Piñon 7L
A flat-folding day pack for every adventure.
Why are day packs bottomless sacks of disorganization?
Single-compartment packs aren’t the answer.
Packs that limit you to a single large compartment simply can’t adjust to changing gear needs. In particular, novice hikers lack a day pack option that provides adequate organization without adding excess weight.
The Day Hike Essentials
Most simple hikes do not require the endless gear you see at outdoor retailers. Novice hikers out for a quick hike can simplify their supplies to the following:
Chapstick
Phone
(Potential Add-ons)
Raincoat
Climbing shoes
Water
Sunscreen
Sunglasses or hat
Snack (e.g. granola bar)
Map
Current Market
Packs currently on the market fall at the extremes of complexity – they are either too simple or overly complicated. There are few middle options that provide streamlined organizational support without additional weight.
Too Simple
Single-compartment sack
Little to no organizational support
Shapeless, frumpy aesthetic
Too Complex
Complicated pockets + attachments
Excess weight from added material
Drab, outdoorsy aesthetic
Is there a happy medium?
Process
Reference Images
Form
I took inspiration from folding, overlapping forms. I was especially drawn to the artist tool roll that provided a singular view of all contents at once. I also investigated stretch closures that use velcro or other fasteners.
Aesthetic
I wanted to create a more modern aesthetic to give an option to hikers that are more fashion and trend oriented. I incorporated strong diagonal and overlapping lines alluding to natural topography.
Early Sketches
Exploring overlapping/wrapping panels and a variety of compartments.
The Prototype
A Flat-folding Pack
The Piñon 7L day pack folds flat to allow for maximum visibility into your gear and contains a variety of pockets to keep items organized.
Design Considerations:
Options for organization
Flexible carrying capacity
Lightweight, not overly complex
Adjustable Capacity
Bands of velcro line the front flaps of the pack, allowing capacity to be adjusted on the fly. Tight internal pockets hold items securely in place.
The features.
Pockets, Pouches, Loops
Multiple pockets made from a tight stretch fabric keeps items organized and secure. A large pocket panel in the center for larger items like sweaters or hydration bladders. The black loop in the top center of the back panel is made from a sturdy webbing, allowing items to be clipped on with a carabiner. A zippered pouch is perfect for valuables.
Flat-folding Access
The entire pack can lay flat, allowing for ultimate visibility into your gear. While many stuff-sack-style packs have to be emptied to find small items, the Piñon7L’s flat-folding layout provides easy access to all your items at once. No more digging around when you can’t find your chapstick.
The details.
Asymmetric Lines
Crisscrossing panels create sharp lines and a clean aesthetic.
Water Resistant
Made from upcycled ripstop nylon.
Ultra Lightweight
Nonessential components have been stripped away and lightweight materials like the slimmest foam padding gives structure to the pack and straps.