All posts in “Gear”

Top DSLR Photography Tips to be a Better Photographer

The ability to take a good photograph is a talent. There is a world of difference between the snaps we take for fun and those that have become part of the iconic photographic record of our progress as a civilization. Countless times, we have rediscovered that a picture really does speak a thousand words. But, even Michelangelo himself, a guy stuffed full of creative talent, made sure his tools and materials were the very latest technology. Thankfully, there are easier ways of keeping an image than spending hours on your back painting your living room ceiling. Before you release your inner Michelangelo and go all DSLR creative, read this useful information on modern digital single lens reflex cameras, the image capturing, and sharing the technology of the 21st century.

Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority Modes

If you are not confident about handling your DSLR camera manually with perfection, you can opt for semi-auto or semi-manual modes. Semi-manual modes are modes with Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority. Many professionals prefer Aperture Priority mode for their pro shoots.

In Aperture Priority mode, you choose to control the aperture manually and leave the control of shutter to the camera. Aperture controls the extent the lens is open restricting the amount of light entering. This mode helps capture well-exposed photographs.

In Shutter Priority mode, you choose to control the shutter speed manually and leave the control of aperture size to the camera. Shutter speed manages exposure time. It decides the time length the camera lens remains open to allow a sufficient amount of light for professional standard photographs. Usually, a longer shutter time is required for low light and a relatively shorter span in well-lit conditions.

Manipulating the Depth of Field

Aperture Priority mode allows you to manipulate the depth of field (DOF). You can achieve a shallow depth of field by setting the aperture to a larger size that is a smaller f-number on your camera.  This allows you to take shots with a subject in focus but with the background blurred in contrast. Shallow depth of field is ideal for food photography and portrait shoots.

A deep depth of field can be achieved by selecting a small aperture size that is higher f-number on your camera. This will allow the camera lens to focus equally on the object and the background. Neither the object nor the background is out of focus making settings for deep depth of field ideal for landscape photography.

Manipulating the Motion of Object

Shutter Priority mode allows you to manipulate the motion of the moving object. With fast shutter speed, you can capture a moving object as a still image, referred to as freezing of image. A slow shutter speed lets you capture the movement of the object. With a slower shutter speed moving objects appear blurred whilst with a faster shutter speed they appear clear and vivid.

Making Use of a Camera Tripod

Capturing photos at night and in dim light requires steady handling of the camera. Even the slightest movement of your hand will result in blurred images.  A good quality DSLR camera tripod will resolve this issue. With your camera stand firmly positioned, you don’t need to hold your camera and can capture vibrant, eye-catching images of fireworks or the beauty of skies at sunset.

Before investing in a specific camera tripod, be sure to pay attention to the speed of adjusting its ball head and the telescoping speed of the legs, or else you will have a hard time setting it up when you have no time to capture a moment. Similarly, it is important to consider the weight of your tripod. Sometimes, the weight is directly correlated to the durability of the tripod, but you should take your time to find what is sturdy but is still easy to carry around.

Speaking of durability, you may have to consider the material of your tripod here. You may opt for an aluminum tripod, which is quite affordable but can be on the heavier side. A carbon fiber DSLR camera tripod is usually a lighter option but be ready to cough up some good money.

Get a Shoulder Rig

If your main goal is to take DSLR video, you may definitely want to invest in one of the best DSLR shoulder rigs currently available in the market. It really has a huge impact on how people perceive you as a DSLR artist.  Besides looking more professional, you will be able to shoot things without having to worry too much about stability. It really goes a long way in simplifying shooting things such as run and gun or b-roll shooting where it is important to be quick and mobile. You should also consider buying a shoulder rig if you don’t really like the idea of locking down your camera on a monopod or tripod.

Go Get a DSLR Gimbal

Just like other tools and accessories, it really makes a difference to have DSLR camera gimbals and stabilizers handy. A gimbal is basically pivoted point that lets you rotate something along a single axis. What it means is that you give yourself a chance to take incredible photos from some interesting angles when you decide to shoot with a gimbal. You will really need it while making videos, but many professionals use it even while taking still photos, as it allows you to rotate your camera smoothly.

Along with adding shake-free motion to your DSLR camera, your gimbal will facilitate a wide variety of motions, which is going to save a lot of your time and energy as well. Interestingly, these  DSLR camera gimbals and stabilizers are quite lightweight, so it is easy to move them as you please, which in turn allows for comfortable handling and stabilization of your camera.

Setting the Focus Point

The focus point array is part of the lens system and determines the quality of your image. You can choose an off-center focus or straight focus depending on the position of your object. To set the correct focus point a pro technique is to use the lock focus option. Simply press the shutter button halfway down to lock the focus. You cannot use this lock focus technique for wider aperture size without blurred photographs.

Using the Correct AF Mode

There are normally two AF modes by default in all DSLR cameras. You can choose the desired mode according to the movement of your subject. If you are capturing a still image ‘One Shot’ mode is ideal with ‘Continuous’ mode best for capturing movement. This mode allows you to take multiple snaps of your object in series increasing the chance of capturing the desired image.

Using White Balance Settings

The white balancing feature of your camera balances the intensity of incoming light. Objects appear different in different colored lights and backgrounds. The white balance setting minimizes the effect of negative ambient lighting enabling you to take perfect shots. There are various white balancing options available including Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent and Flash. Each of these modes is designed for different light conditions and you can further adjust them according to customize the pictures to your own preferences. Playing with different lighting modes yields some amazing results.

Experimenting with Spatial Reality

Capturing distinctive and signature photographs never comes by following traditional techniques. It pays off to be experimental and explore ways of capturing perfect photos. Try being adventurous with where you position yourself for a shot in relationship to the subject. Bend down, lay on the ground, climb up high and be innovative as to where the photo is taken from to capture the shot that will amaze your audience. DSLR cameras can handle it.

Conclusion

Whether you end up with a preference for taking portraits or landscapes, still life or action shots, with a good DSLR camera helping you out with lighting, focus, and composition you’ll soon be discovering your talent for creating your own photographic masterpieces. When inspiration strikes for your next picture, you know there will be a mode for the right lighting and your focus point will be set to give every chance of creating stunning compositions complete with a wow factor that would make the likes of the great Michelangelo so very jealous.

Why Men Should Consider Growing a Beard

It wouldn’t be wrong to suggest that beards are like beasts – they seem to have a mind of their own. You will have to learn to tame the beast, but it is going to take some effort. They all grow differently – they grow with luster during the peak of summer in response to seasonal hormonal changes to be at their most gloriously hairy. And, if you have ever stood in front of the mirror and wondered where that decided ginger streak comes from when you are not red-headed, scientists have discovered a partially mutated gene you can inherit to account for those stray red hairs guys find in their beard.

You can carry your beard in more ways you may know. It goes well with most of your outfits, and you can opt for a right type of hat to add charisma to your personality. You can follow the footsteps of different celebrities – you too can be a scruffy Brad Pitt, who rocked the bucket hat trend.

While your beard does make you look he-man hipster, it offers so many health benefits as well. If you’re not already thinking of going that route, the following benefits may help you make a better decision.

Benefits of beard

Protection against Environmental Effects

A beard protects your face from the harsh effects of the environment and climate and serves as a natural shield. The hair on the lower part of your face is proven to block up to 95 percent of hazardous ultraviolet rays from entering your body. A heavy beard works as the natural protector against harsh beams of sun saving your body from its intense effects. Besides blocking UV rays, a healthy beard also seriously inhibits the reach of bugs and insects on your face protecting your chin and neck from mosquito bites.

Helps in Skin Care

Beards seem to play an amazing role in protecting and caring for your facial skin. Due to the regular use of razors, your facial skin is more likely to develop issues ranging from mild to the intense. Using razors regularly damages the epidermis leaving it hard and dark in color. Razor burn encourages the growth of acne and folliculitis. Infection and ingrown hair in the small cuts due to blunt razors are quite normal and painful too. Growing a beard gives your skin relief from constant micro scratches and saves you from facial issues.

Builds an Aura of Confidence and Supremacy

Beard man carries an aura of confidence and supremacy around him. He seems to be wiser and influential and people often assume he’s more powerful and confident. This aura makes him stand out in the crowd and earn respect from the people around them. A beard marks maturity and higher standards than that of the masses. It can transform your personality and make you look extremely stylish, especially when you also opt for those expensive aviator sunglasses.

