Emboldened is the wearer of the toasted- orange Systems Jacket ($175; 212-695-1620), a modular concoction of a highly water-resistant nylon shell and a removable down-filled liner. Stitched by Spiewak and Sons, a venerable maker of custodial wear that's gone slightly hip-hop, the coat is an eye-catcher at the Breckenridge Brewery or an ahead-of-the-curve fashion statement back in the city.

If you haven't yet embraced sartorial retro, now just might be the time. The butter-soft Fila Crew Sweater ($80; 800-776-3452), knit from enduring acrylic, comes in four nifty horizontal-stripe color schemes. Warm yet cool.

Joan Crawford, eat your heart out. If she'd been acquainted with the latest brainstorm from a company called King Cage, the legendary star would never have had to cry, "No wire hangers!" This one's titanium. For an investment of $50, you get a single work of handcrafted armoire art, TIG-welded from a seamless tube of aircraft-grade, 3/2.5 Ti (970-259-1946).

Even the slickest of hustlers can't catch your eye when it's hidden behind a pair of Julbo Drus sunglasses ($79; 802-985-5056). Made to beat back the high-glare reflections of glaciers, they work equally well against the penetrating stares of strangers, who see nothing but a wee blue reflection of themselves. Leather side shields keep out road dust and swirling subway grit.

Upper Minnesota mod meets elk-hunt machismo in the wide-thighed Bemidji Lumberjac Heavy Wool Pants ($65; 218-751-5166). No trendy cargo pockets here. Just classic wool trousers, whipped up in the icy fringes of Bemidji from 85 percent virgin wool and a smattering of nylon for strength. Keep 'em snug on your bum with hunter-proof orange suspenders.

With its copious cushioning, you'll be tempted to squeeze your whole body into the Dune ($120; 802-862-4500), the plushest, sturdiest bootfrom Gravis, a pet project of Burton Snowboards. The black stompers are hikably stiff and publicly presentable. They're moccasin-toed à la Clarks, but bright yellow laces offset their subtlety.

Bag snatchers will steer clear of the Ortlieb Zip City ($85; 800-649-1763) for fear of being easily spotted. Its rightful owner, however, will appreciate both the fashion and function of this flashy, cosmopolitan PVC-and-Cordura satchel. You sling it on like a messenger bag, but instead of a flap, it has a waterproof zipper. Wave it overhead to flag down a cab.