Go Natural With a Hemp Backpack:
An Eco-Friendly Alternative

For an alternative fashion statement, a hemp backpack stands out, not only for its natural look, but as a commitment to the environment too. Hemp is a natural fiber with excellent qualities for a variety of practical uses.

The hemp plant is a commercial fiber crop used to make dozens of products from cosmetics to oils and even food products. These natural plants grow in both tropic and temperate zones, where local communities have used the fabric for weaving.

As a renewable resource, purchasing a hemp pack is a green choice that can help to promote eco-friendly materials that protect the environment and support local economies of certain communities.

Besides its ecological benefits, a hemp pack is timeless as a fashion accessory and offers a low-tech look to the ultra-tech look of many other trendy backpacks.

If you want your buying power to send a small message, then search over the selection of hemp bags and wear your green values and explain to your friends that hemp can be hip too.

Hemp Backpack: Factors For Selection

Hemp vs. Cannabis - Yes it's true, the hemp plant is the same as cannabis. But there are different strains of the plant (Cannabis sativa) that make hemp fibers safe for general use. Hemp has extremely low (0.3%) THC levels in its leaves and flowers, unlike cannabis (marijuana) that contains high (4.0%) THC levels. Cannabis was banned for any use for many years until scientists recognized that hemp was not harmful.

Hemp History - First used by the Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese for textiles, medicines, food and rope, hemp has a long history of practical use after the wild plant was domesticated. Hemp was once used for papermaking in Europe and was an important fiber for the maritime industry to supply ropes for navy fleets. Hemp was eventually replaced by cottom for textiles and paper and became obsolete until its rediscovery in the late 20th century.

Fabric Qualities - Hemp is a very durable fiber with high tensile strength that allows it to stretch and bend without failure. Its natural rigidity quality holds its form and volume, even though the fibers soften with use for a more comfortable feel. The fabric also holds dyes well to remain colorfast over time. Hemp fabric is very resistant to mold and bacteria and has natural fire retardent and water resistant properties for long bag life.

Eco-Friendly - As a renewable crop, hemp is a remarkable plant. It naturally suppresses weeds and improves soil conditions that allow farmers to refrain from using herbicides and pesticides. This makes it very suitable for organic and sustainable farming. In comparison, plastic, nylon and polyester are petroleum-based products.

Fair Trade Option - A few hemp pack brands are under the Fair Trade banner. This certification program labels products that meet fair wage and environmental practices that protect communities that produce hemp products and ensure that materials are natural and free of chemcial use. Supporting Fair Trade is a way to make a difference with your purchasing dollar.

Hemp Backpack: Tips For Buyer Satisfaction

Low Tech Load - A hemp pack is usually handmade or very low tech in design without the advantages of high tech equipment or materials to prevent stress and strain. Hemp packs are better suited for lightwieght duty, short excursions and weekend trips. The density of hemp may feel heavy to the wearer and seem front heavy depending on the design.

Hemp Fabric Care - Overall care is minimal since the fabric is very durable. However, a hemp backpack should never be put in a washing machine. For longterm wear, hand wash the pack and never use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners that may break down the fibers.

Hemp vs. Canvas - Some brands may not distinguish between hemp and canvas. Today, canvas applies to products that are made from weaved cotton, not hemp. Since cotton does not have the same properties and qualities of hemp, double check any product marketed as hemp to avoid disappointment.

>> Click for Best Prices on Hemp Packs at Amazon <<

Hemp Backpack: Popular Brands and Models

	Ecolution Hemp Backpacks - With a half-dozen models to choose from, including the Trekker, Mini and Sling versions, Ecolution makes eco-friendly products that are designed and manufactured in Romania under Fair Trade practices. Their products are also 100% vegan and hemp is grown under organic certification regulations with no harsh chemicals or toxic substances and even the buttons are all natural and biodegradable.
	E4hats Hemp Backpacks - Sporting colors of burgundy and brown, the crocheted mini hemp include a string closure, inner lining for a unique and fashionable accessory. Made in Nepal of 100% hemp, there is even a sling-style hemp pack for riding a bike or other outdoor activities with a buckle closure to secure it. Check out the E4hats collection.
	Shayma Hemp Backpack - A Fair Trade product, the Shayma hemp pack is made in Nepal by artisans that gain income to support their families. A good option as a school bag or gift for your green friends, these hemp packs tend to wear in, not wear out and provide a socially responsible choice.
	Sativa Hemp Backpacks - The Sativa brand supports eco-friendly hemp cultivation in a range of affordable products that provide design elegance and practicality of use. Their hemp packs are made to last with stylish flare and products are shipped, rather than flown, to customers to assist the battle against rising emissions.
	Nepal Hemp Backpack - Hand sewn by Nepalese women, the Nepal pack is made of 100% hemp with an inner lining and three exterior pockets and flap covered top. As part of traditional weaving practices, these artisans work many hours on each bag that varies slightly in sizing but remains durable for many years of everyday use.

Discount Prices on Hemp Bags & Clothing

(Scroll through the following pages to find bargain buys.)



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