Designing for adventure riders presents many unique challenges. This sport is incredibly punishing on gear. The equipment stays outside for extended periods of time in the sun, rain, and snow, and is constantly pelted by flying rocks and debris. Our bags have to be user-friendly, but tough as nails; waterproof, but easy to access; durable, but light. They have to stay attached to the bike in a crash, but quick-release back at the campsite.
Consistent with the concept of ‘dual-sport,’ nearly everything we make serves multiple purposes. Rear duffles convert into hike-out packs, connection straps become emergency tie-downs, and our tank bag doubles as a hydration pack. Riders can customize their bags with MOLLE, adding storage for tools, tubes, and fluids. Space is always at a premium, and every rider packs differently, so modularity and adaptability are always at the forefront of my mind.
One of the benefits of selling direct is that we never have to compromise on materials or construction. As a designer, I love the freedom this affords. At the large outdoor companies I designed for in the past, we spent hours arguing over the price of a single buckle or zipper. At Mosko, because we don’t hand over half the selling price to a retailer, designing is a lot more fun. We never have to cut corners.
Asking the community
When we identify a product need – either something missing or something we can improve upon – our first stop is the Mosko advrider.com thread. Here we collect feedback from hundreds of riders around the world. Nearly every feature that appears on our bags has been extensively debated online before we try it. We look for ideas and trends with broad consensus, and these are the ones we focus on.
Next, with so many ideas circulating the riding community, we start the internal brainstorming process. This is the fun part. We stand around the shop with masking tape and paper, google everything that comes into our heads. We sketch and cut a variety of different shapes and stick them to our bikes to see what fits. It’s awesome.
Armed with this input, I begin prototyping. I start with a simple, single-layer bag to evaluate overall scale and fit. Then we make and progressively test more complicated versions until the design is done. After that, we make another 2-3 prototypes at the factory before we’re ready for production. Prototyping takes at least a year, and sometimes longer.
When we first introduce a new bag, we closely monitor its performance through our own use, customer feedback, and warranty claims. This data gets rolled into a redesign, which usually takes an additional 12-18 months. Our bags come with a lifetime warranty, so when we ship a bag out we hope to never see it again, except on the trail, covered in dust!
This sport is changing fast. The bikes and gear are getting better, international borders are opening up, and new BDR routes are being scouted here in the US every year. It’s an exciting time to be involved. Sales pay the bills, but happy customers get us stoked.
Our goal is to make the best piece of gear you’ve ever used. If we don’t, then we expect to hear from you.
Andrew Bryden
Head of Design
Share your ideas with us online, and help us make the bag you need for your next trip.
Find us on advrider.com in the 'Vendors' forum.