Our favourite cutting-edge althetic gear and accessories for your busy lifestyle
The Epirus bag collection was bourne from the idea that you shouldn't have to settle for sports accessories that are unidimensional and lack imaginative design. Our bags have been created bespoke for tennis and other racket sports but brands with similar ethoses have developed exciting new versions of bicycle helmets, windbreakers, office apparel and more.
Here's our current favourites:
1. Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket
Category: Versatile & Innovative Active Wear
Why we’re excited about it
Vollebak is founded by twin brothers and employs science and tech to make sportswear. However, they aren’t just a run-of-the-mill sportswear brand claiming to be innovative; Vollebak’s range is truly unique and cutting-edge. The best part? The stylish execution of their products means that you can wear items like the 100 year hoodie and the ceramic t-shirt almost anywhere. The Solar charged jacket caught our eye because it’s easily packable, extremely durable and has a built-in visibility system so you’re not only kept dry but safe. The design is also smart enough that you could easily wear it with professional attire cycling into work or en-route to after work drinks.
Product details
The jacket stores sunlight, protects you from driving rain and headwinds, and glows in the dark. It is eminently versatile, working as a phenomenal lightweight rain jacket, windbreaker, emergency layer or safety device. It’s ultra-light and packable at 230g so takes very little space or weight when not being worn. According to Vollebak, the core technology that enables the jacket to glow for up to 12 hours is its waterproof membrane. It’s been engineered with a phosphorescent compound that rapidly absorbs and stores light, then re-releases that light slowly as day turns to night. An added bonus? The membrane keeps moisture out but allows sweat to escape.
Additional specifications:
- Constructed from a 3 layer stretch fabric
- Weight: 230g
- Waterproof to 2,500mm
- Breathable
- All seams are fully taped and waterproofed
- Waterproof front zipper has a concealed storm guard
- Rear zipped pocket has a waterproof zipper
- Peaked hood has an elasticated draw cord for adjustability
- Adjustable draw cord sits at the waist
- Articulated sleeve shape has extended underarm panelling
- Welded eyelets under the arms provide additional ventilation
- Sleeve cuffs are bonded and laser cut
Price
The jacket costs $350 USD.
2. Hedon Cortex Bicycle Helmet
Category: Versatile & Innovative Active Wear
Why we’re excited about it
Let’s be honest: while serving a critical purpose, the traditional uber-sporty style bicycle helmets make pretty much everyone look ridiculous. While some can pull this look off riding a road bike clad in head-to-toe Lycra, the same cannot be said if the helmet is accessorizing work or street wear (cringe). This is where Hedon astutely saw a gap in the market. They have shrewdly created a range of helmets that provide the requisite amount of protection whilst looking like a hat you might buy on its style merits alone.
Product details
All helmets are trimmed in genuine calf leather and feature the brand’s distinctive logo plaque in copper and brass.
- Full carbon fibre shell
- Metallic grey painted shell, matte finish
- Hed Armor lining with 360″ padding and ventilation
- Honeycomb anti-bacterial washable cushion padding
- Anodised gunmetal coloured brass HEDON plate
- Anodised gunmetal coloured brass hardware
- Anodised gunmetal coloured brass quick release buckle
- Black calf leather trim and strap holder
- EN1078 and CPSC certified which conforms to UK and EU standards.
Price
The Hedon Cortex helmet costs $255 USD.
3. FEND: Helmets for Humans
Category: Versatile & Innovative Active Wear
Why we’re excited about it
If your main mode of transportation is a bicycle, you’ll definitely be thrilled about discovering the FEND helmet. We’ve all been there: cycling to a formal business or social event and, after ditching your bike, having to deal with a cumbersome helmet that doesn’t fit properly into any bags and is inappropriate to carry around separately. FEND recognized this pain point and created a collapsible helmet that doesn’t compromise on safety. The helmet is also designed to be breathable so you aren’t in a situation that although you’ve successfully concealed your helmet, you have the telltale hair “style”…
Product details
- FEND is designed to exceed US CPSC and European EN1078 bicycle safety standards.
- Folds more than 50%
- Fully breathable
- Durable ABS shell and In-mold polycarbonate with EPS foam
- Internal fit adjuster
- Plush interior liner for added comfort
- Carry bag included
Price
The helmet is available for pre-order for $120 USD.
