By in History —

More Than Decoration: The Rugged Mountaineering History of Your Backpack's Diamond Patch

That diamond-shaped patch on your backpack is more than a stylistic flourish; it's a relic of mountaineering history. Known as a 'lash tab' or 'pig snout,' its original purpose was to allow climbers and hikers to lash extra gear like ice axes or rope to the outside of their packs.

A Familiar Feature with a Forgotten Function

Take a look at a classic backpack, and there's a good chance you'll find it: a small, diamond-shaped patch, often made of leather, with two parallel slits cut through the middle. You may have threaded your headphone wires through it or simply regarded it as a brand logo's perch. Colloquially known as a "pig snout," this little feature is one of the most common yet misunderstood elements in modern bag design. But it isn't just a stylistic quirk; it's a functional fossil, a direct link to the golden age of mountaineering.

The Lash Tab: A Mountaineer's Lifeline

Long before backpacks were fashion accessories for city commutes, they were essential tools for survival in the wilderness. In the world of climbing and alpinism, every inch of space counts. The original purpose of that diamond patch, officially called a "lash tab," was brutally practical. It was a reinforced point designed to help adventurers secure gear to the outside of their pack. Climbers would thread webbing or cordage through the slits to lash on bulky or sharp equipment that wouldn't fit inside, such as an ice axe, a coiled rope, or a pair of crampons. The use of thick leather was intentional; it was durable, water-resistant, and provided a secure anchor that wouldn't easily tear under the strain of heavy, swinging gear.

From Mountain Peaks to Campus Quads

So how did this rugged tool make its way onto the backpacks of students and urbanites? The transition began as outdoor recreation became more mainstream in the latter half of the 20th century. Brands like JanSport began incorporating features from technical alpine packs into their everyday designs, bringing a sense of adventure to the masses. The lash tab came along for the ride, evolving from a necessity into an aesthetic. It became a symbol of durability and outdoor heritage. More recently, brands like Herschel Supply Co. have cemented the lash tab's status as a popular retro design element. In an interview with the Today Show, Herschel co-founder Jamie Cormack shed light on its legacy:

"It was originally designed to carry an ice axe. It's what they used to use back in the day when they were mountaineering, and it was a way to loop your ice axe on to your bag. It's how Herschel pays homage to the old-school mountaineering. A lot of our products are inspired by that... it's a nod to the heritage of our brand."

The patch became a visual shorthand, signifying a product that was tough, reliable, and connected to a spirit of exploration, even if its most strenuous journey was from a dorm room to a lecture hall.

A Nostalgic Nod in a Modern World

Today, advancements in backpack technology, such as dedicated gear loops, bungee cords, and compression straps, have made the traditional lash tab largely obsolete for serious outdoor pursuits. Most modern technical packs have abandoned it in favor of lighter, more specialized solutions. Yet, it persists on countless lifestyle and heritage-style bags. While you're unlikely to see anyone strapping an ice axe to their commuter pack, the lash tab isn't entirely useless. It serves as a handy point to clip a carabiner with keys, a water bottle, a hand sanitizer, or a bicycle light for nighttime visibility. It has been repurposed by a new generation, finding modest utility in an urban environment. Ultimately, that little diamond patch is a testament to great design—a feature so effective in its original context that it has survived for decades as a beloved and enduring tribute to its adventurous past.

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