There is something about jet-setting and road-tripping to a new destination. So this season we packed our bags to explore the waterfalls, architecture, beaches, and mountains of Iceland with influencers Ariel, Eric, and Han.
Iceland is famous for its dramatic landscape with geysers, volcanoes, lava fields, and hot springs. It offers breath-taking views and has some of the most beautiful untouched places for hiking, exploring and adventuring.
Ariel, Eric, and Han sported the Julia Parka, Shadow Parka and some of our ski pants while they explored. Below are some of the beautiful images they captured on their travels.
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Preparing your FERA jacket or pant for washing: Empty all pockets and close all zippers, including the center zip. Remove any detachable fur or faux-fur trim, belt, and lift tickets. For spot stains, you may use a localized stain remover.
Machine washing your FERA garment: We recommend washing your ski garments separately from other items in order to avoid color transfer issues. Use cold water and a small-to-moderate amount regular detergent, powder or liquid. Select an extra rinse and spin cycle. Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
Drying your FERA garment: Dry your ski garments immediately and completely after washing. We recommend drying your ski garments separately from other items. Since some insulations and materials are heat-sensitive, select a medium temperature setting and an extra-long drying time or a second drying cycle to ensure the insulation of the garment dries thoroughly. If it is a down or puffy jacket, toss 1 or 2 tennis balls in the dryer to help “fluff” the jacket as it dries.
Final Touches: Re-attach any trim components and hang the garment on a coat hanger or folder over a pant hanger. This will help maintain the shape of the garment and keep it fresh and ready for next season!
* Do not dry clean your FERA jackets or pants as this chemical process will damage the waterproof coating on the back of the fabric.
]]>Summer is here and we are jet-setting off to explore new places while the snow fall takes a break. From tropical vacations to more adventurous trips, our team has been busy so far and it's only just the start. See some of our summer travel fun below:
A bucket list adventure for any backpacking and camping fan. Our social media manager visited this beautiful place and highly recommends it. This hike is over 20 miles round trip but worth it for the pristine blue waters and beautiful red rock formations. Reservations to the campground open up throughout the summer so be sure to check online and call so you can visit this oasis over the summer.
Located in the PNW, Portland is suited for active outdoor folk. Run, kayak, hike, ski, drink, shop and eat; that's what our Graphic Designer did when she visited this city. If you are a fan of eating and drinking, you'll love it here. Some of the best eating spots can be found in this city including Salt and Straw, The Little Burger and Blue Star Donuts.
If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, Hawaii is the place to go. Enjoy a drink poolside, head out to the clear waters to snorkel or go on a hike to a waterfall. There are so many things to do on all of the islands and it's state-side which makes travel easy. Our Marketing Manager recommends bringing bug spray if you plan to do hikes, there are lots of mosquitos.
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- Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this national park features waterfalls, giant trees and breathtaking views. If you enjoy outdoor living and long hikes, this place is for you. You can drive through the park for a day or stay a few days in the park camping, both options are great to see some unforgettable spots.
- Aspen is one of our favorite places to visit in the winter season but the summer offers some amazing activities as well. Hiking, mountain biking and yoga are some of the more popular activities in this area during the summer. If you are into yoga and meditation, we recommend checking out Wanderlust. This weekend festival offers yoga, art and concert fun. The best part might be staying in one of the 5-star resorts all while being in nature. Not to worry though, you will still get your outdoor fill as your hotel views are of the beautiful Colorado mountains. Bring your family, go on a girls trip or go on a weekend getaway, you won’t regret it.
- This national park offers red rock views and plush mountain greenery. Located outside of St. George Utah, this beautiful spot features world-renown hikes and one of a kind views. These hikes and locations are very accessible to visit and with a small town just outside of the park, you can go in and out of the park to eat, sleep and relax with ease. We recommend going early though if you plan on going during the summer, parking gets tough and it does tend to get crowded mid-day. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or someone who like to dabble in the outdoor world while enjoying resort comforts, each of these locations has something incredible to offer. Be sure to put one of these locations on the books for a summer trip. The perfect off-season places to explore.
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In the summer, I live in the land of the midnight sun. But come winter, those endless hours of sunlight disappear into as low as five and a half hours of daylight per day.