4. Argent Coolmax Blazers
Category: Versatile & Innovative Active Wear
Why we’re excited about it
Even if you work in a casual office environment where denim and crew necks are de rigueur, there are inevitably situations that call for formal work attire. If you’re not the type to revel in purchasing a traditional suit blazer, fear not! You now have options. Argent has created blazers in various sizes that have added features that make them much more functional for the requirements of the modern workplace than generic blazers. Case in point? A dedicated pocket for the stylus you use on your iPad Pro. Another thoughtful inclusion is subtle reflective tape on the back of the neck to help keep you visible on your commute home.
Product details
- Shell: 43% virgin wool, 30% coolmax, 23% polyester and 4% lyocell
- Lining: 100% polyester
- Dedicated phone pocket
- Dedicated stylus pocket
- Reflective back neck tape
Price
Coolmax blazers are in the $325 USD range depending on style.
5. Search and State PJ-1 Packable Expedition Jacket
Category: Versatile & Innovative Active Wear
Why we’re excited about it
We are always on the lookout for versatile jackets. If you’re going to invest in technical outerwear, being able to wear it off the slopes and hiking trails is a definite plus. While the PJ-1 Packable Expedition Jacket is formally designed for cycling, it’s sleek, tailored design makes it transition well to non-exercise focused activities.
Product details
According to Search and State, The PJ-1 Expedition is the perfect piece for on and off bike wearability and performance. A drawstring hood is stowed inside its zippered collar which immediately elevates the look of the jacket. The body fabric is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and lined with an active climate membrane to regulate interior temperature when conditions change (commuting on public transport immediately comes to mind here). The fit of the jacket is geared towards being aerodynamic but has enough space to layer underneath without restriction.
The jacket is exceptionally easy to stow as it packs down into its own rear pocket and condenses to the size only slightly larger than a tennis ball. Finally, the durability of the jacket is reinforced by Riri Aqua Zippers which are completely waterproof.
Price
The PJ-1 Packable Expedition jacket is available for $365 USD.
6. Sperry 7 SEAS Sport Boat Shoe
Category: Versatile & Innovative Active Wear
Why we’re excited about it
With the catch phrase ‘born from the sea and built for the world’, we knew this shoe would fit well in our list of products designed for active living. At first glance, this shoe looks like a generic cross trainer that you might wear to the gym and then out to brunch on the weekend. Upon further inspection, Sperry has designed a shoe to excel on both land and sea.
Product details
The 7 SEAS Sport Boat Shoe has several features which are desirable in both a boat shoe and conventional running shoe: great traction, breathability and comfort:
- Non-marking, rubber outsole with Razor-Cut Wave-Siping™ for traction on wet surfaces
- Terrain Traction Pods for enhanced grip on land
- 360° Lacing System™ for a secure fit
- MocFit construction cradles your foot in a minimalist design
- SeaBound integrated energy return system provides underfoot cushioning
- Amphibious construction to weather any storm
- Hydrophobic mesh upper with HydroPel technology sheds water and dries quickly
- OmniVent construction allows your feet to breathe
Price
The shoes are available for men and women and vary between $60 and $90 USD depending on style.
7. Cyclical Origin Chinos
Category: Versatile & Innovative Active Wear
Why we’re excited about it
Research for this list led us to numerous new athleisure brands, but it was very difficult to differentiate between the product lines of fashionable yoga pants, some variety of dry fit-type tops and urban wear shorts. Against this backdrop, Cyclical Origin chinos caught our eye. According to the brand, they are engineered to wear whenever and wherever allowing you to freely enjoy your active lifestyle. There is nothing superficial that gives them away as active wear in disguise. It’s all in the design and fabrication…
Product details
The chinos are cut from a unique linen and cotton stretch fabric. Lightweight, comfortable and highly breathable, the Spandex mix allows manoeuvrability even with a tailored fit. The stretchiness of the Spandex ensures that the pants keep their shape rather than permanently loosening up. The chinos are treated with a special finish using C6 chemistry without VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) which provides light water resistance whilst maintaining breathability.
Price
The Cyclical Origin Chinos are available for $170 USD.
8. Umoro One Shaker Bottle
Category: Health & Fitness Accessories
Why we’re excited about it
If you’re after a water bottle or shaker for your protein shake, you’re spoiled for choice these days. That said, Umoro’s design tweak on a conventional shaker container is worth a closer look.
Product details
With up to 100cc or 50g (one heaping scoop) of storage, Umoro One allows you to mix your protein shake at your convenience rather than first thing in the morning when you’re about to leave for the day. This feature allows you to enjoy your beverages separate from your supplements and consume when ready, at the push of a button.
Price
The Umoro One Shaker bottle is available for $17 USD.
Come across any avant garde products or brands to share? Please add your thoughts below.
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Alan Kelly
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