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The Plank-Ton system is a portable food and drinks prep station. -
The collapsible Vaai braai ensures efficient heat control when cooking outside over a fire. -
The collapsible Vaai braai ensures efficient heat control when cooking outside over a fire. -
The collapsible Vaai braai ensures efficient heat control when cooking outside over a fire.
Designer Joe Paine reimagines the outdoors with Ridge Forrester Utility – a bold and beautiful twist on camping gear.
WORDS Jo Buitendach PHOTOS Supplied
Product and furniture designer Joe Paine is no stranger to VISI – with more than 15 years of experience in creating distinctive furniture, lighting and homeware under his eponymous brand, he’s long been a local design favourite. But never one to rest on his laurels, Joe recently launched Ridge Forrester Utility – a brand dedicated to compact, functional and durable outdoor equipment.
Perfectly suited to South Africa’s climate and abundant natural beauty, this exciting new label focuses on picnic, camp, overland and safari gear. And, as the saying goes, it’s all in the name: anyone of a “certain” age will recognise Ridge Forrester as a character from iconic soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. As Joe explains, “Ridge Forrester is a main character on the show. Like the show’s other names – Brooke, Storm, Thorne – his is linked to nature. We all love ridges and forests…”
But at its heart, Ridge Forrester Utility is about rethinking the way we camp. Focused on gear that is both efficient and durable, the brand blends thoughtful design with aesthetics that work with the environment, rather than against it. Its expedition-ready products are inclusive, forward-thinking and grounded in core principles of good design. “Forget the macho, militaristic or colonial cosplay vibes – this is outdoor living for a new era,” says Joe.
What inspired Joe, besides his own love of camping and the great outdoors? “With the time available during lockdown, I started to refine many of the ideas I had to make my personal setup more efficient. This, happily, dovetailed with the rising interest in outdoor products over the following year or so. There’s no single ‘correct’ or ‘best’ camping setup – everyone has different needs and budget – so designing products with a high degree of user customisation was key, and still guides the process.”
He also credits the Japanese and Korean approach to camping, where gear is minimal and designed to be used low to the ground (at chair height), which naturally encourages intimacy. The result? Equipment that’s compact, lightweight and functional. Every piece is designed to off er maximum utility without adding unnecessary bulk or weight.
So what’s next for Joe and Ridge Forrester Utility? “More trips, more friends, more product testing, and definitely more fun,” he says with a grin. We can’t wait to see where the adventure leads next! | ridgeforresterutility.com
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