All posts in “Gear”

10 Great Hand Sanitizers That Aren’t Purell

The world’s been turned upside down. And, tumbling from our pockets and tote bags is a new EDC for the new normal — keys, wallet, phone, mask, sanitizer. Hygiene is more imperative now, especially when you’re headed out the door. Proper hygiene can help protect not only you, but those around you from contracting a gamut of diseases from the common cold to the novel coronavirus.

It’s clear that face masks help to reduce the spread of coronavirus, but you can’t forget to wash your hands. While soap and water are effective at ridding your hands of debris while killing harmful bacteria and other pathogens, it’s a moot point if you’re out and about, away from a sink. That’s what hand sanitizer is for.

Hand sanitizers are portable and an effective way to kill pathogens when you don’t have immediate access to soap and water. They won’t remove grease or debris like soap and water do, but they are a handy solution that will still keep your paws virus-free. The CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer made with at least 60 percent alcohol. Purell is the most popular choice, but there are plenty of options we prefer to tote with us.

These hand sanitizers are a step above the staid drug store fare and upgrade the very sterile experience. They’re infused with skin-nourishing ingredients to keep your hands feeling soft and blended with essential oils and fragrances that don’t smell like you’re having the alcohol sweats.

Dr Bronner’s Peppermint Hand Sanitizer


Dr Bronner’s fair trade and organic sanitizer features glycerin, a humectant which draws moisture to the skin, as well as soothing peppermint oil.

Buy Now: $5

100 Percent Pure Hand Sanitizer Spray


This completely vegan spray soothes hands as it sanitizes thanks to aloe vera and glycerin. Plus, the invigorating tea tree oil smells amazing.

Buy Now: $5

Cabinet Instant Hand Cleanser


It makes sense to have a bottle in each bag, just in case you switch up your daily carry. This two-pack is a great value and offers a citrusy blend of lemongrass oil, lemon, pine, orange peel and cypress leaves that smell super fresh.

Buy Now: $8 (two-pack)

Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash


Aesop’s luxurious Rinse-Free Hand Wash is a gel formula made with a blend of mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedar atlas. The intoxicating aroma palette is citrusy, woody and herbaceous — a far cry from the sterile solutions at the local drug store.

Buy Now: $10

Happy Place Symbiosis Hand Sanitizer


Made in NYC, this sanitizer features skin-nourishing aloe vera as well as all-natural ingredients like honeysuckle essential oil and grapefruit.

Buy Now: $11

Humankind Hand Sanitizer


Humankind offers a tight range of hand sanitizers that are large enough to refill on-the-go bottles, making them an economical choice. Available in eucalyptus, grapefruit and unscented options, each one features hyaluronic acid, a water-retaining ingredient that occurs naturally in your skin.

Buy Now: $15

Vegamour Hand Sanitizer Spray


Vegamour’s vegan hand sanitizer spray is made with all-natural ingredients like organic aloe vera and marula oil, which is known for containing antioxidants and for soothing dry skin. It’s balanced blend of orange peel and lavender make it a treat to smell.

Buy Now: $16

Everyone Hand Sanitizer Spray


More potent and portable than any other six-pack, Everyone’s sanitizer spray is derived from GMO-free sugar cane. It’s paired with a sensual blend of lemon essential oil and coconut essence for an instant aromatherapy session in a bottle.

Buy Now: $17 (six-pack)

EiR NYC Pure Eir


EiR NYC’s premium hand sanitizer features a rich blend of calendula-infused olive oil, cypress oil, sweet orange oil, eucalyptus and witch hazel which combat microbes and bacteria while leaving your skin nourished and smelling fantastic.

Buy Now: $20

DS & Durga Big Sur After Rain Hand Sanitizer


If you prefer your hand sanitizer to come with a short story, DS & Durga’s Big Sur After Rain is for you. Inspired by the famed mountainous central coast of California, this hanacd sanitizer spray features a thick scent of eucalyptus, notes of magnolia and wet wood. It also contains glycerin to keep your hands moisturized.

Buy Now: $30

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Our Favorite Modular Camping Trailer Now Doubles As a Mobile Office

California-based Happier Camper is one of the brands you absolutely need to know if you’re buying a camping trailer — or if you want a relatively affordable camper van conversion. Now, the company has just revealed their new 2021 edition of the Traveler — the larger, more full-service version of their base HC1 model.

Happier Camper trailers and vans offer a customizable floor plan that can vary from trip to trip thanks to their Adaptiv system, which uses modular, Lego-like blocks for its interior features and functions. The Traveler uses its 17-foot length to add a couple of fixed features, including a wet bath with a dry flush toilet and a fixed kitchenette with a dual-burner stove, sink and drawer fridge. It also comes with dual 17-gallon fresh water and gray water tanks.

Despite the added functionality, the Traveler is still super-light — another feature that we love about it. At 1,800 pounds dry and around 2,500 pounds loaded, making it towable by many compact crossovers and even some wagons, like the Subaru Outback.

happier camper trailer interior

Happier Camper

happier camper trailer interior

Happier Camper

Thanks to the the modular layout, The Traveler can accommodate a queen-sized mattress in the front or a full-sized bed in the rear. Buyers can outfit the space with a bunk bed / couch option or — fittingly, for the modern workplace that now extends everywhere — a new mobile office, much like Airstream also offers on the Flying Cloud. Happier Camper also offers mood lighting, should you be (pardon the pun) in the mood.

