RiutBag X35 Utvidbar reiseryggsekk

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This secure travel bag changes shape when the traveller needs more or less capacity. It expands in size with the needs of the traveller. It can be folded to an everyday 15 litre laptop backpack for city commuting. Or, it can be expanded to 40 litre which is maximum airline cabin allowance. This backpack is secure by design: all its zips are designed safely agains the wearer's back so no one else can get in as you travel. Two-in-one secure travel backpack with a laptop holder. Ideal for the urban commuter and frequent flyer.

Dimensions & Packaging

RiutBag X35 in expanded form:50 x 35 x 20cm.
This is the largest size which fits within the cabin allowance for a large number of airlines in the UK, Europe and internationally. It fits a 15.6" laptop and is able to adapt to a wide range of body sizes.

Tags

Travel bag, laptop backpack, anti theft backpack, secure bag, expanding backpack, innovative backpack design

Production Technology

I design by reading my customer user feedback surveys and focussing on the the big and small problems they raise. I draw my designs by hand and prototype them with my factory in China which has made over 20,000 RiutBags to date. Materials used include 1000D nylon waterproof cordura, waterproof thermoplastic polyurethane, YKK zips. I personally check every single RiutBag X35 in the factory to ensure the highest quality before they are shipped. I design every part of the RiutBag and fund new designs myself on Kickstarter.

Design Challenge

Rapid urban change in cities and people's ideas is the greatest challenge to backpack design. I adapt the urban backpack to help travellers stay safe and flexible. Changing reliance on technology, new devices and forms of technology which arrive. My challenge: to design for users in ever changing urban environments so we can adapt, feeling secure and peace of mind in our megacities, urban metropolises and as we move beyond planet earth to become multi-planetary.

Research

I research to uncover the blindspots in our most used everyday objects, like the backpack. I research by looking for problems and complaints in travellers’ user feedback. Complaints help us uncover design problems which we cannot easily see. Are these problems that many people are experiencing? I listen and use the freedom I have - as a one person startup - to think of something new. I am free to experiment in my designs because my customers expect innovation from me now.

Inspiration

I am inspired to design for the realities of city travel. My goal is to keep travellers secure so they can travel with confidence every day in the world’s busiest cities. My customers told me they love the security of their RiutBags. When I asked them for feedback they said: I know it's impossible, but I wish the RiutBag could be small when I'm only carrying a little, a big when I'm carrying a lot. I thought it was impossible too. But then I started prototyping the origami backpack.

Project Duration

The project started in March 2019 in Manchester, England. The design and prototype phase took three months. It was funded on Kickstarter in June 2019 and the first production was completed in November 2019.

Operation Flow

RiutBag X35 arrives folded. It is worn over both shoulders. For more capacity, unclip the side snap fastenings and top buckles. The materials fold to compact again - see video. Double zips open the main compartment in the back panel. RiutBag X35 opens up like a suitcase with a bright interior. The design changes size to suit the needs of the traveller and stays secure whenever it is worn. Because no one else can get into the RiutBag X35, it lets you travel with confidence, openness and less stress.

Patents

Copyright Sarah Giblin Riut Limited, 2014-2020 Riut and RiutBag are trademarks, 2014-2020 British Design No. 4025964 protection, 2014-2020

Image Credits

Riut Limited