red flag design was founded in 2004 by barnaby killam and stuart sproule, two vancouver designers joined by a desire to create functional products that emphasize process, quality, and craftsmanship. beginning from their original studio, an 800 square-foot shoebox with a view of the mountains, they fell into possession of some discarded materials that were bound for the landfill. included among them was a quantity of old sails. these became the source fabric for their first collection of totes and travel bags. since then, red flag design has expanded to include three full product ranges retaining their founding principle of manufacturing all RFD goods in-house.

repurposing materials is an important aspect of the red flag design approach to product design, but their philosophy has more to do with authenticity and history than sustainability. to us, fabrics that have previously lived a useful life have a story and character that cannot be replicated in new materials. this unique life of each material is the starting point for the designs. they’re interested in redefining the boundaries of high-end sewn goods, challenging consumers to reconsider what “recycled” means. they pride themselves on making the best recycled sailcloth products in the world. the product cycle plays an important role in the RFD philosophy. using obsolete or discarded materials, they are diverted from the landfill by repurposing them as new objects that end up in the hands of the original producer.

crafted from industrial materials, the heavy duty (hd) mark II collection is built to endure the toughest elements. rugged, resilient, and made to last, the line’s hallmark is long-term durability with a sleek and functional look. materials used in the hd mark II line are acquired from industrial sources or are salvaged locally. the main textile used in the collection is waterproof hypalon, a rubber-coated industrial fabric that’s scuff and chemical resistant. available only in black.

• the hd_mark II original tote gives the iconic red flag tote design the hd treatment. perfect for daily life on the go, this unisex bag’s oversized main compartment is complemented by an inside zippered pocket for your valuables. made from super-resistanthypalon fabric, with hand-tied, sinnet rope handles that sling comfortably over your shoulder.
• made from waterproof rip-stop nylon and protected by a waterproof zipper, the hd dopp kit is the ultimate, spill-protected travel case for your bathroom essentials. the kit, with its gusseted design, expands to carry all of your grooming basics and flat folds so it’s only as big as it needs to be.

the same qualities that make a sail effective on the water — strength, lightness, durability — make it a great source material for functional, long-lasting bags. the alternate use material (aum) sc collection repurposes sailcloth into unique, handcrafted carry goods. authentic red flag recycled sailcloth products are identified by the rfd ‘wavemark’ label. handmade in small batches using limited materials, the pieces range in specific fabric types, colours, stitching and style while retaining traces of their nautical heritage. and since no two sails’ journeys are the same, each product has its own story to tell, as both a chronicle of voyages past and an accessory to future adventures.

• the flagship design, a unisex classic, the sc original tote is an oversized day bag that fits all of your daily essentials and then some. made from authentic recycled sailcloth, with hand-tied sinnet handles, the original tote slings comfortably over your shoulder for easy carrying, no matter how heavy the load.
• the lightweight sc single strap tote is a practical daily carrier for running errands around town. made from recycled sailcloth, this bag has a single sinnet handle which keeps its top closed while you carry it. a zippered interior pocket keeps your phone and wallet safe from the elements.

the alternate use material (aum) canvas collection is inspired by the rich, utilitarian history of vintage military fabrics. the primary source material is military tent canvas, a tough, durable fabric that has softened and become modeled over time. also incorporating other types of surplus military fabric into the line, along with reclaimed leather details. true to its military heritage, the aum canvas line is mainly classic olive in colour.

• the aum canvas shelter bag is a city girl’s best friend. it carries all of your daily essentials, which are kept safe with a drawstring closure and leather button clasp. exterior front pocket provides quick access to your phone and keys. strap changes from double to single, so you can carry it at two different heights.
• on a sailboat, hanks are used to secure the foresail to the rigging. the new hank keychain reincarnates the traditional sailing clip as a super-secure key carrier. made of cast bronze, with brass name tag, laser cut hypalon key and black enamel split ring. eachhank is hand cleaned and buffed, keeping the original patina intact.