The Backpack Bed is constructed of lightweight, fire-retardant, weatherproof, mildew-repelling UltTrex Lite fabric surrounding a 6-foot 2-inch insulated foam mattress. The floor covering is extendable and the cover can be tied up to create an outdoor shelter as well. The entire assembly weighs only about 4kg (roughly half of what traditional canvas swags weigh) and rolls back into itself for storage its integrated backpack.
The Backpack Bed won the German 2011 Red Dot “Best of the Best” award–one of the most prestigious accolades in the product design world. They retail for $US68 on the Swags for Homeless website with proceeds going to help the homeless.
EckyThump
Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 3:44 PMI remember the lass who designed these on ABC’s New Inventors a couple of years ago! She was doing it for charity back then, so I’m assuming she still does! Definitely a big lifesaver for people who got swept under the carpet! #}
Sean
Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 9:49 PMThink that may have been street swags (different charity)
Andy
Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 4:19 PMJust so that there are no misunderstandings, the homeless model for 68 dollars at the website is purchased FOR homeless people. You buy it, they get it. The 199 dollar version is the one that you can purchase and get shipped to you.
EckyThump
Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 5:03 PMGood point Andy, I actually wasn’t even thinking about the commercial product, but it sounds like it’s cheaper than a swag!
Tb
Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 5:26 PMI’ll be getting two of these (one for them this month and one for me next month, after I get paid again). Great idea, always hated the bulk of swags despite their obvious positives.
alohomora
Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 6:30 PMIf I’m homeless and someone get me one of this, I will sell it off and get the $68 (or prob $200). Can’t sleep with empty stomach anyway.
Terence D
Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 9:33 PMIt’s a good thing that you’re not homeless then isn’t it?
Steve
Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 1:22 AMCool idea, but seems more designed for hikers and campers than hobos. In case people haven’t noticed, they tend to live under shelter and usually in corners and rather warm inner-city nooks and crannies. In this sense, it’s really no better than the sleeping bag + clothes pillows most seem to have now.