Yes, you can view our add on menu on the main campaign page! As the campaign progresses and something catches your eye outside of your current pledge level, you can increase your pledge to include the new item!

For example, if you want to add a Desa Sling to your existing pledge- all you have to do is go in and increase your pledge amount by $93. When the campaign ends (in October) you will receive a link to our backerkit survey. The increased amount on your pledge then turns into a $93 ‘credit’ to add on the sling to your final order.

While filling out the survey, you will also have the option to add on any additional item you’d like, including a few items from our existing product catalogue and pay the difference at that time. Please note that all add-on products will be shipped with the original rewards.

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

Ethnotek is a Social Enterprise run by husband and wife team, Jake and Cori Orak who are both Minnesotans.

The mission of Ethnotek is to enact cultural preservation by driving demand and creating jobs for traditional handmade textiles in partnering artisan villages in Ghana, Guatemala, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. These two elements are achieved through the sale of Ethnotek’s laptop and travel bags (and now Camera Bags!!) which integrate the handmade artisan fabrics in its designs. Each bag is intentionally designed so the artisan fabrics are a functional and integral part of the product.

With the increase of product sales, the amount of fabric orders placed to partnering artisan villages grows. This increased demand provides a steady stream of income for the artisans that in turn, helps preserve the craft and cultural identity that is woven into each of their handmade masterpieces.

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:19

During the first 5 years, we spent our time designing on our own in an apartment in Vietnam. It became very lonely and we needed some inspiration and encouragement from awesome people to grow, expand our collection and branch out into new channels with our bags. Which is why we launched the Premji campaign 2 years ago right here on Kickstarter! This was a bag we designed with backer feedback, we were testing out a new material (recycled PET) and we were trying our luck on pivoting the business online so we would have a bigger connection with each individual backer and future ETK Tribe member!

This time around we are entering a brand new channel that we are stepping into! It’s exciting, it’s scary and we need the feedback and support from the Kickstarter community to know if it’s the right move for us here at Ethnotek!

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

At Ethnotek, we chose to partner with artisan communities that already have a weaving program established, most are generations old, that could use our support and already have a community leader that we could get behind to form a partnership. This ensures on the ground know-how and a deep history worth protecting. The most common situation facing all artisan communities that we’ve contacted, is a loss of demand for their textiles due to long lead times and high price. This means jobs for traditional handmade textiles are disappearing and so too is the cultural identity that is so closely rooted to this art form.

After selecting a new artisan community to partner with, rigorous research is done to learn the needs of the artisans, the history of the textiles techniques they use and the correct locations of handmade rather than machine made variations of these textiles. The next step is to make a connection to the actual weaving community, not resellers at local markets and shops.

Through the discussions with artisans, we learn that in all cases, they aren’t interested in charity of any kind. They simply state that they want to sell their textiles to a wider global audience. Which pairs up beautifully with Ethnotek’s mission to bring that audience to the villages. Ethnotek then builds a relationship either directly with the master weaver, or with a local facilitator who is well educated in shipping and logistics to begin the professional partnership. Ethnotek places fabric purchase orders directly to the artisans, who in turn organize and employ the number of artisans needed to hand make the quantities ordered. By increasing fabric orders, artisans are able to restore their traditional craft through stable jobs. “Trade, not aid”!

We like to use the case study of our artisan community in India (our first in-person sourcing location): What started in 2011 with one family weaving Ethnotek fabrics 3 months of out the year, grew to twelve families across five villages weaving 8-10 months a year by 2014. Thanks to the new distribution & supply chain model we put in place, that has now grown to year-round employment, woohoo! And during our last sourcing trip to India in 2017, we had the pleasure of seeing the weaving training center our head artisan, Shamji has built, that was primarily funded by Ethnotek orders. This means the ancient craft of Vankar pit-loom and extra weft weaving can continue to be passed down from generation to generation… Now that’s proof of concept!

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

A majority of our artisans make their textiles in large sheets, we then cut multiple smaller panels out of these large sheets for each individual bag. This results in each individual bag being entirely unique, looking slightly different than the photos provided. The difference is usually very subtle, and most people don’t even notice!

For instance: With the Guatemala 1 style… The red and yellow stripes are slightly higher or lower on each bag than what’s shown in the images above, making each bag one of a kind. Everything else is identical. Our Vietnam textiles, however, come from up-cycled Hmong skirts, where each woman has hand embroidered her own design and colorway into each bag. This results in slightly different colors (more red, or more orange) and slightly different patterns.

We see these as “signatures of handmade”, which are to be celebrated! You can learn more about it with a short video and explanation here: http://bit.ly/Textile_Variations

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

We will have updates throughout the campaign focusing on a deep dive into each of these areas however you can read more about each of them in the meantime!

