Valley-Based Vaucluse Backpack Ventilation Gear Helps Hikers Manage Sweat in Arizona Heat

Hiking and backpacking in Arizona can be sweaty business. That sticky, itchy dampness that builds up between pack and back is a buzzkill.

Recently married and relocated to Arizona, Brice Sokolowski set out to invent a sweat-slaying solution. “I thought, how could I put something on my back that’s structurally strong to keep air flowing without weighing a lot?” says the Scottsdale-based electrical engineer and entrepreneur.

Thus, Vaucluse Backpack Ventilation Gear was born. Product development for the lightweight, honeycomb-like frame was a homegrown, collaborative process. “I started just doodling on paper, and then through my engineering contacts, I found somebody to help me with a CAD [computer-aided design]. From there, I got help with 3D printing to create something you could hold in your hand.”

The first-generation, 3D-printed frames – which attach to any type of pack – were launched in 2022. After getting feedback from field tests, Sokolowski took the product to the injection molding phase in 2023. “The frames are made of HDPE [high-density polyethylene], the same plastic used for milk jugs. It’s FDA-approved, non-toxic and super lightweight.”

The company name was inspired by Sokolowski’s native France. “When I think of the outdoors, I think of my childhood in the Vaucluse region that’s known for lavender, wines and mountains. So, I thought it would be good to highlight the area, kind of like
Patagonia does.”

Based on hiker feedback, the company is working on a cushioning mesh sleeve, different sizes and creating a pack with the ventilation frame built in. Users also touted the frame’s multi-functional assets. “Hikers told me it can also be used as a seat cushion, tripod, pillow and dry rack,” Sokolowski says.

Currently, Vaucluse frames are only available online, and Sokolowski is in no rush to go global. “I don’t want to be just another e-commerce company. I love it when people say they heard about Vaucluse from somebody who hiked with me.” Word-of-mouth is golden.

vauclusegear.com