The Devil's In The Detail

The Devil's In The Detail

Not all backpacks are created equal. The difference between an average backpack and an exceptional one often lies in the quality of the components used in its manufacturing, the manufacturing process, and quality control. Let's dive into what makes a backpack 'top-tier' by examining the essential elements and the significance of using premium materials.

The fabric used forms the foundation of any backpack and at Karrimor SF we are constantly testing the market to ensure that the fabrics that we use are rugged and robust: resistant to tears, abrasions and scuffs to ensure performance integrity and longevity. Because our backpacks and daypacks are used by military personnel and professional outdoor people, the materials that we use have to be uncompromisingly top-tier.

Choosing the right zipper is an essential element in building backpacks intended for tough use in harsh environments. Karrimor SF packs are often subjected to significant stress in use, so we use YKK zipper mechanisms - the gold standard in the industry. The YKK zippers on our backpacks and daypacks can endure repeated use without jamming or breaking, and have a high level of resistance to performance blockers such as sand and dirt. You can find out more about why Karrimor SF use YKK zippers in this article.

The hardware on a backpack - buckles and clips - not only adds to the functionality of the pack but also its aesthetic appeal. The buckles that Karrimor SF use are strong, perform consistently well over time. and are highly durable and resistant to damage from knocks and bangs, weather conditions, and dirt.

Comfort and protection are paramount, particularly when carrying heavy backpacks over long distances across challenging terrain. The Karrimor SF design and manufacturing team constantly review and test padding and lining products and materials to ensure that our users experience good cushioning without abrasions and scratches. 

Even the best materials can fall apart without proper stitching. Karrimor SF backpacks and daypacks feature reinforced stitching techniques such as double-stitching and bar tacks at stress points to ensure that our packs can handle heavy loads without 'parting at the seams'. The thread that we use is exceptionally strong, rot-proof, and resistant to external stressors.

While top-quality components are essential, the craftsmanship involved in assembling these elements is equally important. Our dedicated and highly-skilled team pays meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that material is cut properly and accurately, that each stitch is precise, and that each component is correctly aligned. 

To our clients an equipment failure could be mission critical, whether that's a military operation or a world-first expedition. Karrimor SF invest significantly in quality control processes. Our backpacks and daypacks undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they meet the highest standards, from tests on individual components and materials, to testing completed packs. Our clients demand that we get it right, so we do.

In today's world, sustainability is a growing concern and we are committed to promoting the ethos and ethics of 'Leave No Trace'. Our products are built to last, reducing the frequency of replacement and the environmental footprint that replacement creates. Wherever we can we strive for a positive sustainability outcome, such as cutting materials for manufacture in such a way as to reduce waste, and we use recycled packing materials whenever possible.