Keeps your Skin Youthful and Fresh

A beard protects your facial skin from discoloration and from getting hard and thus keeps it young and fresh for a longer time. The beauty and softness of youthful skin do not diminish with growing age if you protect your skin from the harsh impacts of razors. As growing a beard keeps your skin free from cuts and infections, hinders bacterial growth and blocks ultraviolet rays, your skin remains youthful and fresh.

Keeps Your Body Warm

Beards are a natural thermal for your body in cold weather. It keeps your body warm and resists a cold wind. As a natural barrier, a beard maintains skin moisture to prevent facial skin from getting dried and chapped in winter due to direct exposure to cold in harsh climatic conditions. Just don’t forget your windproof jacket, as your beard is only going to offer a small help when the weather outside is freezing cold.

Protection against Allergies and Bacteria

Your beard and mustache work as a natural filter for your body. The air we breathe in is full of hazardous elements and most of them are not visible to the naked eye. A beard blocks the way for many microscopic bacteria and other allergens present in the air and stops them getting inside your nose and mouth. It also protects your body from many viruses and saves it from developing various allergies.  But, this calls for regular cleansing and caring of facial hair. You should follow strict hygiene routine regarding your beard and mustache to inhibit the growth of these captured antigens.

Protection and Cure against Throat and Lung Diseases

As a natural filter, your beard gives maximum protection against the development of throat infections. It helps keep the nasal path clean with filtered air, which does not foster the development of infections and diseases.

If worn permanently, mustaches and beards filtered air to keep the upper respiratory tract clean and free from blockages and particulates to protect against some lung diseases. A full beard is a blessing for guys living or working in dusty places or in harsh climatic conditions.

Protects Against Gum Diseases

Gum diseases are caused by a number of factors including a poor hygiene routine and external attacking elements. Beard and mustaches provide protection against the external factors protecting your gums in much the same way as it protects your upper respiratory tract. So, you can easily save your gums from almost all common gum diseases by maintaining an oral hygiene regime and growing a beard.

Saves Time and Money

Growing a beard saves you lots of time and money. An average man spends almost 3350 hours of his life on daily shaving. Imagine what you could do with the time saved just by getting rid of your shaving regime. Your beard also saves you from spending your precious money on buying shaving creams and other shaving accessories.

Maintaining Your Beard the Right Way

You might have gathered that a beard is much more than a cool facial accessory, but to enjoy the amazing benefits, you need to pay attention to maintaining it properly. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Find the right style and ensure your beard matches the shape of your face. You will have to grow your beard for a month before you can try some variations and choose your final style that complements your face.
  • Ensure you wash your beard regularly. While it is important at every stage of growing a beard, you should never ignore it during the early stages of growth, as this is the time trapped skin cells and even food particles can exacerbate itchiness. Use a specialized cleanser to scrub your beard at least once a week.  A tip to remember is to gently pat your beard dry after each wash to avoid ending up with split ends because of an overzealous toweling.
  • Be sure to invest in a beard balm. It is basically a shaping and styling aid, but it also serves as a leave-in beard conditioner. It means that a good beard balm not only keeps your facial hair moisturized but also makes your beard look thicker. Put your money on a beard balm that contains natural sealants, such as beeswax, shea butter, and lanolin.
  • Trim your beard every few weeks. Your aim should be to snip off any uneven patches as well as loose hair and split ends. While trimming, pay special attention to the natural contour of your face. Use a small beard comb while trimming to know the right hairs to trim.
  • Buy a trimmer. You may be thinking you can ditch a trimmer because you’re actually growing a beard, but you will need it to trim your neckline. Trimming bi-weekly is a good idea, but try not to follow your natural jawline when trimming or you might end up making your beard look weird.
Conclusion

The fact of the matter is that growing a beard does more than just making you look masculine and attracting testosterone chasers. Not only does it help protect you from skin-related diseases, but it also improves confidence, increases body temperature, and does so many other wonderful things. But, if you’re considering the idea of dropping the razor, be sure to maintain your beard properly. Investing in the right type of beard balm is certainly a big step in the right direction. Keep it clean and take the right care of it to make yourself a proud owner of a gloriously hairy beard.

Today in Gear: Bronco Week Continues, Awesome LGBTQ+ Food and Drink Brands

Here’s How the Ford Bronco Has Changed Over the Decades

Ford’s off-road icon has been around a long time — in a few different forms.

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Does the 2021 Ford Bronco Live Up to the Hype?

The Gear Patrol Podcast Episode Twenty-Four – Listen Now

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8 LGBTQ+-Owned Food & Drink Brands You Should Be Buying From

Spread the love to these excellent food and drink brands owned by members of the LGBTQ+ community.

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Can Pajamas Help You Get a Better Night’s Sleep?

The secret to being lulled under? Temperature regulation. However, pajamas come with pros and cons.

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Zenith Finally Delivers the Exact Chronograph Watch Everybody Wanted

The Chronomaster Original is a remake of the brand’s most iconic watch in steel, and it’s not a limited edition.

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The 5 Best Lightweight Laptops of 2021

If your laptop happens to be entering its golden years, look to these new, shiny, skinny power players.

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The 10 Best Sleeping Bags of 2021

The definitive buying guide to the best sleeping bags available based on testing, reviews and features, plus tips on how to buy the right bag for you.

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One of Our Favorite Affordable (and Fun) Cars Will Stick Around for a Long Time

Though what it will look like remains to be seen.

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Today’s Best Deals: 22% off a Dyson V8, A Deal on Food52 x Staub Cookware & More

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.

Welcome to Deals of Note, where Gear Patrol captures all the best deals of the day. You can also follow all our deal posts in the Deals section.

The First Gear Patrol Beer Is the Perfect Accompaniment for Your Summer Hangs

For us at Gear Patrol, beer has always been a conduit to gather. But over the past 16-or-so odd months, that has been difficult to do. In celebration of things opening up and it finally being safe to gather with friends again, we wanted to mark this occasion (and this summer) with a Gear Patrol first. When Burial Beer from Asheville, North Carolina called us early this year about brewing the very first Gear Patrol beer, we were eager to say it was something we had been thinking about for a long time — we just needed a friend to say: “Hey, let’s do this together.”

With that in mind, we present Pursuit: a 4.8 percent ABV Helles-style Lager packaged in 16-ounce four-packs that we hope will be your companion on whatever journeys you pursue in the warm months ahead.

Water. Hops. Grains. Yeast. That’s the most basic of what’s needed to make beer. But that’s not everything that goes into a beer — it also requires dedication, creativity, hard work, expertise, ingenuity and teamwork. There’s a whole chain of people that not only impact each of the physical ingredients (from farmers to delivery workers to quality control overseers and beyond), but also play a role in the intangible ones. Without each and every one of those people along the supply chain, that beer would not get to your glass.

burial pursuit helles lager

Growl

Our discussions with Burial about this collaboration beer eventually led to the running lager series the brand has been brewing over the past six to eight months. When asked to describe the series and what it aims to do, Burial head brewer Alia Midoun had this to say: “This series focuses on tackling a variety of traditional European styles of lager to provide a crisp, clean and approachable selection of lager beer in coordination with the season.” In other words, the series aims to make delicious, easy-drinking beer in tune with the weather. Given the start of summer, we landed on brewing a Helles Lager. Known for its light and bright character, it’s a beer that comes alive in spring and is enjoyed throughout the summer months.

grain bags

Growl

While the Helles was Munich’s everyday drinking beer, we and our friends at Burial brewed an American take on the classic style. That is, with nearly all American ingredients sourced straight from farmers and growers Burial has spent years forging relationships with. The use of Helles malt and oats from Epiphany Craft Malt in North Carolina brings a unique element, as the German-born-and-studied American craft maltster Sebastian Wolfrum specializes in producing German grains. Pursuit also has a dab of German Munich malt from Augustiner-Bräu — makers of the category-defining Helles Lager — for good measure. Our Helles-style lager was then hopped with all American-grown renditions of European noble hops: Liberty from Coleman Agriculture in Oregon, Zuper Zazzer from Hop Head Farms in Michigan and Cascade from Segal Hop Ranch in Washington.

burial pursuit helles lager

Growl

burial pursuit helles lager

Growl

We also utilized traditional brewing techniques to stay true to the Helles style itself. “American brewers often try to overthink the recipe and under-think the process,” Burial COO Doug Reiser says. “So with Pursuit, we wanted to bridge the old world techniques of the beer’s origin with more modern materials and growers. Utilizing a step mash, decoction, spunded fermentation and kräusening for final carbonation added a lot of classic elements that elevate the malt profile in a way that European brewers have done for centuries.” In other words, by applying these oft-used historical techniques, Pursuit is able to achieve a malt profile with a fuller body, give a dry finish, and be naturally carbonated to help produce brighter flavors and a more consistent mouthfeel without carrying the baggage of things like caramel or extra additions to the malt base.

burial pursuit helles lager

Growl

The result is a beer that’s crisp, straw-to-golden in hue, has a medium body, provides serious head retention and is most certainly going to be more refreshing than that watered-down macro lager on a blazing summer day. We wanted to brew a beer we’d see ourselves drinking together with friends at a backyard BBQ, at a concert in the park or taking a hike through the woods.

