Can Your Wardrobe Take You from the Outdoors to The Office?

It's summer, and that means time to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you enjoy camping, fishing, hiking or biking, you can finally indulge your passions -- but the reality is that most of us will spend the better part of our week in the office. Does your wardrobe have what it takes to see you through both?

First, take a look at your active wear. Whether you're planning a daylong hike or a weeklong backpacking trip, comfortable shoes should be a priority. Trail shoes provide breathability, cushion and rock-holding traction. Water repellant hiking and backpacking boots offer ankle support and protection from snow, scree and mud.

Once you've got the shoes, think about your socks; they play a big part in your total comfort on long hikes. Hiking socks are designed to wick moisture away from the foot. They range from lightweight polyester blends to Merino wool, which keeps feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. For the serious mountaineer, hiking and trekking poles not only help keep your footing but lessen downhill stress on knees and thighs, improving endurance.

Carrying a backpack on your excursion doesn't have to be a burden. Packs range in sizes and function from the smaller day-pack by Marmot to expedition packs designed to distribute the weight of larger loads and ventilate the back.

Where can you find the clothing and gear you need without spending a fortune? Try Sierra Trading Post, a company that offers brand name quality and an impressive depth of products at savings of up to 70 percent. The easy-to-use Web site and mail order catalogs feature clothing and gear from The North Face, Columbia, Patagonia, Kelty, Marmont, Carhartt and other respected brands. The shoe selection includes manufacturers like Merrell and Vasque.

Now that you've got your weekend wardrobe taken care of, what about clothes for the work week? Sierra Trading Post can help there, too. The company will be adding a new catalog title this August, "Sierra Traditions For Men". The catalog will feature name brand casual clothes, suits, sport coats, shoes and accessories from companies like Cole Haan, Allen-Edmonds, Ralph Lauren Polo and Joseph Abboud.

For more information about Sierra Trading Post, call 800-713-4534 or visit www.SierraTradingPost.com.