TrailBacker Hip Pack -
Product Development

Design Research - Soft Goods Development - Product Documentation

The result of 10 relentless weeks of research, prototyping, and finishing touches. The TrailBacker 1-4L Hip pack has got your back on any adventure!

What I Did:

  • Identified growing consumer trends in outdoor participation and hip pack popularity

  • Mapped the competitive landscape for hip packs to identify themes and patterns

  • Interviewed 8 hip pack users to get an understanding of their desires and unmet needs

  • Synthesized my research into a set of insights that took into account larger trends, current offerings, and user feedback

  • Developed design requirements based on the research and my chosen client brand (Patagonia)

  • Developed concept sketches and narrowed in on a product solution

  • Prototyped the rough form factor with available materials

  • Iterated on a unique magnet locking mechanism

  • Created my solution (lots and lots of sewing)

  • Developed needed documentation to hand off to manufacturing

What I Delivered:

  • A hand sewn concept hip pack sample (that I use out on the trail all the time, it's awesome!)

  • A tech pack, sewing pattern, and BOM set

  • Product shots for communicating design intent

  • A complete presentation summarizing the development process

Key Features:

"The TrailBacker hip pack has got your back on any adventure"

In a world where the outdoors is becoming more accessible, people should have access to gear which opens avenues for them and inspires confidence. The TrailBacker 1-4L hip pack is an adaptable hip pack offering that empowers the newly adventurous to explore the outdoors through different activities. It addresses current trends of adaptability and versatility in the outdoors as indicated by the growing "Diverse Casual segment", differentiates itself among current hip pack offerings with unique features, and it has a combination of desired features which are optimized.


The "Waist Strap" fits comfortably on the hip and is perfect for trail running, short hikes, or cycling. Clip on the "Day Pack" with magnet clips for longer days where you need to carry more. Take the "Tool Pouch" with you to have easy access to your tools separate from everything else in your bag (it snaps to the outside of the pack in either of the two configurations).

Waist Strap:

  • Stretchy side pockets for quick access to snacks and phone

  • Zippered back pockets (with clips) to securely hold keys and wallet

  • Securely holds a common bike bottle with the option to secure with an additional elastic strap

  • Front loops manage extra strap material and serve as loops to attach your hat or clip a dog leash

Day Pack:

  • Adds an additional 3L capacity to the 1L waist strap

  • Attaches and detaches from the waist strap with magnet clips

  • Internal cinch keeps the bag from flopping around

  • Top flap securely holds a rolled jacket (or banana)

Tool Pouch:

  • Quick access to tools (or anything small) on the outside of the pack

  • Keeps them separated from food and other gear

  • Quickly hand to a partner

  • Attaches with button-snaps to the Day Pack or the Waist Strap

Action Shots:

Market Research:

Initial Concept Sketches:

Refined Concept Sketches:

Tech Pack, Sewing Pattern and BOM: