Howies Gear

I'm bloody cold on my commute now - time to get some proper gear to keep me warm and dry me thinks.

I'm a fan of Howies clothes, has anyone tried their base layers and jackets?

There's a bit of a premium on them because of the sustainable/ethical/green angle, I know.

Owned by Timberland now..... Dunno if they are still that Ethical? I would like to think so.
Mate has one of the jackets and says it's really good, never tried the base layers.

Yeah, I think they still take that stuff pretty seriously. They retained control of design and production when they sold as far as I remember.

Howies merino T-shirts are brilliant! Wash just like normal cotton, don't smell and wick moisture. Never tried their jackets though.

jackets are really good. but if possible worth a try on first as they can be a little on the short side at the front.
i looked like a mariachi.

blagh.

i hate timbuk2... i dont have a good reason for it their bags just look really odd and uncomforable.

they're not great, not enough padding and decievingly small

yes and they look even worse when they're covered in mum's bedroom curtains circa 1987...

hmmn, i like it. would make an excellent bed spread too. :D

While it's no Grobag, I've had my Timbuk2 since 1995 and it's still going strong.

Howies are into cycling and want to create a good bag (they even asked [url=http://www.londonfgss.com/discussion/953/2/howies-help-us-create-the-ueber-bag/#Item_17]us for advice).

So they didn't do what they should've (given Scott distribution via them - but it's not like he can keep up with current demand!). But still, good on 'em I say.

(This doesn't mean I want one of their bags, but they're promoting a lot of things I agree with)

When I heard that Howies were collaborating on a bag with Timbuk2 I was optimistic, now Im just plain dissappointed. I have an old Howies beamer (one of the very reflective ones) bag which is getting a bit tatty and this is in now way a sufficient replacement!

yeah, why the hatin? for the money I paid, mine rock

http://www.londonfgss.com/discussion/953/1/howies-help-us-create-the-ueber-bag/
started on about it on here

ugh. 'orrible. and timbuk2's have to be the least comfortable/useful bag ever.

My Timbuk2 bag does more mileage from one side of my back to the other than the bike does on the road. Not recommended.

Up until yesterday I was using a seven year old Pac Designs Ultimate and I'm now using my new Grobag which is, thanks Scott, both utterly fabulous and unspeakably beautiful. I have though in the past used a Timbuk2 bag and bought them for other people. I think for what they are they’re pretty good, I think you’ll also find it’s not so much that they don’t have enough padding as they’re just plain unpadded, but if you pack them so that nothings sticking out at an odd angle or sticking into your back I always found them okay. Heavily loaded they’re never going to be as comfortable or as stable as a bag that has the extra over the shoulder cross-strap, but, as long as I used the cross strap I never had trouble with a Timbuk2 bag moving about.
It shows a distinct lack of originality on Howies part, but as long as they aren’t planning to charge any more for it than a regular Timbuk2 bag, if you like their graphics, why not? Lets be clear, if anyone asks me what the best bag to buy is, it is hands down one of Scott’s Grobags, I don’t think they can be beat and also think, when you have a good look at how much work goes into them, that they’re a complete bargain. I think the Pac Ultimate is a good second choice (but costs more!) and the Bagaboos I’ve seen have been nice as well. Next best I think are Bailey Works’ bags, they lack the extra over the shoulder cross-strap (which I think is an essential on a serious bag) but they’re otherwise well made and well thought out, but they’re a pain to get hold of in the UK.
So if you aren’t willing to pay for an Archie Grobag, unwilling to track down a Bailey Works bag I think the Timbuk2 bags are a pretty good compromise, I think infinitely better than the similarly priced Crumplers with their back to front cross-straps and Knog bags with their weird and uncomfortable padding. Like I said the Howies graphics are a matter of personal choice, though they hardly make this the ultimate or a particularly unique/original messenger bag.

DId anyone go to the sample sale at the weekend on Brick Lane?

Picked up an orange fleece number, soft shell type thing. Perfect for the current weather being a bit nippy in the morning.

Also got a black shower/waterproof jacket.

I was happy at £60 the lot.

You should have posted before the sale!

... right?!!!

Yeah, sorry, i forgot all about it, then my mate sent a text if I was going, and am still waiting for my internet at home... Still, should have posted when I got the email!

Apologies!

heheh.. no need for apologies - just made me laugh!

Yeah, i'm not really sorry, more choice for me!!! hahahaha.
I put summats up next time i get an email.

ok so i worked at that sale and decided that here wasnt the place to post about it. didnt want to come across all like an advertiser or anything an wasnt sure what the vibe was with howies and you lot. sorry folks. i'll post next time we are your way, prolly around oct/novermber time. otherwise, on the weekend of the 6 7 and 8th june we'll be in my home town of bristol if anyone is in the area. also the weekend of the bristol bikefest.. a 6/12 hour off road event with a single speed cat for all you dirty riders out there.