The Mission Workshop X Carryology Mars Project Backpack was a limited edition collaboration inspired by our work with NASA.
The project traced its origins to 2016, when we began building packs for NASA’s BASALT and Desert RATS teams. Designed to carry specialized communication equipment, these packs had to withstand volcanic testing environments where acid rain, heat and ash could destroy a conventional backpack.
For the Mars Project, we applied that same approach to an everyday travel pack built for demanding conditions.
Constructed from Challenge Ultra 400X and EPX 70 fabrics, the Mars Project Backpack featured fully weatherproof compartments and accessory pouches with YKK AquaGuard zippers throughout. A fully adjustable harness, aluminum stays and dual front panel and roll top access provided comfortable carry and easy access on the move.
Internal and external organization included a dedicated weatherproof laptop compartment, while Arkiv compatibility allowed additional accessories to expand capacity and functionality.
Each pack included two collaboration patches by artist Dan Matsuda.
Supporting the next generation of human exploration.
In Hawaii, NASA scientists, engineers, and astronauts used Mission Workshop’s BASALT EVA backpacks during simulated Mars missions across rugged volcanic terrain. The packs carried specialized communications, navigation, and research equipment while teams practiced the kind of sample collection and fieldwork they could one day perform on Mars. The environment provided a serious real world test, with sharp volcanic rock, heat, ash, rain, and demanding terrain that had damaged conventional packs.
We later built backpacks for NASA’s Desert RATS program to support testing of the Artemis pressurized lunar rover. NASA and JAXA astronauts and engineers spent three days living and working from the rover, conducting simulated moonwalks, navigation exercises, and sample collection. The packs supported this field research and helped NASA test how astronauts and their equipment would function together during future missions on the Moon.
