Norse Projects x Geoff McFetridge | Top Five Picks
At Carryology, we know a thing or two about collaborations. Simply put, the best collabs happen when worlds collide and each partner bring their best features to the table. When it works, it’s magnificent, but when it doesn’t, it can feel like a let down.
‘Collaboration’ is thrown around far too regularly, and there is a big difference between sticking a logo on a product, and working together to create something unique. We were excited to see apparel brand Norse Projects and Canadian Born artist Geoff McFetridge pair up to create a line that is both fashion forward and technically advanced.
McFetridge has a reputation for breaking boundaries, and he has famously worked across multiple disciplines. Now partnering for the second time with Norse Projects the concept for this collection is simple: the farther you go the deeper it gets.
We take a look at our top five items from the collection.
Norse Projects x Geoff McFetridge Faces Crew Sweat
Sometimes, you just want a comfortable sweater (jumper if you’re of British inclination!). At the end of a day on the trail, as you sip a beverage, comfort is key. Comfort doesn’t have to be sloppy though, and the Faces Crew Sweat has been my most worn sweater this summer.
100% Portuguese cotton, with ribbed trims to keep the cool air at bay, you won’t want to take this off. The Faces embroidery is unique and is a conversation starter, like much of McFetridge’s work. This is an upgrade to your decades old dorm sweater, and you’ll feel all the better for wearing it.
Norse Projects x Geoff McFetridge Tech Cap
I’ll be honest, I usually struggle with baseball style hats. My large head isn’t conducive to the chic look that you see in all of the ads! However, this tech cap is everything that I’ve wanted in a cap for years. Impressively light weight, with a nylon finish that repels water, this long billed hat keeps the sun off your face and the sweat out of your eyes.
I’ve been surprised at just how much I’ve used this hat, it has come paddle boarding, hiking, to the beach, and of course just around town. Aesthetically, it’s subtle and charming with the same Faces graphic on the front, and a retro inspired “McTechridge” printed logo on the rear. Easily adjustable at the back tab, and rather packable, this one should live in your bag!
Norse Projects x Geoff McFetridge Technical Tote
Speaking of bags, we were obviously going to get excited about a technical tote. Featuring original artwork on both sides, this is the packable tote, elevated. It packs down into its own internal floating pocket, and it is the very definition of lightweight. This is an excellent grocery bag, beach bag, stuff-in-your pocket-in-case-you-need-it-bag and I’ve come to love the stretchy nature of this nylon tote. It’s even become a laundry bag in a pinch! It can hold more than you think and can either be slung over your shoulder, or held at your side by the grab handles. Snap tabs give you more security when needed and the aluminium hardware on the strap is high quality. This is one of those set it and forget it type pieces, and when I’m not actively using it it lives in my drivers side door, or at the base of another bag. Thanks to the lack of weight, it’s a no-brainer to bring with you.
Norse Projects x Geoff McFetridge Peter Twill Vest
This isn’t just your standard vest, it is an Italian made, innovative workhorse. Vests, in my opinion, are an underrated layer. They can work with any outfit, giving you a little extra coverage without having to lug a full jacket around. However, the benefits of layering aside, what’s unique about this Peter Twill Vest isn’t just its form factor, but rather what is under the hood.
This insulation, known as CashPad®, is made from recycled cashmere and wool sweaters. Not only are those two materials known for their excellent insulation properties, but with this vest, you’re stopping them ending up in a landfill. An elegant solution to a global problem that we all face. Covered in a healthy midweight cotton twill, this vest is both comfortable and robust, and will serve you well on your own adventures of self discovery as McFetridge intended. Large pockets hold your journal or EDC comfortably, and the branding is subtle, much like the tech cap. The Twill vest is the epitome of NP X GM’s combination of function and fashion.
Norse Projects x Geoff McFetridge Tech Short
Not all running shorts are created equal, and these Tech Shorts sit atop the pile with their lightweight style and packability. At first glance, these might look like a standard pair of running shorts, or even daily drivers, but once you have these in hand, you realise that they are a different type of short.
Similarly to the tote, these are unbelievably light weight, feature a nylon outer and polyester compression inner. Side splits, elasticated waistband and quick drying materials make these perfect travel shorts or one-bag-traveler friendly. While they may not get you into a fancy restaurant, they’ll pull duty anywhere else from the beach to the office. They also pack into their back pocket, making them perfect to stow with you in case an impromptu game of pickleball breaks out when you’re least expecting it. The lightweight nature of these is perfect for blisteringly hot days, and I’ve kept them on for most of the summer!
Norse Projects have always created unique products in an incredibly crowded space, and they’ve also chosen well in their partnerships. Full of thoughtful touches in both design and delivery (each swing tag comes with a set of stickers from the collection), these five products are just a small preview of this excellent collection. Both stylish and reliable, this collection encourages you to go further and deeper on your adventures.