FOOTWEAR FALLS BACK-Heritage Hybrid Hikers Winter 2016/17

TIMBERLAND, KAMIK, MERREL 

Versatile good looks-with crossover appeal...several heritage brands including the aforementioned...celebrated the well designed lace-ups  that got the whole company started...

new colors on the lace-ups-waterproof styles...shades of booze (Wickett&Craig collections), wheat and dark chocolate add up to tasty modern options...

on the subway-his and his son's- matchy matchy Timberlands-in the original 'wheat nubuck' boot- with Primaloft Eco insulation, seam sealed waterproof construction, rust proof hardwear and anti-fatigue construction for on the feet all day comfort, padded collar...

TIMBERLAND throws back to it's classic styles with more comfort inside for today's casual wearer -who needs some weather protection...like the father -son duo-we saw on the #1 train...

FUN-A head to toe capsule collection inspired by what we wore-back in the day...

TIMBERLAND

SIENNA $119.99-KAMIK-fabs-this cold weather rated kicker-combines the staples flannel/leather upper-matched inside with cozy 200G 3M™ Thinsulate™. Nice details=side buckle, removable comfort molded EVA insole- molded foam antibacterial and waterproof-lightweight synthetic rubber He shell, Dove rubber He outsole that grips, moisture wicking lining, and speed lacing..made in USA 2lbs

KAMIK's HERITAGE 1898 - celebrates the fashion-y side of their 115+ year of performance designed boots- with  durable modern composed styles inspired by the archives- for men (YUKON6) and women (SIENNA).

SIENNA $119.99-in taupe

 YUKON6 $119.99 -old weather rated, waterproof leather upper, 200B 3m™Thinsulte®, moisture wicking lining, speed actin with 2 hiker hooks, removable antibacterial comfort foam insole. waterproof synthetic Rubber He shell, Goose synthetic Rubber He outsole-made in Canada 2.7lbs...pictured in khaki and black

OLD SCHOOL STYLE/NEW SCHOOL FABRICS-Knits

Part 8

Knitwear apparel for the outdoors often combines natural and synthetic fibers-as well as just the 'plain ole' wool...for high performance pursuits. Insulating, anti-odor, warm when wet, and quick drying properties are natural...and then some.
New-using the same visuals- vintage patterns- of Scandic and traditional designs in sleeker silhouettes made from tech fibers-  that are ideal for layering.

From Pendleton...

AVALANCHE-fitted WARMLUX turtleneck has fitted silhouette...flat seam construction and thumbholes for the closest fit. Made of polyester/spandex.

Primo sustainable wool from Fjällräven's own farm...OVIK wool knit sweaters in Swedish folk heritage patterns for men and women...hem, sleeves, neckline with rolled edges.

Fjällräven-is not patterned Cap Wool fabrication but has a very interesting texture...full length zip sweater/jacket hybrid is like a 2L...almost...with moisture wicking interior...insulating exterior...

knit lining...

Hand knits from NEPAL-Lost Horizons...had beautiful traditionally patterned,  sweaters and accessories -made by native women paid fair wages.

LEATHER:

Rare to see leather outerwear in the outdoors...

NOBIS took two of its best selling styles and showed them off in metallic distressed leathery fabulousness. Serious warmth with a big helping of fashion style.

NOBIS-the burly 10mm windproof/waterproof rated Cartel Men's Bomber jacket-currently available...gets a leathery almost crackled textured- exterior (left). Handsome details-trench style chest flaps with hidden zipper pocket under left flap, removable hood, heavy ribbed waistband and cuffs with thumbholes, 2 way zipper, storm flap with magnetic closures,  premium Canadian origin white goose down, hand warmer pockets are fleece lined...

OLD SCHOOL STYLE/NEW SCHOOL FABRICS-OuterWear PART 6

Outdoor Retailer

Mountain Khakis, White Sierra,  Roark Revival, Avalanche, 

Lightweight layers and outerwear that multi-tasks for global winter weather patterns...like the Spring worthy temps on Christmas Day to the Blizzard SNOWPOCALYPSE -a month later experienced in the Northeast...outdoor people are re-jiggering their wardrobe needs+purchases.

IMO at least with all the folks we know-everyone already had the burly outerwear from the past two  frigid winters and didn't need new jackets/coats anyway. Like fashion fashion -accessories are increasingly the key to yearly seasonal-profitable- sales-or collabs with mass merchants.

