Abstract: Embodiments provide a weather resistant slide fastener with a modified slider body including a top control rib and tightly controlled inner dimensions. In embodiments, a water-resistant coating and/or an adhesive may be applied to the zipper tape, resulting in a highly water-resistant zipper and finished garment. Embodiments further provide a slider body that may accommodate longitudinal edge portions of the outer layer of fabric, allowing the edges of the fabric to be brought into close proximity/contact, substantially covering the zipper teeth and minimizing ingress of water and/or wind through the zipper tape. Additional embodiments provide methods of manufacturing and installing weather resistant slide fasteners.

Abstract: Insulating materials, methods of forming insulating materials, and products including insulating materials are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an insulating material may include a lining material layer, a face material layer, at least one layer of continuous synthetic insulation disposed between the lining material layer and the face material layer, fill disposed between the lining material layer and the face material layer, one or more first seams coupling the lining material layer and the at least one layer of continuous synthetic insulation, and one or more second seams coupling the face material layer and the at least one layer of continuous synthetic insulation. The first and second seams may form two or more baffles partitioning the fill in the insulating material. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments herein may provide multi-layer structures for straps or utility packs. Embodiments include a multi-layer structure for support elements of a utility pack, such as straps (e.g., backpack straps, duffle bag straps, etc.) and/or panels (e.g., the back panel of a backpack). The multi-layer structure may have improved breathability while still retaining other desired properties, such as resilience, strength, comfort, padding/cushioning, and/or durability. Some embodiments of the multi-layer structure also may be thinner and/or lighter than conventional padded support structures. Various embodiments may provide utility pack straps including a reinforcing layer coupled to at least one of an inner structural layer and an outer structural layer. In some embodiments, the straps may include both the inner structural layer and the outer structural layer. The inner structural layer may contact the body of the user when the strap is in use, and may be designed to provide cushioning to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are directed to outerwear garments having an integrated suspension system that allows a user to carry the garment around the user's waist when the garment is not needed. One or more straps are provided that may be coupled to an interior surface of the outerwear. A single strap may extend around the body of the user, or, alternatively, multiple straps may be provided that are coupled to the outerwear and which may be coupled to each other to secure the straps. In various embodiments, the ends of the one or more straps may be coupled to one another to form a waist belt for attaching the outerwear about the waist of the user when the garment is not being worn.