Inside Outdoor Magazine - Fall 2018

Inside Outdoor | FALL 2018 26 carbon footprint. Plus, in the California Collection you will notice a strong commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The California Collection is the product of a dedicated group of individuals who are living, breathing and doing nothing but Sierra Designs. This commitment to quality was critical, too, when consid- ering that Sierra Designs has expanded into new territory with the California Collection. “The products that we made for this collection were a little bit of a stretch for Sierra Designs,” Shahinian admitted. “It was our first time designing apparel and backpacks that are 50 percent for the trail and 50 percent for an urban set- ting. That was something that was ex- citing to work on, and also a little bit of a hint of what Sierra Designs is intend- ing to do in the near future — a little bit more stepping outside beyond our core backpacking products.” Not surprisingly, the company is looking to capitalize on the athleisure trend. Many brands have struggled with authenticity in this crossover, a concern that was front and center as the team designed the California Collection. One of the main questions that Bry- ant struggled with, for instance, is why the company is now creating products like leggings for women and apparel in general. A great deal of care went into the design process, to ensure a smooth transition into this space. “[The collection] is really for the way that people are recreating today,” Bry- ant said. “This is something we have focused a lot on. Our archetype is what we call ‘the modern adventurer.’ This is someone who probably lives in an urban center but has an exciting approach to the outdoors. They wear apparel differently and don’t put them- selves in one corner of the market from one single brand anymore.” m Made inAmericas The active side of SD’s California Collection SD at its most casua