| |
General Description
The
Eagle Creek Runway-
is one of a number of gear bags manufactured by Eagle
Creek of Vista, CA. It's a medium sized everyday shoulder
bag that's primarily intended for use by workers and
students. It's compartmentalized to accommodate the
small mobile office that is typical of the average
urban commuter. In addition, it accommodates travelers
that may also be using rolling luggage with an extendible
handle. The logically arrayed compartments allow for
an organization of contents by type and task. It will
accommodate and protect a laptop with a 15" diagonal
screen. Large main compartment for files, books, paperwork,
and other reading materials
• Dual side pockets for quick access to cell
phone, sun glasses, or water bottle
• Organization under (and in) front flap for
all your travel necessities
• ZipslipTM back pocket secures bag onto handle
of wheeled luggage
• Fits most laptops up to and including the
17” Apple ibook G4
• Protect-It® computer nest
• Carry in comfort with the Eagle Creek signature
Shock StrapTM
• Lockable zippers
Target
Market
-Urban Commuter / 15" laptop,small electronics/PDA,
cell phone,notepad,average 9"X12"X2"
binder, water bottle+ 1st 24 hrs emergency tools
-Itinerate Student / 15" laptop,small electronics/PDA,
cell phone,notepad,average 9"X12"X2"
binder, water bottle+ 1st 24 hrs emergency tools
-Professional journeyman or technician / small tools,
9"X12"X2" binder,communication electronics,
+ 1st 24 hrs emergency tools
-Traveler /15" laptop,travel document,small tools,GPS,
communication electronics, 9"X12"X2"
binder, reading material+ 1st 24 hrs emergency tools
Form Factor
& Build -
Sizes- Standard (One size). Average daily laptop
/ commuter bag
Geometry- Rectilinear with straight shoulder strap
Material- ES Cordura® Fabric, YKK zippers &
Pewter plated steel hardware
Ergonomics-
Shoulder bags are notorious for slipping off one's
shoulder at the most inopportune moment. In addition,
straps of the past didn't cushion the force of a heavy
laden bag. The Eagle Creek Runway ES features a patented
shock absorbing shoulder pad that not only uses a
high density foam to absorb shock, but also stretches
in a unique manner to redirect the energy of a shock
much like a leaf spring does. Full strap length adjustability
allows for a user set length. Internal padding cushions
the surface nearest the user and a bottom pad absorbs
shock to the floor as well as the user. The
ergonomically savvy carry handle is grippy and comfortable
to hold.
Affordances- The Runway ES uses the
hallmark of such luggage, a large over-flap that covers
the main compartment and protects it from the elements.
Also stereotypical of such style bags are the multitudes
of pockets and compartments to host the various tools
and necessities of the commuter and traveler. As such
they require little elaboration. What makes the Runway
ES attractive to the vigilant citizen is the fact
that in addition to a full load of work tools and
materials, emergency supplies are easily stashed in
the extra spaces and compartments. Zippers strategically
keep stuff from falling out and two adjustable snap
buckles secure the top flap. Here and there, stretchy
mesh effectively keeps certain tools secure and yet
available for a fast draw. Leatherette zipper pull
extensions make openings and closings much easier
than plain metal pulls alone. Zipper pulls interlock
allowing for padlock usage. The fully adjustable strap
accommodates the full range of users.
Human Factors & Usability -The
Runway ES conforms to most heuristics guiding excellent
user-centered design in the industrial engineering
of a carry case.In other words, the need for effective,
efficient and easy to learn functionality are fully
accommodated through sound consideration of the cognitive,
reflexive and contextual aspects of this product's
use. The key factors that contribute to a highly effective
bag are comfort, accommodation and accessibility.
The Runway ES satisfies those criteria well.
Styling and Aesthetics
Within a number of contexts, the Runway ES exterior
appearance coordinates well with the user and their
task- in order to create a harmonious visual ensemble
that projects an image of normalcy and not discontinuity.
In this respect the Runway ES is unremarkable.
