Airy Backpack
DESIGN: Adam Friedrich
Poland
make me! 2025
“Airy” is a lightweight, packable backpack made from upcycled paraglides. By repurposing a single paraglide – utilising its fabric, cords, and bands – 80 to 100 backpacks can be created, giving new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste. The idea of reusing parachute fabric already existed in the past; after World War II, silk parachutes were transformed into wedding dresses and garments. Today, with modern materials, the possibilities for reuse have expanded into new applications. Designed for hiking, travel, and daily activities, “Airy” addresses a common issue found in packable backpacks: a lack of structure. Most packable backpacks tend to be soft and floppy, making them less comfortable and functional. “Airy” solves this problem by incorporating inflatable reinforcements that use air to provide structure. Design ensures the backpack remains rigid and comfortable while still being ultralight and highly compact when not in use.
Airy Backpack, design: Adam Friedrich / ph: Daniel Martinez
Airy Backpack, design: Adam Friedrich / ph: Daniel Martinez
Airy Backpack, design: Adam Friedrich / ph: Daniel Martinez
Airy Backpack, design: Adam Friedrich / ph: Daniel Martinez
Adam Friedrich
A Polish designer currently based in Switzerland. His interests are urban living, outdoor, humanitarianism, technology, and music. Adam graduated from BA in Industrial Design from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, followed by an MA in Product Design from ECAL in Lausanne. During his master’s studies, he collaborated with various companies and organisations under the guidance of BIG-GAME, Anniina Koivu, Philippe Malouin, Industrial Facility, Christophe Guberan, Maxwell Ashford and others. He is currently completing his diploma project guided by Erwan Bouroullec and Camille Blin.
Adam gained professional experience with Object Embassy and Megosu in Amsterdam, and later at RAAK Design in Belgium. He was awarded a scholarship by the Norman Foster Foundation, where he contributed to an architectural project in Madrid. He now works as a freelance designer. His work has been exhibited in Milan, Eindhoven, Gdynia, Warsaw, Utrecht, Cologne, Lausanne, Singapore, and more.
