All posts in “Gear”

Some of Patagonia’s Best Ski and Snowboard Apparel Is Hugely Discounted Right Now

With ski season getting into gear, it’s the perfect time to score early deals on top-notch jackets, pants and bibs.

patagonia powderPatagonia

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When it comes to snagging ski and snowboard deals, we typically advise shopping during late spring, when prices on all the previous season’s gear get seriously slashed.

However, Patagonia’s recently announced winter sale has us breaking that rule, because a ton of great stuff is already deeply discounted — as much as 50% off — and if you pounce now, you can still rock it for the better half of this ski season.

Below you’ll find some of our favorite deals on snow jackets, pants and bibs, all 30 percent off and available in a range of sizes and colors.

Happy pow chasing.

patagonia mens insulated powder town jacket embedPatagonia

Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Jacket

This do-it-all jacket comes complete with a 2-layer H2No Performance Standard shell, Thermogreen insulation and a taffeta liner. A PFAS–free DWR finish keeps you dry, while a two-way adjustable hood, adjustable hem and pit zips enable fine-tuned climate control. 

patagonia mens snowdrifter jacket embedPatagonia

Patagonia SnowDrifter Jacket

Thanks to recycled 3-layer stretch fabric featuring waterproof-breathable H2No Performance Standard protection, this streamlined jacket can take  you smoothly from the resort to the skin track. Other compelling qualities include a two-way adjustable hood, low-profile powder skirt and pit zips.

patagonia mens untracked jacket embedPatagonia

Patagonia Untracked Jacket

This backcountry-ready jacket optimizes both your uphill and downhill experience. It boasts 3-layer 100% recycled nylon Gore-Tex ePE performance fabric with a soft-knit interior backer, enabling you to move freely while staying protected from the elements. An adjustable hood and hem, watertight zippers, smartly placed pockets and pit zips round out the premium features.

patagonia mens powder town pants embedPatagonia

Patagonia Powder Town Pants

Made of durable, waterproof, breathable 2-layer H2No Performance Standard shell fabric, these pants are compatible with any Patagonia snow jacket thanks to a webbing loop on the rear yoke that attaches to the powder skirt. The waist is adjustable, gaiters help to keep out snow and mesh-lined leg vents on the outer thighs make it easy to dump heat in a hurry.

patagonia mens stormstride pants embedPatagonia

Patagonia Stormstride Pants

This ultra-active waterproof snow shell pairs well with the backcountry-ready jackets above. It’s optimized for uphilling thanks to stretchy 3-layer  3-layer H2No Performance Standard fabric and generous zippered thigh vents, plus gaiters, scuff guards and easy-access cargo pockets.

patagonia storm shift jacket embedPatagonia

Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket

One of Patagonia’s best snow jackets boasts 2-layer GORE-TEX ePE fabric and a body-mapped zigzag fleece lining, delivering storm protection and moisture wicking so you stay high and dry. An adjustable hood and hem plus easy-to-reach pit zips ensure optimal comfort and climate control.

patagonia snowdrifter bibs embedPatagonia

Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs

These bibs are perfect for backcountry touring thanks to light, stretchy 3-layer H2No Performance Standard shell fabric that is waterproof and breathable and a soft polyester knit interior backer helps wick sweat without compromising movement. The bibs also feature detachable suspenders for easy entry, a drop-seat design — with side zips that double as vents — for answering nature’s call, and pockets on the thighs and chest for stashing essentials.

Looking for even more deals? You can shop the full men’s and women’s winter sales using these buttons.

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Yeti’s Bag Brand Just Revamped Its Already Excellent EDC Backpacks

Last year, Yeti purchased the cult-favorite bag brand Mystery Ranch. Since then, there has been some mystery (pun intended) about what will happen to the newly acquired pack purveyor, including rumors that Yeti might eliminate it almost entirely.

If its latest releases are any indication, this beloved brand still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Most interestingly, Mystery Ranch relaunched its In and Out backpacks with a pair of new EDC-ready takes. Now, they’re better than ever.

Mystery Ranch In and Out Backpacks expanded and packed on green-yellow gradient background
Both sizes of revamped In and Out backpacks compress to about the size of a water bottle.
Mystery Ranch

Pack it up, pack it in

As mentioned, the Mystery Ranch In and Out bags aren’t technically brand new. The originals were released in the late 2010s. However, these new ones have a host of improvements that make them superior to the original.