Worried about living with this little trailer in the sort of cold weather many of us have grappled with this year? Don’t be. The Traveler’s double hull fiberglass system is designed to minimize contraction and expansion and provide insulation in colder temperatures. The new Traveler is available in colors inspired by natural landscapes, including Pacific Blue, Bishop Red, Mojave Sage and Topanga Turquoise.

The base price for the Traveler is $49,950; the Premium upgrade package brings the price to $59,950. Happier Camper is currently taking orders now on their website for 2021 delivery.

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12 Products You Can Buy to Support the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

It’s a sad truth, but hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans are spiking across the United States. Major U.S. cities saw a 150-percent increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans, according to California State University’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism. In just the first three months of 2021, Los Angeles has seen a 114 percent increase in anti-Asian American hate crimes.

These spikes in anti-Asian sentiment in the United States have been trending since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, the New York Police Department reported a 1,900 percent increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans in New York City. Behind those numbers are actual people who have been attacked or, in worst case scenarios, have been killed — like Vicha Ratanapakdee, who was randomly pushed to death in San Francisco.

But what’s a publication that writes about gear doing talking about this, you might ask? Well, members of the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community are behind many of the products we write about. Not only that, but the community also makes up our readers, the people we work with and our own staff.

The 12 products highlighted here barely scratch the surface on how you can support the Asian American and Pacific Islander community (though there’s more information here, here and here), but the proceeds from their sales will go to support AAPI organizations and communities.

New York Tougher Than Ever Various Keytag (#StopAsianHate)

New York Tougher Than Ever nytougherthanever.com

$20.00

Heavyweights in the fashion industry, Phillip Lim and Ruba Abu-Nimah, founded #NYTougherThanEver with the goal of stopping Asian hate. Proceeds from the sales of its products goes towards organizations that support the AAPI community. 

Cha Chan Tang x Made in Chinatown Pineapple Bun Print

Made in Chinatown madeinchinatownny.com

$15.00

Made in Chinatown is a new initiative that works with Manhattan Chinatown businesses to create branded merch and apparel, with 100 percent of the profits going back to the businesses. Cha Chan Tang, a Hong Kong-style diner, specializes in food like the pineapple bun in this print.

Uprisers #HATEISAVIRUS Reusable Face Mask

Uprisers weareuprisers.com

$16.00

Masks have become a way to make a statement without actually having to say anything. Profits from this mask go towards the non-profit organization Hate Is a Virus, which hopes to dismantle racism.

Sun’s Organic Garden x Made in Chinatown Mug

Made in Chinatown madeinchinatownny.com

$18.00

Can’t make it to Sun’s Organic Garden in New York City’s Chinatown? This mug will give you the perfect tea-to-water ratios and the optimal brewing times for different styles of tea. Plus, you’ll be supporting a local business struggling due to the pandemic.

Welcome to Chinatown Moon Goddess Tote Bag

Made in Chinatown pearlriver.com

$395.00

Pearl River Mart is essentially the world’s first Chinese American department store. It stocks all kinds of trinkets and knickknacks, including food. This tote bag features a graphic of Chinatown with  the Moon Goddess and the Jade Rabbit hovering over.

Asian American Girl Club Trailblazers T-Shirt

Asian American Girl Club asianamericangirlclub.com

$28.00

Asian American Girl Club is a clothing brand that hopes to empower Asian American women. This t-shirt was made in collaboration with Apex for Youth, an organization that supports low-income Asian American and immigrant families.

Liza Corsillo x Masks to the People (2-Pack)

White Bark Workwear whitebarkworkwear.com

$33.00

These face masks are made from a mix of hemp and organic cotton, and $15 from each sale goes towards Heart of Dinner, which helps elderly Asian Americans in New York City get a hot meal and fresh food.

Neighborhood Spot Chinatown NYC Tee

Neighborhood Spot neighborhood-spot.com

$35.00

Designed by the Cevallos Brothers, this T-shirt features iconography from New York City’s Chinatown. Proceeds go towards Send Chinatown Love, which provide financial relief to small businesses in Chinatown that might not get a lot of attention.

Wing on Wo & Co. x Made in Chinatown Behind the Counter Pillow

Made in Chinatown madeinchinatownny.com

$35.00

Wing on Wo & Co. is the oldest store in Chinatown, and it’s been selling porcelain products since 1925. An illustrated snapshot of what the store’s shelves look like is featured on this pillow.

Phenomenally Asian T-Shirt

Phenomenal phenomenalwoman.us

$35.00

Meena Harris, niece of Vice President Kamala Harris, founded Phenomenal to uplift women by raising money through apparel. Her Phenomenally Asian t-shirt is helping to raise money for the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum. This tee is unisex and has been sported by the likes of Lisa Ling, Jeremy Lin and more.

Haerfest “Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes” T-Shirt

Haerfest haerfest.com

$35.00

The Asian-owned Haerfest typically makes bags, but its “Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes” T-shirt (also available as a sweatshirt) was made to help support the AAPI community. All the proceeds from this shirt’s first production run goes towards the organization Stop AAPI Hate.

MOCA Workshop x Private Policy Crane T-Shirt

Private Policy privatepolicyshop.com

$125.00

Fashion brand Private Policy partnered with the Museum of Chinese in America to make a t-shirt emblazoned with a crane and the saying “Born Perfect” in Chinese.

30 Black-Owned Home and Design Businesses to Support Right Now

Black people have been overlooked for far too long in the home and design industry.

READ THE STORY

Tyler Chin is Gear Patrol’s Associate Staff Writer.

