2021

Design Awards Silver Winner - MAKO Design + Invent

ROVER Packhopper

Entrant Company

MAKO Design + Invent

Category

Sports Equipment - Tennis / Tennis Equipment

Client's Name

Eric Coffman

Country / Region:

United States

Designed by MAKO Design + Invent in Austin, Texas, the ROVER Packhopper is a portable and durable tennis bag that conveniently combines two key features for novice and experienced tennis players alike. The Packhopper functions both as a portable ball hopper and ball collector making it the ultimate tennis companion.

Typical tear-shaped tennis bags are great for carrying racquets, a few balls, a change of clothes, and a towel. But what if you want to maximize your time on the court? Then you'll need to drag one of those cumbersome wire hoppers and a ball pick-up net or mower.

What if you could bring all that, and more, in one go?

At MAKO, we believe the key to innovative design is simplicity. From practicing a serve to cleaning up a sea of neon yellow tennis balls, the Packhopper makes it easier and more efficient to practice or have a match. At first sight, this may seem like a typical rolling tennis bag that does all the standard features really really well. High-capacity 100+ ball storage space, a spacious and durable compartment to protect two racquets, and plenty of pockets for your sweatbands, fitness watch, water bottles.

Despite the number of features packed in this bag, it's an accessible product that looks and feels familiar - that's what makes the Packhopper unique and innovative. While most tear-shaped tennis bags are shaped to fit the racquet, the Packhopper is shaped like a carry-on to convey that it does much more than your typical tennis bag. This is juxtaposed with the heavy-duty buckles and sternum straps that remind you the Packhopper is built for an athlete.

For the more demanding tennis player, ROVER released a fully-loaded Deluxe edition. Want to watch yourself serve and practice? The Packhopper Deluxe comes with a phone holder so you can review every swing, serve and slice. It also comes with a hopper stool for added height on the practice court and a cooler bag insert for bringing food and drinks on tournament days.

Credits

President & Founder
Kevin Mako
Director of Design
Tim Uys
Industrial Designer
Paul Davis
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