Despite popular belief, this doesn’t mean Yukon’ers live in near perpetual darkness all winter long. Those five and a half hours are blessed with golden skies that turn a soft pink and purple hue for several hours per day. At high noon as the sun skims low across the horizon, long shadows cast a perfect contrast against our white snowy landscape that glistens from dawn till dusk.
From someone who measures daylight hours against a list of adventure timelines as a challenge of how long I can stay out on any given day, here is my list of five ways to maximize your short days during winter.
Step 1. Get outside to absorb actual sunlight.
People who suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) will always have little tips and tricks they use to get through the long nights of winter, including using blue ambient light to trick their body into thinking they’re outside, to supplementing with Vitamin D, as well as eating pumpkin seeds or squash which apparently help with anxiety and depression (two common symptoms of SAD).
But you know what is better than all the above? Actual sunshine.
So layer up with the thermal underwear. Grab the fleece lined gloves, toque, and scarf. Boot on those warm winter boots. Grab the insulated jacket and snowpants. And go play outside.
Step 2. Choose your adventure wisely.
In the summer with long hours of light, it is easy to pick a trail that has an extended forested section necessary to pass in order to reach the alpine. But in winter, avoid these like the plague.
Instead, search for trails that have easy alpine access, or long ridges with southern exposure (if in the Northern hemisphere). If your goal is to get as much sun as possible, don’t hinder that by wandering for hours in the dark woods.
Step 3. Arrive early, stay late.
Get to familiar with the twilight hours, the technical term for when the sun is just below the horizon. Photographers know it as #GoldenHour, when the sky creates that warm hue as it refracts across the atmosphere.
In the Yukon, during the shortest day of the year we have two hours of civil twilight which means we have two extra hours where everything around us is clearly visible but the sun just isn’t above the horizon. In addition to that, we also have two hours of nautical twilight.
Technically speaking, you may need some form of artificial light during nautical twilight but this is typically when I plan to get the logistical things like driving to / from our destination done. That way, I have plenty of time during the civil twilight (when the sun is only 6 degrees below the horizon) to catch the alpenglow and #goldenhour magic while the daylight hours can be saved for having fun.
Step 4. Learn new skills or just play like a kid.
Just because it is winter doesn’t mean there aren’t an infinite amount of fun activities to enjoy. I often hear people complain that winter is only for ice skating or downhill skiing.
Not true.
Love hiking? You should be a fan of snowshoeing.
Hate hiking? Find a small slope and take a crazy carpet down.
Want to feel like a kid again but get a serious adrenaline rush? Learn how to snowkite.
Live somewhere with no hills and no wind? Cross country skiing has to be one of the most underrated snowsports. A great workout and can do with even the smallest amount of snow anywhere.
Great hills but no ski lifts? Start learning your avalanche safety and get yourself some backcountry fun.
Step 5. Treat yourself.
Lack of sunlight does wreak havoc on your serotonin levels, the chemical in our bodies that gives us energy and fights off depression among other things.
I would not claim to be a diet expert, as there are a million different theories on how to fuel your body properly in this sort of climate. What I do know is the Inuits who have lived in the Arctic for centuries, survived on a high fat diet with no processed food for the majority of that period.
Unfortunately, like many others, I tell myself to prepare raw organic foods but then tend to lean heavy on carbohydrates.
While on the trails, I just make sure all the food we bring is easily ready to eat as preparing food over a stove or fire is too time consuming and / or requires far too much effort. Lack of serotonin does leave my body yearning for far more sweets than I would eat in the summer, so a chocolate bar is never far away. Most importantly, we always bring a giant thermos (actually an insulated growler from our favourite brewery) filled with tea to warm up after a long day and keep hydrated.
]]>In a territory where frostbite warnings and severe weather advisories seem regular, you’d be forgiven for wanting to never leave the warmth of the indoors. But for those of us who live in the North, a place where temperatures below zero are hardly noticed but each daylight hour is deemed precious, we know that minus sixteen with no wind is still a good day for adventuring.
Across the river valleys and beyond the snowy peaks, we are surrounded by a wilderness blanketed in white. Every direction beckons and intrigues the adventurous spirit. The debate of how to celebrate the day began at sunrise on the waters edge, at 10:00am.
