The coming of the modernized tech-savvy backpack is paving the way for the shaped future of the item. There simply isn’t room any longer for a backpack that has not been updated to meet today’s rigorous requirements.
Now then, before you go shopping for your next backpack, allow me to fill you in on a bit of the items history along with pertinent backpack information. In the USA, the word backpack had been coined approximately in 1910. In the past, the bags had been referred to as moneybag and packsacks; and are only used regionally at this time. I recall as a child, we use to call refer to the bag as a knapsack. Still today, in Canada, the word knapsack is used. For the record, I am American. Nevertheless, in my youth, we referred to it as a knapsack. Words evolve just like everything else.
Although early backpacks were scarce, there is historical evidence of backpacks dating all the way back to 3300 BC. I could only imagine what they were carrying around in their backpacks back then? Today, however, hikers and students commonly use backpacks as a daily item. Because of its durable lining and strong straps, it is often used to carry heavy weights for long periods of time. You see, the backpack is designed to carry heavy loads, as the hips are stronger than the shoulders, and by wearing it, it also increases our agility and balance since the load rides closer to the wearer’s center of mass.
The most contemplative of all accessory items requires no deep thinking on the matter of what to wear for it. Essentially, the backpack is either functionally necessary or traditionally sacred. If you're the rugged type, you'll continue to defy any man- no matter how extensive his wardrobe. You see, we Americans are a sports-loving people but we're also extremely gregarious. Therefore, when we leave a team, we become spectators of life.
Watching key, innovative brands and analyzing what they choose to produce each season, and how they put it all together is very inspiring. Often it is the collection that at first appears repellent that offers the most inspiration. In the modern era, I can assure you that it is worthwhile contemplating the new collections and "cracking the code" each season.
Accessory brands often look to the street and technology for inspiration. Trends emerge around the world that can fuel the imagination. Among one of the first forward-thinking backpack brands to look at street style in this context is Solgaard. The modified creations have now inspired consumers across the globe. With the wearer in mind, each piece is meticulously designed with the same practical and utilitarian elements that make their products iconic pieces. The notion that trends come solely from the catwalk has been somewhat turned on its head. On the contrary, these items form the foundation of a business, which has propelled itself onto the international fashion scene, establishing itself as a luxury brand.
Solgaard unveils a new collection of unisex bags and backpacks crafted in the brand's exclusive proprietary SHORE-TEX™ fabric made from up cycled ocean-bound plastic.
Ensuring Solgaard's 360-degree approach to responsible sourcing and ethical business practices, the introduction of SHORE-TEX™ will also see the company introduce a new revolutionary zero-waste shipping solution; whereby all new Solgaard products will be shipped in water-resistant, reversible tote bags with a biodegradable zip tie.
Solgaard's pioneering innovations follows the previous pledge by the company to remove five pounds of plastic waste from the ocean for every product purchased. By the end of 2019, Solgaard is already committed to pull a minimum of 136,000 pounds of ocean-bound plastic, with a goal to remove 1 million pounds by the end of 2020.
In a commitment to further revolutionize its supply chain and sourcing practices, Solgaard removed all single use plastics from its shipping processes as of May 2019 and will have eliminated all single use plastics from its entire supply chain in 2020.
Created by Solgaard Founder and sustainable product entrepreneur, Adrian Solgaard, SHORE-TEX™ is made from plastic waste collected from beaches and river ways in the Philippines. Upon collection, the plastic is then cleaned, processed into flakes and heated into pellets, before being stretched into a yarn like fiber and woven into a functional fabric.
"We are empowering our fellow global citizens to shop responsibly with SHORE-TEX™ and choose sustainability without giving up premium quality. Said Adrian Solgaard, Founder and CEO of Solgaard. "Our mantra; 'Sustainability that's accessible to all' remains at the forefront of everything that we do. Solgaard's mission since inception has been to offer premium products that improve your life on the go - all of which are ethically made, sustainably sourced, and at accessible price point."
SHORE-TEX™ Daypack ($95)
Following its initial debut on Kickstarter in October 2018 – the responsibly sourced and ethically produced everyday backpack is engineered to enhance the lives of today's global citizens by addressing their everyday needs. The convenient features integrated into the revolutionary eco-friendly Daypack design include hidden passport pockets, secret strap pockets, stretchy side pockets for reusable water bottles, and drop-proof laptop storage.
SHORE-TEX™ Solar Sling ($55 - $125 including Solarbank)
A convenient, compact and on-trend driven fanny pack accessory was thoughtfully designed to accommodate and safely organize one's personal items and essentials. As with all Solgaard accessories, the Solar Sling was designed to seamlessly integrate with the Solgaard Solarbank (power bank + solar unit) and Solarbank Boombox (power bank + solar unit + Bluetooth speaker.)
SHORE-TEX™ Lifepack ($195)
The flagship solar powered and anti-theft backpack by Solgaard is now also available in the brand's revolutionary new SHORE-TEX™ textile fabric. Lifepack is compatible with Solarbank, Solarbank Boombox, and includes the Solgaard patented anti-theft cable lock.
The Solgaard SHORE-TEX™ unisex bag and backpack collection launches August 7, 2019 on www.solgaard.co.
A design driven, sustainable luxury brand always ready for adventure - Solgaard enhances life on-the-go with premium gear for global citizens, while making a positive impact on the planet. Founded in 2016 by Canadian-Norwegian entrepreneur, Adrian Solgaard, the brand pulls 5lbs of ocean bound plastic for each item sold. Solgaard is headquartered in New York City. Learn more: www.solgaard.co.
