When you make your own camping or backpacking equipment, you have the advantage of making something that best fits your unique needs. When you buy something from the store, it may not do everything you need it to, or it may have extras you don’t need. Making your own equipment with a zipper lets you fully customize your equipment, so it’s all your own.

The zipper is an important part of several pieces of common equipment. When you’re choosing the right materials for your gear, you need to select the right zipper. Read on to learn more about the different types, so you can choose the right option for everything from hammocks to tents to clothing.

Different Types of Zippers

There are several different types and styles of zippers you can use to make your gear. For example, you’ll want to decide between a coil or toothed zipper depending on your needs. A coil zipper has teeth made from coiled monofilament, which is typically nylon. The coiled teeth then get sewn to a zipper tape to make the final zipper. Toothed zippers are usually plastic or metal and are made on polyester or cotton tape.

The three main types of zippers include:

• Two-Way Separating Zippers: With two pulls, you can place the opening of the zipper wherever you need it to go. When the zipper is fully opened, it can come apart completely. These zippers are commonly used for removable hammock tops.

• One-Way Separating Zippers: This type of zipper has the same ability to separate when fully opened, but it has one pull instead of two. This means you can only open it from one place. This type of zipper is common for jackets.

• Non-Separating Zippers: These types of zippers are also common on other items besides hammocks, such as pockets or tents. They’re used where the zipper is never fully separated, even when it’s opened the full way.

Each type of zipper has its own properties. When you’re making your own gear, you need to think about these properties so you can choose the type of zipper that will give the gear the qualities you want.

Parts of a Zipper

Before you decide on a zipper for your gear, be sure you know the different parts:

• Teeth: The elements that make up the chain.

• Material: The type of chain used to make the zipper, including metal, molded plastic or coil.

• Chain Size: The size of the teeth.

• Zipper Tape: The fabric part of your zipper.

• Slider: What you use to move up and down the chain to open or close your zipper.

• Pull Tab: What you hold on the slider to move your zipper up and down.

Zipper Options From DutchWare

Shop Zippers

At DutchWare, we have all of the materials you need to make your own custom gear. With different fabrics, hardware and zippers available, we carry what you need to design the perfect gear.

We carry two-way and one-way separating zippers, as well as non-separating zippers. They each have their own benefits, so you can find the right one that best fits your needs and what you want out of your hammock.

We aim to give each of our customers what they need to make custom equipment for camping and backpacking. With an excellent variety of products available, we’re the one-stop shop you need to get ready for your upcoming trip.

From zippers and other rolled goods to cooking gear and more, DutchWare has the selection and quality you need to make the perfect new gear for any camping or backpacking trip.

 

Getting into any new activity or hobby means you have to get through a learning curve. Whether it’s learning the basic skills necessary to do it or picking up the right gear and equipment, it may take a little bit to get through this period.

Backpacking is a great activity because almost anyone can do it — from serious athletes to those who want to get some more exercise. You can enjoy the outdoors, get out of the house and learn a lot about the world around you.

Like with any new activity, being a beginner is a little intimidating. That’s why DutchWare is here to make sure you have all the gear you need to get out on your very first backpacking trip! Be sure to pick up the following six items.

1. Backpack

This might be an obvious one, but you need a sturdy pack you can rely on through any conditions. You don’t carry a backpack — you wear it. So, it should have the proper fit for your body, gear and activity.

2. Sleeping Gear

When you’re starting out, you may stick to day trips for a little while. After a few day trips, though, you’ll probably want to take an overnight backpacking trip. For these excursions, you will need a shelter — such as a hammock or tent — and a sleeping bag or quilt.

In case of inclement weather, you’ll need additional gear to waterproof your sleeping arrangements, like a tarp.

3. Cooking Tools and Eating Utensils

When you’re out in the wilderness, you need some simple cookware to make healthy meals to keep you going. Camp kitchen gear like stoves, utensils, cooking pots and more are all important if you’ll be out for more than a day.

4. Other Contents for Your Back

In addition to your personal items, you’ll need to bring some other smaller items with you. A medical kit and other emergency supplies, a headlamp or other types of lights, food and a survival knife are some of the necessities for backpacking trips.

5. Footwear and Clothes

Even if you bring along all the right equipment, it won’t matter if you aren’t wearing the right gear. When you’re out on your backpacking trip, whether it’s just for one day or several, you need to be prepared for anything. Wearing layers, sleeves and long pants will help protect you from insects, foliage, rain and other elements. There is no such thing as bad weather — only bad clothes.

A good pair of hiking shoes, such as trail runners or boots, is also essential. You’ll be on your feet for a long time, so you need a pair of quality hiking shoes to support them.

Get All Your Backpacking Essentials at DutchWare

At DutchWare, we carry a variety of top-quality gear to get you outside and help you have a great experience. From basic equipment like the types above to our specialized, customizable gear, DutchWare has everything you need for your next trip, no matter your skill level.