My name is Samuel Gérard, I am 52 years old, and I live in Strasbourg, in eastern France. As an experienced hiker and former professional landscape photographer, I am native to the Vosges mountains. However, it was after a solo traverse of the Pyrenean mountains a few years ago that I decided to create a better-designed backpack than any I had tried before.

Today, after more than four years of research, sewing, field testing, and discussions with various manufacturers, I have created the brand SMITH Fleurette, with an exceptional first model that I am quite proud of: the KERBHOLZ (named after a favorite bivouac spot).

Starting from a nearly blank slate, I tried to rethink all the functionalities used in hiking backpacks. Through studies and trials, I arrived at an original design and reimagined ergonomics for backpack use. The carrying system, in particular, is the result of many months of development and is completely new and innovative.

I also aimed to integrate high-quality materials, selected over the years, with a majority of fabrics sourced from recycling channels, and to pay particular attention to every detail. As an aesthete at heart, I wanted this backpack to have sleek but harmonious lines.

Finally, after years of sewing prototypes on my own, I insisted on entrusting the production of a small, exclusive series of 100 numbered copies to a specialized company located in the French Alps.

The KERBHOLZ is a multi-task tool, comfortable everywhere: long hikes, simple bivouacs, snowshoeing, travels... It is a backpack designed with passion for passionate people. Its philosophy: to become indispensable while being easy to forget.

It is the adventure companion I was missing, and I created it so others can enjoy it too.

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