Acromoda: E.C. Native’s New Brand Adds Style to Your Hikes and Hobbies
Josh Wood is returning to his roots with hiking accessories customized for you
Eau Claire native Josh Wood is diving head-first into the beginnings of his brand, Acromoda. “Acro” translates to high and “Moda” to fashion in Greek for a witty call to inspirational design for the brand.
Made with the passions of an avid backpacker looking to bring functional and stylish backpacks and fanny packs into his outdoor adventures, he designs and sews each one from scratch on a sewing machine in his (high-tech and state of the art) dorm in Platteville.
“Right now, there isn’t a lot of opportunities for customizing the look of your bag,” Josh explained. Aiming to bring more fun to the everyday – or professional – hike, his backpack design for sale is only one of the endless customization possibilities. Acromoda’s fanny pack, called the “Curdsack,” is also versatile option for anyone. “I’ve only made a single print that’s available, but people can send in their own images and I can print them on the bag.”
The backpacks offer more volume and properly thought-out designs inspired from his own background hiking the Appalachian Trail – and then some.
“The front pocket has pleats at the bottom, I used a durable mesh so it doesn’t stretch, and I have little darts (to give it more volume),” he said. “(My design also features) a cinch cord on top to make it super tight, so you don’t have to worry about things falling out.”
There’s also a pocket on the left side fit for a tent, plus another pocket on the right side for a water bottle.
Hoping to grow more after graduating with a Software Engineering degree from UW-Platteville this May, Wood looks to future projects that will make Acromoda the perfectly-tailored experience every outdoorsy-one deserves. “I’d like to collaborate with artists (for exclusive designs),” he said.
But Josh doesn’t plan on stopping at wearable accessories; he’s already ideating the future ventures of Acromoda. “I want to have a web app that lets customers customize what their print looks like in the browser. … I want to allow people, while they hike, to (track and) make maps of locations that might be meaningful to them.”
Connecting with nature when you’re out in the open is easy, but it’s so much more enjoyable when you can connect with and use your own gear, too.
Learn more about Josh Wood, his brand, and his products at acromoda.com.