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GREY Is The 'New' Black Color Trends Trends Outdoor Retailer S/S 2015


 SLC/OR

Part 5

AVEX one handed patented Auto-Seal® lid- Highland Travel Mug in matte -spill and leak proof vacuum insulated hydration bottle…keeping liquids 5 hours hot/14 hours cold for 16oz, 20oz-7-hot, 20-cold. BPA free-rugged base grip, fits car and exercise equipment holders, top rack dishwasher safe

We're not cognizant of the Pantone color of Spring 2015-but grey (gray) in all its glory was a dominant tone for outdoor wear/gear  …and is the seasonal answer to winter's dominant shade=black.

ZEAL Optics-Polarized Ace sunglasses $169.99  go grey and eco green made of a unique 100% USA grown cotton biodegradable frame and crystal clear lenses-ellum-petroleum free-but UVA, B, C blocking -glare free vision




Jonathan Paul Fit Over sunglasses are made to wear over prescription glasses-of lightweight Crystal Nylon™ frame and glare free Polarvue® lenses.
HOBIE-sunglasses are acclaimed for their unique polarized lenses and delivering crisp clear images-at great prices. The Sea Crystal Series-part of the Motion collection $89.99 -4 styles capture the spirit of the waves. What else we love-how the frame tips don't strangle our skull.

sleek looking-MIO personal fitness heart rate monitors and sport watches -get rid  of the uncomfortable strap…pictured, the Link $99 Heart Rate Band ANT+BlueTooth® Smart and bigger face Alpha  BlueTooth Smart (4.0) $199



STARBOARD Travel Bag with distinctive Aztec logo orange pop warning color for transport-with air vent +zippered fin slots, generous lengths, extra durable , middle+side compression straps , 10mm thick foam padding, heat reflecting bottom, non-corrosive rust free bag zipper, shoulder strap…sizes 12'6" to 17"6"

HELLY HANSEN's packable duffles come in sizes 30L, 60L, and 90L -in orange too.



Another post will detail the impressive new Technical Backpacks from THULE---but fyi-has 270 configurations via a TransHub Suspension System -adjusts loads, adjusts to torso lengths-and MicroAdjust Suspension system for the perfect fit. Pictured Guidepost Series with removable lid=24L backpack, pivoting hip belt, QuickFit shoulder yoke-made of 210D Cordura® nylon+315D Cordura® nylon-men's sizes 88L, 75L, 65L and women's sizes 75L and 65L ($329.95-$399.95)

So distinctive looking-quality and finish does't get better-available now=GYMANO bag -dark grey brushed wax for durability-made in Ethiopia using HAFDE-Ethiopian  leather- from the World's first Fair Trade Certified footwear manufacturer OLIBERTÉ. FYI-like it better buy it…limited number are available. $300
STM Bags is Australian based collection of smartly designed carry-alls for everyday needs. Messenger bags, laptop protected sleeves-inside, organizational pockets, quick cam adjustable shoulder straps, magnetic closures=handsome haulers for gear and personal electronics. Swift$50-$60, t Quantum  $100, and Bottom right Impulse $100
Cobalt blue pop-accents grey padded laptop sleeve, rear slit pocket, cross body or adjustable shoulder strap, plenty of pockets organized your life
DAKINE retro style TREK 26L with printed straps-leather accents-with tough poly ripstop bottom, PU suede body with added laptop sleeve, side access, inner mesh pocket, adjustable sternum strap. $65 ships Jan 2015 Nice!


From Bergans of Norway ---a trip out of the backcountry -into the work world with the handsome new Switch, a convertible messenger bag-day pack made of tough 840d Ballistic nylon-and durable cotton/poly mix (or leather)….and YKK zippers.
inside pockets, compartments, and laptop sleeve in orange -color used a lot as accent -with grey.

top grab handle




OGIO-makers of our golf bag has a slew of Motocross+Powersports bags. Pictured above-ALL ELEMENTS $125 completely waterproof welled roll top construction hauler  ideal for city commuters-360º reflective screen print, off center removable hip belt will not scotch gas tanks, strap containment system for secure hauling, quick access front zip stash pocket (all backpacks should have), airflow back panel, 2 way adjustable sternum strap, dual density shoulder straps for comfort, removable hi-vis liner, laptop sleeve-15", tablet sleeve, organization panel w/ 2 zip pockets (removable). 
Throttle Collection-OGIO's hiking to urban hauler-top loading design w/ padded compartment and main compartment holds helmet as well as a tablet. Straps/side pockets for gear.



FJÄLLRÄVEN----Numbers Collection Jacket No. 68-women's practical and stylish! Durable four seams outwear with adjustable hood with a visor back that can be angled and zipped away for a high collar, multiple outer and inner pockets with zip+snap closure, 2 way center zipper with protective snap close storm flap, extra fabric in armpits so can lift your arms without lifting up the jacket, bellow pleat at back for extra mobility, buttoned sleeve cuffs, made from wind rests ant G-1000® ECO -a durable recycled poly/organic cotton blend with G-1000® Heavy Duty (taxable) shoulders, sleeves, pockets in high abrasion areas. Vegetable tanned leather details.


NAU's fabulous TECH-NIQUE TANK DRESS (and skirt, below)=performance material of recycled poly and polyester stretch woven fabrics-provides style AND weather protection. Draping is flattering and asymmetrical hem , reflective accents and active agents including offset zippers allows for movement -effortlessly. In Cape-$160

Tech-Nique skirt $90 in Caviar



Riding Jacket by Nau ($235) has reflective tape pops under the collar when flipped upward, along with a center back hem vent that snaps open to reveal reflective tape and allows for ergonomic bicycle riding pose…made of quick drying recycled poly+polyester stretch wooden fabrics.

