Mission Workshop’s new Orion Lightweight jacket is made from Schoeller c_change, same as their original Orion, but comes in about 20% lighter and in a dark gray-brown color rather than black. The fabric is waterproof and breathable, with a temperature reactive design vent moisture better when you’re hot. Like the original, it has an internal ported media pocket, external chest pocket, front-zipped hand pockets, touring style zippered rear pocket and removable snap-off hood. It’s cut for cycling with articulated sleeves and longer tail, but not so short in the front as to look awkward off the bike. Retail is $395.
Timbuk2 has just released their “Especial” collection of backpacks. From left to right, the Tres, Dos and Cuatro get the special treatment with upgraded premium nylon corder ripstop backed material and their high-end Back Bender cooling panel to keep it from leaving a sweat impression across your entire lumbar. Ergo straps have hydration hose and earbud wire routing. The two smaller models have laptop pockets with swing around side access zips. The Cuatro is all about volume, though, with a large main pocket that expands to carry up to 50 liters and compression straps to keep it all manageable when the loads are light.
Also part of the top end collection is the Especial Viaje Pannier. It converts from a backpack to pannier bag and has the same features as the others. Inside is a waterproof welded laptop pocket.
Chrome has created new versions of their popular wool hoodies in wind resistant Moleskin Cotton. The Stock Cobra for men (left) and the Stock Pasha for women have all the same features like hand warmer pockets, full width zip rear pocket, zip key pocket and thumb holes on extended sleeves, but cost less. Retail is $100.
