GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Can you provide us with a catalog of your products?
No, we are a pure OEM and ODM manufacturer and do not carry any product catalogs.
Besides being a backpack manufacturer, do you support any other products?
Kowide Outdoors is also a:
Down jacket manufacturer
Waterproof bag manufacturer
Camera bag manufacturer
And more…please reach out to us to discuss your products and how we can help you.
Could you share photos of your recent work so we can assess the craftsmanship and quality? Ideally, they should align with our requirements.
We are not allowed to share client product images due to NDA constraints. We highly recommend ordering a sample or scheduling a factory tour to review our production quality.
What contingency plans do you have in place for delays or disruptions in production?
We strive to anticipate potential delays (based on material lead times and schedules) and inform our clients of the delivery schedule in advance. Depending on the reasons for the delay, we offer our clients various options to minimize the delay time.
What are your quotation policies?
Please note that all quotes are FOB (Freight On Board) single destination (Cat Lai Port, Vietnam) or Ex-Work, and do not include potential surcharges from fabric and trim suppliers.
We don't provide an initial estimated quote until either the first prototype has been completed or we receive a physical sample of the product from you.
A final quote will be provided after final approval of the last prototype.
What is Kowide Outdoors' usual payment term?
Our payment terms are a 50% deposit with PO, with the balance due upon shipment. The balance can be paid in LC to ensure your order is released.
What type of insurance coverage is provided during the production process to safeguard against damage, defects, or unforeseen issues?
We carry all insurance coverage mandated by the Vietnamese government, including coverage for unforeseen issues such as fire or equipment damage.
Do you offer post-production services, such as repairs or replacements for defective units?
Yes, we do. Please note that this is typically not cost-effective due to shipping costs.
Can you provide references from other clients, particularly those in the luxury goods sector?
We would have to ask our clients if they would allow us to share their information. However, you can review our Creator Program for more information about our services.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS:
What are the rough costs for sampling and revision?
It depends on the product's complexity. Generally, prices range from $450 for smaller accessories to $800 for more complex technical backpacks.
How many rounds of revisions do you typically allow for?
This is also case-by-case. The prices, as mentioned above, are generally for single sample production. We offer numerous sample-making packages that include single to multiple revision rounds, all tailored to your needs and the stage of your design phase.
How long does it take you to make a prototype sample?
We typically estimate 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the availability of slots in our sample room and materials.
What is your sample policy?
We will use the closest material/trims to those specified in the techpack to create the prototype when actual fabric and/or trim are not available, as this is subject to the supplier's availability.
The sample fee does not include shipping of the completed sample or any mold, plate, or other third-party charges.
PRODUCTION QUESTIONS:
What's your MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)?
Our typical MOQ is 1,000 units per design and color.
For quantities below 1,000 units, please don't hesitate to contact us for further information.
Do you accept OEM or ODM orders?
We only manufacture OEM and ODM orders.
We do not manufacture our own products and therefore do not maintain a product catalog.
What are your capabilities for adding branding, such as logos, embossing, or printing?
We have an in-house screen-printing department and are familiar with various logo treatments, including heat transfer, embroidery, and more.
Can you collaborate on design or material adjustments after production begins?
We typically don't accept design changes or material adjustments during production. However, depending on the changes and production stage, we will accommodate them to the best of our ability.
Have you made any bags with 1680-denier ballistic nylon before?
Yes, we have, and many other specialized fabrics.
What's your policy on production updates and progress reports?
Sample updates and production updates are reported to the client when changes or items require confirmation. Typically, communications are more frequent during sample development, then transition to milestone-based communications during bulk production.
How long is your production time?
Currently, we estimate that for most orders, from PO placement to finished production, it takes 15 to 17 weeks. Please note that these times are subject to change without notice.
What's Kowide Outdoors' loading port?
All orders are delivered FOB Cat Lai Port, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
How long does it take to deliver finished products?
Once FOB is delivered, please check with your freight forwarder for this information.
QUALITY CONTROL QUESTIONS:
How do you ensure material quality and consistency across production runs?
Receiving materials: We have established protocols to ensure that fabric specifications and colors match the client's requirements during import.
