Early Valentine Suprise
MLB surprised me last night with a new Obermeyer ski parka and powder pants, just in time for our annual trek to the mountains. She's so sweet!
I didn't need a new parka. Sure, my old one is waaaay out of style (the gold, purple, green and orange color scheme would look better on, say, Elton John), but I got it on sale (wonder why?) many years ago, and it still works very well. It's a great parka, by Descente, which makes some of the trickest skiwear around. But I was deemed a fashion disaster by the only person whose opinion matters to me, and so I've been updated.
Anyway, I love technical clothing...skiwear, bike clothes, hiking boots and the like. Well-designed clothes, engineered for a specific purpose, is the ultimate example of usability. Website designers could learn some lessons from the folks at North Face or Pearl Izumi or Spyder: function first, then cosmetics. Nothing present that isn't needed, but every need is anticipated and addressed. My new parka has a special pocket for ski goggles, another for 180s and another for "electronics" (complete with a special reinforced cutout through which an antenna can protrude; I suspect it's for an avalanche transmitter, but a little walkie-talkie will fit there as well). You know you've got a great piece of clothing when you have to read a manual to figure out how to wear it.
Come on, snow!
Will, good to hear from you, pal! Hope things are going well.
For guys like you, "functional clothing" equates sometimes to "lifesaving gear." Unlike a ski bum such as me, you risk more than just a few shivers if your clothes don't work right!
It's snowing today in Midland, with gusty winds, and the parka was superb. Chalk up yet another wise choice to MLB (and she's a good cook, too! ;-)
Posted by: Eric at February 12, 2004 09:29 AMAbout the publisher
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Eric,
I am the exact same way. With years of participating in the active Army and Army National Guard and then spending time as a vollunteer Fireman/EMT, I am drawn towards functional clothing. To our bank account's detriment, I am constantly searching for the perfect solution to a clothing problem. 6 pockets? Nope, now it's 9. Black boots w/ a quick don zipper for one mission, all leather 10 hole upper.....this is where Jamie checks out and I am left to my own devices. We are both lucky to have such observent and understanding spouses.
God Bless, Will
PS: I missed Tuesday night (training function) but I am glad the Newfie won BiS. I have been waiting a while for a working dog to win. He was my pick from Mondays groups.
Posted by: Will Webb at February 12, 2004 09:23 AM