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News and musings from the coLAB news desk.

Pete wins Innovation for Extremes Award

Other design award news.. Alpkit designer Pete Dollman has won the Innov_ex award with his innovative wooden dry tooling axes. Pete was presented with the award at the Innov_ex conference at Lancaster University this week.

Stop Press: We shall be launching Pete’s FigFour axes at an event called DryIce at the Tout a Blocs bouldering ferstival in France.

Squeeze Box wins Alpkit National Outdoor Innovation Award

Alpkit is pleased to announce the winner of its National Outdoor Innovation Award as Kevin Beeden for the Squeezebox stove.

The Squeezebox Stove is a lightweight replacement for the heavy fully integrated cooking systems and is used as both pan support and windshield. Made from a single component it not only saves weight but increases fuel efficiency and reduces burn time. Close second was John Martin with his White out torch and Simon Masters with his SOS Mat.

The award was shortlisted to nine by an expert panel but the winner was chosen by some of the 40,000 enthusiasts who attended The Outdoors Show, at the NEC in Birmingham. The finalists spent three days trying to encourage as many public votes as they could and gained a huge amout of interest over the course of the show. The Award was presented at the show by Graham Thompson Technical Gear Editor of Trail Magazine.

We would like to say a big thank you to all of the contestants, and special thanks to Graham Thompson, Mark Taylor and Andy Kirkpatrick for all the time and effort they put into the judging. Although for many contestants this is just a way of having fun and of sharing their ideas, for some it could be an important step into the industry. Many of the contestants are now bringing their products to market, with several having been approached by companies wanting to develop them further. It was great to see how many people are interested in the competition and even though we were tucked away we still got nearly 1000 people voting with many more taking the time to look over the entries.

The award promotes innovation and design talent for products used in the adventure sports environment.

Finalists 2009

Our expert panel consisting of Graham Thompson, Mark Taylor and Andy Kirkpatrick have shortlisted just 9 entries to take part in coLAB 09 at the Outdoors Show. The final 9 now have a chance to work up their ideas before exhibiting them during the 3 days of The Outdoors Show in a purpose built coLAB 09 zone. During the show the visiting public will have the opportunity to talk to the entrants, explore their ideas and vote for their favourite. The Outdoors Show is expected to attract upwards of 40,000 visitors and industry professionals, an incredible opportunity for the finalists. The eventual winner will be announced on the Sunday.

1st : Squeeze Box - Kevin Beeden

The Squeezebox Stove is a lightweight replacement for the heavy fully integrated cooking systems and is used as both pan support and windshield. Made from a single component it not only saves weight but increases fuel efficiency and reduces burn time.

2nd : White-out torch - John Martin

A torch to make it safer, easier and less disorientating when navigating in a white-out; especially when moving over irregular terrain. An array of 'diffracted' lasers project horizontal lines onto the snow. This gives the user a reference point and reduces spine jarring stumbling! A second vertical laser can be used to indicate the direction of the bearing being followed.

3rd : SOS Sleep Mat - Simon Masters

An emergency aid that utilises a previously unused part of an existing product. SOS or other internationally recognised emergency symbols are printed on the reverse of a sleeping mat to produce a great safety feature on an item that someone would already be carrying.

A full report will be posted as soon as the office has returned back to normality. Here are the other 6 finalists..

4th : Jamulator – Liz Asquith

A crack simulator that can be changed as regularly as every other hold in a climbing gym. The Jamulator takes a different approach: rather than having a permanently fitted crack, there is a fitted channel into which specially shaped sections can be bolted in the same way as holds are normally installed on the rest of the wall.

5th : A Better Climbing Shoe - Ian Cornwell

A climbing shoe bringing together several existing technologies to make a better climbing shoe. This climbing shoe can provide a very tight fitting and rigid shoe that will stand on tiny pebbles and support the foot. Alternatively the dial can be turned releasing the support to give a flexible shoe which is excellent for smearing and improving comfort.

6th : Briquette - Yu Ting Yau

A cooking device that utilises traditional charcoal heating and cutting edge insulating devices. The device heats up liquids using charcoal sticks and keeps them warm using high tech Aero Gel.

