Backbone Media

Product Review – Stio Kirby Windshirt

November 2, 2014 by Leigh Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago I attended the Backbone Media Showroom in NYC. While there I was introduced to the Stio line of lifestyle wear.

When I mentioned that I really liked the Kirby Windshirt the Stio rep suggested that I give it a try.

Shortly afterwards a box containing a Kirby Windshirt and a Stio catalog arrived at the door.

I’ve worn the Kirby Windshirt several times. It’s comfortable and works well for hikes, parties and the office. I greatly prefer snaps to buttons. It also washes well. I’m hoping that they extend the line to a fishing shirt with extra pockets and tabs for holding rolled-up sleeves. My dog Keuka agrees.

If you’re serious about outdoor wear, give Stio a try. Enjoy!

Note: I received a Kirby Windshirt to test but no compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Backbone Media Showroom Fall 2014

October 13, 2014 by Leigh Leave a Comment

Had a chance to attend the Backbone Media Showroom in NYC again this year. Lots of great brands were represented, but I was most impressed with the Stio line of outdoor apparel, which was new to me. Spent some time with their reps, who walked me through some of the differences in the construction and materials they use for their outdoor wear. Here are a few shots I took of some Stio’s offerings:

This is the Buckhorn Bonded Flannel Shirt. It is bonded flannel with a microfleece lining. Definitely feels like a good all around outdoor shirt.

The Vescent Soft Shell Jacket with microfleece is both warm and highly wind-resistant. Good for running, hiking or fishing.

This is probably my favorite, the Kirby Windshirt. It’s light and has snaps instead of buttons, which I prefer. It also has an interior stash pocket for keys, phone or a small fly box. I put in a request for a flyfishing version with extra pockets and tabs for holding rolled-up sleeves.

Many thanks to the team at Backbone Media for the invitation!

Hope your getting into some of this great fall fishing.

Enjoy!

Backbone Media’s Spring 2014 Showroom in NYC

October 9, 2013 by Leigh Leave a Comment

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to Backbone Media’s 2014 showroom event in NYC. It was a great chance to check out the latest gear from Redington, Sage and other industry-leading outdoor brands. Backbone Media also organized a group of speakers to present insights into the latest trends and developments in the active lifestyle market.

Some of the new Sage Rod and Reel offerings.

I was impressed with the way that the market is expanding. In addition to advances in technology, there were new product offerings for women and youth as well.

Some of the new Redington Waders. The pair on the right is a new offering for women.

If you’re interested in learning more, here are some recent announcements:

From Redington:

Siren wading boots and waders for women: https://pitch.pe/1aSELXL

Wading boots for men, women and youth: https://pitch.pe/14Y0uHH

Super Dry waders with Cocona© treated interior fabric: https://new.pitchengine.com/pitches/a50c9a49-9e03-4f60-894f-026f52db0636

Dually switch and spey rod: https://pitch.pe/10SZCFf

Vapen fly rod: https://pitch.pe/13dd5pr

Butter Stick fiberglass fly rod: https://pitch.pe/13di6ON

And from Sage:

METHOD fly rod with Konnetic technology: https://pitch.pe/11ibld4

EVOKE large arbor reel: https://pitch.pe/11icD81

MOTIVE saltwater fly rod: https://pitch.pe/11ie0nl

3200/2200 large arbor fly reels: https://pitch.pe/11ifJca

Ballistic Rod Tubes: https://pitch.pe/12pZWwX

One last thing – Although I was not allowed to take pictures, there is a major lifestyle retailer entering the flyfishing market with some interesting and innovative gear and apparel offerings. More to come later. Enjoy!