A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

The problem.

Ever find yourself wanting a belt or harness bag that is deep enough for long tools like wrenches, spikes, or fids? Can't find a bag that is durable enough to stand up to heavy tools and hardware? Wish that your tool pouch had a little more personality?

The answer.

The functionality and style of a climber's chalk bag meets the durability of a workman's belt pouch in Riveted Oak Designs' industrial chalk bag. Great for climbers, stage hands, carpenters, electricians, outdoor workers, and anyone who just wants to quickly and easily access tools and supplies. Our industrial chalk bags can be worn on a belt or a harness, and have a loop for an optional leg strap. These bags even fit a large Hydroflask or a Nalgene bottle.

Factory Prototypes

The story.

I'm a stagehand for a large entertainment company in Southern California. Many stagehands and riggers, including myself, like to carry climber's chalk bags on their belts, because often, traditional tool belts are too bulky and the pouches don't close. However, chalk bags are designed for, well... chalk. They are lightweight and often made of nylon or cotton with fleece lining. In an attempt to make something more durable and better suited to the demands of working in entertainment, I started to play around with prototypes for a bag that would be deeper and tougher, but just as useful as a climber's chalk bag. Many prototypes later, I started making and selling bags out of my home, which turned out to be quite popular, because they are so versatile. They've been used by stagehands for production and special event work, stage managers, carpenters, electricians, riggers... even for a water bottle and a snack on an afternoon hike!

This worked great for a few years. Then came my daughter, and the loss of my spare time. However, I've got a long list of people that want a bag (or several), but my demand is outpacing my supply!

The plan.

I set aside some money and sought out local factories to get bids for small scale production. I need to do a run of around 500 hundred bags for it to be cost effective, or I lose money due to development costs such as pattern making, CAD conversion, and factory samples.

This production run will cost around $8,500: approximately $3,500 for materials, $1,500 for development, and $3,500 for labor. I am putting $5,000 of my own money into the run, but I need another $4,250 to make up the difference and have a small reserve for any unplanned expenses (and Kickstarter fees). I'm working with Urth Apparel in Anaheim, CA, so that I can have oversite over the process and make sure that these bags are of the highest quality possible. It is important to me to find a factory that I trust and that treats its workers and its work with dignity and respect.

The materials.

1000 denier coated Cordura

The bags start with 1000 denier coated Cordura, which is abrasion resistant, water resistant, and extremely durable. Solution dyed nylon webbing is used for the belt/harness loops and to reinforce the bag rim. The drawstring is made of 550 paracord with a cord lock and a spur grommet to hold the bag closed. Some bags have a tooling leather bottom insert that is riveted in place, which helps stiffen the bags and make them even tougher.

The designs.

I will be producing 3 different bags: The Grid, The Rail, and The Rail Mini. The Grid is 10" tall and features 3 colors of Cordura. It has an optional leather bottom insert that is riveted in place.

The Grid

The Rail features a bold strip down the front of the bag. It comes in a 10" tall version and a 7" tall "mini" version. Both versions are available with optional leather bottom inserts.

The Rail, available in 10" and 7" tall versions

Features.

Double lined 1000 denier coated Cordura fabric, tough and abrasion resistant. Unlike organic fibers, Cordura won't rot or disintegrate over time.

Solution-dyed nylon webbing - UV, weather, and abrasion resistant.

Reinforced spur grommet that won't pull out of the fabric.

550 paracord drawstring with cord lock.

Bonded polyester thread that won't rot or break.

Riveted leather bottom insert that reinforces bag bottom but is still flexible (available on some bags).

2" nylon webbing binding on bag rim, so that it stays open for easy access.

Nylon webbing loop for optional leg strap - keeps the bag steady if you're moving around a lot. Leg strap may be purchased separately.

Can be worn on a belt, tool belt, harness, or attached just about anywhere with a carabiner.

UPDATE: now we can afford to add pockets! Three interior low profile pockets that are great for organizing tools and making them easier to find.