AW18 FUSE 20 & IGNITE 15

The design challenge was to create price-pointed multi-activity packs (20 and 15 litres) to be sold in multiple colours and with a bespoke Lowe Alpine POS stand to encourage impulse purchases. To be available in two styles, one with a top-loading closure to give an impression of weather proofing, the other a zip pack. After establishing a critical path, James completed sketches and confirmed design direction with 24 hours. The development phase focused on the 15 litre pack initially, so design concepts could be followed through into the 20 litre pack. A key design principle was to achieve a notion of simplicity by using darts to create form. James also focussed on improving the carry comfort of the previous range. The old harness style tended to collapse and roll. This was fixed by designing a thinner more comfortable turned harness. The closure on the 20 litre pack was a particular challenge. This was to create a lidless bag whose aperture would nevertheless be covered to reduce ingress of rain. To achieve this, James developed a pattern that would allow the draw cord to gather the top of the pack consistently and smoothly beneath a stiffened flap.