SOOT Launches Transformable Bag System, Charges Mobile Devices for up to Two Weeks
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) September 17, 2013 -- SOOT, a California-based startup run by a small group of hardware and soft goods product designers, is crowdfunding the SOOT Electropack, a user-adaptable, chargeable bag system on Kickstarter.
Direct Link to Kickstarter Campaign
The SOOT Electropack allows users to break their carry-on-sized travel backpack down into more commuter-friendly "day bags" while charging USB-powered consumer electronics devices like cell phones, tablets, wireless speakers and smart watches.
"With the SOOT Electropack, we’ve created a truly modular experience where every piece of the bag system is usable, whether on its own or in combination," said John Whaley, Lead Industrial Designer. "We’ve created a solution that allows the user to break a single-volume bag down to whatever size they need it to be while ensuring they’re never left stranded with dead devices."
The adaptable bag system provides sizable options based on the wearer’s activities for that day, including:
The Mini Messenger: a tablet-sized day bag with two USB charging ports and an optional DSLR camera insert for photographers
The Commuter Backpack: a laptop bag with two USB charging ports
The Carry-On: a travel-sized backpack with up to four USB charging ports
MODULAR FEATURES: A 10-coil "Jeep Top" quick-release zipper is located at both the top of the Mini Messenger and at the bottom of the Commuter Backpack. When combined, a pass-through between the bags can be opened to form one open, unified volume. (Alternatively, the pass-through can be kept closed to compartmentalize gear and for quick detaching while boarding a plane.)
USED FOR TRAVEL: Once detached, the Commuter Backpack can be stored in the overhead bin, while the "tablet-sized" Mini Messenger can be kept at the traveler's seat to keep devices like iPads and smart watches powered up during flight. Upon reaching a destination, users can unload gear and reconfigure the bag to whatever size they need it to be to go out exploring, bringing only the items necessary for an afternoon out away from power outlets.
USED FOR EMERGENCIES: In case of emergencies or power outages, the SOOT Electropack can be used to keep families connected by providing power for up to 14 smartphone charges.
"We're a generation of people that are constantly plugged in," said Emma Scruggs, a designer and human factors researcher at SOOT. "As the devices we rely on gain more and more features and bigger, brighter displays, more battery power is required. By integrating a battery right into the structure of the pack itself, we’ve found a solution that allows people to keep a reliable charging source on them at all times without having to stop and remember to bring it with them."
The SOOT Electropack is constructed of luggage-grade ballistic nylon and waterproof, fade-resistant marine vinyl fabric. All fabric and structural materials have been sourced in the United States.
For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release, contact media(at)SOOT(dot)me or visit http://www.SOOT.me.
For high-resolution product photos, please visit http://www.SOOT.me/media.
The SOOT Electropack launches on Kickstarter Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013 and will run for 30 days.
About SOOT
SOOT, LLC is a collaborative group of hardware and soft goods designers coming together to help improve the human experience through innovative product design. Its individual members have designed dozens of products for hardware startups as well as Fortune 500’s. Alex Fajardo, the company's technical pattern maker, has over 15 years' experience upholstering yachts, restoring classic car interiors and making bags for the industrial sector.
John Proksch-Whaley, SOOT, LLC, http://www.SOOT.me, +1 (415) 810-7227, [email protected]
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