I always appreciate a designer who aims to create more eco-friendly accessories. After some time admiring these green handbags, I finally took one for a spin on Saturday.
Yak Pak teamed up with recycling giant Terracycle to craft this DEN Tote from billboards destined for landfill. The glossy fabric feels incredibly strong and it’s water resistant to boot. The fairly plain colors aren’t as exciting as some recycled billboard bags I’ve seen, although with one side white and the other blue I suppose I could treat this as two bags in one!
It’s important to remember that these bags were made from real billboards. That means no two are the same, and some have features that girls may regard as flaws. Mine has a few black marks on the blue side and some lighter stains on the white. Personally I think the imperfections add character, reminding us of the bag’s history, but some may disagree.
This is a really basic tote, which isn’t really surprising considering it costs just $22. The shape is simple, and the interior unadorned. There’s no lining, no pockets, and no clasp at all. The lack of closure seems a shame considering the material’s water resistant properties. With a zip I’d happily carry it in the rain, but as it stands I’d worry about my cargo getting spoiled.
The lack of pockets and other organizational features is also disappointing if you intend to use it as a day bag. While there was plenty of room for everything I wanted to carry inside, I found myself scrounging around for keys, lipstick, and other small items. At least the flat bottom means that nothing spills once you set it down.
While I loved the look, the practical limitations meant the DEN Tote didn’t work for me as an everyday handbag. However, I can imagine it’d excel as a beach tote or gym bag. It’s got a modern sense of style and it’s so durable I imagine it’ll do whatever job you give it for years to come.
Disclaimer: This handbag was sent to BagBunch.com by YakPak to be impartially reviewed. The author of this post kept the bag.
More Features of This Yak Pak Recycled Tote
- Dual handles
- Measures 11.25 x 11.25 x 15 inches
