Travel Right: Ex Officio

By Austin Parker Published May 12, 2015

Ex Officio — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The one constant you’ll find with summer travel is the bugs. Whether you’re taking an afternoon stroll in Central Park, a weekend getaway in Zion National Park, or a week long excursion through South East Asia, those pesky mosquitoes can quickly turn a vacation into a nightmare. We’ve been testing out some of the Ex Officio spring line, both on long trips around the world and short adventures closer to home, and we’ve found their anti-bug travel line to be not just functional, but perfectly stylish for any venture onto the trail or beach.

Related: Thailand Island Hopping | Trail Running Kit

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BugsAway Ziwa Convertible Pants
First up are the versatile Ziwa Convertible Pants. These quick drying, wrinkle resistant pants feature inner, zip-up security pockets for your essentials, as well as a permethrin treatment. This insect repellent is odor free and won’t irritate your skin; it lasts for an expected 70 washes, keeping the bugs away for the life of the pants. We found the 10 inch shorts to be especially helpful when wading through shallow streams on our way to a few secret fishing holes.

Minimo Plaid
The Minimo Plaid is your new favorite summer shirt. Weighing in at only five ounces, it’s Ex Officio’s lightest shirt ever. With UPF 50+ protection it pulls duty everywhere from swim-up beach bars to afternoons of sneaking away from the office for a few quick sport climbing routes. The airy fabric wicks sweat impressively, and it packs down into a zippered chest pocket for ultimate portability. If you’re feeling extra casual, there’s a short sleeve version as well.

BugsAway Sandfly Jacket
When we first tried the Sandfly Jacket on, we were more than a little skeptical. A mesh fabric jacket designed to keep bugs away? Well we were completely wrong. It’s got the same excellent permethrin treatment found on the Ziwas. After successfully warding off ticks and mosquitoes in caves in Thailand, and a few thousand biting midges while fly-fishing desert creeks, we don’t head out on the trail without it. It’s light enough that you won’t notice it on hot days, and provides enough extra sun protection that you’ll be glad you’ve got it when you’re on the water.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…

Fashion & Style

Salomon’s latest trail sneaker might be the most rugged piece ever

Salomon releases new sneaker

lifestyle photo of salomon sneakers in mud

While there’s no denying that Salomon’s trail sneakers are state-of-the-art, their latest release reaches another level. Fused with military strength materials, Salomon’s latest collaboration Gr10k sees the classic Quest silhouette transform into the ultimate rugged sneaker. By transforming the Quest 4D from boot to sneaker, Gr10k has added style and fortified footwear features that result in a shoe that can take you almost anywhere. While the technical features of the sneaker are more than enough to entice even the most novice hiker, the design’s overall style makes it the perfect shoe to go from the trails to the city. Combining practicality, support, and style, the newest Salomon sneaker is surely to amaze.
Hit the trails with Salomon’s Quest Low 2 Gr10k

Inspired by the Quest 4D boot, Salomon’s Quest Low 2 Gr10k utilizes some of the most durable footwear features to create a shoe you can’t ignore. With nubuck leather and single-layer mesh, the shoe’s uppers create a comfortable and breathable feel. In the midsole, a dual-density foam provides users with optimal motion control and stability. Crafted with an All-Terrain Contragrip, this sneaker is ready for all surfaces, in nature or the city. Adding to the protection, the design’s 4D Advanced Chassis and protective toecap add balance, cushion, and comfort features while protecting the foot. Finishing the design is a snug-fit lacing system complete with a convenient pocket, allowing users to feel secure and hazard-free in their journey. Now available via both brands’ web store, the sneaker retails for $190 and is expected to sell out quickly. Coming from the same pairing that crafted a pair of fire-proof sneakers, there’s no doubt that this new release will be a must-have for all adventure seekers.

Fashion & Style

HOKA joins the fun with its own sneaker-loafer hybrid

HOKA releases new hybrid shoe

back product photo of hoka sneaker loafer

Following New Balance’s announcement of new colors and fabrics for their controversial sneaker-loafer design, a new brand is emerging to follow suit. HOKA is joining the hybrid design by releasing their version of the sneaker-loafer hybrid, with an interesting look that differs from those released by New Balance. Using a mixture of design features that integrate traditional sneaker and loafer silhouettes, the newest offering from HOKA is anything but typical. For those looking to dress up their comfort shoes or want to add some cushion to their dress shoes, the HOKA hybrid is a perfect balance that’s both traditional and bold. While this look is bound to come with split opinions, there’s no doubt that many athletic brands are looking to break the mold of style and practicality.
Meet HOKA’s Speed Loafer

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Fashion & Style

Pennon releases their first hiking styles – and they’re full of style

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model wearing pennon boots

Seoul-based brand Pennon knows how to stir the pot in the footwear industry. With quality craftsmanship and premium materials, this footwear company has slowly become a newfound favorite for style mavens around the world. In their latest release, Pennon tackles the hiking world with a new design that takes the typical rugged style and transforms it into a sturdy streetwear shoe. Far from a traditional hiking style, this design is bold and edgy. With three colorways available for the silhouette, users will have a chance to add this style to their wardrobe in their favorite hue. As Pennon continues to expand its clientele around the world, these hiking-inspired shoes are the perfect first impression for new customers.
Meet Pennon and the HIGH BOOTS LOW

Designed and handmade in South Korea, Pennon’s High Boots Low is full of modern style and traditional hiking boots elements. The HIGH BOOTS LOW are crafted with Vibram lug outsoles and Ortholite comfort insoles, the design comes with optimal comfort inside and maximum traction on the outside. The low boot comes with 100% soft cowhide suede, burnished leather, or pebbled leather for a textured and sleek look. Catching the eye are jumbo multi-colored hiking laces held by speed hooks and D-ring details. All three colorways come ready with a polishing cloth and dust bags to best take care of your new footwear. Inspired by retro hiking footwear, the HIGH BOOTS LOW is a sleek way to bulk up your wardrobe. Available via The Great Divide, Pennon’s low-cut boot retail price is between $327- $401. Regardless if they’re optimal for the trails or not, Pennon’s bulky street-style hiking boot is a one-of-a-kind design that’ll certainly become a staple for the brand.