Ethnotek: I Finally Paid for a Back Pack
I broke down and bought an Ethnotek backpack and it rocks!
I have been travelling quite a bit lately - both for work and pleasure. After a few years of trial and error, I can finally fit all my nesessities in a single backpack. No more laptop bag nor pull behind suitcase that makes me stick out while slummin' it on the Greyhound to Ames. While on a work trip to Denver last Spring, my coworkers were amazed at how I can fit everything in just a backpack. Meanwhile, they took a while to get through security and baggage claim.
Sadly, the pack I have been using was left by an old roommate. In fact, I don't think I have bought a backpack since my Freshman Year of College. It was time to get one. Katie's friend Megan is part owner of Ethnotek, a local Twin Cities company that makes travel packs. I picked up a Raja pack for Katie for Christmas and she loves it. I decided to snag one and so far I love it too. All their bags are made from heavyduty nylon and the Raja fits 2 shopping baskets full of groceries. It also features a lot of really smart compartments and it top opens to fit your stuff. I'm excited to try this thing out on my next trip.
Also, many of the bags come with interchangable "threads" - most of which are fair trade & hand woven in ermerging nations like Vietnam and Ghana. While this is awesome, I kinda want to make some custom threads of Dim artwork. I am picturing a gallery show with the threads on the walls and packs for sale, It is an interesting thought. I'll talk to Megan.
