A Brand You Need to Know | Alpine Sea Co

Nestled away in the Columbia River Gorge between Washington and Oregon, there is a small town called Hood River. You’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d stepped back in time as you stroll the streets of this town, there are no big brand name stores here, rather community focused, independent boutique stores. One of these stores is particularly special for us carry folk. Full of fascinating stories from the past, and grand plans for the future, we checked out Alpine Sea Co.

Who are Alpine Sea Co?

Alpine Sea Co is the brainchild of husband and wife duo Kristin and Robert Morano. These two have a wealth of experience, and a well travelled path amongst some big names in the soft goods world.

Rewind 15 years, Robert and Kristin were both earning a crust in the apparel world. After starting as apparel designers at Rip Curl, Robert and Kristin were drawn to the more functional side of bag design, and when the company asked if anyone wanted to take a shot at bags and accessories, their hands went up.

Experience Galore

As their careers moved on, they found themselves at Vans, Kristin working on the women’s accessory and bag design, and Robert working on the mens. After their time at Vans, the California and Florida natives felt their time in Orange County was coming to an end. So when DaKine was on the lookout for a new bag team, Kristin and Robert upped sticks and found themselves in the Pacific Northwest.

When I asked “why bags?”, both designers lit up. “I’ve always loved bags, I sewed my own in College. I love the design lines and constructions of them, there are more possibilities.” mused Kristin. Robert quickly pointed out that “even in apparel, I was always being drawn to more technical items like jackets and board shorts. The functionality got my attention!”

It was only a matter of time before they wanted to go their own way. In 2020, the opportunity arose when DaKine was sold and moved away from Hood River. It was the beginning of lockdown, and they sat on their porch sipping wine while going through “all permutations. Should one person get a steady job while we start slow? Should we keep taking design consultancy gigs on the side?”  It became apparent to them very quickly that if they were going to do it, they had to be all in.

Home in Hood River

And all in they are. The original plan for Alpine Sea Co was to sell direct-to-consumer through a website, but once they stumbled across the excellent space they now work in at 311 Oak Street, plans changed. They had an idea and decided that a retail model where they sold in person while they made the bags in house was the move. It was the right move.

When you cross the threshold into Alpine Sea Co, it is an inviting, relaxing, and soothing experience. A beautifully curated space that not only speaks to the environment of the Pacific North West, but also the quality of their products, and the strength of the community.

The Alpine Sea store doesn’t just house their own creations, but also local purveyors too. From soaps, to candles, to local brews – the store really has a welcoming family feel to it.

The walls are adorned with large prints of the Pacific North West, a screen that shows stop-motion loadouts of their bags. At the rear half of the store, it’s not unusual to find Robert, Kristin working away on the bags, pockets, and utility kits that are Alpine Sea’s DNA.

If they aren’t being made in the main showroom, they’re being made 30 seconds away, in the upstairs workshop by a small team of two. Kristin and Robert were very keen to make products domestically, with their skill set, rather than sending designs out of house and that level of quality control is immediately obvious when you handle their goods.

Transitional Goods

While the space is welcoming, and thoughtful, it’s what they sell that truly stands out. The products that Alpine Sea Co are a definitive example of Robert and Kristin’s experience in the industry. Clean design, ethically sourced materials, and a wide range of products are designed for a hybrid life from the office to the mountain and everything in between. These products are made for a life well lived, and using such materials as ECOPAK and repurposed competition sails, they are unique, tough, and reliable.

Not only are the products made from great, ethically sourced materials, they are customisable too. You can change the straps and zipper pulls on their sling pockets, and on the everyday backpacks that require them, you can change the sternum straps too. This seemingly small touch maintains a connection between buyer and product. I know I was excited to choose my strap when purchasing a pocket, and you can easily alternate your look/style depending on the mood that day.

When you observe their product catalogue, it is abundantly clear that Alpine Sea Co products are made for a life well lived. They’re not creating one specific product in a million different colourways, rather they have a refined selection of products that’ll help you carry better, wherever you are. From their versatile duffel pack that excels for travel, to their mini pocket which is the perfect size for your nik-naks, there is something for everyone at Alpine Sea Co.

Robert and Kristin are creating something special in Hood River, and it’s not just the bags. Their vision for a brand that is influenced by its environment, its community, and its responsibilities is a refreshing perspective on carry.

I asked them why they chose the tagline: Transitional Goods/Radical Vibes. Their response was grounding “We want to make our products locally and support other people while we do it, so that people can transition through their day or their life with ease.”

We can’t say fairer than that, and we’re right there with you!

Thanks to our friends at Alpine Sea Co for this curated sponsor article.