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COLOR/PRINT TRENDS Solid+Saturated Outdoor Retailer S/S 2015

Mother Nature's shows off- goes all multi-color…after a air clearing SLC storm
COLOR TRENDS PART 6

Daring and tried+true- tonal preferences-as bright as solar flares and as vividly amped up as a rainbow- for outdoors and athletic wear/gear are as popular as ever for S/S 2015.

Noticeably, the evolution of 3D digital printing on materials delivering incredibly rich images on footwear and apparel are fantastically artful- and often functional- with reflective pops.

Also noted- neon acid tones are mostly relegated to footwear, gear and fitness apparel, but intense bold solid colors -including the refreshing intense black-shocking white combo--- all carry overs from Fall 2014-made appearances in every label we saw.

HELLY HANSEN-Red-frames Demo Day locale-& yes it really is a cemetery
Even USA dwelling guys who habitually stick with earth tones-or neutrals- for stuff worn above socks cuffs…will perk up in a pleasing UN Blue-or cornflower shade---an appealing choice for both genders.

 Solid and Saturated

ALL flip-flops + sandals= Dry Eco foam that is recyclable-by Brazil's Rider Sandals -rocking the Olympic colors in anticipation of…2016 Games. SO SMART…iconic colors on non-stick textured molded uppers- slim, comfortable Flexpand insoles.


FINALLY a more feminine silhouette addition- for the most comfy shock absorbing patented-heavenly biomechanically supportive foam based, arch supporting recovery shoes= OOFOS . Pretty colors including metallic sheens-at great prices to wear all the time-machine washable. LOVE. 

ALTRA running shoes-zero drop, really wide toe box, light-to-max outsole cushionings, gender specific versions-…in see me colors. Running shoes that are unique- for neutral, stability, trail and everyday jaunts…are getting popular, judging by how packed that booth was.




CAT FOOTWEAR may turn out to have the most fashion forward lifestyle adult footwear offerings for parent company Wolverine this season---even their ad campaigns are trend on and reflective of  that target market. Check out these Colorado Burnish Brights-nubuck uppers, microfiber lining (moisture wicking), canvas sock lining, Goodyear Welt construction (re-soleable),  men's lace-up-work hiker hybrids with hi top worthy sneaker outsoles with burly treads. In Bering Sea, Simply Taupe and up front Fluorite Green. 

Yellow Colorado Burnish Brights


Canvas uppers…two lace options (flat cotton or hemp), navy kickers with durable rubber Nordic blue outsoles-Palladium refreshes a classic Will Smith worthy shoe for survivors with style.
Sperry Topsider- even these cute performance-and very packable  ballet style flats--has  plush cushioning footbeds and patented SON-R Flex with a unique outsole design and interactive footbed which provides natural sensory feedback for greater stability and agility. Elastized top for ez on/off-non-marking outsole with Adaptive Wave-Siping™ that disperses water for improved grip. $75
VIBRAM Furoshiki-with the wrapping sole-Available Colors: Aqua Marina, Violet, Pink, Jeans + Light Grey, Pearls. $139
These incredibly elegant Japanese inspired wrap/velcro constructed FUROSIKI Wrapping Soles by Vibram---had us thinking-if Rei Kawakubo designed a casual lifestyle shoe, the fashion icon might conjure up this. Doubtful the footwear designers had Comme des Garçons in mind-or the style setting Opening Ceremony as a retail outlet…BUT maybe they did - though exclusively available only at the brand's Newbury Street, Boston locale. (wha???)

folds up into this fabric pouch



Vibram outsoles-guarantee durability-signature five fingers...
 The name refers to the Japanese tradition of wrapping/carrying-or-bending/knotting a cloth to carry stuff. This beautiful interpretation of that tradition is one piece-secured with Velcro.


Traffic light stopping red is a wise choice for sharp items. From Buck Knives Axe/knife pictured- small sample of the handsome wood handle+ carbon or alloy blades' selections  -guaranteed forever-

Light My Fire®-multi-tasker  fire starter (in handle) knife=Swedish FireKnife









The best fitting running socks-no tugging needed BALEGA Hidden Contour-protective, durable with just enough cushioning when we go for long runs. Medium volume sock with signature hand linked toe seam for no chafing/annoying rubbing, and arch band supports and helps with the no-slip wear $14 …in bold red. 
Balega's Hidden Comfort sock deep heel pocket, under sole cushioning, improved elastane for structured hold and second skin fit-mesh panels vent the heat…fun colors $12


Helly Hansen's ODIN Traverse 3 ply $325 with venting zips and Moonlight 2.5 ply $200 fabric constructed jackets-are waterproof, breathable, and windproof fully seam sealed-made from Helly Tech® performance, with water resistant YKK Aquaguard zippers center front and pockets, quick dry lining, helmet compatible hood, adjustable or- tapered cuffs, bottom hem adjustments…all seasons worthy protection.
grabbed this on the move-from Columbia no doubt waterproof---and colorful 


THULE's women's Technical Backpack CAPSTONE----adjusts loads in seconds w/MicroAdjust Suspension system for the perfect fit.  2 side pockets, breathable mesh back, quick access shove it pocket, and built in rain cover-made of 210D Cordura® nylon+315D Cordura® nylon- women's sizes 50L, 40L and 32L ($159.95-$199.95) ---this lilac purple "Potion" guaranteed to stand out.
L.L. Bean-like many other outdoor brands-are offering fitness-active athletic apparel…and great prices abound! Performance tops and tees-made of moisture wicking poly blends-form fitting and stretchy! Women's line-AeroFit tank $24.95…and others-$29.95, $34.95 up to-$39.95-long sleeves.


