Outdoor Insight

outdoorinsightmag.com November 2018 • Outdoor Insight • 27 APPAREL Predicting the Future of Outdoor Apparel for 2019 and Beyond. BY SUZANNE BLECHER TRAIL BLAZING Trends 1. Perform in Style Fashion Pivot As athleisure pivots from performance brands doing lifestyle collections to outdoor brands doing the same, Philip Tavell, category managing director of Helly Hansen, sees "outleisure" making an impact. With some predicting hiking to be the next yoga, the Fjord til Fjell collection "is a great alternative to have functional apparel without looking like you are about to hike Mount Rainier," he says. The Helly Hansen Lokka Lifaloft Insulated Shirt Jacket keeps the body warm, yet has "tones to fit right in with the urbanites," notes the exec. The Fjord til Fjell Stretch Wool Travel Pant works equally as well in an urban environment as with a pair of technical mountain boots on a trek up the local trailhead. Urban Action At Snow Peak, garments are designed to function in the outdoors, but keep their value in the urban world. The Insect Shield line repels bugs and mosquitoes, while a mesh design provides ventilation (and it's stylish around the campfire or in the city). Meanwhile, the Takibi collection has a heritage look and feel, but is also fire-resistant, ideal for cooking around an open flame without fear of damaging clothing. Fine Fabric The new NZ Collection, from the adventure travel- focused apparel brand ArchiTec, is rooted in the tradition of New Zealand Merino Wool production. The Hillary Hoodie is crafted from a mid-weight Global Merino 18.5 micron Ponti wool with Core Rapt Nylon Technology. This technologically advanced treatment of Merino creates a fabric that's soft, comfortable, durable and antimicrobial. The hoodie has an athletic cut, double-lined hood, concealed utility pocket and a longer tail to accommodate for high output activities.

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