Environmental Stress- We evaluated
the The Runway ES under everyday circumstances. The
toughness of the fabric was well suited to casual
brushes with metal surfaces such as those that might
be encountered in a typical commuter, outdoors or
light duty professional settings. It fared very well
in scuffs against smooth concrete, trees, thorns and
tarmac. Though not impervious to a tempest, the Runway
ES was nonetheless effectively impervious to a mild
downpour for 10 minutes
------------------
Sales Source:
http://www.eaglecreek.com/60101.html
------------------
Specifications:
Eagle Creek- Runway ES
- Capacity 1100 cu. in., 18 liters
- Dimensions 15.5 x 12 x 4”
/ 39 x 30 x 10 cm
- Weight 3lbs, 1.13 kg
- Fabric ES Cordura® Fabric
------------------
ABOVE:Left, Front View.Note: zippered front flap compartment
| Right, Back View. Note: zippered travel document
pocket
ABOVE:Left, Detail of Shock Strap ( Shoulder pad)
| Right, Detail of steel strap connector ring
ABOVE:Left,Expandable, zip close side pouch | Right,
Expanded view with water bottle
ABOVE:Left, Main compartment contents | Right, 15"
screen laptop in laptop slot
ABOVE: Inside Secondary zippered 'tools' compartment
contents
ABOVE:Left,
left-side compartment contents|Right, front outside
flap compartment contents
ABOVE: Inside Secondary 'tools' compartment contents.
Note: Eagle Creek Small Sac for personal hygiene items
Evaluation Results & Summaries
Ease of Use
Excellent. The user simply loads contents
according to individual or task requirements. Smooth
zippers are easily opened and closed thanks to the
easily grasped pull cords.The design of the Runway
ES invites objects to be loaded in a certain way.
Without overstating the obvious, mobile phones are
best stowed in the dedicated outside side pocket reserved
for that purpose. laptops will ride comfortably in
a suspension slot and so forth. Key emergency preparedness
tools should be situated inside the outermost flap
compartment, with less critical tools residing inside
the bag.
------------------
Task performance optimization
The Runway ES is ideal
for carrying a modest load of items for a specific
use or for mixed uses. In practice it was extremely
comfortable for carrying school / work contents and
it's use and feel was recognizable to anyone that
has used a similar bag. In trials that timed the duration
for a retrieval of a needed item from the outside
of the bag, it took no more than a second or two to
reach for the outside flap zipper to access tools
inside it- without removing the bag from one's shoulder
or opening the main compartment. The water bottle
pouch firmly grips a small bottle and may be zip-closed
to hold more slender contents such as Pepper Spray
or a small Taser.
------------------
Accommodation for emergency provisions
As noted in the picture captions, emergency
tools and provisions may be logically clustered for
easy but unobtrusive access that is sufficient for
the first 24 hrs of a non-life-threatening emergency.
This means that the absolutely bare essentials are
packable while the core of the main compartment, as
well as some outside pouches may carry every day items.
It should be noted that in addition to the shoulder
carried Runway ES, a hand carried Go-Bag may be employed
for the purpose of hosting additional everyday tools
as well as additional and longer term or specialized
emergency supplies. In emergency scenario drills,
we were successful in extracting emergency tools in
time to press them into use efficiently. As an example,
a particle mask, wrapped in ordinary aluminum foil
was in hand within two seconds and opened and worn
in three seconds more. The cell phone is most accessible
to a right shoulder carry. As with any emergency Go-Bag,
periodic training with the Runway ES,ensures that
reflexes and not thinking are used to locate tools
such as a flashlight or particle mask under duress.
Lesser provisions such as food and water are out of
the way but still easily accessible.Each individual
will stock a bag such as the Runway ES in their own
way. Several websites list recommended provisions
but in fact , the end user must customize their own
list to reflect contextual prediction, occupational
risk as well as personal preferences. We offer our
observations and recommendations based on our trials
in the section: Emergency Preparedness
Provisions 24/48/72
------------------
Fabrication Design and Construction
quality
The fabrication quality
of the Runway ES is good and is in keeping with the
requirements of the average commuter.
The Cordura ES fabric is a lighter denier weave similar
to ripstop nylon in character and less like typical
100 Denier Cordura.
------------------
Items of Note:
Excellent Customer Relationship Management
|Good design and construction quality|Very good protection
from shock and impact |
Logically arranged compartments and sub-compartments
|Some adjustability| Stands upright
| Ideal for modest volume loads
& active lifestyles
|
