Gearzilla » Proving Your Flair for Fashion

Ibex Crush Felt Hat

nborchelt — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:00:13 +0000

shop.ibex.com
Just because you’re hitting the international scene doesn’t mean you have to leave behind your flair for fashion. The Crush Felt Hat achieves what other stylish lids haven’t been able to offer—the ability to travel with a real hat that retains its shape, whether it’s on your head or smashed into your carry-on or the overhead bin. Made of 100-percent felted wool, the Crush will also keep you surprisingly warm. The other all-natural merino wool attributes apply, including wicking without any odor retention, and warm-when-wet comfort. We love the slight, almost pill hat-style brim as well as the circles of gray stitching around the hat base. You’ll love its all-natural, classic fashionable function.

Apres Velo T-Shirts

nborchelt — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:00:43 +0000

apresvelo.com
If you worship in the cathedral of outdoors from atop your bike, here’s a line of t-shirts that evoke the spirit of your adoration.We love just about every one of their long- and short-sleeved shirts, made from machine-washable cotton elastine that’s soft to the touch. But our go-to fashionista tester was instantly drawn to the True Religion T, with its sly “10 Commandment of Spin” badge on the side, contrast colored stitching, and fine printing on the front, rear, and sleeve. But we also confess we’re still struggling with the seventh commandment: “Thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s bike.”

Kaenon Polarized Burny Sunglasses

nborchelt — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:00:14 +0000

www.kaenon.com
The problem with the binary fashion versus function is that, in order to satisfy one side of the equation, sacrifices must be made on the other. Not so with Burny sunglasses from Kaenon, a company founded by two elite-level sailing brothers in Southern California a decade ago. The Burny provides maximum performance with real style. The frame shape is evocative of a über-popular sunglass model from the mid-1950s, but Kaenon has matched the retro look with good functional design and cutting-edge technology. The Burny improves on a classic profile by molding the super lightweight, flexible, and heat-resistant TR-90 frame to more closely follow the contours of the human face to eliminate light leak over the brow and around the sides. Peripheral vision is not compromised. The effect is like, well, not wearing glasses at all. With lenses measuring 42mm by 62mm set in a large frame (135mm arm length, 141mm frame width) the Burnys provide maximum coverage, even for this reviewer, who literally has a big head. And the lenses! The Burny, like all of Kaenon’s glasses, features impact-resistant, ultra-lightweight, and durable SR-91 polarized lenses. Incorporating Glare 86 polarized film, the lenses reduce glare and offer unparalleled clarity, a claim reinforced by unsurpassed clarity scores awarded by an independent laboratory. Available in a range of tints, I found the G12 lens, the darkest grey tint (filtering all but 12% of visible light) to be perfect in bright conditions in a variety of scenarios—sailing, driving, playing tennis, hiking, and lounging by the pool.

Just as Murphy’s Law dictates that toast lands buttered-side down, so too will sunglasses inevitably fall, lens-down, especially on rocky terrain or concrete. Amazingly, given the number of trials I have (accidentally) conducted over the past 18 months, I have managed only to inflict a single tiny scratch on one of the lenses. It is an injury I don’t have to live with forever, happily, as the super friendly and helpful folks at Kaenon will set up a lens replacement (for a reasonable fee). In an era of multinational conglomerates that churn out hundreds of indistinguishable and mediocre products under a plethora of brand names, it’s a real pleasure to encounter an independent, family-run company dedicated to innovation, integrity, quality, and aesthetics. Sunglasses, in truth, function not only to keep the sun out of our eyes. They also operate as a statement about who we think we are and what we think we stand for. For this large-headed reviewer, the Burnys are a statement—about fashion and function—I’m very comfortable wearing on my face.
-Adam Greenhalgh

Nau Dose Jacket

nborchelt — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:00:28 +0000

www.nau.com
We’ve seen steady advancements in the collage-like trend of mixing and matching different fabrics to give you a product that’s the best of all possible worlds. But often these products feel like they’re awkwardly straddling disparate civilizations, a feeling that ultimately makes you yearn for what you don’t have. Thankfully, the Dose Jacket doesn’t fall into that jack-of-all, master-of-none trap. This highly versatile 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable DWR-treated shell has micro-fiber polyester four-way stretch panels strategically placed to provide soft-to-the-touch flex at the shoulders, forearms, waist, and chest. The rest of the jacket is bombproof, including the helmet-compatible hood and a wind- and waterproof flap over the front waterproof zip. The two hand-pockets and the small back pocket also rock waterproof zippers; the latter also has a tuck-away piece of reflective fabric that can be unveiled to keep you visible when biking in the dark. You also get two chest pockets—one on the outside, and another on the inside with a cord-routing path for your phone or MP3 player. Two zippered vents sit high on the chest, rather than under the arms. They increase breathability, but aren’t as efficient as the pit-zip style found on most shells. Accordingly, the Dose works best when temps aren’t too hot ’n steamy.

