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 

Novara's Sporty Summer Separates for Your Walk or Ride: REI Flash Sport 15

Hike & Bike like a girl! Feminine, fashionable, functional gear for work & play

Summer is HERE! This means spending more time walking or riding outdoors, perhaps even after dark. As for me I LOVE to ride my bike to get around NYC and at home among the bucolic horse farms of NJ. Many times after doing my errands, I'll want to stop at the local coffee shop. However, not too long ago, the only women's cycling clothes were tight spandex shorts. I'm sorry but walking into a public place with THOSE almost guarantees strange looks (especially at your backside) and unwelcome stares.
Today, unless I am doing a race or sportive, I wear a cycle dress or skort for my commutes. Same thing if I have a meeting, social engagement or business appointment. 

Novara Skort with ruched sides and colorful cycle jersey

Novara Style
I am a big fan of urban cycle wear so when I saw the Novara display set up at The Women's Story media event, I made a bee line right for it! I like bike wear that's stealthy and doesn't announce that you arrived by bicycle, not that there's anything wrong with that. Still some of the new technology is quite impressive as I found with the following pieces from Novara.

Novara's Haisley Woven Top in Black/Blue Plaid

Novara Women's Haisley Woven Top
I saw this top and thought it looked great! You would never guess that this is a cycling shirt replete with a invisible zippered pouch in the rear and multiple pockets. As you can see, I'm wearing it here and the fit is SO comfortable due to the stretchy side and black panels. This shirt would definitely work for my morning walks as it has a cord port in the back pocket for headphones. The Haisley has an UPF of 50+ sun protection and is moisture wicking.
Built in Reflectivity
What is extra cool are the flip up sleeves and collar which allows you to deploy or hide the reflective trim. In fact the whole shirt is interwoven with reflective 3M Scotchlite threads. These fibers blend into the plaid pattern during the day but radiate a gridded glow at night. So if your are walking or riding home late after sundown, that reflectivity could be HUGE in increasing your road visibility.

Novara Haisley Woven Top & Miss Carema Gel Skort

Miss Carema Gel Skort
This cycling skort is a God-send for the hot summer weather ahead. This is the first skort that I have tried with a sheer bottom panel and I'm not sure I'll want to go back to the solid ones. Attached is a cushioned chamois gel short with elastic leg grippers to keep them in place. There is even an envelope stash pocket on the short's leg for that gel pack. At the waist is a super comfortable nonbinding crossover waist band. 
Short List of Features
I really like the weight of the short's fabric and the fact that it offers 4 way stretch. Like the Haisley Woven Shirt, the Miss Carema Gel Skort is moisture wicking, quick drying and offers a UPF of 50+ sun protection. It also has reflective accents in case you get caught walking or cycling after dark. These pieces can be dressed up with a blazer or capris should you wish to walk or ride your bicycle to work or maybe to lunch. People will simply notice that you are dressed well, not like "Lance".
Want to see more styles for work and play? Visit NovaraBike.com online

REI Flash Sport 15 Pack
If you are looking for an ultra-light women's pack to take with you for a walk, run or ride, check out REI's Flash Sport 15. Designed for fast paced hiking and trail running, you could also use it for that hike into work or an outdoor event this summer. It accommodates a full on hydration system, (I have my CamelBak Antidote 100 oz reservoir inside), with ports on the straps for easy water access. Averaging 1 lb, 1 oz its volume is a respectable 15 liters.

REI's Flash Sport 15 Women's Specific Pack

REI Exclusive: Flash Sport 15
The shoulder straps and hip-belt are perfectly proportional and sculpted to fit women. The shoulder and hip strap pockets help organize gear I wish to keep close at hand like my Omegalicious Gummys and Probars. There is a roomy stretch mesh pouch in the rear for wet or bulky items you might not want to carry inside.
A clip loop in the rear of the bag can hold a blinky safety light if you are out at night giving you extra visibility if you are on foot or a CityBike. Walking or riding, this pack is just right. See more gear and packs online at REI.com

Hike or Bike. The NEW look of urban street wear!

Clothing c/o Novara Bike
Pack c/o REI
Tortoise Shell Framed Eye wear by Hobie