SnoKart 21/22 Technical Snow Backpacks Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Technical Backpacks FW21/22 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: SnoKart
Interviewee: Gaz Poole, Sales & Marketing

What are the major trends in the snow backpack market for FW21/22?
Modular styles – Backpacks that can be used year-round vs being limited to on-the-hill use only. An ongoing switch into sustainably sourced fabrics and finishing.

Kabin Boot Bag

What were your best sellers in FW20/21?
The Zoom Pack ( https://www.snokart.com/products/zoom-pack ) a modular boot & helmet back that can be adjusted for use as a day-pack or everyday backpack.

Where do you expect your biggest growth in FW21/22?
Continuing growth in the modular luggage range as continue to develop the relatively new to market product.

What do customers expect from their technical snow backpacks?
As above, a product that is not limited to on-the-hill use but a product that can be used year-round.

Zoom Pack

How are you segmenting your technical backpack collection and what are the main price points in each segment?
NA – SnoKart’s small backpack range sits at £60-£80 and is fully modular and fitted with all the required features, including modular connectivity with the rest of the SnoKart range.

What are the most important technologies/features in your FW21/22 technical backpack collection?
Integration with the rest of the SnoKart range – All backpacks work seamlessly with the rolling and hardware luggage for ease of use. Backpacks to meet everchanging airline restrictions and offer adaptable sizing to increase volume for more generous airlines.

What materials are you using? Any efforts in sustainability?
New, sustainable fabrics to be implemented over the coming seasons.

What color palettes, prints or patterns are you working with?
Black. Timeless, hard-wearing, on-brand. Tactile fabric panels used to add depth to products.

What are the main marketing stories and inspirations behind your FW 21/22 collection?
Full-range connectivity – All products to work seamlessly with the full range of luggage. Modular luggage allows multiple baggage solutions from one product.

Work Life Balance

How are you helping retailers sell the backpacks and educate customers (POS displays, etc.)?
Product display stands, screens with video guides of all products & packing videos. Zoom training sessions with in-store employees and direct to consumer education via social media channels.

Did lockdown affect the sell-through of your FW20/21 range? If so, how are you addressing this issue?
Ongoing travel complications have made for a tough start to the FW season. At SnoKart we are supporting retailers through tough times with options to amend or delay orders and an ability to hold always-in-stock lines in our UK warehouses.

Please name and describe 3 highlight items from your FW 20/21collection.
Zoom Pack
A simple but clever backpack for everyday use that expands to fit ski or snowboard boots, a helmets and accessories.

Designed to be a great all-rounder, rather than a mountain specific bag. This pack is small enough for the daily commute and expands to be big enough for a trip to the slopes. It’s the perfect up-sell for boot retailers who recognize how versatile it is.

Work Life Balance Set
The Work Life Balance Roller & Pack is a carry-on bag & backpack set for the frequent traveler who wants the perfect balance between practical function and contemporary design.

Designed to keep your work and tech gear organized and accessible while your personal items and clothes are stored discreetly behind. Flexible 2 bag construction allows you to keep essentials with you and check-in the main bag in necessary. A magnetic accessory case is compatible with either bag and can move to whichever is being used.

Kabin Boot Bag
A truly smart and versatile piece of luggage, the Kabin Boot bag represents SnoKart’s innovative ethos to travel.

This carry-on size bag can be carried, wheeler or quickly converted to a backpack. Designed to be able to hold a pair of ski boots and still have room for accessories and travel essentials. Theis year-round bag holds everything needed for a short trip with ease.