Skip to main content

Travel safely and protect the ocean with Pacsafe’s Econyl fabric

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Pacsafe, a company that is best known for making items that help keep travelers — and their valuables — safe and secure while on the road. To celebrate, the gear manufacturer is releasing two limited-edition products that not only uphold its reputation for enhanced travel security but also have a lasting impact on the health of our oceans.

The new Travelsafe 3L Econyl Portable Safe and Vibe 28 Econyl Anti-Theft Backpack use a special fabric that has been manufactured from pre- and post-consumer waste recovered from the ocean. This material is called Econyl and it is mostly made up of fishing nets and other nylon that collects in the water, often creating entanglement hazards for sea turtles and other marine life. Once taken from the ocean, the recovered materials are sent to an Econyl depolymerization plant where they are transformed into nylon yarn that can be used to create new products. The end result is less waste in the ocean and more eco-friendly consumer goods.

Because the process for creating Econyl uses pretty much all recycled materials, it can greatly reduce the impact of the manufacturing process on the planet. For example, for every 10,000 tons of raw Econyl materials that are created, more than 70,000 barrels of crude oil are saved. On top of that, by making this fabric from the recovered waste, we avoid pumping 57,000 tons of carbon-dioxide emissions into the atmosphere as well. Those are substantial savings, to say the least.

Pacsafe Turtle fund Video

For many companies, using Econyl fibers would be enough of an environmental win but Pacsafe is taking its commitment one step further. In honor of World Turtle Conservation Day on Wednesday, May 23, the company is donating 100 percent of the profits from its new Travelsafe 3L and Vibe 28 backpack to its own Turtle Fund. The money generated from the sale of those two items will go to help support efforts to save sea turtles across the globe, many of which live in environments where increased waste has threatened their habitats.

The Travelsafe 3L Econyl and the Vibe 28 Econyl backpack are available now for $70 and $130, respectively. Both give travelers a way to keep their important items safe and secure, with the added benefit of doing some good for the planet.

Kraig Becker
Kraig Becker is a freelance outdoor writer who loves to hike, camp, mountain bike, trail run, paddle, or just about any other…
The best golf apps for iPhone and Android: 8 best ones in 2023
smart golf club

If you play golf, then it's likely you live and breathe golf, and like everyone else, you're probably always looking to improve your game. Hiring a coach and other methods are great ways to improve, but have you considered starting out by downloading an app? Golfing apps are some of the most advanced applications out there and make heavy use of artificial intelligence and GPS to both track your movements and analyze your swing. Golf apps can track an enormous amount of data about the way you play and can help you to turn those bogeys into birdies. Here are the best golf apps for iPhones and Android phones.

Looking for more useful apps? Check out our lists of the best Android apps and best iPhone apps you can download today.

Read more
Goal Zero’s new Skylight is an LED palm tree for emergencies
A Goal Zero Skylight shining LEDs lights into a darkened hallway.

Goal Zero is expanding its lighting range today with a backup LED system called the Skylight. The Goal Zero Skylight is an all-in-one set that includes a 33Wh battery built in and six LED panels that can blast out 6,000 lumens all told.

There are four brightness settings available, if that much light is overkill for your needs, and the panels can angle outwards as needed to cover a larger area. Combined with the 12 feet of telescoping available from the tripod, you can cover quite the range with visibility. A handle with a one-button release allows you to quickly deploy the Skylight for outdoor work or play, and stakes stored in the legs give you the option to keep it in place. A dedicated spool stows the charging cable when you're not using it, and a carrying case is included to store and move the whole kit.

Read more
The best electric bikes for 2023
Aventon Pace 500.3 with rider on it

Whether you're wondering what the fuss is all about with e-bikes, or you're an enthusiast shopping for a new model, the options have never been broader. There is an e-bike for just about anyone who wants to try electric two-wheeling, whether you want to spend $500 or $5,000. Using e-bikes for commuting is an eminently practical and cost-saving alternative form of transport for some people, but most riders choose e-bikes for fun and adventure.

Here are eight of the best e-bikes available today, from our favorite overall pick to more specialized choices for every type of rider, whether you're looking for something fast, portable, and just more affordable.

Read more