Outdoor Lifestyle Adventure is a category that has benefited enormously from the current health crisis. Consumers are reconnecting with Nature, themselves and doing so in socially responsible ways. The ROAD TRIP is back on the agenda!
Camping as a pursuit is seeing renewed interest and everything from Tents to RV's is enjoying a significant sales reinvigoration. The impact whilst most pronounced now, will offer long term benefits to the industry that facilities the Camping lifestyle.
Introducing a younger demographic and reengaging those that had drifted away from the category, whilst solidifying the current active audience, will lead to significant growth in the industry.
If your business relates to the Outdoors, then it's highly likely that it's on the rise. Whilst that's good for Employment in the sector, there are also many other benefits, both socially and from an educational view point.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITY:
Mental Health benefits of increased Exercise and exposure to the elements will certainly help many through this current environment.
Time away from "screens" and reconnecting with Nature is incredibly relaxing and will help participants move past the current issues of the world and the impact they are having on them.
With Air Travel a considerable way off and the Cruise industry "off line", the consumer is undeniably falling in love with their own outdoors again. I'm sure you've seen many of your friends take to Social Media in recent months and Post a photo of their "Backyard Camping Adventure".
Some of the most engaging Social Media posts have centred around "First weekend when Lockdown finishes...I'm going to go....." and the most common response has been "CAMPING".
There's literally been thousands of photos shared of people enjoying the Camping experience in THEIR OWN BACKYARD wearing their Camping Clothes.
There is an undeniable shift away from "Packaged Holidays" to over crowded locations offering little health reassurance and uncontrolled environments, to those that are lower cost and offer a "back to basics" experience.
In some respects, COVID-19 has allowed us to "reset" our priorities and steer a course that offers a much more sustainable and realistic lifestyle. Looking after your own backyard has once again become a priority.
Travelling locally and injecting money into the immediate economy is looking after the ones "closest" to us and in many cases, will underpin the recovery process for many smaller towns/regional areas that were so heavily impacted by the Lockdown.
If it's ESCAPE oriented, that's where the consumers minds are currently at - we can't wait to load up the Van again and get out there - take a breath and unwind...in a safe environment and lend a hand to a local economy in desperate need of some love and affection.
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"The Iconic" Shirt is a beautifully detailed Button Up Shirt for Men with Pre Sale launch in Mid April, but looks to be SOLD OUT before it even lands in the warehouse.
My most vivid memory as a kid travelling Australia with the family was the Main Street of Cohen up on Cape York. I remember looking up and down on both sides of the street - Toyota's reversed into the kerb, as far as you could see.
Clearly this was Toyota country - a Car built for the harshest conditions and they never let you down.
Back in '78 touring the country with Mum & Dad and my Sister, it was hard to find kids to play with. There weren't many families on the road back then, correspondence schooling was "pick up your next terms work at the Darwin Post Office" - it was just unheard of to pack up and hit the road.
I remember one family - 4 kids - we knew them as the "Jacklands". We seemed to bump into them quite a bit. He was a good fisherman Mr. Jackland - and he had a Zodiac...that was big in those days.
I remember catching Spaniards at Cape Hillsborough from this tiny little inflatable - it was gold.
They were doing the same as us, living the good life. A Millard was their Van and it was only small....towed of course by a SWB45 Series. It was a classic. Toyota's were just everywhere. You saw the odd LandRover getting about, but they were pretty rare.
At garviinfotech, we think that the iconic rigs of the past and present need to be honoured and the best way to do that was on a high quality Button Up Shirt. As with anything worth doing well, it takes time to put something like this together.
As we Exhibit at Shows/Expos around Australia and many of our friends are into the Adventure life, we set about getting everyone's feedback on what were the most iconic shapes of the past 50 odd years.
Now there's always going to be a bit of controversy as to what was "left off" (I didn't even include my 100 Series!!!), but I think we got it pretty right.