I recently has the privilege of speaking with Adrian Solgaard, Founder & CEO of SOLGAARD about what consumers are seeking today in a modified backpack, details about the Shore-Tex and why it is important for consumers to be aware of this item and about how precision and technology launched this progressive brand to levels of great success!
Joseph DeAcetis: Talk to Forbes about the history, launch date and DNA of your brand? And your personal background?
Adrian Solgaard: We launched Solgaard in 2016 via Kickstarter – Sustainability was always at our core, as well asthe ability to be ready for anything. Our first backpack, the Lifepack 1.0, had a solar power bank with Bluetooth speakers - meaning no matter where you were in the world, your phone could always be charged, and you’d have the creature comfort of music at reach. On top of that was the integrated lock, a patented feature that means if you’re out for a swim or working from a café, you don’t need to worry about your bag getting stolen? That’s also the link that connects to my previous business – a bicycle lock brand that I had launched on Kickstarter
JD: In your words, what is your competitive advantage in the backpack market?
AS:We put an incredible amount of thought into the design of our products, to make them truly better than what else is available, and we care deeply about the planet, so we make our products out of eco-friendly materials, through and through. What’s more, we are actively doing our part to better the planet by pulling 5lbs of plastic out of the ocean for every Solgaard item sold. Our mantra is 'sustainability that's accessible to all' remains at the forefront of everything we do. Our mission has always been to offer premium products that improve your life on the go - all of which are ethically made, sustainably sourced, and available to consumers at an accessible price point."
JD: In your words, what are consumers seeking today in backpacks?
AS: Stylish, safe and secure storage for your laptop and other daily essentials; a comfortable yet functional bag that is made in an eco-friendly way that can be worn as a badge of honor. That’s a lot to ask for from a single product, and we’re one of the only ones hitting all those points.
JD: Talk to Forbes in detail about the current item and why it is important for consumers to be aware of this item?
AS: This month, we are excited to unveil a new collection of unisex bags and backpacks crafted in our new proprietary SHORE-TEX™ fabric made from up cycled ocean-bound plastic. To further our 360-degree approach to responsible sourcing and ethical business practices, timed with the introduction of SHORE-TEX™ we will also be introducing a new revolutionary zero-waste shipping solution where all new Solgaard SHORE-TEX™ products will be shipped in reversible tote bags. The oceans are suffering; we’ve all seen photos and videos of the ocean plastics crisis around the world. For all of us that care to address the problem – SHORE-TEX™ is intended as solution for consumers to make a positive impact on an issue that’s so problematic to our generation and future generations to come. Purchasing SHORE-TEX™ products made from ocean-bound plastics is an amazing way to make a positive impact on the planet. As of now, our new SHORE-TEX™ collection is comprised of three styles:
- SHORE-TEX™ Daypack($95): Following its initial debut on Kickstarter in October 2018 – the responsibly sourced and ethically produced everyday backpack is engineered to enhance the lives of today's global citizens by addressing their everyday needs. The convenient features integrated into the revolutionary eco-friendly Daypack design include hidden passport pockets, secret strap pockets, stretchy side pockets for reusable water bottles, and drop-proof laptop storage.
- SHORE-TEX™ Solar Sling($55 - $125 including Solarbank): A convenient, compact and on-trend driven fanny pack accessory thoughtfully designed to accommodate and safely organize one's personal items and essentials. As with all Solgaard accessories, the Solar Sling was designed to seamlessly integrate with the Solgaard Solarbank(power bank + solar unit) and Solarbank Boombox(power bank + solar unit + Bluetooth speaker.)
- SHORE-TEX™ Lifepack($195): Our flagship solar powered and anti-theft backpack by Solgaard is now available in our revolutionary new SHORE-TEX™ textile fabric. Lifepack is compatible with the Solarbank, Solarbank Boombox, and includes the Solgaard patented anti-theft cable lock.
JD: Talk to Forbes about how technology aided you in the development of your brand?
AS: The first product was launched on Kickstarter, after product research was all done online, the design was done 8000 miles away by my designer who was in Vancouver while I was in Spain, and the copywriting was done in San Francisco. The third product, The Carry-On Closet was drawn up in Virtual Reality to visualize the product before we started making it into production.
JD: Where is the product made and why?
AS: Our new SHORE-TEX™ line of products is made from ocean-bound plastics collected in the Philippines. The recycling and fabric making is done in Taiwan, and the bags are sewn together in China. It’s done this way because no simple supply chain exists for making ocean-bound plastics into fabric yet. I have a dream to have a one-stop shop one day where we will up cycled ocean-bound plastic, make it into fabric, and make all of the bags in one location – and I believe there are investors out there willing to fund that type of operation.
JD: You have the floor: Talk to my viewers about why they should try this product now?
AS: We are empowering our fellow global citizens to shop responsibly with SHORE-TEX™ and choose sustainability without giving up premium quality. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a professional, minimalist design bag – isn’t the most responsible thing to buy one that’s made ethically and sustainably?
JD: What are your future projections and sustainability strategy for the next few years?
AS: Our SHORE-TEX™ innovation follows our previous company pledge to remove five pounds of plastic waste from the ocean for every product purchased. By the end of 2019, Solgaard is already committed to pull a minimum of 136,000 pounds of ocean-bound plastic, and our ultimate goal is to remove one million pounds by the end of 2020. Moving forward, we are committed to further revolutionize our supply chain and sourcing practices. As of May 2019, we removed all single use plastics from our shipping processes and will eliminate all single use plastics from our entire supply chain during 2020.
