The research and concept development was approached from two different angles. 1) I researched the gear and practices that are involved in ski mountaineering. 2) I did qualitative and quantitative market research to understand the current market from this type of product
The idea development stage started off with basic thumbnail sketches to lay out all of the individual features that I wanted on my bag. I then began working on more detailed sketches on how I was going to implement these features into my bag.
From the sketching and development stage, I was able to begin doing rudimentary prototyping to realize the bag from a three dimensional perspective. This part of the process taught me the most about how I was going to include all of the features that I had decided on in the idea development phase
With my more developed Muslin prototype I was able to do my own user testing as well as virtual and in person user testing. For my user tests I was able to show the bag to a couple big mountain ski athletes to get their input. I also showed the bag to a number of people who are more casual skiers to get a different perspective.
Once I got all of the feedback that I needed I was able to make changes through more prototyping and begin the sewing on the final bag. Simultaneously I created the color studies, tech pack, and bill of materials that would theoretically be sent to the factory if I wanted to have my bag reproduced
This is the final product: a 45L hand sewn ski mountaineering backpack
Below are some videos that illustrate some of the functionality of the backpack. The First video displays the adjustability of the front mesh so that it can hold different sized items snugly.
The Second video displays the modularity of the backpack through the separation and creating of the hip-bag. The brain and hip-belt are removable and interface with each other to create a smaller day pack.
