Post 10: Bikepacking Frame Bag Update

As mentioned in previous blog posts I have significantly changed my design since Blog Post 8. I initially intended to use some old black fabric I had on hand. I liked this choice initially because I didn’t need to go shopping for more. Also the black nicely blends in with my bike’s aesthetic (red frame, black wheels, tires, and fork). Upon doing some thinking I realized I wasn’t very inspired to create a bag that was essentially the same as one I already made. There was some outstanding issues with the first design but nothing that couldn’t be lived with. I realized I could do some sewing repairs to improve the functionality of the original bag. To give some context I had created a frame bag two years ago but it has since torn open and I never fixed it. That’s why I initially wanted to do this project. I could replace the bag.

This class is really about the aesthetics of the final project, and I realized my initial design was catered to the bag blending in with the bike. I think this makes the bike and the bag a really cohesive unit but on it’s own the bag is somewhat boring. I was therefore inspired by really loud designs from outdoor companies like Cotopaxi. Going from that idea I started researching color pallets with colors I deemed to be untraditional for this use case. Most frame bags are tan, brown, green, or black, colors that are all somewhat muted and subtle. I wanted to use purple and yellow and maybe light blues. This website https://dopely.top/ helped me generate a color pallet using the colors I mentioned above. I was left with the image I attached below. I think this color scheme is really visually appealing. I knew this would be a great way to spice up the design. I still want to maintain the outdoor minimalist aesthetic while using a loud colorway.

While researching fabrics I found a white version of the black fabric I used in the past. This fabric is commonly used in hyperlite bags like the one I attached below. This brand makes super nice expensive outdoor gear so I trusted their taste. At that point I knew I wanted the white to be the primarily color of the bag with the colors above as the accent pieces.

https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/

Below are the attached renders I created in powerpoint using the materials and colors I selected above. I included a single zip in the bag instead of two to make the design simpler and lighter. Also I reduced the number of velcro straps to just two to make the bag simpler. Along the top I will run a sort of bungee cord that goes through the purple webbing. I have been playing around with a logo to put on the bag to make it more personal as well. I created a drawing of a bear because on one of my first solo backpacking trips I ran into a black bear on the trail. It is a personal animal for me, that reminds be of my first special nature encounter. I am not sure which color to go with so I included a few different colors. I think black is nice because of the contrast. I am also considering leaving it out of the design entirely.

I recently picked up all my materials for the project adding up to roughly $50 in total. I plan to sew the project this weekend so it is done by Monday! I think the logo will just be a sticker so I can decided if I want it or not.