Beetle Bag — Madeline Abbenda

The Beetle Bag

This project was completed in a soft goods design course focused on bag development. We began by deconstructing an existing bag, analyzing its construction, materials, and functionality. The components and contents were then documented through a knolling exercise, allowing us to evaluate how the bag was used and identify opportunities for improvement.

Through brand and market research, we examined existing products, consumer preferences, pricing strategies, color and material trends, trims, and construction details. This research informed the direction of the redesign and helped position the product within the current market.

We then explored and tested a range of design concepts, developing solutions that maintained the original bag’s purpose while improving its functionality, usability, and aesthetic appeal. The project culminated in the creation of a first-round technical package, detailing the design specifications and construction requirements necessary for communication with a manufacturer.

Timeline: January 2026 - April 2026

Course: Soft Goods

Tools: Adobe creative suite, sewing machine

Phase 1: Hands-on Exploration

Knolling/deconstruction

The original bag is designed for backcountry skiing and can carry essentials like a helmet, probe, shovel, water, layers, goggles, and skis. Many currently use it as my everyday ski bag, but it does not fit everything needed for trips to and from the mountain. I don’t want to need both a backcountry bag and a boot bag because of the cost and ultimately an excess of gear.

*Actual original bag

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I explored how a side carrying mechanism works and feels on an existing bag. How does weight distribute? Where does it need to attach? What are the least amount of straps needed? Can the straps double as a ski carry mechanism?

Phase 2: Market Research

Nature-adjacent without feeling overly “granola”. Earth-crafted utility/ Retro Naturalism. Orla Kiely inspired Wears in well. High end feel takes on texture.

Color blocking, colorful hardware, loops, cord, attachable, translucent, unique, dyneema, layers, high-tech, utility.

Existing Products / CMF Research

The target audience is skiers who ride daily but also go touring and need one bag for both. The bag would carry everything, making it easy to stay organized for a full day on the mountain. A single bag that works as both a touring bag and boot bag would be more convenient than having separate bags. It could also be used as a hiking/backpacking bag.

Other bags simply can’t do it all. Touring bags are sleek and ultra-specific to their use, lacking utility needed for everyday trips to and from the mountain. Boot bags are often bulky and lack practicality for anything other than carrying boots and gear for a day on the mountain. They are not ideal for carrying while skiing either. Bags with exterior boot-carry systems also tend to sacrifice visual appeal and are not well suited for backcountry use.

CMF Inspiration

Pops of pink. Y2K girly pop star. Color interrupter. Easily seen, synthetic, paired with earth tones and neutrals. High-energy and statement driven. Neon or muted tones.