Our mission is to create sustainable products that feel authentic, inspire adventure, and support our planet and its people.
Driven by a love for design, sustainability, and exploration, we work alongside skilled artisans in Cambodia to craft bags made for life’s journey. We believe that exploring the world deepens our connection to it and reminds us why it’s worth protecting.
How it Began
Hi! I’m Nyla, the founder of TORRAIN. I’m a Detroit-born Syrian who left the Midwest for the West Coast... with a quick jaunt to the East Coast in between, for an education. After working in social and environmental justice, my lifelong love for making clothes led me to a career in design. I worked as an apparel and accessory designer in the surf skate snow industry and although it was creatively rewarding, I couldn't rest knowing that I was contributing to the waste, mass consumption and unethical practices in the fashion industry. I needed to make a positive impact.
In 2009, while traveling in Southeast Asia, I noticed the colorful feed, cement and rice bags that sprinkled the streets. My mind was buzzing. A few days later, I met an amazing craftswoman (who we still partner with), while at a night market in Cambodia. We discussed the opportunity to work together... I would design bags and local artisans would craft the agricultural materials into my designs. This was it - a way to design while keeping waste out of landfills and empowering artisan communities.
In the next couple years, I went back to Cambodia to meet the artisans and to develop and design. In 2011, TORRAIN was born. It brought everything together - my love for design and adventure, and my commitment to our planet and its people.
Sustainable Materials, Ethical Process
I had no idea how versatile agricultural bags were until I noticed them all over Southeast Asia and then... everywhere else! It hit me - these bags aren’t just colorful and fun, they’re also durable, lightweight, and water-resistant... perfect for upcycling into everyday adventure gear! And the best part? We’re keeping them out of landfills and giving them a whole new life. Even more, the interior liner is made from recycled plastic bottles, which is then printed with our signature patterns to make TORRAIN bags extra special.
Once we finalize our designs, we either ship the materials we've gathered to the artisan communities in Cambodia or collaborate with them to source the materials in Southeast Asia. The artisans then wash, cut, and sew the materials into each bag with great care. We travel to Cambodia every couple of years to check on quality, collaborate on new designs and to strengthen our relationships with the amazing artisans who make it all happen!
For Every Version of Your Life
The materials we work were built to be tough long before they became TORRAIN bags. They withstood heavy loads and harsh conditions and that durability translates to versatility. TORRAIN bags move easily from city commutes to weekend trips, from daily errands to outdoor adventures. Each bag keeps the strength of its past life while adapting to whatever your day demands.
The name is a combination of the word Terrain and the phrase, To Rain. When rain falls, the earth is fruitful. Just as in life, progress usually happens in light of a fall. TORRAIN symbolizes this rise and fall by recycling old hazardous materials into new, vibrant products.
A Global Effort
Since TORRAIN kicked off, we started spotting these bags everywhere around the globe. They’re used for everything: feed, cement, rice, malt, wheat, sugar, grass seed, flour - you name it! Over the years, we’ve sourced materials from South Africa, Morocco, the U.S. and Southeast Asia. And we’re just getting started.
The opportunities for sustainable design are endless. We look forward to expanding our product line, to sourcing more upcycled materials, and to finding new ways to make our products as sustainable as possible.
#BetterBagBetterPlanet
Make sustainable choices. Support communities. Keep adventure alive.
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