I wonder if anyone has noticed that many backpacks have a decoration that looks like a “pig’s nose” on them. At this point, I was wondering, could this pig nose be a logo symbol of some brand? Is this a brand I’m not familiar with? After graduating and starting to work in the backpack manufacturing industry, I finally learned that this pig nose is not a logo symbol at all. Instead, it is a functional design called “Lash Tab”. So, what is the purpose of this design?
1.”The Birth of ‘Lash Tab’: The Era of Outdoor Equipment”
- The Origin of Lash Tab：You know what? That Lash Tab thing has a really long history. It goes all the way back to when outdoor adventures were super popular. At first, it was designed to solve a really practical problem: to secure ice axes. Back then, climbers and explorers had to hang those big, dangerous ice axes outside their backpacks to make room inside.And they also needed to make sure the axes stayed stable while they were moving around. That plain – looking patch actually has a really clever design. It’s a two point fixing system.You can’t use the Lash Tab on its own. It has to work together with a small loop under the backpack. Here’s how it works: First, thread the head of the ice axe through the loop at the bottom of the backpack. Then, turn the shaft of the axe so it’s parallel to the backpack. Finally, use a rope or a strap to go through the holes in the Lash Tab and tie the shaft of the axe tightly. This way, the center of gravity of the tool is on the bottom of the backpack, so it won’t swing around when you’re walking. This design of hanging tools securely and conveniently on the outside isn’t just for convenience; it’s for safety. It shows that back then, the designers of outdoor gear really understood the practical needs. It’s not just about carrying stuff around. It’s more about carrying things in the
- Early pioneers：The emergence of the Lash Tab isn’t an isolated design. It’s more like a microcosm of the systematic transformation of design ideas during the post – war outdoor sports boom in the US. Back in the mid 20th century, pioneers like Gerry Cunningham and Dick Kelty in places like Colorado were all about “solving problems” for mountaineers and explorers. They weren’t just making products; they were building a whole innovative ecosystem.Gerry Cunningham was a remarkable person. Everyone agreed that he was one of the top inventors in the field of early equipment innovation. Although there was no direct evidence to prove that he invented the Lash Tab (the small ring on the backpack), the brand he founded, Gerry Outdoors, was one of the earliest to incorporate this item into mainstream backpacks. He also came up with other impressive inventions, such as the “rope lock” (still in use as a rope fastener) and the first aluminum-frame baby carrier. It’s evident that his approach to designing remained consistent: lightweight, easy to use, and having the user in mind. Lash Tab was simple yet practical, and it perfectly matched the then popular concept of “lightweight and leaving no trace”. So, Lash Tab is not just a small piece of fabric; it represents a broader design concept, which is to find solutions to practical problems. The fact that this little thing exists is actually a manifestation of the pragmatism and innovative spirit of that era.
2. From the Outdoors to the Campus: Lash Tab’s Cultural Transformation
- JanSport‘s unexpected discovery and new market opportunities：The transformation of Lash Tab from an outdoor tool to a cultural symbol actually stemmed from a minor incident involving the company JanSport. JanSport was one of the earliest brands to incorporate the Lash Tab design. At that time, they sold backpacks in the bookstore of the University of Washington. These backpacks were originally intended for mountain climbing and hiking. Unexpectedly, students started to rush to buy them, not for hiking but to use them to carry books and daily necessities. This phenomenon of “using the equipment for daily use” completely made Lash Tab famous.
- From tools to symbols：JanSport quickly noticed this new market and made an important decision: the diamond-shaped patches on the bag should be kept! However, this item is no longer used to tie ice axes. Instead, it has become “a classic design, for nostalgic purposes”. Previously it was an “ice axe holder”, but now it has simply become a “coffee cup holder for ice”. This transformation precisely illustrates an important aspect of consumer psychology: the value of an item has shifted from “being useful” to “being attractive”. This Lash Tab is no longer about what it can do; rather, it’s about what it represents. It now symbolizes durability, boldness, and a genuine outdoor style. Even if city dwellers haven’t used it to climb mountains, it can still fulfill their desire for this feeling. The brand’s heritage and the creation of an “aesthetic tone” are truly classic examples of modern consumer product marketing. The story of Lash Tab tells us that a design originally unique to a certain place can be transformed through cultural modification into a powerful, brand language that doesn’t need words.
