Based in the Lake District the guys at Tuffbag know a thing or two about keeping things dry. Their mantra is creating high-quality waterproof luggage, rugged enough for being thrown around with kit in by adventurers, but also stylish enough for a city commute. Mouse were their perfect partner, with their background in outdoor product design. Working together to create a brand-new range of tough, adventure resistant, waterproof outdoor gear.
Concept design through to sample production, including all technical specification documentation.
Development of a full family of waterproof luggage from Hip pack to roller flight luggage. Utilising roll top or waterproof zip openings. Designs were focused on practicality with padded mobile device inserts, dedicated ‘small things’ pockets and organisational dividers. Rather than categorising the products by volume, the approach was centred around three main applications: getting to the crag, being on the crag, and navigating urban environments. This strategic design process aimed to cater to specific needs and activities, ensuring that each piece of luggage served a distinct purpose in various settings.
Instead of designing bags individually, we recognised that a modular strategy would be more suitable for this project. By first mapping out potential family trees based on various applications, we were able to establish target products before diving into specifics. We then developed a library of shared features and components that could be utilised throughout the entire range. For instance, elements like padded back panels, pockets, and straps can be seen throughout the range. This approach allowed us to tailor the design of each pack to its intended purpose, while maintaining a cohesive family linage. It’s all about efficiency and versatility in design!
Collaborating with Tuffbag, we rationalised the family down to a handful of products and made iterative design changes before making full technical drawing packs for the factory to make samples.