Case Study: Into the Extremes
Designing the world's most photographer-friendly backpack.
Trips to Patagonia
Industry: Tourism
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 20 Employees
Company Bio
Trips to Patagonia is the premier eco-travel company offering photo tours of Mirador Cerro Torre and Lake Viedma in Patagonia, Argentina to nature photographers.
"As an avid photographer, I need a backpack to hold every piece of camera equipment -- and believe me, there's a lot. This backpack fits everything and then some."
- Philip Jacobson
CEO, Trips to Patagonia
Overview
Trips to Patagonia offers a once in a lifetime trip to experienced nature photographers - a 30 day backpacking trip through some of the most gorgeous mountain ranges in the world. While the views are spectacular, the trip is long and grueling, full of unpredictable weather patterns and high humidity. BackpackCo rose to the challenge - designing a custom pack that is as unique as the special explorers who choose Trips to Patagonia.
Backpackers
125
Miles Traveled
10,987
Savings Per Trip
$780
Repeat Customers
45
The Challenge
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most beautiful places on earth. While countless tourists flock to resorts that offer impressive views of this wonder from a distance, only Trips to Patagonia offers a chance to traverse the glacier from start to finish.But this trip is not without it's dangers, particularly to electronic equipment. CEO Philip Jacobson came to us with a challenge - to design a backpack that was roomy enough to hold everything needed for an extended backpacking trip in some of the most challenging weather on the planet, while providing protection for his most treasured possessions - his cameras.
The Solution
The BackpackCo Patagonian Traveler pack uses state-of-the-art technology in both design and materials, resulting in a pack that can stand up to anything life throws your way. We expanded the amount of pockets to fifteen and included specially padded sleeves to store tech essentials, including laptops, tablets, cameras, and lenses. We developed a new, lightweight frame and covered it with an extra-durable, waterproof material. Unloaded, the pack weighs 30% less than comparable products.
In Spring, 2016, we distributed 27 Patagonian Traveler packs to a group of professional photographers and Trips to Patagonia staff - all accomplished and avid backpackers - or an extended test run. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. By summer, the first batch of packs were ready to be used.
"In many ways, traveling to Patagonia isn't that much different from exploring space. Both depend on having the right equipment that you can depend on."
- Jan Sorvenson
Creative Director
The Approach
We recognized at once that we had to look beyond the typical design of a backpack. Our creative director, Jan Sorvenson, reached out to the design team at NASA. Through a collaboration with the space agency, we were able to bring some of the brightest technical innovations in insolation to our designs.
About BackPack Co.
BackPack Co.™ was founded in 2014 by travelers, adventurers, and thrill-seekers looking for more from their gear. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality backpack for whatever experience you're seeking, whether you're venturing off the beaten path or around town. We proudly make all of our backpacks using only sustainable materials right here in the U.S.