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The 18 Best Things to Buy at Todd Snyder’s Spring Sale

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


The hardest thing about clicking over to Todd Snyder’s ongoing sale section might just be making sure you have enough time — and self-control. There’s so much good stuff to get through, and so much that could easily take up residence in your closet, that picking just one thing (or, hell, five things) poses a very real challenge. Is it just me? It might be! But I doubt it. Todd’s stuff has been a perennial favorite of not only our editors but our readers, too.

So, what are we to do with this information? Grin and bear it? Hold out and try to ignore those sweet, sweet deals? Hell no! Instead, I’ve scoured the entire sale section to find 18 things that you should consider buying right this instant and wearing all through the remaining days of winter and then well into spring (and summer, and fall). Happy shopping.

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Slim Fit 5-Pocket Chino in Lavender

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$148 $44 (70% off)

Nothing says “spring is coming” quite like a pair of pastel pants.

Button Down Linen Shirt in Almond

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$168 $64 (61% off) 

When the temperature spikes, you’re going to be very happy you have this linen shirt at your disposal.

Tatanka Chukka in Light Brown

Todd Snyder + Sebago toddsnyder.com

$175 $74 (57% off)

For mooring your schooner (or just taking a stroll to the local coffee shop).

Italian Pleated Cord Madison Trouser in Rust

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$268 $84 (68% off)

Pleats! Corduroy! A deeply satisfying rust color! These pants really do have it all.

7-Inch Weekend Short in Seersucker Tartan

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$148 $84 (43% off)

Shorts that even a “not so sure about shorts” guy can love.

Gold Welton Bi-Metal Quartz

Timex + Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$158 $104 (34% off)

Mid-century cool now comes in watch form.

Italian Herringbone CPO Jacket in French Blue

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$398 $114 (71% off)

Not to get all hyperbolic on you, but this CPO jacket might just be the best deal in the entire sale. 

Bold Stripe Turtleneck in White

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$188 $119 (36% off)

One part nautical, one part prep, and entirely cooler than any other turtlenecks you have in your rotation.

The Best Men’s Clothing, Shoes and Accessories on Sale Now

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The week’s best savings on jackets, sneakers, sweatshirts and more.

Reverse Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt in Light Sage

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$168 $119 (29% off)

Cozy boys unite.

Italian Dark Floral Print Camp Collar Shirt in Black

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$198 $124 (37% off)

Can’t stop won’t stop camp-collaring.

L.L.Bean x Todd Snyder Puffer Vest in Camo

L.L.Bean toddsnyder.com

$189 $159 (15% off)

Let this be your Maine (sorry, so sorry) outerwear play this spring.

Cable Fisherman’s Sweater in Kelly Green

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$298 $179 (39% off)

Even Chris Pine could never.

Polartec Half Zip Hoodie in Dark Hickory

Polartec toddsnyder.com

$228 $179 (21% off)

A hoodie, but make it a cortado.

Wool Pinstipe Crewneck Sweatshirt in Charcoal

Todd Snyder + Champion toddsnyder.com

$268 $199 (25% off)

There’s a “dyed in the wool” joke here, but I’m too distracted by this dope sweatshirt to make it.

Italian Boucle Zip Guide Jacket in Blue

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$498 $249 (50% off)

Italian. Boucle. Two words that sound just right together.

Italian Suede Snap Dylan Jacket in Eucalyptus

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$998 $594 (40% off)

And if you’re more of a suede-y character, here’s what you should be reaching for.

Italian Buffalo Plaid Two Collar Topcoat in Yellow Navy

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$1,498 $699 (53% off)

This coat is not for everyone. I know that. But if it’s for you? Get after it, because someday soon I want to see you in the wild and nod knowingly at your drip.

Italian Glen Plaid Topcoat in Brown

Todd Snyder toddsnyder.com

$1,198 $709 (40% off)

Honestly, I’m not even sure how this one made it to the sale section. Scoop it now before they figure out their mistake. 

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The Best New Knives and EDC of March 2021

Spring officially starts later this month when the sun hovers directly above the equator on March 20th. A week before that, we’ll all get an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day when daylight saving time starts. Gear makers are already pulling fresh batches of summer gear out of their ovens, and we even got a sneak peek at 20 things coming out next fall. Add to those wish lists: four new knives, a unique multi-tool and a face mask that goes everywhere.

Kershaw Turismo

kershaw turismo

Courtesy

With all the small knives in production these days, the Turismo is mightier than it lets on. It has a 2.9-inch blade made of D2 steel and a curved handle that’s also made of steel, though with a black satin finish. Adding to its sleek and stealthy appearance is a flipper tab that remains recessed when the blade is out.

Price: $72 $44

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Benchmade Bugout Carbon Fiber

benchmade bugout carbon fiber

Courtesy

When Benchmade sought to upgrade one of its most beloved EDC pocket knives, the Bugout, it turned to carbon fiber. The knife was already a paragon of ultralight utility, but now that’s truer than ever, thanks to a milled carbon-fiber handle. The Bugout 535-3 weighs just over two ounces but still maintains a 3.24-inch S90V super-steel blade that deploys with a slick lever-style AXIS lock.

Price: $300 $255

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Matador Keychain Mask

matador keychain mask

Courtesy

The best face mask is no good at all if you forget it at home. Matador’s solution goes everywhere you do, thanks to flash drive-sized solution that’s at home with your keys. The polyester-Spandex face mask is soft and comfortable with adjustable ear loops, and it’s easy to get in and out of its little silicone case. It’s not ideal for everyday use but perfect in those inevitable forgotten mask pinches.

