#HTE

Improving the Ergonomics of Carrying Awkward Items: The WoodOX Sling

Here’s another problem that would be a perfect industrial design school assignment: How to carry firewood. Because while there are hundreds of backpacks on the market designed for carrying laptops, tablets and digital camera gear, I consider those problems largely solved; the design differences in that category are really focusing on that last 10% of increasing convenience (for example, how quickly can you whip your iPad Pro out at the airport security line).

The carrying of firewood, on the other hand, is an under-addressed area much in need of ergonomic improvement. Here on the farm I transport the firewood from the shed to the house by either using the yard cart referred to in this post, or with a wildly frustrating canvas bag that is impossible to easily load.

Loading the bag with kindling is particularly maddening; the sides take turns flopping over, making you wish you had third and fourth hands.

I’ve been meaning to design and sew a more ergonomic sling-type arrangement, but now I see that I’ve been beaten to it by LogOX, the company that invented that brilliant 3-in-1 forestry multitool. Check out the WoodOX Sling that they’ve developed:

The design is simple and intelligent, with undeniable ergonomic improvements. The small, thoughtful touch of adding an LED flashlight along the side shows that these folks have thought the UX through thoroughly.

Sadly, I’ve learned about this product too late; LogOX is currently holding a Kickstarter to get it going, and at this point they’re only 30% funded with just two days left, so it seems they may not make it. But I’m going to be keeping an eye on this company, and looking out for others that are bringing good design to underserved categories. If there are any you recommend, please let me know in the comments.