My most recent sleeping bag purchase was for a thin and inexpensive bag (the two often going hand in hand) bought early in college, and I have rarely paid them much thought since. Enter ALITE Designs, a new SF-based camping goods company whose neon backpacks and tents have me eagerly planning for this summer’s Wanderlust. Founded by former North Face design director Tae Kim, the Potrero Hill-based company will be releasing their Spring 2010 line this Friday at a party with Kelly Malone’s Indie Mart.
After creating products for elite athletes and Everest climbers, Kim said he became more passionate about getting everyday individuals outside with friends (and their dogs). “With so many places to be outside in San Francisco, like Golden Gate Park, Dolores Park, Fort Funston and Stern Grove,” Kim said, “it was easy for me to convince my friends to leave their boring jobs and start Alite Designs.”
The resulting offerings include Japanese-style fisherman’s packs and magenta and red Sexy Hotness sleeping ba
gs that can be zipped together (for pals, not those nights after outdoor festivals, por favor). I’m a fan of the prices and the color palette, which feel like a rendezvous between Rainbow Brite and classic L.L.Bean.
(Also, two points to ALITE for using the customer feedback solicitation tools from Get Satisfaction–a good partner for getting started on the eve of the social CRM company’s unveiling of the Facebook Social Engagement Hub.)
