The Origins of WATERFLY and a Founder’s Journey from Childhood Wonder to a Global Brand
Every enduring brand begins with a small spark. For WATERFLY, that spark was lit in childhood—by founder Adam’s pure love for nature and an old, worn backpack that carried everything he owned.
I. A Childhood Backpack: Free Hands and a First Dream
Adam grew up in a quiet, remote rural area, where material resources were limited but nature offered abundance. As a child, he could not afford many possessions, yet he found endless joy outdoors—collecting leaves, observing birds, and climbing trees. Nature was both his playground and his refuge.
He vividly remembers the happiness of owning his first secondhand backpack. With his hands finally free, he could safely store his small treasures and wander deeper into the natural world. In that moment, a simple dream quietly took root: one day, he would have a brand-new backpack of his own.
II. From Discontent to Creation: Designing a Backpack with Purpose and Joy
As Adam grew older, his passion for outdoor activities deepened, along with a growing awareness of environmental responsibility. When he used his first paycheck to buy a new backpack, however, disappointment followed. It was functional, but heavy, dull, and uninspiring.
That frustration sparked a decisive thought: why not design a backpack that is both practical and enjoyable?
Without formal design training, Adam taught himself through online courses and hands-on experimentation. After a year of learning and trial, his first prototype emerged—a handmade backpack that reflected his own needs and personality. He loved it instantly. So did his friends, who began asking him to make backpacks for them as well.
What began as a personal hobby soon revealed a broader possibility. Word-of-mouth recognition transformed a passion project into the early foundation of a business.
III. Naming WATERFLY: The Philosophy of Water and the Transformation of the Butterfly
As the project grew, it needed a name. Adam chose “WATERFLY,” inspired by the poetic image of a butterfly dancing above water.
The name draws from Eastern philosophy, particularly the wisdom of Laozi in the Tao Te Ching: “The highest good is like water.” Water is clear yet resilient, gentle yet powerful—it nurtures all things without competition, embodying boundless potential for growth. The butterfly, meanwhile, symbolizes transformation: the courage to change, to face adversity with optimism, and to discover opportunity within challenge.
From his own life experience, Adam came to believe that positive thinking and emotional resilience expand one’s perspective and capabilities over time. He hoped to share the mindset he developed through nature—calm, adaptive, and forward-looking—with a new generation.
IV. Staying True, Going Global
Today, WATERFLY has grown into one of the leading brands in the global compact outdoor sports bag category. Yet Adam’s original conviction remains unchanged: to create thoughtfully crafted products that balance affordability, practicality, and enjoyment—designed with care and continuously refined to meet the evolving needs of users worldwide.
His vision is simple but ambitious: for WATERFLY to reach people across the globe, offering everyday users a sense of freedom and delight through well-designed gear—and enabling them to enjoy life more fully with WATERFLY by their side.
WATERFLY is more than a backpack brand. It is the expression of a life philosophy—born from a love of nature, shaped by purposeful creation, and dedicated to making every journey freer, lighter, and more joyful.
Written in partnership with Tom White