7th : The Nest - Liz Asquith

The Nest is a sleep system aimed at making life a little easier for those camping with young children and making camping more fun for the children themselves. This mini tent is deployed inside a larger tent dimming ambient light, muffling sound and keeping midges at bay. It comes fully equipped with mattress, quilt and lighting system.

8th : Bio Endurance - Shekina Tsotetsi

An emergency signalling and life prolonging garment, it incorporates class leading technologies and materials to form a suit capable of protecting the user. Almost every eventuality is covered with this suit from avalanche protection to emergency nutrition.

9th : Segmented drybags - Peter Boyle

A range of drybags featuring internal and external pockets for organising and water proofing kit. Dry bags with a clever twist; a single waterproof bag with several components allow both dry and wet items to be stored safely together.

Where was coLAB?

The coLAB stand was next to another of the great Outdoor Show features - the Elements Theatre.

Best of the rest

Our expert panel were keen that we should highlight some of the other entries. In particular was our youngest entrant Will Goodson who at just 13 years has demonstrated great enthusiasm, we look forward to seeing more from him in the future!

Roller Bag Sled - James Ring

The Roller Bag Sled provides a solution to the tricky transfer of luggage across snow from bus to ski chalet. A flexible sheet of plastic extends to cover the wheels spreading the weight over a larger surface area.

BudLite - Michael McHugh

A rechargeable torch with two lighting functions. The petal design incorporates flexible photo voltaic solar panels and is able to create a focussed or flooded light.

Tetris Panel Mat - Andy Hext

A modular boulder mat system. Individual mats can be easily joined together with velcro to create a larger mat or closely follow the contours of the rock face.

Thermo Sling - Chris Turford

An insulated hammock design with a lightweight tarp cover. Insulative cushions run along the length of the sling. The cushions contain auxetic fibres which expand when stretched allowing the warm air to flow below you.

Memory Foam Back System - Will Goodson

An adjustable back system using memory foam. The foam can be formed to the contours of your back making load carrying more comfortable and configurable to your activity.

The Wilderness Survival Skills Bandana - Trevor Gamble

The WSS Bandana is a potential 'lifeline to survival' in the event of outdoors emergency! Printed fast upon the two sides of The WSS Bandana are the survival skills needed to get one out of the wilderness and back home alive, should one become either lost or injured.

Outdoor Wardrobe - Andrew Baird

A rucksack that transforms into a portable wardrobe. The design will allow you to keep the contents of your rucksack organised and easily accessible.

Multi-Purpose Trousers - Gunnar Westholm

This idea is to integrate 3 different 3/4th (or 3/5th) zip-off legs to trousers for casual use, hiking, and mt-biking. The upper part of the trousers could be combined with lowers of different fabrics and cuts to form four different combinations.

coLAB 09 top three

Many thanks to all the finalists who made it along to the Outdoors Show to present their ideas to the show visitors. The top three as voted by show vistors are..

1st : Squeeze Box - Kevin Beeden
The Squeezebox Stove is a lightweight replacement for the heavy fully integrated cooking systems and is used as both pan support and windshield. Made from a single component it not only saves weight but increases fuel efficiency and reduces burn time.

2nd : White-out torch - John Martin
A torch to make it safer, easier and less disorientating when navigating in a white-out; especially when moving over irregular terrain. An array of ‘diffracted’ lasers project horizontal lines onto the snow. This gives the user a reference point and reduces spine jarring stumbling! A second vertical laser can be used to indicate the direction of the bearing being followed.

3rd : SOS Sleep Mat - Simon Masters
An emergency aid that utilises a previously unused part of an existing product. SOS or other internationally recognised emergency symbols are printed on the reverse of a sleeping mat to produce a great safety feature on an item that someone would already be carrying.

A full report will be posted as soon as the Alpkit office has returned back to normality..

2009 Award Finalists

I am now able to reveal the finalists for this year award. Unbelievably there are two contestants from last year that have made it through to this years final. They will certainly have an advantage knowing how to get final votes! The great thing for the award is that there are a mix of products but stoves and safety do seem to be the hot items. What I can say now is that effort pays; those entries that were well researched and well presented shone out and caught the eye of the judges. The same will go for the actual event at the NEC in March.

