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Wearables
El Segundo, CA
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McSling: Wearable Sports Equipment or Most Anything Carrier

By Gary M Thompson
First created

McSling: Wearable Sports Equipment or Most Anything Carrier

McSling is wearable single strap carrier (surfboards, SUP, snow skis, boxes, etc.) that converts from a belt to a carrier in seconds.

McSling is wearable single strap carrier (surfboards, SUP, snow skis, boxes, etc.) that converts from a belt to a carrier in seconds. Read more

$185 pledged of $3,500 goal
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Wearables
El Segundo, CA
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All or nothing. This project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by .

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What is a prototype?

A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

Proof of Concept

Explorations that test ideas and functionality.

Functional Prototype

Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.

Appearance Prototype

Looks like the final product, but is not functional.

Design Prototype

Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.

Production Prototype

Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.

0b8ec6bb6d3217161bfce78f9e98ad97 original

Prototype Gallery

These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.

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Production Prototype

About this project

What is McSling?

McSling is a single strap that consists of fixed loop with a length of strap that attaches to itself to become an adjustable loop. The adjustable loop wraps around the object and can be easily adjusted to accommodate the object to be carrier and the height of the person carrying it. Pulling up on the fixed loop as gravity pulls down on the object tightens the adjustable loop (the length of strap material around the parameter of the object) cinching and securing it in place (see Figure 1 below). You can then use fixed loop as a handle to carry the object or put it over your shoulder to carry it hand free. When using it for SUPs the paddle can also be carried by placing it between the board and the adjustable loop and it will be held in place as the adjustable loop is tightened. Also, the beauty of the single strap is that the center point acts like a fulcrum upon which the object pivots. This makes going up or down stairs with a board or skis a snap. It also means snow skies can easily pivot to a vertical position when in a crowd.

The design concept began by having the end in mind by asking the simple question "When do you need your carrier the most"? Isn't it when you have caught that last wave, or paddled to shore after hours of fun or carved that last mogul and your shoulders are shot / your energy is expired; you’re just exhausted. You want your carrier the moment you exit your event and not expend more effort to get it. Thus, McSling was designed to become a belt to travel with you whether you are in the water, on the slopes or walking through a store shopping. You simply take it off your waist, extended it out, wrap the object to be carried, and you are on your way. Since it is so simple to use you'll actually use it.

How does it work?

McSling is a single strap that consists of fixed loop with a length of strap that attaches to itself to become an adjustable loop. The adjustable loop wraps around the object and can be easily adjusted to accommodate the object to be carrier and the height of the person carrying it. Pulling up on the fixed loop as gravity pulls down on the object tightens the adjustable loop (the length of strap material around the parameter of the object) cinching and securing it in place (see Figure 1 below). You can then use fixed loop as a handle to carry the object or put it over your shoulder to carry it hand free. When using it for SUPs the paddle can also be carried by placing it between the board and the adjustable loop and it will be held in place as the adjustable loop is tightened. Also, the beauty of the single strap is that the center point acts like a fulcrum upon which the object pivots. This makes going up or down stairs with a board or skis a snap. It also means snow skies can easily pivot to a vertical position when in a crowd.McSling consists of two loops: a fixed loop and an adjustable loop that wraps the object to be carried. Pulling up on the strap as gravity pulls down on the object tightens the adjustable loop (the length of strap material around the parameter of the object) cinching and securing it in place (see Figure 1 below). You can then use fixed loop as a handle to carry the object or put it over your shoulder to carry it hand free. When using it for SUPs the paddle can also be carried by placing it between the board and the adjustable loop and it will be held in place as the adjustable loop is tightened. 

Also, the beauty of the single strap is that the center point acts like a fulcrum upon which the object pivots. This makes going up or down stairs with a board or skis a snap. It also means snow skies can easily pivot to a vertical position when in a crowd.

Figure 1
Figure 1

 Advantages of a single strap

  • Adjustable:  One size fits all, child to adult
  • Convertible: Becomes a belt so you can wear it into the water or on the slopes
  • Easy: Goes on in mere seconds
  • Secure: soft strap cinches the board(s) in place and will not damage your board
  • Water Resistant: made from polypropylene webbing so it does not absorb water and it floats. Polyester hook and loop to resist to the deteriorating effects of saltwater and sun.

REWARDS

Four (4) Versions of McSling

Currently there are four different versions of McSling based on its application defined by the perimeter of the item to be wrapped and the attachment method:  1. McSnow for Snow skiing / snowboarding, 2. McSurf for surfing, 3. McSUP for stand up paddle-board and 4. McWork for household / gardening. It should be noted that McSurf and McSUP can also carry household items.

