How the bag world has changed in the last 15 years (w/ Co-Founder of Tortuga Backpacks)

00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Meet Fred Perrotta, Co-Founder of Tortuga
2:01 - Tortuga in 2010 
5:32 - The Rise of Backpacks on Kickstarter
9:01 - The First Tortuga Prototype
10:28 - Why Tortuga Moved Manufacturing to Vietnam
11:10 - Backpacks Made in China vs. Backpacks made in Vietnam
17:01 - How Backpack Fabrics Have Evolved Over 15 Years
22:23 - Being innovative vs risks 
26:03 - Why Tortuga Only Focuses on Travel Bags
39:06 - How Airline Restrictions Are Changing Bag Designs
40:30 - The Water Bottle Pocket Controversy
43:08 - The Emotional Connection to Travel Bags
48:04 - The Role of YouTube Reviews in the Backpack Industry
51:59 - Is It Harder to Run a Bag Brand in 2024?

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🎙️ Welcome to Episode 15 of the Nomads Nation Podcast!

In this episode, I chat with Fred Perrotta, co-founder of Tortuga, about everything from travel bags to making backpacks to how the industry is changing. We get into how Kickstarter helped launch backpack brands, why people get so attached to their bags, and yes—the great water bottle pocket debate (it’s a real thing, trust me).

Fred also shares why Tortuga only focuses on travel bags instead of everyday carry, why they moved manufacturing to Vietnam, how airline rules shape bag designs, and whether running a backpack brand in 2025 is tougher than ever.

If you’re a bag nerd, travel junkie, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is for you! 🚀