Rubber Side Down – Homegrown Innovation

By John Hardwick | 7th April 2022 |

Loading

Offering innovative solutions and MTB styling, Rubber Side Down is a relatively new player in the Aussie apparel market.
Offering innovative solutions and MTB styling, Rubber Side Down is a relatively new player in the Aussie apparel market. Photo: Supplied

~ Sponsored Content ~

Established just 12 months ago, Rubber Side Down is a premium MTB apparel brand based in Adelaide. Their mission statement is to bring innovation to the market in locally manufactured clothing, and their new Cargo Base Layer serves as a great example of this.

With three large pockets at the back, it allows mountain bikers to carry extra cargo without needing to wear a hot and sweaty backpack.

There’s enough room for bulky smartphones, ride snacks, tools and spare tubes, and it can be paired with your choice of jersey or even a plain and simple t-shirt if that’s your preference.

It’s the first Australian-made base layer cargo top and the design offers a number of advantages over competing products.

Bib-shorts with built-in pockets are not uncommon but a base layer top is far easier to wash and dry, so it can be ready to use again the next day if needed.

Wear it under a jersey or a plain old t-shirt, the Cargo Base Layer provides storage for phones, food or spares.
Wear it under a jersey or a plain old t-shirt, the Cargo Base Layer provides storage for phones, food or spares. Photo: Supplied

With a retail price of $80, it’s also far more affordable than a cargo bib-short.

It may appear to be a straightforward product but this one item went through multiple renditions during its prototype phase, refining everything from the fabric to the stitching and the fit.

A lot of testing and development went into Cargo Base Layer, which can be seen in the smaller details; like the flatlock seams and reinforced dots on the pocket stitching.
A lot of testing and development went into Cargo Base Layer, which can be seen in the smaller details; like the flatlock seams and reinforced dots on the pocket stitching. Photo: Supplied

The Cargo Base Layer is made from a super-thin, moisture wicking Italian recycled polyester that was chosen for its combination of softness and support. It offers enough stretch to provide a good fit and freedom of movement while delivering support to ensure the pockets don’t sag or move around when fully loaded.

Flatlock stitching is used for comfort and there’s even special reinforcing dots on the seam junctions for added integrity—the level of design detail is quite impressive.

Made from a soft but supportive Italian recycled polyester, the Cargo Base Layer is cool and breathable alternative to riding with a backpack.
Made from a soft but supportive Italian recycled polyester, the Cargo Base Layer is cool and breathable alternative to riding with a backpack. Photo: Supplied

Rubber Side Down offers their Cargo Base Layer in both ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ versions. While they share the same features and materials, the fit is gender-specific and tailored to suit.

To complement the Cargo Base Layer, Rubber Side Down has a growing line-up of jerseys, t-shirts and other apparel, all featuring contemporary MTB styling.

While they do sell online, Rubber Side Down also offers a wholesale price structure that allows dealers to make good margins.

And being an Australian manufacturer, you won’t face extended lead times or need to forward order months (or years) in advance to obtain stock.

Check out the Cargo Base Layer and their range of MTB apparel at www.rubbersidedown.com.au and navigate to the ‘become a stockist’ menu option to apply to become a dealer.

Tagged , , ,

Leave a Comment