An historic tent maker has partnered with a backpack manufacturer on an innovative upcycling project.
Fabric from Vango tents is being recycled by Scottish firm Trakke in a limited edition collection called 'Past Tents'.
Both companies are based in Glasgow. Vango was was founded in the west of Scotland more than half a century ago and still has its HQ in the city. Meanwhile, Trakke was started in 2010 by Glasgow-based Alec Farmer, who was hunting for a messenger bag to use while cycling around the city.
The new bespoke backpack range is constructed from recycled heritage tent fabrics, including Vango’s iconic orange Force Ten tent.
Greener way to make backpacks
There are five rucksack models, from two-litre roll-top pack made from original Icelandic tents used by the Scouts to an orange Force Tote Bag.
The bags are designed to transition from urban and outdoor environments with ease, and the nostalgic 1960 to 80s silhouettes have a functional, modern twist.
Both companies are strong on the environment with Trakke ensuring a low waste design ethos and handmade manufacturing.
Vango has operated a recycled tent platform for more than a decade, as well as a Spares and Repairs service and they have an Earth Collection made from single-use plastics. The company also donates fabrics and sleeping bag fillings to UK-based charity Sheltersuit, who create sleeping bag jackets for those impacted by homelessness.
All the Past Tents bags have been constructed using end of life tents, giving the kit another life and avoiding landfill.
Trakke’s founder said: “We designed this collection to capture the nostalgia of the camping trips we took in our youth.
“We created a range of sizes and styles to suit children and adults alike and added features like wide-mouth front pockets and padded laptop sleeves to make staying organised easier.”
Rob Birrell, Vango’s marketing director, said: “Collaborating with another local business in Glasgow to create the Past Tents range has been wonderful for us to explore more ways to ‘upcycle’ end of life tents, as well as create a bespoke range that fuses heritage with modern day.”
The collection is available exclusively via Trakke.
