Vertical Backpack Bed
Multifunction Backpack
The 3kg / 6.6lb Backpack Bed is a life-saving innovation for unsheltered homeless which rolls out into an all-in-one, 4 season, 3 window weather-proof shelter that cleverly disguises itself as a professional 135L ergonomic backpack - providing not just physical protection but also user dignity. By providing a safe and secure place to sleep, it improves health, self esteem, and offers a critical connection between the homeless service and unsheltered user. Its proven social impact, with a Social Return on Investment of $3,319 per bed, and two 2025 Good Design Awards, underscores its significance as a product for humanity in a global crisis.
iF Gold Statement
From a functional standpoint alone, this design is remarkable. The Vertical Backpack Bed combines six life-sustaining functions into a single deployable solution for unsheltered homeless individuals. With this Gold Award, we want to honor not just an engineering achievement, but also the empathy that inspired it. This is about giving dignity to homeless people.
Client / ManufacturerDesign
Backpack Bed for Homeless
Cleveland, AUBackpack Bed for Homeless
Cleveland, AUTony Clark, Lisa ClarkDate of Launch
2025
Target Regions
Africa, Asia, Australia / Oceania, Europe, North America, South America
Target Groups
Consumers / Users, Trade / Industry, Public Sector / Government, "Unsheltered homeless people. Unsheltered disaster victims who need to be mobile."