They’re still extremely packable, compressing to about the size of a water bottle. However, unlike similarly packable bags, these have more comfortable contoured shoulder straps alongside a sternum strap for additional security, stabilization, and improved ergonomics.

Furthermore, they’re extremely lightweight. The larger of the two (25L) weighs under a pound, while the smaller one (18L) weighs just 0.8 pounds.

Buffalo Trace’s Wild New Bottle Is Unlike Any Whiskey It’s Ever Made

To find out, Wheatley selected two different types of hops common in beer-making — Saaz noble hops, a European variety common in Bohemian beers, and the American Zythos hops, which are known for their tropical flavor profile — and infused them into raw rye bourbon whiskey distillate for 30 minutes.

a buffalo trace whiskey bottle next to a glass of whiskey on a bar
The bottle seeks to discover what a hops-infused whiskey would taste like.
Buffalo Trace Distillery

This hop-infused distillate was then redistilled and aged in charred white oak casks for 11 years and seven months before being diluted to 90 proof and bottled as the 26th entry in the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection.

So what does a hoppy whiskey-like spirit taste like? Well, I haven’t tried it myself, but we can get a pretty good idea based on the distillery’s tasting notes.

Thanks to the eleven-plus years of aging, the hop aroma and hop flavors are evident while providing a balanced bitterness that blends well with the spirit’s oaky whiskey character

Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace says the spirit has an especially hoppy nose with citrus and herbal notes like you’ll find in certain beers, along with the vanilla and oak scents typical of an aged whiskey.

On the palate, the liquid is said to be citrus-heavy with herbal and oak undertones, while the finish is clean and crisp. Honestly, this sounds more beer-like than anything to me, so I’d be curious to experience this one firsthand.

This Space-Inspired Watch Has an Astronomical Complication

Spaceone’s Tellurium cements the upstart brand’s mission to make Haute Horlogerie affordable.

SpaceOne Tellurium WatchSpaceOne

For those not already familiar, SpaceOne was founded in 2023 by entrepreneur Guillaume Laidet and independent watchmaker Théo Auffret as a neo-futuristic watchmaking workshop dedicated to making stunning Haute Horlogerie affordable.

SpaceOne’s second release, the Tellurium, features an in-house complication — developed and assembled in the brand’s Paris workshop — centered on a heliocentric Tellurium-type planetary wheel linked to a simple calendar, indicating the date (jumping) and current month (sliding). Its 42mm titanium case defies established geometry, resembling a smooth, silver pebble, curved on both sides and topped by a domed sapphire crystal. The dial is made of mesmerizing aventurine.

While the SpaceOne is not the first brand to offer a timepiece with a telluric complication, it may be the first to do it at such an approachable price point (€2,990) and in such a groundbreaking, futuristic design. The Tellurium is available in Blue and Black Titanium; each colorway is limited to 200 pieces.

SpaceOne Tellurium WatchSpaceOne

Spaceone Tellurium

From Our Partners

Spyderco Does Its Best Chris Reeve Impression with a Gorgeous Gentleman’s Knife

Although this year has only begun, Spyderco came out of the gate swinging for the fences. Visit the brand’s site, and you’ll find a wide selection of what the Glesser-run outfit will release in 2025.

While the New Product Reveal has much to love, one particular EDC knife caught my eye. The Spyderco Slym is a gorgeous gentleman’s knife that draws reasonable comparisons to one of the most legendary folding knives ever.

Spyderco Slym knife on gray gradient background
With sleek lines, impressive materials and outstanding mechanisms, the Slym is a welcome surprise.
Spyderco

Real recognize real

The Chris Reeve Sebenza is an EDC knife that needs no introduction. Since its first release in the late 1980s, it has consistently appeared on best-of lists. It’s also one of my favorite grail-worthy heirloom pocket knives.

Comparing anything to the Sebenza raises lofty expectations. Even so, the Slym boasts numerous aspects that remind me of the legendary Reeve-designed knife.

The most obvious is the R.I.L. (Reeve Integral Lock), an integrated version of the fan-favorite frame lock designed by Chris Reeve himself. The Slym’s titanium handle, with its carbon fiber inlay, also resembles the Sebenza’s.

Sonos Just Quietly Released a New Speaker for Bespoke Audio Systems

The advanced mount is designed to work on various surface materials and features an indexed ball joint that offers up to 30° of pan and tilt range as well as a full 360° of rotation. 

