
Hi, I'm Ian!
A California native, I grew up skiing, mountain biking and working on small projects with my dad in his workshop. One of my earliest forms of creative expression was through skiing (started when I was 2), but it wasn’t until design school that I discovered a new creative calling through sewing, problem solving and using design as a way to connect people with the outdoors.
A California native, I grew up skiing, mountain biking and working on small projects with my dad in his workshop. One of my earliest forms of creative expression was through skiing (started when I was 2), but it wasn’t until design school that I discovered a new creative calling through sewing, problem solving and using design as a way to connect people with the outdoors.
Over my 10+ years of product design and development experience I’ve had the pleasure of working across a variety industries - mostly focused on outdoor, but also spanning into medical & consumer electronics. I’ve worked as a full time employee (and later as a consultant) for both large corporate brands and small, nimble start-ups with only 6 people.
In 2021, I launched Parapack, an ultralight headwear brand that makes multi-funk-tional products. In 2023 I coordinated my first Kickstarter to relaunch the core line of products in a new recycled fabric, custom colorways, and a proprietary compression molded visor construction. As of 2025, we now have 8 core products, 3 patents, 30+ SKUs, and are currently selling in stores around the world.
The experience of launching and running my own company has been the best tool to grow my existing skillset within design, but it has also challenged me to push outside of design. Focusing on operations, product line management, forecasting, material sourcing, packaging design, merchandising, product photography, financial tracking, customer service, order fulfilment..... the list goes on and continues to grow each day.
I am so thankful for all the opportunities, the lessons, the mentors, and the connections I’ve made along the way.
I am so thankful for all the opportunities, the lessons, the mentors, and the connections I’ve made along the way.
Get in touch with me via email:
ianhughesdesign [at] gmail.com













