These Game-Changing Travel Backpacks, Weekenders & Sling Bags Are Made From Recycled Ocean Plastic

From trash to treasure, GOT BAG’s travel-friendly backpacks, weekenders, sling bags and more are redefining sustainable style.

Last updated: April 2024

Did you know that out of newly produced plastics worldwide, approximately 9% are recycled, 12% are incinerated and 79% end up in nature? It’s a staggering figure. Which is why Benjamin Mandos, Founder and eco-innovator behind GOT BAG, decided to do something about it.

GOT BAG: Stylish and Sustainable Travel Backpacks Made From Recycled Ocean Plastic / MAYAMI Magazine / www.mayamimagazine.com — Photo courtesy of GOT BAG

Revolutionizing the fight against ocean plastic pollution.

Armed with a mission to revolutionize the fight against ocean plastic pollution and protect the earth’s fragile marine biosphere, in 2016 the Germany-based lifestyle startup developed the world’s first backpack made of plastic pulled directly from the sea. Indonesia’s Java Sea, specifically, where a network of 2,000+ fishermen on the north coast of Java Island currently participate in GOT BAG’s pioneering clean-up program.

Plastic is collected as bycatch in the ocean, in addition to the region’s critical mangroves, river systems and surrounding coastal areas, and deposited into a growing number of designated on-shore collection points. Through a system of cleaning, sorting and pressing, the collected plastic is ultimately recycled into the raw material for GOT’s bags and backpacks. Up to 9.9 pounds of ocean plastic for every GOT bag made, to be exact.

Redefining sustainable style.

The resulting line of travel-friendly bags and backpacks are no doubt redefining sustainable style, boasting a recycled fabrication that’s not only eco-conscious but highly functional. Everything from rolltop backpacks and ziptop daypacks to hip bags, laptop bags and weekender duffels (even wallets and passport covers) feature waterproof and dirt-resistant exteriors paired with waterproof interiors, all supporting a durable yet lightweight foundation.

Signature features include flexible rolltop closures, removable laptop sleeves, expandability and adjustable and removable shoulder straps. The aesthetic is minimalist, utilitarian and sleek, seen in a myriad of color options ranging from grayscale to earth tones to subtle pastels.

Have I mentioned how versatile these bags are? All-weather and all-terrain styles have you covered from epic outdoor expeditions to whirlwind urban adventures, relaxing weekend road trips to off-grid escapes.

Great minds think alike.

Not making waves alone, GOT BAG regularly collaborates with like-minded ocean advocates as well. Current partnerships count marine conservation non-profit Sea Shepherd, global fishing whistleblower SEASPIRACY and coral reef restoration collective Coral Gardeners. In fact, with every bag purchased through the current GOT BAG x Coral Gardeners collection, you can adopt a coral and actively aid in ocean restoration.

Formerly available only in Europe, GOT BAG is now available to Stateside sea lovers with its recent North America launch. All bags ship plane-free, climate-neutral and plastic-free to anywhere in the United States, Canada and Mexico, furthering the brand’s commitment to a minimal ecological footprint.

See below for my top GOT picks or shop the entire GOT BAG collection here.

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