"The Iconic" lineup:
Now that's one hell of a garage - we've been fortunate enough to own a few of these, but I had to lean of a few mates to help us out with the others.
Researching our old photos of the rigs, taking new ones where we could - getting our mates to shoot images of theirs. Plenty of work goes into a design like this one.
Here's a grab of a couple of the Rigs as they appear on the Shirt, it really is a Shirt for the purists.
Our Creative Guru Steve bought the images to life on the designs screen, plenty of editing and a lot of back and forth - looks unreal though.
As part of the launch of "The Iconic" we set out to interview some of the Guys behind the Rigs that appear on the Shirt. Launching during a Pandemic is not without its challenges and a few of the guys that we wanted to catch up with are interstate - borders shut - no access. Bugger.
We managed to interview my Dad about his 55 Series, click on the link below to watch a bit of YouTube entertainment.
https://youtu.be/vim8u7YV9nk
Like anything that we do here, its the level of detail that we include in our Clothing that sets us apart. CREATING something that people just want to wear time and again is what drives us.
Hand crafted Gear Cog Buttons, tasteful Lifestyle Labelling and super comfortable to wear. Everyday we get images from our customers across the World wearing their new Shirt with pride. With Lockdown just about over now - I reckon it's time to get the good threads on, as its time to have a Party!
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The miles can sometimes get pretty long and there's no point doing them on your own, the silence will drive you crazy. You need TUNES and good ones at that and great music makes a ROAD TRIP.
Your body might be travelling to the next destination, but your mind needs to also - time to kick into 5th gear and get into the groove.
If you've got the kids in the car, the genre might be a little more subdued - I remember doing plenty of miles listening to Little Red Car (Wiggles) as we toured the country...different strokes for different folks!
Whether your heading inland to avoid the traffic or looking at Sydney in your rear view mirror (I reckon this is the best way to see a City) as you head to Byron Bay for the week - crank up these classics - here's a list of awesome Tunes to help you drop the windows and turn up the volume.
Little Red Corvette - Prince
Here I Go Again - Whitesnake
Where the Streets have no Name - U2
Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
On the Road Again - Willie Nelson
There's no such thing as "rules" on a Road Trip and there's certainly nothing wrong with hitting the "REPEAT" Button and listening to your favourite again. Good music is like wearing your favourite T-Shirt, they never go out of style. I reckon a brand that was born on the road captures the essence of Adventure better than most.
The garviinfotech collection of Clothing was inspired by the ultimate Road Trip - doing the Big Lap around OZ. Needing to capture the essence of being relaxed and living your best life, our Clothing has been tested by the best of them - not just here, but all around the world.
Let's get back to the music, there's still a long way to go...
I've Been Everywhere - Johnny Cash
Born to Be Wild - Steppenwolf
Jack & Diane - John Mellencamp
Gun Barrel Highway - Midnight Oil
Khe Sanh - Cold Chiesel
What's been your best Road Trip? The ones that are super planned and booked in months in advance, sure they build the excitement - but there's just not enough of the "magic" elements of surprise.
Spur of the moment, joining a big group of 4WD's heading to Cape York for 3 weeks...now we are talking. Better get yourself kitted out and look the part with some super comfy travelling threads. The Original ROAD TRIP tank might be worth a look too - one of our faves!
Half the fun of a ROAD TRIP is looking at your car afterwards with the glint of pride in your eye - "yep the old girl, she never lets me down" kind of feeling.
VOLUME UP - if you're heading bush, you won't hear the Corrugations! Sorry...you'll still feel every one of them - even if your tyre pressure is down....
Hotel California - The Eagles
Shut Up & Drive - Rihanna
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) The Proclaimers
Running on Empty - Jackson Browne
Fast Car - Tracey Chapman
Are we there yet? It doesn't matter where you are going and how long you've been driving, it's almost the catch cry of every ROAD TRIP. When the traffic lights are just a distant memory, the country gets a little more rugged and the sign says no more Petrol for 400km...you know that this is a real trip and at that point, you feel the pressures of life lift from your shoulders. Relief.
