Image: Ignoble
It’s been a hot minute since I posted a Spotlight segment, but I thought today was as good of day as any to send a shout out to a new company I’m into.
I was contacted some time ago by one of the coolest people I’ve chatted with in a bit: Dean from Ignoble Bags, a Los Angeles, CA-based backpack purveyor. We talked product for a bit, then moved into subject matter normally reserved for friends I’ve known for years. Among topics discussed, from tequila to family dinner, we commiserated over the awesomeness that is moving, as I was in the midst of relocating to a new house in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood. Just in time, too, to help with the move, Dean sent the Lenore pack my way. It got put to good use as I stuffed odds and ends into it and now use it almost always, as it’s found a nice fit with my regular bags in the rotation.
When the dust from the much-ado settled, I got a chance to ask Dean a few questions. After reading the answers, I realized I need to meet his brother. See why. Interview as follows:
Name, Location:
Dean Hinds. Los Angeles, California.
Meaning behind the name, Ignoble:
A few things: It’s a reference to the language of noir cinema, which is one of our primary aesthetic influences; It’s an acknowledgement of the commonplace of backpacks in our culture, both in terms of their use and their manufacture; And, if you really start splitting hairs over the myriad of definitions of the word, it’s a bundle of irony in relationship to what we’re doing.
Your mission / Why you got into the bag game:
Black backpacks. The self-imposed color limitation keeps us strictly focused on bag shape and function. If we do it right, we’re making gear that is unique but still accessible, and that our audience can get excited about functionally, aesthetically, and production wise.
A few things you’re particularly proud of about the Ignoble bags:
It’s all in the customer feedback. I’ve had a few emails / phone calls where the person on the other end explains to me what IGNOBLE is doing, what the brand means, and why the product they picked up is worthwhile to them. It makes you feel connected. There’s no comparison in terms of defining the best possible outcome of our efforts.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working Ignoble?
Catching up on sleep and coming up with other ways to connect with people.
The best cocktail in the country can be found at__________
My brother’s place. Good tequila, fresh lime juice, a hint of agave syrup, ice. Dangerous. But very, very good.
When I need to get pumped up, I listen to_________________
Something loud and with a good hook.
To chill out, I throw ____________ on the speakers:
Something loud and with a good hook.
Favorite city in the USA:
Somewhere I haven’t been yet. Preferably somewhere with strong local culture and a place to get a good cup of coffee.
Favorite travel destination:
Somewhere I haven’t been yet. Preferably somewhere rainy, desolate, and mountainous.
Something we don’t know about you:
I used to play football in the NFL. Just kidding! I like tongue-in-cheek humor. And I laugh a lot. And I’m really, really good at over-thinking things. It all goes hand-in-hand for me, personality wise.
Anything else you want to add that you think Momentum readers would dig:
IGNOBLE is a tiny company. It means we’re directly connected to the things we make. If we’re doing something you’re interested in, drop me a line.
Want to know anything else? Ask Dean yourself in the comment section below. I am sure you’ll get an answer sooner vs. later. And check out these behind-the-scene shots the Ignoble crew snapped and sent my way especially for you.
A few more helpful links:
