Archive for category: News

Matuse Has New Bags

Left to right: Duffel, Daypack, Sling and Light Daypack.

Matuse is proud to announce some new additions to our bag category. The Topo Klettersack was released on our site about a year ago and the item really took off. This year the small Colorado based bag company, Topo Designs, came out with a few new items so we added them on our website. Check them out. We’re sure you’ll find one that will fit your needs and style. They’re offered in multiple color ways. Click here to visit the bag section: http://matuse.com/shop/bags/

ABOUT TOPO DESIGNS

Growing up in the mountains of the West we’ve been using gear from our earliest memories. We are fishers, hunters, ski instructors, hikers, climbers, bikers, travelers, and through it all we’ve searched for gear that really works – as well as satisfies the styles that we’re attracted to. Never satisfied with the standard fare, we sought out ski gear from France, bags from Japan, all the while honing our tastes and growing a seed of desire to create something ourselves.

Topo began well before it began, in discussions, sharing ideas, and just the desire to have quality products that were in our heads rather than the ones we saw in stores. It crystalized on the road to a beautiful powder day at Winter Park where the decision was made to make it a reality. The idea still sounded good on the way home, perhaps a bit high from the turns made, and a few days later, high fives all around, wallets emptied, sewing machines bought and we were on our way. As everyone that’s made something knows, it takes a lot longer to make something than to decide to make it. So we took our time, made prototype after prototype, tested, re-tested, took vacations just as an excuse to test, and we finally had our first bag. At this point we’d gained some skills and the following bags came more quickly. After some initial success in Japan we realized we’d need to step up our production a bit so we started working with a local production shop known for making quality bags. And that brings us to today, designing, sewing, prototyping, and moving forward.

At Topo Designs we talk a lot about how things are made and why, about the value of creating versus consuming, and how to work with that tension. When making the decision of where to produce our designs, we talked about importing and making locally. While drawn to the ideas of making things in the US we also understand the importance of making things work. After research we were pleased to find that we could make things locally and even more, we could control quality at a closer level, we could drastically reduce minimums which gave us more flexibility and, if we were careful, we could bring things in at a price that didn’t reduce it to a luxury item. We’re global citizens and enjoy things made all around the world, but we’re very proud to be making and producing things in the country we call home. We hope you enjoy them.

Topo bags are all made in a LEED certified building in Colorado, USA with an amazing view of the Rockies.

Rick Takahashi Clinches NSSA Title in 2 Divisions

Big congratulations to Matuse Family Member, Rick Takahashi, for clinching the title in two NSSA divisions last weekend! Rick has amassed enough points in the Senior and Masters division to make it impossible for anyone else to gain the title this year. In Oceanside he took down his 7th double division win in a row. He also tied Courtney Conlogue’s record of winning 5 consecutive conference titles in one division. Rick now has his sights set on Nationals. We know he’ll do well.

Flynn Novak on KITV.com

Matuse Family Member, Flynn Novak, recently was nominated Hawaii’s MVP by KITV. Flynn is recognized for creating the Flynnstone flip which is only being completed by Flynn at this time. No other surfer has landed this trick yet even though it’s been out for over a year now via video. Congrats Flynn for your continued progression, contribution and recognition within surfing. Check out the interview here: http://www.kitv.com/r-video/30425025/detail.html

Matuse Welcomes Aether to Our Online Store

Matuse is happy to announce the arrival of Aether products to our online shopping experience. As cold fronts keep passing through reminding us that Spring is still off in the distance we look to our trusty closet for layers of warmth and comfort. The Space Hoodie is the perfect solution and is a direct expression of Aether’s drive to unify both form and function. Aether wanted to design a piece that combined the comfort and versatility of a hoodie but have a sleek, sophisticated aesthetic. Something fashionable enough to wear in the city, yet functional enough for use in the back country. This light weight jacket is perfect for mild days or for added layering for those really brisk conditions. We’ll be carrying all 5 colors through our store. Check it out here: http://matuse.com/shop/apparel/outerwear/

ARNOLD SWARZENEGGER SAYS

Governator drops behind-the-scenes knowledge about some of his classics — from “Conan the Barbarian” to “Total Recall.” It’s a marvel that this guy was ever the leader of the world’s 8th biggest economy. Gary Coleman rest in peace.