We are seeing a wet, cold spring here in the Rockies, but that hasn’t stopped us from daydreaming about warmer days spent on the beach with a fly rod in our hands. Whether you’re a snowbird who escapes to warmer climates for the surf, or a dedicated fisherman jonesing for some bonefish, having the right gear for coastal adventures is important. Our friends over at Howler Brothers teamed up with Smith Optics this season to put together a limited edition set of sunglasses and apparel. If you’re looking for the perfect island living collection, this is it.
Related: Surf Grooming Kit Noir | Recycled Fishnet Sunglasses
Smith x Howler Brothers
Smith and Howler product designers all seem to be obsessed with summer leisure, and you’ll get no complaints from us. The San Gabriel Shirt ($69) was the first piece to jump out at us. The cotton/poly blend is great for days when you’ll be in and out of the water, and the rising sun pattern is a good reminder to get that dawn patrol on your board in. If you’re looking for more casual though, The Smith x Howler Tee ($30) and Snapback ($29) are prefectly at home on your SUP or cruising for cheap beer after a day on the water.
Sunglasses
The big story of the summer for Smith is their commitment to a new line of fishing specific sunglasses (more on that soon). In keeping with that focus, Howler Brothers put together a pair of limited edition Guide’s Choice Sunglasses ($249). Featuring Smith’s excellent polarizing and Chromapop treatments, this limited edition colorway tackles early morning sessions on the water and late afternoon hikes when you sneak away from the office equally well.
Howler Brothers Spring Line
Of course, if you’re looking something a little more for the traditional waterman, Howler Brothers’ 2016 spring lineup is built for serious fisherman and surfers and tourists alike. We’ve been rocking the Waterman’s Work Shorts ($69) on post-work SUP workouts for a few weeks now, and they’ve replaced every other pair of boardshorts we own. They are quick drying, and the double layer fabric on the front is especially nice when working on rocky shores and with a paddle and fly rod constantly in hand. Likewise, the Gaucho Snapshirt ($89) is built not just for the working fisherman, but make you look good while you sling flies. A vented back helps keep you dry, and the fabric will stand up to days on your SUP and nights enjoying a few beach beers at sunset.
If you need any final inspiration to get out on the water this summer, look no further:
