A fireside chat with Cascada
We recently sat down with Carlo Bonetti, co-founder of Cascada, to talk about the inspiration for the outdoor brand and what the bikepacking scene is like in northern italy.
MK: Where did the idea for Cascada come from?
Cascada wants to be primarily a source of inspiration. We created this brand in 2018 to give life to a project that can encourage people to live their adventures in close contact with nature, looking for something unknown even behind home without necessarily going to the end of the world halfway across the world, to get out of their own comfort zone to rediscover those sensations that we have too often forgotten.
We design and create versatile products that can have multiple uses, combining the outdoor life and the adventure with the bike and run in a more essential and emotional vision. Living and sharing an experience in nature can create indissoluble bonds.
MK: Where do you get your inspiration from for your graphics?
We take inspiration from everything that surrounds us, therefore from what the environment and nature offer us every day, from mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, flora and fauna. Each element, colour and shape can give us ideas and new inputs to transform into products.
MK: What’s your favourite item from Cascada?
Our Base Layers made from merino wool and polyester are at the moment the most appreciated product and so far it has given us lots of satisfaction. Suitable in all sports, are the first most versatile layer for outdoor adventures in the three seasons. The search for new fabrics and the combination of different materials has allowed us to create products that created curiosity and interest in our customers.
MK: What are some of your favourite local places to escape off-road by bike in Italy?
Everywhere here around in the northern area of Lake Garda, we are lucky to live in an area that ranges from lakes, woods and mountains. A few km far from the famous Dolomites, so in terms of off-road we cannot complain.
MK: Can you give a few snapshots of what the bikepacking/gravel scene is like in Italy?
The scene in Italy is growing, in recent years there has been an increase in bikepacking and gravel events that helped to make this world known. Every single event has its particularity linked to the territory, from north to south the scenarios change and you can surely find the one that's right for you, just think of the Tuscan hills and its dirt roads or the trails in the Dolomites.
MK: Tell us a bit about your gravel/bikepacking messkit and set-up. What’s your favourite piece of kit?
During our bike explorations we carry a lightweight and practical kit for cooking lunch, most of the time we opt for a cooking set comprising of a gas stove, pan and pots set, titanium cutlery with the essential Opinel knife, a stainless steel hip flask to carry the local fuel tipple: Grappa. Sometimes even a titanium wood stove together with the classic Italian Moka and the mug where we can enjoy hot coffee.
MK: Obviously, Italy has a huge food culture. How does that carry over into your backcountry cooking and recipes?
Clearly everything must be done with the right method, so even the basecamp cookware. The sauté should certainly not miss if you cook a good pasta, or spices to season meat and beans. Having just a great food culture also affects our adventures.
MK: Do you have a favourite go-to recipe for bikepacking?
Beans with rice, simple and quick but a right mix to refuel after a day on the saddle.
MK: Where’s your next trip heading?
We are going to explore a new area on the border with our region, climbing towards a pass from its wilder side, trying to discover new paths to explore by bike. We will then find a bivouac as a shelter for the night, with a view overlooking the entire valley.
MK: Any last things you want to add?
Thank you Trevor for your interested in Cascada and for letting us explain the concept and the philosophy behind our brand.
We've just launch LAND, an outdoor shirt made in Italy from wool/polyester blend fabric. Whether it's exploring new roads on your bike, hiking on mountain trails or wearing it to warm up on post run, the Land Wool Shirt will bring you on any adventure you want to take.
