Bear-Resistant Chair
A rugged, portable, and safe outdoor chair designed for Denali National Park
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Problem
Denali National Park presents an extreme environment for outdoor furniture. The terrain is uneven, weather conditions are harsh, and wildlife poses unique safety challenges. Traditional camping chairs are lightweight but fragile, easily tipped, and not designed to withstand encounters with large animals such as bears. They often lack secure storage, can become attractants for wildlife, and offer little stability for children or families. There was a clear need for a chair that could remain stable and safe in rugged terrain while resisting damage from heavy external forces and integrating user-friendly features.
Solution
We designed a folding chair with a low center of gravity, a wide base, and durable wood-and-steel construction capable of withstanding up to 400 pounds, achieving a factor of safety of 1.63 in testing. The chair includes an integrated nylon storage compartment to keep personal items secure and reduce wildlife attractants. It folds compactly for transport and locks with Velcro straps to prevent accidental opening during transit. This combination of strength, safety, and portability makes it suitable for families, park rangers, and outdoor enthusiasts in wildlife-heavy environments like Denali.
This project began with extensive research into Denali’s conditions and user needs. Through field context studies and interviews, we learned that many visitors struggled with existing chairs tipping on uneven ground, breaking under stress, or lacking secure storage. Safety was a top priority, especially for families with children who often fidget or climb while seated.
We brainstormed multiple concepts and evaluated them using a Pugh Matrix based on criteria such as durability, stability, load capacity, comfort, and portability. After selecting the strongest direction, we created low-fidelity cardboard mockups to test stability and balance. These were followed by wooden prototypes to evaluate strength and folding mechanisms, gradually refining our design through several iterations.
As our design matured, the focus expanded beyond strength to creating a complete user experience. We introduced sanded edges for safety, Velcro straps to lock the chair during transport, and a built-in storage compartment. The project evolved from a purely structural challenge into a study of how thoughtful engineering can make outdoor gear safer, friendlier, and more inclusive for real users.
Initial Ideation and Design Process
Early sketches explored a variety of leg geometries, joint mechanisms, and storage options. Concepts were evaluated using a Pugh Matrix to compare stability, strength, portability, and comfort. The final concept combined a wide stance, reinforced legs, and an integrated storage compartment, prioritizing both safety and usability.
Stress Calculations and FEA
We conducted hand calculations based on a target load of 400 pounds and ran FEA simulations on the chair frame. The design achieved a factor of safety of 1.72 under a human load and 0.52 under a simulated bear load, which informed reinforcements that brought the human load FOS to 1.63. High-stress regions were reinforced with steel rods and additional cross-bracing.
CAD and Assembly
The final CAD model included a plywood seat and backrest, SPF softwood legs, steel rod connectors, and folding hinges. The chair was designed to collapse flat for storage while maintaining a low center of gravity. The frame geometry ensures even load distribution and minimizes tipping risk on uneven terrain.
Manufacturing
We fabricated the seat and backrest from marine-grade plywood, cut and planed SPF wood planks for the legs, and assembled them with stainless steel screws, U-bolts, and steel rods for reinforcement. Edges were sanded for safety, and a custom nylon fabric compartment was stitched and attached beneath the seat. The prototype cost approximately $132.79 in materials.
Continuous Improvement
Future improvements include reducing weight with composite components, optimizing the folding mechanism for faster setup, and testing with children and park visitors to gather feedback on usability. Additional enhancements could include weather sealing and integrated anchor points to resist high winds.
Impact
The bear-resistant chair merges durability, safety, and user-centered design. It provides a stable and protective seating solution for harsh outdoor environments while reducing risk to users and minimizing wildlife interaction. This project demonstrates how engineering can enhance everyday tools to meet the demands of extreme conditions while staying comfortable and intuitive to use.
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A finite element analysis was conducted on the chair to evaluate its structural performance under a 400-pound load. The simulation revealed stress concentrations along the seat planks and hinge connections, guiding the addition of steel reinforcements and thicker support members in these high-stress regions. These adjustments improved the chair’s factor of safety to 1.63 while maintaining a lightweight, foldable design.
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The folded chair demonstrates its portable design, secured with a strap to prevent accidental unfolding during transport. The integrated nylon compartment remains attached when collapsed, providing built-in storage while keeping items contained and reducing wildlife attractants, enhancing both safety and convenience for outdoor use.
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The assembled chair showcases its wide stance and low center of gravity for enhanced stability, while the integrated fabric compartment beneath the seat offers secure storage and reduces clutter, combining safety, comfort, and functionality in a compact design.
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