It's time to relax, the simple life is just around the corner. One last blast as we wrap up the Top 20 Tunes.
Route 66 - Chuck Berry
Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles
The Horses - Daryl Braithwaite
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynard Skynyrd
Ganggajang - Sounds of Then
Can't say that the last track really fits it - but it's a classic Aussie tune and it wouldn't be right unless you heard it at least once a day. Safe driving and remember, if you can still hear your mates talking, it's not loud enough! If you like our list and it made your ROAD TRIP...drop us a comment!
One more Song...because he's an Aussie Legend and he's always wearing our Gear...'cause he loves it! Nice Heritage Cap.
Fire & Ice - Andrew Swift & Catherine Britt
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Apparently right about now!
Whether it's a nostalgic Shirt with a cool design, or one that reflects your lifestyle passions, the coolest Shirt to be wearing is a Button Up Party Shirt. T-Shirts aren't going anywhere fast and will always be a staple for the wardrobe, but it's hard to ignore what's on trend.
There are a heap of drivers behind this new wave of Fashion, not least that high quality, 100% Cotton Shirts are super cool and comfortable to wear. With the Summer that we've had so far in Australia, you can't blame the guys for wanting something that offers some relief.
Like anything, there's good and bad out there. The Surf industry have been playing in the Button Up Shirt scene for years and this goes all the way back to the traditional Hawaiian Shirts. These were built for comfort/not speed and suited the warm climate of Hawaii.
Unfortunately the Surf Clothing industry was largely driven by the Retailers needing to drive big margins to cover even bigger bricks and mortar rents - so in many cases, they opted to use Rayon or similar materials (Polyester blends) to keep the prices down. There's always a catch when you cut corners, and the customers in our view lose out with fabrics that don't breathe and are generally hotter to wear.
There's no substitute for high quality Cotton and we've developed a range of woven cotton party shirts that are perfectly suited to the Australian climate. If you are into the 4x4 lifestyle and want to look good "off the tracks" too, the garviinfotech Overander 4WD Shirt is for you.
The Overlander Shirt design was created for the 4WDer. The Shirts come with small icons printed on the Shirt that reflect your lifestyle passion. Bow Shackles, Winches, Camp Fires, a 4WD, Tyre treads in sand and...well...Beer of course - put all these elements together and you've got a great weekend away AND an awesome casual button up shirt.
The Overlander 4WD Shirt is currently available in Navy and Storm Grey - but we will no doubt release other colours down the track due to the popularity of the Shirt.
To bring this Shirt to life, we designed it with unique Gear Cog Buttons and awesome Lifestyle Labelling - this is a genuine 4WD Shirt that won't look out of place - no matter where you find yourself.
Beautifully made and detailed, this Shirt goes off!
Don't worry, our Caravan & Campers haven't been forgotten either. If you've ever Camped, there's no time quite like "Happy Hour" - when the rabble come together to share the days adventures. Come 4 O'Clock at Campsites around Australia, the Beer & Wine flows and the Cheese and Biscuits (BBQ Shapes go best with Corona!!!) are served.
Whether you want to simply look and feel Cool or the Missus tells you to put on your "Good Shirt", garviinfotech won't leave you hanging. Our latest design for the Caravan/Camper is in fact...the "Good Van Shirt". A beautiful, 100% Cotton Button Up Shirt, coming in a Relaxed Fit and retro styling.
Whilst all your mates are still turning up in their old Billabong Tees - this one will have them talking. Light weight and detailed with Coconut Husk buttons (laser engraved Branding on the Button walls!!!) head on down to the local looking great.
At garviinfotech, we are committed to offering the highest quality garments at affordable prices - everyday. We understand that you are all different and that wearing the same Shirts as your mates is very 80's and outdated - you are individual and as such, you want a shirt that reflects who you are.
