Aztec has a natural texture, is sturdy, and gets more comfortable the more you use it.

When the brand was established in 1973, all of the bags were made of cotton campus fabric. How did AzTec come into being and what was the response at the time? We asked them about the evolution of the material as well as the story behind the creation of AzTec.

John:Cotton campus fabric was also a good product, but it had its limitations in terms of weight and water resistance. Therefore, we tried to improve the product, and in 1978, we developed a campus fabric made of polyester cotton. This was later branded as "Aztec.

Knitted from polyester and cotton yarns and treated with shrink-proofing and other treatments, AZTEQ's products were highly acclaimed for their durability and water resistance shortly after they were launched. The product has evolved in many ways, first with variations based on fabric weight, and in the early 1990s, a lightweight version was developed that maintained the durability and water resistance of the product.

MACPAC has been pursuing ways to reduce environmental impact as well as the evolution of materials. We have always insisted that the cotton we use is organically grown and fair trade.

At the same time, the material has evolved remarkably in terms of functionality, with the latest variation, "AzTec plus," the lightest in the series. The material has many potential applications in the future, according to John.

AZTEQ has been strengthening its variations along with its product lineup. What types currently exist?

John:There are three types of fabrics in use today, depending on weight: AZTEC 12 oz/HC (high cotton content), the traditional type used since 1978, AZTEC Eco/HP (high polyester), a slightly lighter fabric with more flexibility, and the new AzTec plus".

This new model features an even lighter weight of 6 oz. It is also more flexible, while still maintaining its waterproof properties. These Aztec fabrics will not lose their performance with age. The greatest feature of these fabrics is that they have a natural texture, yet are sturdy, and the more they are used, the more they become accustomed to their surroundings.

AZTEQ has been used for over 20 years and has not been dented.

The performance of these original high-functional materials has been enhanced through repeated testing in the field.

John:Since the beginning when we first developed AZTEQ, we have conducted a variety of tests. For example, New Zealand has many pristine rivers and bushland, which requires the wearing of long gaiters.

Therefore, two prototypes of gaiters were made, one made of nylon and the other of Aztec, and the comfort of the gaiters was examined. The experiment was a great success, and since then, this experiment has been a standard practice when developing Aztec variations.

AZTEQ's performance, backed up by its past achievements and independent testing, has gained the support of many outdoor enthusiasts and has now grown into a major backpack brand with fans all over the world. Of course, John, the interviewer, is one of the loyal users. We asked him about his impressions of the product and the situations in which he uses it.

John:My favorite model is the "Macpac Torre" - it's an 80-liter hiking pack and it's still sturdy almost 15 years after I bought it! When I started taking my children hiking, I used it to pack a lot of stuff.

The Aztec gaiters have also been a favorite of mine since the 1980s. Another favorite is my Aztec jacket, which I have worn since the 1990s. Its ruggedness is very useful to me because New Zealand has a lot of nature.

Macpac products are like good friends.

Because they are durable, they can be used for a long time. We also asked about the "long life" that only "MacPac" can achieve because of its robustness.

John:In any case, Aztek's durability and ease of repair allow it to be used for many years. This greatly reduces waste, and it also has the characteristic of not deteriorating in appearance indefinitely. These factors are directly related to our corporate philosophy of environmental friendliness.

It can also be said that our products are designed to be used a lot. The more you use the product, the more you will appreciate its details, high functionality, and the feelings that have been put into it. In other words, it is like a good friend.

Mack Pack products are not inexpensive, but they are worth it. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, please buy a product from MacPac.

We use only the finest cotton materials, and repeat tests over and over again until a single product is made. And an unwavering philosophy that is always looking ahead to the environment and the buyer. This attitude may be the reason why MacPac is supported by so many people.

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Finally, we introduce a popular model using Aztec.

Fits all occasions.

　

This classic model is a re-design of the popular "Gekko" model with the back structure of the time of its birth. The top-loading type has a large access opening, and with a 35L capacity, it can easily be loaded with luggage. There are large gusseted pockets on both sides, and straps and pole loops on the front for storing poles and other gear. It is sure to be very useful for low-mountain trekking and everyday use.
Gecko classic ¥16,000+tax

A standard model that works well in the city.

　

Since its debut, the classic Kauri model has been overwhelmingly popular among both men and women. Despite its compact size, it can accommodate a PC or tablet thanks to the highly resilient internal organizer. It also features shoulder straps comparable to those of larger models and a highly breathable back panel. It also has small pockets throughout for small items, making it easy to use.
Kauri classic ¥18,000+tax