Reiser posits that the American renditions on traditional German hops, sourced from three different American hop growers and used in the brewing of Pursuit, put it in a special category: “In this beer, heavy doses of American takes on European hops provide the difference. This adds a decisive American citrus zest, sourdough and spice character that I adore in modern lagers.” It is these exact relationships that put Burial within the upper crust of American craft breweries — though the producer’s humility and kindness don’t let on much.

Beer, and most any product being made, is nothing without its components. In the case of craft beer, that means ingredients that are grown properly and cared for. The brewery’s location in the heart of the craft beer mecca of Asheville has given Burial a connection to the land. Not only does the producer operate a brewery and multiple taprooms throughout North Carolina, but its compound at Forestry Camp (which houses a production brewery, barrel aging facility and more) is also home to a dynamic restaurant by the same name. All of this allows for the sourcing of very local ingredients (not just for the brewery but for the restaurant) for a farm-to-table experience only breweries of this ilk can provide. The camp, as it’s referred to, was constructed as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation to house members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC utilized the camp while helping to build the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway and many other public works programs. These are Burial’s roots, and in 2015 they purchased the compound that lay nearly dormant since 1942 and began to restore and revitalize what once played a vital role in the natural world around Asheville.

brewery taproom

Growl

While the landscape and heritage set a backdrop for everything Burial does, it is the good people that are the foundation of the brewery. Doug Reiser and his wife Jess (who is CEO) founded Burial in 2013 with brewer Tim Gormley. Jess Reiser’s leadership has been a throughline on the brewery’s ability to forge new paths and be a leader in the industry for inclusion and diversity.

That most certainly includes lynchpin Midoun, who was promoted to the rarified head brewer position for a woman in an industry dominated by men in late 2020. What started as a bartending job at Solemn Oath Brewery outside of Chicago in 2012, eventually blossomed into a dedication and passion for craft beer. “While I started with just scrubbing kegs and helping on the bottling line, by 2017, I had worn many hats — from cellar work to packaging lead to barrelhouse manager and eventually brewer,” Midoun tells.

burial pursuit helles lager

Growl

burial pursuit helles lager

Growl

After hearing the call of the mountains, Midoun got offered a job as cellar person at Burial and worked her way back to the brew deck with hard work, a keen sense of understanding and a desire to creatively challenge herself for refining recipes — it didn’t hurt that she also had a penchant for exploring the five senses.

As Reiser says, “Alia [Midoun] is the better student of German beer. Our attention to detail with lagers inspired by traditional European styles has improved since she has become more involved in the process.”

Being part of that process has been one of the most splendid collaborations yet for us at Gear Patrol. We are so excited to share Pursuit with you that we also made an exclusive Willi Becher glass featuring our custom-designed Pursuit logo. If you’re at home, pouring Pursuit in a Becher glass will enhance your drinking experience — the Becher glass is arguably the most versatile beer glass out there.

pursuit beer 4 pack

Growl

burial pursuit helles lager

Growl

The entirety of our Pursuit collaboration with Burial will be sold locally at the brewery’s taprooms and directly on its website. That’s not all though, as Pursuit is also available on TapRm, which offers same-day shipping in our home of NYC and ships statewide through New York, with more states to come very soon. That means it’s quite likely you’ll be able to enjoy a Pursuit this summer, which was another one of the reasons we decided to make this beer.

“Direct-to-consumer has been the hallmark of our business plan since day one,” Reiser says. “We have always invested the vast majority of our attention in our retail experiences. We hope that people leave with everlasting memories, new relationships and feeling elevated. We want that to extend beyond our walls and into the product. And we have talked for years about building a shipping program to connect with people who visited and wished they never left.”

Currently, Burial ships to 13 states: AK, KY, NC, NE, NV, NH, ND, OH, OR, PA, VT, VA, and D.C. TapRm offers same-day shipping in NYC and ships statewide through New York.

With things coming out of lockdown, we made this beer for all the pursuits you want to get back to. Whether that’s hiking a mountain with friends or just playing horseshoes in the backyard. Here is a beer, and glass, for the summer ahead to create everlasting memories.

burial pursuit helles lager

Growl

This Pelican is All About Comfy Camping

A combination of memory and air plus some thoughtful engineering make the Pelican Rugged Sleeping Pad a great camping companion when comfort is more important than saving weight. A self-inflating valve fills the 19D memory foam core of the pad while valves on the bottom fill arm rests that keep you from rolling off the side. An integrated pillow cradles your head. Weight 4.1 pounds.

This Award-Winning Cookware Is on Sale Right Now

Looking for even more great savings? Head over to Today’s Best Deals page to see all our top deals from today.


It is a rare thing these days to see a set of cookware that nests perfectly together, is made in the USA, is oven and dishwasher safe and has a lifetime warranty. That is pretty much the ultimate setup, right? Well, right now at Proclamation Goods you can pick up the Proclamation Duo — a set that fits that description to a tee — at a considerable discount of $50 off.

The set includes a versatile pot and skillet, each of which is designed to allow you to cook a multitude of foods while reaping the benefits of a set that is induction-safe and ready for the dishwasher when it’s time for cleanup. The set has also won a number of awards for its stellar overall design, including awards from Red Dot, Good Design and IF Design.

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Summer Style Essentials Every Man Needs

As with cooking, so with style. The better your ingredients, the better your dish. Flavoring and pairings give personality, context and place. A polo shirt with linen shorts versus a denim western shirt and jeans; steak frites versus chicken-fried steak. A hemp T-shirt with faded wash jeans compared to a graphic one overtop sweatshorts; pitting crudo up against fish sticks.

The maxim of “buy better, buy less” applies here. Match good taste with smart purchasing, and the two will coalesce naturally over a period of years. And although your summer wardrobe may slightly change over those years, it remains rooted in classic basics that age well with years in the sun. (As fans of vintage clothing, it’s hard not to imagine these pieces after a season under constant sunlight.)

Although there is much to love, there isn’t much to say about each of these selections. Simply put, these are bite-the-bullet-and-buy-it items — but some are surprisingly affordable. Covering most all of your bases, save for attire meant for special occasions, we present a few dozen style staples that are definitely worth the investment.

Shirts

Officine Generale Green Eren Camp-Collar Voile Shirt

Courtesy

Green Eren Camp-Collar Voile Shirt

Officine Generale Mr Porter

$355.00

Brunello Cucinelli Blue Striped Cotton Shirt

Courtesy

Blue Striped Cotton Shirt

Brunello Cucinelli Mr Porter

$845.00

Knickerbocker ? Camp Shirt

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? Camp Shirt

Knickerbocker Knickerbocker

$135.00

Save Khaki Blue Garment-Dyed Button-Down Collar Shirt

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Blue Garment-Dyed Button-Down Collar Shirt

Save Khaki Mr Porter

$170.00

Shorts

Alex Mill Pull on Button Fly Short

Pull on Button Fly Short

Alex Mill Huckberry

$95.00

Corridor Pincord Camp Shorts

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Pincord Camp Shorts

Corridor Huckberry

$125.98

De Bonne Facture Washed Linen-Canvas Drawstring Shorts

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Green Washed-Linen Canvas Drawstring Shorts

