questions and answers
What is the difference between the Raja L-30 and the Raja Lite Ecopack L-30?
The Raja L-30 is also available as the Raja Lite Ecopack L-30. This variant of the Raja family is a minimized version of the Raja L-30 with fewer functions. For example, the chest strap, the elaborate back padding with the external laptop compartment, the elaborately padded carrier system and the lining of the pockets and handles were omitted. With these changes, we were able to save many work steps and reduce the price by around 50%. This makes the Raja Lite Ecopack lighter for your back, lighter for the environment and also lighter for your wallet. If you often want to load your backpack heavily (+ 10kg) and cycle with the backpack every day, we recommend the Raja L-30. The large back padding and the ergonomic carrier system with the chest strap distribute the load optimally.
Why don’t you take part in sales or special offers like Black Friday?
In the summer of 2022, we received a large Ethnotek range with a considerable delay. These wonderful products are offered in offers and promotions. Your chance to get good deals is called We made too much Deals or The Final Few for models that are no longer being sold.
Version until 10/2022:
We respect the family life and the capacities of the artisans. This means that our production capacities are not increased for promotional days or we produce for a warehouse. Together with our partners from the specialist retail trade, we forecast demand and only then order the fabrics from the artisans. With this clever planning, we avoid overcapacity and use our resources efficiently. The timeless and traditional designs of the artisans are not subject to the seasonal cycles of the fashion industry.
How many new colours are added to the range each season?
The aim is to bring as many artisans as possible into our cycle and to create a permanent global demand for local handicrafts. But the truth is that it takes many visits and material samples to find new artisans whose work meets our quality criteria. We pay the artisans in advance, so an income is guaranteed while they work - and not only after the materials have been delivered. We therefore have to be sure that the agreed quantity and quality of the materials will be ready by the agreed time. This has not always been successful in the past. Therefore, we can give no other answer than: as many as possible!
Why do some products always sell out so quickly?
Although we put a lot of energy into optimizing our demand forecast, demand is often greater than supply. The long production times for handmade fabrics mean that we cannot quickly re-produce sold-out products, but have to wait for the next production cycle.
Why can the colors or cut of a bag be slightly different than the picture in the webshop?
The fabric panels are made and cut differently by hand. This process creates a certain variation, but also exclusivity of the products. Ethnotek bags are not industrial products. Each bag is unique - as unique as the person who wears it.
Are the backpacks and bags waterproof?
Ethnotek bags and backpacks are highly water-repellent. With the rain cover they become waterproof against rain and snow.
What do I do if my bag is defective?
Please contact us and let us check whether the warranty applies. We can usually repair the damage and you can start traveling again soon.
Who is Jake Orak?
Jake is the founder and mastermind behind Ethnotek. Jake studied industrial design in the USA and then worked as an equipment and bag designer for market-leading companies in Europe and Vietnam.
On a lonely motorbike trip through the mountains of Vietnam, he first came up with the idea of working with traditional and handmade textiles in order to help preserve the culture of traditional textile production. Using the first fabrics from the Red Hmong from northern Vietnam and with the help of a friend (Mr. Ai), the first backpacks and bags from the Ethnotek company were created in 2011.
Jake is a socially committed and passionate traveler who is very interested in other countries and cultures. At the same time, he is a professional product designer who has a wealth of experience in bag design. Ethnotek embodies exactly this combination.
Who is Gustavo Trading?
The trading company Gustavo Trading imports Ethnotek products and fully shares Ethnotek's social-entrepreneurial values. As an official partner of the Ethnotek brand, Gustavo Trading is available for all customer inquiries by email and telephone.