Price: $15

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Forloh Blackfoot Blade

forloh blackfoot blade

Courtesy

Hunting knives don’t always pique our EDC-oriented interest, but the recent collab between the hunting apparel maker Forloh and Montana Knife Company has us reaching for camo and orange. The Blackfoot comes with a 3.5-inch high-carbon steel for easy upkeep and a trusty G10 handle that ups the visual appeal with its undulating color variations. Everything down to the included Kydex sheath is made in the United States.

Price: $300

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Vero Engineering Fulcrum

vero engineering fulcrum

Courtesy

Multi-tools come in many shapes, but perhaps none are as pleasingly simple as Vero Engineering’s Fulcrum. It takes the form of a pry tool but includes a cavity for storing screwdriver bits — secured tastefully with rubber bands — that slot into its blunt end when any screws need twisting. It comes with or without a pocket clip too.

Price: $100

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Gerber Doubledown

gerber doubledown

Courtesy

Survival-oriented outdoor tasks usually require cutting and chopping tools of equal stature — typically, hatchets and machetes. Gerber doesn’t deny this, but it does argue that clever design can make these implements easier to heft around on the trail. Enter the Doubledown: it’s a bushcrafting knife with a broad 6.75-inch blade, but its edge is in its handle. The two pieces it consists of pivot to make a protective sheath, which also reduces its packed size by half.

Price: $129

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Today in Gear: The Best Grills of 2021, an Awesome E-Gravel Bike & More

Land Rover Confirms a Bigger, 3-Row Defender Will Go on Sale Soon

Land Rover’s newest Defender will give American families the flexibility they want.

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All the Automotive News You Missed This Week That You Should Know About

Jeep may change one of its iconic names; the Ram Dakota may be back on; and Kia just made one of its cars way cooler.

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Digitally Adjustable Dumbbells Are Cool, but Are They Worth the Money?

Jaxjox’s good-looking DumbbellConnect can go from eight pounds to 50 with the tap of a button.

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Why Is There a Domino’s Logo on This Rolex?

How one of the world’s foremost watchmakers ended up producing a watch for the official pizza of high-school pizza parties.

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14 Style Releases and New Watches We’re Obsessed About This Week

Solid denim, new takes on some familiar dive watches and more in this week’s roundup.

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Ditch Your Wood and Plastic Cutting Boards for a Rubber One. Here’s Why

The rubber cutting board has the upper-hand on the wood and plastic board in almost every way.

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Sonos Has Something New Coming. Here’s What We Know So Far

Sonos has officially confirmed that its next hardware event will held on March 9. Here’s what it might announce.

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This New E-Gravel Bike Does Something No Other Can

This Crow can fly — with or without electric power.

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The 9 Best Gas Grills You Can Buy in 2021

From a $199 grill that outcooks $1,000 grills to one of the best-designed products, let alone grills, money can buy, these are the 9 best gas grills money can buy.

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7 New Tech Products to Have on Your Radar This Week

From DJI’s fancy FPV drone to Razer’s first audio glasses, Microsoft’s Intelligent Speakers and Samsung’s next-generation Chromebook.

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Spring Is Coming and Cheap Outdoor Furniture Is Getting Discounted

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


If you don’t need the most luxe patio furniture, but you do need somewhere to sit on a patio or deck come summer, you should probably check out Wayfair’s huge closeout on outdoor furniture and its open box deals on patio furniture.

The site is offering all sorts of savings on chaise lounges, umbrella bases, patio sofas, and more. In preparation for the coming months, this seems to be the first of the big promotions that will be happening around outdoor furniture. This is just the beginning of these sales, so if you don’t see anything you like just yet it’s probably worth holding out for the coming weeks when a lot more patio furniture will really start getting put on sale.

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This New E-Gravel Bike Does Something No Other Can

Torn over whether to get an e-bike or a traditional bicycle? A bike for the city, or more of an off-road ride? We know the feeling — and we’re stoked to say that a new crowdfunded option holds the promise of making such dilemmas mute.

Meet Crow, an Meet Crow, an ultralight e-gravel bike that packs one very compelling bonus feature you might not expect: its 7.27-pound battery pack and motor are removable, allowing you to quickly transform your ride from electric to analog.

Even before you ditch the power, Crow has the looks of a pretty streamlined ride. A full-carbon frame and fork keeps the weight at a nimble 30.2 pounds including motor and battery, making it one of lightest e-gravel bikes around. The motor itself is the German-engineered Fazua Evation Drive system, a low-profile mid-mounted setup providing three levels of power assist and a 50-mile range.

Thanks to components from respected brands like Shimano and SRAM, Crow’s Madrid-based design team pledges this bike can hold its own on fire roads, dirt trails and even singletrack. The Ritchey gravel handlebar, beefy 700×38 tires and multiple mounting points for bikepacking gear in particular signal its intention to to be ridden far off the beaten path.

crow bicycle

Crow Bicycles

As part of its Indiegogo campaign, Crow is offering four trim levels: two less-expensive models with aluminum frames ($2,833+) and two higher-end versions with the aforementioned carbon frames ($3,578+). Other differences revolve around the quality of components like shifters, brakes and chains.

However, all four bikes include a feature that calls back to the versatility that captured our attention in the first place: when you remove the battery, you can replace it with a shell you can stuff with extra layers, tubes or snacks, as seen in the below screen grab from the promotional video.

crow bicycle

Crow Bicycles

The campaign is currently 75 percent funded, with 27 days to go. So get in there and help these folks make this dream a reality — we really want to ride this thing.