A better climbing shoe – Ian Cornwell
A climbing shoe bringing together several existing technologies to make a better climbing shoe.
This climbing shoe can provide a very tight fitting and rigid shoe that will stand on tiny pebbles and support the foot. Alternatively the dial can be turned releasing the support to give a flexible shoe which is excellent for smearing and improving comfort.

The Nest – Liz Asquith
The Nest is a sleep system aimed at making life a little easier for those camping with young children and making camping more fun for the children themselves.
This mini tent is deployed inside a larger tent dimming ambient light, muffling sound and keeping midges at bay. It comes fully equipped with mattress, quilt and lighting system.

Briquette – Yu Ting Yau
A cooking device that utilises traditional charcoal heating and cutting edge insulating devices.
The device heats up liquids using charcoal sticks and keeps them warm using high tech Aero Gel.

SOS Sleep Mat –  Simon Masters
An emergency aid that utilises a previously unused part of an existing product.
SOS or other internationally recognised emergency symbols are printed on the reverse of a sleeping mat to produce a great safety feature on an item that someone would already be carrying.

Squeeze Box – Kevin Beeden
The Squeezebox Stove is a lightweight replacement for the heavy fully integrated cooking systems and is used as both pan support and windshield.
Made from a single component it not only saves weight but increases fuel efficiency and reduces burn time.

Segmented drybags – Peter Boyle
A range of drybags featuring internal and external pockets for organising and water proofing kit.
Dry bags with a clever twist; a single waterproof bag with several components allow both dry and wet items to be stored safely together.

Bio Endurance – Shekina Tsotetsi
An emergency signalling and life prolonging garment, it incorporates class leading technologies and materials to form a suit capable of protecting the user.
Almost every eventuality is covered with this suit from avalanche protection to emergency nutrition.

Jamulator – Liz Asquith
A crack simulator that can be changed as regularly as every other hold in a climbing gym.
The Jamulator takes a different approach: rather than having a permanently fitted crack, there is a fitted channel into which specially shaped sections can be bolted in the same way as holds are normally installed on the rest of the wall.

White-out torch – John Martin
A torch to make it safer, easier and less disorientating when navigating in a white-out; especially when moving over irregular terrain. 
An array of ‘diffracted’ lasers project horizontal lines onto the snow. This gives the user a reference point and reduces spine jarring stumbling! A second vertical laser can be used to indicate the direction of the bearing being followed.

The finalist now have one month to refine their ideas and prepare for the show. Good luck!

Outdoors Magic Forum Chat

Nick will be chatting about coLAB09 during a live chat session hosted by Outdoors Magic. It is a chance to ask questions about the award format and how to get the most out of it. The guys at OM will open the chat board from 1pm.

Date: 13th November
Time: 1pm
Location: Outdoors Magic Forum

A day out of the office

Yesterday I had a day out of the office and went to visit the lecturers and students in Salford, who make up the Sports Equipment Design - BSc (Hons) course.  I was there to explain our coLAB09 competition and a little bit about how Alpkit started and how we operate.
I was given a quick tour of the very impressive facilities along with a brief overview of the course. We then had quick Q and A session, well it would of been if I hadn’t rabbited on like I do but hopefully I conveyed some thoughts on how we see ourselves and the rest of the market. I then went to explain a little about the origins and purpose of the competition and brief look at some of last years entries.

On the train back to Nottingham I saw a guy with an arc’teryx backpack, Macpac softshell and a NZ accent who got on at Alfreton. I took a bit of a punt and guessed it was Equip’s new rucsac designer Mat. I said hi and introduced myself, I was right .....small world.

coLAB08 finalists revisited

With coLAB09 looming I finally got around to writing up some of my notes from last years show. Although I was not one of the judges as a designer and user of outdoor equipment I did have my personal favourites. They are listed in order of popularity with the shows voting visitors.

1. Beacon Bag - From the start I was worried about weight with this product as one of the key features of any safety equipment is making sure that people take it in the first place. With three layers of fabric a battery and wiring this was in danger of never making it onto the hills. Having said that with all the positive feedback on the site regarding its potential applications rather than considering it as a replacement for the individual bivi bag, it quickly became apparent that there was a market for a group use emergency sleeping bag.

