"Baker’s design approach is simple: Less is more and build to last."

"It’s amazing something as mundane as a bag can be completely redesigned and turned into a lifelong tool. Yet that’s exactly what product engineer Jonathan Baker did when he launched his company eqpd Gear in Twisp, Washington, five years ago."

"The DoubleWide is my new “Go-to” gear bag and I love it. eqpd tags this as a tote, something nice you can take to the store or the market, but we are branding it as a gear bag."

Also homed on the campus is “eqpd”, a design and manufacturing studio that creates stunning bags, wallets, planters and more.

"Finally, a reusable shopping and tote bag that’s sturdy enough and of high enough quality to truly be used over and over again. And The Last Bag looks nice enough to travel with me, too."

In an effort to eliminate single-use plastic bags, Eqpd (pronounced “equipped”) took it upon themselves to create the ultimate solution.

This virtually indestructible waterproof bag is made from the same rugged materials used in whitewater rafts, parachutes, and military backpacks.

The eqpd LastBag™ is the perfect solution — a breathable bag made of 100-percent recycled mesh in a basket-like weave. Small spaces let air in, filter odor out and drain away water.

The people at eqpd believe that one of the ways you make a truly eco-friendly product is to make a product that never needs to be thrown away or replaced.

We all have the ability to do great work. Find your interest and learn as much as you can about it. Study it on your own. Apprentice with a mentor. Practice... Ultimately, use your skills and passion to make the world a better place.

“I knew I had to make it here,” he said. “To export all that opportunity to an overseas factory would be missing out on one of the biggest benefits of a successful design – jobs. The government doesn’t encourage this, and the tax code doesn’t either, but it is the right thing to do if you believe in the pride of making things where you live and the profound effect that can have.”