Tuck & Tote’s “The Little Hauler” Named Finalist in the 2026 iF Design Awards
Tuck & Tote is proud to announce that The Little Hauler™ has been named a Finalist in the 2026 iF Design Awards, one of the most respected and competitive design competitions in the world.
This year’s competition drew over 10,000 entries from across the globe, spanning disciplines, industries, and continents. From that international field, The Little Hauler was recognized in the Professional Concept category — placing it among a highly selective group of designs evaluated by an international jury for innovation, relevance, functionality, and design excellence.
A Prestigious Global Recognition
Founded in 1953, the iF Design Awards are widely regarded as a gold standard in the design world. Each year, thousands of entries from across the globe compete for recognition, with only a select percentage advancing to finalist status.
Being named a finalist signals that The Little Hauler is not just aesthetically compelling, but meaningfully innovative — a product concept with real-world impact and future relevance.
Designed by a Founder Who Lives the Problem
The Little Hauler was designed by Van Rene Rhoades, Founder and Lead Designer of Tuck & Tote — a U.S. Military Veteran and mother of three. The concept was born from firsthand experience navigating the daily logistics of parenthood: family outings, daycare drop-offs, work transitions, and the mental load parents carry alongside the physical one.
Rather than creating another traditional diaper bag, Rhoades set out to rethink the category entirely — designing a system that prioritizes efficiency, modularity, and elevated form without sacrificing function.
Innovation at the Concept Level — and Beyond
Recognized as a Professional Concept, The Little Hauler is already a contender while still in its refinement phase. The design features:
A modular, quick-attach and release pod system that allows parents to customize carry based on their needs
A hybrid interior architecture that balances structure with flexibility
A refined, tote-forward silhouette designed to move seamlessly between parenting and professional life
With multiple patents pending, the concept reflects not just thoughtful design, but a defensible and scalable innovation platform.
Physical prototypes are currently being perfected, with ongoing testing focused on usability, materials, and real-world performance.
What’s Next
The Little Hauler is scheduled to launch in Spring 2026, with additional announcements to follow as the brand moves closer to market.
Finalist recognition from the iF Design Awards places Tuck & Tote firmly on the global design radar — signaling a new standard in parenting gear that is intentional, intelligent, and unapologetically well-designed.
This is a brand to keep your eyes on.