Or growing kids who always need something new ...

KEY PIECE -Shirt/Jacket Hybrid

More Highlights:

Always a mountain lifestyle brand -launching in 2003 with those rugged handsome khakis (classic style in every guy's wardrobe) - now with plenty of home on the range-or on a street clothes...Mountain Khakis ("MK") "Built For The Mountain Life® showed easy to wear contemporary separates that work with what's already hanging in their customers closets.

editorial statements here with Raleigh Ross...retro styling jacket shirt hybrid, with branded metal snap closures-plaid wool -lined for comfort.

WHITE SIERRA-packs down easy lightweight Whisper Fill insulated jacket/shirt hybrid -THE silhouette of the season -made with water repellent nylon fabric, snap closures, nice touch-side zip secure hand warmer pockets...

ROARK REVIVAL-Vancouver, Canada serves as the tripping jaunt  for F/W '16s collection from this well branded menswear line. Pictured-mad for plaid long sleeve practical piece... dubbed "The Chief" flannel by Jaimie Thomas- de riguer construction for wet/cool climates---nylon quilted flannel with pockets-mid-weight flannel=warmth+comfort.

Avalanche - MONTI insulated shirt hails from the outdoor inspired brand's  urban collection...that fyi-showed a lot of winning pieces at great prices. Traditional fitting wind resistant -woven herringbone fabric that is super soft plus warm fiber fill insulation=easy clean too..  Traditional snap closure design...to layer---or worn by itself.

OLD SCHOOL STYLE NEW SCHOOL FABRICS: OR Winter 2016/17

Part 5

ADIDAS, THE NORTH FACE, COTOPAXI

Lightweight, functional high performance wear---for a variety of activities...including the everyday kind that doesn't challenge or try to "conquor' the outdoors-wearers are just in it.

ADIDAS TERREX AGRAVIC PRIMALOFT JACKET jacket...has that elastic cuffs on sleeves/hem of varsity-bomber jackets that been around for dozens of years BUT-all 21st century state of the art everything else...  weather tough Pertex Quantum® GL- DWR lightweight strong fabric holds in Primaloft Gold (80g) insulation allow for durability, stretch and warmth. Interesting color too....and that stitch pattern made from reflective yarn providing 360º of visibility!!!!   With pack it pocket. Men's version joined now with women's ($299)-new for F/W 2016.

AHHHH....Adidas Outdoors-Gym Wear-harks back to the fab 80s tracksuits with the iconic double side stripes.  Surprised more of the outdoors collection does not incorporate this signature 'logo'...

HYBRID shirt jackets...

North Face's Kingston Thermoball™ Shacket...shirt/jacket combo-piece has got city streets cred-a nod to CPO dark navy wool USA Navy inspired shirts our parental units favored but at a fraction of the weight AND warm(er) when wet insulation than down-with comparable loft+compressibility....a synthetic lining in partnership with Primaloft®...the box chain stitching keeps it all in place without shifting around...joins vest, hoodie, and jacket all ready available-plus bluesign® certified fabric, side zip pockets...stuff the whole thing into 

COTOPAXI= fairly new company that embraces elegant durable design with new age biz model-granting funds to in a well defined social mission to drive social change (alleviate poverty, provide education grants impoverished communities etc)- being the first company in the USA to incorporate as a benefit corporation from inception and then receive venture capital.  ECO-and fair-practices and processes-in the charter. ALSO very nifty-llama fiber insulation-refs the logo. KUSA men's Shirt...lightweight llama-fleece insulation, snap front placket and classic button up style...hybrid shirt jacket.

COTOPAXI KUSA BOMBER -comes in men's + women's-classic flight jacket silhouette, ribbed detailing, and lightweight llama fiber insulation...timeless functional...keeper.

Parts 1,  2,  3,  4

OLD SCHOOL STYLES- NEW SCHOOL FABRICS:F/W 2016/17 PART 4

SLC

FJÄLLRÄVEN, UNITED BY BLUE

The outdoors industries-apparel+footwear- is held accountable more and more -by the way it sources materials and manufactures good-with sustainability-cruelty free production, non-toxic treatments/finishings (textiles), and fair labor wages paid-a stated MO of most companies in that industry. We'd say that is a New School approach we favor. Big Time.

A standout--- Fjällräven -(corporate responsibility statements).

