Custom Fanny Packs - Any Feedback?

[betahprod]

I'm currently learning how to use my parent's old industrial Juki. I'm currently debating if I want to start producing things for sale beyond personal projects.

Inspired by Fog City Gear's Jim Santos, I started by considering a low cost alternative to small accessories with cycling functionality in mind. These bits were made using an old tarp and recycling materials I had lying around and from my parent's shop.

So far we've made fanny packs and wallets (Yanco's idea originally?).

Do y'all have any feedback or advice? Good idea? Bad idea? Is there a demand for affordable cycling gear?

[AngryScientist]

yea, totally cool.

I'm a fan of anything hand built like that, and would consider purchasing over mass produced offshore stuff most of the time. I really like the Thomson wallet, nice idea!

the fanny pack is a convenient way to carry small stuff on shorter rides. i personally use a musette bag a lot when making short around town errands for little stuff, you may consider making a few of those bags with a longer strap for musette style carry.

in these days, if you can get your name out there, and garner some interest via forums, social media, out in the community, etc it's easy to set up an etsy shop or similar and sell this kind of thing. i think etsy basically exists for people with a similar business plan.

my one word of advice is to make sure you're making the best quality stuff you can if you decide to sell it. you'll turn people off right away and torpedo your business if the gear looks cool but falls apart. spend some real time doing some product testing in the real world, maybe include friends to help with beta versions before actually selling anything.

good luck to you! it makes me happy to see people making stuff!

[Peter P.]

Maybe sell the items at craft fairs and festivals first to determine the viability of those products.

I personally think the market is already saturated with enough developed product with greater means and engineering. Unless you can differentiate yourself from the rest of the market, I don't see anything new.

[betahprod]

Originally Posted by Peter P.

Maybe sell the items at craft fairs and festivals first to determine the viability of those products.

I personally think the market is already saturated with enough developed product with greater means and engineering. Unless you can differentiate yourself from the rest of the market, I don't see anything new.

Definitely feel the same way and indeed you can find decent gear for a low price already. I think I'll stick to custom orders amongst friends or in the community... Product testing is a must!

[Peter P.]

Originally Posted by betahprod

Definitely feel the same way and indeed you can find decent gear for a low price already. I think I'll stick to custom orders amongst friends or in the community... Product testing is a must!

Perhaps if you sold your products at bike races, running races, triathlons, and various outdoor type activities, you'd be able to reach your target market. Many of these types of events add vendor shows into their event to encourage attendance.

[alexsteinker]

what's the price point in mind? There are options out there already so having something to compare to is cool. Hand made stuff is cool! I'm into it.

[jmoore]

If you would be interested in working on a collaboration on a product I have been toying with for a while, I'd be happy to talk. I have a basic design in mind and good sewing skills are what I'm looking for. I can supply the raw materials and we can go from there.



Please shoot me an IM or email me a jason@recoveredcycling.com and we can talk.

[beaverstuff]

Having some experience in hiking with scouts, I've had many fanny packs. They all need a holster for water bottles, whether the pack is actively holding a bottle.

[BigLips]

I am definitely keen! I love the Thomson wallet too! I have a High Above fanny pack for mountain biking and I have used a pack once in 3.5 years of owning it. It's great for xc skiing and other adventures too! My only gripe is the water bottle holder fits some bottle better than others, and I've had bottles bounce out. Some kind of retention system for bottles, either an adjustable collar for the narrow part of a bottle, or an elastic cord that pulls the bottle down into the holder would be a great improvement!

[chrslnd]

Now I finally know what to do with my plethora of Thomson bags. any tips on making something like you have?

[corkycalvin]

Find a solution to a problem and make it. I haven’t found the right saddle bag that’s slim and looks elegant at the same time. I’m using Speedsleeve right now but find it a bit bulky even though it’s considered compact.

[bridgestonedude]

I've been looking for a front handlebar bag / fanny pack like the Fabio's Fanny, but I like the slim and minimalist design of yours. Less in-your-face the way most of the larger bike fannies on the market are, and looks like something I wouldn't mind wearing in public around my waist or shoulder. If I saw this at a local maker's market or something I could be interested.

Instead of wearing a small bag like a fanny using a strap, I also think using a string and wearing the bag around the shoulder is a nice design (like this: https://global.bluelug.com/fairweather-zip-sacoche.html). Having a zip or velco closure and a compact size is important or else it just becomes a musette.

[reuben]

Originally Posted by corkycalvin

Find a solution to a problem and make it. I haven’t found the right saddle bag that’s slim and looks elegant at the same time. I’m using Speedsleeve right now but find it a bit bulky even though it’s considered compact.

As with all things cycling, this is down to a lot of personal preference, but I've been quite satisified with the Inline Equipment bags I have.

I have the standard Seat Bag and the Seat Bag + zipper (CA Bear logo).

https://ilequipment.com/collections/bike

[corkycalvin]

Originally Posted by reuben

As with all things cycling, this is down to a lot of personal preference, but I've been quite satisified with the Inline Equipment bags I have.

I have the standard Seat Bag and the Seat Bag + zipper (CA Bear logo).

https://ilequipment.com/collections/bike

Thanks for the link. I may look into these. Fabric choices has come a long way. I like makers are using more hi tech fabrics. When I was an avid hiker, everything was made out of DCF, Dyneema Composite Fabric or what was called cuben fiber.

[reuben]

Originally Posted by corkycalvin

Thanks for the link. I may look into these. Fabric choices has come a long way. I like makers are using more hi tech fabrics. When I was an avid hiker, everything was made out of DCF, Dyneema Composite Fabric or what was called cuben fiber.

Yeah, my CF (cuben fiber, not carbon fiber) backpacking gear is apparently obsolete, as the name has changed.

I forget the details, but there are good (legal?) reasons for it.

Love my Hyperlite gear.
https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/

Carry on!

On the other hand, I recently received a couple of JANDD saddle bags I used to use back in the, uh, '80s. And they worked fine. Tell me again, why do I need DWR? Who talked me into that?

https://www.jandd.com/search_results.asp?subcat=4

Mine are (were) the Mini Mountain Wedge.

https://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FMMW