Make it last.
We pride ourselves on creating products that fit with our motto; Equipment Built for the Road Not Maintained.
From our studio nestled in the foothills of Bolton Mountain we design and test all our products in the bitter weather of North country Winters and on the rigorous terrain of our local trails and Class 4 roads (unmaintained town roads, often decayed, overgrown and eroded).
Given the harsh and rugged conditions, we build all our bags for long-term redundancy and easy repair; this means less zippers, ergonomic shapes, easily replaceable hardware, and interchangeable components. Every fabric, fastener and feature is designed and chosen to create products that not only stand the test of time, but can be remade and rebuilt for years to come. Our products will always be welcomed back into the studio for repairs, just drop us a line and we’ll take care of you.
We try our best to source Made-In-USA components, with a strong preference for those made of aluminum, steel, and polyester; all renown for their durability and resilience to quickly changing environments and the humbling powers of nature, as well as easily recycled when their Lifetime has ended. most of our components are already post-consumer recycled before they even Start their journey!
“Maker of all things, thinker of all thoughts”
HI! My name is Aaron August, I’m the owner/operator of class 4 designs. Everything behind the scenes here at HQ happens with this brain using these hands. and would go no where without the immense support of my Partner Liv and every single one of you!
I’ve been a “professional” in the outdoor industry since I was 16, when I gave my first 3-hour long equipment presentation at the outset of the early 2000’s ultralight hiking explosion, and earned my first wages schlepping ropes and racks into crags and operating a griGri from my crazy creek.
Since then I’ve been “playing work” outside in any way possible from leading multi-week backcountry treks and flat water voyages, to operating extensive demo equipment fleets on snow and dirt, and challenging myself physically on both skis and bikes.
I’ve always been a “gear nerd” and love to obsess over the minute details and idiosyncrasies that define our relation to our equipment, and that deeply impact our experiences in nature. “Operational Efficiency” has always defined my time in the backcountry, and has carried itself into my design ethos, and small-batch and bespoke manufacturing methodology.
I learned my craft out of necessity, hand-mending shoes and other personal equipment in the backcountry, then grew that experience as a Service technician during my tenure at Outdoor Gear Exchange in Burlington, VT. From zipper sliders to tent screens, and ski edges to suspension dampers there isn’t much I haven’t spent time fixing.
After moving into HQ in 2018 and finishing the frame-off rehabilitation, I started making my own personal gear and clothing in our cramped loft. then it was bags for friends, and digging into design. before long I was jumping into class 4 designs fully during the pandemic bike boom and the resulting supply chain issues really kicked us into high-gear.
Outside of the studio you’ll most likely find me telemark skiing on the flanks of the Northern Green Mountains, cruising some flowy local single track with our dogs, exploring Vermont’s Class 4 roads, or tinkering around our various homestead pursuits.
The Studio and HQ
During my time at Paul Smith’s College I acquired a deep appreciation for the “working landscape”, the necessity of a resilient, decentralized local economy and the power they have in shaping our world and influence on it.
Which is why All of our products are designed, cut and assembled in a 500 sq. ft. studio attached to “HQ". Our homestead offers us a safe-haven; resilient to the fluctuations of climate and economy and allows us to keep our prices consistent, our work/life balance enjoyable, and the flexibility to help our community as needed.
Situated on one of Vermonts most stunning gravel loops, we’re an excellent mid-ride destination. We’ve got a host of routes available on our RWGPS account if you’re looking for some inspiration.
We’re planning on re-establishing our retail space here at HQ, and will hopefully have regular drop-in hours available in the future. Until then you’ll be able to find us at a lot more events, regional trade shows, and Local Markets. Check out our events Page for the full rundown!
Please reach out via our contact page to schedule a visit for in-person bag fitting appointments!
