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

 

Carry only what you need.

This pack has adjustable, overlapping flaps that allow you to expand or shrink capacity while preserving internal organization.

 
 

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.

 

Limits time wasted searching.

The open-top design allows for quick access to frequently used items. The pack’s internal compartments are tight-fitting, so items won’t slip out on their own.

 

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.

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Design Thinking Workshop Facilitation