LYRA MAG.

There's no bad weather-only bad clothing... Some of the latest multi-tasking items available at online destination Backcountry.com- for the all in outdoors enthusiasts-or casual city strollers...are great gifts to give anyone. Included in the carefully curated assortment we saw at the #BACKCOUNTRYNYC pop-up-is stuff from the top rated brands, including smartly designed-tested/vetted designed apparel-not found elsewhere. Keep Warm: Polar Vortex-or all-day hours outdoors= extra base layers, please! One piece wonders-Ninja Suits (in W, M, kids)-in super soft merino wool  -in fun patterns might hilariously make the fashion police frown (in a good way ha ha)...by Airblaster Mons Royale The Merino Experience one piece is made from the finest New Zealand wool Female made-Norway's Olympic winning  Kari Traa   -serves up tastefully printed super soft merino base layers-that practically have a cult following now. AND COME IN SIZES UP TO 2XL-4XL !!! Figures...

Keep warm-in classic jackets-of longer length designs - but made of new materials for weather worthy wear -that won't date. via GIPHY HELLY HANSEN, FREE PEOPLE,  FJÄLLRÄVEN Helly Hansen LONGYEAR PARK $500-Norweigan heritage lends SERIOUS weather beater cred-waterproof, windproof protection w/  Allied Down 80/20 600 Fill insulation, YKK® zippers,  detachable faux fur collar, reflective pops on sleeves w/ adjustable cuffs (and hood)-and big exterior pockets, hand warmer pockets- plus interior ones. Men's sizes-M-XXL FREE COUNTRY-kinda an under the radar hipster label defies the elements-men's KEYSTONE DOWN QUILTED JACKET on sale now $69.99...80/20 down/feather fill, ez care-machine washable- stain resistant polyester fabric shell, wind resistant chin guard, removable hood w/ drawcord, storm placket+storm cuffs, loads of zipper close ex-interior pockets and dual zipper and button closure. Swedish label Fjällräven durable jackets made from unique fabrics that...

Five:Ten, Sebago, Altra Running, Danner, OluKai, Helly Hansen, DZR, Hollowrock, Ridgemont Outfitters Essentials for motoring travelers... Pitching tents in  remote locales accessed by dirt roads- or driving along well worn pavements to outdoor cabins or campgrounds -and everything in between (say, en plain air music festivals)...outdoor life experienced in a car/RV-is an American tradition. via GIPHY And there's no better time than late summer or Fall for hittin' the trail... Take along= multi-tasking, functional essentials to take along for the ride... Part One: The Kicks=Urban Performance-Outdoor Lifestyle Hiking, climbing and cool looking urban kicks-by Five:Ten . Sure, better known parent Adidas is the hot label-but we prefer the functionality of these-with the brand's proprietary STEALTH sticky rubber outsoles (grip galore-for technical edging and durability) plus comfy arched footbed, reinforced toe caps, breathable, perforated upper-and kinda mid-cut hit...

NAU, HELLY HANSEN,  FJÄLLRÄVEN, MOUNTAIN KHAKIS , BERGANS of NORWAY,  CAUSE even mild winters have their frigid moments ... via GIPHY source reddit.com Eco minded NAU-uses sustainable fabrics+ repurposed down for it cozy outerwear selections-that deliver in mountain town to sleek urban style.

DARE2B, HELLY HANSEN, ADIDAS, SMARTWOOL, KRIMSON KLOVER, WHITE SIERRA Obvs from this pic-how Black/White jacket pops out amidst a slew of bright primary colors-and even all black. Slicker, sleeker and more sophisticated...taken at DARE2B booth - Outdoor Retailer F/W 2016/17. The Black Label Collection -front women's Shade Out jacket, next-all black Men's Shadow Side jacket and Shadow Side pants=label's most premium collection to date. AEP Kinematics-brand's waterproof tech., wool like fabric insulation, metallic zippers (snazzy diagonal eye-catching), deep collared hood construction, endothermic performance via wool lining, airflow-Oxyflow ventilation system vent to stuff when on the go. White -and black in winter outerwear always looks polished-luxurious for apparel-aimed at urbanites as well as the mountain bound. Although not easy to keep sparkling clean (in the former locale)...or to see during a snow swirling storm (the later)...the tonal duo-with emphas...

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 Highligh...

OR/SLC-NYC So mutes made of the PANTONE colors of the year...esp. 2016s---but we didn't see much evidence of any of those choices...from outdoors-fitnes companies Spring '16 offerings.  Assume fast fashion delivering those= pale rose quartz and serenity blue shades with their efforts-like H&M Sport. Some tonal highlights: ORANGE-in see me bright, toasty burnt, pretty pale... Icebreaker WHITE SIERRA -Trabagon Color Blocked  (and also offers a solid orange) Rain Shell-w/ Teflon® fabric protection, waterproof and fully seam taped, chin guard, adjustable hood, waterproof secure front pockets, back yoke w/ mesh venting, adjustable cuffs, one hand quick draw hem, new flavor-from GU  Energy Gel-SALTED CARAMEL FUROSHIKI wrapped upper on Vibram outsole-sophisticated Asian style...reminds us of Japanese designer  Issye Miyake UTNE Short-stretchy-with plenty of rockets, quick drying...belt loops always help! in pumpkin/dandelion BERGAN...