Cool Summer Active Wear from REI and Keen

Cool summer separates for the great outdoors!

Summer is the time for going places. To the lake, traveling abroad, bicycle tours and camping are all more fun in the warmer weather. So your clothing should be as fun as the activities. Unfortunately, I've had many such outings nearly ruined because I did not wear the right clothing. A quick checklist for summer active wear success should include:

1.) Light, airy materials
2.) Fabrics which wick moisture & dry quickly
3.) Multiple activity pieces that cross over

Whether you are headed for the beach, a bike ride or a backyard picnic, your clothing should move effortlessly with each activity.

REI super breezy yellow top and Fleet Skapris

Kayaking to Cycling: In the lead collage, I'm kayaking in REI's Fleet Skapris. A clever combination of ventilated capris with a sporty skirt attached, it is great to wear on the land or on the water. I've gone cycling with them and stayed quite cool in the saddle. Other perks include a zippered rear pocket and moisture wicking panels behind the knees. I especially like the wide, no roll waistband with drawstring for a just right fit. Fabric provides a respectable UPF 50+ and the fabric is wrinkle free so stuff these in your backpack and go. Likewise the REI yellow tank has multiple panels and a non-clingy fabric. Very cool for even the hottest days.

REI tank top is vented and non-clingy

Shorts That Breathe  Since a heatwave hit the great northeast, I've been living in these amazing shorts. They are made of fabric similar to the Fleet Skapris. REI's 2 in 1 Shorts shown here in Black/Shale are flattering and have great vented panels on both sides. These are cross training shorts suitable for your morning run or walk, replete with a zippered, waterproofed lined lumbar pocket. The liner shorts offer light compression with excellent wicking. Reflective trim accents for night training runs and a comfortable wide, no roll waistband. UPF of 50+ but these are somewhat short so your legs WILL get sun. See more summer fashions from REI.com

REI 2 in 1 Shorts in Black/Shale

Summer Footwear I love my sandals in the summertime but I often have to switch them out for shoes with toe protection when I go for a hike or hop on my bicycle. I actually killed a beautiful pair of silver & turquoise inlaid Angier Etienne sandals doing an Advanced Trail hike in the mountains of PA. Adding insult to injury, my feet hurt afterward. So I've learned since to pair the right footwear with the intended activity.

Keen's Newport H2 Hiking Sandals

Keen's Newport H2 Hiking Sandals I've just started wearing these but I can see they are quickly becoming my favorites for nearly everything. It is so cool (literally) to take a warm summer morning walk with this much ventilation hitting your toes. Likewise, these are made to get you from the beach to the block so water sports are no problem either. Quick drying, comfortable and ready for anything. See more designs at KeenFootwear.com

Keen's Newport H2 non-slip foot-bed

All right, I know you're wondering about this sweet, low loveseat you've seen through out this article. Kelty makes it and it is low enough to set up at summer concerts and shows. Big enough for two large males, each with their own cup holder and bottle opener, (I just KNOW some guy designed this thing)! It is really comfortable and with these two Luxury Down Pillows, you can kick back in the outback. See it online at Kelty.com

 


Clothing and shoes c/o REI & Keen respectively
Loveseat & Pillows c/o Kelty 

Charged Up Cycle Chic

Charged Up for Bike Month with Urban Chic E-Bikes!

Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg NJ  May is Bike Month and last week was Bike to Work Week. If you haven't heard, e-Bikes are the hottest thing going! The Charged Up Media Event was THE place to test drive power assisted and full powered electric bikes.

Work or play, cycle wear for everywhere!

Bike Commuting Made Easier
If you've been a bit shy about the thought of taking your bicycle to work or a long touring ride, an e-Bike might be a potential solution. There is less of a chance of getting all sweaty and hot with a little power to your pedal. Add a few very stylish pieces you can wear on and off your ride along with bicycle luggage and portable rear rack bags.

Echelon Skort by Terry.  Large Black Carry All by Give Love Cycle

What's in My Bicycle Bag? Here's what I have on board for every ride: Minemergency Pouch with Topricin, L'Occitane Almond Milk Handcream, pH Lighted Lip Gloss, 30 SPF Coconut Oil Sunblock, GM Collin Eye Serum, Visine, Energems, Probar Fuel, Water Bottle and Deodorant Swipes.

Pack your Bags!

Pedal Assist(ant)
I got the chance to test ride the BionX which is a pedal assist e-Bike system. What's cool is that you can install it on your favorite bicycle as there are different models to choose from. Even better is that since it is a power assist, you still have to pedal so you get a bit of a workout. The model I tried (on the Ohm) charges fully in only 4 hours and will run for nearly 40-50 miles after being powered up. BionX e-bike systems offer Generate Mode and Re-Gen braking which will help recharge the battery as you're going downhill. Its natural pedaling feel is perhaps the closest to riding a regular bicycle.  You're just not as worn out when you arrive at your destination!

E-Bikes, the Wave of the Future?
I definitely think so. For just pennies in electricity, you can bicycle farther and for extended periods of time. Steep hills are no longer a problem as I even tried The Mariner by ProdecoTech which is a cute little full powered folding bicycle.  Weighing only 45 lbs it tops out at 18 mph and gives you 25-35 miles of riding per charge. Full powered means no pedaling needed. Fold it, pack it and take it with you on your next vacation.

The Mariner Folding E-Bike by ProdecoTech

 
Ready to Get Charged Up?
You may need to check the local laws in your area as e-bikes are somewhat new on the scene. Still, they can make a world of difference in your riding experience and even become your "second car". You can go further, faster and haul more weight by simply slapping on a set of panniers. These innovations really take the limitations off of bicycling and is something I will be looking into more this summer.


Bags & Cycle Wear c/o Give Love Cycle and Terry Bicycles respectively.