2. Linelight - I wasn’t a judge so I was allowed to have a favourite and I thought this was quite clever. I had seen spoke lights for bikes that do the same thing and I was interested to see where the concept could be taken and the fact that the light could have so many uses won it for me. I think John would of had a fight on his hands had the sample worked or if the concept could have been shown through video.

3. Waterproof Zip - This is one that we all want to work, but the problem was always going to be how you make the next step. This was the product with the most instantly commercial application.

4. Foamless Boulder Mat - Over the years there have been a number solutions to the problems of cushioning falling climbers from every increasing heights. This was a neat idea using the very latest technology. In the end it just proved to expensive to take forward.

5. Morph -  There was no denying Liz’s enthusiasm for the product and this contributed to such a niche product coming high in the competition. A year or so ago I was lucky enough to have spent an afternoon with Dave Macloud studying his gripwork. The subtle nature in the changes in his grip could make or break a movement. As grades increase we are going to see more of this type of customisable grip.

6. Coire Stove - I wasn’t bowled over by this design, there are a lot of stoves on the market and many suit my needs more. However Martin is passionate about this product, and may well be the first son of coLAB on the market. Hopefully Martin can tell us a little more on how he is getting on.

7. Double Skin Pans - Simple effective design, as pot design is suddenly becoming more techy this could be the next big thing.

8. Retracta Map - Not a new idea, retractable promotional devices have been around as have retractable ski maps. But it was definitely a solution to a well known problem, however I just think it created more problems than it solved.

9. X1 - Very much a concept and as such difficult to comment on, also being the biggest technophobe in the office I am not best to comment, what’s wrong with shouting!

10. Flo Pack - The most impressive artwork and prototyping went into this entry, but this was no guarantee of success. It was all very pretty but I read once that ‘less is more, but just enough is just right’.

My advice to contestants is that designs that provide a solution to a problem will capture peoples imagination. But don’t create a problem that doesn’t really exist and then try to solve it. My top tip would be that safety sells.

coLAB09

coLAB09 is on its way..

coLAB08 Award Ceremony

Final results

1. Beacon Bag
2. Linelight
3. Waterproof Zip
4. Foamless Boulder Mat
5. Morph
6. Coire Stove
7. Double Skin Pans
8. Retracta Map
9. X1
10. Flo Pack

The winner was chosen by some of the 40,000 enthusiasts who attended The Outdoor Show, at the NEC in Birmingham. The finalists spent three days trying to encourage as many public votes as they could and gained a huge amout of interest over the course of the show.

The Award was presented at the show by Graham Thompson Technical Gear Editor of Trail Magazine. We would like to say a big thank you to all of the contestants, and special thanks to Graham Thompson, Mark Taylor and Andy Kirkpatrick for all the time and effort they put in the judging.

Many of the contestants are now considering bringing their products to market, with several having been approached by companies wanting to develop them.

More images of the presentation can be found on the OutdoorsMagic website.

coLAB08 podcast

If you were unable to attend the Outdoors Show you may be interested in listening to our very own Nick Smith speaking to Bob Cartwright from the Outdoors Station. The interview is available as a podcast download from Bob’s website.

coLAB08 Winner

Congratulations John Lucas! The show visitors voted John’s Beacon Bag as overall winner. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to talk to each participant and register their vote, and an extra special big AlpThanks to each of the 08 Collabers, their friends and their families who demonstrated remarkable energy and stamina during the 3 long days of the show. We will publish the full results along with a report of the event as soon as we can.

Proposed coLAB08 stand

Each coLABer will have their own ‘booth’ in which they can display their idea. The booths will be spaced out around a central hub and will include space for a graphic panel and a 3D model if needed. The coLAB stand will be close to the Skymasters Challenge.

Finalists announced

sorry for the long delay in getting the results online. Some things have not gone to plan and the sad news is that Leo’s schedule has not allowed him to take part in the selection process. Collating the results of the judges has been more challenging than expected, and in retrospect it would have been easier to have met around a table instead of trying to run it virtually, however we now have a list of finalists the judges are happy with.

Of the original 53 entrants two have chosen to withdraw from the competition. They were both strong entries and while we are sad to see them go we are really happy that they have chosen to further develop their products and take them to market. We wish them all the best with their ideas and hope that the competition has helped to stimulate their activity.

