Introducing the Kowide Outdoors Creator Program: Empowering the Next Generation of Gear Designers

Kowide Outdoors is the experienced partner who will guide you every step of the way, from initial idea to finished product.

At Kowide Outdoors, we’ve spent years crafting high-quality backpacks and technical outerwear from the ground up. In that time, we’ve had countless inquiries from ambitious creators—Kickstarter dreamers, indie brands, and solo designers—who are bursting with ideas but don’t know where to begin.

So, we asked ourselves: what if there was a way to help these creators go from idea to reality, with one experienced partner guiding them every step of the way?

That’s how the Kowide Outdoors’ Creator Program was born.

 

What Is the Creator Program?

The Creator Program is a full-service development and production initiative specifically designed for startups, new entrepreneurs, and designers who are new to the backpack or outerwear industry.

Instead of juggling multiple vendors, designers, and suppliers—or getting stuck trying to communicate your ideas to factories that offer little guidance—you’ll work directly with the Kowide team through a structured, supportive process that turns your concept into a finished product.

Photo of a kickstarter hopeful of their initial product idea

 

Who Is It For?

  • Kickstarter creators launching their campaign

  • Small brands looking to develop their backpack or outerwear piece

  • Designers with strong ideas but little technical or manufacturing experience

  • Entrepreneurs who need a hands-on partner to help them get started

We built this program for you, whether you're testing the waters or taking your first leap into the world of outdoor product manufacturing.

 

What’s Included in the Creator Program?

Every Creator Program partnership includes:

  • Construction & Technical Consultation

Material guidance, construction techniques, and design optimization with input from seasoned professionals.

  • R&D & Prototyping

We collaborate to refine your idea into something functional, durable, and production-ready.

  • Sourcing

We'll recommend and procure all the high-performance materials that align with your design goals and budget.

  • Patterning, Cut & Sew

From initial patterns to sewn samples, our in-house team brings your vision to life with precision and at the highest quality.

  • Development Process, Production, and Product Photography

We’ll document the behind-the-scenes process to help you tell your story—and build your brand’s credibility. Our in-house photographer will work with you to provide you with images you otherwise cannot obtain from other factories. (Please note some photography services require an additional fee, but at a fraction of the cost of hiring your own photographer and flying them to the factory.)

  • Dedicated Case Study Page

Each project gets a feature on our website showcasing the collaboration, process, and product, giving you increased exposure and social proof.

 

Optional Add-Ons

For those looking to build a full launch package, we offer:

  • Graphic Design Support (logos, hang tags, print layout)

  • Packaging Design

  • Product Photography Packages (formalized studio shots, lifestyle photography)

  • Raw Video Footage (development process, behind-the-scenes)

These assets are yours to use across crowdfunding campaigns, social media, or your website.

 

Why We Created This Program

We saw a pattern: creators had strong ideas but often struggled with:

  • Finding a factory that offers real feedback, not just production quotes

  • Working with designers who didn’t fully understand backpack construction or technical apparel

  • Communicating ideas clearly without a tech pack or manufacturing background

Too often, this led to frustration, wasted money, and products that didn’t live up to the original vision.

We built the Creator Program to bridge that gap—and to showcase the full breadth of services Kowide Outdoors can offer. In turn, this helps us grow by attracting creative partnerships and expanding our portfolio.

 

What Are the Benefits?

Kowide Outdoors Creator Program provides you with a ton of benefits:

  • No Highly Technical or CAD File Needed: Come to us with a sketch, a sample, or just an idea—we’ll help fill in the gaps.

  • Lower MOQs: Creator Program clients benefit from a lower-than-standard minimum order quantity, as long as the product carries our “Made in Vietnam by Kowide” QR code.

  • Transparency & Visibility: Our case study pages help share your journey and provide proof of quality to your audience.

  • Strategic Guidance: With our experience, we help you avoid common pitfalls, speeding up your time to market.

Frequently asked question banner

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where will the case study blog be hosted?

Your case study will live on the Kowide Outdoors website, under our Creator Program portfolio. You are free to link to it from your own site, emails, or social media.

  • Can we repost the blog on our own site?

Absolutely! We ask that you credit Kowide Outdoors and link back to the original post for SEO purposes.

  • Who owns the photography and video content?

We share image rights with you. You can use any photography or raw video content created through your package for marketing, Kickstarter campaigns, and brand materials.

  • Will we get a QR code?

Yes. All Creator Program products must include our custom “Made in Vietnam by Kowide” QR code label—this also unlocks the benefit of a reduced MOQ.

  • Can I start without a final design or tech pack?

Yes! We work with creators at all stages—even those who are just starting with a napkin sketch or mood board.

  • How Much Does It Cost?

Pricing varies depending on complexity, services selected, and add-ons. However, we designed the Creator Program to be accessible to startups, with transparent costs and no hidden fees.

Photo of a worker in the sample room of Kowide Outdoors factory sewing a kickstarter prototype

 

Ready to Build Your Dream?

If you’ve been waiting for the right partner to help bring your backpack or outerwear idea to life—this is it. The Kowide Creator Program combines expert guidance, manufacturing experience, and storytelling assets to support you from concept to launch.

Let’s build something great—together.

 

Inquire now or learn more at Kowide Outdoors Creator Program

Next
Next

ANGLERS CADDY - The Ultimate Fishing Companion