SugarMount — Backpack for convenience
The SugarMount backpack is built for active adventurers who value comfort and efficiency. Its ergonomic design reduces strain during long treks, while the innovative retractable ‘seatbelt’ system keeps essentials within easy reach without breaking stride. Whether you’re hiking, trekking, or climbing, this pack ensures you stay organised and energised, making every outdoor journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Designing Accessibility
I wanted a backpack that moves with me, not against me. That idea led to the SugarMount design, where two side compartments retract smoothly and let me pull forward and access essentials without breaking stride. Designed for active use, this ergonomic setup makes the pack ideal for both commuting and short hikes, keeping everything organised and within reach while reducing unnecessary effort.
'Seatbelt' Compartment Technology
I developed the side‑compartment extension technology to function like a seatbelt. By pulling the compartments forward, the backpack provides quick access to its contents while on the move, using a spiral spring retractor mechanism that locks when extended and retracts when released. I placed strong emphasis on ergonomics so the compartments can be retrieved easily without straining my arms or shoulders, ensuring users can reach their items quickly without wasting time or energy on unnecessary adjustments.
Acknowledgements: Dyson Award Submission (2022)
This design was also submitted for the James Dyson Award 2022. The entry highlighted the backpack’s retractable side compartments and versatile functionality, presenting it as a solution that supports both everyday commuting and short outdoor adventures.