Roots Kootenay: Solid Outerwear From Our Friends Up North
When you think of Canada, fashion might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But if you're in need of outerwear or leather goods, it makes sense to look north of the border, and especially towards a company based in Toronto and famed for their commitment to the environment. One of the most valuable brands from Canada, Roots makes a wide range of apparel for men and women, as well as footwear and leather goods. Though you may not have heard of them, you can find their gear at a growing number of locations, including the NBC Experience store in Rockefeller Center here in Manhattan.
We've been testing out the Roots Kootenay Tech Jacket, an absolute godsend a few weeks ago when rain would appear without warning, and temperatures would shift drastically. While a little warm for summer, it was the perfect coat for a spring in a climate where nights can get chilly, especially in the wind. This is not your average piece of technical apparel- it's far too stylish for that- and they call it a transition jacket, which seems appropriate. But you wouldn't guess it from the buttons, which offer an extra layer of protection over the front zipper. We loved the quantity and size of pockets, as well as the solid zippers.
Elastic drawcords on the hood and the waist allow you to adjust to fit, and keep out drafts or random splashes of water (from, say, the taxis that tend not to worry much about drenching pedestrians). Velcro on the wrists help as well. The hood is not detachable, nor easy to hide away when not in use, but works quite well- some hoods are too large or small, but this one fit quite well, offering just the right level of shielding against the elements. The Kootenay was remarkably water repellent, but didn't rate quite as well in breathability; users reported feeling a bit humid. But they also reported looking good- the grey, textured look is flexible and the darker accents strike the right balance between modern and classic.
Sizing felt true to fit, and the coat is also available in a darker black mix. Expect to spend around $140, online and in stores. Worth every penny, for this lovely business casual, multi-purpose piece of quality outerwear.
About the Author
Greg Greg dreamed up the idea for the Truly Network while living in Hawaii, which began with a single site called TrulyObscure. In 2010, when advertisers and readers were requesting coverage beyond the scope of that site, TrulyNet was launched, reaching a broader audience over a variety of niche sites. Formerly the head technology correspondent for the Des Moines Register at age 16, he has since lived and worked in five states and two countries, helping a list of organizations and companies that includes the United States Census Bureau, TripAdvisor, Events Photo Group, Berlitz, and Computer Geeks. He also served as the Content Strategy Manager for HearPlanet, a multi-platform app that has reached over a million users and has been featured in the New York Times, Hemispheres Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, Fox Business News, PC Magazine, and even Apple’s own iPhone ads. Greg has written as a restaurant critic and feature journalist for a number of national and international publications, including City Weekend Magazine, Red Egg Magazine, the Newton Daily News, Capital Change Magazine, and an arm of China Daily, Beijing Weekend. In addition, he has served as a consulting editor for the Foreign Language Press of Beijing, as well as a writer and editor for the George Washington University Hatchet, the school newspaper of his alma mater. Originally from Iowa, Greg is currently living in the West Village of Manhattan.
Other Articles You May Enjoy
Unrivaled Comfort With Marie Jo Lingerie →
Make Your Companion A Rakuda →
Punk: Chaos To Couture, Slightly Sanitized Fashion →
