Gear Closet: Warm Weather Clothing From Carhartt

With mid-August now upon us, it is safe to say that we are definitely in the dog days of summer. In fact, where I live we've had a string of triple digit days (that's 38º+ for my readers who prefer celsius) and there isn't much relief in sight. If you're like me, a little hot weather isn't enough to keep you indoors for long and provided you have clothing suitable to the weather, it's easy to head out, even in the heat of the day.

Carhartt isn't an apparel brand that quickly comes to mind when you're looking for clothing for outdoor adventures. After all, the company has built itself a reputation for creating comfortable and durable clothing for use in work environments such as construction sites, shipyards and farms. But now Carhartt is applying what it has learned in the work place to make clothes we can sea when we head out to play too and judging from what I saw from them at Outdoor Retailer, I'd say they have some great things in store for us. But until that new gear arrives, here are a couple of products you can buy now to get you through the remainder of the summer.

Men's Rugged Cargo Shorts ($36)
I have to admit, when I first took Carhartt's Rugged cargo shorts out of the box they were shipped to me in, I was a little concerned. The seemed heavier than most of the other pairs of shorts that I typically wear and I was afraid they wouldn't be comfortable in very hot weather. After all, no on likes thick, dense fabrics that don't breathe well in the heat. Turns out I had nothing to worry about however, because these shorts are made out of 100% cotton that is soft and comfortable, while still performing very well in the heat.

For a company that is known for offering clothes that are ultra-durable, it says something that they gave these short the  name "Rugged." The fabrics used in their construction are practically bullet proof, shrugging off wear and tear easily and holding their good looks even when they're been put through a gauntlet of abuse. Like their work clothes, these shorts can take punishment and keep coming back for more, all the while keeping the wearer comfortable with their relaxed fit design.


These shorts have a generous amount of pocket space. Not only are there four in the usual spots (two on the front and two on the back) there are also two massive cargo pockets on each of the legs. They are large enough to carry all kinds of small items including a digital camera, GPS device, a headlamp or just about any other small gadget you may want to bring with you when you head out. There is even a pocket specifically built for carrying a smartphone, which is a nice touch for a pair of shorts designed more for leisure than work.

I was incredibly pleased with how the Rugged cargo shorts felt when I put them on and even more impressed after spending a day running errands and going on a short hike with them as well. They performed as well as any of the other shorts in my wardrobe and did so without compromising quality and durability. With a price tag of just $36, I feel these shorts are an incredible bargain as they are built to last a long time and good looking enough to wear to any casual occasion. Summer isn't over just yet and now might be a good time to add the Rugged cargo shorts to your closet too.

Men's Force Short-Sleeve T-Shirt ($28)
A good pair of shorts is only half the equation when it comes to staying cool and dry in the hot weather. A good shirt plays an even more important role, wicking moisture away from the body and helping the wearer stay as comfortable as possible even as the mercury climbs higher. Carhartt's Force t-shirt is the perfect compliment for the Rugged cargo shorts in that regard as it's cotton/polyester blend is perfect for pulling sweat away from the body and allowing it to quickly evaporate. The result is a more comfortable day out in the sun.

The Force t-shirt not only looks good but incorporates fabrics designed to resist stains that help to keep it that way. Like everything else in the Carhartt line-up, it is durable and built to last. This is anything but a cheap t-shirt that will wear out after you've owned it for a few months. Instead, it is a piece of clothing that is designed to last. And unlike the cargo shorts, you'll want to continue wearing the Force even when the weather starts to get cooler.

Carhartt's understanding of their customer needs shows through in the small touches. For instance, the shirt has a tagless neck collar to prevent chafing and a breast pocket comes in handy for keeping small items close at hand. The design also incorporates Raglan sleeves that don't hinder the range of motion while the relaxed fit of the shirt doesn't bind or restrict movement in any way. In other words, it is great shirt for any time of the year, it just happens to well suited for the summer months too.

The Force t-shirt and Rugged cargo shorts are Carhartt quality brought to the casual market. They look good, are durable and comfortable. Everything you could ask for in warm weather clothing and at affordable prices.

Gear Closet: Duluth Trading Co. Armachillo Shirt And Cargo Shorts

When you live deep in the heart of Texas you really only have two seasons. You have the comfortably warm days between November and May, and then you have the blast furnace known as summer that runs June through October when the mercury rises to 100ºF (38ºC) and pretty much stays there for weeks on end. If you're an outdoor enthusiast you don't want to stay cooped up inside for all those months, so you have to find ways to enjoy your favorite activities while remaining as cool and comfortable as possible. Thanks to improvements in our technical clothing this has become easier than ever before. Our apparel is now breathable and moisture wicking, while remaining stylish at the same time.

