Well here's to another British import with a lot of style, the Craghoppers World Travel Clothing company showed three major collections (Heritage, Active+Classic Outdoor, and Bear Grylls by Craghoppers) at the most recent OR tradeshow...with all featuring well made outerwear/apparel/gear that is famously weather tough and durable.
Highlights:
BroadShaw Jacket-synthetic insulation, lots of pockets-with Craghoppers proprietary AquaDry Membrane waterproof technology for protection
We started off with some English country inspired outwear jackets from the Heritage collection...that are made for warmth and dampness.
Mayman Parka-has a handsome herringbone tweed atop high-loft Sherpa fleece lining, removable faux fur trim hood + Craghoppers proprietary AquaDry Membrane waterproof technology for protection
winter safari style-w/ storm flap snap closure over full-length zip
layer friendly-insulating vest (Gillet) w/ hand warming side pockets big enough for maps, w/ AquaDry technology repels wet weather
Koji Jacket -ergonomic body mapping and 2 way stretch w/ AquaDry membrane waterproof technology, 5 pockets, brushed inner collar, zip-off hood+Hot Pockets for hand warmth
Versatile stretch is a big deal in performance wear-with Gore-Tex® and ClimaPlus-Craghoppers own insulation keeper wearers warm, dry and comfy in a slim profile-that's fashion-y, not bulky---and therefore a lot easier to travel with and clean.
Housley Jacket-flannel look fabric, faux fur trim hood, Hot Pockets for warmth, AquaDry Membrane waterproof technology
nice quilted pattern-long length
The Active and Classics line has versatile soft shells/jackets and mid-layers that are 3 seasons wearable.
HallMoor Parka in black
how smart is this-faux shearling lined-plaid wool flannel...
Bear Gyrlls has quite the following with a television show capturing a worldwide audience (Man Vs Wild), best selling author-and millions of Facebook/Twitter followers.
Bear Expedition Gore-Tex® Jacket-grey/black
So ---with that in mind-it is no surprise that his apparel and gear collection would get some buzz at the show. Impressive yup-but so are the price points...fairly inexpensive for clothing and outdoor gear!
Bear Artic Down Jacket-on sale now-insulated down puffer-slightly extended hem, windproof ripstop, inner stormcuff+thumbholes, active fit, grown-on hood w/ toggle adjusters to front&back, 1 chest, 2 lower and 1 inner pocket, rubber moulded cuff tabs+storm seal, full length zip w/inner storm flap
Bear Polar Jacket-on sale now...hardcore-serious warmth, ribbed cuffs-thumbholes for secure fit, abrasion patches, high brushed chin guard, self fabric collar+zip-off hood both insulated resists wind chills, weather tough/waterproof via AquaDry +900 down fill insulation-longer length, single handed adjustment to all cord pullers double stormflap over full length zip, elasticized snow skirt, velcro adjusters, 3 zipped chest pockets, 1 zipped pocket big enough for O/S map, LIFETIME GUARANTEE
zipper pockets well placed keep water out too
thumbholes
no cold spots-
Fleece-insulating fluff with practical stretchy side panels
Branded gear includes hydration+backpacks, sleeping bags, tents (pictured-the EasyUp patented hub design for Rapid Series tent for four people in included bag $189), dry sacs, duffles, camp pillow, sleeping pad, hammocks, utensils.
Bicycling high tech gear and gizmos gets all the buzz but the fastest growing segment of the self-propelled two wheel world is the urban market and its riders have very different needs.
From across the Pond, Brooks England is one of those 'heritage' brand that makes retro-styled saddles, cycle bags and parts...that are just right for today's bicyclists wanting serious high style on their rides.
Saddles-comfort and timeless design ---sturdy leather-includes more streamlined racing kind of saddles, one of kind, and limited editions. Adjustable side features, chrome plated steel and über lightweight titanium rails. Made in England selections and already sold out, logo embossed, saddles designed for Brooks sponsored teams/events.
For Fall/Winter 2013 the Brooks England collections includes the new plush leather Cult Bag group joining a complete bunch of durable haulers-totes, shoulder bags, rucksacks/panniers ---that easily transcend off the bike ---looks-wise. Really well done---and worth the price typically low to mid-hundreds($) for the bags.
Islington Rucksack-Made in Italy -adjustable straps, water resistant cotton fabric+vegetable tanned leather available now
Made in England Barbican Hard Leather Shoulder Bag vegetable tanned leather w/ adjustable shoulder strap available now
Pickwick Cult- soft plush leather, sturdy straps carry like a backpack or by the grab handle
Picadilly Knapsack
Hampstead Holdall
Barbican
Stockholm based Bookman lights are so lightweight-even we train with two attached on our tri bike upon which each ounce counts.
Slim and portable- minimalist masters-white and red LED lights encased in colorful water resistant plastic-easy to attach with elastic pulls.
PEdAL ED is a "daily cycling lifestyle" collection of meticulously made garments that are composed of repurposed materials sourced from the military and vintage cycling separates-as well as natural materials --- hemp, linen, and organic cotton, and performance textiles like reflective stretch denim.
Born Again Collection-Re Vest Reversible-made of repurposed military sleeping bag and stretcher materials-with double entry rear back pocket, easy entry front side pockets, YKK zipper, reflective pops
We wrote about this line last year-the brainchild of Japanese fashion designer, Hideto Suzuki---who is dedicated to fashioning comfortable and technically performing (ventilating, moisture wicking, weather-tough)-men's jackets, tops and bottoms for wear on and off the bike.
So smart-we see Big Shot custom made, have it your way single speed and fixed gear bicycles appealing to the matchy match crowd---with color options galore---
Of the moment- we saw and were reminded of the time we attended Berlin Fashion Week where hundreds rode the same sturdy black bikes to the shows---in high heels no less.
Now more urban chic options are available for the ultimate custom ride...for less than $500-a price we note is the typically coinage required for an accessible' high-end luxury handbag.
Idiot proof ordering system too, commuter road/race bikes and BMX styles -selected by YOU---come 80% assembled with the minimal shipping fee of $34.95. FYI: different size frames (l, M, S) to fit all...
BOA® Closure Systems are dial-on custom, glove-like fits' system like no other- that once experienced, it is VERY hard to embrace back the traditional laces/velcro/buckle paradigm of footwear enclosures...
In the cycling world of kicks-major brands such as Specialized, Scott, Lake, Louis Garneau and Diadora-have models with the dial for easy on off/custom comfort...micro adjustments that eliminate the hot spots and equalized pressure for a uniform feel.
Specialized-lightweight, one handed on the fly adjustments that stay put---triathlons, road, and MTB shoes with BOA® Closures available.
Polartec® is one of the giants of innovative textiles-with breakthrough technology-often military driven---trickling down tot he consumer markets---delivering warmth/comfort/protection against the elements---with fab, next of skin feel and versatile properties that allow for blending with other fabrics- and draping for ideal fits.
Recently, we saw a very smart, very VERY small collection of urban bike rider clothes from Chicago based NONETHELESS clothing line of "highly functional" men's clothing. Bonus points-too-eco- driven MO- using sustainable fabrics, cradle-to-cradle products-something we see in the performance wear market but not too much in the fashion world.
"Purpose-driven"---we love how slim cut these Polartec® NeoShell Heavy Duty Jeans are-waterproof/ breathable-with four way stretch---in a handsome trouser silhouette---featuring more room in the thigh -5 pockets, gusseted crotch for ease of movement (something we see in Hiker/Climber pants), non-slip waistband...all well done.
