Although there are already cycling jackets and vests with integrated lights in the back, those aren't going to do you much good if you cover them with a backpack. That's where the Torch pack comes in, as it has an integrated lighting system of its own.
The Torch is manufactured by New York-based startup Unit 1, which previously brought us the light-equipped Faro helmet.
In its most basic form, the backpack incorporates a main tail light made up of 20 high-intensity red LEDs, along with a secondary lighting grid located immediately below it – the latter incorporates 40 RGB LEDs, and can be set to different colors and flashing patterns via an accompanying app.
If buyers go for an optional handlebar-mounted remote, they can wirelessly activate a turn indicator function on the lower grid, plus they can enable a brake light function that will cause the grid to temporarily shine brighter whenever they slow down or stop. Additionally, if they already own a Faro helmet, the remote will activate its turn indicator lights too.
The backpack itself is made of waterproof Duramax Kodra and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)-coated nylon, and offers features such as special compartments for electronic devices and wet/dirty items like shoes; a padded laptop sleeve; a helmet harness; plus various internal and external pockets, including a smartphone pocket that allows the phone to be wirelessly or USB-cable-charged from the pack's removable 10,000-mAh lithium battery.
The lights are turned on and off via a power switch on one of the shoulder straps. There's no word on battery life.
Should you be interested, the Torch backpack is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, where it's being offered in four colors, and in a choice of 18- or 23-liter capacities. Although smaller pledges are available, US$219 is required for an 18-liter package including the remote – the planned retail price is $336, or $209 without the remote.
Assuming the pack reaches production, it should ship next May. The LED-turn-indicator-equipped Aster and SEIL backpacks, which we covered previously, failed to meet their crowdfunding goals.
You can see the Torch in use, in the following video.
Source: Kickstarter
