Behind the Design: The Evolution of the Core Backpack

The Core Backpack started with a simple idea. We spend so much of our lives alongside our dogs, yet the products designed for those moments often feel like an afterthought. We believed they deserved the same care, attention and thoughtful design as the products we choose for ourselves.

From the beginning, we set out to create a backpack where every detail had its place. A minimalist aesthetic, timeless design, thoughtful functionality and purposeful details became the principles that guided every stage of its development. The first concept wasn't the finished product, but it marked the beginning of a process built around rethinking, developing and improving the design.

01 — The First Concept

The first concept established the direction for everything that followed. While many of the details would evolve, the overall silhouette provided the foundation we wanted to build from.

At the same time, it was clear the design needed simplifying. The backpack felt too busy, with too many elements competing for attention. The expandable compartment started out as a front pocket at the base, rather than wrapping all the way around.

02 — Simplifying the Design

With the overall direction established, the focus shifted to simplifying the design. Every feature was reconsidered, keeping only what genuinely improved the backpack.

The front zip pocket was removed, creating a cleaner front profile with less visual clutter. The bottle pocket changed from mesh to elastic, creating a more streamlined finish, while the logo evolved from a fabric patch to rubber.

The expandable compartment was also completely rethought, moving to the base of the backpack where it stays hidden until needed.

03 — Refining the Details

The focus now turned to refinement. The smaller details were carefully considered, creating a cleaner and more intentional design.

The logo was updated from black rubber to a colour-matched finish, giving it a more understated look. We also removed one of the front zips, reducing visual clutter and keeping only what the design truly needed.

04 — The Final Design

The final design brought together every element we had been working towards.

The logo continued to evolve, eventually becoming an embossed mark with only the lettering remaining. Removing the additional elements created the minimal, understated look we wanted to achieve.

The final change was upgrading the zips to reverse coil zips, hiding the teeth and creating a smoother, cleaner finish that complemented the timeless design.

From the first concept to the final design, every detail had a purpose. The Core Backpack is the result of that vision.