Installers likewise have the option of hiding or exposing the necessary ethernet cabling. There’s even a locking base plate to prevent theft and the option of using a detachable hook for extra mounting stability.

The Era 100 Pro also supports new zone audio features

Picture of a stylish modern restaurant dining room with Sonos Era 100 Pro speakers mounted high above the windowsSonos

Alongside the unique hardware, Sonos is introducing a new software zoning feature that gives buyers more control and flexibility over dividing, grouping and controlling music playback across Era 100 Pros installed in larger rooms or spaces.

The Zones feature is exclusive to the Era 100 Pro. You’ll be able to group up to 16 Era 100 Pro speakers in a single zone. When together, each speaker will play the same audio at the same value level.

According to Sonos, the Zoning feature is available via a software update on iOS and Android on the Sonos app.

Why I Won’t Buy Harbor Freight’s Viral $40 Leatherman Multi-Tool Dupe

The Wirecutter recently reviewed Harbor Freight’s Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-Tool. Not only did the review praise the $40 EDC knockoff, it went so far as to call it “better than a $120 Leatherman.” The publication even added the Gordon to its multi-tool best-of list, eschewing the Leatherman Wave+ entirely.

Wirecutter’s not alone in its comparison. Numerous YouTubers, Redditors, customer reviewers and even Harbor Freight’s own site have all compared the Gordon to Leatherman’s Wave+. Many of them have come to a similar conclusion, despite the tool’s astonishingly low price.

While I’ve seen news of this supposed Leatherman killer floating around EDC circles since its release a little less than a year ago, I’m here to tell you that I’m skeptical of these lofty claims. Here’s why you should be, too.

Gordon 20 in 1 Multi Tool cutting open a box
You might see a return on your investment using this multi-tool solely to cut open boxes. Maybe.
Harbor Freight

Materials matter

One of the most dubious things about the Gordon is its lack of material transparency. Leatherman, for instance, lists 440C and 440HC steel as what goes into the Wave+. These are traceable, respected steels with long histories of verifiable usage in the knife and EDC worlds. They’re also damn durable.

The Gordon, by contrast, merely lists “stainless steel” as its sole material. Unfortunately, this does little to clarify the material’s overall quality.

Stainless steel is a category of steel with only one requirement: a chromium content of at least 10 percent. Without further clarity on its numerical grade, there’s no way to gauge its elemental makeup, durability, hardness or other qualitative traits.

Timex Just Released Its Best Watch Ever. It’s Not Even Close

Timex has been undergoing a renaissance over the past several years under the guidance of its Italian design director, Giorgio Galli.

The crowning achievement of Timex’s modern rebirth up to this point has been Galli’s own eponymous line of watches, which began with the “Most ‘Timex’ Timex Ever Made” in 2022: the automatic Giorgio Galli S1.

Galli upped the ante with the second generation in 2023, the S2. With a part titanium case, a Swiss automatic movement and Swiss-made construction, the watch represented a new high point in quality for the affordable American brand. It also set a new high mark for pricing with an SRP just a hair under $1,000.

Now, Galli is back with the third and final entry in the series, and it’s not only the most impressive Giorgio Galli watch — it’s also the best watch Timex has ever made by a pretty wide margin.

a timex watch
Here it is, the most expensive and impressive Timex watch ever.
Timex

A $2,000 Timex?!

I’ll get the price out of the way up front, as there is sure to be some sticker shock here. The Timex Giorgio Galli S2Ti is priced at an eye-watering $1,950. That’s exactly double the cost of the $975 S2, which was already Timex’s most expensive watch ever. But once you see what the S2Ti actually offers, that price tag becomes a bit easier to swallow.

First, let’s go over what hasn’t changed. The watch maintains the 38mm case size, Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement and Swiss-made designation from the S2. It also features the same handset and dial design, including the unique stainless steel index ring, though the dial is now made of titanium and is gray rather than black.

Love Retro-Modern Dress Watches? You’re Gonna Want to See This

Vulcain just released a small second variant of its iconic Grand Prix dress watch — and it’s a looker.

Vulcain Grand Prix Watch in Small Second GreenVulcain

Vulcain has undergone quite the revival in recent years. Its latest release, a Small Second variant of the iconic Grand Prix dress watch, adds to the momentum with a fresh, feature-rich reference that infuses timeless heritage with a touch of modernity.

