CHAT (bottom right) OR EMAIL

OPEN 11AM - 4PM Sat NOV 25 for
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

service@toughtraveler.com

All online orders are shipped within one business day. 

We ship locally & worldwide!

A virtual tour of the Tough Traveler bag-making process & history!  

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 old designs & exciting new ones in our Schenectady, NY factory. Learn more about the history of Schenectady, one of the oldest cities in the USA, at https://www.cityofschenectady.com/!

1) Everything happens in our building on State St - located on a bus route so our employees can arrive easily & sustainably:

 
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 95%+ 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

An important request: Will you join our new email list?  Our sales & special offers are typically for this list only.  And we need our long-term customers so that we can continue manufacturing in the USA!  As you probably know, it's faster and cheaper to buy an import, although it won't be the same quality or follow the same manufacturing standards.  So, it's crucial for us to keep in touch with our valued customers.  Thank you so much!

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.