Abstract: A load bearing system including a load-bearing textile strap, including an article, such as a backpack or a climbing harness, that includes such load bearing system. The strap includes at least one woven portion and at least one non-woven portion. The woven portion has warp yarns extending along a longitudinal direction of the strap interlaced with at least one weft yarn, the woven portion having a first width. In the non-woven portion the warp yarns are spread transversely so that the non-woven portion has a second width greater than the first width of the woven portion.

Abstract: A garment and a collar for such garment, the collar having a lower zone and an upper zone, the lower zone having a greater rigidity than the upper zone.

Abstract: A bag or pack, such as a backpack, having a pack portion that includes a back side made of flexible material, a carrying system directly or indirectly connected to the pack portion and including at least one carrying element, a frame connected to the pack portion, the frame including at least a rigid or semi-rigid sheet frame which is affixed to the back side of the pack portion by adhesive bonding.

Abstract: A fastening system for attaching an article to a support. A web fastener may be attached to an article at one end and have a free distal end, distanced from the article. A distal portion of the web fastener is stiffened and a proximal portion is more flexible than the stiffened portion. The article and support each have juxtaposable webbing strips forming webbing channels. The web fastener is insertable through and between the juxtaposed support webbing channels and article webbing channels to thereby secure the mated article and support against relative movement. In additional embodiments connectors are provided at the proximal and distal ends of the web fastener to secure the relative positions thereof, and multiple support webbing channels, article webbing channels and web fasteners are provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a hood drawstring arrangement that may be adapted to allow a single adjustment to exert tension along the vertical sides of the front face opening of the hood, which will tend to vertically compress the hood, as well as simultaneously exerting a circumferential tensioning of the top portion of the hood.