Outdoor Retailer, Salt Palace UTAH
Part 6
Skora, MPG, Dakine, Darn Tough, Vivobarefoot, Eagle Creek, Briggs & Riley, Filson, Thule
Acid neon tones seem to have faded away for Spring 2014---replaced by bright colors including cobalt blue (we ref as Yves Klein blue) and sunny orange-coral-or saturated... plus dazzling graphics that are either hand painted or computer generated---
SKORA are minimalist masters-with their asymmetrical laced kicks with zero drop outsole toughened up with high abrasion rubber, and a stack height of 8-16mm for cushioning- pleasing for two crowds- the natural runners...and the lifestyle wearing sneaker heads.
The 3d prints of a lot of SKORA running shoes---are amazing -including these lightweight SKORA FIT trainers-that are gym and run ready-with enough support via an EVA midsole, stack height of 16mm w/ fully curved, zero drop outsole and reflective pops.
Very comfortable-and like the name-we can see Cross Fit enthusiasts wearing these also. $95
MPG (
Mondetta Performance Gear) really is a stand-out collection of technical separates that manage to have a high fashion element to it. Maybe it's because the initial target market for these pieces = heavily influenced by what professional dancers would wear---not the yoga types--- like other brands----
 |
| well done-the artist rendered water color/polka dot print--- these running/gym shorts...with compressive shorts in a contrasting lime---- are feather weight-moisture wicking, easy care...w/ bold size zippers that manage not to chafe and add weight. $60 |
 |
| very grrr---this eye catching side zipper |
 |
| chafe free capris-with reflective seams---wide waist band flatters---$72 |
 |
| wide waistband in same print -black shorts $48 |
Fashion function at its best---
 |
| another great athletic/lifestyle top-cap sleeves in a bright pink, beautiful b/w pattern---other options similar artistic priced $45-$55 |
For a brand we knew cause it's name is on like half of our wind-surfing gear-
Dakine is morphing into a lifestyle company with even more collections-including apparel, accessories and striking handbags, backpacks (day and snow gear ready), wheeled backpacks, duffels and luggage- bumped up with artist collabs...for off the mountain/surf/skate outings.
Loads of highlights-this was a big booth-with different fabrics (canvas, straw, jute) and solid gunmetal hardwear rendered in ethnic and abstract prints...plus practical features. I.e. backpacks with easy entry-top/back, iPad sleeves, media ready/hydration compatible, loads inner/out pockets including organizer+fleece lined.
With great prices too- backpacks typically range from mid $20's-topping out at $85.
Merino wool spun at its finest-the guaranteed for life
Darn Tough Vermont socks-densely woven in the Green Mountain state- function as fashion statements particularly in the snazzy lifestyle collections (men, women, kids) enlivened by the Poppy Gall Design Studio. The assortment of colorful floral prints, stripes, polka dots etc are tough to choose from---
Even these fab light cushion no shows for women-with an undetectable toe seam, densely knit but totally non-itching, moisture wicking, chafe-free- running socks sport color blocking we wouldn't mind showing ha ha. Cushion and tab top versions too.
Vivobarefoot shoes now cover a slew of activities---including these brightly hued, 100 gram über lightweight Ultrapure amphibious water running shoes---with dual density EVA, modular plug in tongue---can perform on trails, the beach and 'just as regular ole' walking shoes that let in the cool breezes.
Eagle Creek has an enormous number of packing solutions-from soup to nuts in a manner of speaking.
 |
| A fresh squeeze of citrus orange---keeps your stuff organized |
Bold primary tones available now-the Pack-It™System collection of keep it wrinkle free folders, zipped top cubes including the new
Specter Compression set, padded electronics sleeves, garment sleeves, and assorted shapes of zippered pouches and sacs-
is staggering.
Get organized (or more so)...the packing solutions are all super durable, weather and stain resistant, feather-weight made of ultra lightweight silnylon- that allows one to see inside. Very handy.
Hardcases are the choice of many seasoned road warriors-and they are usually in silver or black. Briggs and Riley though-showed off their new red and blue (and black)
TORQ collection of luggage (available now) ---that really impressed us with the multitude of features-and of course, backed by the company's lifetime guarantees.
Naturally, the pieces ability to stand out on a baggage corral...BIG PLUS.
 |
| 3-layer, 100% virgin Makrolon® polycarbonate material tough and flexible plus self repairing YKK zips |
 |
| aluminum telescoping handle system on outside-more room inside |
 |
| outer iPad/tablet padded compartment |
 |
| up top-a patent pending Control Panel™ that locks contents in main+front compartment. |
 |
| main compartment full lid opening with molded compression panel, flexible retaining wall |
 |
| inner interior lid pocket-+ zipped + mesh compartments keeps it separated |
 |
| double spinner recessed wheels with a low center of gravity |
 |
| soft touch molded id tag closed protects identity |
 |
| molded id tag |
available now-$479-$529-$629
 |
| on board-ergonomic handle grip + soft grip side handle (handy), scratch resistant door panel, , |
 |
| molded side feet protect when bag lays on the ground |
We weren't the only ones impressed with this drop-dead handsome multi-tone tote-apparently retailers were snatching it up for customers at the recent NYC tradeshows.
Clearly why these will be coveted---this
Filson vegetable tanned leather haulers (in large $985 and small $825 sizes) are stand-out heritage pieces...
With a the signature Tin Cloth/Rugged twill 100% cotton top flap with snap closure, front patch pocket, ringed handles with snap handle wrap, heavy gauge thread stitching, reinforced bridle leather top closure with snaps---and interior pocket.
Old world craftsmanship for the modern age.
 |
| 6/7oz Essex leather with water resistant Chromexcel finish + USA Horween tanned leather -takes 89 steps and 28 days for soft supple finish with time tested -hand applications -for a rich patina will age well. |
Some gals we know obsess over the coveted made-to-order Birkin bag.
 |
| Hard case Round Trip Elite-made in Thule's Chicago cargo box factory $599.95 -case is tough combo of ABS, aluminum and rugged nylon-plus there's an integrated bike work stand -ez to pack+assemble doubles as a rail to mount bike inside, top of box nests into bottom for easy storage when not in use, and integrated wheels for ez transport. Available Dec 1, 2013 RIGHT IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!!! |
We, on the other hand, obsess over these new
THULE "Bring Your Life" new Bike Travel Cases...set to deliver soon-and next year. In always on trend black/grey...and going a long way to ensuring pricey bikes arrive the way they should. Rideable.
 |
| Round Trip Pro-on right $599.95...soft case made from combo of hyper durable nylon, includes Thule integrated bike work stand, aluminum rail frame supports/protects, integrated wheels for ez transport, side panels fold up+collapses for ez storage (available Jan. 2014) |
 |
| bike stand |
There's also a Round Trip Sport durable polyethylene construction transport case ($379.95)-with heavy duty straps to keep the bike secure, integrated wheels for ez transport, and dividers to keep wheels separated from the frame...perfect for shipping too. (available January 2014)
