With any good product it starts with an idea. The idea for friends James Satterfield and Jim Piller was designing the perfect bag. Enter the JimGear, a company name to honor both their dads named Jim. It wasn’t soon after that the JimGear BackPack was created (you can read more about their story here.) After much success, JimGear is back with a new and improved backpack called the JimGear 2.0 BackPack (think a backpack that hold 20+ items!) Now without any further ado, let’s go meet the founders of JimGear, James and Jim.
360: How did the idea of JimGear come to life?
James & Jim: JimGear came about out of a need. A need to reduce the number of bags we carried into the office. We noted the difficulty of carrying multiple bags throughout the day, a professional bag for office items and a workout bag for the gym. We began the process by taking measurements and doing hand drawings to get the right size for the overall bag and pockets. After completion of the design, a thorough search began to find a US manufacturer.
JimGear comes to life continued…
James & Jim: Since we are both sons of military veterans, it was important for us to fabricate in the United States. This became a more difficult undertaking than expected. With a little perseverance, however, we found someone in the US to build a prototype. Once the prototype was in our hands, we knew we had found the solution. With JimGear, a bag that could handle our daily needs, we have solved the problem and we wanted to share this with the world. It also provided us with a vehicle to give back to military families which is something we are both passionate about.
Can you give us a little backstory on how you guys met?
James & Jim: We met through our current employer and have known each other for almost 25 years. Two guys with similar backgrounds coming from military families and being the oldest of three siblings (all boys) we had an instant connection.
Tell us about the JimGear 2.0. Because it looks awesome!
James & Jim: JimGear 2.0 is a modification to our original design, which improved the functionality of the bag. JimGear 2.0 offers more volumetric usable space without adding bulk. In addition, we added compression straps to the side of the bag to provide a tighter more sleek feel to the bag. There is a better fit for the shoe compartment which allows for easier storage. We also added a secondary strap for additional accessories and have two more color combinations (Black & Black, Blush & Black.)
You can learn more about the JimGear Backpack 2.0 here.
James & Jim: We’re currently running a “Kickstarter” campaign to fund our first production run of JimGear 2.0. The best way to get your hands on one of our JimGear 2.0 bags is to back us on “Kickstarter”.
Check out the JimGear BackPack 2.0 here. Kickstarter campaign ends Saturday, April 27th at 7:59pm EST.
James & Jim: There are several new items that we are offering that are a part of the “Kickstarter” campaign that compliment the bag. We are also working new products that the completion of the “Kickstarter” will help us fund.
360: Awesome work! Best of luck and continued success on reaching your Kickstarter goal. We can’t wait to start using our own JimGear 2.0 and see what you come up with next!
The JimGear BackPack 2.0 is now available exclusively through their Kickstarter campaign. It’s made in the USA, and 10% of sales still go to support military families. To reserve yours click here. Don’t wait to long, the Kickstarter campaign ends Saturday, April 27th at 7:59pm EST!