Learn more about our partnering artisan communities: http://bit.ly/ETK_Artisans

Learn more about our amazing production team in Vietnam: http://bit.ly/VN_Production

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

We have a universal shipping fee associated with each of our reward levels. If you choose any add on items, they have a discounted additional shipping amount added.

For example:

Shipping for Reward Items: Kota Strap = $9 Desa Sling = $12 Raja Photo Pack = $15 (this reward includes the waist belt)

Shipping for Add On Items Kota Strap = $6 Raja Thread = $6 Desa Sling = $9 Raja Photo Pack = $12 (this add on doesn’t include the waist belt)

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

The short answer is no, but that’s a positive thing! Our partnering artisans make their textiles in large sheets. We cut multiple smaller panels out of these large sheets for each individual bag, meaning no two bags are exactly the same! There are also slight variations in colors, motifs and placement of the details. This is something we actively choose not to control… Our partnering artisans create whatever they want to create and we see that variation, difference and uniqueness as something special and worth elevating. In short, it means no one else in the world will have the same bag as you!

You can learn more about it the variations here: http://bit.ly/Textile_Variations

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

That’s an excellent question and best explained by sharing the entire cycle from start to finish! Though we worked really hard with our development and production team and taking into account our experience both with online sales and our previous Kickstarter campaign, these dates are approximate and we’ll keep you posted every step of the way!

• August 29th to October 12th - The campaign is live!
• Once the campaign finishes, Kickstarter takes approximately 2 weeks to process the backers information
• October 26th - November 9th - Backerkit Surveys are sent out and backers have 2 weeks to choose which styles they want of their rewards and add on any extra gear they might want!
• The results of these surveys provide us with the amounts of material needed to produce the bags, this includes the artisan fabric from all 5 countries!
• Starting the 10th of November we send out our orders to get our partnering artisans and they get started with weaving, embroidery and batik- The timeline of each technique slightly varies from artisan to artisan.
• Starting around February 11th, the artisans will pack up all those beautiful textiles and ship them to the workshop in Vietnam, which usually takes approx. 30 days.
• Production on the ETK Optiks collection starts as soon as the textiles arrive at the workshop in Vietnam and take approximately 6 weeks to complete (This depends on the volume of bags that are being made)
• Quality control, packaging and labeling takes about a week which would put us around May 3rd!
• Finished products are then shipped off to our fulfillment centers (These still aren’t solidified yet) Asia Pacific - 10 days Europe - 40 days USA - 50 days
• Starting July 12th once all three warehouses are ready to rock and roll, the shipments for backers begin!

Since these days are approximations and we’ve already worked with our artisans and our workshop for over 7 years we may be able to ship out our rewards early- though we know from experience (And any backers who supported our Premji Pack campaign can attest to) we can’t always prepare for everything and we’d rather have a realistic delivery goal than keep you all waiting on pins and needles!

We will be fully transparent in each and every step of the way and keep you updated with every exciting step of the journey in this shared adventure!

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

The Raja Pack is purpose built for the daily commute, a weekend camping trip, and the occasional cross-continental journey of self-discovery. It’s built from 840-denier water resistant ballistic nylon and has side zip pockets lined with handwoven fabric from our partnering artisans in the Cham village of Vietnam. The Raja Pack is laptop compatible and fits 13” + 15” MacBook Pro & most 15” PC Laptops. The giant roll top main compartment gives maximum access and is lined with water resistant ripstop nylon for an extra layer of protection from the elements.

Raja is our most popular bag globally and it is now upgraded for photographers. Securely hidden behind the Thread is a zip compartment that opens up to the main camera gear storage area. The customizable padded inserts allow you to configure the gear storage compartment to an arrangement that best fits your specific gear. The main compartment can accommodate two camera bodies, a drone, multiple lenses, batteries, a microphone, cables, memory cards, camera straps and more. The right side of the bag zips open for quick access to this camera compartment for capturing quick shots while on the move. The Thread comes with two buckled straps for attaching a tripod in the center of the bag and has a sneaky zip pocket hidden behind the top strap to secure smaller accessories like a phone or wallet. Name: ‘Raja’ means ‘king’ in Hindi

Features: - Water resistant 840-denier ballistic nylon main bag fabric. - Comes with interchangeable Thread™ front panel with tripod attachment points. - Right-side exterior zip pocket allows access to main camera gear compartment. - Easy access pockets for passports, plane tickets, and cafe punch cards. - Left-side pocket is quilted and fuzzy tricot lined to keep gadgets safe from scratches. - Left-side stretch-mesh accommodates 27 oz water bottles. - Compression snap buckles attach the interchangeable Thread™ panel and tall items such as yoga mat, tent poles, tripod or a skateboard to the side of the bag vertically. - Laptop compartment zips open to fit 13-15” MacBook Pro and most 15” PC laptops. - The main interior compartment can accommodate two camera bodies, a drone, multiple lenses, batteries, a microphone, cables, memory cards, camera straps and more. - Interior vinyl-mesh zip pocket scaled to protect batteries, memory cards & lens cloths. - Padded shoulder straps and back panel keeps you comfortable while air-mesh keeps the wind at your back. - Slide adjusting sternum strap keeps pack stable under heavy loads. - Giant waterproof roll-top with super-secure 38mm snap-buckle access to main compartment. - YKK® zippers

