Crafted with Conscience, Designed for Life
At Witzman, the secret to our backpacks’ performance lies in the fabrics we choose. From high-tensile nylon to responsibly sourced canvas, this page unveils why our materials stand up to the rigors of travel while honoring our sustainability promise.
Premium Eco-Conscious Nylon
Lightweight Durability: Built to carry heavy loads without weighing you down
Built-In Water Resistance: Tight weave keeps moisture out, safeguarding your gear
DWR-Enhanced Protection: Durable water-repellent treatments for unexpected downpours
Sustainable Sourcing: Eco-friendly nylon options integrated since 2020
Key Characteristics:
- Lightweight: Significantly reduces overall bag weight for comfortable carrying, especially on long trips.
- Durable: Highly resistant to wear, tear, and abrasion, ensuring longevity.
- Water-Resistant: Provides reliable protection against moisture, keeping contents dry in light rain.
- Easy Care: Simple to clean and quick-drying, ideal for active travelers.
- High Strength-to-Density Ratio: Nylon, particularly types like Nylon 66, is known for its high mechanical strength and rigidity, making it suitable for demanding applications like luggage. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), a related polymer, also exhibits a high strength-to-density ratio and resistance to many solvents.
Witzman Application: We utilize high-density nylon in our travel backpacks and duffel bags where minimizing weight without compromising strength is paramount, such as our B682 Carry-On Travel Backpack.
Care Instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Air dry. Avoid machine washing or harsh chemicals.
Classic Sustainable Canvas
Natural Fiber Strength: Premium cotton weave for rugged longevity
Reusable & Low-Impact: Designed for repeated use, cutting disposable waste
Recycled Poly Blends: Select styles feature 600D recycled poly for extra toughness
Easy Care & Maintenance: Simple cleaning, lasting colorfastness
Key Characteristics:
- Exceptional Durability: Canvas is an extremely durable plain-woven fabric, historically made from hemp, and now commonly from cotton or linen, used for items requiring sturdiness like backpacks and tents.
- Classic Aesthetic: Develops a unique, vintage look over time, appealing to those who appreciate traditional style.
- Breathable: As a natural fiber, canvas provides good breathability, enhancing comfort during extended wear.
- Waxable: Can be treated with canvas wax to significantly enhance its waterproof properties for added protection.
- Plain Weave: Differs from other heavy cotton fabrics like denim by being plain weave rather than twill weave.
Witzman Application: We use rugged canvas in our vintage-inspired backpacks and messenger bags, such as the A6617-3 Canvas Backpack, where a blend of classic style and enduring strength is desired.
Care Instructions: Brush off loose dirt. For stains, use a soft brush with mild soap and water. Air dry. Consider waxing periodically for water resistance.
Witzman is deeply committed to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our business, from the initial design phase to the final product. Our materials strategy prioritizes eco-friendly options and responsible production methods, reflecting our vision to grow our brand while shrinking our environmental footprint.
Recycled & Upcycled Fibers: We actively maximize the use of recycled polyester, nylon, cotton, and other reclaimed materials (e.g., from plastic bottles or textile scraps) whenever possible. Recycled content requires far less energy to produce and can be recycled again, significantly reducing waste and minimizing our environmental footprint.
Safe & Non-Toxic Treatments: All our fabrics and finishes meet strict health and environmental standards, including certifications like OEKO-TEX and Bluesign, ensuring they are safe for both you and the planet. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, for instance, certifies textiles tested for harmful substances, setting a benchmark for textile safety. Bluesign takes a proactive approach, eliminating harmful substances from the start of production.
Durable, Long-Lasting Design: Our core sustainability strategy involves designing products for exceptional longevity and repairability. A more durable product means less frequent replacement, which is fundamental to reducing waste and environmental impact.
Ethical Manufacturing: We partner exclusively with factories that uphold stringent social and environmental standards, verified through independent audits and recognized certifications. This ensures fair wages, safe workplaces, and environmentally responsible production processes, including energy- and water-efficient processes and advanced waste treatment.
Quality Assurance: Our Promise of Excellence
Every Witzman product undergoes rigorous quality assurance tests to ensure it meets the highest standards of durability and functionality. Our commitment to quality is a testament to our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Tumble Test: Bags are tossed in a tumbler 125 times to ensure overall durability.
Handle Jerk Test: Handles are pulled and jerked repeatedly to ensure they are securely attached.
Zipper Tensile Test: Zippers are tested for tensile strength to prevent tearing and ensure smooth operation.
Shoulder Strap Test: Shoulder straps are tested to withstand heavy loads without breaking, ensuring reliable support for your belongings.