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adidas Velosamba Cycling Shoes

Sambas are iconic soccer shoes, and they also happen to be great stylish sneaks for those who don’t play the game. Now, adidas has turned them into cleated cycling shoes appropriately named “Velosamba” that look…

The post adidas Velosamba Cycling Shoes first appeared on Cool Material.

DJI FPV Drone and Goggles Combo

DJI has long been the go-to when it comes to brilliant, efficient and effective and drone technology. A couple years ago, they made waves with the DJI Digital FPV System designed to deliver a first-person…

The post DJI FPV Drone and Goggles Combo first appeared on Cool Material.

Why Is There a Domino’s Logo on This Rolex?

“You see this watch?” a smug, young and skinny Alec Baldwin asks during his “Always Be Closing” speech at the beginning of Glengarry Glen Ross. He waves his gold Rolex DayDate in front of Ed Harris’s face before setting it down on his desk. “That watch costs more than your car. I made $970,000 last year…that’s who I am.”

Of course Baldwin’s venomous “motivational” diatribe would include a gold Rolex. It’s perfect. A character who defines himself so much by his wealth would wear the one brand that is universally synonymous with status, power and success. Baldwin’s particular model of Rolex is nicknamed the “President,” for God’s sake.

I wonder how Baldwin’s character would feel about a Rolex Air-King — the 34mm dateless three-hander that, until being discontinued in 2014 (and subsequently revived at a large diameter), was Rolex’s entry-level watch — loudly branded with the familiar red-and-white logo of the world’s second-largest pizza chain. Look on any number of online vintage watch dealers and you’ll see them pop up from time to time: Domino’s Rolexes. So how did one of the world’s foremost watchmakers end up producing a watch for the official pizza of laser-tag parties?

dominos-watch-gear-patrol-ambiance

Other exercises in horological employee rewards? The Coca-Cola and Winn-Dixie dials.

Domino’s began incentivizing its franchisees with Rolex in 1977 when Domino’s Pizza founder and CEO Tom Monaghan gave a high-earning franchise owner the watch off his wrist. In his 1986 autobiography, Pizza Tiger, Monaghan wrote, “I wore a Bulova with our Domino’s logo on its face. A franchisee asked what he had to do to get that watch from me, and I told him, ‘Turn in a twenty-thousand-dollar sales week.’ He did it.”

After that, Managhan began giving away Seikos to top earners. Then he upped the ante with “hundreds of $800 Rolexes.” In the early days of what is now known as the Rolex Challenge, turning in $20,000 in sales one week at Domino’s would get you a Rolex. (Break $10,000 and you’d get an Hermés tie.) But as Rolex prices increased, so did the stakes. Domino’s continued to give out branded Rolexes, but a franchise needed to hit $25,000 in sales in a week — four weeks in a row. According to a Domino’s spokesperson, a franchise would pull in closer to $17,000 in sales a week, on average.

“As soon as I realized the challenges were attainable, I starting to work hard for them,” said Hannah Lantz, a Domino’s Franchisee. “I have won five times, including at the $45,000 and $50,000 level. Fifty thousand dollars is a lot of pizza per week. It required growing the staff and more preparation.”

I wore a Bulova with our logo on its face. A franchisee asked what he had to do to get that watch from me, and I told him, ‘Turn in a twenty-thousand-dollar sales week.’ He did it.

As a means of motivation, Monaghan’s use of Rolexes as incentives seem incredibly more effective than the “fuck you, look at my watch” method employed in Glengarry Glen Ross. In his essay “The CEO as a Corporate Myth-Maker,” Wayne State Literature and Folklore Professor Richard Raspa suggests that Monaghan believed “everyone who worked at Domino’s was a potential replica of the founder.” That offering employees the same kind of luxury pens, ties and watches he owned — even the one off his own wrist — would bestow them with the same kind of entrepreneurial power Monaghan possessed to turn a Ypsilanti, Michigan pizza parlor into one of the biggest fast food franchises in the world.

dominos

Christies

As for the watches themselves, the ones that show up on the secondhand market have become oddball collectibles, selling at over what you’d normally expect to pay for a vintage Air-King. (They are more easily found than Rolexes branded by companies like Winn-Dixie and Coca-Cola, which gave their watches away for years of service rather than monetary goals.) Still, the Domino’s logo is a divisive feature. An image of one on our own Instagram page garnered over 60 comments ranging from “I LOVE branded Rolexes, un-sarcastically” to “Ugh, what a travesty.”

“That Rolex gets more attention in my window than any other Rolex, except maybe the vintage Submariner,” said Steve Kivel, president of Central Watch in Grand Central Station, where a Domino’s Air-King sat in the shop window with a $3,595 price tag. “I think it’s colorful and unusual, and that is rare for a Rolex vintage watch. Anytime you have something different from the normal black- or silver-dial Rolex, it draws a lot of interest, and usually will be more valuable.”

When asked how long the watch was on sale at Central Watch, Kivel admitted it sat for several months. “Sometimes being so unique is not for everybody,” he said.

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This Gorgeous Desktop Mic Is a Great Home Office Upgrade

External microphones used to be a gadget with a fairly niche appeal, but now that most of us are doing approximately 20 times more video chats than we used to, it’s a piece of kit you might want to upgrade. For my part, I’ve been using the new Tula Mic as an upgrade to my home office in form and function, and it’s been fantastic.

