2011 Fall Gear

Ahhh autumn. When the weather is a mix of warm temps lingering from summer and chillier temps waiting around the corner in winter. To help you stay outdoors and active through this transitional season, we pulled together great reflective wear to keep you visible when the daylight gets shorter, sporty sunglasses to protect your peeps in different light conditions, and fun insulated vests to give you that extra bit of warmth when you need it.

Of course, we didn’t forget to include our favorite gear goodies in Staff Picks, because we love to try stuff out and share our experiences with you!

“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil paint-ing, and autumn a mosaic of them all.”     —Stanley Horowitz

Reflective Gear

Fall has arrived, and with it comes fewer of those precious daylight hours. But there’s no reason that the dwindling daylight should cut into your outside play time. Just keep in mind that if you’re heading out in the early morning or after sunset, it’s important to be safe and stay visible to cars, as well as other cyclists, walkers, and runners. Luckily for us active types, there are plenty of options for reflective gear to keep you visible.

One company that helps make technical apparel stand out in the dark is 3M Scotchlite. “Most people overestimate how visible they are,” says Shari Franklin-Smith, the technical service manager for footwear and apparel with 3M Scotchlite reflective taping. “They think if they can see the car headlights that the car can see them.”

According to Franklin-Smith, 3M has done extensive research on how best to make people stand out when it’s dark. “You want reflective material to outline the human body 360 degrees to help others detect that it’s a person vs.something inanimate, such as a barrel in a construction zone,” she says.

“If you wear a hat, shirt, and pants together, that’s great!” says Franklin-Smith. “You’ve marked the body, the head, the feet, and the wrists. The mind of a driver can more easily connect that to someone in motion.”

Key Areas for Reflectivity
So where are the best places for reflective tape and piping on apparel? Here’s what 3M recommends:

On a Shirt or Jacket
Reflective hits on the torso, front, back and sides are ideal. Can be decals of a company logo or a band. On shirts with sleeves, as well as jackets, reflectivity on the sleeve shows arm movement. On long-sleeve shirts and jackets, additional reflectivity on the wrist increases visibility and shows arm movement.

On a Hat
A ring of reflectivity around the head is optimal, with a company logo decal in the front. But hits on the front, back, and sides also work.

On Shorts or Pants
For shorts, reflectivity can be in the form of piping along the sides and a reflective logo on the hems. On pants, reflective hits on the ankles or above the knees show movement.

What makes 3M tapes reflective?

1. Glass Beads: On the tape surface are micron-size glass beads and a metal coating that creates a little mirror. When a headlight flashes on the tape, the glass bends the light, which hits the mirror, goes back through the bead, and back to a driver’s eye. Voilà, visibility! According to Franklin-Smith, this technology is used in a lot of road signs.

2. Prisms: Tiny, inverted prisms on the tape surface return light. Franklin-Smith says to envision a ball in a racquetball court hitting the wall, the ceiling, the corner, then coming back to you. This is what happens when light hits the prism: it bounces and hits all three sides and then comes back out, hitting the human eye. According to Franklin-Smith, higher-end road signs are all prismatic.

Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier Jacket 

This ultra-light jacket is designed for cycling with a semi-form fit and drop-tail hem, but also works for running or hiking. It’s windproof and water-resistant, with an elastic hem and cuffs to keep it in place. A back Velcro pocket holds small snacks and a cell phone. Fun 3M reflective swirls at the wrists and on the back give the jacket a girlie touch. ($80; pearlizumi.com)

New Balance 360 Degree Jacket and Pants

New Balance designed this jacket and pants per 3M’s recommendations to place plenty of reflectivity on key body “movement” locations such as arms, wrists, knees, and ankles so drivers can tell that you’re a moving person. Each are made from a lightweight ripstop nylon and are wind- and water-resistant. (Jacket $90; Pants $80; newbalance.com)

Nathan Sports Running Sleeves

On those in-between temperature workouts when you don’t quite need a jacket, these compression running sleeves will help keep you warm and, most importantly, visible. The 3M reflective strip from top to bottom can be seen up to 1,200 feet away. A handy little pocket on one sleeve holds small essentials such as a key or ID. Available in two sizes and several bright colors. ($25; nathansports.com)