"No one has the patent on you" - Katie St. Claire
We will continue to design and develop more cool shirts as we grow the brand, so stay tuned, you never know what we will bring out next.
Photo Credits: @lukeyashby (IG) & @linny1680 (IG) - cheers guys - looks like you were having FUN!
]]>There's so much on offer now and with Instagram and Facebook showing you just how useful every product on the market is, with well choreographed slick 30 second videos.....
It's almost easy to feel sorry for the average punter who is simply bombarded with new ideas and products.
If you're unlucky enough to subscribe to some of the aggressive 4x4 product pushers who send out 3 emails a day...it's easy to see how you could go crazy with accessories for you 4WD. If your pocket isn't overflowing with coin, here's what we think rate as the "go to" accessories for your 4x4.
Let's face it, the Australian bush can be a particularly challenging environment. Consider worse case scenarios when you're kitting our your 4WD, (plan for a disaster, hope for an adventure).
Whether it's something as simple as a nice gash to the leg from forward scouting a path through thick scrub, or a lump of stainless wire embedded into your hand from a poorly maintained winch cable - a First Aid Kit will keep you out on the tracks and in good shape.
At around €90 for a well provisioned Kit, it's a cheap insurance policy. Whether you can assist someone within your own group or a fellow adventurer from another car, either works and is just common sense.
Hard to go past a 12V Fridge. There's a stack of these on the market and like most new products, work out what you really need. Remember, the more bells and whistles, the more there is to go wrong.
We all love sitting around the Campfire after a long day on the tracks...WITH A COLDIE OR 2, so get a Fridge that will do the job. I think you just need to take time to consider how long your average trip away in your 4WD is going to be and then buy a Fridge that meets these needs.
Don't go overboard with capacity that you won't use - it's just money unnecessarily spent. Remember, you can always take an Esky for those longer trips and let's face it, Sausages, Sauce and Bread don't take up that much room.
Bank on getting bogged - the best do it regularly and if you aren't losing traction, you're probably driving on the black stuff! A rated Tow Strap and Recovery Gear (buy cheap and expect it to break!) are absolutely essential.
If you are inexperienced, chances are that you need this at the top of your list. If you're out on the tracks, chances are you will run into plenty of other enthusiasts and it's likely that some of them will need a hand too.
Good enough for MaCGyver - Duct Tape and Zip ties are universally recognised as saviours in the bush.
There's not much you can't fix with them - if your exhaust is pushing - a well rigged set of Zip ties will do the job until you get back to town. Split hoses, flapping tarp, zipper dies on your tent...use the Bushman's tool kit, it never fails.
A "learn how to 4WD" course is a great way to get initiated into the lifestyle. Everything from tyre pressures, suitable gears to match terrain and the boundaries of your vehicles capabilities, all things worth getting to know.
If you're going to get into this awesome lifestyle of ours, at least look the part too. As far as accessories for your 4WD, this includes what you wear out on the tracks too.
You don't wear your Golfing outfit when your driving the Creb track, so get into some cool t shirts and look the part too. If you're new to the lifestyle, you've come in at the right time, with a range of Clothing brands now offering awesome gear for your next trip.
What goes down much go up - so a Compressor is an absolute must. If you're beach driving or in some nice muddy tracks, the air has got to come out to increase your tyres surface area to improve your traction.
Once you're done and heading back onto the black stuff, it's time to get some air back in. A compact, lightweight compressor is worth its weight in gold.
A solid Bull Bar is a must. Frontal protection on the tracks from wildlife, judgement errors and a platform to hang those all important accessories from. Driving lights, winches, comms antenna - they have to go somewhere!
A basic Tool Kit is a no brainer. Even if you're not experienced mechanically, you can probably get yourself out of trouble with a Shifter, Pliers, set of Screwdrivers and a Hammer.
