About Athletipack
Our mission: to create packs that comfortably carry life's adventures.
We started with a vision of creating a functional, practical pack that used an elastic style webbing.
It needed to be elastic because elasticity is fundamental to how we move in our daily lives. Our bodies are constantly adapting to our environment through expansion, contraction, rotation, etc.
I saw how this principle was applied in backpack sternum straps and thought about ways to incorporate this into a pack.
Feeling inspired, I ordered buckles off Amazon and got some fabric from my local Michael's to get started.
Using very crude methods and some elastic bands I had on hand, I came up with this design:
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The webbing was difficult to adjust. You had pull it backwards towards the central ring to tighten.
- It was hard to put on. You either had to slip it over your head like a T-shirt or disconnect the buckles on one side and put it on like a jacket.
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It used ladderlocks and regular webbing which defeated the point of using elastics.
- The phone holder was exposed and didn't work every time.
The first problem I attacked in the next prototype was the adjustment method.
While testing out different elastic webbing designs, I figured out how to make the shock cord adjustable by forming a loop around a keyring and closing the loop using a cordlock.
After listening to more feedback, we started including add-on options to our "Build Your AthletiPack" Page.
Top left to Bottom Right: Doggie Bag Dispenser, Reflective Tape, Ventilation Panel, Pen Holder
Please note that we are always looking to expand our add on options, so please reach out to us if you have ideas to satisfy the carry needs for your specific niche/use case.
The Future of AthletiPack
We are in the process of scaling production in our workshop in Suffolk, Virginia. We've built up a stock and gotten our lead time for custom packs down to 4 to 7 days.
We're signed up to participate in various craft fairs, farmers markets, and trade shows throughout 2023.
Behind the scenes, we're working on bringing Mass Manufactured AthletiPacks to market mid to late 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to stay posted on our Kickstarter Launch!
Building AthletiPacks
Our mission at AthletiPack is to create packs that comfortably carry life's adventures. Support us on this mission by sharing this message with your friends and family, subscribing to our newsletter, and following us on social media.
Thanks for taking the time to read about our story and we hope you get value from AthletiPack.
AthletiPack Rap
AthletiPack at the Blox
Trent Hughes
AthletiPack started with a simple, but persistent problem. Trent Hughes, a passionate outdoor enthusiast and trainer grew tired of the one-strap fanny packs bouncing anytime he did something active. Pockets were useful, but he knew there was a better way to keep his essentials secure and centralized.
Drawing from his experience training the human body, Trent began making prototypes of an elastic harness system. After lots of iterations, the first elastic webbing was born. Lightweight, comfortable, and resilient under high tension, this new design solved the problem in a unique way.
With the webbing design sorted, it was time to start making packs! Rather than go the route of overseas manufacturing, Trent decided to take things into his own hands and learn how to sew. With the help of mentors (and subreddit r/MYOG), Trent made dozens of AthletiPacks and gave them away to family and friends. He continually listened to feedback and refined the product, adding features such as the bottle holder, internal stretch pocket, RFID and other add ons from requests. What started in 2021 as a small side project out a spare room has now grown into a thriving business, with our US workshop making over 500 packs and counting.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, an avid hiker, or someone who simply needs a reliable pack for your daily commute, AthletiPack is here to keep you moving forward. We offer custom work and are always coming out with new features, products, and add-ons. Together, with your feedback and support, we’re excited to continue innovating and crafting gear that enhances every adventure.
Have an idea you want made? Looking for modifications to existing products? Need a tech pack but don't know where to start?
Book a free 15 min consultation with me to help make your perfect pack a reality.
Click here to see image gallery of custom projects we've done.
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Our Values
We believe you should need to buy one bag for life and we proudly stand by our lifetime warranty. If you are not 100% satisfied with your pack, just reach out and we'll take care of you.
At AthletiPack, we are committed to rebuilding communities, fostering skill development, and creating high paying sewing jobs right here in the USA.
We source our materials from Challenge Outdoors, including RBC200, Ultragrid, & Ultra 200, which are all made from Recycled Polyester. Read more about them here.