3.The practicality and aesthetics of the modern Lash Tab
- Regarding the backpack pig nose buckle: The material and craftsmanship determine its functionality. The pignose buckles on backpacks nowadays have quite different functions. This has to do with the materials and craftsmanship of these buckles. The earliest pig-nose buckles were made of leather because at that time, leather was cost-effective and durable. Later, with technological advancements, they gradually changed to plastic and rubber, which are more wear-resistant and durable. However, although the materials have been upgraded, some of the functions of the pig-nose buckles have become less effective than before. The key lies in the craftsmanship. Many cheap backpacks nowadays have pig-nose buckles that are simply sewn together with a single row of thread, and they break easily when pulled. But brands like Osprey, which specialize in outdoor equipment, use very strong webbing and sturdy stitching, which can withstand hundreds of kilograms of weight. The differences in functions are actually the result of market selection. The mass market places more emphasis on appearance, so it sacrifices some practicality. However, the professional market is quite different. It regards functionality as the most important selling point.
- From an ice axe holder to a handy companion:For daily life Although nowadays few people use that small square to hang ice axes, it is still somewhat useful. When going out, you can use it as a hanging point to hang light items. For example, you can use a water bottle or a rope to hang a water bottle, keys, a hat, etc. on the outside of your bag, saving space and making it convenient to pick up. For cyclists, it can also be used to fix the tail light of the bicycle, making it safer and easier to be seen.
| Feature | Functional Lash Tab | Aesthetic Lash Tab |
| Primary Use | Strapping heavy outdoor gear (e.g., ice axes, trekking poles) or ensuring a stable center of gravity | Brand identification, adding a design element; occasionally used for hanging lightweight items like water bottles or keys |
| Typical Material | High-quality leather, durable polymers, or nylon webbing | Inexpensive leather, plastic, or polyester fibers |
| Construction Method | Reinforced with high-density bar-tacks and connected to the backpack frame or key seams | Attached with a simple box-stitch, directly sewn onto a flat area of the fabric |
| Load Capacity | Capable of withstanding significant tension, can be used to secure climbing ropes or heavy tools | Extremely low load capacity, prone to tearing or detachment under tension |
| Typical Brands/Products | Professional outdoor brand backpacks | Mass-produced casual or fashion backpacks |
| User Motivation | To expand the backpack’s capacity and securely fasten gear | To pursue the brand’s story and a “rugged” aesthetic as a form of visual identity |
4.The Future of Lash Tab
The story of Lash Tab is quite interesting. It was originally a technical equipment, but it became a cultural symbol and has endured across several eras. This story actually reflects the product design, consumer psychology, and how genuine products can become a trend. At first, Lash Tab was used to tie ice axes.
Later, it became a popular decoration on campus. For professional outdoor enthusiasts, it is a practical tool; but for city dwellers, it is just a decoration. This dual identity is not a design flaw; rather, it is the key to its successful adaptation and transformation. The reason why Lash Tab has remained popular for so long is that it has transcended being just an object; it has become a means of communication between the brand and consumers.
By adding such a small accessory to the product, the brand can immediately evoke associations of strength, adventure, and history, even if the accessory actually has no practical use. It’s like a shortcut for storytelling, a visual promise that links the product to those romantic stories from the past. The existence of Lash Tab indicates that it was of great significance in the history of design, and also shows that cultural significance can surpass the functional aspect of a product.
Even if more advanced systems like MOLLE webbing emerge in the future, the position and the story it represents will not change. Its classic image on the backpack will undoubtedly remain forever.
