Backpack Bed™: A Portable Outdoor Bed for Homeless and Disaster Victims

A Life-Saving Design for Those in Need

Until now - homeless turned away from full shelters are usually given nothing. Wet blankets can kill homeless people by hypothermia. Homeless need to carry belongings. Need a Backpack. Homeless need a portable outdoor bed for any weather condition. Need a Bed. The Backpack Bed to keep homeless alive was born. Without Backpack Beds, homeless testify to it saving their life, sanity, dignity and in extreme measures stopped desperation crime to find shelter. A portable lightweight bedding solution.

Designed by Tony Clark & Lisa Clark, the Backpack Bed™ is a revolutionary solution to the problem of homelessness and disaster relief. This innovative design looks like a regular backpack, but it can be rolled out into a waterproof, warm, and dry portable bed. Weighing only 2.9kg, it is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry.

The Backpack Bed™ is equipped with ergonomically shaped backpack straps, ensuring comfort and ease of use. The 190cm comfort mattress is made with high-density foam and features a silver foil insulation backing, providing insulation and warmth. The bed also includes three zipped mosquito mesh windows, allowing for ventilation and protection from insects. With a hidden internal lockable pocket and lock, the Backpack Bed™ offers security for personal belongings. Additionally, it has multiple storage zones, providing ample space for essentials.

One of the key features of the Backpack Bed™ is its fire retardant properties, ensuring safety in any situation. The design utilizes a new fabric called Litetrex®, which is not only fire retardant but also waterproof, mildew resistant, and environmentally friendly. The ultra-strong mesh used in the bed is tear-resistant, guaranteeing durability and longevity. The Backpack Bed™ is also equipped with non-rust fittings, further enhancing its reliability.

The Backpack Bed™ is designed to be versatile and easy to use. Simply lay it on the ground and unroll the bed from the backpack. Optional built-in ropes allow for setup as a tent-like structure or a sun shelter. The backpack styling ensures that homeless individuals can carry their bedding discreetly, preserving their dignity.

The Backpack Bed™ was designed in 2012 by Tony Clark and Lisa Clark in Australia. It was created in collaboration with the not-for-profit charity Swags for Homeless, which partners with welfare agencies to distribute Backpack Beds across Australia, the USA, the UK, New Zealand, and Germany. The Backpack Bed™ has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in 2014 for its outstanding innovation and excellence.

The Backpack Bed™ is not just a bed; it is a life-saving device that provides shelter, comfort, and dignity to those in need. With its unique design and functionality, it offers a practical solution when shelters are full or during times of disaster. This innovative design is a testament to the power of creativity and compassion in addressing social issues.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Tony Clark and Lisa Clark
Image Credits: Tony Clark and Lisa Clark
Project Team Members: Tony Clark Lisa Clark
Project Name: Backpack Bed™
Project Client: Tony Clark and Lisa Clark


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