The Tula Mic is the first product from a San Francisco-based company of the same name, started by David Brown of Soyuz Microphones. Those handmade, beautifully retro-looking and very expensive microphones are used by some of the biggest names in the music industry, like Paul McCartney, Adele and Ariana Grande. And while the Tula Mic shares that vintage flair, which is definitely party of its appeal, it’s also far more affordable than high-end professional models, but more pricey than budget alternatives at $199.

Until now, my mainstay has been a Blue Snowball from Gear Patrol for work projects like our upcoming podcast. At just shy of $50, it’s not crazy expensive but it does a better job than whatever is attached to your laptop. And its huge bulbous shape does make me feel a little like Howard Stern, which I liked a little too much, I think.

Having both on my desk has allowed me to enlist my coworkers for blind tests, forcing stay late after meetings and listen to me toggle between both. Almost every time, they singled out the Tula Mic as having the better sound quality. I was impressed at how uniform the opinion was! Listening back on recordings, I can hear the difference too. It’s not isn’t huge, granted, but it’s definitely there. The Tula just sounds warmer and closer, like your voice is coming from across the table instead of from across the room.

The Tula Mic is also way more versatile than most other desktop mics. It’s also a full-fledged portable digital recorder that can work with no computer required, for recording podcasts on the go, interviews, or whatever else you need. It has a 14-hour battery, 8GB of built-in memory and a built-in headphone jack so you can listen straight from the device.

It’s a handy feature but there’s definitely a learning curve. There isn’t a display or interface on the actual microphone, and the buttons on the side (there are bunch) aren’t labeled so you’re going to have to keep the instruction manual nearby until muscle memory can take over.

But of course, that’s not it’s main use case. I suspect the appeal for most people is the same as it is for me: an external microphone that’s a huge upgrade over the built-in mic on my laptop that looks better than pretty every other desktop mic you can buy. The black version looks absolutely fantastic with my other black and space gray desktop accoutrements, and makes hopping on a video call just slightly more fun.

Price: $199

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8 Ways to Stay Safe on the Road

In the US, there are around 231,652,000 licensed drivers (2020). With all those people on the road, it’s important that we all work together to stay as safe as possible. While you should already have passed your driving test, it can be extremely beneficial to remind yourself of the laws so that you reduce the risk of accidents.

In this article, we are going to look at eight ways to stay safe on the road. Sound interesting? Then keep on reading!

Obey the road rules

This one may come as a given, but you would be surprised how many people try and avoid the most basic road rules. Speeding, reckless driving, and drunk driving are all frequent occurrences and lead to severe accidents. Remember, they are there for a reason, so it’s best to follow them. At the end of the day, you will be safer and can avoid those dreaded fines. Check out these USA driving rules to brush up on your knowledge.

Drive properly according to the conditions

The weather can certainly be unpredictable, and at times it can affect the roads severely. If you’re planning on driving during these conditions, make sure you consider the following:

Fog: When driving in fog, always keep a safe distance between you in the car in front. You also need to give plenty of notice when using signals and avoid using your high-beam lights as this will make it harder to see. 

Snow: Driving in snow is dangerous, so make sure you slow down as much as possible and allow extra time to get somewhere. Take corners slowly to avoid skidding and accelerate gradually, so your tires don’t spin. Make sure you also keep an eye out for black ice that can cause you to lose control quickly.

Rain: When driving in the rain, slow down and avoid pools/puddles. Since roads can be slick, make sure to give plenty of distance between you and the cars in front. You also want to use your headlights.

Keep up your training

If you don’t frequently drive, completing a refresher training course can be a great idea to help you stay safe on the road. In some cases, you may even be able to dismiss a ticket. Check out defensivedrivingcourse.com if you are looking to brush up on your skills. Trust us when we say it really can make a difference.

Plan trips in advance

If you are going on a long trip or going to a place that you haven’t been to before, it can be wise to plan out everything in advance. Take a look at the safest routes, know where there are available gas stations, and check out what the weather will be like. This way, you can prepare yourself for the conditions and won’t be so distracted along the way.

Do pre-trip inspections

Many of us often hop straight in our car and head out on our journey. However, it would be best if we were doing a quick inspection first. Have a friend help you to make sure all of your lights are working correctly. You’ll also want to check your tires, fluids, brakes, and battery if you are planning on a long trip. This way, you can get anything fixed in advance before breaking down on the road. Yes, car repairs can be expensive, but they are necessary.

Minimize distractions

Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in the US. To avoid taking your eyes off the road, make sure you spend time eliminating anything that may distract you. Put away your phone, avoid eating while driving, and make sure any children and pets are correctly secured. Multi-tasking may seem efficient, but you’re risking your own life and the life of those around you.

Take frequent breaks during long trips

Another common cause of car accidents is fatigue. When you feel sleepy, all it takes is a second for your eyes to close, and you can be off the road. To avoid this, make sure that you take frequent breaks during long trips so that you can re-energize. You may even consider swapping drivers (when possible) or pulling over and having a rest until you are recovered.

Wear a seatbelt 

Lastly, one of the most important tips to remember while driving is to wear a seatbelt. In fact, according to the NHTSA, 14,955 lives were saved by them. By ensuring that both yourself and your passengers have buckled up before heading out on the road, you can remain safe.

Digitally Adjustable Dumbbells Are Cool, but Are They Worth the Money?

The other night, around 4:30 am, I woke up to a single loud beep sounding somewhere inside the one-room house I’m currently occupying. Still partly submerged in that middle-of-the-night stupor, I closed my eyes. A few seconds later, there it was again. The gadgets I keep here are limited; it couldn’t be my watch (the battery has been dead for weeks), and it wasn’t my phone. There is no microwave here, the oven has no alarm feature, and the fire alarm sleeps more soundly than I do. It blared a third time, and I recognized its provenance: a new set of $450, Bluetooth-enabled, weight-shifting dumbbells made by the connected fitness company Jaxjox.

