Details and Upgrades
over 9 years ago
– Fri, Sep 30, 2016 at 07:17:58 AM
It’s been awhile since my last update but I’ve been BUSY! So dig in… this is a long one!
I hope you’re as excited about getting your Slim Pack as I am about making them for you! It’s been especially neat to see the latest samples come back so I wanted to share some details of how it’s looking as well as some new upgrades to the pack...
First of all, just to recap the changes and improvements that were made based on backer suggestions:
- Top stitch detail added
- Bottle pocket bar tack added
- New sternum strap feature option
- New Charcoal bag color option
While these may seem like small adaptations, it actually took quite a bit to get everything to work out and keep the campaign on track. For the accent color, I altered 4 of the patterns, had 3 new prototypes produced, and explored bar tack methods. I also got the sewing house to agree to purchase a new machine just for this project due to the bottle pocket stitch. Then once I had the prototypes I conducted my water testing again to make sure they still worked well (which they did).
My design process is a bit meticulous but I always want to be sure what I'm sharing is not just a concept but able to be produced and work well.
In addition, several suggestions led to some additional design and prototyping so I’m now pleased to introduce the addition of the following features:
Key clip holder
- Based on suggestions for backers, I thought back to an Eagle Creek bag I bought about ten years ago which I remember had the best key clip I ever used. It’s a little burlier than most and the swivel feature always kept my keys handy yet untangled. It survived years of my own use so it seems to be well made. I was actually able to track down the exact same component from their supplier and just received a sample from them. Like many components on the Slim Pack, it has a large MOQ (minimum order quantity), but I’m going to go ahead and order them in order to be able to add this feature to the pack.
Molded rubber handle
- The construction method for these handles is really neat. Using a Vertical Mold process, the rubber is over-molded onto a piece of nylon webbing so it essentially creates one integrated super strong component.
- These are usually used in luggage where the handle is the primary way of carrying the item. The rubber used has a very nice feel and it has relief points integrated into it. It’s the perfect size to fit in your palm and flexes beautifully.
- It adds an extra refined look over typical straps as well. Again, this upgrade is an extra cost but I think it’s worth it and it’ll be part of every Slim Pack.
As the design is coming together, I’ve also looked for ways to further improve the construction and materials. This has led to:
Upgraded interior material to thicker waterproof ripstop nylon
- It’s very rare for bags to use ripstop nylon as a liner material because it’s so expensive. I was already using ripstop, but have upgraded it to use an thicker grade of it that’s waterproof.
- This material is even used as the exterior of some backpacks and when the sample was made with this, it has a really high quality feeling!
Upgraded back venting system
- It’s separated into to sides with a channel down the middle and selected the highest end vented material.
- Padding is included behind each section of venting.
Integrated webbing at shoulder strap attachment point
- I refined the design of the attachment system to incorporate a piece of webbing. The shoulder strap is captured between two pieces of webbing and secured with extra stitching.
Upgraded sternum strap clip
- I found a really cool center clip to use for the sternum strap. It’s lower profile and has a unique closure mechanism making it easier to clip quickly because it “self-aligns” as you put the pieces together.
Upgraded sternum strap attachment pieces
- The pieces used to attach the sternum strap to the shoulder straps is a bit more refined looking and stays connected better.
Reinforced shoulder strap stitching
- The bottom connection point of the shoulder strap has received an extra layer of stitching to secure it in addition to other interior stitching.
With these changes, additions, and upgrades integrated into the latest samples, I’m starting to turn my attention to production.
This company is a bit unique in that I do the design of the concept as well as develop dozens of prototypes to figure out exactly how best to make each piece. It’s a very slow process, but I enjoy it and I think it’s what makes it possible to arrive at something innovative even with things like wallets and backpacks which have seen thousands of designs already created.
Being intimately familiar with how the product is made, I’m also able to partner closely with the producer. This is what allowed me to deliver my last two campaigns on time, which is unfortunately also rather rare.
I appreciate your patience as I try my best to balance everyone’s input. Thanks for your amazing support which has allowed for all of these upgrades to be possible!
Dave Z
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