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Even those with ample outdoor excursion experience know how hard it can be to fit their adventure plans into hectic life schedules filled with endless emails and existential dread. Leading with the predictive statistic that two-thirds of the Earth’s population will be living in towns and cities by 2050, California bike brand Specialized and Swedish outdoor apparel label Fjällräven have joined up to create apparel and gear suitable for adventures closer to home. Collectively, they call it The Great Nearby.
Gear and apparel from the March 15th release focus on pieces for commuters and cruisers. Another drop later this season will bring additional equipment that better suits journeys beyond the backyard.
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As fans of anorak jackets, the Räven Anorak ($300) is undoubtedly our favorite piece from The Great Nearby’s apparel options. The anorak uses a combination of Fjällräven’s patented G-1000 Lite fabric to provide weather resistance on the chest and front of the sleeves, both strategic locations where rain tends to land while riding a bike. Wearers will undoubtedly find the side zippers useful for ventilation and popping overhead. It comes in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Other wearable items from the collection include a poly-merino blend short sleeve t-shirts, like the patterned Caliswede Short Sleeve Tee ($90) and solid Wool Short Sleeve Tee ($80). Smaller accessories like the co-branded Bucket Hat ($50), Scarf ($30), and Socks ($25) make up some of the most accessible entry points into the collab.
Gear from The Great Nearby also includes bags for your bike that use a modular pannier system. It begins with the CoolCave Pannier ($80), a 20-liter open-top bucket made from 50% recycled plastic that mounts to front or rear racks with simple KickFix hardware. Adding a Cave Lid Pack to the pannier gives your goods some protection, and it transforms into a hip/cross-body bag with six liters of volume when removed.
Fjällräven’s classic Kånken backpack has always reminded us of a pannier bag, and now it’s materialized itself into one here as the Cave Pack ($130). The pack is sized perfectly for the CoolCave Pannier and functions as a regular everyday backpack once removed. The more pared-down Cave Tote ($70) nestles right into the pannier and features a cinch closure if you don’t opt for the lid pack.
Keep an eye out for announcements of even more goods designed for journeys that take riders just a bit further from home (The Great Further?). Wearable items from The Great Nearby collection are available at Fjällräven, while the entire collection of apparel, accessories, and gear is available from Specialized.
Published 03-22-2022
Updated 04-04-2024