The Swedish brand has a lot of eco know-how built into its entire line of outdoor attire/gear - beyond their Kanken (day worthy backpacks)-that are urban fashion statements. With stuff made to last (stays out of landfills) plus its iconic wax to (re)weatherproof it's signature G-1000 textile, and fluorocarbon-free water repellent...this label is also-it seems- one of the VERY few that can actually-reliably trace it's down supply chain. (READ: article from The Guardian on 'Ethical Sourcing et al...').

Fjällräven...an entire room was filled with old school style parkas for today's outdoor goers. The Expedition Down Parka No. 1-if you are cold wearing this...FUGETABOUTIT---move!
Info below...  

Nuun Parka-women-wind+waterproof, fluorocarbon free , fleece warming pockets, 2 way adjustable storm hood w/ synthetic lining-removable, 2 chest_2 bellow pockets, media pocket on sleeve

A newer "RESPONSIBLE DURABLE GOODS" brand that has stopped us while cruising the aisles-is United By Blue-out of Philadelphia, And it is not just the amazing coffee served up (thanks!).

Or the company removing one pound of trash from waterways/oceans for every item sold (MAJOR BONUS POINTS).

BUT THIS TIME: A New School insulating fiber mix---made of bison wool and recycled poly B1000...got a lot of attention ...sustainably sourced out west. Ted Turner must be proud.

lifetime lasting insulation...B100 Fill

UNITED BY BLUE-handsome old school style parka-love the color too. insulated with the B100 Fill...Bison Wool/Recycled Poly

UNITED BY BLUE insulated with B100- shirt jacket on its own or as a mid-layer. 

Bison Wool

THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN JACKET-launched on Kickstarter=B100 insulation in this rather cozy (and hefty)---seriously warm parka with center zip storm flap, snap close adjustable  cuffs. 14 pockets!!!!!!-including forearm stash, pen+shoulder pockets,  outer pockets,  side hand warming ones...plus  multiple interior pockets for personal electronics for the 21st century...plush interior is actually a removable vest

microfiber lined glass pocket, microfiber lined exterior pocket,  zippered side pocket

cellphone pocket

Parts 1,  2,  3,  5

OLD SCHOOL STYLEs/NEW SCHOOL FABRICS Pt. 3 OR Winter 2016/17

SIERRA DESIGNS, HELLY HANSEN

Sick of the 60's-70's retread style-wise- in apparel and footwear?

Mostly the fashion editorial side and some retailers seem to be the most vocal on the  'there's nothing new.'

IMO-tech-smart wearables and consumer discretionary products (IoT cars, home appliances etc....), personal electronics, yada, yada, yada- are developing at such a rapid pace....all that stuff seems to satisfy the newness craving by consumers-dolllar for dollar. Big time.

And it's not just there's an app for everything...including ad-blocking...it's the whole tech landscape impacting everything.

When Gen Xers we know don't get SnapChat which is a pretty easy to understand entity...antidotal proof -of the digital dizzying pace and attempts to stay relevant. So why not stick with some tried and true looks-silhouettes...the tech part of the outdoors clothing/shoes world=the tricked out fabrics...keep it all fresh enough!

 More Highlights:

SIERRA DESIGNS

Reversible Windwear Jacket-shell side next to body, faster evaporation keeps wearers cooler though it is treated with DWR for light rain protection and fire finish...when it gets windier, cooler or you just start moving sllloooowww...reverse the jacket so shell is on outside, fleece on the inside---trapping heat.

men's Reversible Windwear-classic style and pockets function no  matter what side you have on...

 Varsity Jacket style...except Sierra Design's version takes on 21st century multi-tasking  this reversible  Two Climates, One Jacket.

HELLY HANSEN=black and white getting' the love combo it deserves this Winter 2016/17 season-Helly Hansen one of many labels iusing this classic color combo in a ribbed hem varsity style jacket -with added high collar, zip-away hood , zips on cuffs add to fit and weather tough Helly Tech waterproof/breathable jacket.

Helly Hansen's AE Collection (named after Ask the first man and EMBLA the first woman-according to Norse legends)... had us swoon with the chicness of every selection we sw. Their premium line-limited availability. LOVE this old school puffer style has a stunning Asian feel with floral print-almost looks hand painted on-Monet would be proud. This is a highly technical jacket too...welded seams, YKK zips, RECCO advanced rescue, H2 Flow™Helly Hansen's warmer/lighter/cooling 'system' with captured air for warmth & ventilation zippers to let the cold air in-body mapping  MO,  and Primaloft synthetic for warm when wet insulation...plus interior pockets for personal electronics and bonus points-a snapped one for lipsticks!!!!

