MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

Red Oxx Manufacturing – Established 1986.

MADE IN AMERICA FROM AMERICAN MADE MATERIALS

Red Oxx goes the extra mile sourcing the materials for creating our gear. To show our support for other American manufacturers, the purchasing department’s priority is on acquiring product materials that are made in the U.S.A.. Red Oxx can now say with pride that over 98% of our gear materials are now sourced from American-owned and operated companies. Some items, such as a few pieces of hardware, are simply currently not available from American manufacturers. But the minute we hear of an entrepreneur taking on that responsibility, we’ll be the first in line.

HALF DOZEN REASONS TO OWN RED OXX GEAR

1. BAGS BUILT LIKE A TANK?

When you read up on our customer reviews, you’ll learn our customers frequently like to define our gear as "built like a tank". Obviously you’re not going to be toting around carry-on bags or personal items that weigh 50 tons with three inches of armor plate. But for what it’s worth, the comparison is valid.

For a soft-sided carry-on bag, EDC bag, or personal item Red Oxx bags are built tough.

Starting with one of the most durable textile materials available. Red Oxx uses 1000 weight CORDURA® Brand nylon fabric. The bags are stitched together using a proprietary super strong UV resistant thread in every seam. Rugged, reliable and tough.

2. BOUND AND BAGGED.

Places where two separate pieces of fabric are stitched together are "bound". A long piece of one inch wide nylon webbing is folded over the edges of the two pieces and they are stitched together. This creates a strong seam, or binding, that prevents the two pieces from unraveling on the inside of the bag. It also gives a clean and neat finished look both on the inside. When used on the outside of the bag; such as along the gusseted pocket lids on the Gator.

Inside edges typically receive the thinner nylon webbing. Whereas outside corner edges that are exposed to wear will have a thicker nylon binding. All of our binding material is vertically woven to prevent fraying, peeling or splitting.

3. WHY DOUBLE BOX STITCHING?

Each stress point, such as where the handles attach to a bag, is double-box stitched. This is where we get the "double XX" in our name, Red OXX. This is a stitching practice adapted from our military service as parachute riggers.

4. MY, WHAT BIG ZIPPERS YOU HAVE!

The reason Red Oxx uses some of the largest zippers available, the #5 and #10 YKK VISLON® zippers. This is because:

  • They’re easily repairable, even in the field.
  • The zipper teeth are self-locking.
  • They are difficult to penetrate, thereby increasing the security of your belongings and reducing casual penetration theft.
  • Vislon® zippers function smoothly in inclement weather (from 20 degrees below zero to 120 degrees above zero).
  • They can be yanked from a variety of angles, and still work, without losing teeth or becoming separated.

Since they’re made of slick VISLON® vinyl, they will never rust or require lubing, unlike brass or other metal zippers.

5. PUTTING THE HARD IN HARDWARE.

x dot com was established as a direct-to-consumer model from the word go." says Jim. Tired of losing business to China, it became apparent that the game had changed, and change was happening all around the economy. No more would the Oxx be held hostage by a fickle corporate buyer or forced out of competition by subsidized currency. The Internet had provided the perfect channel. Red Oxx could now reach out from the backwaters of Montana to the cities and towns of the world. "Since we live here in Montana, our bags are hand-made in Montana instead of offshore. This is our dream to build local jobs for regular people. We looked at redevelopment of our blighted neighborhood. This meant more local jobs and the capacity to grow. There’s only so much time in life to do good work. There’s the heart and soul of Montana in the hands-on touch of the people that work for us. That human touch goes into every one of our bags." says Jim.

Red Oxx has occasionally been accused of "overdoing" our hardware. Imagine a cheap piece of imported plastic hardware breaking on your bag in the middle of a busy intersection, airport or other inconvenient locale. Thereby dumping your precious belongings all over the ground for all the world to see (and steal). With Red Oxx Gear, this is a heavy-duty nickel-plated or stainless steel D-ring or attachment swivel that weighs just a tiny bit more, and might be a little "jingly". This is a travel companion’s confidence builder and peace-of-mind maker.

After all, you want to enjoy your journey as best you can. Why worry about having your Red Oxx bag break down?

6. A SHOULDER STRAP THAT WILL NOT SLIP.

All of our checked, carry-on, and briefcase bags, come standard with the famous fully adjustable Red Oxx Claw Shoulder Strap which will not slip. Or carry your bag one handed using the wraparound handle handclasp.

Red Oxx developed a strap designed for comfort carry, the Long Hauler strap, available for additional purchase.

LUCKY FACTORY #8

Introducing the new eco-friendly factory that's been established in Billings Montana! The commitment to sustainability and providing employees with a living wage is our reality. The incorporation of natural lighting not only helps save on electricity costs but also contributes to a healthier and more pleasant working environment. Offering tours of the facility is an excellent way to showcase these eco-conscious practices and engage with the community. We have holistic approach to manufacturing that aligns with both environmental and social responsibility.

Book a Factory Tour