Five years ago, German company Heimplanet blew our minds with its geodesic tent, the Cave. Using a one pump system with its patented multi chamber, which allows evenly displaced air, inflating into the coolest-looking tent ever made. Why would you stay in a Holiday Inn type tent, when you could have the Standard Hotel of tents?
Following the Cave, would Heimplanet be a one-hit wonder, or will it be able to continue making slick and functional gear that pushes the boundaries of the what we think gear should look like? Heimplanet is attempting to answer that with the new Motion Series of backpacks.
The Motion Series are thus far just two backpacks that continue Heimplanet’s theme of 3D, geodesic designs. To help do away with sweaty “back bath” syndrome of many packs, Heimplanet uses a 3D foam panel to allow airflow between the pack and your back.
“We created a solution that’s great for all kinds of sports, activities and everyday carry.”
While a backpack may seem like a huge design departure from a geodesic tent, there is a common link. “The idea for the foam panel came from our Cairo Camo tent design,” Heimplanet Co-Founder Stefan Clauss told Digital Trends. “This design originally was developed because some of our clients asked us if we could develop something that allows the tent to melt with its surroundings, so that it will not be detected whilst wild camping. The Cairo Camo pattern was our modern interpretation of former military camouflage designs.”
The packs come in two volumes and styles – the Arc 20L and Ellipse 25L – and are both available in two colorways: purple/light grey and dark grey/green. The 3D foam molded back pad is comfortable with balanced pressure points that feel great. The backing looks super sharp, although it is tad hefty.
“The 3D pattern is made out of an EVA foam panel and Nylon Spandex that is molded onto the foam panel with the help of heat and pressure,” Clauss detailed. “The main fabric of the Motion series is 210D Rip Stop Nylon Mélange with PEVR lamination. We internally developed this nylon mélange material especially for those bags and so far you won’t find this material on any other product.”
The inside pouch has a polished computer sleeve well protected from the elements that doubles as bladder pocket for hydration systems. The external spandex storage layer for the packs are easily accessible and allow 2-way breathing for drying a shell or jacket. Each pack also has unique outer storage units that can be detached for lighter treks.
With a very long list of tech specs, one might assume that the pack would look more “techy” than chic, but the packs are stylish. Imagine if Arc-teryx and Rick Owens had a love child backpack.
“Moritz Grebe also developed our first product, the inflatable, geodesic tents,” said Clauss. “Inspiration for theses backpacks was born during his search for the perfect everyday backpack, but there was no model that combines all the functional aspects of an outdoor backpack with the stylish look of an everyday urban backpack. We created a solution that’s great for all kinds of sports, activities and everyday carry.”
The Heimplanet Arc and Ellipse packs are available for preorder now on Kickstarter with early bird pricing started at around $100.
