We got our first look at Overland last spring – a bikepacking & adventure gravel leaning clothing line from Morvélo. Incorporating technical cycling features, detailing & performance fabrics into styles that really did look normal off the bike, Overland blurred the lines of what you would wear to go riding: from all road to gravel adventures, from bikepacking to mountain bike trail riding. Now, The Overland takes it one step further, breaking off as its own brand and expanding to all outdoor enthusiasts. And to make a strong statement on more environmentally sustainable technical clothing.
Overland gear seeks wider audience beyond gravel bikers
Morvelo realized that in creating a range of performance gear for riding road & trail bikes with stretchy, breathable fabrics and cuts that allowed freedom of movement, it wasn’t only cyclists who could benefit. Their conventional Morvelo kit was pretty much roadie lycra or more moto-inspired MTB baggies, but Overland was always really devoid of any bike rider-specific look or branding.
Now moving past warm weather gear on & off the bike, The Overland has added more long-sleeves, more insulation, and more outerwear to protect you from the elements. And since they were already wearing it off the bike, why not open it up more broadly to everyone – boosting usability & sustainability all at once.
The Overland adds new sustainability ethos, as well
The Overland break also brings with it some lofty environmental goals according to co-founder Oli Pepper, who describes how the industry makes more clothing now than ever, while becoming so specialized that we use most pieces of clothing even less. “With The Overland, we are responding to this by enabling customers to use these clothes not just for cycling but for all kinds of outdoor pursuits, with an aesthetic that wouldn’t raise eyebrows on a night out”… or maybe just around camp.
I’ve ridden in the short-sleeve, button-up Overland Shirt and can attest to it keeping me comfortable sweating up long mixed-surface climbs, without looking out of place walking around town after a ride. I’ve probably worn the shirt as many times when there was no riding at hand as times on the bike. I don’t think I could say the same of any other cycling jersey or any single other shirt that I own.
That certainly seems like a reasonable strategy to cut down on waste. The Overland team backs up their sustainability ethos, having recently also become a member of 1% for the Planet, now also pledging to plant one tree for every order received, and promising to donate 10% of each new customer’s first order to an environmental charity when they sign up for The Overland’s weekly newsletter.
So what’s new from The Overland for colder weather on & off the bike?
Said to be less of a Fall/Winter collection, The Overland see their latest gear as a second phase for the new brand, giving more options for year-round outdoor activity. Water & weatherproof shells are a general material highlight, as are long-sleeves and gloves.
First up is the Long Sleeve Shirt (£95) and Elemental shorts (£45). Like the original short-sleeve, this is a technical jersey that will easily pass as a regular flannel or casual button-up. Pick the pattern you like, and The Overland gives you technical features like hidden side pockets, an updated ergonomic fit that works pedaling or standing, all in a breathable & stretchy DWR-treated, windproof fabric. As for the shorts, they are just a durable low-key pair of black shorts that are light, stretchy, quick-drying polyester, and half the price of their original Selector shorts.
The pull-over anorak Barricade Rain Jacket(£100) promises to be waterproof, breathable & packable with several pockets for carrying goodies and a hood designed to fit under your helmet. Add pair of Adapt Waterproof Shorts (£85) to keep your butt dry,too.
Other notable kit: a Coach Elemental Wind Jacket (£65), six long-sleeve Tech Tees (£40) in different designs, and the stealthy Dual Long Sleeve Baselayer Jersey (£50) that looks like a striped t-shirt at first glance, but actually has five jersey pockets (two front & three rear) like their original mesh short-sleeve version did. Round those out with three new pairs of full finger gloves, two caps & an updated pair of bib shorts.
All of the new kit is available direct from The Overland and Morvelo. They are even looking to expand into brick-and-mortar retailers too – both traditional bike shops & broader outdoor retailers.