McSling 44" (112cm): McSnow - See Side Bar for Reward Choices

  • Fits a snowboard or two sets (or more) of skies and poles 
  • One size adjustable from child to adult
  • Belt Waist size: 22.5" to 44" (57cm to 112cm)
  • Attachment Method: Male / Female connector
  • Standard Color: black
  • Weight Restriction: <35 lb (16Kg)  (consult with your physician)
McSnow carrying snowboard
McSnow carrying snowboard

 

McSnow carrying snow skis
McSnow carrying snow skis

 

McSnow carrying two sets of skis
McSnow carrying two sets of skis

 

McSling 73" (185cm): McSurf - See Side Bar for Reward Choices

  • Fits a surfboard up to 24" (61cm) wide by 3" (8cm) thick (works for snowboards when wrapped twice)
  • One size adjustable from child to adult
  • Belt Waist size: 22" to 44" (56cm to 112cm) - extends to 73” (185cm)
  • Attachment Method: Hook and Loop 
  • Standard Color: black
  • Weight Restriction: <35 lb (16Kg) (consult with your physician)
McSurf: Saving your strength for surfing
McSurf: Saving your strength for surfing

 McSling 98" (249cm): McSUP - See Side Bar for Reward Choices

  •  Fits a stand up paddle-board up to 36" (91cm) wide by 5" (13cm) thick  
  • One size adjustable from child to adult
  • Belt Waist size: 25" to 51" (64cm to 130cm) - extends to 104” (269cm)
  • Attachment Method: Hook and Loop 
  • Standard Color: black
  • Weight Restriction: <35 lb (16Kg) - consult with your physician prior to use
McSUP carrying stand-up paddle board
McSUP carrying stand-up paddle board

 McSling 84" (213cm) TBR: McWork - See Side Bar for Reward Choices

  • Fits objects (boxes, bags, wood, luggage, etc.) up to 11.5" (29cm) wide by 16" (41cm) tall TBR 
  • Belt Waist size: 25" to 51" (64cm to 130cm) - extends to 84” (213cm) TBR
  • Attachment Method: Male / Female connector 
  • Standard Color: black 
  • Weight Restriction: <35 lb (16Kg) TBR - consult with your physician prior to use
TBR - to be resolved (see risks below)
McWork carrying dog food hands free
McWork carrying dog food hands free

McSling T Shirt - See Side Bar for Reward Choices
McSling T Shirt
McSling T Shirt
 

Possible Future Accessories

  • PFD with McSUP - Combine McSling with belt style Personal Flotation Device (PFD) so one product doubles as SUP carrier as well as a belt style PFD
  • Weight transfer strap – strap that connects to a seperate belt to share weight between shoulder and waist
  • Shoulder Pad - extra padding for heavier weights  
  • Bike Accessory – allows riding a bike with both hands on the handlebar
PFD with McSUP
McSling attached to PDF Belt
McSling attached to PDF Belt
 
McSling with PFD belt carrying surfboard
McSling with PFD belt carrying surfboard
Bike Accessory
McSling with handle bar bicycle accessory
McSling with handle bar bicycle accessory

Video: McSling (McSurf) Demonstration

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 Video: McSling (McSurf) Demonstration

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Video: McSling (McSnow) Demonstration

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Video: McSling (McSnow) carries two sets of skis and poles

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 Video: McSling (McWork) Carries Bags

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 Video: McSling (McWork) Using with one arm

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Risks and challenges

With the patent pending the project is at its final stages ready for full production. We have already done a lot of the beta testing with several sets of prototypes so there are no more foreseeable adjustments for the McSurf, McSUP or McSnow. Honestly, the McWork needs a little more …. work in determining the optional length of strap to make that covers the broadest range of applications. Also, research and analysis are required to determine a safe weight limit for the product. And with using McSling to carry heavier objects (increased weight), it needs to be determined whether the weight transfer strap and shoulder pad should be developed. That is why we have set the shipment date out a little further than the others. Honestly, if the McWork was the only offering we were making we would wait before launching the Kickstarter campaign. But given summer is here so we are launching now so that the surfer and SUP communities can make use of the McSurf and McSUP during the summer months. Besides the campaign ends on Gary's 62nd birthday.
We have contributed all our own funds to get to this point. A vendor in Los Angeles, California has made both prototypes as well as some sellable product. There is every intention to ship product on time but if unforeseen circumstances should occur (like our vendor gets overbooked before we reach our funding goal) we’ll be in constant communication with you all.