Early mornings do not exist in the winter months.
Equipped with a thermos, a fat bike, and a camera, we settled on a wildlife safari about 30 min from downtown Whitehorse, the capital of Canada’s northern territory of the Yukon. To be fair, we also didn’t dare step foot outside without thermal socks, waterproof boots, thermal underwear, serious mittens, fleece sweaters, snow pants, and a ski jacket either. Getting dressed for the day is never a quick task.
Following roads coated in a fresh dusting of powder, we started our peddle in search for some of the largest animals that call this place home: moose, deer, caribou, lynx, and fox.
To our excitement, we found them all.
First up was a moose carefully scratching his antlers against the bark of a thin tree. The crunch of snow beneath our fat bike was no comparison to the grunt and groan of the almost 700kg mammal. We watched as the moose rubbed his antlers against the snow covered pine, gently enough not to break the tree but hard enough to have the snow from the needles and branches fall gracefully to the ground.
Moose tend to lose their antlers each year between December and March, and we waited patiently to see if this was the time his shovel shaped antlers would drop. It wasn’t. The Yukon is home to nearly 70,000 moose, double the amount of our human population. With each male losing his antlers annually, finding relics of antlers in the bush is common, as is finding antlers on the outside of homes used for decoration.
As the deep guttural groans of the moose continued, we decided to carry on, only to find a huddle of furry giants known as muskoxen. In the same family as sheep and goat, but often confused for a buffalo, muskox used to roam the northern hemisphere alongside wooly mammoths and other ice age creatures.
It is said they form close family ties, and protect their young by forming a cohesive circle around them. Standing side by side in a close knit group, I looked closely for the stubby legs of a calve and imagined a bond of brothers enduring the winter’s harsh life. With deep set eyes nearly wool covered it is hard to make eye contact, but as the thick steam seeped from the muskoxen nostrils and the curved horns pointed our way, we decided it might be time to move on.
From the dead stares of musk ox, we continued along our snowy journey. Beyond the frosted birch trees we searched beneath the fluffy white covered pines for the silhouettes of the cawing raven. The iridescent green tail feathers of a black billed magpie caught my eye as it scavenged on the remains left by a fox’s dinner.
Few creatures look as curious and playful than that of the fox. In near total camoflauge, we watched as the white furred arctic fox sniffed out its next meal. Thick fur covers its entire body, down to its tiny paws letting the fox maneuver in silence. Surprisingly, come spring as the snow melts and rocky ground appears, the arctic fox will turn a shade of bluish black to camouflage once more.
My time in the north has been peppered with close up experiences with the red fox. I see them in my backyard, on top of my car and walking beside me on the footpath. Our fat bike safari provides another interaction and from a distance I can see its large ears perk as my footsteps and bike tires disturb the snow. Our eyes meet if only for a second, until the hunt resumes to find its next meal. High above on a rock, a face appears and I see the details of silver and white wisps of fur on a black body. It is a variety of red fox actually known as a silver fox, and spotting it leaves a lasting memory in a landscape with few variations of colour.
Time moves rather quickly while wildlife spotting. It never feels dull and never feels long enough. Spotting the horizon turning a soft shade of gold, I step back on the bike and peddle towards home. By 3:00pm, we have just an hour to go until sunset and just about an hour of exploring left. The temperature may still be hovering in the negative teens, but it was still a good day by anyones measure.
]]>Thinking about planning the ultimate ski trip? Here is a list of our top five favorite ski resorts this season.
Solitude Mountain, Utah: About 30 miles outside of Salt Lake, this ski resort is perfect for the whole family. It has a wide range of beginner and intermediate slopes for the newer skiers in your group. @grete_eliassen sticks close to home at Solitude while wearing her favorite Fera gear.
Copper Mountain, Colorado: Copper Mountain is 75 miles outside of Denver. This resort has great winter events planned this season, including free concerts! @vandifair wears her favorite Fera pieces out on these slopes.