Mission Workshops R6 Arkiv Field Backpack

nborchelt — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:20 +0000

missionworkshop.com
We became big fans of the Mission Workshop bags when we tested out their Sanction Backpack (which is still meeting our high standards), but the R6 Arkiv really hits the sweet spot. This backpack is built around a modular system that lets you add on various weatherproof bags to boost your carrying capacity. The system is anchored around a main backpack, and comes in two sizes: small (1,200 cubic inches) and large (2,200 cubic inches). Then you select from eight individually-priced accessories, which run the gamut from a laptop case ($86), to an utility cell pocket ($28), to a vertical roll-top or zippered pocket ($48 and $52, respectively). You can add a waist belt ($34) or a messenger bag shoulder-strap ($24). Each component attaches to the main packbag via a clever rail system; you slide the accessories onto the pack and secure them with a narrow Velcro strap. The main packbag has six rails anchored by highly durable steel, allowing for a variety of configurations. The backpack itself—like all the accessories—is made of waterproof, durable Cordura fabric with a roll-down top flap and a burly, secure buckle. We love the Folio addition ($68), which includes two zippered pockets, pen slots, space to hold a U-lock, and two more rails for more add-ons like the tool pocket ($58). The R6 also makes for a versatile carry-on; after boarding the plane, just slide off the laptop or folio attachments (pre-loaded with all your in-flight essentials) and the stash the big pack in the overhead without exceeding the max limits for carry-ons. As you’d expect, the pack weighs more than a traditional backpack. But that’s a minor drawback considering the bag can be custom dialed to fit your needs in pretty much every scenario.
For even greater waterproofness and style, add $30 for the waxed canvas version of the packbag.

OverLand Equipment Bidwell Bag

nprichard — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:14 +0000

www.overlandequipment.com
Can you say “organized”? Whether you’re a busy mom or an Olympic athlete (or both), the Bidwell Bag is made for an active lifestyle. Inspired by Annie Bidwell, a general’s wife who donated thousands of acres of wild land for a namesake park in Chico, California (the home of OverLand Equipment), this bag does it all. Inside the zippered main compartment are two mesh bottle pouches, and enough room for an iPad and paperback, or, as in the case of one tester, climbing shoes, chalk bag, and harness. The outside pocket, with its secure magnetic closure, encloses a leather key fob, microfleece glasses sleeve, mesh zip security pouch, and an array of compartments for pens, cards, and notebooks. A hidden sleeve on the back is ideal for maps, plane tickets, or easily access your cell phone. The sleek yet roomy satchel has wide, soft, leather strap with bronze hardware that shrieks class.

Sole Casual Flips

nprichard — Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:55 +0000

www.yoursole.com
No shoes, no shirt, no service. But what about when you’re where flip flops and a Lei are considered acceptable attire? We admit to spending more time than our mothers would like balancing a fruity concoction in one hand and a shot glass in the other. What led us on the path of destruction? Flip flops, those care-free, devil-may-care sandals that are as at home on the beaches as, well as, the beach. Fortunately for all of us misguided fools who haven’t fled to the islands of our minds, flip flops are now de rigor wear for casual Fridays. And our pair of choice? Sole Casual Flips. The orthopedic shape mimics the natural, barefoot stride. The footbed is cork, which molds to your foot after wear. Plus it’s sustainable. In contrast to many flip flops, the Sole Casual’s have a textured rubber sole that provides grip on trails, sidewalks, and everything in between; the tread is big enough to rebuff sand and dirt. The upper is a durable, washable cotton canvas, backed by a thin foam and synthetic liner. Like all the gear in Gearzilla, you’ll thank us for our stamp of casual approval. We also like to leave a pair in the car for a comfortable drive back home after days stomping through the backcountry.

Horny Toad Mixologist Shirt

nborchelt — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:29 +0000

www.hornytoad.com
We’re honestly too distracted by the outdoors to tell whether or not the ’90s grunge trend is coming back. But we do know that we’ve always had a thing for flannel, and this spring our affection has drifted to the Mixologist Shirt. The soft-to the-touch organic cotton in this button-down edges away from normalcy with a slight, subtle weave that gives the shirt an instant lived-in look travelers will appreciate (read: ironing is not necessary). An external chest pocket over the heart is matched with an internal pocket on the right, in which you can stash vital docs or credit cards when facing a rough-looking street market. The double-button cuff and straight back on the yoke also lends the shirt the right measure of tailored attention to detail. It runs large; we suggest sizing down unless you need the space—or if the Seattle-look is indeed returning.

Outlier Storm King Shell Parka

nborchelt — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:28 +0000

shop.outlier.cc
Every so often, we find ourselves splurging for the best with the hopes that the initial investment will be far outweighed by functionality, durability, and the evergreen style of an item. Outlier’s Storm King Shell Parka is such a piece. With taped seams, pockets galore, and Egyptian cotton fibers, it’s a supremely cut and navigable alternative to synthetics that promises to last. Full-sleeve and invisible pit zips allow for extra ventilation, a clear-view hood gives you an unobstructed view of the road ahead, and a high collar eliminates the need for annoying draw cords. Whether you weather your storms on your morning bike commute, treks through the African savanna, or weekends spent on the water, this Parka reigns supreme. What really makes it stand apart, although curated and produced in New York City, is the unique 100% Supermarine Cotton sourced from Switzerland. Outlier calls the fabric a 21st-century edit on a storied fabric that reaches back to World War 2 pilots. We call it soft, durable, water resistant, and almost completely windproof. If you’ve ever rationalized a technical article of clothing with “price per wear,” the Storm King can weather the elements of regret. An important note is that the sizing runs rather large, I suggest ordering an entire size down.
-Chadwick Crutchfield

Gramicci Beekman Plaid Monterose Shirt

nprichard — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:28 +0000

gramicci.com
Consider this comfort food for the soul. The double-layered, 100 percent-cotton Beekman Plaid Monterose shirt has a retro flair and home-style comfort. While the name is a mouthful, the shirt itself is startling simple. The duckling-soft yarn is stitched in two layers, giving the shirt extraordinary warmth for a cotton confection. Two patch chest pockets with Velcro closures prove subtle but functional; we recommend one for phone numbers scrawled on cocktail napkins and the other for breath mints. Sleeve cuffs button or roll, depending on your optimal level of formality (or not). Wear the shirt with skinny jeans for a more sophisticated look, or with sweatpants at home—the knowledge that you’re cool, comfortable and warm will carry you through any situation.