NAU  SUCCINCT TRENCH in Caviar $275 "on bike" design has reflective pops, weatherproof herringbone weave+heathered yarn -urban menswear look.


REI-surprise-stylish rain wind tough HUNTINGTON Trench with 2 way center zip -storm flap-  with snap shoulder epaulets that convert to a weather protecting high collar lined with tricot/zip off hood-w/ adjustable bungee cordlock-  and have hidden zip pocket underneath that rifle shoulder. Neat. 2 hand warmer pockets, internal zippered chest pocket, seam sealed, windproof+DWR finish. Whole lotta style $159
hidden zip pocket

Adidas nailed it when it came to on trend colors…include this featherweight moisture wicking -cool-top made of 37.5 activated charcoal-ultimate evaporative cooling. DryDye -no water used in dying process, UPF+25-100% Polyester Mock Eyelet
Under Armour revs up its female collection-using SCHOELLER Textiles coldblack® sun Reflector that reduces heat build-up + has reliable UV rays' protection SPF 30+ 


Gore Running had colorful prints-as well as solids. Smart-all the pieces in Air Lady collection mix/match-including this Air lady skirt with ¾ tights. With zip pocket on back, mesh insert in back for optimum ventilation, reflective pops. Tights have a concealed front zip pocket+non-chafing flatlock seams, mesh inserts, reflective pops. Moisture wicking-slim fit. Featherweight too…runners will actually want to wear this for casual outings as well as a workout.


L.L. Bean ---love this COZY PULLOVER $54 super soft, moisture wicking oversized cowl has adjustable collar-kangeroo pocket, sleep in it hand feel that goes outside and in. Cuffs, thumbholes are knit---machine wash+dry.


Great debut by Olympic Gold Medal winner Kristi Yamaguschi's TSU-YA collection…bummed we missed meeting this accomplished athlete. The Whitney Wrap Jacket of cozy French Terry has collar buttons at inside/outside shoulders to close for a polished wind proofness, extended cuffs with thumb holes, side seam pockets. Really well done.
FISHPOND-VOORMI we wrote about the later Colorado based company that uses USA sourced merino wool and whips up ideal blend for performance Wool.Untethered™ . In cahoots with Fishpond-a collection to functional sweater tops…that is a win win. Pictured Women's High-E Hoodie $229.95 thermal performance piece with water repellant outer surface. Made in the USA.
Wolverine Outdoors Lightweight Work boot goes hiking-Growler $120
MERIT Boot to wear with dresses, denim, trousers, skirts-another terrific Samantha Pleet -Wolverine's collaboration -1000 Mile Collection -high end full grain  leather upper , leather footbed+lining, stacked wooden heel, rubber outsole, cement construction $275

Sanuk-men's Cassius $70 waxed twill, ⅝ lace up with cutom print soft canvas lining, removable dual density premium EVA footbed -AEGIS anti-microbial additive with molded arch support, Vulcanized construction, Happy U outolse
SANUK embraces vulcanized construction with new shoes (that's right-not sandals!!!).
Sanuk Katlash-sleek pointy toe easy on bootie-like made of woven textile upper- like with soft canvas lining, removable dual density premium EVA footbed featuring AEGIS antimicrobial additive with molded arch support and Happy U rubber outsole. $75 Love these.

OTBT Gresham $184  boots with lug treads that are rugged underneath polished leather upper, knit wool cuffs, nice metal accents…on user friendly block heel. Nice mix city/casual


Oliberté-Light grey brushed wax women's Aujula-menswear inspired feminine lace-up oxford with distinctive Ethiopian leather+workmanship

PALLADIUM-Flex Collection low sneaker=in Marshmallow white outsoles-deftly add bright accent to grey Mouse $60

Palladium 's Canvas-high top gets burly treaded outsole--Castlerock/Vapor color delivers with 2 lace choices $85


Vibram Five Fingers -have different models for different activities. Trek Accents trail goers, 

New: VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS SPYRIDONS MR (stands for Mud Run) $120---synching up with obstacle race series Warrior Dash---smart move-especially since these kicks are machine washable and Vibram is hauling a mobile machine wash-to clean up kicks for participants-offering Shoe Wash post race-that spans 3 miles/12 obstacles and can get messy. . 3D Cocoon technology, speed laces and upper poly -secure fit-and 360 degree lug extra grippy. 5.64 ounces

Chaco Outcross platform for Spring 2015 features Outcrss EVO collection-breathable mesh and jacquard webbing for ventilation-with Chaco instant comfort, micro foam layer resting atop a primo PU LUVSEAT footbed and nylon support shank. 3.5 mm lugs and a molded wiped tread design for great traction -wet/dry terrain. $110-$115, kids $55 . ECO bonus-non-marking outsoles made of 25% recycled rubber.

Part 1 Manly Snacks
Part 2 Energy on the go
Part 3 Glamping+Grilling
Part 4 Power Up -Stay Connected
Part 6 Color Trend Solid and Saturated
Part 7 Pink, Berry-Colors Spring


GREY LUNGS are never on trend, IMO---we don't know if this was three day's worth or a staggering accumulation by 11AM of Day3 solely…outside the Salt Palace proof that not all outdoors people have the healthiest habits. A big yech…though note, cigarette butts can be recycled. That is very outdoor industry.