Pal Ruth is heading out on an epic three bicycle tour (launching in Pueblo, Colorado, and motoring west to San Francisco). Lastely, she’s been loading up on cool, made in USA gear. Since she will be pedaling over mountains on a fully loaded touring rig, she’s looking for gear that is lighweight, functional, and built to last. During …
Tag: synthetic exceptions
Archival Field Trip – Freeman (Seattle)
In 2012, we reviewed the Freeman Jacket, an impressive, made in Seattle, rain jacket sized for ladies and gents. Freeman is the perfect alternative for folks seeking a well styled, classic jacket made from more technical fabrics. Freeman now sells a range of jackets and appearel in a new brick and mortar shop located on …
Synthetic Confession: Patagonia Nano Puff Hybrid
Given that I spent the day cycling through a heat advisory, it’s odd that I’m fixating on a Fall layering piece – the Patagonia Nano Puff Hybrid. I first spotted the NPH in a Patagonia catalog – one of the last print catalogs worth browsing. As photographed, I love the NPH’s blend of fabric types: …
Archival Find – Hunting World Jacket
Superwax Forester Jacket in Hunting World catalog Tom’s report: I love thrifting because there’s no common denominator of quality like you see at fancy vintage stores or high end (and high priced) flea markets. Usually when I go through the outerwear at the thrift stores in Eugene, it’s just a fuzzy cake of cheap polar …
Review: The Freeman Jacket
The kind folks at Freeman sent us a jacket to try out. They’re based in Seattle, and make the jacket out of their house – an impressive feat, since it’s sewn as professionally as anyone could ask. It’s made of a two-layer waterproof breathable, which, for those who didn’t memorize Patagonia catalogs as a child, …
Oregon Cycling Garb: J & G Cyclewear
Jackson & Gibbens got going in Archival’s hometown – Eugene, Oregon – in the 1970s when Mark Jackson couldn’t find a good bicycling jacket for a good price. They’re still going strong, and everything is still made in Oregon. We’re thinking about carrying the J&G cyclist’s rain cape, which, as long as you have fenders …
Archival Keeperwear
Shopping from 2001: Barbour Keeperwear Jacket I don’t hunt but I love the purpose-built features of a well made shooting jacket. Juliette, owner of Hub & Bespoke, recommends the Barbour quilted nylon Keeperwear, a jacket that has been in the Barbour product line for over a decade. The Keeperwear resembles the classic Liddesdale but comes …
Summer Synthetic Exceptions: Chacos
At Myakka State Park, Florida, 2004 We’re dedicated to natural fibers, but every now and again we’ll allow a synthetic exception. The Patagonia Retro-X vest is one of my favorites, ideal for backpacking and casual cycling. However, the longest-lived synthetic exception in my wardrobe is the Chaco Z-1. =”utf-8″> Somewhere on the Oregon coast, 2002 …
Synthetic Exceptions: Wind Vests for Cyclists
Framebuilder Dan Boxer wearing a discontinued wool Ibex vest in June Standard issue, safety yellow, synthetic vest worn by Audrey A. Karl, Eugene Tweed Ride participant, sporting wool Filson liner as cycling vest. Recommended for low speed cycling or cyclo-commuting only. Use value of wind vest declines at rest When shopping from the present, I …
Shopping from Japan: Mont-Bell Thermawrap Skirt
Mont-Bell Thermawrap skirt Add the Mont-Bell thermawrap skirt to my list of synthetic exceptions. I love the multi-functional design of this skirt as garment, survival wrap or cushion. Use notes from the Mont-Bell site: “Throw it on over your long underwear after a day of skiing or wear it alone when it is just too …