As the name implies, a small second feature at 6 o’clock distinguishes this timepiece while adding a healthy dose of vintage flare. Double-dome sapphire crystal and a semi-gloss sunburst finish dial design reinforce the retro vibes.

Sized for contemporary tastes with a 39mm diameter and 12.7mm thickness, and loaded with modern amenities including 5 ATM water resistance and an anti-reflective coating, the Grand Prix Small Second is powered by an exceptionally precise Swiss-made Landeron L246 automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve.

Available in two dial variations — Midnight Blue and Emerald Green — and a variety of strap colors, textures, and materials, the Vulcain Grand Prix Small Second starts at $1,420.

Vulcain Grand Prix Watch in Small Second GreenVulcain

Vulcain Grand Prix Small Second Green

Specs

Diameter 39mm
Thickness 12.7mm
Case Material Polished 316L Steel
Movement Landeron 24S6 Automatic
Power Reserve 40 hours

From Our Partners

The EDC Knife Lock That Changed Everything Is Now More Versatile Than Ever

In 1980, Michael Walker, one of the most significant designers in knifemaking history, patented a locking mechanism that would forever change the EDC world.

Now referred to colloquially as the liner lock, this mechanism has remained largely unchanged since its inception. Furthermore, it is still one of the most widely employed locking mechanisms. But it isn’t without its drawbacks.

However, the new Böker Plus Lefti has eliminated one of the liner lock’s most significant downsides. It’s such a clever, simple change that I can’t believe nobody has done it before.

two Böker Plus Lefti knives sitting on their sides on gray counter next to watch strap and EDC bag
The Lefti’s unusual blade slots somewhere between a Wharncliffe and a drop point.
Böker

Never walk(er) alone

To my knowledge, the Böker Plus Lefti is the first-ever EDC knife to offer an ambidextrous liner lock, meaning it can be used right- or left-handed. As mentioned, the way this was managed is incredibly simple.

Instead of having just a single liner lock, the Lefti has two — one on each side of the handle. However, the handle scales also have an additional screw, just behind the pivot, that can be used to pin one of the two liner locks in place. This keeps one lock from activating while allowing the other to slot into place when the knife is deployed.

The Best Affordable Rolex MilSub Homage Watch Is Back After a Decade

Pricing and Availability

The more affordable movement, omission of more complicated tech like the helium escape valve, and the fact that the watch is now mass-produced in Japan instead of painstakingly hand-assembled by Yao himself in America mean the Fulcrum 39 costs roughly half what its predecessor cost more than a decade ago — and that’s not even accounting for inflation.

a Mk II dive watch on a map
Those MilSub vibes are hard to beat.
Mk II

The Fulcrum debuted at $1,925 in 2013. The Fulcrum 39 costs just $995. That’s a pretty huge difference (accounting for inflation, that $1,925 in 2013 would be $2,608 today), and at that price, this watch is an absolute no-brainer for anyone looking to get a well-built tool watch with MilSub vibes.

Having said that, I expect demand to be through the roof. Mk II watches have always been hot commodities, with the brand’s “Benchmade” series often commanding years-long waits. Its “Ready to Wear” watches, which is what the Fulcrum 39 is, are easier to get a hold of but still sell out frequently, with long gaps before restocks.

So if you want a Fulcrum 39, I suggest signing up on Mk II’s website to be notified as soon as they become available on January 31. Oh, to further sweeten the pot, the first 100 watches sold will include both a black rubber strap and milspec Nytex I-M2 woven nylon strap in addition to the bracelet.

4 Strategies to Make Your Desktop More Ergonomic, According to the Pros

Your workspace might feel comfortable in the moment but haphazard ergonomics can take a toll on your body if you aren’t careful. Make an audit of your workspace and make sure it is up to snuff before aches and pains make you wish you’d done it earlier.

Proper ergonomics and immediate comfort aren’t the same thing, so it’s a good idea to defer to specialists. Years ago, at the height of the pandemic, experts from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine published the results of a survey in the journal Ergonomics in Design.

Today, it stands as excellent professional-grade advice you can apply right now for benefits that pay off in the days, weeks and years to come.

1. Make sure your screen is at the right height

A leading cause of pain from makeshift workstations stem from an improperly oriented screen. The study found that many laptop users’ screens are too low, causing neck strain from looking down for hours on end. Those with external displays often had them too high, causing the inverse problem.

tech roundup
Laptop or monitor stands allow you to dial in the height of your screen.
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

The answer? The top of your main screen should be at eye level, to ensure that maximum screen real-estate is viewable from a neutral, forward head position. Any additional screens should be off to one side, but viewable straight on.

