PULSE
HYDRATION
PULSE HYDRATION PACK
Year
2025 11 week project
DESIGN GOAL
DESIGN A WEARABLE HYDRATION SYSTEM THAT DELIVERS PERFORMANCE IN ANY ENVIRONMENT.
Built for movement without compromise, PULSE reimagines how athletes carry hydration. This 50 fl oz saltwater compatible wearable water bag is crafted for comfort, balance, and durability, keeping hydration secure and effortlessly within reach during any activity. Its ergonomic design contours naturally to the body, reducing distraction while enhancing stability and performance. Created for those who push limits, Pulse blends technical precision with a sleek, modern aesthetic to deliver reliable hydration wherever performance takes you.
SOLO PROJECT
This was a solo eleven week project, completed independently from research through final concept.
SPORTS WEARABLE
Design a wearable product for a sport of your choice that enhances performance, safety, or comfort without interfering with the athlete’s natural movement.
Surfers aren't drinking enough water when they are active and it is affecting performance.
(PTFE) FILTER
(PTFE) FILTER
The air-vent filter allows trapped air to escape while blocking water, preventing buoyancy inside a sealed waterproof bag critical for duck diving, a surfing technique where riders push their board underwater to pass through breaking waves. With no moving parts, it’s lightweight and reliable, though airflow, quality, and cost ($5–10) are trade-offs.
Researchers found that hydration levels significantly impact performance, causing a 20% drop in the last 20 minutes of activity.
— Thorzt, 2008
INITIAL EXPLORATION
Mike
11 years of experience (Uluwatu, Bali).“Surfing gear needs to be light and not intrusive, and it should never affect the way I surf. I usually rest once each session, but comfort is everything when I’m in the water.”
Fred
38 years of experience (Hossegor, France).“Throughout the day, I usually hydrate two to three times, so I need a water bag that’s small, lightweight, and easy to wear on the water. It has to stay out of the way so I can paddle freely without restriction.”
Ryan
6 years of experience (Long Island, NY).“Once I start my sessions, I never want to go back. If I’m surfing with a bag on, it needs to be small and tight to my body I don’t want to feel like I’m wearing extra gear.”
PROTOTYPING
Through more than a dozen iterative prototypes, PULSE’s final form was refined into a sculpted negative of the human back. Each version was tested and adjusted to dial in contour, pressure distribution, and overall balance. The result is a universally adaptive fit designed to feel natural, secure, and intuitive across a wide range of body types and genders.
COMPETITORS
This competitive analysis highlights PULSE’s market positioning against industry standards. By addressing common design flaws—such as buoyancy issues and a lack of waterproofing—PULSE offers a hydrodynamic, ultra-durable solution purpose-built for high-performance marine environments.
BAG DETAILS
12.5in x 10in x 3.5in
50fl oz of water, that's the equivalent of 3 plastic water bottles!
EXPLODED VIEW
PULSE utilizes a strategic multi-layer construction engineered to deliver industrial-grade durability without compromising elite-level mobility. By bonding a rugged, sustainable RPET fabric outer shell to a repurposed neoprene core, the system achieves a high-tensile flex-strength ratio.
Neoprene
Plastic lining
Water proof zipper
RPET dipped fabric
Mesh lining
The plastic water tube passes through a rubber stopper to form a reliable watertight seal and is routed to the bottom of the bag. This configuration ensures uninterrupted water flow regardless of the remaining water level, allowing the system to function until the bag is fully emptied.
MOUTHPIECE SYSTEM
The Mouthpiece was designed for intuitive, single-hand operation to enable quick hydration without breaking focus. A built-in shut-off valve prevents saltwater intrusion into the silicone bite piece and elevates system hygiene and long term performance.