The DumbbellConnect’s promise is twofold. Jaxjox packed 16 dumbbells into a single pair, each incrementally adjusting from 8 pounds to 50, all at the tap of a button. It’s an entire rack’s worth of weights in a form that’ll fit even the most modest home gym. Then there’s the connected element — with the Jaxjox app, you can participate in trainer-led sweat sessions and track reps, sets, time, power and total volume. But does all this technology add up to a better workout? Here’s everything I’ve learned while testing.

Price: $449

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What We Like

Go from eight to 50, fast.

With the DumbbellConnect, you can take the phrase “at the push of a button” literally. Each dumbbell’s base has a + and a – button, and they do exactly what you think they do. Adjusting from one increment to another, 20 to 26 pounds, for example, takes roughly four seconds by my count. Moving from the lightest weight to heaviest — that’s eight to 50 — takes approximately six. (By tapping the button quickly, you can move from any weight setting to another without having to wait for the bar to adjust through each increment.)

You can also adjust the weights from your phone if you choose to download the Jaxjox app, which you can also use to change both dumbbells at once (though you have to make sure both are on and paired, which you can do by lifting them and replacing them in the base with the app on).

jaxjox dumbbell connect

Gear Patrol Studios

They’re solid and secure.

Something to be said about good old-fashioned analog weights is that if you don’t set them up correctly, it’s on you, not the weight. If you’re like me, then you assume any e-gear will be finicky at some point. My deep dark fear with a connected dumbbell set was that something would give out in the middle of a swing and I’d send one of the three-pound plates through the woodstove. Thankfully, Jaxjox designed its dumbbells to be solid and nearly rattle-free.

So is the base.

The bases are made of plastic and feel light compared to the 50 pounds they hold, but they’re surprisingly sturdy. Each one has outer “wings” and ridges to help you guide the dumbbell into place, and there are eight rubberized feet that prevent them from sliding around on the floor.

The app’s workout library is stocked.

If you do pony up for the premium edition of the Jaxjox app — it’s $12.99 per month — there’s a healthy number of classes to keep you occupied. You can filter through them based on the piece of gear you have or sort by what muscle group you want to hit, class duration, the instructor or your experience level. There are also handy “skills” lessons, so if you don’t know how to do a DB halo, for instance, you can learn.

jaxjox app

Gear Patrol Studios

They leave room to upgrade.

All of Jaxjox’s equipment (there’s also an adjustable kettlebell, a foam roller and a push-up trainer) integrates into a complete system that the app encompasses. The company recently revealed its all-in-one InteractiveStudio ($2,199), which features a big screen for immersive workouts. It comes with a set of the dumbbells along with everything else the company makes, but if you already have a pair, you can upgrade for a lower price to get the pieces you’re missing.

Watch Out For

Digital products have digital issues.

I didn’t have the plug-and-pump experience that Jaxjox promises the DumbbellConnect provides, and neither did another tester. I couldn’t get the dumbbells to activate in their bases, and none of the troubleshooting methods the manual mentions aided me. I finally got them to beep when I put them in the bases while they were plugged in and haven’t had that issue since. Our other tester couldn’t initially get the dumbbells to pair at the same time, though he has also had no issues since.

jaxjox dumbbells

Gear Patrol Studios

Eventually, you have to plug them in.

The supplied charging cord is a USB-C to USB-A style cord, and it doesn’t come with a standard plug end, so you do have to have access to a USB port near where you plan to store the weights, or you have to move the bases anytime you want to charge them. Or, you could buy a USB-equipped power strip for your home gym.

Don’t slam your weights.

As mentioned before, the dumbbell base is sturdy but made of plastic. In a gym, slamming your weights on the ground is bad etiquette, but here it could bust your setup. That said, the base encourages finesse because you have to line up the handles with the plates that are still there (unless you’re curling 50), to properly re-settle them in the cradle — which from what I can tell is also part of how the app tracks your workout.

The same is true of lifting the weights off the base — I occasionally noticed that one end would stick to the leftover plates if I didn’t lift it vertically. You get the hang of it, but it’s something to be aware of nonetheless.

The app could use a bug zapper.

The app’s user experience is good, but it isn’t without some notable bugs. Tapping into some workouts, I wound up on an error screen. With no back button in sight, the only way to return to the class hub was to swipe the app closed and restart it. Additionally, while scrolling and filtering through classes, the app would occasionally boot me back to my phone’s home screen and force me to start my search all over again. There are also no live streaming workouts with virtual classmates, for those who draw motivation from those kinds of things.

They might wake you up in the middle of the night.

As of this writing, my DumbbellConnect only turned nocturnal once.

Verdict

Jaxjox’s digitally-jacked DumbbellConnect makes for a stealthy-sleek set of adjustable dumbbells that are easy to adjust and won’t take up much space in your home. The Bluetooth-enabled features aren’t perfect, but the weights function well without your phone, meaning if you are veteran lifter with your own plan, you can get a killer workout without ever looking at a screen. The associated app provides a comprehensive extra layer to your routine of curls and presses, but it costs extra and isn’t free of bugs either. Hopefully, Jaxjox can iron out these software issues in due time.

