Who cares if the gray skies clear up when you have the Showers Pass’ Refuge jacket on? Designed for outdoor use, including bike commuting or hiking, this jacket utilizes Elite three-layer performance fabric to offer protection in the rain. It is waterproof yet breathable, and is fully seam-taped but also includes extra-long core vents, reinforced shoulders for use with backpacks or other gear with big and bulky shoulder straps. There are front handwarmer pockets and even a chest pocket with audio port.
It also features water-resistant Aquaguard Vision zippers, 360-degree 3M Scotchlite reflective trim and two light loops. There is a removable helmet that can stow in the jacket pocket and yet is large enough to cover a helmet. This could be the jacket for those times when it is raining or just looking like it could rain.
Puma’s new InCycle Collection is made with its end of life in mind. The collection, which includes shoes, clothing and accessories, that only contains items that will break down in one of two processes. This “biological cycle” features fiber materials that are organic and non-toxic and can be broken down by microorganisms into biological nutrients; while “technical cycle” items such as metal and plastic fastenings can be reclaimed through Bring Me Back programs and even sent to factories to be used in new items.
Glow-in-the-dark technology where you leave something under a bright light for a few minutes isn’t exactly new. But this technology, which has been popular with toys and children’s accessories, is now making its way to fitness apparel. New Balance is introducing the Beacon Jacket, which utilizes light-absorbing technology to add built-in visibility for runners who like to head out after the sun goes down. The new jackets were recently shown off at last month’s Outdoor Retailer Show, and will soon be lighting the night sky.
AUR Active has proclaimed that its AUR C327 Classic Pique Polo shirt could be the “best golf shirt you will ever wear.” While that is a bold statement, the company makes a good pitch.
Gore’s line of fitness products are ideal for stopping the wind and helping keep athletes warm in cooler – even cold – weather. Come this fall Gore Running Wear is doing some compressing, as in launching a line of compression-wear. This new line of tight fitting apparel made its debut at last month’s Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, and includes the windstopper Magnitude Softshell Compression Shirt that is will stop the wind and provide compression attributes as well. It features a body-mapped construction that offers compression support to help wearers retain the right posture for more effective breathing.
Inspired by the jackets worn by British pilots during World War II, the Survivalon Contrast Jacket features a durable waterproof shell along with a dense lining that can keep out wind and water. It offers six pockets, drawcords for snug fit and snap-enclosed hood. This makes for an ideal jacket for those finest hour type moments.
Those looking to create their own semi-custom fitness apparel can turn to their iPad, as clothing maker Mt. Borah has released an app for the Apple tablet. This free app allows users to specify color variations on tops and bottoms and chose upgrade options such as fabrics and pads, and then send it off to Mt. Borah for a price quote.
Not everyone likes cycling in skin tight apparel. For more casual riding Zoic has you covered with its Men’s X Shorts for 2013. These provide a loose, lightweight fit, while the quick-drying 4-way stretch fabric will still keep you covered and dry. These feature a 14-inch inseam that is designed to fall below the knees, while the relaxed casual style will look good on and off the bike.
When riding to work you don’t need a wingman to watch the road, but the Wingman travel bag from Henty might be just the thing so you can show up at your desk looking smart and ready for business. This multi-purpose bag enables easy and versatile all weather commuting and travel for active business men and women.
We’ve seen many hydration systems for running and cycling, but Quiksilver now offers a wintertime hydration pack that puts the bladder in the jacket! The new jacket will be ready to hit the slopes – and let skiers and snowboarders have their drink in the jacket – next season.
We’ve seen much in the way of taking plastic bottles and other materials to create fleece fitness apparel, the question remains what happens when the fleece starts to wear out? Instead of it ending up in a landfill perhaps it go another step. ReFleece is a new company that is taking old Patagonia fleeces and turning the used fabric into protective tablet cases for the iPad and Kindle.
Burton Snowboards is going Bionic but it won’t cost $6 million. The company has announced that it has partnered with Pharrell Williams and BIONIC yarn to produce an urban line of eco-friendly snowboarding apparel for the 2014 line. These were shown at the recent SIA snowshow in Denver and include the 3L Jacket (above). This jacket fuses three layers of waterproof yet breathable fabric that makes for a jacket that is perfect for the slopes as well as the streets.
Winter is in full swing, but Shower Pass is already thinking of next year with gloves that might have you covered. It recently introduced its line of cycling gloves, which include four different versions including three windproof outer gloves and one liner. The Softshell and Hardshell gloves are all fully waterproof and feature Outdry material, which reportedly fuses a waterproof membrane with an outer layer so moisture isn’t trapped instead; while the Wind Glove and Artex liner are designed to stop wind and water alike.