the GearCaster

Patagonia Encapsil Water Repellent Down

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest trends for the FW 12/13 season is water repellent down, available from several outdoor industry manufacturers. Sierra Designs just released their full line of DriDown apparel to match the sleeping bags launched earlier this summer, while competing water repellent down supplier DownTek is showing up in gear from numerous big name outdoor brands such as Big Agnes, Brooks Range, and Mountain Hardwear.

Fashion House Kellwood Acquires ISIS

 

Fashion house Kellwood announced yesterday that their subdivision American Recreation Products has acquired women's performance wear company ISIS. This news coincides with the announcement last week from Poppy Gall, co-founder of ISIS, that she will leave and start her own full service design studio. The details of the ISIS acquisition were undisclosed. 

Ed Viesturs Helps Outdoor Industry Reduce Carbon Footprint

 

Legendary mountaineer Ed Viesturs has joined the founding team of Source 44, a new sustainability management company based in San Diego. With Ed Viesturs as investor, co-founder and official spokesman, Source 44 is looking to help the outdoor industry, among others, measure and reduce their overall carbon footprint. 

Moosejaw Raises Money To Expand Web Presence

The Michigan Opportunities Fund has invested in outdoor retailer Moosejaw to help the company expand its Web presence and continue to grow its brand. The amount of investment in Moosejaw was not disclosed, but the Fund typically invests between $7 million and $20 million in its portfolio companies. Previous Moosejaw investor Parallel Investment Partners also joined the round.

Hanesbrands Refinances To Make Way For Acquisitions

 

Apparel company Hanesbrands announced on Thursday that they have completed a debt refinancing that will give the Company more financial flexibility to make acquisitions. Earlier this month, Hanesbrands made a public $500 million notes offering and secured a $1.15 billion credit facility in order to pay down its debt.  The Company's goal is to reduce debt by $300 million in 2009 and 2010, cutting interest expense by $20 million to $25 million in 2010 and 2011.