Starting a business
Former pilot and flight instructor Mykola Kovalov started his own sewing business, initially producing uniforms for students and instructors at a flight academy. Over time, the company grew, supplying airlines, airports, border guards, businesses, and other organisations.
Outside work, Mykola spent much of his time hiking, mountaineering, cycling, rafting, and skiing. He constantly tested outdoor gear and looked for better solutions. When he could not find the equipment he was looking for, he began designing and making it himself.
His approach was simple: question established solutions, test new ideas, and improve what could be improved. This mindset would later become the foundation of ROCK FRONT.
Making the gear he couldn’t find
ROCK FRONT began with a simple idea: outdoor gear could be lighter, smarter, and more functional without sacrificing comfort or reliability. Mykola started developing equipment for his own trips, testing each idea in real conditions and refining it along the way. What began as personal gear gradually became the foundation of the ROCK FRONT approach — what we now call Smart Ultralight.
Garage solutions and real-world tests
The first products were built like prototypes. Different fabrics, seams, components, and construction methods were tested again and again in real conditions. Early ROCK FRONT evolved through constant field testing and small improvements, guided by a simple rule: if something could work better, we redesigned it.
Made for ourselves first
Years of manufacturing experience — from aviation projects to work supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine — shaped our focus on reliability, quality, and attention to detail. Mykola remains closely involved in product development and continues to personally test new gear in the field, refining its construction and details before it reaches customers.