Ascent
A pack for outdoor climber photographers
Duration: 6 weeks (WIN 2019)
In collaboration with Jack Johnston, Taylor Woo, & Thipok Cholsaipant
DESIGN 317: Intermediate (Soft Goods) Industrial Design Studio
Roles:
UX Researcher, Industrial Designer, Model Maker
Overview
Context
Outdoor Climbing Photography
As camera designs became more compact and portable over the past centuries, outdoor photography became increasingly popular and accessible to climbers, with portable cameras and phones.
Whether these outdoor activities involve a casual hike or scaling mountain cliffs for that perfect shot, having the right camera pack can make or break one's outdoor experience.
Problem
Unable to separate camera and climbing gear with one pack
Lack of accessibility to camera gear
Poor range of motion
Issues with Current Climbing Photography Packs
How might we design a pack that allows outdoor climber photographers to efficiently pack and access their gear so that they are always ready for the perfect photo?
Solution
Outdoor photographers capture some of the greatest nature shots with the help of their climbing and photography gear. Often times, this gear is difficult to carry and access due to its weight or fragility. Ascent allows outdoor climber photographers to efficiently pack and access their gear so that they are always ready for the perfect photo.
Research
Expert Interview
Ellie
Photography Major at CU
Outdoor Climber Photographer
"There are better packs available than what I currently have for sure but none of the packs are very specific to someone like myself, who will be carrying cameras and all the different gear."
Usual Activity
Walking for half an hour uphill with about 40 pounds of equipment until she starts climbing (bouldering, crag climbing)
Climbing Gear
Mammut ropes pack without a backboard, helmet, shoes, and harness are strapped on with carabiners
Camera Pack
Separate from rope bag, but everything is connected with carabiner
Current System
Hates having to take the camera out and putting it back in
Persona
Samantha, Outdoor Climber Photographer
Core Needs:
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Comfort and support
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A pack that can adapt to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, river crossing, and climbing
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To always be ready to capture the perfect shot
“It's tiring, but I love it. I'll lug my gear around everywhere just to capture how awesome it is out here!”
Problem Framing
Unable to separate camera and climbing gear with one pack
Camera equipment is fragile and should be protected from other equipment as well as the rugged environment
Lack of accessibility to camera gear
It is difficult to access gear without completely removing one's pack, which can sometimes be impossible while climbing
Hiking, climbing, and taking photos with a 40+ pound pack that does not provide a wide range of motion gets uncomfortable and tiring
Poor range of motion
Design Insights
Protected
Protects fragile camera equipment from other gear and the rugged environment
Modular
Carry a variety of equipment while being able to temporarily shed some pack weight when needed
Accessible
Efficiently access gear without needing to remove the pack
Flexible
Accommodates a range of physical activities, such as hiking, river crossing, climbing, etc.
Design Principles
How might we design a pack that allows outdoor climber photographers to efficiently pack and access their gear so that they are always ready for the perfect photo?
Ideation & Prototyping
Early Ideation
Early pack sketches explored features that helped to maximize comfort and mobility during outdoor activities. We also explored camera pack designs that were protected, easily accessible, and modular.
Early Prototypes
Low fidelity prototypes allowed us to test different methods of distributing weight, focusing primarily on building lower back and hip supports. We also tested different designs that would maximize the range of mobility while shaping to the small of the back.
Second Iteration of Sketches
Feedback from early ideation sketches and low fidelity prototypes helped us narrow down how we wanted our camera bag to be incorporated into the overall pack. In addition, a follow up interview with our expert, Ellie, made us reconsider how ropes will be packed since that feature was not yet explored thoroughly in earlier designs.
Second Iteration Prototypes
Higher fidelity prototypes allowed us to actually attach weight (about 20lbs of paper for testing purposes) to test load bearing abilities. All prototypes were quite successful in distributing the weight with the help of the thick waist band. Our pack volume study helped us visualize the proportions of the overall product.
Refinement
Based on our load bearing tests with our physical prototypes, we made some adjustments to how ropes will be carried with our pack after feedback from Ellie, who warned us about possible snagging of ropes in dense forests, as well as the need to keep the ropes as close to the body as possible to maximize comfort.
Design Solution
Product Features
Packing Ropes
Secure a variety of rope sizes using the side pockets by packing and cinching, keeping the bulk of the weight close to your body for better load bearing.
Carabiner Daisy Chains
Many locations to carabiner on equipment outside the pack to keep it separate from camera gear.
Removing the Top Container
To shed some unneeded weight before the climb, detach the top container by unbuckling the shoulder buckles and weaving the container straps out of the frame.
Swiveling Camera Bag
Easily access the camera gear by sliding it around the waist belt, without the need to remove the pack harness. To better protect camera gear, the bottom container is specially designed for storing and protecting delicate cameras and lenses.
Reattaching the Top Container
Once finished with the climb, reinstall the top container by weaving the container straps through the frame. Secure using the shoulder buckles.
Product Details
Cosmetic Model
Pack Frame Sheet
Tech Pack & Materials
Reflection & Takeaways
The ups
This project was one of my favorites from my undergraduate years because I love working with soft goods and pattern-making! Overall, I think our pack was quite successful in including the complex, moving features that our expert, Ellie, desired.
The downs
Before this class, I had prior experience with sewing due to my background in cosplay/costume-making but the difference in products and materials posed a new challenge. I learned that sewing through layers of thick backpack material is rough so my needlework was not as clean as I would have wanted but I am grateful I got to learn how to use an industrial sewing machine!
Moving Forward
With more time, I would love the chance to refine the camera belt sliding mechanism to make it slide smoother on the belt and to reduce the chance of it slipping off the belt as that was an issue our cosmetic model often ran into during our demonstrations.
