Rainforest Runway

Rainforest Runway - Green Fashion

By teletico ⋅ March 24, 2008 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

Now there's no guilt in looking good thanks to efforts by clothing companies to support the movement to save our planet. The t-shirt pictured above is made from organic cotton to promote environmentally conscious farming practices. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides, artificial fertilizers and herbicides.

This post features selections of male clothing from Timberland. I think these items work perfectly for visitors to Costa Rica whether you're hiking through the rainforest or enjoying a night out on your favorite beach town. This clothing is comfortable, practical, durable, and environmentally friendly for today's responsible traveler.

We start off with the essentials and of course you'll need a few good pairs of cargo shorts for your stay in Costa Rica. These cargos by Timberland are great: plenty of room, perfect length, and a classic conservative look. No annoying extra pockets or unattractive logos and designs here, just functional shorts. Cargos are ideal for your daily activities in Costa Rica especially hiking through various climate zones from the humid coastal rainforest of the Caribbean to the cloud forest of Monteverde. These cargos also provide a simple solution to restaurant dining or your evening activities when paired with an attractive polo or t-shirt.

This polo reminds me of Arenal, with its lush tropical rainforest backed by the mighty Arenal Volcano. The 'rainforest' green and 'volcano' red paired with earth tones make this item our 'eco-polo'. The shirt works well for shopping in town, dinner with a lava view, or a night at your favorite local bar.

The hooded and sweatshirt and jeans shown below have San Jose written all over them. The Central Valley offers perfect 70-73 degree weather with warm sunny days and cool refreshing nights. This combination sweatshirt and jeans provides plenty of room and comfort for walking tours of downtown San Jose, leaving you well equipped for the chilly evenings or a brief rain shower.

So you find yourself in the enchanting cloud forests of Monteverde and realize that it rains a bit more and the temperature is noticeably cooler. Timberland comes to the rescue again with a pair of jackets designed to keep you warm and dry outside, until you reach the comforts of your fireplace equipped cabin on the hills of Monteverde. The Nylon Bomber Jacket pictured below is made with durable nylon with a repellent coating that resists rain. The inside is lined with a polyester fleece for warmth and comfort. Timberland's Loose Fit Style provides a slightly longer length and generous fit in the chest and shoulders for a loose, roomy look and feel.

The Cadion Super Light Jacket from Timberland featured below, provides you with even more protection against a light rain shower or heavy downpour during your stay in Costa Rica. This option is great for the more adventurous traveler who finds themselves spending more time outdoors. The light material makes it easy for folding up and storing inside your backpack when the sun is out. What it lacks in warmth and insulation is clearly made up for in its waterproof nature. Notice the functional hood on this jacket, great for travelers who don't like being bothered with umbrellas.

So you're almost covered from head to toe for your next trip to Costa Rica, but one important element is still missing: protection and comfort for your feet. Now many may tell you that you can never recommend a hiking boot to someone, because each one is different and it really depends on what feels good for each individual. Nonsense. This is 2008 and if your hiking boot doesn't feel right, its because you need to break them in!

I selected the three models shown above because they provide options for individuals of various hiking and activity levels. 

The first hiking boot featured, the Waterproof Cadion Leather Mid Hiker, is among the most rugged made by Timberland. They're constructed with a full-length stability plate to support the extra weight of your backpack, they include a memory foam collar that molds to the shape of your ankle and the Dri-Lex® material lining keeps your feet dry and odor free. This boot is perfect for visitors planning to spend more than a few days hiking through national parks and protected areas in Costa Rica. Rain, mud, and inclines are no match for this serious hiker's boot.

The Fastpack Expedite Low provides comfortable, durable footwear designed to do it all. The low cut provides more freedom for the adventurous traveler and does not restrict the user to hiking activities. Flexible, durable, breathable are three words I would use to describe this shoe. At $85, the price is definitely right.

The third shoe featured is the Trailscape Vented, designed to perform on all kinds of terrains and conditions. Breathable, lightweight, flexible, and comfortable describe this shoe. This is a great option for those who want to use the same shoe for various activities in Costa Rica, from hiking and biking, to canopy zip lining and walking through town, this shoe serves all purposes. This is my top choice for footwear while traveling in Costa Rica.

The final item in our rainforest runway fashion show are these Smartwool socks. Take care of your feet with SmartWool fibers that keep your feet drier longer by moving moisture away before it condenses, keeping feet comfortable in a wide range of conditions and naturally repelling odor-causing bacteria. These socks are very important for visitors who plan on staying active throughout the day.

So that does it for this month' rainforest runway and our look at environmentally friendly clothing by Timberland. Stop by your local Timberland store or check out their website online before your next adventure in Costa Rica. Not only will you look good on your next trip to Costa Rica, but you'll feel good knowing that you've adopted eco-friendly fashion.

Next month: Women's Green Fashion

Here is a list of the items featured in this article in the order shown:

Men's Short Sleeve Distressed Graphic Tee - shown in Soft French Blue and Cassel Earth - $30

Men's Twill Cargo Short - shown in Cassel Earth and Logwood Brown - $54

Men's Short  Sleeve Watercolor Pique Polo - shown in New Linen and Old Bark - $60

Men's Hexagon Screen Print Full Zip Sweatshirt - shown in Medium Heather Grey - $80

Men's Straight Fit Denim Jean - shown in Tinted Indigo - $70 

Men's Nylon Bomber Jacket - shown in French Blue and Ebony  - $98 

Men's Outdoor Performance Waterproof Cadion Super Light Jacket - shown in Army Green and Black - $120

Men's Waterproof Cadion Leather Mid Hiker Dark - shown in Brown - $110

Men's Fastpack Expedite Low - shown in Greige - $85 

Men's Trailscape Vented - shown in Grey - $90

Men's SmartWool Adrenaline Light Micro - shown in Dark Olive Heather and Stone - $14

Men's Smartwool Adrenaline UltraLight Mini Crew Sock - shown in Light Grey - $14

All items can be found on Timberland's website.