Alpkit x Trakke: Craft, Adventure, and the Journey Ahead
15 Years of Craft, Adventure, and Purpose
This year, we celebrate Trakke’s 15-year journey — a story we’ve only recently joined, but one that resonates deeply with anyone who loves great outdoor brands.
At its core, Trakke began with a simple idea: to make bags. No blueprint, no grand plan — just a passion for crafting something useful and lasting. Over time, that spark grew into a brand with a distinct identity, shaped by craftsmanship, adventure, and purpose.
Parallel Beginnings
Alpkit’s early story followed a similar path. Our plan was straightforward: sell great gear at half the price, summed up in the tagline “Not cheap, just direct.” Over time, this evolved into “Go Nice Places, Do Good Things.”
Both brands were born from clarity of purpose rather than polished messaging. That grounding in identity is what continues to connect Trakke and Alpkit today.
The Craft of Carry
Trakke’s evolution has been marked by experimentation, but its purpose has always been steady: travel, adventure, sustainability.
The phrase Craft of Carry perfectly captures the dual spirit of the brand — the meticulous craft behind every bag, and the craft of modern travel itself.
Responsibility Woven Into Every Thread
One of the defining traits both Alpkit and Trakke share is a thoughtful approach to materials. This year, we’re proud to announce our switch to a PFC-free version of Halley Stevenson’s P400 fabric.
It’s a detail most customers won’t notice, but it reflects a principle we hold close: doing the right thing for people and the planet, even when it requires effort behind the scenes.
Built to Last
What makes Trakke truly special is its craftsmanship. These aren’t just bags — they’re bound, lined, and built to endure. Many describe them as “bulletproof.”
Some products are still made in Scotland, where Rowan and her team carry on the legacy of meticulous bag-making, ensuring that quality is never compromised.
More Than Value
When Alpkit took on Trakke, one question was inevitable: how do these two brands sit side by side?
The answer is simple. It’s not about value, but values:
- People — from makers to adventurers.
- Product — built with purpose and durability.
- Perspective — a shared vision for sustainable, meaningful gear.
We’ve proven that we can make bags to Trakke’s high standards and that customers appreciate them — they sell out regularly.
What We Won’t Change
Just as important as what we do, is what we won’t do:
- We won’t stop making products in the UK.
- We won’t radically change what already works.
- We won’t end collaborations with the creative partners who bring fresh energy to the brand.
Looking Ahead
Though our production is nearing full capacity, our ambitions remain strong. The future means:
- Refreshing old favourites with new ideas.
- Exploring innovations in design and materials.
- Expanding horizons — perhaps even into clothing for travel and adventure.
Above all, we’ll continue drawing inspiration from you — our community of adventurers, makers, and dreamers — whose journeys give meaning to the products we create.