Sun Valley, Idaho: If you're looking for a more remote weekend trip with the family, Sun Valley is the perfect place! This resort is loved by our friend @thegotomom. She is seen wearing our Danielle Jacket while skiing. This 10k/10k waterproof women's ski jacket with real fur trim is the perfect parka for a day on these slopes.
Zermatt, Switzerland: Zermatt is the highest ski resort in Europe and is home to the famous Matterhorn. This resort is a favorite of the lovely @laurenabraham. She has been pictured wearing our skiwear while on her wedding weekend in Zermatt. @hickoryandtweed also enjoys wearing their Meister sweaters on these slopes.
Tyax Lodge, Canada: If you want to carve your own path, this is the ultimate heliski destination. Just a few hours north of Vancouver, the deep virgin snow will give you the ultimate rush! Our company partner @feraski has had some epic runs on these slopes.
Don't forget to pack Fera for your next ski adventure. Tag us @ferastyle. We would love to see where you end up this season.
Happy skiing!
]]>Fall is here and the temperatures are cooling down. Ski season is rolling in and with it comes a few vital trends that you don't want to miss.
Slope to street: this season, versatility is key! It's important to find pieces that transition from the ski slopes to the street and from day to night. A great staple is our Julia Jacket. It's the perfect piece for the Globe Trotter, that's wanting a jacket to complement every outfit.
Layer up: Layers are a must this season! Marino and comfort still reign supreme. With zippers and prints adding that extra touch. Our Grace sweater is the perfect layer, its print is the perfect pop for the apres girl.
Color: Metallics and Rose gold are the colors of the season! You can see the metallics in our Kimber Jacket. This versatile jacket is a great marriage between style and functionality. The Kimber Jacket, is a parka that is well insulated but doesn't weigh you down. Giving the perfect balance while on your ski getaway.
]]>Fall is in the air which means cool weather and pumpkin flavored everything. There are so many breathtaking places in the United States to take in the beauty of the season. Below is a list of our favorite spots to visit this fall season.
New York City: Central Park is one of the best places to experience the fall season! From the crisp cool autumn air and trees full of beautiful fall leaves, it will leave you in the best of fall moods. Don't forget to pack your Annabelle and Pablo sweaters. They are the perfect transition from day to night and the merino blend will keep you warm in the cool crisp city air.
The great smokey mountains: The great smokey mountains are breathtaking this time of year, and are the perfect place to visit if your longing for that relaxing getaway. A great place to stay is The Blackberry farm. It's a gorgeous 5 star hotel nestled in the foothills of the smokey mountains. Pack your favorite Fera sweater and the melrose jacket as great transitional pieces to wear during your stay.
Denver, Colorado: Fall leaves are everywhere in Denver and so is the beer. October is the month of beer, with three beer festivals in Denver. Pack your Violet and Chase sweaters for this trip! These Merino blend sweaters are a great fit for strolling around the city and pair well with a pretzel neckless.
Salt Lake City, Utah: If your planning to take a hike or a walk through the city, the maple colored trees will not disappoint. Bring your melrose jacket for this trip. Temperatures seem to drop around this time. Some years you are able to ski by Halloween!
Anchorage, Alaska: October is a beautiful time of year in Alaska. All of the leaves are starting to fall, animals are easier to spot and at night you can start to view the northern lights. The Hyla jacket is the perfect piece to pack for your Alaskan adventure. It's weatherproof sleeves and hood and perfect for any weather changes throughout your stay. Don't miss a ride on the Alaskan railroad. It is the best place to take in the beauty of the the maple colored trees.
Have fun exploring this fall and don't forget to pack your fall FERA pieces during your fall adventures.
Cheers!
]]>With today being the first day of fall, we can not wait to start our fall travels! If your planning on seeing the the beautiful fall hills of Aspen, Colorado or the colorful maple trees of Vermont, here are 5 must have fall travel essentials.
Five Fall travel essentials:
Annabelle Sweater: This merino sweater blend is perfect for your day on the town or your afternoon apple picking. As the evening approaches layer on your Hyla jacket to complete the look
Hyla Jacket: The Hyla Jacket, is the ideal hybrid coat. It has supple stretch fabric with quilted weatherproof sleeves and hood. This gives the jacket the perfect sporty approach to a winter coat. Layer on your Hyla jacket for your evening walk around town or morning stroll in the park.
