Keep In Play Backpack
PERSONAL PROJECT: SOFTGOODS/ PACK DESIGN
Giving a loved pack a second life through upcycling
How it started
I found this 80’s ski/ backpacking pack at our local second-hand sporting goods store, and fell in love with its colors and unique design. I would use the bag to pack for weekend adventures, but it was too worn to use for practical purposes, so I sought to keep this bag in play through upcycling.
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Retro adventure, authentic materials, playful trims
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Colorful, maximalist, rugged
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One of a kind statement piece, adventure ready
Weak points
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Floppy straps
The packs straps became worn and therefore floppy and lost their support when carrying gear
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Weak back support
The main reason I wanted to upcycle this bag was because it had practically no back support. The internal foam padding was worn and colored
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Aged material
When looking at the fabric, I tried to salvaged the material that’s color and strength was intact, and swap out the old, worn fabric for new ones
How might I transform this worn pack into a practical everyday backpack while preserving it’s vintage charm?
Keep In Play Backpack
Product features
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Laptop sleeve
I padded the both the back, bottom, and inside laptop sleeve with high-density foam to ensure protection to any electronics stored in the pack
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Strap guard
A reinforced triangle on each side to add strength to the webbing straps
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Bottle sinch
To secure water bottle, I added a metal grommet and an elastic sinch on both side, which compliment the existing style of the bag
