Design Philosophy
We start by designing the kit we actually want on our own pack lists. There’s already plenty of gear that does a similar job but that’s not really the point. Our aim is simple, make really good kit: strip out what isn’t needed, add what genuinely helps.
WEIGHT RANGE
Ballpark figures, we're not going down to an exact gram, we're agreeing a range that we deem acceptable.
Use limits
What weather conditions will it be used in? Is it going to be 3 or 4 season?
Durability
What are our performance expectations for regular use?
Sketch
Rough drawings to nail the job, shape and key dimensions.
Samples on the table
Real fabric swatches, webbing widths, buckles/cord locks, pole sections. We pick what makes sense, not what sounds fancy.
Tech pack
DXF pattern files, a clear BOM, stitch specs (seam type/SPI), bartack positions, tolerances, load paths, and the assembly order. QA points are listed up front so nothing’s vague later.
Build sequence
Samples prove the shape and fit. Production uses real materials and proper construction once all the details are right.
LOCATIONS
We take it to the Peaks, Lakes, Wales, Scotland or wherever makes sense for that bit of kit.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
No product is done until it’s seen weather extremes that it was designed to stand up to.
THINGS WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Is it a faff to set up when you’re tired and it’s windy?
- Does it get in the way of how we naturally move?
- What feels good eight hours in, not just in the first thirty minutes?
Remove unnecessary features
Identify design flaws, strip out anything we didn’t use and any design that caused problems.
IMPROVE THE GOOD STUFF
Strengthen or simplify anything that almost worked but wasn't quite right.
SIGN OFF
When everyone is happy to actually carry it on their own trips do we move it towards production.
WHAT WE WON'T DO
We’re not rounding weights down or pretending a 30L pack is “about 40L” if you really stuff it. When we publish specs, they’ll be based on what we’ve actually measured, not wishful thinking.
If something is there purely because it looks good in a bullet list but doesn’t pull its weight, it doesn’t belong. No hidden pockets you never use, no straps without clear purpose.
If a bit of kit has limits, we’ll say so. Some products are brilliant three-season workhorses and terrible winter choices. We’re not going to pretend just to sell more of them.
There’s no secret sauce here. Good materials, sensible design, proper testing, and clear communication. If we don’t know something, we’ll say that too.