There were so many amazing collaborations being showcased at the Philly Bike Expo this last weekend, it was hard for me to focus my efforts. But one struck a chord and was also debuting at the PBE.
The limited edition collaboration between Swift Industries and the legendary, alt-cycling mecca, Blue Lug bike shop out of Japan. The collection also incorporates some joy-inspiring art from Japanese artist, Okataoka
According to the Swift Industries website, “every Fall, Swift releases a special, limited edition Holiday Collection of bags and accessories to celebrate cooler temps and autumn vibes.”
Let’s take a look at this year’s collection.
Caldera Collection Catalyst Pack
The Catalyst Pack is a mid-capacity bike bag. You can attach this bag to the handlebars or to your saddle, it’s designed for either. If you don’t have a lot of clearance and you run narrow handlebars, this bag is said to be a good option for such cases. It looks great for any of your two-wheeled adventures, long days on gravel, road or dirt touring, bikepacking, or commuting… on skinny or fat tires it seems ready for the party.
The Catalyst Pack has a capacity of 6 liters and retails for $195.
Caldera Collection Bandito Bicycle Bag
The Caldera Bandito Bicycle Bag appears to be the right size to carry some of your essentials, like layers, handkerchiefs, tools, or a couple of PB&Js. It can also be used on just about any steed in your stable. The pictures above show it only being used as a worthy saddle bag. But, it is said to be “at home” as a handlebar bag as well.
The Caldera Bandito Bicycle Bag has a capacity of 3 liters and retails for $115.
Caldera Collection Sidekick Stem Pouch
The Caldera Collection Sidekick Stem Pouch is full of utility and looks like the perfect day-ride bag. The Sidekick can keep your water bottle, snacks, phone, camera, or anything else that you need handy and within reach. The Sidekick comes with two mounting systems. It can mount to your handlebars with three included velcro straps, or can piggyback to Swifts’ Kestral Handlebar Bag, Area Pack, Anchor Hip Pack, or the Merlin Randonneur Bag with Molle snap straps
You can even hitch a couple of the Sidekicks up to the side of your Wald basket (shown) to take it to the next level. The Caldera Collection Sidekick Stem Pouch retails for $70.
Caldera Collection Reflector
The Caldera Collection Reflector embodies form & function. It is both aesthetically pleasing (with the joyful art of Okataoka) and a great piece of safety gear. It can be hung with pride from any part of your bike, letting drivers know where you are and that you give a hoot about both safety and style.
The Caldera Collection Reflector retails for $22
Caldera Collection Tenugui
The Caldera Collection Tengugui again strikes that perfect balance of both form & function. It can be used as a hankie, bandana, or towel for your camp kitchen, and the kitchen at home. It’s also handsome enough to hang on your wall, after all, it does feature art from the Japanese artist Okatoaka.
The Caldera Collection Tengugui retails for $16
Caldera Collection Dry Sack
The Caldera Collection Dry Sack is a great way to keep your goodies dry. Again, blending good looks with usefulness, the Dry Sack is ultra-lightweight and the roll top can be packed to the hilt and stored in or out of an existing bike bag. Not being tied to just being used on the bike, it can quickly become an essential piece of your outdoor kit.
The Caldera Dry Sack is fully waterproof with fully taped seams. I didn’t see the liter capacity on the website, but the measurements are 40cm x 26cm. It comes in colors Coyote Brown or Algae Green (shown).
The Dry Sack retails for $25
Caldera Collection Long Sleeve Tee
The Caldera Collectio Long Sleeve Tee is ready for cooler temperatures. Again, brandishing the wonderful and whimsical art of Okataoka, this tee looks like a one-of-a-kind garment for your closet collection.
The Calders Collection Long Sleeve Tee comes in sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large. It retails for $40.
See more of what Swift Industries has to offer plus check out all of the bike goodness of Blue Lug by hitting the links below.