The Duluth Trading Co., a clothing company that has earned a reputation for making durable and good looking apparel for the workplace, has turned its nearly 25 years of experience on the outdoor market. Their talented designers have come up with a unique way to create clothing that is noticeably cooler than gear from competitors. They decided to weave microscopic jade particles into the fabric under the theory that those tiny particles will reflect the heat and keep the wearer nice and cool. Those same fabrics also happen to be ultra-lightweight, wicking and breathable, while also remaining durable enough to wear on our demanding outdoor adventures.

In theory, this combination of qualities should make for a fantastic piece of gear for use in warm conditions. How does it perform in the real world? I recently put two of their pieces of gear to the test in order to find out.

Men's Long Sleeve Armachillo Shirt ($59.50)
The Duluth Trading Co. has long been known for their excellent work shirts. The company was founded by two brothers working in the construction business who identified qualities that they would need out of their apparel while on a job site. Over the years, their designs have evolved and become more refined to the point that their shirts have become highly functional and good looking at the same time. That legacy shows through in the Armachillo shirt's design as well and the result is a great looking shirt that you can comfortably wear while hanging around home, running errands around town or traveling to the far flung corners of the globe.

This shirt weighs next to nothing (2.35 ounces/66.6 grams) and features two large, functional pockets right on the chest. The left pocket includes a handy pencil holder while the right incorporates a cell phone sleeve. High quality buttons and durable fabrics round out this attractive, classic looking shirt that has both a modern and throwback look at the same time.

As mentioned the shirt uses high-tech fabrics that breathe well, wick moisture away from the skin and offer UPF 40 levels of protection from the sun. Those same fabrics are covered in an antimicrobial finish that helps fight odors and of course they have those tiny chips of jade incorporated into the design. All of that makes for a great shirt for anyone who is outside for extended periods of time as it truly is comfortable and cool.

I haven't had a chance to test this shirt in the blazing heat yet, but temperatures have already been quite warm on several occasions here this spring. I've worn this Armachillo shirt while on afternoon hikes and on nights out on the town and it has performed extremely well thus far. Best of all, it is quite comfortable and I happen to like the way it looks and fits too.

If you're in the market for a great shirt to wear while hiking, backpacking or traveling, this is certainly an impressive option. I love that it is versatile enough to do all of those things while also serving well as a work shirt or a casual out-on-the-town shirt. I'm not sure how much the integrated jade particles help, but the Armachillo long sleeve shirt definitely lives up to the marketing hype.

Armachillo Cargo Shorts ($54.50)
When the mercury rises I pretty much live in a pair of shorts. I wear them constantly and expect them to be comfortable without restricting motion. Plenty of deep pockets are nice too and it helps if they also breathe to help keep me cool. It doesn't hurt if they look good too so I can wear them just about everywhere.

The Duluth Trading Co.'s Armachillo Cargo Short meet those qualifications and then some. Made from high quality ripstop nylon, these shorts are quick drying, lightweight and form fitting without preventing natural movements. It has nicely sized cargo pockets that are perfect for carrying a cell phone or other small items you want to keep close at hand. The elastic waistline includes an integrated belt that does its job nicely without sticking out like a sore thumb.

Of course, these shorts also feature DTC's ingrained jade chips to help keep the wearer cooler as well as all the other great features found on the Armachillo shirt. They breathe well, they protect from the sun (UPF 40) and they also feature the same antimicrobial treatment. All of that comes in handy on active days on the trail or just relaxing at the beach.

I have to admit that when I first put these shorts on I was a little concerned about the fit. They were a bit snug around my legs, which I thought would bother me once I went for a hike or did something else fairly active. Turns out after a few minutes I didn't even think about it any longer and never noticed it after that. Because they're so good at moving with your body as it goes through its natural motions, these are the kind of shorts you're going to want to wear no matter what you're doing.

These two pieces of clothing complimented each other very well, both in looks and performance. Now that I have them in my wardrobe, I'm not so concerned about the impending heat-wave that we call summer here in Texas. I feel like I'm outfitted to enjoy the season without compromise. And I'll even look good doing it.

