OUTDOOR GEAR
This handlebar compatible fanny pack is a bag for your bike and your body. It is the perfect bag for biking around the city, then grabbing a coffee.
handlebar fanny pack
summer 2024
The Borow Pack is made from old inflatable wind surfing sails, with an internal foam structure. Its angled shape is comfortable on the body while holding its shape on the bars. It has two internal pockets for small items an external back pocket to stow fanny pack straps while riding. Its daisy chain webbing attachment points and custom dual tab straps make it easy to mount and remove, and versatile for different handle bar sizes and setups.
design brief: necessary functions
ideation initial shape ideas
general shape plan
prototyping: rapid prototyping
rapid shape prototype to make a basic flat pattern
2 pieces make puckery seam. Topstitching in here to flatten it would be challenging / odd
prototyping: technical challenge!
TOP CREASE
Back piece is sewn to outside then folded over and sewn to itself. This creates a strap stow pocket without adding a seam to the top crease.
Fold creates internal pouch pocket.
Edge of hole not right at top crease to reduce bulk in corner seam.
prototyping: prototype V2 build
3 piece back panel keeps right side out where
visible through hole and right side showing on inner pocket
TOP CREASE
hexagon panel v2:
- top of strap stow pouch hole aligns with top crease
- bigger holes to easily stow fanny pack straps
drop pocket sewn into front zipper seam
squared drop pocket to add internal volume
clean front panel maintained by sewing front pocket into zipper seam
testing: notes for next proto
testing out V2: fits well on the bars but zip at bad angle to open while riding
prototyping: Version 3 paper shape proto
prototyping: Version 3 CLO model
Trying out CLO as an additional way to explore shape ideas
prototyping: Version 3 Build
bottom of bag angled towards bike to reduce weight of contents of bag from pulling at zip when opening
right angle of top to back makes zip easier to access while riding
round top easier to open zip while riding
testing V3
still some spill potential while riding
lid blocks sight line
prototyping: Exploring V4 shapes
prototyping: Exploring shape patterns
shape of bag still fits ergonomically with body while being worn
top zip easy to access while riding with no chance of dumping your stuff and nothing blocking your view
zip extends down sides to give full access into bag
bartack added at corner to reduce pulling / fraying
testing V4
prototyping: Adding structure to V4 shape
thin plastic from broken windsurfing sail sewn into front panel to add structure
plastic in front panel adds structure which makes bag easy to unzip and access while riding
internal zip pocket added into back for small items
testing V5
UNPLEASANT CRINKLING!
plastic is very functional but is very hard to sew with and the finished bag looks, feels, and sounds unpleasantly crinkly.....
material exploration: Sourcing foam material + resolving construction using foam
Option One: 4mm Open Cell Textile-like Foam
Pros: Easy to work with and manipulate.
Cons: Open Cell? What was I thinking?? So absorbent oh my! And possibly too floppy. And Expensive.
Option Two: 4mm Closed Cell EVA Foam
Pros: Not absorbant, medium cost, great structure.
Cons: Too thick - Makes assembly too challenging.
Results: No.
Results: Big No.
Option Three: 2mm Closed Cell EVA Foam
Pros: Structured but pliable. Cost efficient. Not absorbant. Easy to sew around and thin enough to be sewn into seam if necessary.
Cons: Can not find used source in big enough quantities: must purchase new.
Results: Yes.
prototyping: Testing 2mm Foam
2mm foam gives a structured but soft look and feel
tabs added to help close zippers
material exploration: Sourcing used textile for bag exterior
Used and broken inflatable windsurfing sails generously donated from Jericho Windsurfing. These were going in the garbage, as they were no longer usable.
Material is soft and pliable, and very durable. Thin red and green panels are exact height of bag front, making for high yeild. 3 colours give multiple colourway options, with graphics creating callback to material's original use.
prototyping: Final Prototype to test sail as viable source material
Sail material viable! Tab placement adjusted slightly and extra tab added. Light blue material too thin for outside but works well as lining material - will not use light blue as exterior in final product run.
Dual strap design for easy attachment to handlebars. Straps can be left on bars permanently.
Instruction tag for strap setup