IDSTEIN, Germany (June 2022) – Jack Wolfskin, the leading manufacturer of outdoor gear in Europe, seeks to drastically improve hiking pack design and eliminate common pain points around weight, durability, and ventilation with the new 3D-printed Aerorise Carry System.
The 3D Aerorise Carry System utilizes four independent 3D-printed panels on the shoulders and lower back to provide a lightweight, multi-zone body fit. These panels are made of an open-cell structure with thousands of individual struts to enhance ventilation while using a combination of lattice patterns to provide vertical and horizontal firmness delivering superior comfort and load distribution. The design is highly breathable, reducing back temperatures by up to 41°F.
Jack Wolfskin collaborated with OECHSLER, an additive manufacturer from Germany, and Carbon, a pioneer in 3D printing, to transition technology, currently widely used in performance running shoes, to the performance hiking pack category.
“Comfort, load control, and ventilation are age-old challenges in pack design,” said Magdalen Hamel, Category Manager of Equipment for Jack Wolfskin. “The technology presented in Aerorise benefits hikers on the trail and takes the industry in a new direction. The design is really impressive from an engineering perspective and further supports our belief that
together, in cooperation with partners, we can make a notable difference in sustainability commitments and performance equipment.”
The 3D Aerorise pack is the latest in Jack Wolfskin’s series of collaborative and sustainable innovations, including tapeless seam construction, mono materials, and Wax Weave – a synthetic wax treatment. The latest innovation, the 3D printing production process, decreases waste with a customizable production process reducing material used and gluing processes involved in post-production carry system assembly.
“Additive manufacturing is changing the outdoor equipment and sporting goods world,” Matthias Weisskopf, General Manager of OECHSLER, said of the collaboration, “Working with Jack Wolfskin allowed us to further develop the Aerorise hiking backpacks and solve problems that weren’t achievable until recent years. Aerorise is the start of a new movement in improved product development through 3D design.”
The 3D Aeororise carry system will debut in Spring 2023. The carry system will be available in three models: the signature 3D Aerorise 40L pack and 20L and 30L roll-top options. The body of this lightweight backpack is constructed with durable, 100% recycled 70D polyamide. The 40 liters of carrying capacity include a waterproof main compartment, a top lid compartment, customizable compression options, and webbing on the exterior for attaching equipment.
