Down to Earth - Blackpack

Back in 1996, I tried my hand at designing and making tents and packs and things. I had access to an industrial sewing machine then, and with a little help from my dad, I managed to make 3 packs, and a few accessories. I designed a hell of a lot more though, some day I'd love to make this tent for example.. I just need to meet the right people with the right motivation.

I made this pack for my Dad 14 years ago! 12 ounce canvas, YKK spiral zips, 1 inch webbing, internal frame.. all double stitched, seam sealed, and designed for simplicity, to last, and be easily repaired.



The over sized shoulder straps and lumber pad where requested by my Dad.. the ultra delux padded version :) He's taken it all sorts of places over the years.

I hadn't seen this pack for some time. Seeing it today was like opening an old diary. Discovering old ideas that were new and not on the market at the time. Made me want to start making more, and use all those ideas I've drawn since, that are still yet to go to market mind you.

I like the modest tones and simplicity compared to the glow in the dark, lunar landing gear in the shops today. I'd refine this design a little, but over all I think its a good solid bag, that functions well.


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Down to Earth Tent

Youtube video of me talking through the concepts.

Way back in 2002 I had this idea for a light weight tent I call Down To Earth. That link goes to a Flash animation used to outline teh concepts.

I contacted New Zealand tent and outdoor gear manufacturers MacPac and got emailing with a designer there. The MacPac fella was encouraging enough for me to create the above Flash presentation of the idea, but after sending it, I never heard from him again. I can't say I've noticed an obvious link between new MacPac tent designs and my Down to Earth, so I guess he didn't like the idea.

I have tried numerous times to have the thing made here in Australia, but it seems that all the tent making people live in China these days. I have found one guy in the Blue Mountains who thinks he might be able to modify an old Quest tent of mine, but he's been sitting on that promise for quite some time now.

If anyone does go ahead and make something like this tent, I'd love to test it out for you. Down to Earth is the perfect tent for me. I'd love to have just one. There simply isn't a good tent on the market these days. There are of course thousands out there, but none of them get it right in my opinion...



This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.