Technical puffy jackets and ice axes may get you to the top of the mountain, but sometimes you just want to look good. This is Lifestyle Outdoor, GearJunkie’s own weekly outdoor lifestyle column.
Collaborations allow brands to flex creative muscle. Often, companies partner with artists or other brands to create designs never conceived of before. Collabs sometimes display technical innovation but most often place aesthetics at the forefront.
The items we list here are sure to catch the eye around the campsite, to make you question why you bought the single-toned camp chair in the first place. Monochromatic gear works perfectly, but sometimes it’s nice to show some flair.
Strawbery Fields Hammock: Skida x Grand Trunk
Are strawberries your favorite fruit? Then check out the Skida x Grand Trunk’s Strawberry Fields Hammock. In celebration of headwear maker Skida’s 10th anniversary, the brand teamed up with Grand Trunk for strawberry-themed gear.
The release places a colorful strawberry print on Grand Trunk’s single hammock. It can hold up to 400 pounds, has the same easy setup as other Grand Trunk hammocks, and comes with a rope kit for attaching to trees.
OtterBox x Derek DeYoung: Fishy Venture Coolers
OtterBox teamed up with artist Derek DeYoung for fish-themed coolers. The 25-,45-, and 65-quart Venture coolers from OtterBox are now available with saltwater and freshwater fish designs.
DeYoung’s trademark large, colorful displays of fish have been on gear before, like his line of fishy Buffs or beautiful Washington state license plates.
The brand claims the 45-quart cooler keeps ice frozen for 14 days. We’ve reviewed them and approve.
Teva x Sankuaz: Hurricane XLT 2
Consider this sandal runway ready. Footwear brand Teva worked with Chinese fashion brand Sankuanz for a stylish sandal. The result is a subtle throwback sandal built off Teva’s Hurricane XLT 2 model — and it will only set you back a hundred bucks. And according to the models, you can rock this sandal with socks or without.
Around the ankle and across the foot are SANKUANZ’s cross graphics. And the sandal is loaded with Teva’s comfy technology, like a quick-to-dry polyester webbing strap, soft padding on the heel, and an EVA-foam midsole for lightweight cushioning.
PF Flyers x Ball and Buck: Center-Lo Shoes
PF Flyers’ Made-in-the-USA collection was out of production for 40 years — until now. The footwear brand, along with Boston-based Ball and Buck, released the PF Flyers x Ball and Buck Center-Lo this summer.
The shoe is vibrantly white with a strap of WWII military spec Army Duck canvas on the Cordura upper. Additional details include brass grommets, a blaze-orange footbed, and a camo lining on the heel cap.
Helly Hansen x Naito: Floral Rainwear
Loud, flashy, and floral all come to mind with Helly Hansen’s upcoming collaboration. The Norweigan brand Helly Hansen teamed up with Japanese artist and designer Shinpei Naito for this collection, which won’t launch until spring 2019.
Naito, whose style is often described as futuristic, has collaborated with Adidas, Mont Blanc, Asics, Alfa Romeo, and many more.
Helly Hansen’s spring release with Naito includes rain and insulated jackets, tops and shorts, swimwear, and a poncho.
