Riut Secure Backpack
Backpack engineered around a reversed zip system for daily security.
Riut was founded by Sarah Giblin to solve a specific security flaw in traditional backpacks: zips that are accessible to anyone standing behind the wearer. The RiutBag repositions all zips against the wearer's back, so contents cannot be reached while the bag is worn. D2M worked with Sarah from concept through to manufacture.
The Story
The starting point was a simple observation about how backpacks are used and where they fail. Solving it meant rethinking the basic structure of a rucksack rather than adapting an existing design, since the zip placement affects the whole construction of the bag.
D2M worked through multiple prototypes with Sarah, refining the form, the zip mechanism and the internal layout needed to make the reversed structure practical for daily use. Material sourcing focused on fabrics and stitching that would hold up to the rigours of daily commuting and travel without compromising the security feature.
Manufacturing involved suppliers in both China and the UK, with quality control checks built into the production process. Sarah travelled to China to oversee the first production batch in person, checking the output against specification before it went to market. The finished backpack was tested for zip function, material durability and everyday wear before launch.
The Outcome
The RiutBag has sold over 35,000 units worldwide direct to consumer and raised over £400,000 through crowdfunding campaigns.
