Vantage Disc Golf Bag – Nathan Rencher

Overview

The Vantage Disc Golf Bag is a statement piece that unapologetically prioritizes style over function. With a capacity of 19 discs plus a putter and a mini, it holds all the necessities without feeling overstuffed. A built-in modular divider system keeps your discs organized when the bag is not full. The Vantage Bag promises a premium experience for everyday play.

Discipline: Soft and Hard Goods · Program: USU OPDD · Year: 2025

Mood Board

Visual Direction

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User Research

User Persona

Avid Disc Golfer

Jeremy Koling

Age 27 · Income $65,000 · Urban Enthusiast

Motivations

Wants to look stylish and stand out among friends when playing
Prefers casual play and local tournaments
Likes to try new discs and needs more space than a beginner bag
Values ease of organization and access

Pain Points

Beginner bags don't hold enough discs
Tournament bags are big with lots of pockets, but are heavy
When his bag isn't fully loaded the discs get messy

Market Research

Competitive Analysis

Beginner Bags

Easy Bag

$12.99

Capacity: 8–10 Discs
Top flap
Small front pocket

Infinite Disc Slinger

$23.99

Capacity: 12 Discs
Water bottle holder
Small pocket for phone, wallet, keys

The main drawbacks that disqualify beginner bags from the intended market are the limited capacity for discs. Intermediate to advanced players use more than 10 discs. The second drawback is the style — beginner bags are fairly plain and simple in design.

Intermediate Bags

Innova Excursion Pack

$69.99

Capacity: 25 Discs
Large side pocket
Water bottle holder
Padded shoulder straps
Rain cover

Discmania Fanatic Fly Backpack

$49.99

Capacity: 21 Discs
Medium size zipper pocket
Water bottle holder
Water resistant

Intermediate bags have plenty of space for discs and a good range of useful features. In terms of form and style, they focus on utility over personality, making them feel generic despite their functional differences. This leaves a gap in the market for a bag that stands out with a distinct style and identity.

Pro Bags

MB-PX1 GRIPeq Disc Golf Bag

$299

Capacity: 30 Discs
2 large side pockets
Umbrella and retriever sleeves
2 water bottle pockets
Durable ripstop construction

SIGR Odin Backpack

$269

Capacity: 32–34 Discs
Large storage space
Valuables pocket
2 additional small pockets
Water bottle pocket & umbrella sleeve
High quality materials

Pro bags are designed for top-tier players competing in tournament rounds who need to carry everything required for extended play. The added features come at the cost of increased weight and bulk, and most bags on the market share the same form factor, prioritizing storage over any distinct aesthetic identity.

Design Requirements

Critical to Quality Features

Unique aesthetic identity
Holds 19 discs
Premium materials

Ideation

Concepts & Sketches

Final Sketch

Prototyping

Prototype 1: Low-mid Fidelity

Pattern: Round Cargo Bags 202

Build 1

Single Wall Construction

Prototype 1 Insights

Disc capacity too high — reduce width in future iterations
Bag lacks structure — add structure to improve shape retention
End pocket allows for storage or one additional disc without adding bulk to design

Prototyping

Prototype 2

Prototype 2 Insights

Disc pocket on side disrupts clean silhouette — return to end style pocket
Added structure helped with shape retention; bag still sags under load — increase structural support
Reduced width by 4.5 inches; disc capacity still over 25 — reduce by ~2.5 more inches to meet 19 disc expectation
Shoulder carry concept success — implement both handles and removable shoulder carry
End-seam failed under load testing — reinforce stitching and increase seam allowance
Disc organization decreases under partial load; discs shift laterally — add modular disc divider