Soft Goods Design Manager – Hydro Flask / OXO

Led the design and development of Hydro Flask’s soft goods portfolio, expanding the brand beyond bottles into hydration packs, insulated food carry, and portable coolers. Through field research, consumer testing, and close collaboration with engineering and manufacturing partners, I translated user insights into scalable product solutions that balanced performance, durability, and brand expression.

My role spanned concept through production—developing CAD models, refining materials and construction, coordinating tooling, and working with global vendors to ensure products met Hydro Flask’s standards for thermal performance, usability, and durability.

 

UPDATE LAUNCHED 2022

Insulated Tote (8L + 12L + 20L)

Designed as a “beyond-the-bottle” lifestyle extension, expanding Hydro Flask into everyday carry and outdoor use. The insulated tote collection was developed in 8L, 12L, and 20L capacities to support a range of use cases while maintaining durability, insulation performance, and ease of cleaning.

• Waterproof, fully lined 100% recycled polyester construction
• Welded seams supporting durability and easy cleaning
• Collapsible self-standing structure with reinforced base for everyday usability
• Updated in 2023 to improve durability while reducing cost and increasing margin

 

Downshift Hydration Backpack 14L

Designed as a performance hydration backpack for active outdoor use. The pack integrates Hydro Flask’s Cold Flow™ system with a ventilated suspension structure to maintain cooling performance while promoting airflow and comfort.

• 1.5L insulated HydraPak® IsoBound reservoir maintaining cold hydration for 3+ hours
• Cold Flow™ back panel promoting airflow and moisture management
• Injection-molded suspension structure supporting ergonomic stability
• Multiple storage compartments for gear and essentials
• Reflective elements and integrated light attachment

 

Downshift Hydration Hip Pack 5L

Developed as a compact hydration solution for biking and shorter activities where minimal carry and mobility are essential.

• Integrated insulated hydration reservoir supporting short-duration activity
• Ventilated EVA lumbar padding promoting airflow and comfort
• Stable hip-carry configuration for active movement
• Dual bottle pockets and compression straps for adaptable storage
• Reflective branding and integrated light attachment

 

Slingback Bottle Pack

Designed to support everyday mobility while securely carrying Hydro Flask’s flagship 32 oz bottle alongside personal essentials. Multiple prototype iterations refined the bottle pocket geometry and retention system to balance accessibility with usable pack storage.

• Dedicated pocket engineered for Hydro Flask’s 32 oz bottle
• Flexible retention cover securing the bottle while maintaining accessibility
• Optimized internal storage layout preserving pack capacity
• Ergonomic sling configuration for everyday carry

 

Insulated Lunch Bags (5L + 8L)

Designed to extend Hydro Flask’s insulated performance beyond bottles into everyday food carry.

• Insulated construction supporting day-long temperature retention
• Waterproof lined interior for easy cleaning
• Collapsible self-standing structure for efficient storage
• Durable recycled polyester exterior
• Reinforced base and structured sides for stability

 

Day Escape Packs (18L + 20L + 26L)

Developed as a fully waterproof, spill-proof soft cooler engineered to maintain reliable cooling performance.

• Welded waterproof construction preventing leaks and spills
• Insulated structure engineered for cooling performance
• Precision 3D-modeled components supporting tooling accuracy
• Durable waterproof materials developed with specialized vendors
• Reinforced structure and sealed seams for outdoor durability

 

Lunch Box Family (3L + 5L)

Designed to expand Hydro Flask’s insulated food storage offering with a durable, leak-resistant container for everyday use. CAD components were developed and tested in SolidWorks, then refined with internal and external engineering teams to ensure reliable sealing and manufacturability.

• SolidWorks CAD development supporting structural refinement
• Leak-resistant construction preventing spills during transport
• Insulated design maintaining food temperature
• Durable materials supporting everyday use
• Engineering collaboration ensuring production feasibility

 

Carry-Out Soft Coolers (12L + 20L)

Developed as lightweight insulated coolers designed for day trips, outdoor gatherings, and everyday transport of food and beverages. The design emphasizes portability, insulation performance, and durability while maintaining Hydro Flask’s clean visual language.

• Insulated construction supporting day-use cooling
• Durable exterior materials suited for outdoor environments
• Structured soft cooler design balancing portability and stability
• Comfortable carry handles and strap options
• Organized internal layout for food and beverage storage

 

Dry Storage (S + M + L)

Developed as a waterproof storage solution designed to protect gear and personal items during outdoor use and travel.

• Waterproof welded construction preventing moisture intrusion
• Durable exterior materials designed for outdoor environments
• Injected Pressure closure supporting reliable water resistance
• Flexible structure allowing easy packing and storage
• Designed to attach to the entire cooler product line

 

Packable Bottle Sling & Tag-Along Kids Sling

Designed as a lightweight everyday carry bag that compresses into itself for travel and storage.

• Self-packing construction enabling compact storage
• Lightweight materials supporting everyday mobility
• Adjustable sling strap for comfortable carry
• Internal organization for small essentials
• Durable construction for repeated packing and use

 

Outdoor Tote 34L

Designed as a large-capacity insulated tote supporting outdoor gatherings, grocery transport, and everyday carry.

• Laminated interior + exterior fabrics supporting leak resistance and durability
• Large 34L capacity for food, beverages, and gear
• Structured self-standing base improving usability
• Updated construction improving durability while reducing cost

 

OXO Insulated Carrier

Developed an insulated carrier designed to transport prepared food while maintaining temperature and structural stability during travel. The project required insulation performance, material construction, and usability while aligning with OXO’s focus on practical, user-centered design.

• Insulated construction designed to maintain food temperature during transport
• Durable exterior materials supporting everyday use and travel
• Structured design maintaining stability while carrying containers
• Secure closure system preventing spills during movement
• Comfortable carry handles for easy portability