Glasgow based manufacturer Trakke is a relatively new company operating from their workshop in Finnieston, specialising in custom-made (everything is individually hand made to order) bags for fashion-conscious cyclists and outdoorsy types. I caught up with the founder, Alec Farmer, last week to find out more about the company and its background. I also got my hands on one of their beautiful bags to take it for a spin - read on to find out how we got along.
One of the most interesting things about Trakke and what they stand for, is that not only are all of their products made here in Glasgow, but every single material, down to the straps and buckles, are sourced from the UK. Alec visibly enthused about this impressive feat, explaining to me how even the zips are sourced from the only remaining factory in the UK still making them. But their passion for locally sourced materials started even more locally than just the UK, as when Alec was a student at the Glasgow School of Art he would scavenge in the skips and alleyways of the city for old leather couches and any bits of material they could find to make into bags. Gradually establishing a name for themselves around the city, and then the UK, with their unique urban-foraged product, they went into business proper and everything took off from there. Now taking care much more of the business side of things, Alec now works for himself full time, and has a team of staff in their Finnieston workshop assembling the products.
The bag I’ve got my hands on is the Bairn Mini-Messenger. At £125 many would immediately balk at the price tag, however this thing screams quality. The majority of the garment is wrapped in thick, soft Harris Tweed, with the lower extremities and pockets of the bag adorned in a quality waxed cotton. The mini-messenger itself is, as you would expect, decidedly mini, at around 50cm across and 30cm deep. It’s in the traditional messenger style with a big flap over the top, a couple of small internal pockets and one main carrying area. The flap seals down with two very satisfying little steel buckles which slip through their holders and tighten down. It’s not the fastest bag to get into, but it’s such a traditional style you know it’s never going to fail on you. The bag has one large nylon strap which can be comfortably worn over one shoulder in a handbag style, or over your chest in the traditional manner. Literally my only gripe with this product, and it hardly even counts considering it’s in the title, is that it was just a bit too small for my personal needs. When I’m going around the city I’ll always have at least 2 things in my bag: an umbrella and a book. While I can get these in no problem, at that point there isn’t a whole lot of room for anything else. If you’re seriously considering getting a Trakke messenger, I’d definitely look more towards the full-size messenger for a versatile everyday use bag that’ll do just as well for a day around the city as a weekend away.
Trakke has been included within the Made in Britain category of the Smarta100 awards, an award scheme which looks for businesses that have the most original ideas and make a true difference. They “want to find the beacons of enterprising Britain, the small firms that are pushing the economic recovery forward, be it a brilliant social enterprise, an inspiring young tech start-up or a small manufacturer.” Trakke was entered into the awards in August and confirmed as one of the smarta100 companies on 6th October. The final round of voting has now ended, with the overall winner being announced on the 12th of November.
For more information on Trakke or to make an order, you can head over to their official website.
Really nice bags - I love the grey and purple bairn on their website.