Considering the already late deadline, and fewer entries than hoped we think it makes sense to shortlist the finalists. On this note we have also increased the number of finalists from 9 to 10 as it was impossible to separate a couple of the entries. So the finalists, in no particular order are:

- Waterproof zip for performance outerwear
- User-Configurable Ice Tool Handles
- Double skin pans
- Xi External Interface Satellite Phone
- Lightweight versatile stove
- Rescue Light 3 in 1
- Modular Backpack System
- Retracta Map
- Foamless Bouldering Mat
- Beacon Bag

Sorry if you did not make it on to the finalists list this year. The entries were incredibly diverse and comparing different solutions to different problems, some of which were very personal to the entrant, has not been a simple task. We will now get in touch with the finalists to help them prepare their ideas for coLAB08 at the Outdoors Show in March.

Expert Panel announced

As you have all been beaving away coming up with ideas for our competition we’ve been twisting some arms, dishing out some dead legs and administrating some chinese burns.. well not really on the whole we have just been trying to get hold of some very busy people and hoping that they would agree to spending some time going through your great ideas.

Ok, first up and in alphabetical order:

Leo Houlding - Proven to be one of the UKs climbing and extreme sports stars. Some might say he has got one of the best jobs in the country, but as with all jobs there’s a down side, we haven’t quite worked out what that is though.
More about Leo.

Andy Kirkpatrick  -  He knows a lot about gear and the way stuff works. He is also willing to test this stuff in some really really harsh environments. His recent trip to Patagonia saw him use his Ridgerest as a lilo, this is gear testing in the extreme. He is also one of the funniest men alive.
More about Andy.

Dr Mark Taylor - If anyone has been lucky enough to spend a little time in the Labs of Leeds Uni. then you will have seen Mark spinning some dials, applying some kind of force to something and generally trying to break stuff. Mark is also a keen caver and mountian biker.
More about Mark.

Graham Thompson - GT is quite possibly the best known gear tester in the UK, and deserves credit in putting science behind the testing. Choose any day of the year and you will find Graham somewhere in The Lakes testing a pair of boots or someones latest waterproof.
More about Graham.

The ultimate role of the panel will be to short list the 9 entries that will take part in the 2008 Outdoors Show at the NEC.

coLAB podcast and win a PipeDream 400

Download the PodZine NOW! Nick chats to Bob Cartwright about the coLAB 08 competition and gives you a chance to win a PipeDream 400 sleeping bag. Time is running out but you still have a chance to get your entries in, so if you have been hesitating, or haven’t had time to read our website check out this months podzine. It captures the spirit and inspiration of the competition, and provides some details of the ‘grande finale’ to be hosted at the Outdoors Show in ‘08. Listen to it on the bus, in your car or whilst soaking in the hot tub waiting for that eureka moment.

The competition is open until 5pm, Thursday 15th November. More details can be found on the Outdoors Station website.

Its all about the passion

I was cc’d in one of Jims emails in which he was describing the coLAB award. I thought he summed up the spirit of the award really well, perhaps better than any of us had managed to do so. In this respect its not really my post but Jims:

“Basically we thought the outdoors show was lacking in stuff to go oooh! So we thought we’d launch a competition that would give the guy on the hill the opportunity to design want they really wanted. We are looking for the redbull stove kind of people, people who can identify a problem and solve it. It doesn’t matter how small the potential market for their idea maybe. We’ll try and help them with their idea in the final stages of the competition as much as we can. We want to try and ensure the stand at the outdoors show has products and people on it that will attract the public to vote on the winner. This isn’t about Alpkit looking for new products, however if there is a killer product that comes out of it we’d be stupid not to talk to the winner about a deal for us to licence their product.

It is a hard competition to try and put down into words because for us its all about the passion. The passion to design and source equipment that would make the time on the hill all the more enjoyable. Thats why I think a Podcast is perfect way to communicate the idea.

We are organising the competition, putting the money in to build the stand etc and yes hopefully we’ll get more exposure. But its a lot more than that, hopefully it will give the guys a chance to bring their ideas from around the pub table and show their sheds to the public.”

Live chat issues raised

Many thanks to everyone who participated in the live chat on both UKC and OM last week. We certainly learnt a lot and will act on the issues raised.