Love this leather old school puffy with top of the line design features (YKK zips, European down)...with contrasting black sleeves/collar - feminine edgey-with shaping belt...two in one functionality with tech DWR finish for the weather but serious city slick style...

Scandinavian style and performance from any angle...HELLY HANSEN

Parts 1,  2,  4,  5,

OLD SCHOOL STYLE/NEW SCHOOL FABRICS-Production Part 2

Outdoor Retailer Winter 2016/17

WOOLRICH, NAU, FLYFLOW

Notably, many outdoor apparel makers showed off  classic parka jackets with big front flap exterior pockets, and attached hoods... CPO shirts styles (the dark navy wool versions of yore-inspired by the USA Navy ones)-but beefed up with down or synthetic insulation,  and variety-baseball jacket silhouettes ---but this time made from modern textiles and/or DWR treatment for better warmth-weatherproof wear-and breathability...than what was worn in say Shackleton's time...but interesting...lacking the state of the art body mapping designs...that are popular selling points.

New additions are found in some of these jackets=more interior pockets...for all the personal electronics we live with... velcro closures (patented in 1955)...and cutting edge synthetic insulation that rivals down for warmth.

SOME of OUR FAVS...

Woolrich® parent has several labels-including their premium collection- John Rich&Bros. --named after the family founders.

FUN...football (soccer to you Yanks)...style scarves...and hat.

LOVE the USA stars and stripe blanket lining of the John Rich & Bros. Arctic Parka- a made in the USA-Woolrich Western Mills (PA) contribution to a classic jacket. Seriously warm and a bit hefty vs a puffer. Wet resistant-via a DWR finish on the exterior. There are several wool lining styles available...in case don't want to flaunt the flag.

on the tradeshow floor-there were a bunch of John Rich & Bros. Woolrich classic mountain style parkas on display...reminded us of quality of Canada Goose...

Other Woolrich Parkas...

Advisory Mountain Parka...100% wool insulation in iconic buffalo check plaid-outer pockets...dual entry great for cold hands

iconic wool blend wheel fabric with Dupont Teflon water repellent finish, merino rib storm cuffs, internal zip+iconic dump pockets, 2 way center front zipper w/ storm flaps, 650 Goose Fill Down, Double baffle down construction...prevents shifting

Flash Point Parka-180 gm Arctic Insulation, hood with adjustable drawcord, 100% polyester sherpa lining in hood, waxed cotton shell water repellent, storm flap buttons closed over front zip stylish, imo...iconic hand warmer pockets with flap closures, internal waist drawcord, internal sleeve storm cuff

Keepsake Quilted Parka-water resistant cotton plaintive...cozy quilted fleece lining, snap rented side seams, interior chest pocket-good 2-3 seasons choice

handsome made in WOOLRICH,  PA- Woolrich Wool Blankets/Throws...designs from the archives...great gifts

 NAU's offerings are always a highlight-this sharply designed label has been using sustainable/ recycled and repurposed materials (down sourced from discarded Euro household goods-that's purified)...for many seasons...in its city worthy, performance apparel.

NAU-super warm Dual Recycled Down Trench is looks wise-  similar to the ones that have been around for decades...but with a 21st century outer shell-  made of recycled melton wool-polyester blend...and insulated with 650 fill recycled down. The entire NAU down embedded line-up for F/W 2016 -in fact-uses recycled down. BRAVO. The above-in Caviar (black) or Cape Heather (grey)...plenty exterior/interior pockets, external waist drawcord adjustment, attached hood that adjusts, 2way reverse coil DWR front zip w. internal wind flap  $425

NAU UTILITY DOWN SHIRT for men....hybrid work shirt heritage with warmth of winter jacket winter tough poplin face, 650 fill recycled down insulation, snap rib knit collar to ward off the cold or show some 'tude-worn up. Snap sleeve plackets and cuffs...Pictured in Scotch---also in Caviar (black) and Frond (kinda army green) $235

FLYFLOW-urban style-batter up or surfing the spring snow.-or maybe even a round of golf.....multi-tasking jacket that can travel - by FLYFLOW.-DWR piece-with bold center zip keep water out, ribbed cuffs for ft/warmth and old school collar shape...for casual side of life.