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Good Thinking

wolffepack lets you access your backpack – without taking it off

By Ben Coxworth
October 22, 2014
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The wolffepack, doing its swingin' thing
The wolffepack, doing its swingin' thing
The wolffepack Metro
The wolffepack Escape
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Backpacks are certainly a convenient way of schlepping your stuff around, but they do have at least one shortcoming – you have to take them off to get at what's in them. British engineer David Wolffe set out to address that, with his wolffepack. It features a tethered detachable cargo section, that can be swung around in front of the wearer as needed.

Using Wolffe's proprietary expetoSYSTEM orbital trapeze technology, the user starts by pulling a magnetically-secured handle on the front of one of their shoulder straps. This causes the cargo pack to come off of the back section of the wolffepack, and drop down below it. It's still attached to the rest of the backpack by high-strength Dyneema polyethylene fiber cords, however, so it doesn't just drop to the ground.

The user then reaches back, grabs the pack, and pulls it around in front of themselves. When they're done with it, they swing it back behind, then pull the same handle to raise and secure it into place once again.

The wolffepack Metro

Additionally, using a couple of attached clips, the pack can be temporarily fastened to the front of the shoulder straps – so it's worn on the chest. This could come in handy when the user is sitting down, doesn't want the pack banging into people in crowded settings, or wants to keep it away from thieving fingers.

The pack itself is made from ballistic nylon, features multiple padded and microfiber-lined pockets/compartments, and is being made in two models – the 22-liter Metro, and the more streamlined 18-liter Escape.

Wolffe is currently raising production funds, on Kickstarter. A pledge of £85 (about US$136) will get you your choice of a Metro or Escape, when and if they're ready to go. You can see the packs being demo'd in the pitch video below.

Sources: wolffepack, Kickstarter

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Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
10 comments
Mike Malsed
so the whole thing is held by one small cord? How stable is that?
Gadgeteer
Seems unnecessarily complex. The simpler Wed'ze Reverse packs allow the same kind of functionality, and are a heck of a lot cheaper.
Alfredo Limon
How perfect is your life to worry about the exagerated time it takes to check how cozy your ipad is, I love this guys with such a full but empty bubble world...
Arnold Stonehouse
Hey I have something kinda like this...it's called a MESSENGER BAG and has been produced in one form or another for....oh I guess ~100 years now. So it's pretty well dialed in....IMHO
Heather525
If the cable is very (VERY) strong, these would be great for photographers. Many museums and other public buildings have a policy you can't put your bag down on the ground to change lenses so backpacks don't work -- but carrying heavy camera equipment on one shoulder is tiring. There is a backpack that has a waist band that is meant for bringing around to the front and opening from the pack from the inside, but it's very difficult for a smaller person to use. This would solve the problem.
BackpackDavid
Hi All, I'm David, and I created the product so I can share some information that might be relevant to some of the comments. The whole bag is held by 3 cords, not just one cord, and because the 3 are anchored at different points on the bag it is held in a totally stable position. The cords are small but very, very strong because they are made of Dyneema, a material used by the military for ballistic protection. Each cord can carry over 100 kilos. That makes over 300kg total capability. The simpler Wed'ze Reverse tries to offer the same functionality but requires having both waist belt and chest buckle permanently attached. It needs an action rather like what you do when you put your jersey on the wrong way round: you pull your arms through the sleeves and with arms inside rotate the jersey round your torso. You end up with the backpack clamped right under your chin. It's just different, if that's what you want. I love the messenger bag and it is great at what it does, but it puts all the weight on one shoulder, and this can cause some people back problems which I've experienced. I still use my messenger occasionally, but for light stuff only. I hope that is useful. David
allisondbl
David I wanted to say thank you not only for responding but for doing so with well-written, detailed, helpful information. It says good things about your product that you're following up on an article like this. As soon as I read your clarifications, my thought was how great it would be for a climber and thanks to your follow-up, I'm going to be forwarding this to a friend for just that purpose.
Alley
Gregg Eshelman
A backpack with ballistic restraint straps. You can only hit someone with it as far as you can't throw it. ;-)
Waldo Cat
If they made one with a bladder insert, this would be great for mountain biking and ultra running.
Jeremy Garnett
I agree with Gadgeteer. It is too complex, and in my opinion defeats the purpose of having a backpack as opposed to a sling pack. For a pack that is better designed, easily accessible, well tested, and already in production, try the Hazard 4 evac plan-b™. A sling pack, which can easily be secured in place by a waist strap; I use mine on long bike rides, without needing to stop. It also include a bladder insert; can be used as a pack, a messenger bag, or can be swung around to rest on your lap whist driving.
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