v17: Outdoor Bouldering Pack
Aug-Dec 2023
Design StatementDesign a mechanism that allows the average climber an efficient way to carry their gear to and from each crag.
The average outdoor climber carries a large crash pad on their back to and from each crag. An average crash pad is 65 in x 45 in and weighs up to 18 lbs. not accounting for the mandatory gear that one brings with them. This gear may include two pairs of climbing shoes, one pair of approach shoes, at least 2 liters of water, chalk bag, brushes, sunscreen, lunch, tape etc.
I have done ample research on this problem that exists and have found that not only does this bag not exist but that it needs to exist as outdoor bouldering has become increasingly popular.
ResearchTook a survey of 50 climbers who enjoy bouldering outdoors.
How do you typically carry your gear to each climb?
32% Sandwich in crash-pad
36% Carry gear in backpack on chest
28% Little bit of both
4% Tag team, one person carries gear another carries crash-pad
How satisfied are you with this arrangement?
60% Okay/Dissatisfied
28% Satissfied
12% Best option they’ve found
Top 5 most popular crash-pads
Problems
Wearing your gear on you chest is bulky and obstructs your arms while you are hiking around boulders
Wearing your gear on the back of the crash pad pulls you backwards and is very top heavy
And the bowing that occurs when you do this which not only ruins a very expensive crash-pad but also compromises the integrity of your safety
Average amount of gear you bring with you to each crag
Initial Sketches
Illustrator Outside Appearance
Interior Pockets
Measurements for pattern pieces
Crash-pad water bottle carrier
