How can a feature improve the experience of the consumer, retailer, and the brand?
The Dakine Luggage Collection
THE OPPORTUNITY
Dakine’s luggage collection has always been a strong seller for the brand, and the Split Roller 100L is particularly successful.
But such a large bag needs a lot of structure, and that structure makes it difficult to fit into shipping boxes at the factory, difficult to store in retail stockrooms, and difficult to store in small apartments.
How could we solve for all three, without compromising the feature rich experience and rugged build consumers have come to love about the Split Roller?
THE SOLUTION
In addition to moving to a more robust and easier rolling wheel set, we developed the Split Wing collapsible bracing at the base of the bag.
This system allowed the bag to collapse to half height, doubling the capacity in shipping boxes, reducing shelf volume, and allowing the bag to store easily under a bed.
We also focused on rich touchpoints, rain flaps over zippers to reduce water penetration, and included a sealed compartment to easily carry wet ski or snowboard boots.
Collapsible Structure
The Split Roller arrives pressed into itself. At the base of the forward half lies a set of PE plastic wings, with instructions to rotate them outward and into pockets with hook & loop fasteners. This creates the structure necessary to keep such a large bag from toppling while you’re checking in at the airport. The system detaches easily for storing the bag once the trip is over.
How it works
This stop motion made by the team at Dakine conveys the function and simplicity of the Split Wing structure.
Rich touchpoints and reinforced corners
Without access to a test lab, we took durability tests into our own hands.
The form takes shape in PE foam. I made the initial patterns, and the in-house sewing team build a fully-realized prototype.
Eric Pollard approved.
The Dakine Status echoes the design lines and robust construction of the bigger bag.
What People Are Saying
“he ingenious Split-Wing collapsible brace allows the Dakine Split Roller to fold flat – conserving your valuable storage space when not in use.”
— inthesnow.com
“The bag has the ability to be more sturdy or more flexible with the split wing collapsible brace. I also love how much less space this bag takes when it isn't in use.”
— Shannon, amazon.com user review