THE SWITCHBACK 45L
THE SWITCHBACK 45L
THE SWITCHBACK 45L
A backpacking system built for thru-hikers that redistributes weight across the body to reduce fatigue, improve balance, and support comfort over long distances. This design challenges traditional pack design by exploring adaptive load placement, modular storage, and movement focused ergonomics.
A backpacking system built for thru-hikers that redistributes weight across the body to reduce fatigue, improve balance, and support comfort over long distances. This design challenges traditional pack design by exploring adaptive load placement, modular storage, and movement focused ergonomics.
A backpacking system built for thru-hikers that redistributes weight across the body to reduce fatigue, improve balance, and support comfort over long distances. This design challenges traditional pack design by exploring adaptive load placement, modular storage, and movement focused ergonomics.
DURATION 15 WEEKS
EXPLORATION OF PROBLEM SPACE
EXPLORATION OF PROBLEM SPACE
EXPLORATION OF PROBLEM SPACE
PAIN POINTS
01
BALANCE
BALANCE
traditional packs place all the weight on the back, creating instability, poor posture, and increased fatigue over time
traditional packs place all the weight on the back, creating instability, poor posture, and increased fatigue over time
02
ACCESS
ACCESS
essential gear is often difficult to reach quickly, forcing hikers to stop, unpack, and disrupt their hike
essential gear is often difficult to reach quickly, forcing hikers to stop, unpack, and disrupt their hike
03
COMFORT
COMFORT
long distance hikers experience extreme strain and physical exhaustion from carrying heavy loads for extended periods
long distance hikers experience extreme strain and physical exhaustion from carrying heavy loads for extended periods
THE CONCEPT - "FRONT PACKING"
THE CONCEPT - "FRONT PACKING"
carrying a portion of weight on the chest reduces fatigue by improving posture and balance, and allows for better access to gear
carrying a portion of weight on the chest reduces fatigue by improving posture and balance, and allows for better access to gear
CURRENT FRONT PACKING BRANDS
CURRENT FRONT PACKING BRANDS
PROBLEMS TO ADDRESS WITH FRONT PACKING
PROBLEMS TO ADDRESS WITH FRONT PACKING
IDEATION
IDEATION
TESTING WEIGHT REDISTRIBUTION CONFIGURATIONS
TESTING WEIGHT REDISTRIBUTION CONFIGURATIONS
FINAL DESIGN
FINAL DESIGN
please contact me to discuss a potential project or learn more about my work
please contact me to discuss a potential project or learn more about my work
please contact me to discuss a potential project or learn more about my work
563 - 513 - 6222
paigewinter23@gmail.com
563 - 513 - 6222
paigewinter23@gmail.com
563 - 513 - 6222
paigewinter23@gmail.com