While it’s easy to accomplish with an external display, it can be a little tougher with a laptop. But a stack of books can help raise it up to an appropriate level with ease, though it may leave you with some trouble typing, which brings us to step two.

This Minimalist Sports Watch Has Something I’ve Never Seen Before

Few modern watch brands enjoy experimentation quite as much as Ulysse Nardin.

The brand today is best known for its Freak line which utilizes the watch’s movement as its dial and hands, and there are various levels of Freaks — the Freak X, Freak One, Freak S — that gradually increase the watch’s, uh, freakiness.

Arguably second to the Freak in importance in the brand’s current lineup is the Blast, a series of bold and angular watches known for their avant-garde designs. Many Blast models feature an X-shaped skeletonized movement, something that immediately makes them recognizable thanks to their unique architecture.

The latest Blast watch from Ulysse Nardin also features one of these Skeleton X movements, but it’s displayed in a way that’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a watch before.

a Ulysse Nardin watch
No need to get your eyes checked, the dial’s supposed to be blurry.
Ulysse Nardin

Skeleton or Ghost?

UN’s new watch is a collab with Kyrgyz artist Vsevolod Sever Cherepanov, who goes by the moniker Amoureuxpeintre. The one-time Nike collaborator is known for his forward-thinking minimalist approach to design, and he used his signature style to put an interesting spin on the concept of a skeleton watch.

The Ulysse Nardin Blast Amoureuxpeintre is, at its core, a Skeleton X watch, but one that’s undergone an extreme reimagining. Typically on a Skeleton X, both the dial and caseback are made of transparent sapphire, offering a full view of the watch’s inner workings from both sides. This is the case for nearly all skeleton watches from every manufacturer.

This EDC Blade Borrows a Unique Feature from Japanese Chef’s Knives

Although both are cutting tools, EDC folding blades and chef knives usually share little else. That makes sense, as EDC knives are more general-purpose tools, whereas chef knives specialize in culinary tasks.

However, one of Kansept’s new EDC releases, the Orion, has a unique blade design typically found only in Japanese kitchen cutlery. This makes me wonder if these two knife categories shouldn’t share aspects more often.

Kansept Orion knife in hand on blue-pink background
The unique machining on the blade should help prevent whatever you’re cutting from sticking to the knife and may result in smoother cuts overall.
Kansept

Bizarre, beautiful blade

What you should first notice about the Kansept Orion is its blade. No, not the shape, not the material, not even the edge. Rather, notice the bevel (the sides of the blade).

While many knives have smoothly beveled blades, this one features grooved milling. Though slightly different in appearance, this milling is similar in execution and function to the dimples found on some chef knives.

In practice, this means the blade should offer smoother cuts, as there is less friction between it and the material you’re cutting. It also helps prevent said material — such as meat, veggies or whatever else — from sticking to the blade’s sides.

Photographers: We’re Giving Away a $1,000 MPB Gift Card

man taking picture of a pink sunset with cameraMPB

In the market for new-to-you camera gear? This $1,000 MPB gift card should do the trick.

The beginning of the year, as you plan new creative projects, might be the best time to upgrade your kit. That’s why we’ve teamed up with MPB, the leading platform for buying, selling, and trading camera equipment, to give away a $1,000 gift card.

Because MPB has everything from lenses and bodies to bags and tripods, one lucky winner will be able to customize their ultimate shopping spree to precisely their needs. Enter below before February 14 for your chance to win.

Enter Here

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Vulcain’s Latest Dress Watch Blends Vintage Charm and Modern Proportions

The Grand Prix Small Second offers exceptional value in a package that’s at once timeless and contemporary.

Talking Points Vulcain Grand Prix Watch in Small Second Green worn on wristVulcain

Welcome to Talking Points, a series that looks at what makes certain products worth talking about, brought to you by Gear Patrol Studios.

Horology nerds will know Vulcain as being synonymous with alarm complications — the brand introduced the world’s first mechanical wristwatch with an alarm function in 1958. In more recent times, Vulcain has had a revival, releasing a series of timepieces that respect the brand’s storied past while infusing modern design and functionality.

The Grand Prix Small Second is the latest iteration of Vulcain’s modern revival, and it’s a compelling reference for anyone in the market for a retro-inspired Swiss dress watch.