Saucony Transition Sportop II

This top is a great choice for cooler fall mornings and evenings, with hits of 3M reflective tape on the shoulder and lower back. The bright-colored patterned mesh fabric offers up even more visibility, with nice next-to-skin comfort and ventilation when you start to sweat. A little zip pocket in back is good for storing a key or ID. ($50; saucony.com)

Brooks Essential Run Vest

Sometimes a vest is just what you need to take off the chill. This style is semi-fitted with venting in the back and slightly stretchy armholes for added comfort when you’re swinging your arms. Reflective hits of 3M tape are on the front and back, including some cute reflective flowers. Stash necessities in two side-zip pockets, and carry your iPod in the moisture-proof inside pocket. ($55; brooksrunning.com)

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are more than an accessory. They are a necessity to keep your eyes safe from the sun, as well as wind and dust. Lucky for us, frame and lens technologies keep getting better, and companies are taking into account the fact that, while outdoorsy gals need to protect their peeps, these ladies also like shades with a bit of flair. There is a lot that goes into designing sport sunglasses, so let us share some of the science behind the shades

Lens tints

Interchangeable lenses ensure versatility so that you can wear one style in different light conditions and switch out lenses to suit your needs. Dark lenses decrease light transmission, so use those on sunny days. Switch to orange, red, or yellow for low light or variable light conditions, and clear lenses for protection from wind and dirt on overcast days or after dark. Photochromic technology in “transition” lenses darkens and lightens according to light conditions.

Lens technology

Costs climb with the degree of technology in sunglass lenses. Polycarbonate lenses filter out 100% of UV light, and a mirror coating decreases the amount of glare. Polarized lenses provide crisp optical clarity and depth perception. Hydrophobic coatings shed water and oil.

Coverage

A mono lens—one long lens that curves across the face rather than a separate lens in front of each eye—offers broad coverage that promotes visibility and is ideal for velocity-driven sports, such as running and cycling. Most sports sunglasses with two lenses also offer up sufficient wrap and protection. Wrap coverage guards against dust and wind, but also provides UV protection for the area around the eyes.

Frame

Fit, for the most part, comes down to adjustability at the bridge of the nose and the temples. Many sports sunglasses have an adjustable bridge that you can compress to set the frame either back or forward on your face. Temple tips should be bendable around the ear to gently hug your face.

Buying tips

First, consider what you’ll be doing while wearing your shades. High-velocity sports, like road cycling and running, require wide peripheral visibility and great fit. Mountain bikers and trail runners will sometimes need lenses that adjust with varying light conditions as they cruise through trees. Some lenses have filters designed especially for use on water, while others are interchangeable for all-around athletes. Weight is a factor, but it’s hardly an issue if glasses fit well. When it comes down to it, though, looks matter. If you’ll wear the glasses, you’ll gain the benefit. If you think they’re unflattering, you won’t wear them.

Native Bolder 

Cushiony comfort, sweat-resistant grip at the temple tips and on the nose bridge, and fog-preventing frame ventilation all combine in this fashion-forward design. Interchangeable polarized copper lenses offer optical clarity on semi-sunny and super sunny days, while the included Sportflex lenses provide just enough coverage for low-light conditions. ($109; nativeyewear.com)

Rudy Project Ability

Ideal for endurance types like cyclists and runners, the 90-ounce Ability is designed to fit female faces. And, compatible with six lens tint options, it proves a versatile choice. A non-fatiguing metal called copper beryllium—bend it all you want and it won’t break—at the nose bridge offers infinite adjustability. ($180; rudyprojectusa.com)

Ryders Solace

This classic brown tortoise frame has anything but classic features. The highly flexible, lightweight thermoplastic frame material can take a beating and lots of bending without snapping. The shatterproof brown lens darkens colors and reduces blue hues to increase contrast, but also offers 100-percent UV protection. ($40; ryderseyewear.com)

