Duraflex®

Duraflex®

Duraflex® is an internationally established brand of plastic buckles, fasteners, and small hardware components (trims & accessories) for the outdoor and sporting goods industry. In practice, Duraflex components are most commonly found on backpack systems, webbing, compression and adjustment elements, selected types of bags, tent accessories, and other products where reliability, low weight, and ease of operation are essential.

Profile and history

The Duraflex brand was founded by Joseph Anscher with the goal of providing highly functional and reliable accessories for the backpack market. The brand’s origins date back to the 1950s (with 1955 commonly referenced in the manufacturer’s timeline). From its initial production base in the United States, Duraflex gradually expanded into a global manufacturing network, with facilities in the USA, Italy, China, and Vietnam.

What Duraflex manufactures

Historically, Duraflex focused primarily on plastic buckles and fasteners. Following a significant expansion of its product portfolio (the manufacturer references a major expansion after 2007), the range now includes a broader selection of small components for equipment and textile products.

• plastic buckles and fasteners (e.g. side-release buckles, adjustment components, clips)
• D-rings and other connecting and attachment elements
• cam buckles and tensioning systems
• cord locks, zipper pullers, labels, and related accessories
• selected metal components (such as snaps, grommets, etc., depending on product line)

Why Duraflex is relevant for tactical and outdoor equipment

In backpacks, load-bearing systems, and webbing assemblies, the critical point is often the hardware component itself—such as a buckle, fastener, or adjustment element. High-quality hardware helps prevent unintended loosening, allows operation even when wearing gloves, and withstands repeated mechanical stress in field conditions. In this segment, Duraflex has become a widely adopted standard where consistent quality and long-term availability of compatible components are required.

Certifications and responsible manufacturing

According to the manufacturer, the Duraflex Group became the first system partner of bluesign® within the trim industry in 2010. It subsequently certified its production facilities, including related processes such as metal surface treatment. This is particularly relevant for brands that require traceability and environmental compliance throughout their supply chain.

Important notice regarding use

Duraflex components are not intended for use as personal protective equipment or in products designed to provide personal safety or protection. The suitability of each component must be independently evaluated for the intended application, and certified safety hardware should be used for critical load-bearing or life-support systems.

Duraflex® is a registered trademark of Duraflex (within the group commonly referenced as Duraflex Hong Kong Limited).