45L Pack for travel and adventure.
Purpose
This pack was designed to be versatile. It needed to meet the demands of travelers that want to limit their baggage.
Concept
The concept is a single cavity design with the ability to add attachments as necessary. The overall aesthetic can be cleaned up for travel then, once the destination has been reached, it can be built out to take on the next demanding adventure.
I started this project off with interviews. Not just random interviews but ones with people on the trail while they are hiking. It allowed them to respond while “in the moment”. While thoughts were fresh on their mind.
As I hit the trails, I learned a few things.
Water is crucial. Not just crucial but accessible. No matter whether you are wearing the pack or not.
The perfect size was 40-45 Liters. 3-5 day hikes or summit hikes were prime for this size.
Being able to adapt a pack to certain hikes or certain phases of a hike was a plus.
Too many straps on existing packs.
Research
Color. Material. Finish.
Materials were chosen to ensure the product would be able to withstand the abuse endured from the elements. A Robic material blended with Dyneema would allow the bag to be lightweight will also having the strength to last for many years. Robic gridstop offers durability even when punctured and promotes confidence, even on the worlds toughest trails.
The colors selected are core to GORUCK and are deeply rooted in the military, my inspiration for this bag.
Ideation sketching and iteration.
First iteration of design ideation
Second iteration of design ideation.
High fidelity sketching of proposed design
High fidelity sketches of design proposal with accessories.
Accessory details
Detachable lid accessory
Design feedback for iteration 2
Overall, testers were please with the pack. There were features that were well received and some that were removed due to a lack of interest.
Some of the more positive notes include:
Accurate sizing
Loads of customizable features
Pack sway was almost nonexistent. This was the most highly acclaimed feature.
Features that were not carried into iteration 2
Strapping was reduced even more
Removable lid was replaced with a fixed lid
More storage was added. Testers requested additional pockets for storing easy access items.
