FAQs

Stormproof in the context of backpacks refers to the ability to withstand heavy rain. Our bags are designed with durable, water-resistant materials and we use the highest quality YKK AquaGuard® zips to ensure your belongings stay dry and protected even in stormy weather. To ensure your bag is fully stormproof, please make sure all the zips are closed completely and secure.

There are various levels to a bag being waterproof, from stormproof which provides resistance to water, to IPX7 which enables a bag to be completely submersible. For a bag to be 100% waterproof, the bag will need to be constructed with a welding method and use either 100% waterproof zips or the role top function. Currently all our products in the RIKR Range are stormproof. This year we will be launching a brand new range, the UNDA, consisting of IPX7 waterproof dry bags. Sign up to our community to be the first to know when they have launched.

Our backpacks feature water-resistant materials and YKK storm-proof AquaGuard® zips creating a stormproof environment for our belongings. You always need to make sure that you fasten the zip properly to avoid rain leaks. For added protection in extreme weather, consider using a waterproof laptop sleeve within the backpack.

Our backpacks are designed to accommodate a range of laptop sizes. Specific models, such as the 38L Hybrid Duffle Pack, the 23L Ultimate Backpack and the 17L Technical Tote, fit laptops up to 16 inches in size, providing secure and protective compartments. Check our product specifications for detailed information.

Absolutely! Recycled textiles can be incredibly strong. We use advanced recycling techniques to ensure our materials are not only eco-friendly but also resilient and durable for everyday use. The construction and weaves we choose ensures the highest level of durability and strength. Our main body textiles are constructed with a ballistic weave, meaning the yarn is twisted as it is weaved, giving an extra layer of strength.

All GROUNDTRUTH products are 100% vegan, we do not use any type of animal products in our materials.

The durability of travel bags depends on the quality of materials and construction. Our bags are made with high-grade recycled materials, reinforced stitching, and robust YKK AquaGuard® zippers, making them long-lasting and designed for frequent travel. The construction of every bag is made by highly qualified craftspeople and every production undergoes a rigorous quality control procedure. Furthermore we field test our bags in extreme conditions, to ensure durability.

GROUNDTRUTH bags are manufactured in a Bluesign certified facility just outside the city of Jakarta, who are committed to sustainable and ethical practices. Our core pillars are People, Planet and Performance and we spent over 4 years carefully building our ecosystem of partners that make our bespoke supply chain. We carefully select our production locations based on strict criteria for environmental responsibility and workers' rights; ensuring a high standard of quality and ethics in the creation of our products.

We design our products to last, and this is why we offer a comprehensive 10 year warranty on all our products.

This warranty covers any manufacturing defects, ensuring our customers receive the best quality and service. If we determine the issue is covered, we will repair it and send it back to you free of charge. If the product is damaged beyond repair, we will replace it for you.

For more details, please visit our warranty policy page.

At GROUNDTRUTH, the protection of our workers is a core value. We ensure that all our workers, from manufacturing to management, receive fair wages and work in safe, respectful conditions. Our commitment to fair labour practices extends throughout our supply chain and full details can be found in our Supplier Code of Conduct. The GROUNDTRUTH design team spend a lot of time working in Jakarta at our partner manufacturers, proudly calling it a home away from home. We have spent time at workers houses and have made short films on the lives of our workers.

An ethical company prioritises social and environmental responsibility, practices fair labour, uses sustainable materials, and engages in community and environmental initiatives.

An ethical fashion brand demonstrates transparency in its supply chain, fair labour practices, sustainable materials usage, and actively works on reducing its environmental impact.

An eco-friendly backpack is made from sustainable, recycled, or biodegradable materials. It's produced with minimal environmental impact and is often durable and recyclable.

Canvas backpacks can be eco-friendly, especially when made from organic or recycled canvas. They offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.

