MAKERS OUR MEET

The Alpkit factory’s home to a group of incredibly skilled, highly passionate individuals that make our dreams come true. Here’s a snippet of our wonderful team and what they do.

Emma

Emma’s our Factory Manager, who’s just come back to work on Monday after a weekend wassail (if you’re wondering what that it is, don’t worry! So were we. It’s an ancient pagan ritual where you bless cider trees, although Emma promises us it’s not as bohemian as it sounds).

What is the factory working on at the moment?

We’re updating our range of Koala saddle bags. We’re bringing out two new products – 0.5L and 2L options, as well as modifying and upgrading our pre-existing 7L and 13L bags. We’re producing bouldering mats and our UK Product Developer Gemma is developing a new range of wax packs to streamline our factory efficiency.

How did you get into this role? I used to work in the theatre industry as a wardrobe supervisor. But then Covid came along and all my contracts got cancelled. I found a part-time job as a sewing machinist at Alpkit. Not long later, a job came along for a Factory Manager and I went for it! It’s a great way to mix my two worlds.

Lily

Lily’s been at Alpkit five years. She’s our factory supervisor, and she works on our range of custom gear.

What’s your favourite thing to make? I love making the Fuel Pod because I don’t even have to think about it. I can just go. You’ve got a lot more going on when you’re making something like the backpacks.

How did you get into this role? I’ve been here five years now! I started off doing a fashion degree in Northampton. I graduated into an office job which didn’t suit me but starting here back in 2018 suited my background much better.

Sarah

Sarah’s one of our cutters. The cutters are the first step in getting our UK-made products to the shelves. She loves running, and riding on the bike Santa got her this Christmas.

What’s your role? As the cutter, I lie the fabric out and lay the patterns over it. I use a circular knife to cut it out. Once I’ve done a certain product a few times, I can draw myself a plan in my notebook to make it easier the next time. It’s all about efficiency.

What’s your favourite thing to make? I think some of the faffiest things to cut are also the most interesting! Like the Big Papa Harness. It’s an intricate shape so it’s hard to do, but once you’re finished it’s so satisfying to look at all the little curves. It’s definitely one of the trickiest ones to sew for the machinists. Our bouldering mats are fun in their own way, as they’re just big rectangles!

Our amazing factory team can make anything you like. Roll-top bags. Zips to match your kit. Bags to your every specification. You ask. They’ll (flex their creative muscles and) make it.

Contact support@alpkit.com to talk through your custom dreams.

A world’s first PFC-free mountaineering jacket that doesn’t leak nasty chemicals into the earth. You don’t need to compromise to consider the planet.

30K hydrostatic head offers exceptional waterproof protection and 20K breathability means you’ll keep dry inside even when you’re active. And because this jacket is for the high mountains and for climbing, it’s a slim active cut with a helmet compatible hood and pockets set high to clear your harness or hip belt. YKK Aquaguard® zips help to keep you dry, and reinforcing them is an internal storm flap and chin guard. Pockets are generous, with one big enough for an OS map. And of course it is built to last with abrasion resistant, super durable fabric.

The Definition £259.99