Vulcain Grand Prix Watch in Small Second Green dial close upVulcain

A long, rich legacy

To understand this watch’s significance, it’s best to start with the legacy of Vulcain’s Grand Prix reference. Named for the Grand Prix it won at the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition, Vulcain’s flagship dress watch has always embodied a pure, simplistic design.

Over the decades, the Grand Prix has undergone many evolutions, and in 2024 year, the brand introduced the modern incarnation to much acclaim. With its announcement of the Small Second variant, Vulcain expands the Grand Prix collection with a fresh, more feature-rich reference that infuses timeless heritage with a touch of modernity.

Timeless design made modern

As the name implies, the small second feature at 6 o’clock distinguishes this timepiece within the broader Grand Prix ecosystem while nodding to Vulcain models from the 1950s and 1960s, particularly the Presidents’ Chronograph. But its far from this watch’s only notable vintage-inspired element. Its double-dome sapphire crystal and semi-gloss sunburst finish dial design are also reminiscent of classic timepieces.

While inspired by vintage models, the Grand Prix Small Second is sized for contemporary tastes with a 39mm diameter and 12.70mm thickness. Additionally, it’s loaded with modern amenities such as 5 ATM water resistance and an anti-reflective coating for increased legibility. Plus, it’s powered by an exceptionally precise Swiss-made Landeron L246 automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve.

Last but certainly not least for a dress watch, the Grand Prix Small Second boasts a balanced and sophisticated aesthetic. Featuring a polished steel case, the timepiece is available with two dial variations — Midnight Blue or Emerald Green — both of which feature a semi-gloss sunburst finish, steel indices and simple Arabic numerals. Finally, users can choose from a variety of strap colors, textures, and materials to further customize the timepiece for their aesthetic.

The Grand Prix Small Second is an exceptional value

Starting at just $1,420, the Grand Prix Small Second is priced competitively especially when you consider its precision components and exceptional build quality backed by one of Swiss timekeeping’s most storied brands. Price aside, and perhaps more importantly, its understated, elegant aesthetics seem to perfectly balance classical and modern design sensibilities, the result of which is a vintage-inspired timepiece that rises above in a crowded and ever-expanding sub category of dress watches.

Vulcain Grand Prix Watch in Small Second GreenVulcain

Vulcain Grand Prix Small Second Green

J.Crew’s Latest Drop Includes a Subtle Update to Its Most Iconic Shirt

How do you update a product as tried and true as J.Crew’s Secret Wash shirt? You take it out west, it seems.

J.Crew introduced the Secret Wash shirt in 2005, and it quickly became a signature product of the New York retailer — if not the signature product. (In the early 2010s, a joke circulated online suggesting every man in New York City owned one in navy gingham.)

The name refers to the lightweight 100 percent cotton two-ply fabric that undergoes a “secret wash” formula to create a soft, lived-in feel.

Over the past twenty years, it has come in various fits but always in an oxford-style button-down with a single breast pocket — that is, until a westernized take on the Secret Wash shirt subtly popped up in the retailer’s newest batch of releases.

a man in a pink j crew secret wash western shirt
J.Crew adds three new colors of the new Secret Wash western shirt.
J.Crew

Making the preppy-western connection

The Secret Wash Western Shirt comes in three colorways — solid white, light-blue gingham and pink gingham — each equipped with pearl snap button enclosures.

The New York retailer has tapped into the fact that, even though pearl snap western shirts commonly feature in denim, the style stands as the counterpart to oxford-style shirts in modern western culture.

This Reborn 1970s Diver Flips the Script on Vintage Watch Reissues

By now, I think we’re all familiar with the formula when it comes to vintage watch reissues.

A brand — often one that’s been resurrected after decades of dormancy — faithfully recreates one of its watches from the mid-twentieth century, swapping in modern materials and movements but otherwise keeping the original design intact.

There’s nothing wrong with this strategy, and it has proven quite popular as it provides contemporary buyers with watches that look and feel vintage but offer far greater reliability and durability.

Aquastar, one of those aforementioned reborn brands, has utilized this blueprint many times since resurfacing in 2020, and to great success. But for the latest reimagining of one of its mid-century dive watches, the brand has taken a slightly different approach.

an aquastar dive watch next to some wet diving equipment
Aquastar’s latest take on the Benthos diver imagines what might have been.
Aquastar

What If a 1970s Dive Watch Evolved?

