The story behind AlpinistLab
AlpinistLab was established in 2023 by Michal Šnajdr, a former professional mountain athlete and ski-mountaineer. As an amputee, Michal always had to adjust his gear to fit his needs, and over time, this became his passion.
One summer day in the Chamonix Valley, Michal met a mountain guide with an unfamiliar backpack which turned out to be home-made by the guide. Inspired by this, Michal went home and sewed his very first backpack on a simple home sewing machine.
After years of making his own backpacks and improving them, Michal decided to turn his hobby into a bigger project. He teamed up with his friends Markus Kröll and Joel Evans to create customized backpacks according their needs.
The concept
Over time, our team of athletes and mountain guides has grown significantly. AlpinistLab is more than just another outdoor brand—every product we create has its own unique story.
The development process begins in Michal’s design studio, where all prototypes and designs come to life. Each prototype is tailored to meet the specific needs of a particular athlete. Once the development process is complete, some of these designs are refined and transformed into market-ready products.
We don’t follow market trends or rely on numbers to guide us. Instead, we listen to our team, letting their expertise and real-world experience shape every product we create.
Our Team of athletes and guides
Michal Šnajdr
AlpinistLab Founder
Markus Kröll
Mountain Running Legend
David Herzig
Professional Photographer
jonatan garcia
Mountain Athlete, Gear Nerd
VICTOR GALUCHOT
Pro Skier
Florian Bosshard
UIAGM Mountain Guide, Founder of Bergschaft
Jordi Tosas
UIAGM Mountain Guide, Mountain Legend
JOEL EVANS
Mountain Athlete
Jan Kořínek
UIAGM Mountain Guide, Helicopter Rescuer
Michael Büchi
Mountain Athlete
Denisa Šulcová
First female UIAGM Mountain Guide in Slovakia
Christopher Baud
UIAGM Mountain Guide, Crystal Hunter
Production
Finding a reliable manufacturer for outdoor equipment in Europe can be challenging, as much of the industry has shifted production to Asia. For us, producing locally is a matter of principle and values. That’s why, since fall 2024, all our products have been made in Slovakia.
It’s important to us to collaborate with partners we share a close relationship with. Our manufacturing is handled by a factory run by a fellow climber, specializing in outdoor equipment production. This partnership allows us to quickly adapt to new designs and ensures we know everyone involved in the production process personally. We’re grateful for this collaboration, which helps us stay true to our commitment to quality and community.
Fabrics sourcing
Fabric selection is a crucial aspect of our process, and we only work with the best suppliers in the market. Challenge Outdoor and Dyneema are leaders in UHMWPE fabrics, offering a variety of styles and options to suit any project. These materials are known for their durability and versatility, ensuring that our creations stand the test of time. We will help you to find the best fabric to your requirements.
When it comes to plastic and aluminum parts, we only trust the best in the industry. Woojin Plastics, WeTool, ITW Nexus or Nifco are our go-to suppliers for these materials, known worldwide for their quality and precision. Whether it's intricate plastic components or sturdy aluminum parts, we rely on these suppliers to provide us with the highest quality materials for our projects.
Our business partners