Hunter Boots: Don't forget to grab your hunter boots. They are a perfect addition to your Fera outfit. If your taking your dog for a walk in Central Park or heading to the store your hunter boots will keep your feet dry during any unexpected drizzle.
Jessica Legging: The Jessica legging fits perfectly tucked into your hunter boots as you walk around town with your pumpkin spice latte. The Jessica Legging is the ideal compliment to your Annabelle Sweater and can seamlessly transition from day to night
Herschel: The Herschel bag is the perfect addition to your Fera outfit. Not only is it a great accessory to match your Fera outfit it provides great storage for your Fera pieces while on your travels.
Enjoy your fall planning and don't forget to think of Fera this fall.
Cheers!
]]>From Seattle to the Majestic Cascades, the Pacific Northwest has views you can only dream about. If you decide to take in the views from the road, a kayak, campground or a mountain top, the Pacific Northwest will not disappoint. This summer is coming to an end and we wanted to make sure we enjoyed every moment of it. We followed influencer @kevinmonahanphoto as he explored the great mountains of the Pacific.
Along the way, we found 6 places you can't miss while your exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Cannon Beach, Oregon: Even though Oregon has many beach towns, this one is extra special. Cannon beach is home to the breathtaking rock formation, Haystack Rock. Haystack Rock is a 235 foot tall sea stack on the beach about a mile south of downtown.
California's Red Wood Forest: On the 101 you can take a detour through the avenue of giants. Don't miss the 2,400 year old drive through tree. A perfect spot to snap a photo.
McMinnville, Oregon: A wine lovers dream! Known as Mac by the locals, this town is filled with tasting rooms that line the streets perfect for people watching while wearing your favorite Fera sweater.
Florence, Oregon: This historic old town has something for everyone. One can stroll for a meal, view the sea lion caves, go for a dune buggy ride, hike, camp or attend one of Florence's many festivals
Orcas Island: Bring your Fera jacket to catch a ride on the ferry to this beautiful island. While on the ferry, you may even catch a glimpse of dolphins, seals or even a pod of killer whales. While on the island actives include; Kayaking, bike riding, and taking a short hike to the islands summit. Keep your eyes peeled, as the island is home to several eagles that take flight around the islands peak.
Multanomah Falls: is a breathtaking water fall along the historic Columbia river highway. Make sure to stop and take the beautiful 1.2 mile hike to the top!
Don't forget your Fera pieces while on your adventure through the Pacific Northwest. Influencer @kevinmonahanphoto wore our men's FERA jacket while he was in the mountains.
]]>With warmer weather comes new summer adventures. There is something intoxicating about jet-setting and road-tripping to a new destination. Like most people, we jam pack most of our adventures into the summer, when school is out and the kids are home. This summer we packed up our bags to explore the north-eastern mountains of California with influencer Nicole Knox.
Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s famous for its old, giant sequoia trees, Bridalveil Falls and the granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan. It offers breath-taking views and has some of the most beautiful untouched places for hiking, camping, exploring and adventuring.
If you're like us, figuring out what kind of summer trip you want to embark on is not easy. With so many options it's hard to choose just one place to explore. For that reason, we thought we would share a few of our favorite California trip ideas.
Summer Vacation Ideas :
Mammoth : Camping and summer skiing
Yosemite : Road trip and hiking
Joshua Tree : Camping and hiking
San Francisco : AirBnb and eating
Big Sur : Road trip and hiking
Palm Springs : AirBnb and poolside
San Diego : Beach camping and beach living
Whatever trip you embark on this summer, bring your favorite FERA pieces along for those cooler nights.
Influencer @nicolexknox wore some of our FERA pieces to keep warm on the cooler summer nights.
]]>What to pack for the slopes? We'll start from the inside and work our way out.
you better. Look for a top long enough to stay tucked in; a dropped back hem is good if you are tall. If you will be carrying a backpack, raglan sleeves will be more comfortable. Have a couple to alternate so you can wash them.
