Turning Concepts Into Finished Products

In August, I traveled to Vietnam to finalize the SOMA bag collection.What existed before were strong prototypes and ideas - but not yet finished products.
This trip was about turning concepts into functional, durable objects and bringing everything together on a professional production level. Below you can see some examples of the different backpack prototype stages:

⁰¹ Developing the Backpack

The main focus was the SOMA backpack. Originally designed as a hybrid between bag and pack, it still lacked structural stability and true backpack ergonomics. Together with the pattern maker and production team, I reworked the construction from the ground up.

We developed a molded backplate, redesigned the shoulder straps to follow a more organic shape, and added overall stability to make the backpack comfortable and functional under real use. One key detail was the foldable bottom construction, which added durability without compromising flexibility.

⁰² Working Directly With the Factory

Working directly with the factory allowed me to go deep into details - patterns, reinforcements, materials, stitching and load distribution.

This hands-on process is something I have learned over years of professional product development, including my time designing and developing complex backpacks at SCOTT Sports, where I worked on everything from everyday packs to highly technical avalanche backpacks. That experience formed the foundation for the decisions made in Vietnam.

⁰³ Community-Driven Product Development

Alongside the backpack, the Rolltop Tote Bag was developed in a very organic way. Initially, I had a different direction in mind, but during a video call with Till and Max - who were in Athens at the time - the concept shifted.

They gave direct input from a user perspective, measuring their skates with their phones and explaining what they actually needed on a daily basis. That feedback was taken seriously and translated straight into a new prototype with the factory. The result was a fast but precise development process driven directly by the community.

⁰³ Expanding the Production Network

I also visited additional factories, including apparel manufacturers, a beanie factory and other backpack producers, to expand my understanding of processes and possibilities. These insights continue to influence how SOMA approaches production, quality and responsibility.

⁰⁴ Collaboration and Trust

The factory team, led by a Korean management, welcomed me warmly and often invited me for meals - long dinners, Korean BBQ and shared conversations.
These moments built trust and reinforced the feeling of collaboration rather than simple outsourcing.

⁰⁵ Responsibility Over Speed

This trip was not about shortcuts or surface-level production. It was about responsibility - for the product, the people involved and the long-term vision of SOMA. Without this journey, the collection as it exists now would not be possible.

Life and Work in Vietnam

Beyond product development, the trip was intense on many levels.
I spent long days in the factory, coordinating materials, calculating quantities, adjusting details and preparing everything for production. 

Outside of that, I worked from cafés, moved through the city, trained when possible and absorbed the environment. Vietnam in August meant heat, humidity and daily rain — exhausting at times, but deeply immersive.

Written by Michael Maier · Published in December 2025