Free 20L
Avalanche Backpack
Project Overview
The Free 20L avalanche backpack served as my Senior Capstone Project, marking the culmination of my education in the Outdoor Product Design program at Utah State University.
The Free 20L is a backcountry touring backpack engineered for speed and efficiency in critical moments. Featuring a dedicated avalanche tool compartment accessed via a tear-open back panel, it ensures fast, intuitive access to emergency gear. With a modular exterior storage system and dual integrated hydration options, the Free 20L balances streamlined design with backcountry-ready functionality.
Introduction
Avalanche survival depends on speed; fast access to rescue tools is critical.
Problem Statement
Most backcountry packs slow down access to critical rescue gear; this inefficiency can compromise safety in high-stress situations
This video showcases the Patagonia Snow Drifter 20L, the backpack that first exposed me to the challenges of accessing avalanche safety gear efficiently:
How Might We...
How might we design a backpack that improves the efficiency of avalanche rescue operations?
Ideation
The sketching phase was one of the most challenging parts of the project, revealing critical layout conflicts between key features. These challenges ultimately led to breakthroughs like the back-panel avalanche tool compartment, a streamlined modular exterior, and a dual hydration system designed for flexibility and cold-weather usability.
Low-Fidelity Prototypes
V4
While this prototype fit the gear, it exposed capacity issues and guided improvements in sewing order and seam placement.
V5
This prototype focused on insulated shoulder straps, modular exterior storage, and improved main compartment access via side panel zippers.
V6
This prototype introduced an ice axe sleeve, hip belts, and a synch-closure hood, while revealing the need for expanded hip belt storage and a more functional hood design.
V7
This prototype introduced key refinements, including a back-panel first aid pocket, streamlined hydration system, simplified side access, and added small-item storage in the hood.
High-Fidelity Prototype
Avalanche Compartment
The backpack features a tear-open back panel designed for rapid, intuitive access to avalanche safety tools, ensuring life-saving gear is immediately accessible in high-stress situations.
Exterior Storage
The modular exterior storage system uses repositionable straps and attachment points, allowing users to customize their carry setup for skis, tools, and gear without adding bulk or complexity.
Hydration
The dual hydration system includes an insulated internal sleeve for a hydration bladder and a side-zip access point to the main compartment, offering an alternative water storage option that remains accessible in cold conditions.
Features
The pack incorporates custom G-hooks, glove-friendly buckles and zipper pulls, spacious hip belt pockets, a cinch top closure with an integrated hood, and a lid pocket for added organization and cold-weather usability.
Testing
Looking Forward
As the project concludes, several key areas have emerged for future refinement. The hood design shows potential but needs a larger, more functional shape to better serve as a helmet carry. I also plan to enhance comfort by adding foam and reshaping the back panel for better support and ergonomics.
The current 20L size limits versatility for longer tours. A future 30L version could include dedicated storage for crampons and goggles, with potential for integrating avalanche safety features like an airbag or Avalung.