Optic Nerve Thujone IC

This minimalist frame adjusts easily at the temple tips and nose-bridge to fit narrow or wide faces. Its curved, interchangeable mono lens grants maximum peripheral visibility and won’t fog thanks to vents on each side. Each pair is available in custom colors. ($79; nerveusa.com)

Revo Guide

Listen up, water babies. Revo’s new water lens boasts high-contrast polarization for color and clarity, especially when it comes to light reflecting off water. A removable leash threaded through the temple tips ensures you won’t lose your shades in case they slip off while you’re zipping through a rapid. ($180; revo.com)

Oakley Miss Conduct

Feather-light and essentially frameless, this sporty style looks good on most face shapes and performs flawlessly during activities ranging from mountain biking to triathlon training to trail running. Oakley’s Plutonite lens supplies 100-percent UV protection and blocks harmful blue light. This grey tint works best in low to medium light conditions. ($140; oakley.com)

Insulated Vests

Fall is one of those seasons where temperatures are fickle. One day, it can feel like summer. The next, there’s a chill in the air. One of our favorite ways to stay cozy on those cooler days is with a lightly insulated vest.

Technically speaking, wearing a vest helps maintain your core temperature. But if your core temperature begins to drop, the body reduces the flow of blood to the extremities to keep the core temperature up and protect vital organs. The result: cold fingers and toes. So keeping your hands and feet warm starts with maintaining your core temperature.

Thus it’s wise to carry a vest as an extra layer when you’re heading out for a hike, run, or ride on days where temperatures can vary. Vests also make a great layer under a shell when you’re backpacking or skiing.

There’s no reason that an insulated vest needs to make you look like the Michelin Man. Check out some fun options with style.

ISIS Alpenglow Vest 

While the Alpenglow is less puffy-looking than other styles on these pages, don’t be deceived. Its polyester insulation, plus micro-fleece-lined zip side pockets and collar, will keep your core cozy. Zip it up, or close with several “hidden” magnetic buttons. Style points: Beautiful quilt stitching on front and back. ($99; isisforwomen.com)

Patagonia Lidia Vest

Leave it to Patagonia to create a vest that’s recycled inside and out. The Lidia is made with a 100-percent recycled polyester ripstop fabric and filled with 90-percent recycled Thermogreen synthetic insulation. Zip pockets nestled along the side seams are lined with a soft micro-fleece.Style points: Cute little ruffles along the quilt lines in front and back, elasticized for a flattering fit. ($129; patagonia.com)

Lolë Icy 2 Vest

This vest has a green side: It’s made with a 33-percent recycled polyester fabric that is windproof and treated with an ECO water-repellent coating for drizzly days. The Icy 2 will keep you warm with its synthetic insulation and side pockets lined with soft fleece. Style points: The funky asymmetrical zip.($100; lolewomen.com)

Kühl Voyage Vest

The lightweight Voyage is filled with 800 fill down, so it’s easily compressible for stashing in a backpack or suitcase. The shell fabric is a 100-percent recycled Eco-Poly Pertex, offering up wind-resistance for added core protection. Store gloves, snacks, and extras in the plethora of pockets: two zip on the outside, two stash on the inside. Style points: Fun flower stitching on front and along the fold-down micro-fleece neck. ($160; kuhl.com)

Merrell Odessa Vest

An interesting thing about the Odessa: It’s available in a natural, dye-free white version along with several other colors. The Opti-Warm synthetic insulation keeps you toasty, while the fleece-lined collar adds extra comfort and warmth on your neck. Style points: Big button pockets in front and shape-flattering elastic ruching on the sides. ($79; merrell.com)

Staff Picks

Our team shares some of their favorite gear for Fall

Xenon Sonic Lady Bibtight Short

These bib shorts feature a patented system with zippers on either side of the bib that make it easy to slip the shorts down for a bathroom break without having to take off your jersey.

Why I like them: “I really like that the back zippers allow for quick and easy ‘bio-breaks.’ The padding, fit, material, and elastic bottom hem make these the most comfortable cycling shorts I own.” Lisa Sinclair, ad sales ($240; gorebikewear.com)

Patagonia Yerba Pack 22L

This daypack is great for on-trail activities as well as trips to the coffee shop or the office. There are plenty of pockets inside and out to store gear and gadgets, including a lightly padded laptop sleeve.

