10 things about zippers in outdoor clothing
The little thing that ties everything together.
While it does its job, the zipper is the most common thing. We design and manufacture clothing that is based on the interplay of all functional components, including zippers. Our strength is in the details, we are aware of their importance and the importance they play in the field.
In more than 25 years, we have tried many zippers, many combinations and their practical applications. We have clearly defined the minimum requirements for our clothes and we stick to them. Standard for NORTHFINDER are zippers from the world-famous manufacturer YKK®. The proven quality, long service life and functional range convince us of the correctness of the decision every day, for more than 50 seasons.
We will show you what zippers we use, what they perform and what benefits they offer to customers of the NORTHFINDER brand.
Basic zipper model:
1. Páska / tape – a basic textile pad into which the teeth of the zipper or spiral are anchored on one side and on on the other hand, it connects to the edge of the textile material.
What types of zippers can you find on our clothes?
Functional benefits of zippers:
1. NON-LOCK – basic type of runner without locks – brakes. Therefore, the zipper opens automatically during any manipulation. It is used wherever the zipper is handled only minimally after it is locked. Automotive industry, household, luggage, etc.
2. AUTOLOCK – zipper runner is equipped with an automatic lock that locks the zipper in the place where the runner is located and prevents it from unzipping. This type of zipper is standard on the absolute majority of our clothing.
3. PIN LOCK – special construction that locks the zipper in the desired position by positioning the puller in a folded position. By not lowering the puller, the zipper remains open and free. This construction is mainly used in connection with spiral zippers. We can find it on inseparable zippers of elastic T-shirts and on pockets. Also on the strained lower edges of the trousers, where it fixes the position of the trousers on the ski boot.
4. DOUBLE SLIDERS ZIPPER (double sliders zipper b2b) – is created by placing two oppositely oriented runners on one zipper. Allows the zipper to be unzipped from both sides as needed. We can find it on functional jackets, ventilation, pockets, in places where, from the point of view of use, it is necessary to minimize the opening of the entire zipper. That's why you don't need to unfasten the chest strap on the backpack to get to the inner pocket. With a two-way zipper, you can customize the ventilation hole in the armpit and simplify its regulation.
5. WATER RESISTANT ZIP (water resistant zipper) - Waterproof zippers are mainly used in the production of waterproof clothing. The zipper is a critical part of the garment and in our case it is never 100% waterproof. The use of absolutely waterproof zippers in the production of outdoor clothing is an exception from the point of view of the specific application, the weight of the zipper and its stiffness. The tape of the reverse zipper with TPU application creates a durable waterproof connection by covering the teeth, but the area around the runner and the teeth still allows moisture to pass through. Such zippers block the wind excellently, resist normal moisture, snow and rain. To increase resistance against wind and moisture, the zippers are lined with a strip from the inside. A regular zipper is often covered by a functional zipper on the outside. On clothing made of waterproof materials, placing the runner in the upper position after closing the zipper and "garaging" it significantly reduces the risk of moisture penetrating inside. Heavy-duty zippers have less flexibility and are harder to operate than regular zippers.
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