De Bonne Facture Mr Porter

$295.00

Birdwell Corduroy Shorts

Corduroy Shorts

Birdwell Birdwell

$89.95

Pants

Oliver Spencer Linen and Cotton-Blend Trousers

Linen and Cotton-Blend Trousers

Oliver Spencer Mr Porter

$260.00

Todd Snyder Straight Fit Faded Wash Jean

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Straight Jean in Faded Wash

Todd Snyder Todd Snyder

$158.00

Universal Works Ecru Fatigue Pant

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Ecru Fatigue Pant

Universal Works Stag Provisions

$198.00

Dandy Del Mar Brisa Linen Pant

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Brisa Linen Pant

Dandy Del Mar Huckberry

$99.00

Basics

Jungmaven Jung Tee

Jungmaven

Jung Tee

Jungmaven Jungmaven

$50.00

Velva Sheen Pigment Dyed Pocket Tee

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Pigment Dyed Pocket Tee

Velva Sheen endclothing.com

$65.00

Sunspel Cotton Riviera Polo Shirt

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Cotton Riviera Polo Shirt

Sunspel Sunspel

$135.00

Corridor Washed Indigo Pique Polo

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Washed Indigo Pique Polo

Corridor Corridor

$95.00

Knits

Todd Snyder Italian Linen Crewneck Sweater

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Italian Linen Crewneck Sweater

Todd Snyder Todd Snyder

$328.00

The Elder Statesman Continuum Pullover

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Continuum Pullover

The Elder Statesman The Elder Statesman

$1,180.00

Outerwear

Cushman Lot. 26903 Freedom Sleeve Sweatshirt

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Lot. 26903 Freedom Sleeve Sweatshirt

Cushman Clutch Cafe

$260.00

De Bonne Facture Camp-Collar Washed Linen-Canvas Chore Jacket

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Camp-Collar Washed Linen-Canvas Chore Jacket

De Bonne Facture Mr Porter

$505.00

Footwear

Viberg Slipper

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Milkshake Calf Suede Slipper

Viberg Viberg

$490.00

Yuketen Arizonian Two-Strap Suede Sandals

Matches Fashion

Arizonian Two-Strap Suede Sandals

Yuketen Matches Fashion

$364.00

Blackstock and Weber The Ellis Penny Loafer

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The Ellis Penny Loafer

Blackstock and Weber Blackstock and Weber

$325.00

Fear of God Leather Sneakers

Leather Sneakers

Fear of God Mr Porter

$595.00

Accessories

American Trench Corduroy Bucket Hat

Corduroy Bucket Hat

American Trench American Trench

$48.00

Jacques Marie Mage Clear Dealan D-Frame Acetate Sunglasses

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Clear Dealan D-Frame Acetate Sunglasses

Jacques Marie Mage Mr Porter

$680.00

Folk Assembly Belt

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Assembly Belt

Folk End Clothing

$75.00

Todd Snyder x New Era British Millerain Cap

Courtesy

British Millerain Cap

Todd Snyder x New Era Todd Snyder

$68.00

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Take Gear Patrol Magazine with You This Fourth of July Weekend

The latest edition of Gear Patrol’s premium print journal — Issue Sixteen, the Summer Preview — aims to help you make the most of your spring and summer adventures. And now, it’s available in digital form on newsstand app PressReader.

In addition to bringing print publications direct to consumers via single issue purchases and subscriptions, PressReader is available on the in-flight entertainment platforms of major airlines, in airport lounges, boutique hotels, university libraries and more.

Next time you find yourself in a Four Seasons lobby, JetBlue flight, or even at the New York Public Library, check out Gear Patrol Magazine on PressReader, free of charge. No matter where you are, you can always purchase a digital edition of Gear Patrol or access our content with a PressReader subscription, or you can browse it free of charge on one of PressReader’s many hotspots near you.

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Stay protected during your ride with the AI-1 Airbag Vest from Klim

Gearing up properly for a motorcycle or bicycle ride with the boys is something one should take seriously. Unlike inside a vehicle, there is no durable frame and shell in between you and the road. The AI-1 Airbag Vest from Klim presents a solution that can likely save your life in a crash or a major wipeout. Also, it doesn’t even make you look like a clown.

Accidents can happen even to professional riders. Thus, even the basic stuff such as helmets, jackets, elbow/knee guards, gloves, and others can make a difference. What the AI-1 Airbag Vest promises is reliable and real-time adaptive protection for your back and chest.

Klim is partnering with In&motion and using the latter’s DPP system. In the event of a crash, the sensors and advanced algorithms determine the exact moment to deploy. In fact, the tech analyzes the user’s position at a rate of 1,000 times per second.

If the data indicates that the rider is falling due to various supported scenarios, the airbag will fully inflate in less than 60 milliseconds. Although it is optional, users are encouraged to allow the company to collect data. All information gathered will be used to improve the algorithm.

The AI-1 Airbag Vest weighs only 3.3 lbs and is reusable up to three times. After that, Klim might need to service it to replace the gas inflator module. The materials are breathable and the fit is ergonomic. You can wear it standalone, under your jacket, or even with a backpack (with some limitations).

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Images courtesy of Klim

One of Our Favorite Affordable (and Fun) Cars Will Stick Around for a Long Time

A couple weeks ago, Mazda dropped its “Sustainable Zoom Zoom 2030” plan — yes, that’s the actual name — on the world. It spells out massive changes to the product lineup that would see Mazda go 100 percent electrified by 2030, with 25 percent of the lineup by then being composed of pure electric vehicles. For car enthusiasts, that raised an immediate and pressing issue: what’s going to happen to the MX-5 Miata?

The answer? The Miata will stick around. According to Japanese outlet Kuruma News (as spotted by Motor Trend), Mazda has confirmed that an electrified MX-5 is part of their product planning for 2030. However, what that will look like remains uncertain.

On paper, a hybrid Miata seems like be a better bet than a pure electric one, given the state of present technology. EV batteries are still heavy; even the smallest EVs like the Chevy Bolt or the Hyundai Kona Electric still weigh between 3,500 and 4,000 pounds. That’s more than half a ton more than the current MX-5. Producing an EV Miata with similar driving dynamics would probably require a battery technology leap.

Even a hybrid Miata would be a challenge. The primary appeal to car lovers of the MX-5 is its pure retro driving dynamics: rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission, super lightweight. It’s the closest thing to an old British roadster you can still buy, without the leaks and electrical gremlins those cars had. At the very least, the MX-5 Miata may have to give up the manual transmission and add weight.

Changes are coming to the automotive world amidst the global crisis. And all of our favorite cars must adapt to survive. But while robust brands like the Mustang and Corvette may offer room for electrified reinterpretation, the Mazda MX-5 only has one trick. And if Mazda can’t replicate the driving dynamics under electrification, the Miata will be just another really impractical sports coupe, of the sort many manufacturers will be culling from their lineups.

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How to Survive a Wild Animal Attack

In our cities, we humans are the all-powerful masters of the planet. We aren’t just on top of the food chain; we own the food chain. No animal can scare us. But once we step into the wild, everything changes. We become just another vulnerable beast in the food chain again, and potentially another animal’s dinner. In the wild, often the only power we have is our knowledge. We can’t physically fight our way out of a grizzly, moose or alligator attack — but we can outsmart them. If you ever find yourself face to face with a vicious beast, follow these expert tips to survive another day as the smartest animal on the planet.

Alligator

The dinosaurs were wiped off the face of the earth millions of years ago, but for some reason alligators had to stick around and scare the shit out of everyone. And we Americans are the ones who got stuck with these ugly beasts: they exist (in the wild) only in the southeastern United States. In states like Florida or Louisiana, they’re practically everywhere there’s water and humans. But they’re far from being domesticated: Just last month, at Disney World, an alligator snatched up a two-year-old boy and dragged him into a pond to his death.

A full-grown male alligator can grow up to 1,000 pounds, has anywhere from 50 to 80 razor-sharp teeth and wields one of the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom. Most alligator encounters can be escaped by simply running away. But if you really are stuck in bad place, or if you’re just stupid, use these tips from Jay Young, general manager of the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, on how to wrestle an alligator. (It should go without saying that we do not encourage anyone to go wrestle an alligator. That would be ridiculous.)

Approach from behind. If you’re standing behind an alligator and being careful not to step onto either side of it, you’re safely in its blind spot. Young says that if it sees you coming, it could snap sideways (most of its muscles are designed exclusively for this purpose), and take a chunk out of you.

Jump on, and don’t think twice. When preparing to jump onto the alligator, Young says one of the most crucial things is to not hesitate. Lock onto the fat part of the gator’s tail, set up the jump, and when you’re presented with the perfect chance, make the lunge. Don’t think twice. If you make a half-lunge, that could give the gator a chance to attack. “You can’t do it really slow, you can’t get halfway there and think about it — alligator wrestling is not a thinking man’s sport,” Young said.