If it's simple, you can help yourself over the line - and let's face it, if it's complex...you can always grab a beer from the 12V Fridge and smile while you wait for someone to give you a hand.
A Sat Phone would be nice - but at the very minimum, a Smartphone. The other basic comms support doesn't require any money and is just as effective. Tell someone where you are going and what time you're expected back - simple, free and won't let you down.
Wouldn't want to rely on Telstra if your 400kms from the nearest town.
Tyres. A good set to suit your average driving conditions will go a long way to minimising down time. If you're a regular beach driver, get a set of tackies to match your regular environment.
As always, remember you are out there to have fun - a bit of sound preparation and a few small investments will keep it that way. Travel Safe.
]]>It's just one of those things. No matter how experienced you are and how advanced your 4WD is, there are times when you simply end up without traction and are going nowhere FAST!
In Australia, we are lucky enough to enjoy a huge range of terrains, but like any outdoor lifestyle activity...preparation is your best and cheapest insurance policy. Your 4x4 can have all the accessories under the sun, but it's typically planning and commonsense that will help you out more.
Here's some simple but proven ways to improve your recovery chances:
As with any 4WD Adventure, preparation is the key. Ensure that you have your Shovel, Rated Recovery Gear, Communication aides and always travel with a partner vehicle. We developed a whole design series of cool T-Shirts for the 4WD crew titled the "Brotherhood of 4WD" - it's not a fashion trend, but recognition that we are all part of a large family and that we all can and will "help each other out".
Our range has grown quickly over the past few years, from T-Shirts, to Hoodies, Caps and even our latest Sisterhood of 4WD T. If you are hitting the tracks, might as well do it in style!
Before you depart on your next Adventure, always inform close friends/family where you are going and what time you expect to return. As simple as it sounds, NEVER leave your vehicle and try to walk to safety unless you are absolutely certain of the direction and proximity of help.
If you are going to walk it, ONLY do it if you have ample provisions (Water, Food, Medical Kit) to match the expected time to reach your destination. Otherwise, if you don't - FORGET IT.
If you were going to put a list out of some of the most likely places to get bogged in Australia, we think the Top 5 looks something like this:
From our experience, it's when you try to rush your recovery that things can go from bad to worse. There's no busting hurry (unless the tides coming in FAST), so you really need to think through your circumstances and the most logical way of getting out.
If you're on your own, well that presents it's own challenges, but again, if you're fully prepared and stay relaxed, you've got a good chance of getting out and heading home without damage or injury.
PLAN, PREPARE, RECOVER
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There's a huge amount of planning that goes into building a trusted Clothing brand. Iconic brand names that have stood the test of time, have done so because they place a high value on important ideals and socially progressive practices. We all only get to walk on this Earth once - so let's make it count!
We've developed a range of clothing that's cool, contemporary and if you're into the outdoor lifestyle, we are going to be hard to beat.
Leading brands in various segments of the Fashion Industry in Australia, like RM Williams and Country Road for example, have been able to stay ahead of the pack because they conduct their operations with outstanding Social Responsibility.
From the outset (December 2016), we established a range of Core Values that will allow the garviinfotech Clothing brand to operate for the long term.
All our T-Shirts/Tanks are sourced exclusively through AS Colour - a leading New Zealand based Blank Clothing Supplier. This entity is recognised as one of the most progressive Garment Suppliers in Australasia. We place great faith in their diligent approach to managing their supply chain, as it meets our stringent requirements.
With a strong concentration of their supply network being in Bangladesh, we admire the fact that AS Colour recognises that long term mutually beneficial relationships are key, to lifting the living standards of those that work within their network.
Ultimately as a Clothing Retailer, we pay more for our Blank Garments (we could reduce our costs by 30%+ if we used other suppliers), but we sleep at night, knowing that what we bring to market will not only be valued by our audience because of its outstanding quality, but those who produced it will enjoy a decent standard of living.
