Expanding Riversmith’s product line into rugged, refined gear.
INTRO
What began as a casual chat while out fishing sparked something bigger. Introduced through mutual friends, WERX initially helped Riversmith with video support—but when they visited our studio and saw our gear prototypes, the conversation quickly evolved: “What if we helped you build a gear bag collection?” That’s how this story began.
GOAL
Riversmith, already a leader in fishing gear transport, wanted to expand into soft goods like performance bags that matched their rugged ethos. The goal? Design a gear collection that carried their signature build quality while opening new brand channels, with form, function, and intentional aesthetic at the core.
PROCESS
We started by exploring Riversmith’s product DNA, field-tested ruggedness, precision engineering, and clean aesthetics, and mapped that onto soft goods functionality. From initial sketches and material sourcing to prototyping bag forms built for life outdoors, we iterated with Riversmith’s hands-on insight. WERX managed every detail—shell fabrics, seam-seal construction, hardware choices—so the resulting designs looked as tough, purposeful, and ready for adventure as their River Quiver legacy products.
RESULTS
The resulting collection launched quietly but landed with impact: early feedback praised the same thoughtful performance Riversmith was known for, now translated into bags. The product felt instantly credible, practical, rugged, and true to their brand. WERX helped Riversmith enter soft goods with momentum, bridging adventurous design and launch-ready precision.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Riversmith is now actively expanding its soft-goods lineup, leveraging the systems, supply chain connections, and craftsmanship vision we helped unlock. With WERX as a trusted partner in their gear evolution, they’re confidently charting new terrain, bag by bag.
Teaming up with Mike and the crew at WERX has been one of the smartest moves we’ve made as a company. When we brought them on as consultants for a product line launch, their expertise helped us double the number of products we were able to release that year. They didn’t just provide design know-how, trend insights, and deep knowledge of fabrics and the supply chain—they became an extension of our business. Their collaborative approach makes them feel like part of the team. If you’re considering them to help bring your vision to life, don’t hesitate. Honestly, you’d be missing out if you didn’t. - Jason Thomas / Riversmith