+ A Note From Our Founder +

Hello DEFY Family,

As we step into a new year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of 2024 and share a glimpse of where DEFY is headed next.

What began as an idea scribbled in my Moleskine notebook back in 2008, has grown into a dynamic, multicultural U.S. manufacturing company that ships around the globe daily. Staying true to our roots and the promise we made from the start, I’m proud to say that nearly 17 years later, every DEFY bag is still manufactured 100% in Chicago, IL, USA. And we’re not changing that—ever.

This year, we’re doubling down on what matters most: listening to you, seeking out more incredible materials and creating new and improved gear, and inviting our DEFY Family to join us on the daily journey. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new “Daily Dose of Defiance” series, coming to YouTube! It’s a behind the scenes look at what goes into making DEFY gear—straight from our workshop to your screen. 

Now, it’s time for DEFY to continue focusing on what we do best: innovating, designing, and crafting some of the finest bags on the planet. While our production floor continues to evolve, we’re not just up and running—we’re thriving. We’re honing our capacity with new equipment, building out our showroom and shipping department, and gearing up for what’s sure to be a defiantly fun year ahead.

None of this would have been possible without you, our DEFY Family. Your unwavering support has carried us through every twist and turn, and your passion for what we do keeps us inspired every day. You’ve made us laugh, kept us honest, and been our greatest partners in this bold, and often times very difficult and taxing bag-making adventure. Thank you for being with us every step of the way.

We can’t wait to show you what’s next. Stay tuned—it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

With gratitude and defiance,