Sadly Lacking Rad Backpack Selacktion

.Tripwire. · September 2009

So there's been quite a few threads asking for bag suggestions. This is slightly different. I peruse a few design blogs now and then and see some really cool looking ideas for rucksacks, but hardly any that evolve past a prototype or conceptual phase. Consider these:

THE QUEST

I'm interested in discovering what some of the most unique, visually or functionally fresh body-supported bags are, which are actually manufactured for purchase. Whether it's a particularly colourful and futuristic look, or some radical concept of a slinky container that coils around your torso - I'd like to have some reference of designs contextualized by actually being marketed and available to public consumers (regardless of price or production quantity, or time when it was available).

Rereading this post, I realize it sounds a lot like a school assignment - but this is just personal interest. I'm a first year illustration student with an increasing thirst for product and fashion design, which I might get to study in a later term.

I've been browsing backpack catalogues from online merchants, and it basically feels like wading through a thousand products of a minimally diverging archetype. So if anyone in here happens to know some of the more eccentric products or distributors around, I'd sure appreciate your time and recommendations! Thanks!

PS If it's on ThinkGeek I already know about it.

JebusUD · September 2009

The reason backpacks change very little in the catalouge is because there is no reason for them to. Why fix something that isn't broken? What is the point of getting one of those back packs other than wanting people to stare at you?

The only real innovations I can think of in back packs are external frame backpacks, internal frame backpacks, and those camel back water pack ones. But none of those are going to look especially zany.

.Tripwire. · September 2009

I would consider love for aesthetic innovation a reason for change! It's not fixing something, it's altering the way it's presented. I understand the fundamental idea of the backpack will not be overhauled, or it will cease to be a backpack. But the pouches, the colours and materials, the exterior design could all be experimented with a lot more unconventionally without sacrificing function.

It's the same with any product, I imagine. As long as a laptop is fitting inside it, why wouldn't people eventually try to make it look different? I'm looking for the smart cars and cubes of the backpack world.

LavaKnight · September 2009

Wired Magazine seems to like reviewing backpacks every once and a while.

Here is a set that look a little too traditional for you...

This one might be getting closer to what you're looking for, but it's still a two-strap design. You can see a front view here

And there's always a Chewie bag...

.Tripwire. · September 2009

Those are great, thanks! I've been finding more since I made this thread, look at this weirdo:

boblbee-megalopolis-aero-hard-shell-backpack-for-laptops.jpg

Thegreatcow · September 2009

Good lord, what the heck is that? O_o I have to admit that last one looks more like a Sci-Fi-ish take on a portable fusion reactor...

pacbowl · September 2009

Thegreatcow wrote: »

Good lord, what the heck is that? O_o I have to admit that last one looks more like a Sci-Fi-ish take on a portable fusion reactor...

"Why worry? Each one of us is carrying an unlicensed nuclear accelerator on his back."

lunchbox12682 · September 2009

The design isn't really all that amazing, but the utility possibilities are interesting. It has a bunch of adapters to charge various things. I'd be worried as hell about breaking the thing, but it could be fun to have.