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    Pledge $21 or more About $21

    McSling T Shirt

    Wear the T Shirt with pride as McSling spreads to the masses

    Made in the USA.

    Upon being funded we'll contact you for a shirt size selection.

    Shipping in the United States is free; Mexico and Canada is $9 and rest of the World is $12.
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    Early Bird McSling 44" 112cm (McSnow)

    Be among the very first to obtain your McSling for snow skis / snowboard at an early bird discount and the first shipping!

    Made in the USA.

    The McSling comes in black but if we get enough backers other color options may be possible. Should that happen we'll contact you with different color options.
    Shipping in the United States is free; Mexico and Canada is $9 and rest of the World is $12.
    So that you are not surprised - International backers are responsible for paying customs fees

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    Pledge $24 or more About $24

    McSling 44" 112cm (McSnow)

    Be among the very first to obtain your McSling for snow skis / snowboard!

    Made in the USA.

    The McSling comes in black but if we get enough backers other color options may be possible. Should that happen we'll contact you with different color options.
    Shipping in the United States is free; Mexico and Canada is $9 and rest of the World is $12.
    So that you are not surprised - International backers are responsible for paying customs fees

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    Pledge $28 or more About $28

    Early Bird McSling 73" 185cm (McSurf)

    Be among the very first to obtain your McSling for surfing at an early bird discount and the first shipping!

    Made in the USA.

    The McSling comes in black but if we get enough backers other color options may be possible. Should that happen we'll contact you with different color options.
    Shipping in the United States is free; Mexico and Canada is $9 and rest of the World is $12.
    So that you are not surprised - International backers are responsible for paying customs fees

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  6. Select this reward

    Pledge $30 or more About $30

    McSling 73" 185cm (McSurf)

    Be among the very first to obtain your McSling for surfing.
    Made in the USA.

    The McSling comes in black but if we get enough backers other color may be possible. Should that happen we'll contact you with different color options.
    Shipping in the United States is free; Mexico and Canada is $9 and rest of the World is $12.
    So that you are not surprised - International backers are responsible for paying customs fees

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    Ships to Anywhere in the world
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    Pledge $31 or more About $31

    Early Bird McSling 84" 213cm (McWork)

    Be among the very first to obtain your McSling for Household use at an early bird discount and the first shipping!
    Made in the USA.

    The McSling comes in black but if we get enough backers other color options may be possible. Should that happen we'll contact you with different color options.
    Shipping in the United States is free; Mexico and Canada is $9 and rest of the World is $12.
    So that you are not surprised - International backers are responsible for paying customs fees

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    Estimated delivery
    Ships to Anywhere in the world
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  8. Select this reward

    Pledge $33 or more About $33

    McSling 84" 213cm (McWork)

    Be among the very first to obtain your McSling for Household use!
    Made in the USA.

    The McSling comes in black but if we get enough backers other color options may be possible. Should that happen we'll contact you with different color options.
    Shipping in the United States is free; Mexico and Canada is $9 and rest of the World is $12.
    So that you are not surprised - International backers are responsible for paying customs fees

    Less
    Estimated delivery
    Ships to Anywhere in the world
    0 backers
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  9. Select this reward

    Pledge $34 or more About $34

    Early Bird McSling 98" 249cm (McSUP)

    Be among the very first to obtain your McSling for Stand Up Paddle-boards at an early bird discount and the first shipping!
    Made in the USA.

    The McSling comes in black but if we get enough backers other color options may be possible. Should that happen we'll contact you with different color options.
    Shipping in the United States is free; Mexico and Canada is $9 and rest of the World is $12.
    So that you are not surprised - International backers are responsible for paying customs fees

    Less
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    Ships to Anywhere in the world
    Limited (22 left of 25) 3 backers
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  10. Select this reward

    Pledge $36 or more About $36

    McSling 98" 249cm (McSUP)

    Be among the very first to obtain your McSling for Stand Up Paddle-boards
    Made in the USA.

    The McSling comes in black but if we get enough backers other color may be possible. Should that happen we'll contact you with different color options.
    Shipping in the United States is free; Mexico and Canada is $9 and rest of the World is $12.
    So that you are not surprised - International backers are responsible for paying customs fees

    Less
    Estimated delivery
    Ships to Anywhere in the world
    0 backers
    $
    Kickstarter is not a store.

    It's a way to bring creative projects to life.

    Learn more about accountability.