Local Raingear We Love: Baro Drywear

Mike Cerka and Tyler Quarles founded Baro Drywear in 2016, but this duo has been decades in the making. The childhood neighbours bonded over a mutual love of skateboarding, which grew from tearing up the streets of their North Van ’hood to ripping down the slopes as competitive snowboarders. They loved their alpine gear, but noticed that ski jackets just weren’t cutting it in the concrete jungle. “We wanted the kind of technical apparel that we loved, but in a package appropriate for the urban city individual,” says Quarles. His degree in design and Cerka’s in business made them, once again, the perfect fit.

Baro’s outerwear is waterproof, breathable and made with a recycled synthetic insulation. Their designs have earned them plenty of local recognition, and they celebrated a launch with Nordstrom late last year. Along with looking rad and staying dry, the BFFs are also committed to sustainability: their recycled insulation helps keep plastic out of landfills, and all of their products are vegan, PETA-approved and built to last. “They’re clean, minimal designs with timeless silhouettes,” says Cerka, “so we intend to be a part of your wardrobe for a long time.”