Here on the farm I've become a big fan of hemp as a clothing material. It wears well, seems tougher than duck canvas to me, and is comfortable on the skin.
For a different application aimed at you city dwellers, Osprey has released the Arcane Hemp Collection, a line of handsome hemp bags. In addition to looking good, hemp is more environmentally sound than cotton, and Osprey's also using their bags to get some polyester out of the wastestream:
Our limited-edition Arcane is made from 55% hemp and 45% recycled polyester, a fabric blend that achieves the best balance of sustainability, durability, performance and weight.
A renewable natural plant fiber, hemp was used for centuries as the industrial fiber for ropes, sails and heavy canvas because of its long-lasting durability. Unlike other natural fibers, such as cotton, hemp needs no pesticides, herbicides or defoliants and uses far less water to produce. It grows quickly and even returns a portion of the nutrients it takes from the soil.
The bags come in three form factors, all with backpack functionality: A day bag, a roll-top and a tote. Check 'em all out here.
I’m a lapsed industrial designer. I was born in NYC and figured I’d die there, but a few years ago I abandoned New York to live on a farm in the countryside with my wife. We have six dogs.
Series
Create a Core77 Account
Already have an account? Sign In
By creating a Core77 account you confirm that you accept the Terms of Use
Please enter your email and we will send an email to reset your password.
Osprey's Handsome Limited Edition Hemp Bags
But by blending hemp and plastic-based fabrics, the resulting product is neither compostable nor recyclable. I'll wait for an all natural fiber blend bag.