Sports

Grasshopper pack gets golf clubs off your shoulder and onto your back

Grasshopper pack gets golf clubs off your shoulder and onto your back
The hardshell Grasshopper Backpack is presently on Kickstarter
The hardshell Grasshopper Backpack is presently on Kickstarter
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An integrated kickstand keeps the Grasshopper Backpack propped up when set down
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An integrated kickstand keeps the Grasshopper Backpack propped up when set down
The Grasshopper Backpack allows golfers to cycle to the course
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The Grasshopper Backpack allows golfers to cycle to the course
The hardshell Grasshopper Backpack is presently on Kickstarter
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The hardshell Grasshopper Backpack is presently on Kickstarter
Assuming it reaches production, a pledge of €199 (about US$203) will get you a Grasshopper Backpack of your own
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Assuming it reaches production, a pledge of €199 (about US$203) will get you a Grasshopper Backpack of your own
View gallery - 4 images

Hikers, cyclists and other athletes carry their gear in backpacks, so why do golfers mostly use shoulder bags or wheeled carts? That's the thinking behind the Grasshopper Backpack, which can hold up to seven clubs along with other equipment.

Currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, the Swedish-designed Grasshopper features a water-resistant ballistic nylon exterior, interior padded slots at the bottom for the club heads, and a horizontal row of plastic receptacles at the top, which the club shafts pop in and out of.

This arrangement keeps the clubs held in place, so they don't knock against one another while the golfer is walking (or running, for that matter).

There's additionally a mesh interior pocket for things like balls and tees, a zippered interior pocket for valuables like wallets and phones, an exterior pocket on one side (for water bottles, etc), plus a set of shock cords on the other side, for carrying an umbrella.

An integrated kickstand keeps the Grasshopper Backpack propped up when set down
An integrated kickstand keeps the Grasshopper Backpack propped up when set down

The Grasshopper also features a kickstand which stays folded into the padded back panels of the backpack when not needed, but that automatically flips out to prop the pack up when it's placed on the ground. There's also a rain cover, which can be fastened over the whole pack on wet days.

Assuming it reaches production, a pledge of €199 (about US$203) will get you a Grasshopper Backpack of your own – the planned retail price is €299 ($306). It can be seen in use, in the video below.

The pack may face a bit of competition, as the Back9 Golf Backpack recently completed a successful Kickstarter. DV8 Sports takes a different approach, with a set of modular clubs that are specifically designed to fit in an included backpack.

Grasshopper Backpack

Sources: Kickstarter, Grasshopper

View gallery - 4 images
4 comments
4 comments
Ed Clark
OK, I like this idea. The truth is that on most days, I only use 5 clubs. This thing could make getting around the golf course (with a 7 club max) much easier. I backed it, hopefully it comes to fruition.
Uncle Anonymous
This bag is a great idea, but carrying only 7 clubs will not cut it. There are just too many situations where a specific club is needed.
Larry W
Who would want to have to lug that weight on their back and it would be impossible to swing the clubs with it strapped to your back so every time you stopped to play the ball you would have to remove it and and put it back on again. That means 70 to 100 times of strapping-unstrapping wow that's ridiculous.
PAV
Obviously wheels make more sense. But less obvious is the difference of hosting a bag onto your shoulder VS hoisting onto both shoulders to have it rest on your back.
Advantage single shoulder. The actual walking part with it on your shoulders VS a single folder strap may well be more ergonomically sound. I just cringe thinking how I'd have to hoist that thing on and off like, for me a triple digit golfer (hacker), 100+ times a round.