Hybrid Day Pack -
Problem - Many outdoor packs have very specific uses and can be difficult to retrofit for other uses. This means users need to own multiple sports and everyday use bags. This is expensive and produces more waste and unnecessary bag designs.
Solution - A hybrid pack system that includes three main mechanisms (Integrated removable water, Transitional sling to back carry, removable pocket bag) drastically improve the function and usability when transitioning between various activities.
Problem - Many outdoor packs have very specific uses and can be difficult to retrofit for other uses. This means users need to own multiple sports and everyday use bags. This is expensive and produces more waste and unnecessary bag designs.
Solution - A hybrid pack system that includes three main mechanisms (Integrated removable water, Transitional sling to back carry, removable pocket bag) drastically improve the function and usability when transitioning between various activities.
Hybrid Outdoor Packs :
Inspiration - Being born in Boulder Colorado a few blocks from the base of the foothills meant activities like hiking, skiing, mountain biking, or camping have always been a very regular part of my life. Its something I enjoy and greatly miss in Cleveland. One thing I've personally noticed is how many different users needs there are for various types of sports packs. The outdoor bag industry is filled with tons of solutions to various problems. From $20 packs to $2000 packs many companies come out with new designs every year attempting to solve problems or simply disrupt the current packs on the market with new materials or colorways. The interesting thing I've noticed is many packs designed for hiking or backpacking are used as every day work or school packs. Brands like The NorthFace and Patagonia design bags intended for everyday use and bags intended for hiking or backpacking but have very few packs that can be efficiently used as both.
Problem - Many outdoor packs have very specific uses and can be difficult to retrofit for other uses. This means users need to own multiple sports and everyday use bags. This is expensive and produces more waste and unnecessary bag designs.
Evidence - Some outdoor brands have produced bags designed to be these hybrid packs but still fit the mold of hiking or day packs. There are a few bags on kickstarter or indiegogo that solved many of the travel problems like “Cotopaxi travel pack” or “Topo design travel bags”. The problem gets worse once you start looking into bags for specific activities
If a user wants a pack designed for skiing and everyday use they really have no options Or if they want a pack that can be used for multiple uses they have an even harder time finding packs for that.
Hypothesis- By addressing the issues around the usability of outdoor packs for the modern urban user I can produce packs that more seamlessly transition from specialty outdoor gear to adjustable everyday use bags.
Inspiration - Being born in Boulder Colorado a few blocks from the base of the foothills meant activities like hiking, skiing, mountain biking, or camping have always been a very regular part of my life. Its something I enjoy and greatly miss in Cleveland. One thing I've personally noticed is how many different users needs there are for various types of sports packs. The outdoor bag industry is filled with tons of solutions to various problems. From $20 packs to $2000 packs many companies come out with new designs every year attempting to solve problems or simply disrupt the current packs on the market with new materials or colorways. The interesting thing I've noticed is many packs designed for hiking or backpacking are used as every day work or school packs. Brands like The NorthFace and Patagonia design bags intended for everyday use and bags intended for hiking or backpacking but have very few packs that can be efficiently used as both.
Problem - Many outdoor packs have very specific uses and can be difficult to retrofit for other uses. This means users need to own multiple sports and everyday use bags. This is expensive and produces more waste and unnecessary bag designs.
Evidence - Some outdoor brands have produced bags designed to be these hybrid packs but still fit the mold of hiking or day packs. There are a few bags on kickstarter or indiegogo that solved many of the travel problems like “Cotopaxi travel pack” or “Topo design travel bags”. The problem gets worse once you start looking into bags for specific activities
If a user wants a pack designed for skiing and everyday use they really have no options Or if they want a pack that can be used for multiple uses they have an even harder time finding packs for that.
Hypothesis- By addressing the issues around the usability of outdoor packs for the modern urban user I can produce packs that more seamlessly transition from specialty outdoor gear to adjustable everyday use bags.