High Altitude Mountaineer Toilet (HAMT)

Innovation solving human waste problems on mountains

Client:
Student Capstone Project

Professor:
Sang-Gyeun Ahn

Professional Partner:
Konstantin. Z (D2 Bridge)
Adam. J (Jet Pack Industries)
Barret. W (Outdoor Research)

Responsibilities:
Concept Development
CMF
Design for Manufacturing
Sustainable Design
Prototyping
User Journey

It's common sense to leave no trace behind on our mountains.
However, on Mt. Everest alone, 26,000 lbs of human waste accumulate annually.

Current Solutions are Not Enough

Current Solutions include:
01. Waste Alleviating Gel (WAG) bag
02. Clean mountain can (CMC)

WAG Bag is Not Perfect
01. Difficult to find right squat position
02. Body shakes while squatting and holding the bag
03. Aim is difficut
04. It does not come with a dedicated storage

CMC is Not Perfect
01. Cumbersome appearance, size, and weight
02. Single liner bag is unpleasant
03. Not widely available in retail

There is a Missing Market for a Specialized High Altitude Mountaineering Toilet that Extends Superior Comfort.

Exploring the Environment

Due to the harsh terrain and climate, the mountaineers would have to use the toilet either inside or near their tent. Biological urgency, tight space, and fatigue yielded very uncomfortable experience.

Ideation

01. Wind Resistant Shelter
02. Stability Assist

03. Dedicated Container for WAG Bags

After three users tested both concepts, concept 2 was chosen. Despite the slightly longer use time, users preferred the following:
01. Rugged, stable seat
02. Streamline "prep-use-finish" flow

Testing Features and Improvements

Refined Deploy-to-Use

Refined Collect to Pack

Modular Design with Proprietary WAG Bag & Dry Bag
The dry bag has been fabricated with durable 200D PU coated Ripstop nylon material.

Design that Extends Comfort

Final CMF was inspired by outdoor vehicles and gears that extend comfort in arduous natures. The prototype seat models, simulating injection molded and over molded high density ethelyne (HDPE), yield robust yet smooth appearance and feel. It also communicates a clear direction of the fold. The final bag prototype, fabricated using 200D PU coated diamond ripstop nylon, offers durability and modularity.

Inspiration

Inspired by trend leading outdoor vehicles and gears and natural elements that extend comfort in arduous natures.

Final Form - "Lobster Tail" Design

This design is rugged yet flexible.
Form design combined body elements from rhinoceros and juggernaut with elements from off-road vehicle body panels.
Satin finish was selected chosen for understated yet premium outdoor gear appearance.

Ho Kwon Kim