We’ve been a bit sport this Monday. You can blame the warm weather which sending us out onto the trails and bicycle for a blast of fresh air. To do either properly, you need comfortable technical gear that is functional. More importantly, it has to look great on. Nau’s Palm Pullover hoodie above is one of those strong tops that does both. The “featherweight” fabric on the Palm Pullover is cut to form and feels great on. Like all Nau products the fabric is made from 100% recycled polyester. The asymmetrical zipper is an added touch that helps cinch down the hoodie. Well proper for both casual and sport wear.

More looks after the click.

Portland, OR’s Nau comes through with an affordable felt wool iPad case to protect and serve your tablet. The “stash” is die-cut from recycled felt wool and features some small storage compartments for your essentials. Available at Nau.

More looks after the click.

One of our favorite pieces from Nau’s Autumn/Winter 2010 collection is the Shroud of Purrin Blazer. As with all Nau product, we’re attracted to the fully sustainable sourcing of material – the shell is 100% recycled. We’re also attracted to the functionality, all the hard wearing potential of a soft shell. Nau’s making something of a niche for the technical blazer, and that too we appreciate.

Plus, 5% of sales from the Shroud of Purrin Blazer go to Charity:Water. We can get behind that.

More images of the Shroud of Purrin Blazer after the jump.

Upper Northwest is a hotbed of outerwear fashion. This is where we find the Nau brand of distinct outerwear. As we have mentioned before, the offer sustainable outdoor apparel that simply works and looks great. As they put it, “We design products that protect from the elements, and establish a visual tone that allows for multifaceted use – styles look as good on city streets as they perform well in the wild.” Dig in for some more looks at what the men’s line for autumn.

More look at the forthcoming Autumn 2010 collection from Nau after the click.

This courier windshirt from Nau is a solid fitting garment that doubles as a windbreaker as well as a casual shirt. It is well suited for those engagements that require a clean look, with the benefit as a functional cycling shirt. It’s cut well on the waist. “Treated with a DWR finish for added water repellency, the micro-fiber polyester fabric uses a fine gauge knit to offer a uniquely soft, light hand. Welded seams eliminate stitches and bulk, while the shirt collar flips up and buttons closed for added protection.”

More looks at the Nau Courier Windshirt after the click.

For Autumn/Winter 2010, Nau introduces a new model in their Shroud of Purrin series. Complementing the jacket and hoody, their Shroud of Purrin Blazer buttons up and includes a flip collar for added protection from the elements. The piece will be available in both Caviar (black) and Tobac (brown).

Other items that caught our eye at Project Las Vegas were the Rheostat Jacket and Blazing Jacket. Both are made with the same 2 layer breathable laminate. The Rheostat Jacket is filled with 850 Power Goose Down, making it (perhaps) the warmest item in the Nau collection.

Check out details of all the new Nau jackets from Project Las Vegas after the jump.

Going green isn’t easy. In a world where expertise is spread globally, ensuring the best product with the least impact still requires considerable travel and research. New green technologies, particularly those that hinge on recycled materials, have great potential both in the sustainability and warmth stakes. Nau, based in Portland, Oregon, takes great strides to harness the best green and sustainable material and manufacturing. Their product takes cues from performance outerwear, and is counts within a select niche of technical brands catering to of more urban based clientele. Additionally, they generously give to charities related to global change in several sectors.

We chatted with Nau’s General Manager Mark Galbraith about the challenges of sustainable fabric sourcing.

Portland’s Nau is working the accessories game with a 100% certified organic canvas cotton weekender that comes finished in some great “Earth” tones. The Traveler bag in canvas in Dark Earth and Caviar works its was through the strappings on the exterior while the inner-side is finished in cotton poplin. “Understated” is a proper descriptor.

More looks at the Nau Fluent Traveler Bag after the jump.

Portland, OR’s Naubrand continues to bring the eco-friendly active wear that works to the market. Take the Lightbeam shirt and jacket above. Made from 100% recycled poly is a great addition to your travel bag as it packs and stores away nicely. We shot some of the more vibrant color ways but you can pick it up in simple caviar (aka: black). The Lghtbeam jacket varies from the shirt with an additional pullout hood in the collar.

More looks at the Nau Lightbeam Shirt and Jacket for Spring 2010 after the jump.

We were turned on to the Nau outerwear collection a couple weeks ago in Las Vegas by friends who were thinking about sustainable fashions. The eco-friendly activewear line works with sustainable fabrics and re-used PVCs to shell their jackets. “In the production of our products, however, we seek out fabrics that offer superior sustainability characteristics. And, in our efforts to blend our principle ideals of beauty, performance and sustainability, our fabrics get some of the highest marks around for sustainability, when compared to just about everything else on the market today.”

More views of the Nau Outerwear for Fall/Winter 2009 after the jump.