Add zipper pulls to backpacks for easier opening
We use a retro KELTY Daypack with a wide gusset and handy internal pocket. One issue: the zipper.
The zipper was stiff and hard to grab
The slider says KELTY (not YKK) and drags. A squirt of CRE556 helped a bit. In winter, gloves made it worse—the pull tab is small and smooth, so fingers slip. I copied another idea from my gear.
Copied outdoor wear: add a cord
Many jackets and bags already have cords on zips:
Some have rubber/plastic tips. They hook your fingers even when yanked carelessly—great with gloves. I tied a simple cord like the orange one.
The part is called a “zipper tab”
Didn’t know the name; turns out it’s a zipper tab (tab = pull). Sold in 4–6 packs or singles; 6-pack is ¥1,000 (¥150 each). Victorinox makes a branded strap (for knives):
Gregory sells its leather pulls separately—swap colors (brown → black) to refresh a pack:
The plastic tip alone is also sold (~¥80 each):
These tips show up at outdoor shops (Montbell, etc.) and even craft stores like Yuzawaya. Amazon is cheap but shipping can be ¥500; local stores can be better.
Many tips are from Nifco
I noticed “Nifco” on some of mine; shops carry lots of Nifco parts. It’s a Yokosuka-based fastener giant (plastic buckles, etc.), listed on the stock market, with ~70% share in industrial fasteners. They even bought Simmons beds and Japan Times—corporate trivia for hardware fans.
Pick any cord you like
The cord itself can be almost anything: thick 5 mm nylon, thin 1 mm, even hair ties. Thin cords come in bright colors—look for “climbing rope” or “guy line.” Outdoor shops sell by the meter (¥100); Amazon sells 20 m for ~¥1,000. Strong and colorful. Some people make bracelets from it, like this Instagram post:
アウトドアウェアとかリュックのファスナーに付いてるあの紐分かるかな？あの紐の柄が可愛くて好きで、ブレスにしたい！と思ってたらあの紐のブレスを発見♪GET ◡̈⃝ ♡
↯ᙏ̤̫͚isa↯(@0713misa) posted on
Hair ties (even neon ones from Daiso/Seria) also work. Thick elastic needs no tip—just knot it. If you skip a plastic tip, melt the cord end gently with a lighter to avoid fraying.
Takeaway
Zipper tabs are a tiny upgrade that make daily life smoother. Buying pre-made tabs is fast; DIY with a meter of cord is cheap and fun—keep a few colors around.
