I was honored to work with the fantastic team at Big Agnes on this project.  The Sweetwater pack line came to me with some design direction and many of the materials chosen.  It was my role to adapt the design and create functional hip belts, shoulder straps, and internal frame sheets for enhanced function and fit.  Once we determined the direction for one size, I was responsible for creating the additional sizes and all tech packs.

SWEETWATER BACKPACK LINE:

60L Top Loader – 3 sizes (small, medium, large)
43L Top Loader – 3 sizes (small, medium, large)
28L Top Loader – 2 sizes (S/M and M/L)

A primary goal of this pack line was that it could fit a diverse range of outdoor folks.  The entire pack line fits torso lengths 15″-22″.  Part of the challenge with such a pack line is creating multiple frame options, shoulder straps, and hip belts for each size, but at the same time creating consistency across pack components for cost effective production.  As always, collaborating and communicating clearly with factory partners is critical to insure that construction is able to go from prototype to production while maintaining tolerances and target prices.

Fit…  Simply said, if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t function.  Backpack fit relies on the “sum of its parts”.  Hip belt curve, shoulder strap length, internal structure all work together for dispersing the weight equally.  Getting a good fit sometimes means adjusting samples using a sewing machine, or creating pattern mock-ups. It also means field testing and revisions based on honest feedback from a diverse group of individuals.