FP Newsletter 2026-05-26
2026-05-26
It’s been a long time, but here we are.
I have never used Google Analytics, instead for many years I have used a paid GDPR compliant service, Plausible. Now I am having issues with Google Ads.
Ads have brought in a few people a day who would not otherwise see my packs. The world is changing and I have decided to move on.
Interestingly, a big part of my work is now with repeat customers, and word of mouth referrals. I like this a lot. For me a pack takes a lot of work, they are my children. My favourite customer has always been the good honest Kiwi tramper.
I have decided to be a little more open about what I am doing. The next FP newsletter may be in a couple of months, rather than in a year.
Making fancy photos and the social media grind is not for me, but I do occasionally make videos showing my packs and explaining decisions here.
When I started 6 years ago, light weight stuff was the thing I did. I have learned a lot about backpacks.
Now it’s simple, versatile, get out of the way tools I am interested in. Manufacturability matters a lot, because it is my time. I avoid over optimisation like the plague, it leads to fragility. I want my work to be like a tree in the forest.
On the subject of tramping, I will be away 17-24 June in the Kaipo looking for Kiwi, listening to Whio. Thanks Hollyford Conservation Trust, it’s a huge privilege.
I can’t wait, but this does affect orders.
Last financial year was the best year ever for FP, it was beginning to feel like a real business. The NZ economy seemed to be on the rise. Unfortunately everything changed in March. My suppliers are very exposed to world events. Prices will rise. I have reasonable stocks of most fabrics, it is my goal to hang on to prices as long as possible.
Over the coming months it is important to support local business whenever we have the choice. We need to retain as much manufacturing as possible. Every time someone closes it makes life harder for those remaining. YKK for example no longer manufacture locally, carry a smaller range, have shunted smaller customers to expensive resellers.
In the new world of intelligence on demand, real people making real things, are important.
Fortunately we never need to go far to find our place in the precious wilderness nearby. Happy tramping.
David