PERFECTO by SCHOTT model 618 leather motorcycle jacket – Late 1970s

Posted on by Rob Drews

Research I’ve conducted suggests this is a late 1970s model Schott Perfecto 618. Details used to surmise this date include the Talon main zipper, lack of snaps on the collar tips, Lack of internal breast pocket (map pocket). Also the upward closing pocket zippers and label details. Many of these items were changed in the early 80s. YKK zippers were introduced and pocket closing direction were reversed. There is some debate among enthusiasts when the other updates were made. A conversation surrounding about a very similar jacket can be found here on SchottNYC.com  This particular version is made of steer hide. 

Mountain Equipment Co-op Parka

Posted on by Rob Drews

In short, Mountain Equipment Co-op was founded in Vancouver, BC circa 1971 by a group of individuals sick of crossing the border to shop at REI in Seattle. This malcontent for border crossings and a passion for quality outdoor goods has led to the MEC to become one of the largest co-ops of outdoorsmen in the world. The Co-op is still in operation today making gear for its user/owners with the same enthusiasm as they had 40 years ago.

The parka seen here from the early to mid 1970s is very similar to what one would have found at REI during the same time period. It is made of a 65/35 cotton/poly blend, in an ever popular color combination for the time. What excites me the most about this parka is the thought that went in to the lining. Both the lower half of the torso and sleeves are lined in a light nylon. This allows for much freer movement as friction between the parka and any under layer is greatly reduced. The alternating of Navy and Khaki is quite nice as well.

The parka appears to have been produced under contract by Winner Sportswear LTD of Vancouver. Using local and foreign manufactures to produce items is common amongst Co-ops. Here you can see a later parka contracted by REI from Korean manufacturer Natural Comfort.

1st Lead Telluride, Colorado – Parka

Posted on by Rob Drews

This is a great parka from a rare Colorado company. First Lead exists today as an outdoor preparedness and training organization based out of Norwood Colorado, about 30 miles from Telluride. In talking with a spokesperson for First Lead I leaned the training outfit shares no direct relation to the outdoor gear company, but is cut from the same stock of friends and outdoor enthusiasts that started 1st Lead back in the 70s.   

This  piece is  typical in many ways of other parka from this era by other Colorado companies like Holubar and Frostline.  A shell constructed from a cotton blend (most likely 65/35 cotton/poly). Added weight and warmth from an inner layer of the same material. Standard parka trimmings like the yoked shoulder panel and multiple large pockets for storage. Beyond that, this parka has some major difference from its competitors. Maybe the most noticeable is the lack of a hood. It’s not that it got lost, there’s not even snaps or a zipper half to attach one too. The cut of this parka is lot shorter too, ending just below the waist as opposed to mid-thigh length. Another difference is the leather backed snaps. Not exactly sure of the purposes here, I am sure it added durability to the snaps, but it also adds weight. Peaks on the front of part of the shoulder yoke point a little more than others, and there is an absence of chest pockets. Maintains traditional accouterments like the back pocket (closed by a small talon zipper), waist cinch, and Velcro cuffs. 
Can’t wait to find more gear from 1st Lead to see what other kind of things they were doing different so many years ago!

1995 SIMS Noah Salasnek – USS Salasnek – Noahs Ark

Posted on by Rob Drews

If you were riding in the mid nineties you remember it well, the era when snowboard graphics went from neon splashes to skate inspired middle fingers to society. Twin tip boards over took directional race set ups and Summit County, Colorado exploded into a freestyle snowboarding mecca. Noah’s Ark was the follow-up to Noah Salasnek’s monumental “Skate Deck” from the previous year. Essentially the same board, the 1995 graphics pushed the envelope further. A ship full of unsavory characters, hoodlums, gangsters, skaters and brawlers represented snowboarding’s new direction.  This board is seen with period correct Sims pre-ratchet, full-based low back bindings.

Banana Equipment Anorak Parka

Posted on by Rob Drews

Banana Equipment is among my favorite of all the early Colorado labels. Banana’s slogan was “products with a peel” and they were one of the first companies to put Gore-Tex fabric to proper use. This simple pullover is a single light weight water/wind barrier when your out in the elements. 1/4 zip YKK zipper closure with banana embossed snaps.  Great two-piece design hood with peak and underlying draw cord for a nice,functional closure. Velcro close kangaroo pouch pocket with overlaying storm flap. Velcro cinch cuffs, and bottom draw cord round out this pieces simple structure. Back of Gore-Tex label marked IV-79, it would make perfect sense for jacket to be from 1979. Seam sealant is still visible on the unlined fabric, common on early Gore-Tex goods

Banana Equipment was founded in Estes Park, Colorado in 1972 and  the brand was later sold in 1980. Labels changed slightly over the years. At one time they bear the location Boulder, Colorado and later versions don’t contain a city at all. Recently the label has been resurrected and a new line of day packs are available. Find the new Banana Equipment at www.bananaequipment.com.

