Life's A Trip

"Panama" Hats are Woven in Ecuador

2010-09-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

The fine straw hats known as "panamas" actually originate in the mountains and the coastal regions of Ecuador, where high altitudes and equatorial sun have made the creation of superior sun protection a practical necessity.

The panama is a masterpiece of craft and utilitarian design - finely woven and breathable, weighing only a few ounces, comfortably light and soft, rollable for packing. Apparel so pure and classic can easily be taken for granted. It is instructive to turn the hat upside down and to consider that it is kindred to the prized basketry of the other indigenous people of North and South America. The panama is a happy union of a long, proud tradition of fine weaving and the availability of a superb local material - a straw at once fine, flexible and strong, with a memory for shape.

Panama hats are made from the sustainably harvested young leaves of the panama hat palm, Carludovica palmata. Carludovica grows in the coastal rain forests near the city of Guayaquil, and the towns of Montecristi and Jipijapa, whose names on occasion also describe the straw or hats. As well as for hats, people of the region use the straw to thatch the roofs over their heads.

Fan shaped leaves adorn trees of about eight or ten feet. Because Carludovica is not a true palm, young leaves can be sustainably harvested without threatening the life of the tree. The leaves are boiled or "cooked" to remove sap and combed into thin straws. The more adept the cooking and the thinner the straw, the finer the woven hats will be. Weavers in the countryside around Montecristi carefully prepare very fine straw to make the fantastically fine, cream colored hats for which Montecristi is famous. Most of the straw is bundled and transported a few hours away to Azoguez Province, high in the Andes, the center of panama hat production, perhaps the world's largest cottage industry.

Cuenca, the capital of Azoguez, is a luminous and historical city stretching centuries back to the Spanish conquistadors and before that to the Incas. Panama hats have long been part of the indigenous costume of the area. Men wear generic European-American apparel, while women favor long braids, colorful full skirts and shawls or sweaters. Both men and women wear panama hats, usually blocked into a fedora shape and whitened with sulphur.

Weavers purchase straw at the local markets, carefully selecting for light, even color. Occasionally we see a beautiful hat body with alternating darker and lighter straws and speculate that a frugal talented weaver made a virtue of a less expensive bundle of straw.

The weavers are farmers and their production follows the cycles of their agricultural lifestyle. Men and women sit in the doorways of their cottages, weaving over cylindrical wooden blocks held in their laps or on stands. Several straws are woven into a distinctive regional "button" at the top of the crown, and the loose ends are plaited around and around. As the weaving progresses and the crown and brim take shape, new straws are added, making engire rings. A Montecristi fino held up to the light will reveal a lovely pattern of concentric circles of tiny stars of light. Sometimes a very fine hat is referred to as seven or nine or ten ring hat, although whether this is a definitive standard of fineness is disputed. A standard-grade hat is the work of a day or two. A fino might take two or three weeks. A super fino might represent two months' effort by one of a few very special artisans.

Hats are sold within the cooperatives or to a long established network of agents who bring them to markets and finishing factories in the bigger towns. Here the hats are graded and sent out to other weavers who finish the brim edges to the desired width and replace any discolored straws. Hats are washed and set out to dry on courtyard floors. They are usually bleached, and they may be dyed. Some hats may be blocked and trimmed. Most are baled and sent on to hatters around the world.

KIVA Designs product update

2010-06-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

KIVA is celebrating 20 years of manufacturing innovative travel/carry gear. Their design knowledge and commitment to quality has been proven on every continent, even under the most extreme environments.

All the products KIVA manufactures are of the highest quality materials and assembled utilizing the finest state-of-the-art techniques. Their manufacturing process is committed to using as many recycled and "green" raw materials as possible. Their dedication to always innovate responsibly and desire for ethical global commerce is unwavering.

Visit our website, www.LifesATrip.com, and see the fresh new KIVA Tour Collection, available now! It is ultra-lightweight, provides for maximum organization and uses eco-friendly recycled fabric in bright, happy, earth tone colors. Be ready for any kind of travel and stay completely organized regardless of your destination.

Enjoy the journey!

Thought for the week

2010-06-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Borrow money from a pessimist. They never expect you to repay them. Enjoy the journey!

Thought for the week

2010-03-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

Following a well worn dirt path is easy. It is usually the quickest way from point A to point B. But, the less traveled path is harder to find. It has weeds, tall grass, clumps of leaves and even some thorny bushes. At times, you might even lose your way. This path, though, is far more interesting, full of adventure and fresh insight.By the time you reach the end, you have great memories and wisdom. Enjoy the journey!

Thought for the week

2010-03-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

If you're inclined to take life too seriously, well, you're missing the point. Enjoy the journey!

Thought for the week

2010-01-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

No matter how fortunate or lucky you are, someone else always holds a trump card. Enjoy the journey!

Thought for the week

2010-01-05T05:12:00.000-08:00

The mystery of the unknown is what the journey is all about. It may surprise you. Enjoy it!

