Nike Unveils Elite EasyOn Backpack Designed for Accessibility and Performance

In an inspiring step towards inclusivity in sports gear, Nike has launched the Elite EasyOn backpack, making waves in the market for its thoughtfully designed features aimed at athletes with varying levels of dexterity and motor skills. Initially conceptualized for competitors preparing for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the backpack is now available to the public at a price point of $150, reinforcing Nike’s commitment to accessibility.

One of the most remarkable attributes of the Elite EasyOn backpack is its innovative clamshell opening, which allows users to fully access the bag’s interior without needing to sift through its contents. This design aims to significantly reduce the frustration often experienced when trying to reach items lodged at the bottom of a backpack or hidden away in multiple internal pockets.

Brent Radewald, Nike’s Lead Equipment Designer, explained the challenges faced by adaptive athletes in dealing with traditional backpacks. “A comment we were frequently hearing from adaptive athletes was how difficult it was to open and close traditional backpacks without a high-dexterity anchor point, like a hand,” he shared. To address these concerns, Nike has introduced shorter zippers enhanced by larger, U-shaped pulls, facilitating easier gripping and enabling the bag to be opened with just one hand. The top flap is secured using magnets, streamlining the opening process while reducing the strain on users.

For enhanced security and to prevent accidental openings, the flap can also be fastened securely with a hook and loop system. Nike has taken further steps to ensure the operating procedure is clear, by incorporating illustrated instructions printed on the backpack’s internal liner.

Moreover, the Elite EasyOn backpack features a modular strap setup, allowing for customized carrying options. While a conventional dual-shoulder strap configuration is available, users can opt for a single strap that crosses the chest or accommodate a pair of adjustable straps, perfect for attaching to wheelchair handles. This versatility was inspired by direct feedback from members of a local wheelchair rugby team in Portland, who expressed difficulty finding compatible backpacks due to the non-standard width of their wheelchair handles.

With the launch of the Elite EasyOn backpack, Nike not only enhances performance and convenience for athletes but also promotes a culture of accessibility in sports, ensuring that every athlete has the equipment they need to perform at their best. This backpack serves as a testament to the brand’s dedication to meeting the diverse needs of all athletes and is an exciting addition to the sports accessory market as we approach the upcoming Paralympic Games.