Testing Ripstop Nylon

After deciding that Tyvek is not quite durable enough to be used as a tent fabric, I have begun prototyping in Ripstop Nylon. Nylon is the standard material for rain-flys and tent-bodies, so it seemed like a good place to start. This prototype has an updated pattern to allow for more headroom inside the tent. Although this model seems to be about 6 inches short for someone my height, once doors are added it may be the perfect length.

Prototype 3

1 person + gear
1.9 oz Polyurethane Coated Ripstop, nylon webbing, nylon thread, Seam Grip (water-proof seam-sealer)
11.8 oz (w/out nylon cord)

Tyvek Models

Here are some photos of 1/16th scale models I've been making out of tyvek. This series was focused on patterning to allow for a "box" at the bottom of the shelter to give the user room for boots, packs, etc. Stay tuned for more full-scale prototypes made of rip-stop nylon. I believe the model in the final photo does the best job of efficiently creating space at the end of the tent.

Testing Tyvek

Prototype 2

1 person

Tyvek 1443R, nylon webbing, nylon thread

12.8 oz (w/ nylon cord)

Industrial Design Sketching

More structure ideation:

Testing Tyvek

Over the past week I've been making some simple full-scale tent prototypes made of Tyvek. Tyvek is an inexpensive fabric-like material made of spun olefin fibre, it is somewhat durable, but very light-weight and water-resistant. Tyvek is manufactured by Dupont and is well-known for it's use as a cover for construction projects.

The main purpose of theses shelters was to test the strengths and weaknesses of my materials as well as my design. I can now work from my current models to define problems and improve my design. These shelters can be supported with a trekking pole, or strung to a tree.

Prototype 1

3 person / 2 + gear

Tyvek 1443R, nylon webbing, duct-tape

28.8 oz (w/ nylon cord)

Quick Sketches

Here are some of my early 3d sketches for the Simple Shelter project. I was just creasing, cutting, and bending paper and plastic bags to shape in order to begin thinking about the forms and possible functions of my tent design.

Shelter Ideation

Here are a selection of the early tent concepts I've been working on. These sketches were focused on the modular and pole-free aspects of the design problem.

Studio to Summit

I have decided to focus my semester on the design and fabrication of an ultralight backpacking tent/shelter in the hopes of combating some of the problems I see with most tents on the market. This is a preliminary presentation for my Studio to Summit course.

Ecuador

As always it seems the winter break has left me a little behind with the blog. Not to worry, I will have quite a few updates for you all shortly.

I spent my winter break traveling, backpacking, and climbing throughout Ecuador and had an incredible time. The food was delicious, the people were too, too kind, and the country-side was gorgeous. The trip was in part tied in with a course I am currently taking at Pratt called Studio to Summit. The class is a 7 person team with the goal of designing a family of outdoor products that bring the user closer to nature. For photos from the trip, updates on the class, and inspiration for our projects please check out our blog: Studio to Summit.