Men's Summer Lifestyle Gear Guide

Summer may be in full swing and going by fast, but there may be a few items missing from your warm weather wardrobe.  We found a handful of items that if you don't already have, you really need to consider.  Going to the trail after work, or maybe a happy hour? Here are a few pieces that will work equally well in both cases.  Great additions to your anything-anytime arsenal.

Outdoor Research Enchainment Soft Shell Jacket:  This shell has the look of a refined urban outer layer, but is loaded down with top-tier materials that make it an ultra-performer.  Paired up with a pair of khakis or jeans and you look the part while holding a pint of your favorite IPA.  Pull off the pavement and this jacket stacks up against anything you have ever tried on.  Soft and flexible is what makes this jacket my go-to.  Full range of motion and ready for anything I can throw at it, there is nothing I wouldn't try in it.  Spring snowboarding, bouldering or paddling are all unimpeded and you simply forget you are wearing it. It isn't typhoon level water proof, but I've seen everything from spring showers to running from a thunderstorm and came out dry.  I'll sacrifice a little barrier protection in order to ditch the rubberized feeling any day.  MSRP: $225

KAVU Charlestown Long Sleeve Shirt:   Travel, work, play, it doesn't matter for this shirt.  The chunky thread gives it a linen or hemp look, while staying pretty wrinkle free.  Contrast stitching and buttons and a legit collar make it a more casual button up, but I can still rock it on a Monday with a pair of chinos.  Throw this in a suitcase and you can go anywhere without sweating the dress code. Light weight and breathable, it's my patio shirt whether it's street-side, lakeside or ocean-side.  MSRP: $65

Archimede Automatic Sport Watch:  A watch is not just a watch.  It is the only "jewelry" most men will wear, and says a lot about what kind of guy you are.  The Archimede watches are not flashy and overstated, definitely not a blingged out Rolex.  Forget bells and whistles; GPS, altimeters, or wi-fi connectivity.  They makes watches, and ones that you will proudly pass down to you kids some day.  The timeless style means it will look as fashionable 50 years from now as it does today.  A hardened steel case houses an automatic movement that never needs a battery change and keep incredibly accurate time.  Waterproof to 200 meters, you don't need to worry about a swim intentional or otherwise.  You can choose from a white or black face, steel, rubber or leather bracelet, so you can build it to your personal style.  For that extra bit of cool opt for the crystal case back so you can see the movement in action. MSRP:  $800 to $1000 depending on selections.

Mountain Khaki Alpine Utility Pants:  Mountain Khakis is a name you've probably heard before.  These pants have been a staple in my closet for quite a while, and for good reason.  They look good and are basically bullet proof.  Made from a cotton canvas, they can hold up to even the most violent abuse.  Every single inch of these pants were thoughtfully designed for the avid outdoors lover.  Triple stitched seams, reinforced knees and backside, cuffs you can walk on for years and a side utility pocket all make these pants the Swiss Army Knife of apparel.  Best part is they wash up amazingly well and will look like new for years to come.  MSRP: $95

Sperry Top-Sider SON-R Pong Sneakers:  These may not be the Sperry boat shoes everyone else owns, but that is exactly the point.  A skate sneaker styling with funky colors and a bit of camo gives them a funkier feel than your dad's tan slip-ons.  They are definitely Sperry's tho.  The SON-R tech in them provides great feedback from every step and amazing traction on wet slippery surfaces.  Go ahead, get them wet, water sheds quickly through the integrated drainage ports, and they dry out pretty quickly.  I promise no one else at the lake will be rocking the same shoes as you for a change.  MSRP: $80

Costa del Mar's Cut Sunglasses:  Costa makes some of the most amazing lenses on the market.  I rocked these shades for a week at the lake earlier this month and everyone that tried them on said "Holy Crap! These things are awesome".  They have a more everyday friendly frame shape while still packing all of the tech Costa has become famous for.  Born on the water, the polarization on these is simply astounding.  Colors pop, glare is reduced to zero and they are so light you forget they are on your face.  I had to wrestle them out of the hands of several of my friends after they tried them on.  A sure sign that Costa got it right with the Cut's.  MSRP: $219

Patagonia's All-Wear Cargo Shorts:  Looking for a more refined pair of cargo shorts?  Patagonia's All-Wear Cargos are a great choice.  These still have plenty of room to carry all the essentials you need when you want to leave the day-pack in the car, but you don't look like you have pillows taped to your thighs. Throw on a golf shirt and you are ready for an afternoon on the links.  The pockets are roomy and keep your cargo secured without fear of items escaping.  Made from 100% organic cotton, they are soft and smooth but will hold up to years of wear.  The 11" inseam helps keep the tops of your legs protected from the sun when sitting in a canoe, or at a patio table. MSRP: now $48

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