TILLAK SILETZ MODULAR CARRY SYSTEM
A waterproof backpack platform built for work, travel, and the outdoors.
ROLE: Freelance Product Designer
CLIENT: Tillak
SERVICES: Design Refinement | Concept Generation | Technical Development | Sample Refinement | Production Support
The Tillak Siletz reimagined the waterproof backpack as a modular system for everyday, travel, and outdoor use. What began as an early concept evolved through design and development into a versatile family of products built around one core pack.
01 BACKGROUND
Taking an early concept further
Tillak was a small outdoor startup with an ambitious idea for a fully waterproof backpack.
An initial concept and first sample had been developed, but the product needed significant refinement before it was ready for market.
I was brought in to take the project forward.
02 THE CHALLENGE
One pack. A growing list of possibilities
What began as a waterproof backpack quickly grew into a modular system intended for everyday life, travel, photography, and the outdoors.
How could one product support all of these uses without becoming overly complicated?
03 OUR APPROACH
Tillak’s founders had a lot of ideas for where the Siletz could go. Together, we looked at how people would actually use the pack, from the daily commute to travel and time outdoors, and used those scenarios to guide decisions around comfort, access, organization, and functionality.
Design around how it would be used
04 OUR PROCESS
Design. Test. Refine. Repeat.
The Siletz came together through close collaboration and a lot of hands-on iteration. The backpack was refined through multiple rounds of samples while new components were developed alongside it, creating a system that looked, functioned, and felt like one cohesive product family.
Detailed tech packs and full-size RF-welded drawings helped resolve the construction and gave the factory the information needed to accurately build the final product.
05 OUR SOLUTION
More than a backpack. Built as a system.
As the project evolved, it became clear that one backpack couldn't do everything on its own. The solution was to create a modular system with the backpack at its core, allowing purpose-built components to be added as needed.
The result is a flexible carry system that easily transitions between everyday life, travel, photography, and the outdoors.
One backpack. Endless possibilities.
Every component was designed to work together, giving users the flexibility to configure the pack for wherever they're headed.
Every detail, thoughtfully refined
The original sample established the direction, but every major area was revisited throughout development. Through multiple rounds of refinement, the backpack evolved into a cleaner, more functional, and production-ready product with improved comfort, construction, organization, and overall fit.
Ready for what’s next
Whether heading to work, catching a flight, or spending the weekend outdoors, the Siletz easily reconfigures with purpose-built components to match the trip.
WORK & TRAVEL SYSTEM
OUTDOOR SYSTEM
06 THE IMPACT
Turning ideas into products
The Siletz shows what's possible when an ambitious idea is paired with thoughtful design and product development. The project evolved from an initial sample into a complete modular carry system that was fully funded on Kickstarter. It then moved into production and was successfully delivered to customers.
