Pearl Izumi partners with Looptworks to turn jacket scraps from the cutting room floor into upcycled bike bags.
If no one told me Pearl Izumi’s new collection of five cycling-specific bags was made from fabric scraps, I don’t think I would know it. Materials that make sense for the functions they’re supposed to perform in a tight suite of complementary colors define the tidy array. Why reinvent the wheel when you can just make it again out of the pieces left over from making it the first time? (Or something like that.)
The Looptworks x Pearl Izumi collab turns the not-so-old into brand new, saving some energy at the same time. Looptworks focuses specifically on upcycling, which it says reduces carbon emissions and even conserves water by “using what already exists.”
Pearl Izumi said the Certified B Corporation aligns with its “core values,” such as to “continually strive to go that extra step” to limit the environmental impact — a requisite in product development.
“We were excited when Pearl Izumi reached out to us to collaborate on reuse for their high-quality excess jacket materials,” said Ron Hawk, Director of Partnerships for Looptworks. “This collaboration exemplifies the shared values between Looptworks and Pearl Izumi of diverting excess textiles from landfills.”
The result: five bags for everyday riders, commuters, and bikepackers alike.
Pearl Izumi x Looptworks Upcycled Bike Bags Collection
The Upcycle Ride Wallet ($30 MSRP) fits everyday carry items like a smartphone, credit card, and keys. You can also use it to pack a flat kit, with space for a tube, CO2 canisters, and tire levers. At 7” x 3.5” x 1.5”, it should stuff in a jersey pocket.
The Upcycle Seat Bag ($35 MSRP) Velcros under the saddle and behind the seatpost, and can hold a tube, CO2, tire levers, and emergency cash. It should stay well out of your way while you’re pedaling — dimensions are 5.5” x 3” x 2.5”.
You can either strap the Upcycle Handlebar Bag ($60 MSRP) to your bars or take it off and wear it as a hip pack. The bag’s webbing belt is adjustable and removable. Front and top zip pockets, an adjustable and removable webbing belt, and side mesh pockets on each side. Stitched and mesh pockets help you stay organized inside.
Similar to the handlebar bag, the Upcycle Hip Pack ($45 MSRP) can fit a flat kit, smartphone, wind jacket, and snacks. It gets an adjustable waist belt but no attachment for the handlebars. Two exterior zip closures, divided pockets inside, and a quick-release buckle fit it out. Dimensions: 9.5” x 5.5” x 2.5”.
Finally, the Upcycle Duffel ($65 MSRP) rounds out the collection. The catch-all rig can carry shoes, knee pads, gloves, and a change of clothes. A few zipper pockets inside and out help keep it all straight. Dimensions: 32” x 15” x 13”.
The collection is available both through Looptworks and on Pearl Izumi’s website. But stock will go fast — only 350 units of each bag are available.