Grab the jaw, and don’t let go. Grabbing the jaw and jumping onto the gator’s neck should be combined into one smooth motion. So, before you even land on the gator, have your arms reached out and ready to latch onto its lower jaw. Be sure that no food or objects are near its mouth, as it may snap sideways and force you to jump off.

Lift it up. Once you have a solid hold of the gator’s jaw, you can further prevent it from breaking free by lifting the gator backwards off the ground. Young says that when gators are pulled off their “2D plane,” they become more passive. “Plant your feet in its armpits and pull up on the chest plate,” Young says. “Wrap your hands down around the shoulders and around the chest and pull up while all your weight is on the tail. Use your legs to lean backwards.”

Grizzly Bear

Seen from afar, the grizzly bear, much like a soaring bald eagle, conjures feelings of patriotic pride. Think they give a damn how pretty or graceful you find them? They don’t. All they care about is eating, sleeping and raising their cubs in peace. Stand in their way, and they’ll slash you into a pulp (for reference, see Leonardo DiCaprio getting mauled by a CGI grizzly in The Revenant). Female grizzlies can weigh up to 800 pounds, while the males get up to 1,700 (about four and a half Hafþór Júlíus Björnssons, the Icelandic monster who plays The Mountain in Game of Thrones). Their dinner-plate-sized paws wield five claws the size of chef’s knives. If you don’t want to become a grizzly’s mid-afternoon snack, follow these tips from Doug Peacock, an American naturalist, grizzly bear expert and author of Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness.

Pick your camping spot wisely. In the late spring, summer and early fall (or any time the weather is especially hot), grizzlies spend most of the daytime napping around cool areas with lots of foliage, like clumps of trees or boundaries between forest and meadow. Peacock says not to sleep in these areas. Find something away from the forest edge, and with plenty of surrounding thicket that’ll rattle to alert you when a grizzly is approaching your camp. If that fails, clear your throat, make a little bit of noise or clack on some rocks, and listen for movement.

Be calm; don’t move. Peacock has had close calls with thousands of grizzlies, and says most of those encounters occurred when he stepped within a few hundred feet of them. If the bear raises its head and makes eye contact with you, that’s when you know you’re in trouble — you’re about to get charged. Most people’s instinct would be to run, but Peacock says this reaction will likely get you killed. Instead, freeze up like a statue. “First of all, do nothing. Don’t blink an eye, don’t move. When you’re that close, a sudden movement or a loud scream or cry can and has precipitated grizzly bear attacks,” Peacock said. Don’t even look in the direction of the bear. Turn your head to the side and spread your arms out to make you look bigger. If the bear charges, every muscle in your body will tell you to run like hell. Resist that urge, and you’ll live to tell your friends one of the craziest goddamn stories ever.

Hit the deck. There’s no way to sugarcoat it: if the bear attacks, there’s not much you do besides lay there and take it. Peacock says to protect your head and neck, if you can. Don’t fight back. Don’t scream. The bear won’t stop attacking until it no longer perceives you as a threat (in other words, until it thinks you’re dead). Once the bear has stopped slashing, lie motionless until it’s far away and out of sight. If you move too soon, when the bear is still close, it’s liable to turn back around and make sure you stay down.

Moose

Found in the woodsy northernmost regions of North America and northern Europe, moose are most often encountered around freshwater and along snowmobile and hiking trails. It’s easy to pass them off as harmless giants, sort of like dopey Christmas reindeer that never stopped growing. But to make that assumption would be a potentially fatal mistake. A full-grown bull moose stands up to seven feet tall, weighs nearly 1,800 pounds, can run 30 mph in short bursts, wields six-foot-wide antlers and, should you step too close, will not hesitate to use those antlers to skewer you into a human kabob. If you ever find yourself in a stand-off with a moose, remember the tips provided below by Kristine Rines, wildlife biologist and Moose Project Leader of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Keep your distance. It sounds like common sense, but Rines said that when it comes to moose encounters, common sense is a rare anomaly in the human brain. (Take this drunken dumbass, for instance.) “On a hiking trail or snowmobile trail, get out of the moose’s way,” Rines said. Don’t panic, scream or run. Calmly walk off the trail, get behind a tree and allow the moose to pass. The same goes for when you spot a moose on the road: “If you see them from your car, on the side of the road or on the road, slow down and drive slowly past,” Rines said. “These animals can kill wolves and bears in defense of their calves. People need to respect them and stay far away.”

Know the warning signs. One minute you’re strolling happily along a trail, the next minute you find yourself locked in a staring contest with an enormous moose. How do you know whether to fight or fly? “They don’t always give you a warning,” Rines said. “But if a moose lays its ears back, shows the whites of its eyes, raises the hair along its neck or tips its nose up at you, you are way too close.”

Ball up, or climb a tree. Plan A was to slowly back away with your hands in the air, muttering nervously “It’s OK big guy, I’m n-n-not gonna hurt you.” Turns out the moose didn’t give a shit, and now it’s charging you. You have two options now. Option 1: “Get behind the nearest tree, or better yet, climb it,” Rines said. Option 2: “If the moose has caught you and you’re on the ground getting stomped, roll up in a ball, try to protect your head with your arms, and pray.”

Cigar City Florida Man DIPA

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Presented by Florida Man DIPA

Florida Man is a modern Double IPA with a tropical expression from its blend of American hops, including Citra, Azacca, El Dorado and Mandarina Bavarian. The hops are balanced by delicate peach esters from a unique Double IPA yeast and a dash of Canadian honey malt.

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Zenith Finally Delivers the Exact Chronograph Watch Everybody Wanted

Zenith’s most recognizable look is that of the A386 watch from 1969. It’s what many people imagine when they hear the words “El Primero,” and its basic design has often been part of the brand’s modern lineup — but never quite what fans of the original were after. Finally, Zenith is rectifying the situation with a modern watch that’s not a limited edition — and is about as close to the A386 as anyone could reasonably hope for.

While watches with a similar design featuring the distinctive, overlapping tri-color subdials were long available, they had some contemporary tweaks. Then, the brand released a full-on remake in 2019 — but as a limited edition and in precious metals only. Why do they tease us so!?

Not to worry, though, because now you can have your $9,000 cake and eat it too. The new Chronomaster Original brings all the little details of the vintage model back: there’s the retro, bezel-less case at an ideal 38mm sizing, and even finishing that recalls that of the A386. (Hardcore fans will notice tiny differences in the modern version: the shape of the seconds hand, logo and bracelet, and of course, modern materials like sapphire crystal and the contemporary version of the El Primero automatic chronograph movement, the Caliber 3600.) The movement is a big part of this watch’s story, and unlike on the original, it’s on display through the case back.

watch

Courtesy

The Chronomaster Original is available in three versions at launch, with steel options in the classic tri-color configuration or a reverse-panda option with a black dial and contrasting silver subdials. Both look awesome and both are available with steel bracelet for $9,000 or on a strap for $8,400. There’s also tri-color version in rose gold on a strap that’ll set you back $19,100. If it’s in your budget, the only problem now is choosing between this and the (also) highly compelling Chronomaster Revival line.

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The 10 Best Sleeping Bags of 2021

If you were lucky enough to tune into the Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild during its heyday, you might’ve witnessed Bear Grylls, a former British Special Air Service operator and the show’s host, make TV magic by gutting a dead camel and demonstrating how to climb inside the carcass for warmth and shelter. The sequence of teeth-clenching footage is perhaps the best reminder that hey, sleeping bags are pretty cool.

Sleeping bags are a camping essential, and even those of us who never bed down under the stars typically keep one around the house as emergency bedding. We tend not to upgrade our sleeping bags with the same frequency as other pieces of outdoor gear, like hiking boots or down jackets. But sleeping bags have come a long way in the past decade. This guide, which we’ve organized by fill type and temperature rating, represents the best of the current class.

Editor’s Picks

More Great Sleeping Bags

    Best Overall

    The North Face

    The North Face The One Bag

    In terms of bang for buck, campers will be hard-pressed to find a better deal than The North Face’s One Bag. The sleeping bag uses a modular zipper design that gives it a range from five degrees up to 40, eliminating the need to own multiple sleeping bags for camping in different environments. The One Bag is lightweight enough and packs down small enough for backpacking, too, especially if you leave the cold temperature layer at home.

