Greif PackH20
Commercial Products
Solving the world’s water crisis with a collapsible backpack
Solving a problem for 2 billion people
In an era when complex innovations make the world smaller and faster, it would be easy to overlook a simple innovation that makes the world better. So we were thrilled and honored when Popular Science bestowed a prestigious Best of What’s New Award on the PackH2O waterwear pack, calling it “an elegant solution to a problem faced by millions of people: How to transport drinking water.”
In fact, transporting water is a problem for more than 2 billion people who lack water in their homes. That’s why Greif asked Nottingham Spirk to design a water transportation product using the company's industrial-grade woven polypropylene. The backpack features an ergonomic, gender-neutral design, adjustable shoulder straps and a removable liner that can be sanitized in the sun.
- Wide mouth allows for quick water filing minimizing wait times at the water source.
- Tapered sides minimize water leakage.
- Easy-tie allows the bag to secure water with simple knot after rolling top closed.
- Flat-felled seaming increasing the backpack’s stand ability and softens rough edges.
- Custom-made spout includes a spout that allows for adjustable water flow and and attached cover to keep dirt out.
- Velcro holds in separate liner so that it does not fall into bag during hands-free filling.
- Hanging loop for storage off the ground.
- Pull straps have been added to assist with water weight distribution during steep climbs.
- Padding increases comfort during long travel times.
- Adjustable side buckles allow each user to select best fit for their body size.
- Football-shaped bottom allows for the backpack to stand independently.
- FIBC material is extremely durable and rip-resistant.
“An elegant solution to a problem faced by millions of people: How to transport drinking water.”
Popular Science Magazine
Seven times lighter than a plastic jerrycan
The decreased weight significantly reduces the risk of neck and back injury. It also eliminates the reliance on repurposed containers, which might have held dangerous chemicals, and which may require reaching in with possibly dirty cups and hands. PackH2O includes a removable liner that can be sanitized with sunlight to ensure the water supply remains safe after continued usage.
The result of Nottingham Spirk’s work is a life-changing collapsible backpack which holds about 5 gallons of water — slightly more than a typical jerrycan, at one-seventh the weight and half the carbon footprint. With a spout for dispensing water and a puncture-resistant outer shell, PackH2O is a safe and effective way to store and dispense clean water.
PackH2O increases the speed and comfort of transport, while reducing the risk of neck and spine injuries. It also eliminates the reliance on repurposed containers, which might have held dangerous chemicals, and which may require reaching in with possibly dirty cups and hands. Between uses, PackH2O’s lining can be removed and dried in the sun, allowing UV rays to kill microbes that might otherwise linger.
Popular Science
Best of What’s New
Cooper Hewitt National Design Awards
People’s Design Award
Our Work
