Company Philosophy
There was a simple philosophy that Manhattan Portage set out to achieve back in 1983, "A Bag For Everyone." Twenty Five years later it is certainly ringing true. From Montreal to Melbourne, Osaka to Oslo, and Stockholm to San Francisco, Manhattan Portage's line of bags are indeed everywhere and carried by everyone.
Despite their sweeping global popularity, Manhattan Portage remains loyal to their NYC roots. This 25-year lifespan in the volatile fashion world, and in a town that embraces the designer-of-the-moment but does not suffer has-beens, is no small feat. Manhattan Portage has been able to avoid becoming another fleeting fad and withstand the test of time because their bags do.
By innovating and expanding their line to accommodate the range of uses their bag owners’ demand, the Manhattan Portage line has developed to serve all walks and runs of urban life. Whether you are a DJ transporting your spinning equipment, a cell phone-toting investment banker, a starving student hauling pricey textbooks or a messenger racing to deliver documents on time, Manhattan Portage has a style for you. (Even if, like many New Yorkers, you fit into two or more of these categories!)
The variety of stores that sell Manhattan Portage bags also speaks to their varied clientele. Luggage, leather, bicycle, shoes, clothing, and even variety and gift stores all carry Manhattan Portage bags. With their Red logo, 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon, Delrin hardware, and a style selection including laptop bags, messenger bags, backpacks and more, Manhattan Portage bags don't hide and won't be going away any time soon. The emergence of competitors and innumerable imitators hasn't fazed them, but rather left Manhattan Portage celebrating this ultimate sign of trend triumph.
Although Manhattan Portage has received press in New York Times, People, Newsweek, and the Village Voice, their media coverage is not what has fueled their resounding success. It is their versatility, durability, and adaptability that has allowed them to survive the ebb and flow of mercurial fashion tides. So don't settle for an inferior product, get the real thing and treat yourself or a loved one to an authentic Manhattan Portage bag.
Our Manufacturing Philosophy
Manhattan Portage bags have been manufactured since 1983. Our manufacturing philosophy is to carefully design and refine each new bag, then personally inspect and select all materials. MP uses the best goods and the latest in hardware, such as YKK custom zippers and the highest grade of nylon available in the market today, called 1000 Denier Cordura, from Invista.
For the past 5 years, our manufacturing costs have risen dramatically in the US. We have found that because of these rising costs it is increasingly difficult to continue to run our entire production line in America. In order to stay in business and keep our bags reasonably priced, we started to move most of our production overseas.
So yes, Manhattan Portage has started to make its products overseas. We realize this may concern some of our loyal customers who have been purchasing our products for the past 25 years, so let us explain.
We still design our entire line of bags right here in New York City. The fundamentals of Manhattan Portage are still quality and durability. We live in New York. We survive here. And we still hold our pledge to provide the best possible quality and value at reasonable price points.
Over the years, our bags have become more complex to build and continue to require extensive labor. In this age of global economy, it is not sustainable for us to make our bags in New York any more. We have found that the manufacturing cost alone would make the retail price outrageously high.
Regardless of where the bags are manufactured, we are committed to maintaining the quality and integrity of our products by only using the highest quality materials for Manhattan Portage Bags.
Our factories overseas employ teams of hardworking craftspeople who earn good living wages, just like our hard working staff in New York. We visit our Chinese, Vietnamese and Taiwanese factories on a regular basis to ensure superior quality, detailed craftsmanship and ethical working conditions.
New York is a city of many different ethnicities and cultures. Our New York staff has always been comprised of people from many different countries. Manhattan Portage is proud to represent the melting pot that is New York.
Product Information
Manhattan Portage - Bag Features:
- All bags made with either Cordura Nylon, Waxed Canvas, or 40oz. Ballistic Cordura
- Certain styles are lined with industrial strength vinyl - fully waterproof
- Seams are double stitched. Stress areas are tripled stitched
- Reflective neon stripes for late-night traveling on certain styles
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- The latest designs of hardware
Manhattan Portage Trendsetter:
- First in the bag industry to use Delrin buckles for durability back in 1980
- First to use Cordura Nylon to make the one-strap bags
- First to introduce the J Bag (style #1239) in the market
- Oldest original urban styled one-strap messenger bag
What is CORDURA®?
The technical definition of CORDURA® is "an air-textured, high-tenacity nylon made by Invista."
The real-world definition translates into some of your most used and abused products being lightweight, abrasion-resistant and durable.
Manhattan Portage uses only the 1000-denier version of the Cordura Nylon to ensure the most durable bag possible.
Copies, Counterfeits & Imitations
It has come to our attention that certain companies have been producing imitation Manhattan Portage bags! Pay close attention to the logo when making a purchase. BUYERS BEWARE!
Original
Imitations
How to tell a real Manhattan Portage Bag from the Fakes
- Never uses piping for bindings
- Are made with real 1000 Denier Cordura
- Does not use rip-stop fabrics
- Never sell on the street