Why I like it: “This pack is the perfect size and the compartments are well thought out. I like the top zip pocket for stashing keys and that there’s a clever, accessible pocket for a cell phone. I use the outside for water bottle, sunscreen, or bug spray (when I was on vacation in Minnesota).” Sue Sheerin, publisher ($59; patagonia.com)

Elemental Herbs Good Lips 

Made with natural ingredients, these organic lip balms have SPF 12 protection. Flavors include original, sweet tangerine, and cool spearmint.

Why I like them: “I love the smells of these lip balms, with ingredients like lavender, comfrey, and beeswax, and they keep my lips nice and soft.” Jennifer Olson, assistant editor ($3.50 each; elementalherbs.com)

Nathan Trail Mix 2 Hydration Belt

This water belt has a snug elasticized waist and is good for runners who need hydration on the go but don’t want to lug a heavy, bouncy pack. Two 10-ounce bottles are set at an easy-to-grab angle on each hip.

Why I like it: “This waist pack is the perfect solution on long runs: It’s convenient, doesn’t get in the way, and, most importantly, allows me to carry just the right amount of water to stay hydrated.” Laura Brigham, multi-tasker extraordinaire ($45; nathansports.com)

Garmin Forerunner 210

This GPS-enabled watch can measure time, pace, and distance whether you are biking, running, or walking. It is also compatible with a foot pod for measuring distance and pace indoors.

Why I like it: “It is nice to be able to monitor so many things (heart rate, distance, pace, and time) with just one piece of gear. I also like it because it seems to make it easier to reach mileage goals when I know exactly how much further I have to run.” Laura Binks, editorial intern ($250; garmin.com)

Terry Le Midi

Terry’s Le Midi combo layers a stylish skirt over a practical pair of padded capris.

Why I like them: “Because the skirt and the capri are two completely separate pieces, the Le Midi is mix-n-match heaven. I can ride with just the capris if I want, and the skirt can be used with my other cycling shorts as I ride between my town destinations.” Susan Hayse, web director ($99; terrybicycles.com)

Sweaty Bands

Unlike a lot of fitness-type headbands, Sweaty Bands don’t slip because they’re made with a soft suede-like fabric on the inside to keep them in place. Check out their website for the monthly six-pack with rotating design options.

Why I like them: “They come in all kinds of fun patterns so that I can mix and match depending on my mood and my outfit. I wear them to yoga, under my bike helmet, and as a cute accessory for a night out on the town.” Rebecca Heaton, editor in chief ($15; sweatybands.com)

Under Armour Mynx ColdGear Capri

These lightweight capris are made from Under Armour’s ColdGear fabric, which helps with temperature control and wicking.

Why I like them: “It’s hard to find capri pants that are long enough and these are great; they are the perfect length and they fit tight and loose in all the right places. They also come in some fun colors, so they make my morning run more cheerful.” Meghan Maloney, multi-tasker extraordinaire ($55; underarmour.com)

Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter

This pump-free filter is easy to use: Fill up to 4 liters of water into the bladder marked “dirty,” then hang it on a tree branch or lay it on a rock. Water passes through a filter into the “clean” reservoir. In less than 3 minutes, you’ve got clean, drinkable water.

Why I like it: “I love the laziness this filter allows. We were camping at Rocky Mountain National Park and got a late start. We were able to set up camp and filter water at the same time—no pumping required!” Rebecca Finkel, art director ($100; cascadedesigns.com)

Vasque Jule

This low hiker is built on a women-specific last with a moderately lugged outsole to get you through most conditions on the trail.

Why I like them: “Perfect fit and extremely comfortable. Great grip on crushed stone, gravel, and snow. I gave the shoes a good workout at 10,500 feet elevation in Colorado through dirt, mud, and snow—in July for pete’s sake.” Mira Perrizo, copy editor ($95; vasque.com)