Matthew Blevins

Product Design BSc (Hons)

A backpack with a built in seat/bed to find new means of comfort within travel spaces and environments.

About

Portrait of Matt Blevins.

I have explored, designed, developed and produced a new form of travel backpack with a primary focus on functionality and comfort. With a built-in fold-out bed and seat, a users’ abilities to rest are no longer restricted by the spaces around them. 

Throughout the months of development, considerations for size restrictions, materials, durability, functionality, costs, weight, lifespan, sustainability, security, modularity, anthropometrics and more have all been explored and documented.

Some of the most noticeable functions and features I developed into my backpack include:

  • 3-Piece fold out padded bed,
  • Backpack sizing to fit most standard airline dimensions,
  • x2 CNC Aluminium Frame (removable for washing),
  • Replaceable bed for reparability and longer product lifespan,
  • 100% Polyester construction for easy recyclability,
  • D-rings, Bungee cord, side pockets, webbing loops and cinchable straps for external attachment of additional items and/or compartments,
  • 300D-1000D Water resistant durable polyester outer fabrics for durability and longevity,
  • Various zips for easy access and secure pockets,
  • Strong YKK Coil zippers for great strength and reliability,
Backpack presented on a train station platform. The fold out mat has been half opened to demonstrate the way it folds and unfolds from the backpack to create a seat and or laying surface.

The seat/bed foam mat has been half opened to demonstrate the way it folds and unfolds from the backpack.

Backpack is again presented on a train station platform. The fold out mat has been mostly set up. two sides of three foam sides sit flush to the ground, with the final padded section stood up and structured with the backpack behind it. An aluminium frame is housed within both sides, creating a form of backrest for the user to rest against.

Backpack opened up into its seat function. The bag is supported by a triangular structure using an aluminium frames for strength and support.

This image exposes the internal framing from within the bag. An aluminium sheet has been CNC milled with a pattern using the brand logo in order to shave weight from the backpack. The image shows the backpack face down, with a view of its underside. A few velcro straps are opened and the aluminium frame slides freely out from the bottom of the bag.

This image exposes the internal framing from within the bag. An aluminium sheet has been CNC milled with a pattern using the brand logo in order to shave weight from the backpack.

This is Stravaig.

As of current, I am exploring my options and evaluating my choice of career path.



If 'Stravaig.' is something that interests you and to which you would like to be added to a mailing list to receive future updates about its works - please email matthew@blevins.one with the subject "Stravaig Mailing List".



Many thanks,

Matt Blevins

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