ALTO
Accessories for the
Alto Backpack Collection
Initial Situation
The Xeron backpack collection was replaced by the new Alto backpacks. This new collection is now to be completed with Alto accessories. Demand for outdoor brand accessories is growing in Asia and Europe.
Goal
Practical accessories in an outdoor-inspired everyday collection. Mammut design and unique pattern making.
The collection includes:
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Waistpack (two sizes)
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Shoulderbag
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Sacoche
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Pouch (two sizes)
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Totebag (two sizes)
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Messenger
Focus
Outdoor-inspired, rope details, clear connection to the backpacks: shared materials.
Year
2025
Context
A project during my internship at Mammut Sports Group AG.
Skills Applied
Backpack collection extension
Design language analysis
Shape definition
Building a coherent collection
Form finding and digital models in Clo3D
Pattern making
Creation of technical drawings
Managing all products in a collection
Development trip (manufacturer coordination)
Design-to-cost
Moodboard Outdoor-Inspired Everyday Bags
Based on the moodboard, the following focus areas were defined:
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reduced/clean
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cool details
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sporty streetwear-style
Design Analysis of Existing Alto Backpacks
To integrate the accessories as effectively as possible into the existing collection, the backpacks were analysed by:
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construction
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pattern
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material
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design elements
The result was a list of features to carry over and three terms describing the collection:
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clean
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modular
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outdoor
Definition of a Base Shape
The one-piece front panel of the Alto accessories was developed based on the shape of the back plate. The four-step form-finding process therefore began with defining the back plate:
Analysing Shapes
The shape should stand out from existing Mammut products to appeal to a different customer base.
Finding Inspiration
The Alto backpacks and shapes from mountaineering, such as snowshoes, serve as inspiration for the bag‘s shape.
Quick Shape Sketches
Creating a variety of shapes through hand sketches.
Refining Shapes
Digital sketching to see whether the shape could work with different opening options.
Finding the Right Shape
Using the Alto Messenger as an example, the steps of the form-finding process are shown here:
Paper Model
Starting from the back panel, I built various volumes out of paper to get a feel for the shape.
Digital Model in Clo3D
The best-fitting paper model serves as the base for a digital model in Clo3D. Different solutions and details such as angles or depth can thus be tested quickly.
Textile Mock-Up
Using the pattern from Clo3D, the fabric can be laser-cut to sew a simple prototype. Size, volume, and, in this exampl, different closure mechanisms can be tested on this mock-up.
First Prototype
The first prototype shows whether the pattern and detail solutions work, allowing the product to be used and tested for the first time.
Details
The Waistpack shows clear parallels to the backpacks in the Alto collection. For example, the zip cord details, the same uncoated 300 D, 15 mm ripstop material, as well as the pattern and shape based on the backpacks.
Collection Overview
This overview shows the near-final products of the collection. Some details were modified after my internship at Mammut ended. The collection will be launched in autumn 2026.
Impressions
