Tired of the current neon craze in snowboard apparel and want to wear something a little more understated? Do you long for the days when snowboarding was simply about enjoying the experience? Owner Operator designs snowboard apparel, handmade in New England, that will help you bring some retro, classic cool to the slopes this winter.
Owner Operator was started by Steven Kimura and Peter Sieper, childhood friends who grew up snowboarding in upstate New York. Looking for apparel that would bring back the innocence and excitement for the snowboarding of their youth, Steven and Peter decided to create a brand that was a bit more classic and conservative, with a company that a broader selection of people could relate to.
The Owner Operator collection includes parkas, anoraks, snow pants, mittens, knit hats, tech sweaters, caps, and backpacks. All of the outerwear is sewn in NYC’s Garment District, as the duo believe strongly in keeping an eye on what is going on in production. All the accessories are made in the USA as well.
The Owner Operator style can be called classic, conservative, early 90's retro, heritage, or even timeless, pieces that can be worn everyday both on and off the slopes. All the apparel is highly functional and designed to last, using technologies that keep you warm and dry. Although they are not the most high-tech in the industry, the products are rigorously tested by Steven, Peter, and their buddies to ensure they withstand all the various conditions that mountains and even urban environments can throw at you.
The 111 Parka ($490) is a waterproof (15,000mm) breathable shell with taped seams. The three-way adjustable hood with brim, powder skirt, velcro wrist closures, and adjustable waist snap-tab all work together to keep the elements out. Zip-venting under the arms protects you from overheating on the hike up, while the two-way entry front pockets, interior zip and patch pockets, and an emergency whistle zipper pull add to the functional details.
You can order the new FW 2012/2013 Owner Operator collection from the company website.
Thanks to Brad at Well Spent