Off globetrotting in the New Year?

Before you splash out on the all-important backpack, there’s a brand new option to consider… and it’s the work of a new Cork brand.

An avid traveller, Fiona Parfrey formulated the idea for SunDrift after becoming frustrated with the limited range of backpacks for women available on the market.

During a five month solo trip through the Philippines and Sri Lanka, she met other backpackers who shared the same problems.

“As I continued my travels through Nepal and Kenya and spoke to more female travellers, I realised I wasn’t alone.” says Fiona. “I got to work designing a backpack that would fit the female body comfortably, that was lightweight and durable, that would stand the test of time with high quality, and that (arguably most importantly) looked damn good.”

Now on sale at €170 for the roomy 55-litre size, SunDrift backpacks boast a built-in raincover, padded straps and a breathable back. Unlike other brands, these are custom designed for the female form.

They’re also made from recycled materials.

“Our backpacks had a previous life where they roamed the earth as soda bottles, water bottles and food jars, or in other words products derived from PET (polyethylene terephthalate).” says Fiona.

“To make our backpacks, these PET products are collected, sorted and recycled. They are then refined into flakes to create recycled PET that can be turned into products such as our backpacks! Using this kind of technology to recycle waste is a huge step forward to a greener, safer and cleaner planet.”

Available here in two colours, we can’t think of a cooler gift for the soon-to-be adventurer. Plus there’s 10% off on Black Friday, so nab one then to get the discount.