REI-Trail daypacks come in gender specific+different sizes-multiple pockets, mesh shaped cushioned back panels, ez access center compartment-comes with a rain cover--- and folding FLEXLITE camp chairs $65.50…lightweight DAC aluminum construction durable and four leg design stable up to 250lbs-with new stuff sack side pocket for books-real kind or electronic kind-water bottles etc, venting vest panels, pretty color options-1lb 10 ounces -11" seat height
Helly Hansen packable water-resistant duffle bags-30L-90L with internal pockets, carry handles, removable padded shoulder straps…that store into external wash bag


FJÄLLRÄVEN Kankens come in lots of colors…signature Swedish style made of water repelling material Vinylon. $60-$120. New colors for Spring 2015- Ocean Green, Leaf Green, Lake Blue, Burnt Orange. Cult classics we see all over Manhattan.











Fjällrävens's Övik Backpack 15 in Deep Red-made of G 1000 Heavy Duty water/weather tough with built in laptop sleeve-new for S/S 2015







guaranteed No Matter What™ duffels-pack down but are really roomy-EAGLE CREEK's Bi-Tech™ fabric is extra durable and water resistant protects contents-with #10 lockable seal repairing zippers, end and center pull handles, front zipper pocket, barrack reinforcements on all stress points, reusable stuff pouch, non-slip webbing- carry handle-+shoulder straps with padding…


Folding Camp Chairs-Steel Joey Chair $49-2.75lbs-lightweight, highest seat height 16"-compact+durable. TravelChair®


Pelican ProGear™  Elite Luggage -watertight, crushproof, and lightweight-carry on size to check baggage size that will survive the journey…enhanced styles have lid organizer, Dopp style toiletry kit, and zippered shoe sack. With TSA approved locks,  retractable carry handles and handles recessed-on 3 sides, custom design ball bearing wheels with solid hubs, recessed press and pull latches (no zippers!), watertight O-Ring seal, made of double wall polypropylene  injection molded HPX® high performance resin with polycarbonate trim can withstand up to 1500 lbs and submersion for one hour, one meter down. Self regulating purge
vent…from $465+
ALSO in purple, charcoal-30" vacationer, 22" Carry-On, 27" Weekender MADE IN THE USA























Match up hair color (dyed or chalk-ed) with ZINKA physical block colored nose coat/sunscreens in kid friendly fun colors
BODY GLIDE's new packaging…encasing blister bating products used by every triathlete we know that dons a neoprene wetsuit. No petroleum or parabens in the -moisturizing-lubricating solid stick formulas and great for ez on off neoprene attire-no chafing athletic endeavors. Original (blue), Chamois (yellow), and for Her (pink). Skin Glide Blam (green, and Foot Balm (purple)-silky smooth-great lubricants for chapped skin, crackly foot heels that lasts for hours.
Stretchy Running Essentials adjustable zip belts by NATHANSPORTS can hold a lot-comfortably in easy clean secure compartment…gels, keys, cards, inhaler. We use riding our tri bike, flip zip part around to our back-big enough hold smartphone…zip is reflective.

Outdoor Tech's bluetooth Turtle Shell (2.0-8 colors $129.95 and Big $229.95) speakers-rechargeable lithium batteries power up rugged shockproof,  dust proof water resistant speakers-with-wireless range 32 feet. Match up with patio furniture.
OUTDOOR TECH Calamari USB connecting wires-charge cables -one wire, three heads…four colors.

Platypus SOFTBOTTLE™ (Cascade Designs) "Full when you need them. Flat when you don't." Sums it up best. MADE IN THE USA-taste free and BPA free-80% less bulk than a water bottle, food grade liner…cleans out…and rugged exterior is durably solid.
ENO hammocks---highly tough, woven nylon made from fabric remnants (eco), triple interlocking stitching-holds a lot of weight-the double size can accommodate 400lbs! Marine grade line with metal snaps. Built in stuff sack…balls up to size of a grapefruit. Widely available (on sale now at REI)


















Cross-fit enthusiasts alert- the old fashioned 70's style kettle bells -get a glammy makeover with Pro-Form's hard shell-weighted 5lbs $7.99, 10lbs $12.99 or 15lbs $18.99 -ergo easy grip handles' versions.


Kayaks and SUPs  ruled the waters on Demo Day---but the windsurfing rigs mounted onto mast foot tracks on the highly versatile BIC ACE-TEC SUP WIND boards  ---our first choice for fun as soon as a teeny tiny breeze was detected. Nifty! FYI-stabile too-11'6 Wind $1299.95 and  10'6" Wind $1099.95 has refined rocker profiles for surf performance as well as flat water glide. User friendly BIC's composite boards for a  sport very popular in Europe -has come a long way to making equipment a lot more beginner stable. 
Canoes are lined up for use on a mellow lake…plenty room for gear/kids/dogs too. ALLY CANOES by Bergans of Norway-pack down, are easy to assemble $1867-$2173-four models available in red or green-with interlocking framework of tubular aluminum stays and ribs held together with loaded shock-cords-sewn and welded for a long happy life on the water-no matter the conditions. Between the framework and reinforced PVC skin at the bottom is a closed cell foam mat that insulates form cold water, absorbs shocks (rocks bumps), and provides flotation. Seats adjust too.

Part 1 Manly Snacks
Part 2 Energy on the go
Part 3 Glamping+Grilling
Part 4 Power Up -Stay Connected
Part 5 Grey is the New Black
Part 7 Pink, Berry-Colors Spring
Part 8 Nautical Navy+UN Blue, Pastels