01
Lightweight aluminium frame
Strong structural frame designed to provide support while maintaining a relatively low weight.
EXTERNAL FRAME SYSTEM / HIKING + CAMPING
Built to carry.Designed to rest.
A lightweight external hiking frame that transforms into a functional outdoor chair.
- MODE 01
- Hiking frame
- MODE 02
- Rest chair
- MATERIAL
- Aluminium
FIG. 01 — FRAME ASSEMBLY
01Product overview
One frame. Two functions.
The Pack Seat combines the load-bearing function of an external hiking frame with the convenience of a portable chair. Hikers carry their equipment on a rigid frame designed for support, then convert that same frame into a place to rest — without carrying a separate chair.
The result is a single piece of equipment that serves the walk and the stop, reducing the number of items packed and keeping weight and volume consolidated in one structure.
- Multifunctionality
Two roles in one structure.
- Space efficiency
One item instead of two.
- Comfort
Supported posture at rest.
- Weight distribution
Load carried across the frame.
- Outdoor practicality
Built for use on trail.
- Consolidated kit
Less to pack, less to lose.
02Transformation
From trail to rest in one movement.
MODE 01
Hiking mode
External frame designed to support and distribute the load of a hiking pack.
MODE 02
Rest mode
Frame transforms into a functional chair for resting during hikes or camping.
03Key features
Designed around the load.
02
Transformable design
Converts between an external hiking frame and a functional chair.
03
Load distribution
Designed to distribute pack weight across the frame and reduce concentrated pressure on the user.
04
Compact functionality
Combines two outdoor functions into a single product.
05
Outdoor construction
Uses materials and construction methods selected for outdoor use.
06
Ergonomic support
Designed around user comfort, posture and practical load support.
04Materials
Material schedule.
Materials were selected for structural role, outdoor suitability and user contact comfort. Specification detail to be added from final documentation.
M01
Aluminium tubing
Structural frame material selected for its strength-to-weight characteristics.
M02
Polyester webbing
Used for supportive straps and seating components.
M03
High-density foam
Used to improve comfort in contact areas such as the headrest.
M04
Stainless steel fasteners
Used for secure structural connections.
05Sustainability
Considered choices.
Material selection
Materials chosen for structural role and outdoor suitability, keeping the component count low.
Aluminium recyclability
Aluminium is a widely recycled metal, which supports end-of-life recovery of the frame.
Product longevity
A durable frame is intended to remain serviceable across repeated outdoor use.
Multifunctionality
Combining two functions reduces the need to carry and own separate equipment.
Repairability
Mechanical fasteners allow components to be accessed and replaced where applicable.
Honest scope
No environmental certification or lifecycle claim is made beyond these design considerations.
06About the project
Built for a real problem.
The Pack Seat was developed as a Design & Technology Major Work. The project began by identifying problems experienced by hikers — pack load pressure, limited comfort while resting, and the weight and bulk of carrying separate seating.
From that brief, the work moved through research, ideation, prototyping and refinement to arrive at a practical multifunctional solution: an external frame that supports a load on the move and becomes a place to sit at rest.
Specifications, testing outcomes and technical dimensions are documented separately and added as they are recorded.