Backpack Roll Pack Bananatex®

The ROLL PACK is based on the idea of a protective container that can be worn in different ways and whose volume can be adjusted to the contents thanks to a "roll-top" construction. The main compartment features interior pockets in various sizes, including a laptop compartment padded with Merino felt, suitable for up to 15-inch MacBook Pro®. A special version of the proven YKK® metal zipper with a band made of cotton instead of plastic allows quick and secure access to the most important contents. The adjustable backpack straps and a modular handle made of vegetable-tanned leather allow for various carrying options.
But the highlight is the material: after several years of material research and development, Swiss bag manufacturer QWSTION has designed a textile that is fully woven into the Zurich label's DNA: Bananatex® is the world's first technical fabric made of fibers from the Abacá banana plant, which is cultivated organically in the Philippine highlands. As a natural alternative to synthetic, petroleum-based textiles, the in-house development is not only ecological and economical, but - processed for the first time in the latest bag collection - very robust and durable, light and flexible with a finely textured feel. A layer of beeswax makes the sustainable canvas fabric water-repellent, hard-wearing and develops a beautiful patina with use.

Bags are either chic or practical, classy or functional. Rarely, you find bags that combine these attributes – unless they come from QWSTION. The small company known for its relentless motivation to question the common norms focuses on sustainable design and functional luggage for all situations in life – from long journeys to everyday mobility.

The QWSTION team comprises dedicated specialists with the Swiss industrial designer Christian Kaegi as the central figure. The brand’s journey started when the team took on the task to design a piece of luggage more functional than a classic leather bag and more elegant than a sports backpack. Furthermore, their product was supposed to be robust and resistant on the one hand, made of natural materials on the other hand.

Based in Zurich, the QWSTION team develops timeless designs featuring practical details, Swiss design’s significant impact and the team’s impressive precision visible in every piece. For example, you can turn every bag into a backpack – and vice versa. The unique characteristics of QWSTION models are wide webbing straps. They form – elaborately and robustly sewn – the structure of the bags in almost all parts of the series. Thanks to the hard-wearing outer material made of coated, water-repellent cotton fabric and many practical features, the bags are perfect companions in everyday life and develop a beautiful patina over time.

QWSTION does not compromise when it comes to selecting production materials. The Swiss use organic cotton and recycling materials, both processed to the highest standards. The brand’s most important production partner is a small manufactory in the city of Huizhou outside Hong Kong that is certified by the Business and Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). The EU initiative aims to implement European standards regarding working conditions and ecological aspects in non-EU countries. Because QWSTION is a variation of the word “question”, this is why the Swiss unhesitantly ask further questions when the solution seems to be already in the bag. For exemplifying their dedication, it is sufficient to point out that the team has conducted intensive material research over a three-year period, ultimately developing its own textile: Bananatex®. It is the world’s first technical fabric made from the fibres of the banana plant. The new fabric had its premiere recently in an in-house-produced series of QWSTION bags.