Drynamic Bag Project
Critical Making Project Proposal
Extreme sports are birthed from people pushing their limits, inventing new methods and tools for activities once thought impossible, and proving to all what the human mind and body can accomplish. One such challenge is known as a “Picnic”, which originated first in Jackson Hole and new “Picnic” routes are evolving throughout the United States. A Picnic is an unsanctioned, three-part extreme triathlon that tests the mental and physical toughness of its challengers through a rigorous set of natural obstacles and conditions.
The Jackson Hole Picnic is comprised of a 24-mile bike ride from Jackson Town Square to Jenny Lake, a 1.3-mile swim across the Lake in frigid mountain water, and a free solo ascent of the Grand Teton — an extremely airy rock climb via the Owen-Spalding route on the snowy north face. Only to turn around and do it all again, in reverse! While the entire day-long battle against the elements is certain to test the abilities and fortitude of its participants, there is one added complication which participants must also overcome — as if it wasn’t challenging enough already!
Participants must decide what to do with their hiking gear and food while swimming across the nearly-hypothermic Jenny Lake section. Currently, people are fashioning home-made devices which are neither efficient nor optimized for this grueling self- supported swim.
Some Picnickers elect to use dry bags that create substantial drag and offer limited buoyancy, boogie boards which are cumbersome and impractical during the hiking and biking portions, or mini-floaties and rafts which can be uneven or unbalanced while crossing the frigid water.
Having successfully completed the Jackson Hole Picnic last year and involved with Picnic enthusiasts from Jackson, I am uniquely positioned to better this experience for all through the design and development of the DRYNAMIC — PICNIC BAG. Made from the same durable material as a leading dry bags these compact, inflating, and hydrodynamic solutions will allow people to navigate Picnics and other similar challenges much more effectively.
Picnic bags will be designed to keep gear dry and safe, collapse and pack easily, reduce drag, and eliminate much of the complications associated with the biking and climbing elements of the challenge by compacting into a packable size and shape. Drynamic Picnic bags will revolutionize Picnic challenges and a host of new extreme triathlon activities that are springing up nationwide. It is the first of its kind made specifically for the challenges faced by participants of these types of extreme events.
Additional solution areas may arise through the creation of this product such as a way to tow gear while stand-up-paddleboarding, bags for Navy special forces, or their use as emergency bags filled with lifesaving gear on ships that may sink.
Challenges do you anticipate?
At the moment, the biggest challenge is working in CAD programs on organic 3D forms. I haven’t learned enough about one program to easily construct rounded shapes like this and then unfold the design into a pattern that I can cut. Additionally, the closure system and how to keep the form, which may require a pivot to a waterproof-airtight zipper.
Crossovers with UX Design
I’ve been designing an app platform in my user-experience course and have conducted user-tests and low-fidelity prototypes. In the upcoming weeks, I will be creating high-fidelity prototypes and continuing to refine the site throughout the year in anticipation of using this as a portfolio piece.
Key components
I need to continue honing in on CAD design for this shape. I also need to practice heat welding a certain type of fabric and understanding how to attach a D-ring, buckles for the closure, backpack straps, and a see-through pocket. I am aiming to have a testable prototype at the end of this semester.
Materials
I have a comprehensive list of the materials I will be using that I can purchase locally for this prototype. Several weeks ago, I ordered two special mini-irons from China that are recommended for heat sealing the fabric. They have arrived.
Milestones and Research
I’ve been working on this concept for a while with ideation, design sketches, and app site design. I’ve researched the materials, ordered necessary tools, and submitted a competitive grant to support materials for this product.
Support
I would like assistance in CAD for this shape and also sending the flattened design to a CNC router for cutting.