    Weight: 3 pounds 12 ounces (5°F); 2 pounds 12 ounces (20°F); 2 pounds 3 ounces (40°F)
    Fill: 800-fill goose down
    Compressed Volume: 17.5 liters (5°F); 13.5 liters (20°F); 9.1 liters (40°F)

    Upgrade Pick

    Nemo Equipment

    Nemo Equipment Riff 30

    Unique to Nemo sleeping bags is the “spoon” shape, which the company created for campers who want a mummy-style sleeping bag without the claustrophobia of actual mummification. The spoon shape isn’t very spoon-like, but it offers extra room at the elbows and knees for shifting around and side sleeping. The Riff also includes zippered “gills” that extend its temperature range — just open them up and let the breeze in — making this sleeping bag supremely versatile.

    For colder environments, the Riff also comes in a version rated to 15 degrees.

    Weight: 1 pound 13 ounces
    Fill: 800-fill PFC-free down
    Compressed Volume: 5.5 liters

    Best Budget Sleeping Bag

    Backcountry

    Kelty Cosmic 40

    It’s difficult to get a good sleeping bag for less than $100 — chances are you’re just as well off bringing blankets from home. But for close to that price, you can get this full-featured mummy-style bag from Kelty. It’s stuffed with 550-fill down insulation and includes a small zippered pocket for keeping essential items close and an extra baffle that prevents air from creeping in through the zipper (an underrated innovation). Compared to sleeping bags with similar temperature ratings, the primary downside is that this one won’t pack down as small, so if you’re backpacking or camping frequently, it might be worth investing up.

    For colder camping, the Cosmic also comes in a 20-degree version.

    Weight: 9.14 ounces
    Fill: 550-fill down
    Compressed Volume: 10 x 7 inches

    Best Ultralight Option

    Evo

    Big Agnes Torchlight UL 30

    Lighter, more packable sleeping bags exist, but not with the same unique suite of features as Big Agnes’s Torchlight UL, which weighs one pound 12 ounces in a regular length. Primary among those are extra zippers on either side that expand the bag’s size when opened. It’s a nice touch, given that ultralight sleeping bags can sometimes be confining. The Torchlight also has an adjustable hood, water-repellent 850-fill down insulation and even an interior pocket for small essentials.

    The Torchlight UL also comes in a 20-degree version.

    Weight: 1 pound 12 ounces
    Fill: 850-fill DownTek
    Compressed Volume: 5 x 6 inches

    Best Casual Sleeping Bag

    REI

    REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 25

    If you aren’t camping in a way that puts packing space at a premium, then it might not make sense to confine yourself to a mummy-style sleeping bag. That doesn’t mean you should go for a low-grade bedroll, though. REI’s Siesta is the perfect compromise — it has enough synthetic insulation for temps down to 25 degrees, and both its sides have zippers (one full-length, one partial) so that you can flip down its top like the duvet on your bed at home.

    Weight: 4 pounds 6 ounces
    Fill: synthetic (polyester)
    Compressed Volume: n/a

    Best for Wet Environments

    Montbell

    Montbell Seamless Down Hugger WR 900 #3

    Montbell’s newest crop of Down Hugger bags has a lot going for them. For one, Montbell secured this bag’s down insulation in place using a system that it calls Spider Baffle, where an array of synthetic threads hold onto down clumps to help maintain their loft. It eliminates the need for baffles created by stitching, optimizing the bag for warmth and durability. Montbell employed elastic in the liner to help the bag “hug” a sleeper, eliminating dead airspace (in our testing, we didn’t find this feature claustrophobic). To top it all off, this particular Down Hugger model comes with a Gore-Tex Infinium exterior, making it remarkably weather-resistant.

    The Down Hugger WR 900 #3 is rated to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It also comes in 15-degree, 25-degree and 40-degree models.

    Weight: 1 pound 3.6 ounces
    Fill: 900-fill Power EX Down
    Compressed Volume: 5.5 x 10.9 inches, 3.8 liters

    Best for Side Sleepers

    Backcountry

    Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 35F Down

    Big Agnes makes the Sidewinder specifically for side sleepers. It’s apparent, too: the bag’s hood opening faces to the side. Its form isn’t as tapered as typical mummy-style bags, but that’s intentional to allow side sleepers to bend their knees inside and shift foot position. While most of the Sidewinder’s insulation is down, Big Agnes reinforced these regions with synthetic insulation in these areas to allow for that shifting, too. Lastly, there’s a pocket in the hood for a pillow that enables it to move from one side to another if you decide to switch sides.

    This sleeping bag also comes in a model rated to 20 degrees.

    Weight: 2 pounds
    Fill: 650-fill DownTek
    Compressed Volume: 7.5 x 15 inches

    Best for Hunting

    Sitka

    Sitka Kelvin Aerolite 30

    Hunting doesn’t necessarily call for a different sort of sleeping bag, but Sitka believes hunters should have one regardless. Knowing that stalking game requires patience and, at times, hunkering on the damp ground for a long time, it gave the Aerolite 30 arm slots and a bottom you can open and tuck out of the way, transforming this bag into a functional warm layer you can bivy down in while remaining mobile. It’s filled with PrimaLoft’s Gold Insulation with Cross Core tech, which comes from NASA and won’t lose its warming power when damp.

    Weight: 2 pounds 6 ounces
    Fill: PrimaLoft Gold with Cross Core (synthetic)
    Compressed Volume: n/a

    Best Two-Person Sleeping Bag

    Backcountry

    Big Agnes Sentinel Double 30F Down

    For most of us, camping is rarely, if ever, a solo activity. Part of the joy of spending time outside is doing so with your significant other. But designs that let you zip two sleeping bags together are cumbersome at best, so Big Agnes made one bag to fit two. The best thing about the Sentinel is that it maintains a small degree of separation — you can snap a divider between the hoods, just in case you prefer your sleeping bag partially unzipped and your partner doesn’t.

    Weight: 3 pounds 8 ounces
    Fill: 650-fill down, DownTex hydrophobic treatment
    Compressed Volume: 9 x 20 inches

    Best Trail Quilt

    Therm-a-Rest

    Therm-a-Rest Vesper 45F

    The best option for a warm-weather sleeping bag isn’t a sleeping bag at all; it’s a quilt. Trail quilts have been a go-to for ultralight backpackers for a while but are increasingly becoming popular amongst more mainstream campers. With less material, trail quilts are lighter and more packable. Therm-a-Rest’s Vesper 45 is an excellent intro to this offshoot category — at 12 ounces, the quilt will go unnoticed in a backpack, but it still has functional features like an enclosed foot box and straps to secure it to a sleeping pad.

    Trail quilts work in cold environments too, and the Vesper is also available in a 32-degree version and a 20-degree version.

    Weight: 12 ounces
    Fill: 900-fill Nikwax hydrophobic down
    Compressed Volume: 4.5 x 6 inches


    How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag

    Temperature Ratings

    Every sleeping bag comes with a temperature rating, usually represented, roughly, by a number in its name. That number comes from third-party lab testing. Those labs test for two numbers, a comfort rating, and a lower limit rating. The former is the environmental temperature in which a sleeping bag can provide sufficient warmth for colder sleepers; the lower limit rating represents the temperature at which a warm sleeper will be comfortable.

    The number in a sleeping bag’s name may not be its exact temperature rating; brands tend to round numbers to the nearest five or zero. For example, REI’s Trailbreak 30 has a lower limit rating of 29 degrees Fahrenheit and a comfort rating of 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Also, sleeping bags with lower temperature ratings typically use more material, so they will be bigger and take up more space in a backpack or closet.

    Should You Get Down or Synthetic Insulation?

    Sleeping bags provide warmth by trapping air inside their fluffy filling, which is typically either down or synthetic. Choosing which is right for you is a matter of pros and cons.

    Down, which comes from geese and ducks, tends to provide more warmth in a smaller volume than most synthetic insulation. Down insulation comes with a fill rating that denotes its quality. For instance, a 30-degree sleeping bag with 800-fill down will provide the same amount of warmth as a 650-fill bag rated to the same temperature, but it will do so with less insulation, so it will pack down smaller. Down’s main drawback is that it clumps when it gets wet, but many brands today use down that’s treated to be water-repellant. Down sleeping bags are also almost always more expensive than synthetic ones.

    Synthetic insulation consists of manufactured fibers that attempt to mimic down. Synthetic insulation tends to be more water-resistant, durable and affordable but also bulkier and heavier.

