Co-creating for trademark design.

USWE | Design For Brands

Since 2019, we’ve collaborated with action backpack brand USWE. We started by using design to ensure their USP stood out on the trails, and since that first strategic partnership, we’ve expanded into designing multiple apparel collections and, most recently, a launch video for their bikepacking range.

SERVICES Brand Strategy
Product Consulting
Apparel Design
Product Experience Design
Engineering & Prototyping

Strategic collection planning.

Based on ongoing, eye-level touchpoints with USWE.

+50 total products created.

Backpacks to changing robes. Custom patches to moto jerseys.

Translating into exciting new sectors.

Exploring multiple adrenaline-fueled avenues.

Action-sport brand USWE came with a strong USP.

Nothing ruins a solid offroad session like a bouncy backpack. But USWE solved the problem with their patented and award-winning NDM harness. Short for “No Dancing Monkey”, the technology uses an elastic four-point strap to create a snug fit without affecting comfort or movement. Perfect for no-limits rides and runs, NDM is a core factor of USWE’s USP.

Our challenge; to make the NDM stand out.

Support at eye-level.

USWE came to KISKA with big plans: new products, portfolio shakeup, and market expansion beyond pro athletes. Knowing the client was up for a challenge, we kick-started things with some real talk. First, we agreed that the NDM had to stand out, so with the FLOW 16 Protector and RAW 3 Hydration backpacks, we highlighted their innovation by making the NDM feature more visible through design. The result: a buckle in transparent housing – prominently showcasing the innovation– seamlessly integrated into the X-shaped NDM harness. The USWE USP is now instantly recognisable on the trail.

Discover more about these two products here.

Hands-on product development.

A main challenge for USWE was uniting all their products under one recognisable design language. By having a signature aesthetic, brands can connect closer to their users and boost visibility in the market. Our teams united to define the USWE corporate colours through a colour forecast and our designers created an aligned overall design language. With this research, we created a pro athletes’ package; with gear backpack, changing robe, and trolley. Plus, a whole host of other backpacks.

What came next? Diversification.

Like us, USWE is made up of sports enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. So, it was only natural for them to hunger for a wider portfolio with products which explore adjacent sports. We hosted a kick-off workshop for USWE, where our experts mapped out the best product fit per segment. With a new apparel focus, we helped USWE examine their options. Which segments fit the brand? What collections make sense?

Get into the headspace of our creatives. This is how we work.

Portfolio shake-up.

Powered by our support, USWE has entered the ski touring, trail running, and gravel biking segments. Each sport is united under one design language and the NDM technology. Along the way, we’ve expanded USWE further into apparel and functional accessories, like men and women’s clothing collections and luggage. But every product, every collection, is firmly rooted in efficiency and practicality.

Expanding into communication.

Our latest project, as of 2024, was a product launch video for USWE’s new bikepacking bag and gravel clothing collections. Our communication experts played off USWE’s ‘anything but mainstream’ attitude to create “IT’S A CRUSH”; a humorous video, with vintage-style story cues and a fun twist ending. Location scouting, sound design, colour grading, video editing, storyboarding – all was handled to maximise USWE’s impact.

Our conclusion? An eye-level partnership is the most powerful and, more importantly, the most rewarding.


Check out more of our work.

Sharp thinking. Bold execution. KISKA generates brand experiences with business value. From strategic consulting to hands-on execution of your vision. See the results for yourself.