(via prettybooks)
Jorrit and Nicky’s first adventure together started back in the early 90s when their paths crossed on the border of Ecuador and Peru. After the inevitable stages that life can bring - buying a property, getting married, starting a family and their careers…Nicky states, “We got swamped with stuff! The removal company claimed they’d never seen so much stuff in such a small house – ever! I don’t know how two backpackers let this happen?” In the late 90s - after relocating to the Lake District and inspired by a book by Australian author Steve Biddulph, and his recommendation that every man should take his 40th year off - Jorrit and Nicky rediscovered their passion for the great outdoors, and started a new business. They set up Millican - a collection of bags and travel accessories (made using organic cotton, recycled polyester and vegetable tanned leather), named after the eco-adventurer and godfather of sustainable living, Millican Dalton. An original eco-warrier from the early 1900s, Dalton moved from London to a cave in Borrowdale Valley, Cumbria and spent much of his life in the outdoors, and was completely self-sufficient - he even made his own organic clothing, tents and rucksacks. “We want to make gear that outlives us - to design stuff that people can pass down to their grandchildren.” From rucksacks to soft suitcases, shoulder bags to overnight bags, their range is classic and understated in its form, robust and enduring in its function. Millican Dalton’s life-story offered Jorrit and Nicky a wealth of inspiration for their modern day business, and he clearly felt true freedom when he was living simply out in nature. So what are you waiting for? Get out there. Go and live your own adventures…just remember to pack a Millican bag for the journey! Photography by Moy Williams. www.homeofmillican.com