Main Pack: 12.2” x 19.7” x 6.3” (31cm x 50cm x 16cm) Laptop slip pocket: 13-15” MacBook Pro & Most 15” PC laptops Weight: : 3.0lbs (1.36kg) Volume: 30 liters

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

The Desa Sling Pouch is scaled to fit most DSLR and mirrorless camera bodies with a little extra room on either side of its internal padded camera dividers for an additional lens, microphone, battery charger or strap. The internal vinyl-mesh zip pocket secures and protects batteries, memory cards & lens cloths. The exterior of the bag has two slip pockets for lens caps, a phone or sunglasses and a padded top handle for easily moving the bag around. The shoulder strap can be completely removed and stored in the back panel slip pocket when converting the bag into a pouch to slide into your favorite bag or backpack. Another cool feature worth mentioning is that the Raja waist belt can pass through the back panel of the Desa, converting it into a waist bag, which is nice for those who don’t want any weight on their shoulders.

Name: ‘Desa’ means ‘village’ in Bahasa Indonesian.

Features: - Water resistant 840-denier ballistic nylon main bag fabric - Honeycomb ripstop lining - Artisan Fabric front panel - Brushed nylon tricot interior with 2x padded adjustable dividers - Padded dividers have a built-in zip pocket for lens cloth or memory cards - Air-mesh back panel for coziness on the body - Dual-adjusting nylon seat belt shoulder strap - Discrete back external slip pocket for passport or wallet - Raja Waist Belt compatible - YKK® zippers

Dimensions: 10” 6.8” x 4.8” (25cm x 17cm x 12cm) Weight: 1.0lb (0.45kg) Volume: 5 liters Material Composition: 90% nylon 10% cotton

Other Ethnotek Bag Compatibility: 1. Raja Full Photo Pack 2. Classic Raja 30 Liter Pack 3. Raja Waist Belt

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

The Kota camera strap has a cozy neoprene underside and outer edges for comfort while carrying, has an artisan fabric topside and is adjustable. Also on the underside of the shoulder pad is a hidden stretch-mesh memory card pocket, which is handy when you need to quickly change cards while shooting. Another cool feature is that the Kota strap is removable and can be used on multiple camera bodies thanks to the detachable anchor-point system. The super durable Hypalon anchor points attach to camera bodies in a non-bulky way and the quickly connects by high-quality and discrete anodized aluminum snap hooks.

Name: ‘Kota’ means ‘town or city’ in Bahasa Indonesian.

Features: - Comfortable neoprene edges and underside - Artisan fabric topside - Hidden stretch-mesh memory card pocket - Height adjusting nylon webbing straps - Super strong Hypalon anchor points - Aluminum buckles

Dimensions: 48” 2.2” x 0.6” (120cm x 5.5cm x 1.5cm) Weight: 0.3lb (0.14kg)

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

Features: - Compression straps on front with side-release buckles for tripod, yoga mat, skateboard, climbing rope, and other tall/long objects. - Zipper pocket behind top strap for phone, wallet or sunglasses. - Water resistant 840 denier ballistic nylon binding - Compression straps and snap buckles attach the Thread to the main bag. - 210 denier water resistant nylon lining - YKK® zippers

Fits: 1. Raja Full Photo Pack 2. Classic Raja 30 Liter Pack

Dimensions: 10” 24.6” x 0.4” (25cm x 61.5cm x 1cm) Weight: 0.44lb (0.2kg)

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

After the campaign is complete (in early October) we will be sending out a survey through Backerkit. In this survey you will be able to choose the style Raja Full Photo, Desa Sling and/or Camera Strap style you like, along with additional items from our add-on menu and manage your shipping address.

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

We have a small factory in Vietnam, that’s owned by a man who started his own business at the same time that Jake started Ethnotek! In a way, they were able to support each other and they grew from the ground up together!

Jake and Cori Orak spent the last 8 years living and working in Vietnam closely with both our friends in the factory and the artisans throughout the country.

You can learn more about the awesome production team here: http://bit.ly/VN_Production

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29

As all of you awesome backers know, Kickstarter is a unique platform where you (the backer) play a role in creating a product that is yet to exist! When you make a pledge for our project, you are donating to our mission and are being “rewarded” with ETK Optiks gear!! :) The funds raised through Kickstarter make it possible for us to further product development, connect with our Tribe deeper and ultimately to grow the amount of artisans villages we are able to partner with. Therefore we do not have a return policy, on reward items received through Kickstarter Campaigns.

Last updated: August 29, 2018 11:29