Firstly there seemed to be some confusion over the theme of ‘Innovation’, and this has perhaps led to the view that you should only enter if your idea can compete with the ‘elite’. This is certainly not the case, in fact if this award attracts only professional designers it will have been a failure. We want to see how you have identified a problem and how you have managed to solve it. It might have been something your created on the fly in a moment of desperation or you may have worked on it for months.

Secondly there were concerns over the terms and conditions of entry. Our primary aim was to warn people that when their idea enters public knowledge they lose their chance to register it for a patent or design protection. You may not even be interested in making money from your idea, you probably just want to share it with like minded people, but this put a lot of people on the back foot. If this has made people think twice before entering their idea it can only be a good thing, everyone will have different skills and motives.

There were also concerns that upon entering you indemnify Alpkit from any third party claims. So what did we mean by this? When you enter this award your idea will appear in public and to the best of your knowledge it is your own work. If someone challenges your design saying they did it first we cannot validate every entrants claim on an idea, it will be up to you to prove you did it first (if that is important to you). It may be the case you developed your idea at the same time without any knowledge of the other persons designs, this happens quite often.. for example both Newton and Leibniz are credited as inventing calculus. We recommend you always have some sort of timeline with your designs. This may be conversations with friends in the pub, dated drawings you sent yourself in the post or time stamped emails to friends.

If you believe you have an award winning idea that you are convinced by, you are on the verge of giving up your day job and flirting with business angels you should probably be looking at non-disclosure agreements, talking to patent agents and this award is probably not for you.

Ultimately the award aims to do nothing more than encourage design thinking and to put the creative public on centre stage at the Outdoors Show in 2008.

Live coLAB08 chat

Entries are already coming in for our design competition, Colab08 but there have been questions as well. We have teamed up with those nice guys at Outdoors Magic and UK Climbing to organise a thread to run in their forums that Nick will answer immediately as questions come in. If you have any ideas you’d like to mull over in a forum, or a question about the competition in general you can catch them as follows:

Outdoors Magic: Tuesday 9th October from 2pm-5pm
UK Climbing: Thursday 11th October 12pm-4pm

Award now live

We are very happy that the award website is now up and running. Press releases and announcements will be appearing in the national press over the coming weeks, but of course we also welcome any interest from the Outdoors Blog-o-sphere. For further information you can contact us here at AlpkitHQ through .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Website in progress

The award website will play an important role in the run up to the coLAB 08 event at the Outdoors Show. Most awards that we have seen take place behind closed doors, you submit your entry and 6 months later a jury meets and selects a winner. We want our award to be more interactive than that, so we are going to post entries on our site before judging takes place. Visitors will be able to leave their comments and we hope the site will develop a community spirit. Of course you can decide to play your cards close to your chest and wait for the last moment, whatever you like! The site will also feature the usual suspects such as a newsletter, rss feed and links to other design resources.

coLAB at the Outdoors Show

The folk at The Outdoors Show have kindly offered to host our award by giving us 9 square metres of prime show space. This has certainly raised the bar, the show attracts something like 35,000 people over 3 days. It will be a fantastic opportunity for all parties and gives us a fixed deadline to work towards. For our part we have to organise a spectacle worthy of this attention.

Alpkit Innovation Award

We have decided to name our baby ‘The Alpkit Innovation Award’. Of course we didn’t arrive at this name easily, we had to go through the normal creative processes, trying to come up with a clever, catchy name that in the end is so cryptic it has little to do with your original idea!  By the end everyone is so frustrated you just don’t care what it is called and choose the sensible option.

A little idea

All of us here at Alpkit have been through some kind of design training. We studied because we had little ideas that we thought would be cool to turn in to reality. Typically the summer is the time of design shows, graduating students, champagne dinners and such like. It can be pretty nerve racking but these events create a buzz and a focal point for launching new ideas and careers. Little ideas grow in to bigger ideas and before you know it you are running a business and turning those ideas in to real products. We love the process of design and making things and we know a lot of our customers feel the same. Knowing this we thought up a plan, and while we can’t give you all a desk at Alpkit HQ we can give you a platform to show your little ideas.

During the summer, while you are all out in the hills having a good time, we will be refining this idea. If all goes to ‘plan’ we expect everything to come in to place by the end of the summer.