LYRA MAG.

 " Down Re-Invented " is quite the claim-but for those seeking the ultimate warmth/weight ration efficient jacket-Eddie Bauer's new EverTherm jackets ( M + W ) delivers. ($249-$299) via GIPHY FINALLY-barely heavier than a simple nylon shell (9.12 oz)-but protective vs. cold temps ( to -15º)-the EverTherm basic slim silhouettes- in weather tough super durable material (StormRepel®)-are insulated with a proprietary high loft -no puff down- stuffed inside without the quilting/baffle stitching usually needed for the feathers...meaning no cold spots and a  streamline design. Delivers in longer parka for women + jacket lengths (M+W) ...with or w/o hood...with zip close chest/hand pockets. Eddie Bauer's Men's EverTherm Jacket $249-in Cardinal Red. Part of the First Ascent collection of tech gear worthy of any   winter activity.

Growing up-snow bibs were standard for powdery snowbound skiers-snowboarders. And maybe there isn't so much of the deep blissful powder these days-but one piece protection is def back...with newer each fabrics and features-that will make any back country sort-and wipe-out frequenters-very happy (and dry). via GIPHY source vimeo.com DAKINE  Prospect Gore-Tex 3L Bib -Men's $420 and Women's version Beretta Gore-Rex 3L Bib which is oddly $0 bucks more at  $450-both built with YKK Aquaguard water tough zippers, articulated knees and stretch back panel for movers. Plenty of adjustable straps including heavy oxford reinforced hems for perfect fit. Boot gaiters, mesh lined inner knees (helps with that sweat zone) and chest front shelf pocket for media storage that is actually roomy. Women' version has drop seat construction too. Both come in black also.  Front pocket-opens up =pretty roomy like a kangaroo pocket almost- with mesh divider thing hold stuff in plac...

 FELLER, OBERMEYER, RENEWAL WORKSHOP Hitting the streets or the slopes with style-privately owned brands deliver on the fashion function equation-superbly!!!! via GIPHY FELLER-founded by a fashion industry vet-has signature prints/patterns in weather tough waxed cotton including our top pic-this   SEATTLE CAPE $483 (with bold purple  lining=FUN) ...currently available on pre-order in solid and a print-though not the one pictured... NOW. OBSESSED 

DARE 2B, SKEA, SNOWMAN New York, ALPHA INDUSTRIES Winter worthy outerwear- assuming it might get cold --- has sleeker silhouettes this season -courtesy of warmth without the bulk functional 'smart' fabrics / insulation that keep wearers dry in all sorts of weather-and heartbeat rates... moving out moisture from output activities ( Primaloft Gold/Silver/Black, Polartec's Alpha , 3M's Thinsulate)-keeping wearers from chattering teeth when still, encased in stretchy easy to move in textiles embedded with wind/water stopping tech  that breathes (slew of Gore-Tex® technologies , Pertex Quantum + Shield)- to name just a few name brand textiles. via GIPHY source comedycentral.com AND although harsh conditions/extreme destinations require the utmost tech wear to survive...most other jaunts-whether to resort mountains or city bars...can be served by multi-tasking-fashion-y-stylish pieces-that are  versatile- durable-and protective enough. we've reviewed several...

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...

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...')...

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...

Armada -shows off a retro varsity style jacket-for upcoming season Fall/Winter 2015...waterproof/breathable-all the attributes of techy snow jacket...looks a lot cooler! In style -and performance-team rider Henrik Harlaut. Bonus points: this company uses the best fabrics and seam tape (Gore-Tex, Schoeller) and zips (YKK Aquaguard), RECCO Avalanche System. 4 way stretch powder skirt, lycra wrist gaiters etc. SMART  ARMADA, VOLCOM DENIM JEANS Fuuuunnnnn....Armada-collab with Metallica---meeting up on the slopes with the legendary band's drummer...led to this terrific assortment of winter ready jackets and gloves obsessed-ARMADA x Metallica snow gloves... VOLCOM -in our inbox-this pic could of have been taken when we were growing up-reminds us of the iconic-1995 film by  Larry Clark:"KIDS"----shows off the skate -lifestyle's brand of new functional denim --- $55-$75-interesting timing -considering joggers are the 'it ' silhouette of 201...

Wandertag Graphic Jacket-women's OR/SLC Versatile, lightweight, and made for athletes-Adidas Outdoors delivers high performance tops, jackets, and pants/tights for training and slope side adventures...with characteristic dazzling colors, prints and cuts that are city worthy too---but deliver with those important hangtags the outdoor customer expects. SOME HIGHLIGHTS: One has to wear a 3L jacket to appreciate how amazing technology fabrics are-terrex TechRock GTX Jacket-waterproof/breathable 3L Gore-Tex Pro®Shell top of the line-in a see me bright yellow - designed for movers...like climbers, alpine people-etc-fully adjustable hood-helmet compatible, face mask with merino wool lining, waterproof zippers, pre-shaped sleeves so can raise arms without lifting at the core of the jacket, athletic fit $495 men's cool-how the down filling -shows through...in Clear Grey-ClimaHeat Agravic Down hoodie in Pertex Quantum® GL superior strength to weight ratio+DWR, heat gua...