Kitsbow & Swift Industries Collaborate to Launch All-New Hip Pack & Specialty Icon Shirt

November 10, 2020

The brands announce two new products that blend Swift’s adventure-true aesthetic with Kitsbow’s tech-forward design.

Old Fort, N.C. (November 10, 2020) — Cut from the same cloth and mutual admiration of cycling and outdoor adventure, Kitsbow and Swift Industries are excited to announce the launch of the Swift Anchor Pack and specialty Icon Shirt, both born from the collaboration blend of Swift’s adventure-true aesthetic and Kitsbow’s tech-forward design.

The Swift Anchor Pack is the brainchild of Kitsbow and Swift’s highly driven-design teams challenged with improving upon an already classic outdoor design — the hip pack. Offering a minimalistic alternative to backpacks, the hip pack’s overall shape was streamlined for comfort and 2.5 liters of capacity.

Designed to accommodate those extra fall layers without adding bulk, the pack’s key feature is an expandable sleeve that easily secures and protects shed clothing layers. This expanding sleeve feature, which is brought to life with a special Pendleton® wool lining, simply tucks away and disappears when not deployed. Attachment points were also added for an optional Sidekick Stem Pouch accessory bag to carry an extra water bottle, snacks, or a bike tool.

“There were design elements born of the Kitsbow perspective that we would never have considered,” says Swift’s co-founder and Head Honcho, Martina Brimmer. “The Anchor Pack is a wholly new concept and the result of two creative forces coming together to conceive of the coolest possible ideas for functional gear. This is exactly why we do collaborations!”

The Collection is completed with a matching Kitsbow Icon Shirt, featuring Pendleton® wool, as a homage to the rugged PNW mountains that Swift and Pendleton both call home.

For this project, the Icon was given a very special fabric to commemorate the Swift x Kitsbow collaborative process and is the first women’s-fit Icon offered in the thick, rugged Pendleton plaid wool previously offered only in the men’s Signature version. It’s an important nod to Kitsbow’s female-identified customers who want to rock that trademark Pendleton fade.

“We are two brands that are deeply committed to manufacturing in the U.S., and even more importantly share a foundation of outdoor adventure as a means for investing in the growth of inclusive communities such as Old Fort, NC,” said David Billstrom, Kitsbow CEO. “This limited-edition collaboration embodies the best in our collective inspiration and abilities.”

Together, the Swift Anchor Pack and the Kitsbow Icon Shirt provide the comfort, functionality, and durability discerning adventurers rely on to propel unparalleled adventures, and to sweeten the in-between moments with style.

To learn more about the Kitsbow x Swift Industries partnership and limited collection, visit: https://www.kitsbow.com/collections/swift-x-kitsbow-collection

About Kitsbow:

Based in Old Fort, North Carolina since 2019, Kitsbow makes almost all of its products in the U.S.A. and is committed to the Made to Order manufacturing model: minimizing waste and maximizing flexibility to serve the customer. Kitsbow was established in Sonoma County, California eight years ago by dedicated mountain bikers and apparel industry veterans. In addition to engaging in the journey to make and deliver apparel sustainably, the company is also dedicated to inclusive hiring practices, supporting its employees with healthy lifestyles, and providing meaningful contributions to the community here in Western North Carolina.To learn more about Kitsbow, visit www.kitsbow.com.

About Swift Industries:

Swift Industries was founded in 2008 as a bicycle bag company in Seattle, Washington. All of our products are designed and manufactured from a beautiful industrial workplace in the heart of Seattle. We love bicycles, chase adventure, and have deep admiration for high-quality craftsmanship. Since day one we’ve strived to make stellar bags and keep it US-MADE. As we’ve grown, everyone at Swift has committed to rethinking the way gear is designed and produced in the United States. Each custom product is made from start to finish by one of our accomplished seamstresses, a company trademark that is nearly extinct in modern manufacturing. To learn more about Swift Industries, visit builtbyswift.com.