Gallery: A Guide to 2012's Coolest Outdoor Brands (Exclusive Fashion Feature)

There's a lot of talk about (capsule) trade show in New York, but the hidden gem of the show was Above Tree Line, a new concept from the show that focuses on the most intriguing and compelling outdoor brands in the market. Some are new, some have been around for decades. We shot our favorite brands at this woodland oasis, and proudly present to you, Above Tree Line at (capsule), 9 Cool Outdoor Brands to Know.

Styling by Matthew Henson (@matthematics)

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Outlier

SINCE: 2008

WHY WE CO-SIGN: Outlier makes 21st century menswear. High tech fabrics combined with traditional tailoring techniques to create better clothing for every day usage, from the Liberated Wool Peacoat that we shot, to the Pivot button down, Outlier is all about getting around comfortably. 

Topo Designs

SINCE: 2008

WHY WE CO-SIGN: Topo Designs bags are from a collective mind of fisherman, hunters, hikers, bikers, ski instructors, and world travelers who know exactly what you need in the great outdoors. Fram a backpack, or a duffel, all the way to a sling bag for holding a canteen. Made of Cordura, and tested, then re-tested to ensure the best performance quality. 

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

SINCE: 2010

WHY WE CO-SIGN: Hailing from Biddeford, Maine where it's cold as hell all of the time, the guys at Hyperlite Mountain Gear know a thing or two about having to get things from point A to B in inclement weather. HMG is designer, manufacturer and supplier of lightweight gear, and just did a dope collaboration with the aforementioned brand Outlier.

Armor Lux

SINCE: 1938

WHY WE CO-SIGN: Armor Lux has built a reputation for producing high quality knits and outerwear. This year's collection features pieces with a classic nautical and marine style directly referenced from its Breton heritage and its roots in supplying the French Navy. We love the detail of this toggle coat, smaller toggles and hidden closures, are a modern take on what we are used to seeing. 

Sierra Designs 

SINCE: 1965

WHY WE CO-SIGN: You may be familiar with this world renowned brand as of late because of the popularity of their 60/40 parka, but this brand has been doing it for over 40 years. Used everywhere from Mt. Everest to the North Pole to keep outdoorsmen warm, we now see these on the street as a new way to keep warm and look fresh. 

Poler

SINCE: 2011

WHY WE CO-SIGN: Poler makes sleeping bags, tents, bags, and accessories that are simple, good looking, and well designed for people that are travelers, couch surfers, regular surfers, skateboarders, snowboarders, bicyclists, parents, kids, car campers, you name it, it's for you. We especially like the head to toe sleeping bag-coat, which no winter can penetrate. 

Owner Operator

SINCE: 2007

WHY WE CO-SIGN: The team at Owner Operator grew up snowboarding and skateboarding together in upstate New York in the early '90s. It was a great scene back then, with cool gear made by brands you could really relate to. A few years back they realized that though they were as excited as ever about riding, the scene seemed to really have moved away from the values that drew them to it in the first place. We want to bring back the idealism and excitement they felt as kids.  

Nau

SINCE: 2005

WHY WE CO-SIGN: Nau is all about making sustainable clothing for the city-dweller. From blazers, to sweaters, to iPad cases, Nau thinks about all of your needs from head to toe literally. For Fall/Winter '12 we were blown away by their down shirt and down vest, great for layering together or separately.