Over in Colorado, good things are happening. For the past decade the fine folks at Topo Designs have been churning out bright, playful, and functional outerwear and outdoor lifestyle gear. With a now-signature primary color scheme, contemporary fits, and retro inspiration, each collection release gets better and better (trust me, I’ve been covering the brand since 2011).
The latest Fall/Winter 2019 collection introduces a handful of new items, silhouettes, and subcategories. The following seven are our top picks for men & women, including an adventurous daypack puffer jacket, and fleece kit sure to have you dreaming of colder temps even as the mercury continues to rise.
28L Subalpine Pack, $189
Vintage vibes mixed with durable modern materials and reliable construction. Smaller than the images make it appear, this maximalist daypack is perfect for hitting the trail and the daily commute in town.
Subalpine Jacket, $199
A 2-layer weather-resistant shell with serious ‘90s style. Say no more.
Big Puffer Jacket, $289
I’ve been saying it for some time now, big puff is coming back. And well, according to this stunner, it’s here. Available in both men’s and women’s cuts, the 550-down puffer features 2-way YKK zippers, a removable hood, DWR coated reinforcements on shoulder and back, and more style than you ever thought you could handle.
Big Puffer Vest, $179
No hood. No sleeves. Style knob still cranked to 11.
Fleece Pants, $98
Years ago at an ArmyNavy in Montreal I found a pair of crazy baggy military surplus fleece pants with reinforced seat and knees, and they’ve been my go-to winter chillers. This iteration from Topo looks to be equally comfy, but way better fitting. If you can’t find what I found, I suggest you snag a pair of these.
Subalpine Fleece Jacket, $189
If you went to high school in the late ‘90s, early 2000s, this fleece may look familiar—shout out all the Denali. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then, um, buy this fleece anyway. It’s cool.
Block Bag, $49
Love the size of this unisex bag, made of heavy ripstop material with oversized YKK zippers. Perfect for everyday use, in the city and out.
