NOMAD x Fraenck: upcycling old gear into new designs

What do you do with a sleeping bag that's ready to be retired? Do you throw it away, or give it a second life? As an outdoor brand, we feel it’s our responsibility not just to produce sustainably, but also to consider what happens to our products once they’ve reached the end of their journey. That’s why we’ve partnered with Fraenck, a Dutch brand that transforms old materials into design products with a story.

What is upcycling?

Upcycling means reusing materials without breaking them down, giving them a new life with renewed value. A sleeping bag might become a backpack, or an old banner could be turned into a stylish tote. Fraenck specializes in this process, operating out of their own social workshop in Arnhem.

"You have to learn to view leftover materials as an opportunity. Design based on what’s available, not what you want. That limitation is actually our strength."
Ratna Ho, designer and co-founder of Fraenck

Old sleeping bag, new purpose

For our collaboration, Fraenck reimagined the iconic Blazer sleeping bag. A nod to one of NOMAD’s most recognizable products, in the collection since 1978. At their studio in Arnhem, these sleeping bags have been transformed into four designs: a backpack, a shopper, a toiletry bag, and a bottle holder. Even the drawstrings and stuff sacks were repurposed.

No two items are the same. Subtle color differences in the fabric and varying parts of the sleeping bag make each piece one-of-a-kind. They're handmade, and a storytelling label on every item tells you exactly who made your bag, though the entire Fraenck team works closely together on every creation.

Social and sustainable impact

Fraenck’s impact goes beyond sustainability, they’re a social enterprise too. Their studio offers people distanced from the job market a chance to gain work experience in a safe, supportive environment. For many, it’s a stepping stone to long-term employment. Together, Fraenck and NOMAD have created the first upcycled NOMAD x Fraenck collection using 30 sleeping bags that were otherwise destined for landfill. These bags have now been reborn as durable new items, ready for many more years of adventure.

By choosing an upcycled NOMAD x Fraenck item, you’re not only supporting circular design, you’re giving both people and materials a second chance. You’re also helping build support for initiatives like this one, making it possible to rescue even more materials from landfill. And it's catching on: other brands like Zeeman, NS, and Bever have already teamed up with Fraenck for similar projects.

Curious? The limited-edition collection will be available on nomad.nl starting July.

Mohammad working on a design

Try upcycling at home

Day-to-day sustainable practices, such as separating waste and avoiding single-use plastics, are becoming standard. Upcycling takes it one step further. And the best part? You can do it yourself with a little creativity. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Glass jars can become storage containers, vases, or drinking glasses
• Old curtains or bed sheets make great reusable tote bags or gift wrap
• Stale bread? Turn it into croutons or breadcrumbs
• Vegetable peels? Use them for soup stock or broth
• Worn-out outdoor gear? Many outdoor stores, like Bever in the Netherlands, offer collection points for used gear that gets refurbished or upcycled into something new.

About Fraenck

Fraenck is where design, upcycling, and social enterprise come together. While sustainability in design is now a growing trend, Fraenck was one of the pioneers back in 2016. Upcycling runs in the blood of co-founder and designer Ratna, who was already making clothes and toys out of old fabric as a child. That spirit never faded. Today, Fraenck is a full-fledged social workshop with its own store and a product line of bags and accessories, entirely made from repurposed materials. They also partner with organizations that want to give their leftover materials a second life, including Zeeman, NS, and Bever.