    Price

    Depending how often you use it, a sleeping bag can last you for years; it’s a long-term investment. Sleeping bags are also expensive, and their price is a product of the materials used. As a rule, down insulation is more expensive than synthetic, and higher fill powers (more warmth for weight) are more expensive than lower ones. Because they use more material, cold-weather sleeping bags tend to be more expensive than warm-weather sleeping bags.

    Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

A Sleeping Pillow for Picky Sleepers And 6 Other New Home Releases

Welcome to Window Shopping, a weekly exercise in lusting over home products we want in our homes right the hell now. This week: frozen soup dumplings, a tote bag for hauling bottles to the park and more.

Purple TwinCloud Pillow

purple twincloud pillow

Purple

The adjustable pillow market just got a new type of pillow, and it’s from one of the leading mattress brands, Purple. While adjustable pillows either fall into two categories — loose fill or swappable inserts — Purple’s new TwinCloud pillow is a little more interesting. The down-alternative pillow is basically an extra-long pillow that folds in half and zips together to create a standard-sized pillow. One side is soft, the other firm, and you get to choose which is more to you liking. The fully washable pillow can be zipped with others to create multiple configurations like a body pillow or even a mattress topper.

Price: $89

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Minna Tablecloths

minna tablecloth

Minna

Based out of Hudson, New York, Minna is an ethically made homewares brand that works with artisans from around the world. Its latest release is a line of tablecloths, handwoven by a family-run workshop of flying shuttle loom weavers in Mexico. The neutral tablecloths are “inspired by the play between shadow and light,” as the product description explains. Complementing the tablecloths are reusable cloth napkins, which retail for $20 each.

Price: $145

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Haus The Picnic Set

haus the picnic set tote and alcohol

Haus

One of our favorite low-ABV booze brands, Haus, made a picnic set that’s ready to go for all your, well, picnics and outdoor gatherings. Score a bottle of your favorite Haus aperitif and a fresh heavy-duty Haus tote bag, designed to house two upright bottles. Let people know that you take your low-ABV spirits seriously.

Price: $60

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Xiao Chi Jie Soup Dumplings

xiao chi jie soup dumplings

XCJ

Seattle-based restaurant Xiao Chi Jie is known for its soup dumplings, and because of the pandemic, it started selling its frozen soup dumplings nationwide, as well as sauces and bamboo steamers. Available in packs of 50 and available in pork, shrimp and pork and chicken, the soup dumplings are ready to eat in 10 minutes and come with steamer liners so they don’t stick to the tray. Get them while they’re hot, er, frozen, because soup dumplings are notoriously hard to make without lots of experience.

Price: $40+

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Airbnb Host Essentials by Muji

airbnb host essentials by muji

Muji

People are getting ready to travel again, and Airbnb hosts better be prepared for the influx of travelers. At least Muji has those hosts covered. With the new Airbnb Host Essentials by Muji, Airbnb hosts (or those just looking to stock up on home essentials) can get 23 Muji products guaranteed (not really) to get them five stars. The $400 set includes the essentials to accommodate two guests, with items ranging from bathroom necessities to kitchen and dining goods. We can’t guarantee your Airbnb will look as good as a Muji hotel, but it’ll be damn close with Muji stuff.

Price: $400

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Momofuku x East Fork

momofuku x east fork

East Fork

The latest collection between Momofuku and East Fork brings two new glazes — orchard and peachy keen — to the latter’s enviable hand-thrown pottery. Surprisingly, the plates, cups and dishes are still in stock, but we’re pretty sure it won’t be for long.

Price: $12

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Dad Grass July 4th Collection

dad grass july 4th collection smoke pack and shirt

Dad Grass

When you light up on July 4th, do so to more than just fireworks. CBD joint brand Dad Grass dropped a July 4th-inspired collection, which includes a t-shirt, as well as a new stash box to hide your stash. No, those aren’t actually M-80s in there, just some good times rolled up into a joint.

Price: $37

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Tyler Chin is Gear Patrol’s Associate Staff Writer.

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Still Don’t Understand Luxury Sport Watches? Here’s How the Royal Oak Started It All

Welcome to Watches You Should Know, a biweekly column highlighting important or little-known watches with interesting backstories and unexpected influence. This week: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

To refer to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak as a mere icon is to almost willfully ignore the importance of the watch, the line it inspired, or, indeed, the genre that it gave birth to. Few, if any, timepieces have so thoroughly altered the industry or impacted our conception of watchmaking as the Royal Oak, and for good reason. This timepiece didn’t just save a company. It single-handedly created an entirely new class of watch.

To understand the importance of the Royal Oak, one must first understand the era that preceded its inception. The ‘70s were a time of tumult in the Swiss horology industry, with many storied manufactures on the brink of bankruptcy; that is, if they hadn’t succumbed already. The reason for this trouble was the advent of the inexpensive quartz watch from Japan, which found favor with the buying public not only for its affordability, but also for its superior accuracy and robustness. This time has been referred to as the “quartz crisis”, and a crisis is exactly what it was. Audemars Piguet was no more immune to its effects than its competitors.

ap gold dial royal oak jumbo watch worn on wrist
A white gold Royal Oak with a salmon dial seen at SIHH 2019.

Henry Phillips

Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875 in the heart of Switzerland’s watchmaking region, La Vallée de Joux, by friends Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet. By the early 1970s it had risen to the highest tiers of horology through its mastery of complications (complex functions beyond mere timekeeping) and its exquisite craftsmanship. However, none of this was able to prevent the manufacture from edging ever closer towards the precipice of financial ruin. Drastic measures were needed, though their form would take the industry by surprise. In fact, it was an urgent request from an Italian distributor that sparked the flame that would eventually become the Royal Oak.

As the story goes, on the eve of the 1971 Basel Fair, Georges Golay, then Audemars Piguet’s managing director, contacted a watch designer and asked him to design an “unprecedented steel watch” in response to the request from Italy. It was 4 p.m. By the following morning, the Royal Oak was all but born. The quick turn-around time can be attributed to the designer that Golay tasked with this project: the legendary Gérald Genta. By 1972, Genta was well-known in the industry, with several high-visibility projects to his name, like the Universal Genève Polerouter, the Omega Constellation and the Patek Philippe Ellipse. The Royal Oak, however, would prove to be a departure for him, and also his magnum opus. It was unlike any watch conceived before, and it would come to define Genta until his passing in 2011, 40 years after he first sketched out the design.

gerald genta
Gerald Genta, the master watch designer.

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As conceived, the proposed watch would affect a nautical mien, with an octagonal bezel and exposed retaining screws that were meant to be evocative of a commercial diver’s helmet. The exposed rubber gasket served to reinforce this theme, which also extended to the name, “Royal Oak,” which was a reference to the historical British warships of the same name (which, in turn, were named after the oak tree that provided shelter to King Charles II as he was fleeing the Roundheads during the English Civil War in 1651). The meticulously finished and equally slim bracelet was integrated into the case design. The latter of which had such a sufficiently generous diameter (39mm) that it would come to be referred to by collectors and fans as the “Jumbo.”

Per the request of the Italian distributor, the watch would be crafted from steel, something unheard of in a high-end watch. Ironically, doing so made the watch several orders of magnitude more difficult to manufacture than gold, as steel proved to be a much harder material to hand-finish to Audemars Piguet’s exacting standards. In fact, the first prototypes were made from white gold. Imagine that: using gold, because steel was too difficult to finish properly. This would be just one of the conventions that the Royal Oak would upend.

No matter how different the intent, design or size of a given Royal Oak may be, it’s connected to the rest of the line through the breakthrough design of the original.

Ultimately, it would be the finishing that would set the price of a then-astronomical $3,000. To put this perspective, that figure was approximately 10 times dearer than the Rolex Submariner of the era. Pundits seized on this as evidence that Audemars Piguet was out of touch and that the watch would be an instant failure, and it seemed that the naysayers would be right, as the Royal Oak proved to be anything but a runaway success. It took almost three years to sell out the first production run of 1,000 pieces.

Nonetheless, the first production Royal Oak, the 5402 A-Series, which made its official debut at the 1972 Basel Fair, stunned the industry with its bold, angular design and impossibly slim case. At a mere seven millimeters, the Royal Oak hugged the wrist and affected an elegance that belied its decidedly masculine lines. This was possible thanks to its movement, the calibre 2121. (In fact, Patek Philippe would use this same movement in their initial version of the Nautilus, a watch that was their response to the Royal Oak — and designed by Genta as well.)

ap royal oak 15202 green
An in-house AP movement complete with gold automatic winding rotor.

