BUILD YOUR OWN with Lex Pott
At PACKBAGS, we love to hear how designers connect with our system. This time, we spoke with Dutch designer Lex Pott (1985), known for his raw and intuitive approach to materials. From wood and stone to metal, Lex strips design back to its essence. Here, he shares his thoughts on tools, making, and why the A301 2IN1 Rolltop Basket Backpack is his pick from our collection.
What kind of designer are you?
“I would describe myself as a very hands-on designer that works from materials, from techniques and experimental approaches, of reproducibility. So understanding industry, understanding how things are made.”
You picked the ‘A301 2IN1 ROLLTOP BASKET BACKPACK’ with a gradient closing strap, why?
“I have a personal link to the bag because I’ve worked with weaving webbing straps in my own work as well - the checkered furniture. I love that it’s an industrial material, even produced in The Netherlands, which is used in a new context. The design is very intelligent because the structure of weaving became the functionality.
I picked this color because black is timeless and the gradient strap gives it a personal accent.”
What was the last thing you made or repaired?
“A vacuum cleaner I had for 15 years. It didn't work anymore and then my first reflex was to discard it and trash it and buy a new one. Then I thought, come on, what a waste. It's such a good machine. There must be a way to fix it. And then I checked a bit what was wrong and it was a 90 cent plug that I replaced and it worked again. I felt it was very satisfying that for 90 cents you expand the lifespan by another 10 years.”
What is your favourite ‘tool’?
“I would say a lathe or a chop saw. Funny enough, those two machines have brought me most products, because the machines are capable of doing so much. And they are also very, let's say, a prototype for industry. I constantly buy and sell machines that I use for a prototype, but then I don't need them anymore. But the lathe and the chop saw I always keep.”
What do you put in your bag on an average day?
“There needs to be a pen and a paper. I can bring my laptop or leave it home but it's usually in there and for the rest it's scribbling papers. I'm always a light traveller so a backpack is perfect to bring the necessary things.”
Favourite place?
“Honestly, at home on the sofa. I'm a huismus (couch potato).”
Your favourite song/sound?
“I would say is rain on the roof. I always love it because it makes you feel protected inside, isolated, but it's messy and rainy outside. And the fireplace. Like the crackling of wood. Let's say.”
Lex Pott’s focus on materials, repair, and honest design reflects the same values behind PACKBAGS. With our 100-module system, we invite people to design intentionally, replace only what wears out, and keep using what works. Just like fixing a vacuum with a 90-cent part, small choices can extend life and reduce waste — while still leaving room for personality and play.
