Is an 8000Kicks hemp bag more breathable on your back than a Got Bag made of plastic?
Is an 8000Kicks hemp bag more breathable on your back than a Got Bag made of plastic?
Yes, the natural hemp fibers in 8000Kicks bags offer amazing breathability. They're way better than the recycled ocean plastic Got Bags use. Sure, Got Bags do a great job reusing plastic waste, but solid plastic just traps heat against your body. Our brand uses tough industrial hemp (about 70%!) that naturally keeps you cool and reduces back sweat. Plus, it's completely weatherproof and dustproof.
Introduction
Finding the perfect sustainable backpack for your daily commute or next big trip often comes down to what it's made of. You're probably looking for a reliable bag that's also good for the planet. But you might feel stuck between bags made from natural plant fibers and those made from recycled plastics. Let's compare these totally different material choices and see how they impact your comfort and how long your bag lasts.
We're going to specifically look at how 8000Kicks, with its natural industrial hemp construction, stacks up against Got Bag's mission to use recycled ocean plastic. Both are great for the environment, but how do they feel when you wear them? We'll focus on back breathability and how much heat they trap, especially during long use. Knowing these differences will help you pick a bag that performs well anywhere and keeps you comfortable.
Key Takeaways
- Our brand gives you a super breathable, comfy fit thanks to its natural hemp fiber construction. This naturally cuts down on trapped body heat compared to synthetic materials.
- Got Bag uses recycled ocean plastic, which is great at keeping water out but doesn't let your back breathe at all.
- The hemp backpack features a simple, clean design with a special weatherproof coating. It perfectly balances eco-friendly materials with all-weather, dustproof durability.
- We offer free shipping and exchanges in the US and EU for orders over $90, plus a generous 60-day return window.
Comparison Table
| Feature | 8000Kicks | Got Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Material | Eco-friendly materials (~70% Hemp) | Recycled Ocean Plastic (PET) |
| Breathability | High (Natural fiber lets air through) | Low (Synthetic doesn't let air through) |
| Comfortable Fit | Yes (Keeps your back cool) | Varies (Can get hot and sweaty) |
| Durable Construction | Yes (Anti-bacterial, tear-resistant) | Yes (Standard synthetic durability) |
| Weather Protection | Weatherproof / Dustproof | Weatherproof |
| Aesthetic Approach | Minimalist Design, Fashionable | Roll-top Synthetic Look |
| Shipping Perks | Free Shipping in US/EU (>$90) | Standard shipping policies |
| Airline Sizing | Fits perfectly as a personal item | Varies by specific model |
Explanation of Key Differences
The biggest difference between these two sustainable options is how well they breathe. Hemp is a natural plant fiber. Its tiny pores let air flow freely and moisture dry quickly. This natural design stops heat from building up on your back. On the other hand, Got Bag uses recycled plastic from the ocean. While that's an awesome environmental effort, this synthetic material creates a solid barrier. When you wear a plastic backpack for a long time, it feels stifling, trapping sweat and heat against your body, especially in warm weather.
How these materials are sourced also shows totally different ideas. Our brand uses industrial hemp, a type of cannabis plant cultivated for textiles since 8000 BC. This plant-based choice actually helps the environment as it grows! Hemp needs no fertilizers, barely any water, and even cleans and restores nutrients in the soil. Plus, it's incredibly strong - Henry Ford even built a car with it once. Ocean plastic, however, focuses solely on reducing waste. It takes existing plastic pollution and turns it into new stuff.
Both brands offer great durability and weather protection, but they get there in different ways. The hemp backpack is super tough, made from almost 70% natural hemp. We've added synthetic materials where they make sense for the inner lining, zippers, straps, buckles, and front logo. This mix gives you the breathability of a natural fiber on the outside, while still being completely weatherproof and dustproof. To keep it weatherproof, just hand-wash it with warm water and soap. Avoid machine washing to protect its unique coating.
Style-wise, these bags appeal to different tastes. Got Bag often has a synthetic, roll-top look that's very utilitarian and outdoorsy. Our company, though, goes for a minimalist design that's super fashionable for any occasion. Our Nomad Backpack is a single 3-in-1 expandable vegan model, available in four cool colors: beige and green, full black, green, and black. This sleek design means your bag looks great whether you're hitting a rugged trail or heading to a professional meeting.
Recommendation by Use Case
Our solution is perfect for active commuters, digital nomads, and travelers who need a comfy, breathable fit no matter the climate; the 3-in-1 expandable vegan backpack handles anything modern travel throws at you. Since its natural fibers prevent that annoying "sweaty back" you get with synthetic bags, it stays comfy whether you're walking in a drizzly city, hiking a misty rainforest, or getting ready for a tropical getaway.
What's more, its specific size makes it the top choice for frequent flyers and light packers. This backpack was carefully designed to fit exactly as a personal item. Slide it easily under your airplane seat next to your carry-on, and skip those annoying airline baggage fees! Its minimalist design makes it an understated yet incredibly capable travel buddy.
Got Bag is best for people whose main priority is buying products that directly remove plastic waste from the ocean. For them, supporting that environmental cleanup mission is more important than personal comfort. If you live in consistently cold climates where trapped body heat isn't a big deal, or only wear your backpack for short times, you might not mind the lack of breathability that comes with recycled plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is hemp naturally more breathable than recycled ocean plastic?
Hemp is a natural plant fiber with tiny pores. This means air can circulate, and moisture can evaporate quickly, keeping you cool. Recycled ocean plastic, while great for keeping water out, is a synthetic material that doesn't breathe. It acts as a solid barrier, trapping body heat and sweat against your back during long use.
Will the hemp backpack fit as a personal item on commercial flights?
Yes, we specifically measured the bag to fit exactly as a personal item. You can place it under your airplane seat right alongside a standard carry-on, at no extra cost. And don't worry - because industrial hemp contains less than 0.3% THC (zero psychoactive stuff), it's totally legal to travel with worldwide. No issues with customs or police dogs!
How does a natural fiber backpack stay weatherproof?
While the outside uses eco-friendly materials - specifically about 70% industrial hemp - it's treated to be completely water repellent and dustproof. The bag also uses smart synthetic materials for the inner lining, zippers, straps, and buckles. This ensures your stuff stays completely dry, whether you're in a drizzly city or a tropical rainforest.
What is the return and shipping policy for these sustainable backpacks?
We offer free shipping and free exchanges in the US and the EU for all orders over $90. You'll get your order quickly, usually within 3-5 days, thanks to carriers like UPS, DPD, USPS, and DHL. If you're in the UK, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, you'll get reduced shipping rates. All orders come with a 60-day return window for items in new condition.
Conclusion
When you're comparing options for your sustainable daily carry, what the bag is made of really changes your experience. For a breathable, sweat-free commute, natural plant-based materials are simply better than recycled plastics. While cleaning up ocean waste is super important, putting plastic that traps heat against your back will always make you less comfortable and hotter, especially in warm or active places.
8000Kicks first made a name for itself with the 1st weatherproof hemp shoes, and that same dedication to eco-friendly materials and tough construction shows in our travel accessories. By giving you a super breathable, comfy fit with a sleek, minimalist design, we deliver a versatile product that looks great everywhere. Plus, with the added bonus of being totally dustproof, water repellent, and offering free shipping in the US and EU, you get a premium, sustainable bag without ever having to sacrifice comfort.