Lab testing: We have an internal testing lab that conducts key feature tests, including water pressure, strength, and vibration tests, to verify the material's qualities. For in-depth testing of materials and the product itself, you will need to use a third-party testing laboratory. We can help put you in contact with several of these.
Production: We have numerous QC stations throughout our production lines, as well as at the end of each production run, to ensure your product meets rigorous quality standards every step of the production process. If you need specific QC processes in place, we are happy to work with you to implement these.
How do you handle defective products or production errors?
Upon receiving and analyzing the defect report, we will either repair or replace the defective items.
Do you offer warranties or guarantees on the quality of your production?
We requested that the clients inspect all goods within 14 days of receiving the shipment. We do not offer warranties, as we produce the product according to the client's specifications and cannot guarantee the product design or how users use the products.
TRACEABILITY & CERTIFICATION QUESTIONS:
Do suppliers of high-quality zippers, straps, and other hardware hold relevant certifications? If so, can you provide details or documentation?
Our primary supplier is YKK. Other hardware suppliers we work with include Duraflex and WooJin, all of which are reputable brands with established quality assurance programs.
What certifications does Kowide Outdoors have?
ISO 9001, ISO 16949, ISO 14001, FairTrade.
GLOSSARY:
Backpack Manufacturing Terms — Complete Glossary
A
Air Mesh
A breathable, padded fabric often used on back panels and shoulder straps for ventilation and comfort.
Anti-dumping duty
Additional tariffs imposed to counter unfairly priced imports.
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level)
A statistical standard used to determine how many defects are acceptable in a batch.
Assembly Line
The production process where backpacks are constructed step-by-step in sequence across different workstations.
B
Back Panel
The part of the backpack that rests against the wearer’s back, often padded and ventilated.
Bartack (Bar Tack Stitching)
A dense series of stitches used to reinforce high-stress areas like strap attachments and pocket openings.
Binding
A strip of fabric sewn over raw edges inside the bag to prevent fraying and improve durability.
BOM (Bill of Materials)
A detailed list of all materials and components required to produce the backpack (fabric, zippers, webbing, labels, etc.).
Bottom Panel
The base of the backpack, often reinforced for abrasion resistance.
C
Capacity (Liters)
The volume a backpack can hold, typically measured in liters (e.g., 20L, 40L).
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
Supplier covers shipping and insurance to the destination port.
Coated Fabric
Material treated with PU (polyurethane) or PVC for water resistance.
Colorway
A specific combination of colors used in a product.
Compression Straps
Adjustable straps used to tighten the load and stabilize contents.
Cut & Sew
The manufacturing process of cutting fabric pieces and sewing them into a finished product.
D
DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
A coating applied to fabrics to make them water-resistant.
Denier (D)
A unit measuring the thickness of fabric fibers; higher denier = thicker, more durable fabric (e.g., 600D, 1000D).
E
Edge Paint
A finishing technique used mainly on leather or synthetic trims to seal edges.
Embroidery
A decorative stitching method used for logos or branding.
EXW (Ex Works)
Ex Works (EXW) is a term used in international trade. It describes an arrangement in which a manufacturer makes a product available at a designated location, and the buyer of the product must cover the transport costs.
F
Fabric Lamination
Bonding multiple layers of material to improve strength, waterproofing, or structure.
Fair Trade
Fair Trade is a global trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade by supporting sustainable development for marginalized producers, particularly in developing countries. It ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, environmental protection, and community development funds.
Final Random Inspection (FRI)
Inspection conducted on finished goods before shipment, typically based on sampling standards.
Fit Sample / Size Sample
Used to verify dimensions and proportions.
Foam Padding
Inserted into straps or panels for comfort and protection.
FOB (Free On Board)
A shipping term where the supplier covers costs until goods are loaded onto a vessel.
FTA (Free Trade Agreement)
Deals that eliminate or reduce import duties between countries.
G
Gusset
An extra piece of fabric added to increase volume or allow expansion.
H
Heat Sealing
A method of bonding materials using heat, often used in waterproof constructions.
Heat Transfer Printing (Heat Press / Transfer Printing)
A method where a design is first printed onto a transfer film or paper and then applied to the fabric using heat and pressure. The design bonds to the surface of the material.
HS Code (Harmonised System Code)
A universal product classification system. Apparel often falls under Chapters 61 (knitwear) and 62 (woven).