The right choice depends on what type of skiing you are doing. For skiing in colder resorts where you’ll be on the chairlifts a lot, an insulated ski jacket works well. But if you’re skiing a big mountain with gondolas/trams and lots of vertical (eg. less time on a lift and more time in motion), spring skiing, or doing ski touring or a bit of hiking, then a shell is a good option.
Either way, some things to consider:
1. Fresh tracks
2. No congested runs and collisions
3. No lift, lunch or toilet lines.
4. It's way warmer in a helicopter than on a chairlift.
5. No need for maps. Your guide will show you the way.
6. Great scenery = great Instagram posts
7. Quick ascent, epic descent
8. Al fresco lunch
9. The latest avalanche safety gear
10. Wifi detox
There’s no better way to feel connected with the mountain than enjoying untracked snow with a small group of happy heli skiers!
]]>Read on for Patty's insights into Hong Kong, her ideal vacation and the design process
FERA: How would you characterize Fera’s style?
Patty: Clean. Fashion-influenced sportswear.
FERA: So, you've seen FERA evolve since you were little - your mother was the founder. How has FERA evolved over the years?
Patty: FERA is 37 years old this year! I think in the early years FERA was purely about ski apparel but over the years our line has evolved into functional leisure wear, especially pants and outerwear.
FERA: What’s one thing that is absolutely non-negotiable in every FERA design?
Patty: Ease of wearing. The way it makes you feel - effortlessly comfortable yet beautiful. Also, ease of care...many of our designs are packable and hence very lightweight, durable and wrinkle resistant.
FERA: Tell us a little bit about your design process and where you draw inspiration.
Patty: There are so many influences - fabric developments, clothing silhouettes, consumer moods and product trends, etc. LA and Hong Kong - the two hubs of FERA - are epicenters of fashion and style and being in the middle of that means constant exposure to the latest trends and directions.
I'm also constantly inspired by my travels - resorts in the European Alps and North America, the streets of NYC, LA, Milan, London, Tokyo, Seoul…
FERA: Wow! Now I want to go on an adventure! Is there a quote or piece of wisdom that’s resonating with you right now that you’d like to share?
Patty: Give more than you take. I think life is about channeling one's talents and energy in a way that contributes to a better world.
FERA: Totally agree. Tell us about your typical day.
Patty: It isn't all imagining…it wavers between right-brain creating and sensing and left-brain activities like getting specs and changes documented and organizing production scheduling.
My job is very tactile though - I am always touching, feeling and trying on things. I don't put lotion on or do my nails because I find that inhibits me; my hands are working all the time.
FERA: You live in Hong Kong which seems like an awesome city - tell us something about HK you’d usually only learn if you traveled or lived there.
Patty: Hong Kong is hyper-efficient with wonderful transport infrastructure. There's an express train that takes you from the heart of the financial district to the airport in 20 minutes. The buildings in my area are connected by elevated walkways, the world's longest outdoor escalator network, speedy subways and scenic ferries. You can use a stored-value Octopus card to pay for all transport and in many parking lots and convenience stores.
FERA: It sounds super easy to get around. We'll make sure to grab an Octopus card if we visit! Speaking of visits, describe your ideal ski/resort trip.
Patty: I love to ski with my family and friends. We love European resorts because the lunches and off-piste are amazing.
Adjacent condos or a shared chalet make for a fun evenings over excellent food and wine. Some of my favorite ski areas are around Mt. Blanc - Chamonix in France and Courmayeur in Italy. With a guide, every day has something new to offer.
FERA: Sounds lovely. How would you describe the FERA lifestyle and what are some ways you embody it?
Patty: The FERA lifestyle is about an active life, outdoor pastimes and leisure travel. I am someone who loves being outside and connected with nature. In the fall it might be hiking and come winter, skiing of course. But spring means biking and hiking and summer calls for scuba, wakesurfing, kayaking and open water swimming. Even if I'm traveling, I want to feel the pulse of wherever I am - you'll find me biking through big city streets or taking in the parks, outdoor cafes and plazas.
FERA: Where do you see FERA in the next 5 years?
Patty: I see us reaching a more global customer with our uniquely functional active fashion.
FERA: If you could tell the world one thing about FERA, what would it be?
Patty: Try it!
FERA: Haha, touche. Thank you, Patty!
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