We're introducing a range of Woven Cotton Dress Shirts for Men. These Button up shirts are beautifully made and detailed. Selecting an appropriate manufacturer has taken us nearly 8 months, as the supplier had to go through a vigorous examination of their work practices.
Painstaking verification of work conditions, factory worker targets and overall "feel good" score are the measures we take to ensure that you, as a consumer, get the best possible product that's built to a social standard. Launching in December, this range of Shirts will add a new dimension to our offering and will no doubt be extremely popular.
As a consumer, you can feel confident, that when you wear any of the garviinfotech Clothing range, that it's been responsibly sourced and ethically produced. It's really important to us and we hope it's important to you too.
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1. Never Go Alone
2. Be Prepared
3. Check Weather Conditions
4. Understand your Vehicles capabilities
5. Know your Technology
]]>Australia has gotten a whole heap smaller over the years! With so much of our country now more accessible than ever before, the weekend family adventure in the trusty 4WD is high on the agenda for many - and not just for those living in the bush.
Owning a 4x4 is one thing, driving it safely and returning it in one piece from a weekend adventure is an entirely different proposition. The ever expanding Brotherhood of 4WD is a large group of people from all walks of life looking to "get out more" - so here's our Top 5 Tips for making the most of your next 4WD trip.
Driving off road is a whole heap of fun and brings within reach some of Australia's most pristine environments. Whether it's the Victorian High Country, Cape York or a trip with a convoy of family friends along the beaches of Stockton or Fraser Island, observing the above 5 simple Tips can help ensure that you, your family and your beloved 4x4 all arrive home back safely.
Keep Makin' Tracks!
Photo Credits: patrolfreak1 (I.G.), azzabaz (I.G.)
]]>Life's getting busy these days - we're all under the pump either chasing our own dreams (self-employed) or helping someone else realise theirs (employee!!!) - so planning a weekend getaway is more important to maintain our sanity than ever before.
We're lucky, we might not get away as much as we like, but our customers keep us inspired by sharing great photos, every day, of their awesome Adventures.
Just in the last Month, we've seen people wearing our Clothes in the following places (they Tag and Share which is really cool):
The Kimberley, Tasmania, Holland, India, Canada, Ningaloo, Uluru, Cape York, Blue Mountains, Queensland, Offshore Darwin...the list just goes on - so we know that plenty of you are "getting out there" and taking time to enjoy.
With such a huge country to explore where do you go to unwind? Here's a few of our favourites:
What is really cool is just how "different" everyone's idea of "living" is - for some it's chasing a dream fish, or a dream encounter with a Giraffe - for others, it's just chilling out and enjoying the satisfaction of a tough mountain climb - or locking in the Hubs on their 4x4 and getting ready to hit the tracks.
If you are chasing your next BIG ADVENTURE, make sure you've got some T-Shirts that are cool so you can really get into the spirit.
I'm always amazed by how people OVERPACK when they are heading away for the weekend. Remember, you are "getting away from it all" not taking it with you. The whole idea is to disconnect so that you can recharge.
Here's our simple rules and what to take and how to RELAX:
"The danger of Adventure is worth a thousand days of ease and comfort" Paulo Coelho
Our range of mens 4x4 clothing is powering along and every day, we get images sent to us of guys wearing our gear out on the tracks...which is pretty cool. The best part is that they really love our designs and the feedback on the quality of the pieces is awesome. One thing we notice from all the photos we get sent in, is just how lucky we all are to live here in Australia...we really are the lucky country. Awesome mountain views, great coastline and just the way we get to be so close to nature, there really isn't another place that has so much to offer. We've just released our latest Winter Long Sleeve Design...the Unwind - with a classic Winch graphic...we reckon you're going to love it! So grab your "go to" favourite T-Shirt, Hoodie and Trucker Cap from our exclusive collection and get out there!
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