Problem statement
How can we reduce the impact of climbers at outdoor climbing crags as the sport continues to grow?
A busy weekend day at the crag. Source: Adventure Journal
Source: Inner Peaks
Market Analysis
Most rope tarp bags on the market consist of a tarp sewn onto a simple bag. This "burrito style" design allows for untangled "flaked" rope to be easily rolled up and packed away or rolled out and immediately used.
However, the small size of these tarps cannot contain rope, and lead to dirt, grime, and shortened rope life. Quite often, with no place to sit, climbers sit on uneven rocky ground to put on their shoes.
The carrying straps are nylon webbing with some or no cushion, and dig into the shoulders.
Solution
Design a bag that has a larger tarp to keep rope off the dirt, add cushioned shoulder straps for hiking, and incorporate a place for climbers to sit off the ground.
Concept and refinement sketches helped me work through the design.
Prototype Phase
Building a works-alike model to test out the concept.
Testing out the bag at a local climbing area guided changes to the design.
Refined concept sketch with notes:
Final prototype assembly!
Sample pages of a tech pack for manufacturing the backpack were created in Illustrator and laid out in Indesign
Final Design
The frame interchangeably works as a seat.
Rope, tarp, and equipment fit into the pack
Ergonomic straps are contoured, breathable, and cushy
Increasing the tarp size by 30% helps keep equipment away from dirt and rocks.
