Garner and Tow

Wondering about the name? Let’s unpack that…

The word ​“garner” means to gather into storage; to acquire by effort, while ​“tow” is defined as drawing or pulling behind; to move in tow.

Exploring by bike allows you to fully experience small details in neighborhoods and cities that you might otherwise miss. Biking helps us learn about our surrounding areas, offering many rewarding benefits for our mental and physical health.

As an urban cyclist in Chicago, Sara struggled to find the perfect bag to fit all her essentials for city life. Her days were busy, and could include everything from work commutes to dinner, beach trips, errands, and more. And on the weekend, she might head out for a bikepacking adventure to escape the city and commune with nature. She yearned for a do-it-all bag that was versatile enough to accommodate all these activities — but she also wanted a bag with style that was easy to get on and off her bike.

When she couldn’t find the bag of her dreams, she decided to make it herself.

This first line of bags is the product of three years of creative incubation and lots of trial and error. Designs were field-tested, refined, and reimagined with purpose-built updates. The end result is a collection of bags that complement the dynamic rhythm of urban riding but are also cohesive, modular, and interconnected to everyday life. They can fit the flow of a busy schedule around town, yet they’re equally at home exploring remote landscapes off the beaten path.

Today, Sara is proud to launch and stand behind her brand. Her line of bags are high quality, feature a heritage-inspired aesthetic, and are endlessly versatile. The fabric she sources is proudly made and milled in the USA, and the bags are sewn at a local studio in Chicago.

Garner and Tow bags are designed to be adaptable. They go wherever your day takes you. Perfect for day-to-night activities, you can take them to the office, happy hour, and beyond. Designed with a modular approach, the bags can be used on their own or together. Plus, you can enhance their utility by adding a color-matched shoulder strap and other accessories.

Whether you’re covering a few miles on your daily commute or traversing hundreds on your next bikepacking adventure, Garner and Tow will help you get there with ease and style.

All of our bags are made from waxed cotton canvas. While our particular fabric is extremely soft, the highly-regarded durability and distinctive look of waxed canvas make it a timeless favorite. The way the canvas patinas and wears over time is similar to leather, creating a worn look and character that develops with regular use.