Slim Pack behind the scenes: One More Thing

Is it "One More Thing" worthy? Probably not, but it is in the literal sense of being a single additional item. Based on feedback from early Beta testers, I made the straps on the Slim Pack rather long to accommodate a variety of body types. So even though the volume of the pack is small, it fits a wider array of people. And it’s easier for anyone to get on and off. But with that change came some later feedback from my #1 Beta tester (my wife), which was that the straps dangled a bit too much if cinched tight on a smaller body. This was a bit more pronounced given the straps are made from hefty 1.5” seat belt webbing rather than the traditional thin nylon.

How to address this? Shorten the straps and it won’t fit some people… keep them long and the ends will dangle. It initially seemed like a mutually exclusive decision for how to design it. In those cases, the options are usually either to identify the best possible default or make something that the user can adjust. But the length wasn’t easily modified by end users given that the ends need to be melted so they don’t fray and then sewn so they don’t slip out of the clip.

Then I remembered all of the specialized components which are used extensively throughout the Slim Pack. To select them, I had browsed the catalogs of several manufacturers and the array of pieces available was vast. Sure enough, I found several options of pieces that could do the job and ordered samples of 4 different types. Once I received the samples, one stood out as clearly superior. Though it was twice as expensive as the other options (and I’d need 2 per pack), it had a quality feel and excellent design.

Normally used for military applications, this component is created with a 2-part mold from Acetal plastic. According to DuPont™, this material has the “stiffness and strength needed in parts designed to replace metal.” The finished piece has a slotted back and spring loaded clip to efficiently manage the extra material. But if you’d prefer not to use it, you can remove the strap from the front of the clip or remove the Strap Keeper completely.

For the Kickstarter project, this introduced another challenge… several hundred of the packs were already complete and packaged up. So in the days leading up to Christmas, with the help of my wife and (sort of) with the help of my son, we took each pack out, attached the clips, and packaged them back up again. It took the better part of 3 days, but I felt good knowing that each and every backer would be able to enjoy the Slim Pack to its fullest.

I’m really happy with this finishing touch, as it helps the bag stay looking neat and polished during use no matter the size of the person using it or how they’re adjusted. I hope you enjoy it too!