 

Early Gerry Ruck Sack

Posted on by Rob Drews

I will preface by saying this pack contains no makers markings, tags or labels. It is believed to be from early outdoor gear manufacturer Gerry based on certain characteristics.

It wasn’t until the end of the second World War, when GIs returning from the European campaign settled rejoined the fabric of american life that outdoor exploration as a true hobby and leisure exercise really begin to gain a foothold in the United States.  campaigns in the Alps and Pyrenees along with  exposure to cultures that had survived and thrived in these areas provided some soldiers with a taste for the alpine life when their tour was over. Purpose built military gear provided the basis for these new adventure’s kit.  Modifications for civilian use at some point became drastic enough that an entirely new piece of equipment was created and their creators found business in doing so.

In this pack you can see the lineage of its predecessors.  Even with in this blog you can find examples of Swiss and other military packs of which this bag shares many characteristics. Heavy canvas has been replaced by lighter nylon blended material and  excess hardware associated with military use has been eliminated. The items that work remain; leather shoulder straps affixed with nuts and screws,  main compartment with external pockets for stowing items that need be readily available.  And OD Green, hey, it works and why would anyone want to stray from earth tones any way?

This pack’s tear drop shape, side compartments and top flap are consistent with another pack designed by the Gerry company in the early 60s featured on this blog here. In particular the way the top flap is secured by cords through nylon lashings and knotted. Gerry’s Gerry Cunningham was one of the earliest designer and manufacturer of commercial mountaineering and outdoor goods starting the company in 1946 after leaving the military. Since that time the company has gone through many changes and owners. Its most current incarnation can be seen at www.gerryoutdoors.com.

Frye 3572 Boots

Posted on by Rob Drews

This striking boot is a model 3572 Frye 12.5″ tall riding boot done in deep chestnut-brown premium Frye leather.

This style is similar to the popular campus boot but with a narrower toe which is slightly rounded (somewhere in between a square toe and a point). This boot also has some nice lines which differentiate it from the campus model. The vamp extends high up the ankle and does not continue to the side seem. Side seems are covered in a strip of leather and the heel panel extends from that a few inches up from the sole. They are lined with very soft white leather and have internal nylon web pulls. The sole is all leather, with 1.75″ stacked leather heel (including rubber heel sole).

These boots are not “black label” but were probably made shortly there after the label switch. This is evident by the heel markings which use the company name as well as the logo. Predating boots with just the twin F logo.

These boots are currently available on the BCV eBay Store.

Alpine Designs (Alp Sport) Down Jacket

Posted on by Rob Drews

Alp Sport was started in Boulder Colorado in the early 60’s and later became known as Alpine Designs. This unique jacket comes from that transitional period sometime in the mid to late  1960s.

The shell is constructed from a tightly woven nylon which is light and dense, much like modern shells. The down fill is fairly lofty, but this definitely not an expedition piece.  The subtle outside gives way to an all cotton, vibrant paisley lining.  Talon zippers, with Alpine Designs’ edelweiss flower logo embossed on the snaps. The gommeted tab suggest it could be used as a ski jacket.

This jacket can be seen as an early example of outerwear as a fashionable piece. In the late 60s, early 70s decades of advancements in outdoor gear design started popping up on college campus’ nation wide as students embraced this new style. A sea change that helped propel companies like The North Face and Patagonia into the upper stratosphere, while giving rise to a whole new crop of labels and the eventual demise of most.

Red Wing 27022 Steel Toe Boots – USA –

Posted on by Rob Drews

These boots, marked 27022, are seemingly rare and I have found no further information on them. They are a 5″ high, four eyelet, three loop lace-up with steel toe and one inch heel. The soles are a gum composite stamped Red Wing on both sole and heel with a tread pattern made of tiny Red Wing logos. All markings are contained on the inside ankle of the boot and not on the tongue. The single label on the inside of the boot suggests they may be from the 60s or 70s, though the look of this pair out dates that. The welt is a rubber, “storm” type around the front and leather around the heel.

These are the boots of which heritage lines are made.

Currently available on the BCV eBay Store..

Pendleton Great Smoky Mountains – National Park Series Blanket

Posted on by Rob Drews

This beautiful Pendleton 100% Virgin Wool blanket commemorates the Great Smokey Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg Tennessee.  Portland Oregon base Pendleton has been honoring the national parks of the US since the early 1900’s. Each unique blanket captures the park’s alluring beauty with vibrant colors and bold patterns.

The Great Smokey Mountains blanket seen here is as green as the forest canopy itself. Striped ends represent earth, water and other attributes of the land. True to the Pendleton name it is loomed and constructed with the highest standards evident in the stitched finishing on the striped ends.

These blankets are soft and light with all the warmth you’d expect of wool. Perfect for covering up on the couch, or adding another layer to the bed. Limited, timely releases make them collectible keepsakes as well.