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Family Fitness: Au Naturale
Warm, weather-blocking apparel that's kind to your family, and Mother Nature
It really doesn't matter when the mercury plunges. Whether you're shivering on a ski lift in March or huddled on a blanket watching fireworks - all that matters is staying warm. A light baselayer is essential 4-season equipment, and new sustainable (and often recyclable) fibers provide insulate against the cold and wick sweat when the heat's turned up. Plus, you get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside knowing you're taking care of your family and the earth at the same time.
Icebreaker GT 180 Chase Zip-T
Two words - Yummy Mummy. Offering warmth without weight and an incredibly flattering silhouette, Icebreaker's GT 180 Chase Zip is made of pure merino wool. But don't worry about smelling like a sheep - naturally-anti-microbial merino is ideal for those quick turn-around workout-to-dinner nights when there's no time to shower and change. The form-fitting zip-T adds extra warmth as a base layer, but it looks so good you won't want to hide it under a coat. The soft, lightweight fabric is designed for running and biking but you'll also end up wearing it when you simply want to look good. $89.99; icebreaker.com
RuffWear K-9 Overcoat
Everyone's out for a hike, but someone starts to shiver. You packed plenty of warm clothes for the kids, but poor pooch is cold! Problem solved with the K-9 Overcoat. The butter-soft fleece liner and durable polyester shell are made from recycled bottles. The coat keeps four-legged friends warm (and protects them from brush and burrs). Our daschund, Woofie (short for Wolfgang, of course), retrieves his coat when he's ready for a walk. He hangs out in the car on weekends while we're skiing, and then dons his sporty overcoat to play in the snow with the girls afterward. Reflective taping and adjustable buckles (for after those big Macs), make this a coat even Paris Hilton's puppy would wear with pride. $50; ruffwear.com
Chaos Gomu Hat
So many hats and only one head! If Fidel Castro had gone "green" before he retired, he'd have owned the Gomu. The 100 percent organic cotton military-style cap is perfect for revolutions, even pint-sized ones. We were having a tough time getting our eldest daughter to wear a hat on sunny days. "I can use sunblock," she'd cry-but every night, those pink cheeks suggested otherwise. Then we realized that we were missing a time-honored incentive for girls-fashion. The wide brim and cork label were the clincher - the look's retro but hip, making the cap a favorite for junior Fashonistas! $24; chaoshats.com
Bridgedale Crew Sock
Bamboo's not just for pandas. New yarns made of bamboo are sustainable and renewable (and most importantly, fairly odor free!) The new Bridgedale Crew sock comes in men's and women's specific fits and colors. Bamboo yarn is naturally breathable and anti-microbial. A dash of COOLMAX helps moisture transfer, so your feet don't get sweaty on a long run. I like the fact that men's and women's come in different colors so I know who's snuck into my room and stolen my socks while I sleep! $16.99; bridgedale.com
Ibex D Lux Boxer Shorts
Men's underwear doesn't get a lot of respect but that's only because most men are still suffering with cotton undies. Once they've tried wool, they won't go back. Ibex's D Lux Boxer is made out of super-light, super-soft 18.5 micron New Zealand Merino. The fit is perfect for wearing under casual or workout clothes, with a plush elastic waist band, and convenient fly opening. Black and Asphalt colors are good for conservative types, but Sport Blue and Triathlon Red add spice to any gentleman's wardrobe. Plus, they are made in the USA. $40; ibex.com
Gramicci Backpacker Shirt
The Backpacker Reversible Tee from Gramicci's Greenicci collection is like the Volkswagen van of the 1960's. With its organic 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton material to the retrographics, the shirt has impeccable hippie pedigree and is the ultimate multi-purpose vehicle. It's a fun shirt for family outings and designed for cool cats who like to pack light. Day one, you wear the solid color out. The next day, try the cotton side with one of the cool graphics. Day three, opt for the other solid look. For the final wearing, as you head to the mountains, you need a shirt for its performance aspects. So, you opt for the side with contrast stitching, triad petal embroidered venting armholes for breathability, a small stash pocket and forward-placed shoulder seams to eliminate shoulder strap abrasions. $42; gramicci.comPost a comment
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