Over the last years we have developed, with our partners Oco, a formula where we combine captured CO2 emissions within recycled polypropylene; one of the most abundant types of microplastics found in our oceans. Using our patent-pending captured CO2 x recycled polypropylene formula we have created a one-of-a-kind range of hardware; GT-OCO-CO2®. The hardware design is a feature on all our bags and acts as a carbon sink sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. We've started with a zip puller and are now expanding into a full range of bespoke hardware used throughout our collections.

Carbon neutral means that any CO2 released into the atmosphere from a company's activities is balanced by an equivalent amount being offset. A company is carbon neutral when it reduces its carbon emissions to net-zero, this can be done through carbon offsetting practices like investing in renewable energy, reforestation, and carbon capture technologies. We have partnered with WildLife Works to offset our entire carbon footprint. And our new patent-pending captured CO2 innovations demonstrates the direct utilization of CO2 emissions within end products.

Plastics like PET bottles, HDPE, and LDPE can be recycled into textiles. We primarily use rPET in our products, contributing to reduced plastic waste and positive environmental impact.

While recycled nylon and polyester are the most widely used recycled materials in fabrics, you can also find customer goods made from natural recycled materials such as recycled cotton and recycled wool. At GROUNDTRUTH we use a variation of recycled materials including, rPET (plastic bottles), discarded fishing nets, and recycled polypropylene for our bespoke hardware.

Our textile partners only work with GRS (Global Recycle Standard) yarn where the origins of the recycled plastic can be traced to ensure authenticity. The rPMT is sourced from three main locations: landfill, waterways and the ocean. We also use discarded fishing nets collected from the oceans. Once collected, the bottles (rPET) and nets are then giving to recycling plants who make them into yarn, where the recycled fiber is made by breaking down the used materials, which is then formed into small uniformed pellets, melted and spun into fibers. Our textile partners then use this yarn in their fabric mills and weave it into the material. This process reduces waste and conserves resources, aligning with our sustainability mission.

With our 38L Hybrid Duffle backpack you don't have to choose, you have the luxury of having both a Duffle system and a Backpack carry, in one stylish bag. 38 Litres is the perfect volume for an every day bag or a long weekend away.

The only disadvantage of using the Duffle mode would be comfort when carrying a full load, as you are only carrying the weight on one shoulder rather than using the backpack harness, which spreads the weight evenly.

The difference between a Duffle and a Backpack really depends on the type of travel you are doing. If you're going on a relatively short trip, a backpack is usually the most comfortable option. But, if you're going on an extended trip or plan to bring a lot of stuff, a Duffel bag might be a better choice since it's bigger and more spacious. Our 38L Hybrid Duffle Backpack can be used for either options as its two bags in one.

When travelling its best to use our 38L Duffle Backpack in backpack mode rather than duffle mode, if you're going to move around a lot on your trip - whether that's between hotels, or you plan to do a lot of traveling by bus and train. If you're traveling with a vehicle we recomment using the duffle mode for a quick and easy over the shoulder carry. You can complement your travel gear with a smaller backpack added to your front or a sling bag, for easy access to your essentials.

The 38L Hybrid Duffle Backpack is perfect for every day use, it is big enough to carry all your essentials but not so big that its cumbersome. The backpack stabilisers and sternum strap allows you to adjust the weight evenly across your body for maximum comfort when commuting or traveling. The exterior fleece lined laptop compartment allows quick access to your tech, with maximum padded security.

Our 38L Hybrid Duffle Backpack gives you the versatility of a weekend duffle bag with dual backpack functionality. You can switch from an over the shoulder duffel gym or travelling bag to laptop backpack mode with ease. At 38 litres, The Duffle Backpack has room for your laptop and camera or tech equipment plus gym kit, or up to a week of clothes.

The 23L Ultimate Backpack is a new version of the 24L Original Backpack with some changes like weight, white interior, shoulder strap, and Laptop compartment location. It is also available in two colors, black and our unique Ice Sheet.

The new 23L Ultimate Backpack does not have a detachable waist strap and does not include the secret pocket, it weighs 1.5 kg, while the 24L Original Backpack is around 2.2KG with the waist belt.