This new product info comes from MINIUSA Press:
Motoring into the great wide open requires functional fashion sense — and a sense of fun. MINI USA introduces the latest “must have” apparel: the Expedition Jacket and the AIRVANTAGE(TM) Vest, featuring built-in options for hydration, extra warmth and cooling down after those exhilarating road trips.
Only an adventurous brand like MINI could inspire multifunctional outdoor wear that’s ready for all sorts of possibilities. Outdoor enthusiasts and motorists alike will enjoy gearing up and navigating the open road with the Expedition Jacket and the AIRVANTAGE(TM) Vest. Both pieces in the MINI MotoringGear Collection are waterproof and made of warm yet breathable fabrics, so they can handle various weather elements.
Airvantage Vest (unisex; black – $165) – features inflatable and adjustable insulation. Its outer layer keeps liquid moisture from penetrating and its inner structure helps the body’s natural cool down process, allowing perspiration to escape. When the user inflates the vest with an intake valve, it provides a layer of warm air for insulation between the outside temperatures and the body. Ideally, removing one layer of dress will provide the most comfort. Releasing the valve adjusts the air chambers.
The Vest also features a rain hood that zips inside the fleece-lined collar; two bottom front snap pockets; an elasticized waist and the unmistakable checkered racing flag pattern that runs underneath inside collar. The Vest’s shell is 100 percent polyester and the lining is 100 percent polyurethane.
Expedition Jacket (unisex; black with rust orange siding and blue and black sleeves – $215) – Featuring a refillable hydration system with a drinking tube that attaches to the right front shoulder for easy access, the Expedition Jacket quenches your thirst while it keeps you dry. The integrated backpack, which zips into the back of the jacket, can store the user’s belongings and unzips for quick unloading. There’s even a compass in the left front pocket attached to a small plastic coil that can be unhooked to help navigate those unexpected turns.
The Expedition Jacket also has a handy inner zip pocket and on outside snap pocket on the upper left sleeve, as well as an elasticized hood and waist. It is water resistant, and has a 100 percent nylon shell with a mesh, 100 percent polyester lining.
<p>Expensive The lacket seems to be designed more for biking and mountain climbing, than driving.
I’ll pass, thanks.</p>
<p>Waiting on delivery of the Track Jacket & last month got the Mock Turtleneck. The mock Turtleneck is one of the neatest things I have ever gotten from MINI, besides the car.</p>
<p>I find some of MINI’s clothing, Tshirts anyway, way to small for my taste. They, at least the shirts I have ordered, MINI T & LOGO T, from the International site, are what we, USA, would call muscle T’s.</p>
<p>Hope the Track Jacket is as cool as the Mock Turtleneck</p>
<p>Holy expensive prices!</p>
<p>I also think that most of the clothing line has bad logo placement, or should I say way too subtle. Logos that are hard to find ever for the wearer. My wife bought me an early long sleeve T that had MINI COOPER S on it with some 3d letter that washed off the 1st wash, they did replace it, and was so small most couldn’t read it. ???</p>
<p>Actually that’s one of the things I find refreshing about MINI’s apparel – lack of oversized and obnoxious logos. Most of it anyway.</p>
<p>Is this a joke ? “Featuring a refillable hydration system with a drinking tube that attaches to the right front shoulder for easy access, the Expedition Jacket quenches your thirst while it keeps you dry.” Is this a MINI version of the desert survival suit from the movie “DUNE”? How about just some decent quality where two buttons don’t fall off after the first wash as on a recently purchased MINI mechanics shirt ?</p>
<p>only if I win them.
why aren’t the photos posted, as they are on MINI2’s corresponding article?</p>
<p>gmini – what are you referring to? Do you want larger pics of the above apparel?</p>
<p>a very easy reaction when i see it.
this is a MINI jacket and it should be for most of the MINI owners, right?</p>
<p>just think about you driving your MINI with all that stuff on your back.</p>
<p>oops, gabe. i blew it. sometimes the photos on motoringfile get cropped weirdly on this ancient software (ie5) they(I) run on their(my) macs here at work. I’ve never not seen them at all. When I open image from the obvious spaces now I see them clearly. I’ll enjoy your fine layout when i get home.</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>Yeah – MF is definitely not supported on IE5 for the Mac. Especially IE5 for Mac OS9!</p>
<p>Oversized & obnoxious and can agree with but lettering and logos 1/8″ tall in odd places. what’s the point of having MINI wear if nobody knows it is?</p>
<p>Aesthetically, that’s the way I prefer it.</p>
<p>hey, here’s hoping the MINIUSA reps bring some of these to MINIs on Top next weekend…the vest is pretty cool, and might come in handy at the top of Mt. Washington!</p>
<p>actually forgot to comment on Jacket…..pretty Kool.</p>
<p>I have the airvantage system, it’s manufacturered by Goretex and licensed to BMW, it’s superb. I use it on my bike though, can’t see an application for MINI. And I agree with most peoples sentiments on MINI Clothing, it needs slightly more visible branding, but overall, better build quality. The stuff they’re putting out now falls apart after a few washes!</p>
<p>My orange Pocket Polo has the hem falling apart in just 2 months of ownership, but all my T’s, Motoring Jacket & Mock Turtleneck have been fine hope the Track Jacket, on the way, will be as good as those.</p>
<p>Also…..they had to replace my Speedo Watch as the screws that hold on the wrist band fell out. no hassle from MINI though.</p>
<p>And speak of the devil FedEx just delivered the Track Jacket, very nice. Logo is a nice size and were all can see, but may be to big & visible for others, ahem.</p>
<p>When will MINI USA realize that European sizes don’t fit the majority of the US buying group. Have the clothing made here so that it fits their clientle. Another think I don’t understand, why do the clothing catalogs offer different selections.
Would love to buy some clothing that fits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p>Actually, I prefer European sizing. I’m 5’7 and sometimes even the men’s small is too big. I don’t like my clothing baggy. Because of my height I need to wear slimmer fitting clothing so that it makes my whole body look in proportion.</p>
<p>Huh… </p>
<blockquote> Only an adventurous brand like MINI could inspire multifunctional outdoor wear that’s ready for all sorts of possibilities. </blockquote>
<p>I would exchange “adventurous” for “poorly managed” or maybe “floundering.” I’m sorry, but this stuff is just silly.</p>
<p>You guys should be glad. The stuff in the MINI USA shop is much cooler than anything avaiable here in Germany.</p>
<p>Just in time for summer! Great timing!</p>
<p>Phillip is correct…MINI USA offers more merchandise than most other MINI sites around the world – I love the USA MINI slippers.
Typically BMW lifestyle clothing range is the “understatement” thing, apart from the F1 Racing gear. Small badges and embroidery in the same colour as the garment.</p>
<p>cheers
Greg W</p>