🍏 Why Apple Growers Replace Picking Bags Too Often (And How to Stop)

by Craig Kelly

Most apple growers accept that picking bags are a consumable.
They wear out, stitching fails, liners tear, and every season starts with another order.

But what if replacing picking bags every two or three seasons isn’t actually normal?

Across Australia, New Zealand and overseas, we see the same pattern repeat itself — especially in hot, high-volume apple regions:

  • Bags fail mid-season

  • Comfort drops as gear wears

  • Pickers compensate with poor posture

  • Bruising increases late in the day

  • Bags are replaced again the following year

The cost adds up quickly — not just in dollars, but in fruit quality, picker fatigue and lost productivity.

So why does this happen so often? And more importantly, how do you stop the cycle?

đźšś The Real Reasons Picking Bags Wear Out Early

1. Heat, Dust and UV Are Brutal on Cheap Materials

Australian apple orchards are tough environments.
Heat, dust and UV exposure break down low-grade fabrics fast.

Many picking bags look fine at the start of the season — but after weeks of sun and heavy use, the fabric weakens, stitching fails and liners tear.

Once one part goes, the whole bag is usually written off.

2. Non-Replaceable Parts = Short Lifespan

This is the biggest issue we see.

Most picking bags fail because of:

  • liner wear

  • side rope failure

  • harness fatigue

But on many bags, those parts aren’t replaceable.

So instead of repairing/replacing a $40-50 component, growers replace a $250–$300 bag.

That’s not wear and tear — that’s design limitation.

3. Discomfort Accelerates Damage

As bags age, comfort drops.

When a harness twists or digs in:

  • pickers shift weight incorrectly

  • bags hit fruit harder when emptying

  • posture changes late in the day

This leads to:

  • faster bag wear

  • increased bruising

  • tired crews making small mistakes that add up

Comfort isn’t just about people — it directly affects fruit quality.

🍎 Why Apple Orchards Are Starting to Think Long-Term

More Australian & NZ apple growers are stepping back and asking a different question:

“What does this bag actually cost us over five years?”

When you look at cost per season, the picture changes fast.

A bag that lasts:

  • 5–10 seasons

  • with replaceable liners and harnesses

  • and better comfort

almost always costs less long-term than cheaper gear replaced every year or two.

🔧 How to Stop Replacing Picking Bags So Often

âś… Choose Bags With Replaceable Components

A picking bag should be a system, not a disposable item.

Look for:

When one part wears, you replace the part — not the entire bag.

âś… Invest in Harness Comfort Early

The harness is worn all day, every day.

Better harness design means:

  • less fatigue

  • better posture

  • smoother emptying

  • fewer late-day bruises

Growers who upgrade harnesses often see immediate improvements — even on existing bags.

âś… Match the Bag to the Crop

Apples require:

  • stable shape

  • controlled fruit movement

  • predictable emptying

Using a bag designed for apples reduces both wear and bruising — especially in high-volume blocks.

🌿 The Bigger Picture: Productivity, Retention and Fruit Quality

Replacing bags less often isn’t just about saving money.

It means:

  • crews trust their gear

  • comfort stays consistent all season

  • fruit quality holds up late in the day

  • fewer last-minute replacements

  • better return on every picking hour

In today’s labour market, the orchards that invest in good gear tend to keep better people — and better people pick better fruit.

🍏 Final Thought

If you’re replacing picking bags every season or two, it’s worth asking:

Is the bag wearing out — or was it designed to?

Stopping the replacement cycle usually comes down to:

  • better materials

  • smarter design

  • replaceable parts

  • and proper weight distribution

Once those are in place, picking bags stop being a headache — and start becoming one of the most reliable tools in the orchard.

👉 Related Reading

If you’d like a clearer breakdown of harness options and comfort systems, you can view our full guide here:


Harvestwear Harness Comparison Guide - 


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