Hydration Sleeve
An internal compartment designed to hold a hydration bladder.
I
Injection Molding
A process used to create plastic components like buckles and clips.
Inline Inspection
Quality checks performed during production.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops and publishes voluntary, consensus-based international standards for technology, management, safety, and products. It ensures quality, safety, and efficiency across industries worldwide. Synonyms include technical specifications, international standards, and industry guidelines.
L
Lab Dip
A small fabric sample dyed to match a specific color for approval before bulk production.
LC (Letter of Credit)
A Letter of Credit is a formal, irrevocable document issued by a bank (the issuing bank) on behalf of a buyer (importer) that guarantees payment to a seller (exporter).
Lead Time
The total time from order placement to delivery.
Line Production
Mass production using an assembly line system.
Lining
The inner fabric layer of the backpack.
Load Lifters
Small straps near the top of the shoulder straps that help distribute weight more evenly.
M
Main Compartment
The primary storage area of the backpack.
MFN (Most Favoured Nation)
Standard tariff rates granted by WTO member countries.
These typically range from 8–20% for garments, depending on the item and material.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The smallest number of units a factory will produce per order.
N
Nylon (e.g., Cordura®)
A durable synthetic fabric commonly used in backpacks for its strength and abrasion resistance.
O
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
A factory that produces products based on another company’s design.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer)
A factory that designs and manufactures products that clients can brand as their own.
P
Panel Loading
A backpack opening style where the front panel zips open like a suitcase.
Pattern Making
The process of creating templates for cutting fabric pieces.
Piping
A cord wrapped in fabric inserted into seams for structure and aesthetics.
PO (Purchase Order)
Purchase Order (PO) is a legally binding document created by a buyer and sent to a seller, outlining specific products, quantities, prices, and delivery terms.
Pre-Production Sample (PP Sample)
Final approved sample before bulk production begins—this becomes the reference standard.
Production Run
The batch of products being manufactured in one cycle.
Proto Sample (Prototype Sample)
The first version made to test the design and construction.
PU Coating
Polyurethane coating applied to fabrics for water resistance.
Q
Quality Control (QC)
Inspection processes to ensure products meet specified standards.
R
Reinforcement Stitching
Additional stitching applied to high-stress areas.
Ripstop Fabric
Fabric woven with a special pattern that prevents tearing.
Rules of Origin
Criteria that determine whether a garment qualifies for FTA benefits.
They define how much of the product’s value must originate from within the FTA member countries. For example, under EVFTA (Europe – Vietnam FTA), the fabric must be woven in Vietnam or another FTA partner country to be qualified.
S
Sample/Sampling
The process of creating prototypes before bulk production.
Screen Printing (Silk Screen Printing)
A printing method where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto fabric to create logos or graphics. Each color requires a separate screen, making it cost-effective for simple, high-volume designs.
Seam Allowance
Extra fabric beyond the stitch line to allow for sewing.
Seam Sealing / Seam Taping
Applying tape over seams to prevent water penetration.
Shell Fabric
The outer material of the backpack.
Spacer Mesh
A 3D mesh fabric used for breathability and cushioning.
Spec Sheet
A simplified version of a tech pack focusing on measurements, tolerances, and key construction details.
Sternum Strap
A strap that connects the shoulder straps across the chest for stability.
T
Taping
Covering seams with fabric or tape for strength or waterproofing.
Tech Pack
A detailed document including specs, materials, measurements, and construction details for manufacturing.
Top Loading
A backpack design where access is from the top opening.
Trims
All non-fabric components, such as zippers, buckles, and pulls.
Trim Card
A physical or digital board showing all materials and components used in the product.
Transshipment
The rerouting of goods through another country with minimal processing to conceal their origin and avoid higher tariffs.
U
Ultrasonic Welding
A technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to bond materials without stitching.
V
Velcro (Hook & Loop Fastener)
A fastening system using hooks and loops.
W
Webbing
Strong woven straps used for handles, loops, and structural support.
Waterproof vs Water-Resistant
Water-resistant: resists light moisture
Waterproof: prevents water penetration entirely
Z
Zippers (e.g., YKK®)
Closures used for compartments; quality varies significantly by brand and type.