Mission Workshop’s Acre line now available

High-end, Western-made waterproof packs and clothing

After a few months of teasing and an Interbike debut (featuring images by Singletrack alum Dan Barnham), urbane clothiers and bag fetishists Mission Workshop have released their Acre mountain bike sub-brand.  Beginning with a pair of waterproof packs, a weatherproof jacket, and some Merino tops borrowed from the Indian Summer line, the San Franciscans look to be off to a good start.  Of course, the subdued colours and moodily beautiful photography don’t hurt one bit.

The Hauser pack is now available in 10L and 14L capacities in black, blue, grey, and camo.  Entirely waterproof, the pack uses a roll-top closure for the main compartment and waterproof zips for secondary pockets.  Both the straps and waist belt have multiple anchor points, allowing the rider to tailor the pack’s fit.  Perforated back panel and shoulder strap materials encourage ventilation and moisture movement while hidden straps are provide to carry helmets and/or pads – if you can find them.  The Hauser twins are built in the USA, guaranteed for life, and retail for $195/£121 and $205/£127.

The Meridian jacket ($385/£289) makes use of Schoeller’s well-regarded c_Change fabric for weather resistance that becomes more breathable as effort increases.  The clean design is highly articulated and makes use of the fabric’s stretch to keep weight and bulk to a minimum.  The Meridian packs into its rear pocket, its Napoleon pocket has headphone routing, and its pit vents are made with frickin’ laser beams in Canada.

Acre hasn’t provided much in the way of details about the Traverse short, but but the forthcoming baggies will be cut from a lightweight, water-repellant cloth.  Finally, the Merino wool District Henley ($135/£84) and Linear Crew (not shown, $95/£59) are direct transplants from the Mission Workshop catalog.  Both take advantage of wool’s warm-when-wet, thermoregulating,  and antimicrobial properties- and are stitched in the USA.  The aluminum buttons on the District are attached with sturdy ribbon and said to be lighter than more typical four-hole buttons- and they look cooler too.

Urban Cyclery in Swansea is the only UK stockist listed so far.  Alternatively, the entire range ships direct from the US at a flat $45/£28 rate- it might be best to use the forums to put together a group order.  More at acre-supply.com.