Material Exploration

Investigate other materials for climbing grip and comfort that provide lasting grip and comfort.

The materials investigation began by looking at what to use to enhance grip. The ideal choice became identified quite quickly as climbing rubber. As a material, it had been perfected to the sport of climbing. 

The materials for the sleeve itself would need to be breathable, strong, flexible and adhere to the skin to prevent rotation while in use. The final prototype used an elastic sports material layed between durable beathable netting.

Pain Prevention

Attention to form and padding to prevent pain to user.

Prevention of skin abrasion was a main concern of the design, followed closely by protecting the sensitive end of the arm.

Final Concept

A textured pattern alights within high friction zones and actively improves grip. Elastic sports material and climbing rubber protect the skin and provide a slip free surface. Padding at the end of the sleeve prevents pain and protects. The sleeve is made to fit over and vacume adhere to the specially modled silicon sleeve Caitlyn recieved from here prostasis. This allowed the climbing sleeve to retain a universaly addaptabe shape and prevents it from rotating around the arm when weighted.

Prototyping and Learning

The form of the arm sleeve was constructed through user feedback and prototyping. This prototype was used to critic the materials and padding and to finalise the sewing pattern for the final prototype.

Special Thanks to:

Brooklyn Boulders Adaptive Climbing Team