Aquastar has already produced a couple of pretty straightforward reissues of its iconic Benthos 500 chronograph diver from the 1970s with the Benthos 500 II chronograph and the time-only Benthos Heritage I.

But for its latest take on the Benthos, Aquastar’s designers asked themselves a simple question: What would’ve happened if the brand hadn’t gone extinct during the Quartz Crisis?

The Best New Knives and EDC Releases You Might Have Missed

pocket knives on a wooden tablePhoto by Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

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It already looks like 2025 will be a sharp year for the knife industry.

In general, the knife industry has a knack for churning out compelling new releases. But with two major brands, Benchmade and CRKT, announcing the bulk of their 2025 catalogs in January, not to mention the arrival of SHOT Show in Las Vegas, it’s been a sharp start to the new year. Below, find a snapshot of the year’s most compelling new knives and EDC releases … that is, so far.

This is a rolling list. To stay on top of the latest knife news, bookmark this page and check back often. In the meantime, check out the rest of the knife coverage by visiting the collection page.

Spyderco Essenza on white backgroundSpyderco

Spyderco Essenza

Based on the Fox Knives CHNOPS (from Raven Knives Design), this is what happens when the folks at Spyderco try their hand at a gentleman’s knife. With its odd silhouette, marked by a rectangular handle and the brand’s signature ambidextrous thumb hole, there’s a lot to love about this quirky cutter.

Vosteed Parallel knife on white backgroundVosteed

Vosteed Parallel

This is the thinnest knife Vosteed has ever made. That alone would be noteworthy. But when you consider how fully-featured it is — boasting exceptional materials and a reliable, strong, modern locking mechanism — it shapes up to be one of the more impressive EDC knife releases in recent years.

buck knives range series trio embedBuck Knives

Buck Knives Range Series

The Range Series boasts the first Buck Knives to incorporate a crossbar lock, a modern mechanism that eases one-handed deployment and closing. The knife is available in both MagnaCut Steel (Range Elites) and 154CM (Range Pros), with both trim levels offering regular and mini sizes.

Magpul Breslau on white backgroundBlade HQ

Magpul Breslau

The first knife ever to use the brand’s groundbreaking MIM (Metal Injection Molding) technology — a process once thought impossible — this remarkable knife features a steel that’s functionally identical to CPM S35VN. It also boasts a proprietary polymer handle, unique lug lock and much more.

benchmade mini freek shot show special embedBenchmade

Benchmade SHOT Show 2025 Limited Edition 565PL-2501 Mini Freek

Every year, Benchmade drops a “SHOT Show Special,” a limited-edition knife only available at the convention itself. For 2025, it’s this sweet Mini Freek, featuring a 3.01-inch CPM-M4 blade with a Cerakote Amethyst finish and the brand’s first use of Ultem, a super-durable polymer appearing here in the transparent Amber handle scales.

Zero Tolerance 0044 knife on white backgroundZero Tolerance

Zero Tolerance 0044

Just like its name, the ZT 0044 is extremely under the radar. But if you take a closer look, you’ll find an exceptionally premium blend of classic EDC looks married to high-end materials. Everything about this knife is subtle and unexpected, and that’s a good thing.

kansept deadite embedKansept Knives

Kansept Deadite

Designed by YouTuber-turned-knifemaker Geoff Blauvelt, founder of Tuff Knives, the frame lock Deadite boasts a winning combination of form and function. Highlights include a 3.52-inch clip point blade made of CPM S35VN or Damascus steel and a handle made of titanium and carbon fiber.

crkt provoke x embedCRKT

CRKT Provoke X

Following in the footsteps of the Provoke and Provoke EDC, the Provoke X is a first-of-its-kind morphing tactical axe that fits in your pocket. Designed like its predecessors by Joe Caswell, it deploys with a flick of the wrist, ready to swing into action at a moment’s notice. The blade and spike are secured open with CRKT’s proprietary Deadbolt lock and slide into recessed positions on the handle when closed. 

artisan cutlery x task knives butcherling embedArtisan Cutlery

Artisan Cutlery Butcherling

No matter how you feel about it, you cannot deny that the Butcherling is a real feat of engineering and machining. The blade boasts triple compound grinds, the titanium handles feature multi-level milling and the lock is a sturdy crossbar. Three deployment methods are highlighted by one you rarely see: via the pinky.

crkt viento embedCRKT

CRKT Viento

Another masterful knife from award-winning designer Richard Rogers, the viento is a gorgeous EDC-friendly combination of a cleaver and gentleman’s knife. While it has a flipper deployment, it also features a blade-length fuller that doubles as an alternative deployment, like a nail nick.

