Bicycle commuters and cyclists who appreciate U.S.-made cycling apparel. Paddlers who need to keep their gear dry. Those who care about ethical, fair trade practices and an ethical dress or two. You all have some unique new options this spring—if spring ever gets here, that is.
For bicycle commuters
The Timbuk2 Especial collection is the product of research, design and product testing with gritty messengers and serious bike commuters. The Especial Messenger (MSRP $199) has a customizable, ambidextrous shoulder strap that lets you switch carrying sides and angles.
The Especial Medio (MSRP $179) was developed in response to customer and retailer feedback. It’s a midsize pack that’s perfect for daily use or bike commuting. A waterproof laptop pocket holds laptops up to 15 inches and a large expandable pocket holds a helmet, jacket or other awkward items.
Both the Medio and the Messenger have molded cooling panels that add space between the bag and your back to help keep you cool during humid summer commutes and reflective binding for 360 visibility. Air jet textured 500d CORDURA® ripstop nylon adds durability and exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to tears, scuffs and abrasions are pre-treated to for stain resistance and easy cleaning.
For cyclists who appreciate U.S-made products
Made in the U.S.A (Colorado), Shredly shorts (MSRP $125) took initial inspiration from a Maui surf shop (I’m just speculating here) and created the coolest women’s mountain bike short ever.
Available in eight of the most wild, crazy, vibrant colors and designs I’ve seen outside a Run or Dye event, they’re made with a soft and stretchy fabric and comfy wide waist band (two inches). A 10.5-inch inseam, side snap pocket to hold trail maps or Pro Bars and a detachable chamois can transform these shorts from the singletrack to the climbing wall, kayak or SUP.
For the paddlers
The Aquapac Upano waterproof duffel is a lightweight, waterproof duffel with durable welded construction. A unique roll-top closure and air-release valve ensures the things you want to stay dry will stay dry. Prices range from $120 to $145 depending on the size.
For a completely waterproof organization system for canoe, kayak or raft, PackDivider drysacks (MSRP $13 to $20) keep clothing and gear organized and dry. Should the unmentionable happen, Puncture Patches offer first-aid waterproof repair and come in convenient packets of five and at the very affordable price of $6.75.
For all who care about ethical, fair trade practices
If you’re looking for a truly unique bag, look at an Ethnotek bag. Ethnotek is a bonfire of ethics, integrity and respect in a must-have-this-now-at-the-cheapest-price-who-cares-about-the-country-of-origin-and-how-their-(lack of)-labor-laws-coerce-workforces-to-crank-out-products-for-shockingly-low-cost-as-fast-as-inhumanly-possible.
They celebrate world cultures one bag at a time by excluding any middlemen and working directly with the artisans themselves. In fact, each bag tells you who made it. How many bags do that? Only an Ethnotek bag.
The Raja (MSRP $149 nylon; $169 printed; $189 woven; $229 embroidered/limited edition) is their flagship pack. Made to accommodate traipsing the streets of downtown or hoofing the back alleys of Kathmandu, it is rich with important comfort features and secure compartments to carry your important items comfortably. The Acaat Messenger (MSRP $149 printed; $159 woven; $189 embroidered) has a padded laptop compartment to fit a 13-15 inch MacBook Pro and most 13-15-inch PCs.
All Ethnotek bags are constructed with 840-denier water-resistant ballistic nylon for durability and a long happy life. Their front panels (aka “the THREADs”) are all interchangeable (see video) and tell the story of the artisan who made it. How many packs can tell you who made them? Only Ethnotek.
For after the bike rides, the river trips, the traipsing the streets of downtown and Kathmandu
The heart and soul of Aventura Clothing is all in their mantra: One step isn’t just a movement forward, but the beginning of a journey. And every step counts as a lighter mark on our planet. A planet for tomorrow is something we live for today.
The Jasmine (MSRP $79) is the dress I wore to celebrate the first spring dress day of the 2013 spring dress season. Made with 47 percent organic cotton, 47 percent Modal, and 6 percent Spandex, the Jasmine has a beautiful slim fit, a drapey neckline and is office-appropriate without the need for a cardigan sweater. I especially like the lettuce-leaf ruffle edging on the skirt and sleeves.
If you remember the original Beverly Hills 90210, then the Scrolls (MSRP $79) may look vaguely familiar as the fashionable baby-doll type dress often worn by Brenda, Donna and the narcissistic, little blonde whose name escapes me. Only the Scrolls is an obvious upgrade ‘cause us real people can rock it. Made with 48 percent rayon from bamboo, 47 percent Modal and 5 percent Spandex, it’s the perfect dress for a lazy summer day when you want something that is comfortable, light and doesn’t cling to a sweaty body.
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