Price: $449

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These New Lightweight Jeans Are Perfect for Warmer Weather

Revtown’s newest Lightweight Jean is the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe. It’s built upon the brand’s foundational Decade Denim with a slightly lighter weight and same sharp fit. It’s Revtown’s lightest fabric yet and delivers ultimate comfort and breathability — keeping you feeling good no matter where your day takes you. The Lightweight Jean is offered in two colorways, dark indigo with a subtle sheen or a medium-dark indigo that is perfectly faded. They’ve also been created with a soft hand feel and light fit, but rest assured the quality guarantees durability. With maximum comfort and mobility, they are ideal for commuters and travelers — the Lightweight may well be your new favorite jean.

Price: $89

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Plant Owners, You Need Some Sticky Gnat Traps

My indoor plant obsession led to a war between gnats and myself over who lives in this apartment. With Garsum sticky traps, I’m winning.

Like so many others during the start of the pandemic, I got bit by the plant-buying bug. I went from zero indoor plants to about a dozen within a couple months. Then the gnats came.

Gnats are a common downside of owning houseplants. The little pests look like miniature mosquitoes, but thankfully don’t bite. They are, however, still incredibly annoying and enjoy taking laps around my head, like a taunt. Trying to squish one in the air is about as easy as trying to catch a speck of floating dust. Gnats are drawn to moisture and decaying organic matter. The initiated plant parent, as I was, tend to overwater their plants, providing the perfect breeding ground for more gnats since the little buggers love to lay their eggs in damp soil. If you see one gnat, you’re in for a home full of nuisances.

sticky plant traps

Tyler Chin

The internet gave me two solutions for combatting gnat infestations: gnat-killing sprays or gnat-trapping stickies. Using sprays on my plants freaked me out, so I went with a 12-pack of traps from a brand called Garsum, which specializes in natural insect control.

sticky plant traps

Tyler Chin

Garsum’s traps come in what the brand calls “cute designs”— the sun or a butterfly — that try as hard as they can to detract from the fact that your planter is also home to a gnat killer. The double-sided traps are easy to get into soil, and because they’re waterproof, the traps are good for as long as there’s space to catch more gnats. Since I’ve been using the Garsum traps, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in the number of times I’ve swatted at a gnat whizzing by my head. It’s also less annoying now because I know one my traps will take care of the gnat sooner or later.

Price: $9 for a 12-pack

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Tyler Chin is Gear Patrol’s Associate Staff Writer.

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Today’s Best Deals: 50% off Todd Snyder Chukkas, a Deal on an OtterBox Cooler & More

Welcome to Deals of Note, where Gear Patrol captures all the best deals of the day. You can also visit GearPatrol.com/Deals for constant updates on the latest deals discovered by our team.

EDITOR’S PICKS

The most rare or exceptional deals picked by Gear Patrol’s product experts.

OUTDOOR DEALS

FITNESS DEALS

STYLE DEALS

TECH DEALS

HOME & KITCHEN DEALS

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Specialized Rolls Out Its Best Gravelgrinder Yet: The Diverge Expert Carbon

Drawing design cues & components from its high-end cyclocross category, the Diverge Expert Carbon from Specialized comes out of the gate as the brand’s fastest & most capable adventure-gravel bike. It features a super-light FACT 9r carbon frame & is driven by Shimano’s GRX Di2 1×11 gearing. It can be fitted with 700c or 650b wheels and frame clearance accommodates tires up to 47mm—so the fatties will fit. Available now but probably not for long given current demand.

Aether’s End of Season Sale Is Offering Rare Discounts

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


Tired of eccentric and awkward-looking mountain gear, Los Angeles-based Aether set out with a mission to make something that looked at home in the city but really found its legs on the mountain. It is safe to say that this was a successful mission. Whether it is a ski jacket complete with Gore-Tex and a powder skirt or a pair of tough-as-nails pants that you can pair with an oxford shirt, Aether has what you need to take you from the concrete jungle to the queue at the bottom of the express lift. Right now you can get a huge selection of Aether items for 50 percent off as part of its end-of-season sale.

We love the Access Shell, which has a powder skirt and a pocket for extra goggles, but also withstands an unexpected downpour on the way to work. If you’re looking for something less ski-focused, you can snag a merino sweater or rugby shirt. Sales at Aether are rare, and this one only runs until March 14 so you better jump on these savings quick.

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Sonos’s New Speaker Just Leaked, and It’ll Put Basic Bluetooth to Shame

sonos move smart speaker

Future PublishingGetty Images

Last week, Sonos officially announced that its next hardware event will held on March 9, 2021. As we’re always fascinated to see what the company is up to next, we let the world know about it in this post — in which we speculated that it seemed likely that Sonos would use the March event to announce another portable speaker like the Sonos Move, but way smaller and way more affordable.

Well, it turns out we were right — but we didn’t have to wait for March 9th to find out, or for Sonos to tell us officially. On March 4th, we got our first look at that new speaker, called the Sonos Roam, thanks to leaked images of that speaker brought to light by The Verge‘s Chris Welch.

The speaker looks very similar to the current UE Boom 3, and it’s expected to cost $169, according to The Verge‘s source, which cite direct knowledge of the product. The Sonos Roam should weigh in at about a pound and stand 6.5 inches tall; a wireless charging dock will be available for an extra $49 if you’d rather not charge via USB cable. You can check out the leaked images in the embedded tweet below.

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Not many details are known about the Sonos Roam, other than that it’s expected to be fully waterproof and have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, just like the Sonos Move does. According to The Verge‘s article, the Roam will start shipping out to retailers on April 20th. Consider this your way of getting ahead of the line.

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