Diode SA – Denis Hayoun

Over the years, the Royal Oak would spawn an entire line within Audemars Piguet’s portfolio that would come to include perpetual calendars, dual time zones and more. The most impactful departure, however, would be the Royal Oak Offshore, which made its debut in 1993. This watch adopted the octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet of the original, but was super-sized with a much thicker case that housed a magnetically-shielded chronograph movement and was water-resistant to a full 100 meters.

Designed by Emmanuel Gueit, the original Offshore was a massive affair crafted from stainless steel. It would eventually come to define the luxury sport watch in the new millennium, much as the first Royal Oak defined the genre before it. The Offshore found favor with actors, sportsmen, rap artists and well-heeled collectors alike, not in the least part because it hewed so closely to the original formula, though with an added dose of testosterone, which pointed distinctly toward the direction the industry was moving. In fact, one of the Offshore’s most ardent fans was none other than actor cum politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, who owed his fame and popularity in no small part to his personification of the very qualities that made the Offshore so appealing. Schwarzenegger’s input in the design of the now-classic “End Of Days” Offshore — which featured prominently on his wrist in the movie of the same name — helped kick off the acceptance of treated black cases on luxury watches.

royal oak offshore selfwinding chronograph watch detail
Royal Oak Offshore Self-winding Chronograph: a grey dial with “Méga Tapisserie” pattern, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.

Audemars Piguet

Today, the Royal Oak line has encompassed everything from robust, officially certified diving watches crafted from exotic materials such as titanium, ceramic and forged carbon fiber, to delicate haute horology pieces that can divine the difference between mean time and star time. Yet no matter how different the intent, design or size of a given Royal Oak may be, it’s connected to the rest of the line through the breakthrough design of the original. The “Jumbo” has remained in Audemars Piguet’s repertoire throughout the years, consistently sought after by die-hard collectors and true aficionados of the brand. To this day it continues to get regular updates and compelling new variations. No matter how much things may change, though, it would seem that ultimately, they remain the same.

Long live the Royal Oak.

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The black paint finish on this new Leica M 10-R gives it a sleek and stealthy vibe

Many modern smartphones ranging from mid to flagship models are now equipped with amazing imaging components. In fact, some are considerably superior to your average digital or DSLR. Still, ask any photography enthusiast and they prefer to stick with traditional gear. If so, then perhaps the new M 10-R in a black paint finish from Leica might be what they need.

The German group has been in the business since 1914 and is known for its hand-assembled lenses and other products related to optics. In fact, it continues to earn praises for the amazing camera technology the ships with Huawei’s high-end handset models.

The M 10-R is a wonderful and compact option for professionals and casual photographers alike. We love how Leica chooses to retain the classic aesthetic. Plus, the blackout colorway is another personal favorite of ours here. In fact, the familiar red dot logo of the brand is no longer visible.

Instead, you have the Leica branding in a cursive white font followed by a print below that reads Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany. Then there’s the ISO and shutter speed dials and their signature cross knurling with a release button in a silver chrome finish.

The sleek and premium mirrorless camera boasts an all-metal die-cast magnesium body. This provides a lightweight and durable construction. Likewise the black synthetic leather cover of the M 10-R that not only looks good but enhances your grip as well.

Underneath the glossy black coat of the top section is brass. Unless you are really careful with your M 10-R, it will eventually chip off. Still, this is part of Leica’s gimmick as the metal eventually develops a unique patina over time. Finally, a 1/4-inch DIN stainless steel tripod tread can be found on the bottom.

Buy – $9,295

Images courtesy of Leica

Today in Gear: Your Weekend Away with Backcountry, New Apple Watch Features & More

Gear Up for Your Weekend Away with Backcountry

Summer is the time to escape the city and plan a weekend camping at your favorite spot. And if you’re in need of some new gear to maximize your weekend away, check out Backcountry‘s Built By Backcountry Fourth of July sale. For the perfect getaway bag take a look at the 45L Adventure Duffel Pack. If you’re looking to grab a few friends and head to the trail for some mountain biking, make sure you have the Getaway Goat Tailgate Pad to transport your bikes with ease. If you plan to spend your time casting for trout, score a deal on the Backcountry x Simms Flyweight Stockingfoot Pant, or if you prefer to just hang in the lake and need a new suit, the Pecos Water Short has you covered. Whatever you plan to get into this summer, Backcountry has the gear to take your weekends to the next level — and right now it’s on sale for up to 40 percent off. Check out the sale and start planning your trip.

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Cheap Sunglasses You Can Afford to Lose This Summer

As summer settles in and beach days become more abundant, we’ve rounded up inexpensive eyewear — all under $80 — that exude a carefree style while still keeping your retinas safe from the scorching sun. And if they disappear into shuffled sand, at least you’re only out around half (sometimes a little more) a Benjamin. Sure, cheap is subjective. Lament the minor loss. Then, grab a new pair, and summer on.

Best Overall Summer Sunglasses: Le Specs Bandwagon Sunglasses

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Bandwagon Sunglasses

Le Specs East Dane

$69.00

Le Specs is a vintage brand revived. Their current selection of styles references European ones popular in the late ’70s and early ’80s but with tweaks to their construction for improved comfort and durability. And for just $69.00, they’re a steal. Polarized lenses and a plastic frame done in a luxe tortoiseshell arrive in a branded soft case for safe carrying.

Best Affordable Summer Sunglasses: Sojos Semi-Rimless Polarized Sunglasses

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Retro Semi-Rimless Polarized Sunglasses

Sojos Amazon

$18.99

$12.99 (32% off)

This is a classic look done at a fraction of the cost of more popular brands’ designs. Put ’em on and envision it: ’50s, jazz clubs (hence the Ray-Ban’s Clubmaster). Made from metal, these are polarized and feature soft, adjustable silicone nose pads.

Best Upgrade Summer Sunglasses: Izipizi Sun #D Sunglasses

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Sun #D Sunglasses

Izipizi Selfridges

$48.50

Polycarbonate frames and tined PVC lenses — in a mustardy green and brown, respectively — make these round frames a home run in even the most raging hot weather. 100-percent UV protection shields the eyes and a durable rubber-like feel to the frames deters dings and reduces scratches.

Spitfire BC2

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BC2

Spitfire Urban Outfitters

$49.00

Black acetate and metal accents give these Spitfire frames an edge over other cheap options. They definitely reference higher-end designer pairs but present the wearer, aka you, I hope, a less painful price tag. Wear these when you want to look good but can’t guarantee they get home, too.

Huckberry Cruisers

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Cruisers

Huckberry Huckberry

$35.00

Huckberry’s in-house eyewear line features hardy frames matched with scratch-resistant, polarized lenses. At under $40 dollars, they’re well worth it for whenever you want to put a pair through the wringer — without the guilt of getting a nicer pair grimy.

A.Kjaerbede Bate Sunglasses

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Bate Sunglasses

A.Kjaerbede Asos

$45.00

This subtle gray pair by Denmark brand A.Kjaerbede aren’t bad at all for being $45.00 dollars and often discounted. Rounded lens and a molded nose bridge make them a versatile look for all genders. They’re unisex by design but don’t run too big nor too small.

Knockaround Mile Highs

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Mile Highs

Knockaround Knockaround

$30.00

Love the Aviator style but can’t splurge on the pair you really want right now? Budget sunglass brand Knockaround makes their own retro-tinged rendition from gold metal, tortoiseshell rubber, and polarized, impact-resistant green lenses. They may not be built for the skies, but they certainly look the part.

Carfia Polarized Sunglasses

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Polarized Sunglasses

Carfia Amazon

$22.99

It’s easy to be let down by budget buys off Amazon. (There are almost too many options.) Carfia’s, on the other hand, are unexpectedly nice for their price. Typically, sub$-25 dollar sunglasses don’t make through a week-long vacation, but these, which are made from corrosion-resistant acetate, withstand usual wear and then some.

Bowie Sunglasses

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Bowie Sunglasses

Urban Outfitters Urban Outfitters

$20.00

Unfortunately, these don’t take their name from a style the iconic artist once wore. (If they did, they’d be five times the price.) These Bowie frames are instead a subtle pair of sunglasses you shouldn’t stress about losing. Nice but by no means something exclusive or limited edition, wear them on a hot day at the beach and hope for best re: bringing them back.

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