Grip 3.0

Retina® is the group name for our Polyamide backpack fabrics that fulfil our strict requirements for sustainability and quality.

Polyamide (Nylon) is a synthetic fiber creating extraordinarily strong and versatile fabrics with high abrasion resistance, very good resilience to wear and tear, and a high breaking extension. Retina® fabrics are based on polyamides but geared toward use in backpacks, which places different requirements on the fabrics. As opposed to fabrics made for apparel, the focus here is heavy wear and strength. Breathability is of less importance, so we often use a PU coating or a TPU laminate on the inside as wall.

The polyamides we use are derived from recycled, bio-feedstock and virgin sources. Please see ‘Polyamide’ for more info about the different choices regarding the origin of our Retina® fabrics.

Hardur® is our Aramid (Kevlar® fibers) reinforced fabric. In our stretch Hardur® the Aramide (Kevlar® fibers), an extra strong version of Polyamide, are woven together with elastic fibers, which results in an exceptionally durable fabric, with exceptional stretch and softness.

Aramide (Kevlar® fibers) is made from para-aramid fibers. Since invented in 1965, these fibers have been used in a wide range of functions and applications. Aramid fibers remains unsurpassed for ensuring durability as well as functionality in garments and apparel exposed to high amounts of wear and abrasion. Typical applications are cuffs, knee pads and backpack bottoms.

Regular Hardur® fiber is used for fixed shape wear protection, and Stretch Hardur® fiber for pants, jackets and other equipment, where it offers protection without impeding movement or flexibility.

Kevlar® is a trademark or registered trademark of affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

ECONYL® is a recycled yarn we use across our collection in our effort to make our products more sustainable. ECONYL® is made from 50 percent post-consumer recycled and 50 percent pre-consumer recycled polyamide. The system uses recovered plastic waste from fishing nets and carpet flooring, together with pre-consumer plastic from industries, factories and fabric scraps. It is then sorted and cleaned, and as much nylon as possible is extracted, ready for use in our products.

This unique purification process means the waste is regenerated back to the same purity as virgin nylon. What this means is that it has the potential to be recycled again and again, while maintaining its original quality.

Skylcoat® is our own PU coating we use on backpack front fabrics to make them water repellent.

Skylcoat® has an increased abrasion resistance compared to a standard DWR treatment, making it highly suitable for backpack fabrics. Any product using a Skylcoat® coating will stay dry and protected for many years.

bluesign® is a standard for environmental health and safety in textile manufacturing. The bluesign® organization provides independent auditing of textile mills, closely examining manufacturing processes from raw materials and energy inputs to water and air emissions outputs.

bluesign® helps us to keep control over the supply chain and choose manufacturing partners based on their commitment to safety and environment.

The bluesign® approval on our fabrics means that it complies with the highest standards of consumer safety by using materials and techniques that save resources and minimize environmental impact. Klättermusen has been a bluesign® system partner since 2007.