Gear Closet: Icebreaker LS Tech T Lite

It is simply amazing how the gear we carry with us on our adventures can have an impact on our enjoyment of those experiences. Visiting destinations that are either very warm or very cold can be incredibly rewarding or complete misery, depending on whether or not you have the right gear. This is especially true when it comes to the clothes we wear, which ultimately decide how comfortable we are when traveling.

Lucky for us we now live in an age when our outdoor and travel apparel is simply the best it has ever been. We now have great fitting, lightweight clothing that is breathable and moisture wicking, all of which helps to keep us more than comfortable while on the go. I was reminded of this fact recently while testing the new LS Tech T Lite from Icebreaker, a company that continues to make fantastic clothing for a variety of activities. 

For those of you who haven't had the good fortune of using Icebreaker gear just yet, you'll definitely want to put them on your radar. The company uses soft merino wool from New Zealand to make shirts, pants, jackets and a variety of other clothing that is designed for hiking, cycling, climbing and travel. Their clothes are good looking, stylish and very comfortable and the Tech T does nothing but enhance that reputation. 

The long-sleeve Tech T is surprisingly lightweight and extremely versatile. The shirt is breathable enough to comfortably wear in warm weather climes, particularly when you're looking to avoid too much exposure to the sun. Alternatively, it makes a fantastic base layer in cool weather as well, adding warm to any layering system. Much of this versatility is due to the merino wool, which naturally excels in a variety of conditions. 

The ability to stay warm or cool as necessary isn't the only trick the Tech T has up its sleeves. Merino wool also happens to have some natural anti-bacterial qualities as well, which means the shirt can resist odors for extended periods of time. In fact, Icebreaker marketing uses the tagline of "Two Weeks. One Shirt. No Stink." I haven't personally had the chance to test the shirt under those conditions, but I can report that I have worn it in a variety of conditions, sweated all over it multiple times, and it has indeed stayed odor free. This is of course great news for backpackers and travelers on extended journeys who like to travel light. Throw one or two of these shirts in your pack and you're good for quite a long time. 

As someone who travels on a regular basis and tries hard to pack as light as possible, I absolutely love this shirt. It is so comfortable that I even wear it while out and about at home. Icebreaker sells the LS Tech T Lite for just $80, which I feel is a bargain for something of this quality. They even have a short sleeve version for $65 for those that prefer that design too. Either way, I think you'll be as impressed as I am and fell that either is a fantastic edition to your Gear Closet. 

Gear Closet: Sports Science Graphic T-Shirt

Over the past few years there have been some wonderful advances in the area of fabrics used in the clothing wear while on our active endeavors. Now days we have thinner and lighter gear to keep us warm in cold weather and more breathable, wicking fabrics to keep us cool when its warm. If you're like me, you've probably come to appreciate the technology that has gone into that clothing, particularly when you're on a long run, bike ride, or hike in a variety of weather conditions.

Founded in 2005, Sports Science is a company that has put those high tech fabrics to good use. The company has built itself a reputation for creating activewear for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Their products are lightweight, attractive, excellent at wicking moisture and treated with FreshGuard to help keep them from acquiring unwanted odors. In short, they incorporate just about everything you could want out of your outdoor apparel, while still looking like something you wouldn't mind wearing both on the trail or around town.

Recently the company sent me one of the t-shirts in their "Outdoor People" line for testing and I was immediately struck by the fact that it looked like just about any other shirt you'd find in just about any store. The graphic on the shirt was unique and original with a bit of whimsy incorporated into the design. I tried to ignore the fact that they had chosen to send me a print that is titled "Old Goat," even though it is probably very fitting.

My initial impressions aside, I soon started to wear the shirt on a regular basis and found that it was quickly becoming one of the favorite articles of clothing in my rotation. Not only was it unique in styling it was also very comfortable to wear and the super-soft fabrics were great for what ever you have on your schedule. I've worn the shirt on cool, rainy days when I just lounged around the house and on day-hikes on a warm and dusty trail and each time it has been kept me very comfortable.

Wearing one of these Sports Science shirts is like wearing a technical piece of gear without the overly shining fabrics and tight fitting cut. This shirt provided all the performance you would expect out of that type of gear in a package that doesn't look like it is something out of a cheap science fiction movie. I love the cut and fit of the Old Goat t-shirt and I love the way it keeps me comfortably dry even more.

The t-shirt that I tested is just one item in the Sports Science line. They have also have long sleeve tech and wool shirts, a variety of graphics, and so much more. Check out their entire catalog here.