Cool Upcycled Billboard Bags

Where travel, design and upcycling meet, you’ll find one-of-a-kind cool travel gear by RAREFORM.

The outdoor brand creates bags and accessories from upcycling billboards and “aim(s) to reduce waste in the world and sustain our playground – the mountains, rivers and oceans that all outdoor enthusiasts cherish.”

Made locally in California, the RAREFORM products range from surf bags, paddle bags, totes and backpacks to laptop and cell phone cases. These light, durable, waterproof designs are available in warm, cool, dark, light and mixed colors.

RAREFORM bags and accessories are sold in outdoor retailers including stores such as Patagonia and REI. The company has joined Patagonia in donating 1% of sales to support the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.

Classic Tote by RAREFORM. Photo credit: RAREFORM.

While on a six-month surfing trip through South America, RAREFORM founder Alec Avedissian came up with the billboards-to-bags idea after noticing locals in El Salvador using old billboards to protect their homes from wet weather and the effect of mildew.

In September 2012, Avedissian, who formerly worked in investment baking and renewable energy, launched Rareform to “reflect his passion for the environment and the outdoors.”

Weekender Duffle by RAREFORM. Photo credit: RAREFORM.

“The process itself starts when we intercept these billboards before they reach the landfill. We then wash, cut and sew each bag meticulously right here in California,” explains Avedissian.

“No two billboards are alike, no two products that we have coming out are like the one before it.”