As sustainable travel and lifestyle advocates, we love nothing more than finding new products and travel accessories that are breaking new ground in the fashion world. Our latest discovery – 8000Kicks – a Portuguese start-up making products out of hemp!
*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure
Their story started with a successful Kickstarter campaign for Hemp Shoes, the most eco-friendly, durable and comfortable sneaker ever built. They’ve since launched a number of other products and accessories, including hats, wallets, socks and more.
Their new product, which just launched on Kickstarter is a Hemp Backpack – a perfect travel accessory for the eco-conscious traveler. We had a chance to take the backpack on a true test run on our recent trip to the US and absolutely LOVED the bag and all of its features!
Get 10% any 8000Kicks Products when you use the code DRINKTEATRAVEL at checkout
Traveling Soon? Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip!
Fabric and Sustainability
The backpacks are made from 100% hemp, which is one of the most sustainable fabrics in the fashion world. The company doesn’t use Himalayan hemp but instead sources this raw material from top hemp textile sources like Romania, France and China. The hemp plant emits half of the CO2 of polyester per ton of fabric and only two-thirds of that of cotton fabric.
Hemp is also incredibly durable and vegan friendly, so it’s one of the best fabrics to use for long-lasting and sustainable products. The fabric of these hemp backpacks is also water, stain, and dustproof, which is an awesome added bonus.
Features
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the 8000Kicks Hemp Backpack comes packed full of features. The backpack has what seems like a neverending amount of space. It expands from the original 18L to the 30L capacity, allowing you to pack it full for the day ahead.
We love the wide opening of the main compartment as well as the zipper at the top that allows you to close the bag tightly shut when needed. The strap at the top tightens the main compartment shut and keeps the bag looking tidy even when it’s full to the brim.
The organization inside is fantastic! There is a big padded laptop pocket, and a padded tablet pocket, plus 2 other small pockets for added organization.
On the outside, there is a medium-size front pocket that we use daily as a stash for all the things we need access to on the go, like a phone or hand sanitizer. There’s also an external well–hidden anti-theft pocket that sits against your back. It’s perfectly designed to carry passports and other important documents. Two water bottle pockets on the sides can stretch to fit a wide reusable bottle, like our HydroFlast – something we definitely appreciate!
On the side, there is a neat opening for a USB plug and a cord that runs into another nifty side pocket where you can store a rechargeable power bank. It allows you to carry your phone in your hand or pocket while having it hooked up to a power bank stored inside the bag. Brilliant!
The straps on the backpack are really comfortable as well! Padded and extra-wide, they offer good support. The chest strap helps distribute the weight of the bag, relieving discomfort on long hikes.
Why We love the 8000Kicks Hemp Backpack
There’s so much to love about the new 8000Kicks Hemp Backpack: from the sustainable and ethical side of the production and design to the practical features for traveling.
The colour patterns make it a great backpack for any environment, be it an urban city stroll or a hike in nature. The backpack has become Oksana’s go-to bag for hikes and city adventures. It’s our go-to bag to use as a carry-on on flights as well!
It’s an all-around great travel sustainable backpack for any traveler!
The hemp backpacks come in 3 colours: red/beige, green/beige, and all black and will retail for $159 regular price. They are currently on offer at the Kickstarter early bird price of $89.
Other 8000Kicks Products
Aside from the hemp backpacks, 8000Kicks has an extended range of other hemp products and accessories, including a waterproof hemp shoe range, hats, socks and face masks, which we have been using over the last few months.
Hemp Shoes
The world’s first waterproof hemp shoes are made from durable and breathable hemp fibres that also repel cold water and dust. The shoes are 100% vegan with a minimalist design making them perfect for the trail or a day out on the town. They are flexible and lightweight and have recycled rubber soles. The shoes come in men’s and women’s sizes and a variety of colours. The original style, The Explorer, is a great all-rounder, while the newer style, The Seeker offers the ideal everyday office casual look.
Hats
8000Kicks 100% hemp caps are another eco-friendly accessory to add to your hemp wardrobe. The 6-panel hats are breathable, durable and easy to wash.
Wallets
At just 5mm thin, 8000Kicks hemp wallet is perfect for travel. It has enough space for 6 cards so it’s a nice slim alternative to a regular wallet.
Socks
Both ankle socks and higher stripe hemp socks are perfect for hemp shoes. The socks are breathable, durable and anti-bacterial, ready to go on any of your adventures.
Disclaimer: 8000Kicks backpacks, shoes and a selection of their hemp accessories were offered to us as a gift, but all opinions expressed in this review are our own and have, in no way, been influenced by the team at 8000Kicks.
