CAMPSTAND ROADMAP TO PRODUCTION
From six years of field use to a production-ready backcountry system.
Campstand started as a solution to a problem I kept running into on backpacking trips. The original carbon fiber table and cutting mat have been in use since 2020. Now I'm working to turn that proven concept into a complete, lightweight system that I can manufacture consistently in my own shop.
This roadmap tracks the work between the original prototypes and production, including what's finished, what's underway, and what still needs to happen.
I'll update it as development progresses, including the challenges and changes along the way.
01 — PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Status: In Progress
The original Campstand table and cutting mat have been field-tested since 2020. The focus now is refining the complete modular system for production, with an emphasis on reducing weight, improving functionality, and keeping everything compact enough for backcountry use.
Completed
Original carbon fiber table and cutting mat prototypes
Initial stainless steel grill prototype
Modular system concept and basic component integration
Currently Working On
Reducing stainless grill and leg weight
Improving grill performance under heat
Refining the storage and retention system
Optimizing the complete kit toward a sub-one-pound target
Still Ahead
Final design revisions
Production-ready CAD and component specifications
Final system weight verification
02 — MATERIALS & MANUFACTURING
Status: In Progress
The original Campstand table was manufactured using vacuum-infused carbon fiber. While the process produced a durable, functional part, the amount of trimming and finishing required made it difficult to scale.
I'm now developing a manufacturing process using prepreg carbon fiber, lightweight core materials, and heated compression molding. The goal is to produce lighter, more consistent components with significantly less secondary finishing, while keeping manufacturing in-house.
Completed
Identified limitations of the original vacuum-infusion process
Selected prepreg compression molding as the primary development direction
Established initial tooling and manufacturing requirements
Currently Working On
Evaluating carbon fiber prepreg and lightweight core materials
Designing and building heated compression-molding tooling
Preparing small test molds to validate the process
Developing methods for producing clean, finished carbon edges
Still Ahead
Validate the molding process through test coupons
Produce and evaluate full-size molded components
Establish repeatable curing and finishing procedures
Finalize production materials and manufacturing methods
03 — TESTING & VALIDATION
Status: In Progress
The original Campstand table and cutting mat have been used in the backcountry since 2020. That experience has helped establish what works, but the redesigned components and new manufacturing process still need their own testing.
The goal is to make sure the production version is lightweight, durable, practical, and capable of holding up to real use.
Completed
Six years of real-world use with the original table and cutting mat
Initial functional testing of the modular system
Early load testing of prototype components
Currently Working On
Evaluating stainless grill performance under cooking temperatures
Identifying opportunities to reduce weight without compromising functionality
Gathering feedback from potential field testers
Developing test methods for the new composite construction
Still Ahead
Mechanical and durability testing of production-intent components
Repeated setup, breakdown, and wear testing
Extended field testing of the updated system
Final weight and performance verification
Incorporating field-test feedback into the production design
04 — PRODUCTION PREPARATION
Status: Upcoming
Designing a product is one challenge. Manufacturing it consistently, at a reasonable cost, and in quantities that can keep up with demand is another.
My goal is to manufacture as much of Campstand as possible in-house. That means developing efficient workflows, building the necessary tooling, securing reliable material suppliers, and understanding what it will take to produce each kit from start to finish.
Completed
Established initial manufacturing and equipment requirements
Identified major components and potential suppliers
Developed preliminary production cost and capacity targets
Currently Working On
Planning production equipment and shop layout
Evaluating material costs and supplier requirements
Developing the assembly, finishing, and packaging approach
Still Ahead
Finalize production tooling and equipment
Establish reliable material sourcing and inventory levels
Validate manufacturing cycle times and production capacity
Finalize product costs and retail pricing
Develop quality-control and inspection procedures
Prepare packaging, fulfillment, and shipping processes
05 — LAUNCH
Status: Upcoming
After years of developing and using Campstand, the next major goal is to bring it to market.
I'm working toward a Kickstarter launch to help fund the transition from prototypes to production. The campaign will give early supporters an opportunity to help bring Campstand to life while allowing me to establish the materials, tooling, and inventory needed for the first production run.
I'm targeting early 2027, but the launch will depend on completing development, testing, and manufacturing validation. I'd rather get those details right than rush an unfinished product out the door.
Completed
Established the initial launch strategy
Created the Campstand development page and early-interest signup
Currently Working On
Building awareness and gathering early interest
Planning campaign content, photography, and demonstrations
Developing the production and fulfillment strategy
Still Ahead
Finalize product configurations and pricing
Produce campaign-ready photos and videos
Complete Kickstarter campaign preparation
Launch the crowdfunding campaign
Secure production materials and begin manufacturing
Fulfill the first Campstand orders
The goal isn't simply to launch Campstand. It's to build a product and manufacturing process that can support Carbon Peak Outdoors well beyond the first production run.
Early Campstand prototype undergoing real-world field testing.
FOLLOW THE BUILD
Want to see the complete Campstand system and follow its progress toward launch? Explore the product, see what we're building, and sign up for development updates and early-bird pricing.