Assessing Functional Needs of Rock Climbing Pants by Dawn Marie
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Assessing Functional Needs of Rock Climbing Pants by Dawn Marie Michaelson A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Auburn University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Apparel Auburn, Alabama May 10, 2015 Keywords: functional design, rock climbing pants, outdoor apparel, FEA model Copyright 2015 by Dawn Marie Michaelson Approved by Karla P. Teel, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Consumer and Design Sciences, Auburn University Veena Chattaraman, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Consumer and Design Sciences, Auburn University Helen Koo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Design, University of California, Davis Abstract The objective of this exploratory study was to assess the functional needs of outdoor rock climber pants by looking at fit, mobility, comfort, protection, and donning/doffing, based on the functional category of the Functional, Expressive, Aesthetic (FEA) Consumer Needs Model. Data from 185 active rock climbers was collected by questionnaire at two rock climbing events. The study utilized a mixed methods approach with open-ended questions being analyzed with grounded theory, and quantitative data analyzed by descriptive statistics and repeated measure ANOVA. Participants reported mild satisfaction with pant fit. Pant mobility was only slightly satisfying and was affected by the type of climbing technique performed. Climbers rated pants as uncomfortable after climbing and only somewhat protective and durable in knees, seat, and crotch. Based on these results improvements in climbing pant fit, design, and fabric performance would improve the functional pant needs for rock climbers. ii Acknowledgments This thesis would not have been possible without the love, understanding, and support of my husband, Chris, who not only introduced me to rock climbing but moved across the United States, and has made countless sacrifices so I could pursue my dream. He truly makes me feel like I could do anything, and I could not imagine completing my graduate studies without him. I would like to thank my mother, and many other family members, for their understanding and continuous love. In addition, I would like to thank my fellow graduate students, especially Amber Ortlieb, for their love, support, and fellowship over these past two years. You have all become wonderful friends. Equally important has been the support and guidance of my major professor, Dr. Karla P. Teel, and I would like to thank her for her time and constant encouragement. Your willingness to be my mentor and guide my professional development has meant a great deal to me. I would also like to thank my committee members, Dr. Veena Chattaraman and Dr. Helen Koo, for their caring nature, expertise, and support throughout this entire process. Additionally, I would like to thank Dr. Pamela Ulrich for always having an open door and taking the time to answer my questions. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Carol Warfield for providing me with the endless opportunities that has allowed me to excel beyond my personal expectations. You all have made my Auburn experience truly life changing. iii Table of Contents Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgments........................................................................................................................ iii List of Tables .............................................................................................................................. vii List of Figures .............................................................................................................................. ix Chapter 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 1 Problem Statement .......................................................................................................... 1 Objective ......................................................................................................................... 2 Significance of Study ...................................................................................................... 3 Assumptions .................................................................................................................... 4 Definition of Terms ......................................................................................................... 4 Chapter 2 Literature Review ....................................................................................................... 6 Functional Apparel Classifications ................................................................................. 6 Rock Climbing ................................................................................................................ 9 Rock Climbing Techniques .................................................................................... 10 Types of Rock Climbing ......................................................................................... 13 Rock Climbing Clothing and Gear ........................................................................ 16 Pants .................................................................................................................. 16 Shirts/Tops ........................................................................................................ 17 Shoes ................................................................................................................. 17 iv Gear ................................................................................................................... 17 Functional Needs for Outdoor Climbing ............................................................... 18 Fit ...................................................................................................................... 18 Mobility ............................................................................................................. 19 Comfort ............................................................................................................. 21 Protection .......................................................................................................... 25 Donning/Doffing ............................................................................................... 27 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................. 29 Chapter 3 Methodology ............................................................................................................. 31 Research Design ............................................................................................................ 31 Sampling Procedures and Sample Characteristics ........................................................ 31 Instrumentation ............................................................................................................. 33 Fit ...................................................................................................................... 33 Mobility ............................................................................................................. 35 Comfort ............................................................................................................. 38 Protection .......................................................................................................... 39 Donning/Doffing ............................................................................................... 40 Face Validity ................................................................................................................. 43 Data Collection Procedures ........................................................................................... 43 Data Analysis ................................................................................................................ 44 Reliability Analysis ....................................................................................................... 45 Research Question Analysis ......................................................................................... 46 Chapter 4 Results ....................................................................................................................... 53 v Study Sample Demographics ........................................................................................ 53 Research Question Analysis ......................................................................................... 56 Additional Findings ...................................................................................................... 81 Pant design details ............................................................................................. 81 Prior pant dislikes ............................................................................................. 82 Important pant features ..................................................................................... 85 Additional Comments ................................................................................................... 87 Chapter 5 Discussion, Implications, and Limitations ................................................................ 89 Fit Satisfaction .............................................................................................................. 90 Mobility and Wearability .............................................................................................