Trailboard
Our Solution
Develop a new type of bindingless snowboard that could be used in all types of snowy conditions
The Result
A lightweight, durable board that gives you the control to carve on hiking trails
My Role
Founder
Design Research
Sketching
3D Modeling
Prototyping
Development
Marketing
Manufacturing
The Story
Bindingless snowboard built for winter hiking.
Mundo Trailboards was born from a passion project that I started in 2015. As an avid hiker, I wanted to create a bindingless snowboard designed specifically for those rolling hills you’d come across on winter hikes. After 3 years of development, 12 rounds of revisions, and 50+ hours of testing, I started selling my boards online in 2018. I ran a successful Kickstarter campaign, built a brand and developed a whole new manufacturing process that resulted in lightweight, affordable boards that can be easily mass produced. Currently, I am working on motorizing the boards to take them to the next level as winter transportation vehicles.
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Sketching
A lot of my exploration in the early ideation phase revolved around a smooth transition from hiking to riding, without sacrificing the quality of the riding experience.
3D Modeling
Using SolidWorks and KeyShot, I was able to virtually dial in my designs before investing resources into tooling and prototypes. This step was essential since I was developing the product independently and resources were limited.
Prototyping
The trailboard went through a dozen different iterations over three winters of testing before I was happy with the performance.
Testing
I took my prototypes out to the mountains and tested them on groomed runs, powder, and ice. I rode it in every setting from winding hiking trails to black-diamond resort-runs to see how it handled in different types of terrain. I also spent time testing the board in different temperatures, from freezing cold to warmer spring conditions.
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The Finished Product
BUILT TO EXPLORE
Lightweight
Durable
Compact
Tangle Free Attachment
Studded Grip
Padded
Wrist-Loop
Twin-Sheet
Construction
Coiled Leash
High Density
Foam
Low Density
Foam
A durable ABS shell encases a lightweight foam core and the contour of the board provides a ton of rigidity. The result is an extremely lightweight, durable board using materials that are easy to recycle.
Pivoting attachment points at both ends of the leash ensure it never gets twisted up when you go back and forth from walking to riding.
Neoprene compresses easily to provide reliable traction for any boot tread. It also has incredible vibration dampening properties for a smoother ride.
EVA foam provides a third variation in grip assuring your boots will stay locked in place no matter what type of tread you are rocking.
Studs provide aggressive traction for heel and toe grip. Since they are molded into the top-sheet, there is no chance of these coming loose.
Soft and waterproof, the wrist loop will keep the trailboard comfortably attached.
The coiled polyurethane leash stretches up to 10 feet. This keeps the leash out of the way when you are riding and lets the board travel a safe distance if you wipe out.
ENGINEERED FROM
TOP TO BOTTOM
Steel Edges
Hold an edge in slush, crust, packed and nearly any other type of snow you can think of.
Urethane Sidewall
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Absorbs impact and dampens vibrations for a buttery smooth ride.
P-tex Base
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Fast and durable. The industry standard in performance base material.
SHAPED TO PERFORM
Heel and toe leverage
The shape is engineered to give you control over the steel edges so you can carve with precision.
Carve in packed snow
Enough clearance for edges to bite aggressively in packed snow.
Float in powder
Tons of surface area combined with the contoured shape keeps you floating above that fresh pow pow.
Going to Market
In 2019, I launched Kickstarter campaign to bring my bindingless snowboard design to market. Thanks to the support of my backers and the snowboard community, I was able to raise the necessary funds to bring to the masses. With the campaign, I was able to get pre-orders from early adopters which helped me to validate the product market fit and to get the first feedback from riders. The campaign was a huge success and we are now proud to offer our unique bindingless snowboards to riders everywhere, allowing them to experience the freedom and versatility of this revolutionary design. Check out the KICKSTARTER campaign.
Building a Brand
I've built the brand on being approachable, relatable, and down to earth. I've used social media to show off the unique features of the bindingless snowboards and the experiences they enable. Through social media, chatting with our followers, and hosting ride days, I've created a tight-knit community of riders who are just as passionate about innovative ways to enjoy winter sports. Check out our content on INSTAGRAM.
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Securing a Patent
Securing a patent for my bindingless snowboard design was a challenging but rewarding process. After intensive patent search, collaboration with a patent attorney and rounds of review, my patent application was approved and granted. This legal protection not only gave me confidence in my idea but also an edge over competitors in the market.
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Manufacturing
Through trial and error and testing new processes, I successfully streamlined a viable, cost-effective manufacturing process through compression molding, vacuum forming, laminating, die cutting and screen printing. The ability to build the boards myself drives my passion. Mundo allows me to work with my hands to craft a snowboard unlike any on the market, and being able to build something that brings people joy is extremely rewarding.