Thought for the week

2009-11-29T05:19:00.001-08:00

The grass may be greener on the other side, but you still have to mow it. Enjoy the journey!

Thought for the week

2009-11-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

If you are inclined to chase rainbows, just make sure the pot of gold you seek is truly what you want. Enjoy the journey!

Thought for the week

2009-11-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

One of the most often asked questions is "Where are you going? " Travel brings out the very best in us. It enriches our lives, enlightens our senses and teaches us the value of others' perspectives and cultures. Enjoy the journey!

KIVA Designs is simply the best!

2009-11-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

by Peter Garrison

I have been using KIVA Designs for my choice of travel gear for over 10 years and I have never been disappointed. Their tag line of “Carry your world” is the essence and the mission of all the products they manufacture. Each bag that I have used has a great deal of function with well-designed pockets to separate my personal items for easy access. It takes the guesswork out of finding things after a long journey.

My all time favorite KIVA bag is the Giant Big Mouth Duffel for its large capacity, drop bottom compartment and ease of getting it through lots of foot traffic. It even performed extraordinary navigating through the uneven cobblestone streets of Nantucket on my way to a fabulous Bed & Breakfast inn. The wide mouth opening, an exclusive KIVA patent, makes it a cinch to find anything you need in a hurry. This bag is tough, durable and well constructed, capable of handling by the worst of baggage handlers.

For the past several years KIVA has expanded their trend setting line of bags into day totes, cutting edge computer bags and performance rolling luggage. And their lightweight and unique “Convertible” line, (slings, duffels, packs and totes) is terrific for kids and adults of all sizes. Further, KIVA has the licensing to manufacture the popular Rick Steves line of travel bags. In the ever evolving and competitive travel gear industry today, one cannot find the fusion of the science of materials, the art of design with the longevity of performance at such a comfortable price point.

As a testament to their pursuit of excellence, read what their lifetime warranty is: “Every KIVA product comes with our guarantee that it will be free from material and manufacturing defects for the life of the product. If such a defect should appear, we will repair or replace the product (at our option) free of charge.”

In short, I guess I would say I’m hooked for life!

Receive a FREE set of Rick Steves Packing cubes with a minimum purchase of $125

2009-11-01T06:03:00.000-08:00

The five-inch deep design is great for organizing shirts, undergarments, socks and other personal belongings. Each close securely with a 3-side perimeter zipper. The super strong mesh material collapses to almost nothing when not in use. Includes one large and two small cubes that easily fit into any piece of luggage you own.

Thought for the week

2009-11-01T05:33:00.000-08:00

What ever you think you know - becomes wisdom. Where ever you think you're going - you're almost there. Who ever you think you are - you're better. Life changes constantly. Enjoy the journey!

Who are we?

2009-10-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

Life's A Trip® was conceived in 1998 from the idea that each individual yearns to fulfill their dreams and their lives with new meaningful experiences. With that in mind, our company caters to those who seek to indulge their senses through travel and worldly exploration...for those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Our products and designs are versatile, innovative, practical and unique, as are each of our own travel destinations. We carry state of the art travel gear and luggage, convertibles, carry-on bags, computer bags or that unique travel accessory from KIVA Designs and Rick Steves offering a wide range of selection and colors for the discerning traveler. Those brands, coupled with a fun sense of style for every day bags from Fatboy round out our selection.

Our clothing collection for women, featuring Sense Clothing, Blue Canoe Organic Clothing and Zensei Wear was created to be interchangeable, layered and wearable year round. These lines stress comfort, style, a sense of freedom from everyday stress and ease of care. Whether you are headed to your favorite resort or about to catch a flight to your next destination, our travel clothing will put your mind at ease.

For our men’s clothing, we manufacture our own Hawaiian style island shirts. And the quality shows! We offer a great selection of colors and themes that emphasizes that retro look, sports, tropical, Happy Hour and surf. Check out our golf polo shirts or the logo tees and caps while you’re at it!

Planning a cruise to the tropics? We can help with the best values around on durable and fashionable Panama hats and fedoras, straw sun hats and raffia hats. These are the real thing, hand woven in Ecuador, blocked and trimmed in the US. Check out our “Best Seller”, the California Classic Lifeguard hat! If you want an even wider selection of women’s fashion hats for Fall/Winter, we have that too!

In today's demanding market, decisions are driven by conscious lifestyle choices—including social and environmental responsibility, competitive pricing, wellness and personal development...for those with a passion for travel in a world of astonishing diversity.

What fuels our growth is a commitment to help each individual enjoy his or her own journey and share experiences. It is the core of our mission. With all the products we offer, we strive to maintain a sense of style, fun, design integrity, superior quality and excellent customer satisfaction. And the best part of all, we stand 100% behind everything we sell!

Thought for the week

2009-10-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Your 1st hundred years are always the hardest. Enjoy the journey!