Buck Knives

Buck 110 Folding Hunter (S35VN Blade)

A reimagining of what is likely the most iconic pocket knife of all time, this version of Buck’s 110 Folding Hunter gets a major blade and handle material upgrade. Better still, each one is handcrafted in the brand’s Post Falls, Idaho facility. For the legendary brand, this knife is a true labor of love.

crkt snap lock embedCRKT

CRKT Snap Lock Folder

The original version was crowned the Most Innovative Knife at Blade Show 2004. More than two decades later, the Snap Lock Folder’s unique cam action and 180-degree swing is complemented by an all-black colorway and gold accents.

Slughaus Quickdraw multi tool on water in front of green cloudsSlughaus

Slughaus Quickdraw

Measuring up at just under four and a half inches in total, this tiny multi-tool hides a knife blade, bottle opener, pry bar and more. Better still, it borrows its deployment, a flipper, from EDC knives, making it incredibly speedy, too.

crkt nessmuk embedCRKT

CRKT Minimalist Nessmuk

With a deep belly, strong tip and hollow grind, the Nessmuk is a reliable knife favored by the hunting, fishing and bushcrafting communities. The Minimalist Nessmuk’s stylish design, comfortable grip and versatile cutting capability make it a great streamlined option for outdoor EDC.

vosteed porcupineVosteed

Vosteed Porcupine

Destined to be an EDC darling, the Porcupine is a superb affordable pocket knife. It’s just the right size, has some impressive materials for the price and, put plainly, it’s gorgeous and a joy to use.

crkt-M16-02X-crossbar-embedCRKT

CRKT M16-02X Crossbar

One of CRKT’s most enduring knife designs, the iconic Kit Carson M16 gets a marked improvement to its technical mechanisms with the addition of a super-strong Crossbar lock. Yet its stylistic heritage remains, ensuring fans new and old can appreciate its tactical beauty.

OKNIFE XEN-OAL Ultra-Lightweight Frame-Lock Pocket KnifeOknife

Oknife XEN-OAL

This Kickstarter-crushing design was penned by none other than the legendary Ken Onion. It’s also the very first EDC knife ever to feature a frame lock on an aluminum handle.

Kershaw-Leek-Rainbow-Trout-embed_2c9ef4Kershaw

Kershaw Leek Rainbow Trout

There’s nothing fishy going on here — though this version of Kershaw’s Leek has handle scales that look like a rainbow trout, the quality remains as high as ever. It’s also made in the USA and comes with the brand’s proprietary SpeedSafe assisted opening.

benchmade mini barrage purple embedBenchmade

Benchmade Mini Barrage Purple Haze

Diving into 2025 with a splash, this colorful collector’s item is limited to 3,500 pieces and loaded with top-notch materials. Highlights include Benchmade’s patented AXIS deployment assistance, premium “purple haze” Fatcarbon handle scales and a CPM-S90V stainless steel drop-point blade with a black DLC “Battlewash” finish. 

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This New Affordable Field Watch Is Almost Too Good-Looking

The Shoreline was a big hit and quickly sold out, and now CW is bringing its attractive dial pattern to the masses with six non-limited references, plus two new Dune GMTs that do not feature the textured dials. The C65 Dune Aeolian replaces the outgoing C65 Dune in CW’s catalog.

a christopher ward field watch viewed from the side
The rippling dial is inspired by the windswept sand dunes of France.
Christopher Ward

Steel, Bronze or GMT?

The most basic and affordable version of the new Dune is the Dune Automatic. Like the now-discontinued original Dune field watch, it features a 38mm stainless steel case, a vintage-inspired boxed sapphire crystal and 150m of water resistance.

The new watches are also powered by the same reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, but they no longer have a date, resulting in a cleaner dial. As before, the movement is visible through a sapphire caseback.

The biggest changes, of course, are on the dial, where we not only have the beautiful rippled sand pattern and lack of a date window but also a simplified lollipop seconds hand, as the Trident counterweight — once a CW signature found on nearly all of its watches — has been deleted. Less controversially, we have some fetching new colors and lume treatments.