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:Ultra Running Modular Vest & Pack
:Brief
The project’s objectives include studying design methodologies and practices in the current sportswear industry, as well as identifying approaches from other fields that can be adapted and applied to ultrarunning. The goal is to integrate ideas from a range of disciplines to create efficient and purpose-built running equipment. This equipment will be designed to enhance the future of ultramarathons, with a particular emphasis on the challenging and relentless Badwater 135 marathon.
The decision to focus on the Badwater 135 event arises from its extreme conditions. The race not only covers a tremendous distance of 135 miles but also takes place in the hottest location worldwide during the peak of summer, all while traversing intense and undulating terrain. Developing equipment that can perform optimally under these conditions would represent a significant advancement in sportswear, applicable to most ultramarathons. This becomes particularly relevant given the current trend of increasing temperatures due to climate change.
For the initial research, I investigated the current clothing used at the Badwater race and the reasons behind these choices. I found that lighter colors are preferred due to their lower heat retention, as they reflect more heat.
I also explored how the race might change in the next 10 years due to climate change and the implications for the runners and their performance garment requirements. I discovered that there could be significant changes to the race, such as running at night to mitigate the heat. In this scenario, visibility will be crucial to ensure that people can locate the runners if they go off course or encounter other difficulties.
Additionally, there might be an increase in the number of legs of the race to incorporate more aid stations. Overall, the main issues that need to be addressed are ensuring that the clothing keeps the wearer cool and provides enhanced sun protection properties.
Designs:
This details a technical development stage for the CLO3D process which is where all the pattern cutting and prototyping was done for this unit. The main brief for this unit was to use either CLO3d or Optitex Lectra to create a garment digitally.
There are two parts to this, one was making the design to be allocated into a techpack, the other was to be rendered for the final digital photoshoot.
The project aimed to design a garment supporting the evolution of ultramarathon running in the next decade, focusing on a running vest enhanced with a modular system on the back panels.
This system enables runners to attach a pack on long stretches of the race where aid stations are spread further apart. The pack serves as a container for essentials like water, isotonic gels, and other supplies, potentially saving the runner's life until they reach the next aid station.
Tailored for the Badwater race, which may undergo changes to increase its difficulty in the next decade, the concept considers potential shifts to a primarily night-run format or proposing a longer route elsewhere to reduce exposure to high temperatures. These adjustments require changes in clothing function – a night run demanding higher visibility gear and a longer route necessitating carrying more supplies.
Ultimately, the concept achieves its aim of protecting the wearer on a long route by allowing for more supplies. The electric blue parts of the garment boost the wearer's motivation and morale. Predominantly made from recycled fabrics and designed for easy deconstruction and repair to extend the lifespan of raw materials, the garment is committed to environmental sustainability.
Final Designs:
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