The SOS Gift Guides: The Great Outdoors

 

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SURF, SNOW, AND TRAIL… FOR THAT NATURE LOVING OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST, HERE ARE A FEW GIFT IDEAS THEY’LL LOVE AS MUCH AT HOME AS IN THE WILDERNESS!

 
LEFT COLUMN: THE NORTH FACE MEN’S CAMPSHIRE PULLOVER HOODIE $149. Get cozy indoors and stay warm outdoors in this plush sherpa fleece hoodie. Front kangaroo pocket features secure-zip top entry and hand warmer side pockets.

YETI ROADIE COOLER $200. Hard to believe that a cooler has become such an object of desire that it warranted a recent feature in The New York Times, but Yeti coolers did just that. Pricey, but noted for their ability to famously keep products cold for days, the Roadie is the baby of the bunch, holding up to 20 cans or bottles of your favorite beverages. A wide range of sizes and prices go up from there, but for those who love the great outdoors — and a tailgater too — this is the ultimate cooler.

LEATHERMAN SKELETOOL RX MULTI-TOOL $84.95. This lightweight, compact, pocket multi-tool packs all your essential functions into a slim and lightweight profile: a serrated knife, wire cutters, needlenose and regular pliers, large bit driver, and bottle opener. Integrated carabiner clips it on to any bag or belt loop for easy and convenient carry. Read More

 

Pocket Change

 
KAUFMANN MERCANTILE EDC BIKE KIT

 
For those appreciative of utilitarian chic, Kaufmann Mercantile is one of those stores like Best Made and Terrain, that manufactures, curates and sells the most perfectly simple things. Games, toys, tools and other everyday basics, beautifully crafted with nostalgic appeal, are their specialty, and add to that list the EDC Bike Kit.

Every day carry (or EDC) refers to the Kaufmann Mercantile collection of pocket-friendly necessities, and the kit includes the five indispensable tools every cyclist needs: two hex keys for on-the-road bike adjustments, a pair of mini pry bars for unexpected tire changes, and a glow-in-the-dark compass, along with a quick release keychain attachment. Handcrafted and Made in the USA with corrosion proof brass and industrial steel, these tools are the perfect pocket companion for the sophisticated rider whether they encounter a mishap or not.

 

The Perfect Gift: For The Great Outdoors

 

For our second sporty gift guide, we are turning our attention to the outdoorsman and outdoorswoman. For that trail runner, hiker, kayaker, woodsman or adventurer, or those who just like to look the part, here are a few of our favorite gift ideas to suit their sport of choice. It’s the perfect gift for THE OUTDOORSY.

Clockwise from top left: VESTAL GUIDE WATCH. Cased in surgical-grade stainless steel case and an ultra scratch-resistant K1 crystal is a multi-functional altimeter, barometer and compass so stylish, your adventurer might want to wear it regardless of their outdoor pursuits. The altimeter features an instant altitude read out along with an elevation-gain graph; the barometer alerts with an incoming storm warning indicator; and the digital compass holds it bearing for quick reference and ultra reliable accuracy. Now $300

SOREL JOPLIN BOOTS. The Joplin Boot takes that classic Sorel styling and mixes it with some 70’s rock n’ roll style. Lightweight with a relaxed suede upper and breathable lining, these boots stay comfortable all day long. Crepe outsole provides traction and flexibility. $125

PATAGONIA RETRO X VEST. A Patagonia classic for men and women, the cozy Retro X Vest is made of plush breathable and windproof Synchilla polyester fleece that is 86% recycled and lined with soft brushed moisture-wicking mesh. Quilted nylon panels on the shoulders and collar for reinforcement; spandex bindings at cuffs and hem for warmth; and a wide back panel for an ergonomic fit, make this the perfect extra layer for any outdoor activity. $179

BIG AGNES SHOVELHEAD HOODED JACKET. This 700 fill DownTek™ mid-weight  down jacket is water repellent and constructed to be warm. The nylon rip-stop shell is wind and water resistant, while Insotect Flow™ vertical baffles with Flow Gates™ provide optimal insulation. Worn on its own or under a shell, this is a great all-sport down jacket with fun neon details for extra style. $249.95

PETZL TIKKA RXP HEADLAMP. Featuring a built-in sensor that automatically adjusts light output from 7 – 215 lumens, the Petzl Tikka RXP is the ideal lighting solution for runs, hikes and climbs, or anyplace else you might need some illumination. Whether looking at an object at close range or in the distance, the Reactive sensor adjusts the beam width and light output to accommodate any situation. $89.95

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Heritage Collections

 

 

ROW 1: L.L.BEAN “SIGNATURE” WAXED CANVAS MAINE HUNTING BOOT (16″ in store November); TODD SNYDER + CHAMPION POCKET SWEATSHIRTJANSPORT SKI AND HIKE BACKPACK; ROW 2: BURTON HARDWICK DUFFLEBEST MADE SHOP, TRIBECA, NY; ROW 3: EASTLAND WOMENS YARMOUTH USA CAMP MOCAD FOR NEW G.H.BASS WEEJUNSBURTON ROVER RESTRICTED SNOWBOARD BOOT COLLABORATION WITH DIEMME FOOTWEAR 

 

For the upcoming change of season, we are seeing a return to the brands of our youth and a nostalgia for the sportswear with which we grew up. Companies like L.L.Bean, founded in 1912; Woolrich, family run since 1830; and Eastland Shoes, in business since 1955, all represent American made quality and craftsmanship which have become increasingly popular in today’s marketplace. Jansport and Burton Snowboards, among others, have created “heritage” collections, returning to the original designs and even logos of their early days.

These companies have a loyal following among the generation that was raised wearing their apparel. They have found a new generation of customers, however, by partnering with contemporary designers and updating their looks, while remaining true to the essence of the brand. Designer Todd Snyder has collaborated with Champion, established in 1919, to launch a men’s sportswear line for Fall 2013 entitled “City Gym”. The collection is inspired by archival Champion pieces and vintage photos from the New York Athletic Club. G.H.Bass is soon debuting a new campaign which pays tribute to the Weejun Penny Loafer. L.L.Bean’s “Signature” collection, consists of the tried and true classics but cut slimmer for a younger urban customer. And Sperry Topsider has been revitalized by the fun and colorful reinvention of its classic boat shoe, first released in 1935.

Finally we have new companies like Topo Designs and Best Made Company, re-creating retro sporting gear and apparel, inspired by camping, fishing, hunting and other outdoor sports in their early lo-tech days. What’s old is new again, or even better, doesn’t age. These classics are iconic pieces of American sportswear, as stylish today as when they were when first worn.

 
 

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