All posts in “Gear”

Today’s Best Deals: Save on +J Outerwear at Uniqlo, Ray-Ban Deals & 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.

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This Company Will Build the Convertible Land Rover Defender of Your Dreams

Back in 2020 (remember 2020? It feels like a decade ago),Land Rover at long last revived the Defender nameplate as a new, unibody-based-but-still-seriously-off-road-capable SUV. The brand carried over many elements from the previous model, like the short-wheelbase two-door 90 version you can now get with a V8. One option from the classic Defender that didn’t make the current version, however, was the soft-top convertible version.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t get one.

heritage customs defender

Heritage Customs

Dutch Land Rover specialists Heritage Customs has just announced they will be building coachbuilt Valiance Convertible builds based on the new Defender 90. They will produce a limited run of just five vehicles for the first generation in 2022.

Buyers will be able to choose from three build options: Convertible Côte d’Azur (Blue), Convertible Solihull Sand (Green) and Convertible Kokkini Paralia (Matte Red). Each build includes a semi-electric soft top, bespoke wheels and bespoke interior and Magic Metal exterior elements.

Heritage Customs says the Valiance Convertible will cost $160,000 before taxes and shipping — a lot, sure, but par for the course when it comes to custom Defenders. The price presumably includes the cost of the stock Land Rover Defender 90 itself. No word yet on build times.

If you like what Heritage Customs is doing aesthetically but want it in a more practical Defender 110 model and without the chopped top, the brand offers Valiance conversions starting around $23,000. Heritage Customs also sells its 20-inch and 22-inch wheels for the new Defender a la carte.

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This Extendable Off-Road Camping Trailer Is Rugged, Spacious and Very Cool

Sure, there are a lot of cool off-road camping trailers out there. But typically, the added capability to follow your off-roader into the great beyond forces you to sacrifice living space and amenities. A German company, Hunter Nature, has resolved that problem with their Campravan Raptor XC — a slide-out, extendable camping trailer.

The Raptor XC’s rear compartment extends out 6.9 feet to provide a sleeping compartment when parked. Owners can roll it out manually — Hunter Nature says it’s a 30-second job for one person — or choose an optional electric motor to do it automatically.

raptor xc camping trailer

Courtesy

raptor xc camping trailer

Courtesy

That extendable compartment leaves room for an L-shaped sleeping area — which can convert into another sleeping bed to bring the sleeping capacity to four —as well as a wet bath with a toilet and a shower and a kitchenette with a refrigerator, two-burner stove and sink. The trailer also has a panoramic roof and large windows to let in natural light. The trailer also has insulated walls and a Truma 4 CP plus heating system for use in cold weather.

For off-roading capability, the Raptor XC has 31-inch BF Goodrich tires, and you can add an optional air suspension. The trailer shows a fair amount of articulation in the display videos. The trailer weighs 2,778 pounds, allowing it to be towed by a crossover like the Subaru Outback Wilderness.

The Hunter Nature website does not mention pricing or availability for the Campravan Raptor XC, but we feel safe assuming it won’t be available Stateside. Uncrate lists the price for the trailer at $44,000.

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Are Some Brands Too Big to Die?

Look around. While there are more new brands than any one mind could possibly fathom, there are countless established ones simply trying to keep up: Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic, J.Crew and Abercrombie & Fitch, to name a few. These brands, once revered for pioneering certain pieces or entire parts of our wardrobes, have, some might argue, wilted with age, as anything managed by too many hands would over the span of several decades. Different executives set forth different goals and incentives, outlined new crowds and corners of the market to cater to and tapped creatives from other brands to helm theirs. The results, for the most part, seem promising at first but falter shortly thereafter. Why? Well, because nothing good lasts, I guess — at least not at that scale.

brooks brothers

Brooks Brothers

brooks brothers

Brooks Brothers

It’s why Banana Republic tapped savvy executive Ana Andjelic for a Chief Brand Officer role only to lose her less than 10 months after she took the job. (Details on her departure are sparse, to be fair.) It’s also why Abercrombie & Fitch, which turned its stale mall aesthetic into a formidable e-commerce operation, canned SVP of Men’s and Women’s Design, Aaron Levine, in April 2021 after six years successfully turning the ship around. Brooks Brothers was all but dead — truly; it filed for bankruptcy and shuttered 51 stores in 2020 — until it was acquired by the parent company that owns Forever 21; they enlisted Michael Bastian for the job of Creative Director with the hopes that he, a veteran of the prep aesthetic, could right the wrongs that lead to financial ruin. Among the label’s first priorities under his leadership? To “put all the bones back into the brand — not reinvent the wheel, but get all the spokes back in the wheel,” Bastian tells Esquire. But then it’ll be on to sportswear — half-zips, sweatpants, stretch chinos and gym shorts. Ugh.

banana republic

Banana Republic

Will it work? We’ll see. The brand’s better known for its Oxford shirts and sweaters; both are back, by the way, but they probably won’t get the same kind of promotion, save for placement in interviews in Esquire or GQ and in sponsored IG posts by young men living in NYC — so the sudden appearance of soft pants and slouchy T-shirts might turn off customers expecting a return to form. A similar thing happened in 2015 when Abercrombie & Fitch deviated from its sexy, albeit largely adolescent, image in favor of more modern, inclusive clothing and ad campaigns. Sales dipped for several years until they surged in 2020 and 2021 — right after they fired Levine. (They’re still wrong for that.)

Net sales for the brand last quarter rose 10-percent compared to the year prior, signaling not only increased demand but improved conversions. The plan’s working, it seems. But over at Banana Republic, a subset of Gap, sales are down 18-percent compared to where numbers were in 2019. The messaging might not be working, but it has spawned several “Is Banana Republic Back?” stories — this one included. Over at J.Crew, the same storyline’s been foretold — X hot designer ushers brand into a new era — but the new creative lead, Supreme and Noah’s Brendon Babenzien, won’t see his designs hit shelves until late 2022. There’s new energy afoot over at the Crew, but there’s no telling whether it’s working, or if it’ll stick, until he’s officially in charge (and had at least a few seasons under his belt).

j crew

J.Crew

j crew

J.Crew

But let’s say, just for example’s sake, it doesn’t. Each of these brands — again, not picking on them, they’re just examples that support my case — have faced hardships over the years. Hell, Banana Republic was founded in 1978; J.Crew in 1983; Brooks Brothers in 1818; Abercrombie & Fitch in 1892; it couldn’t have always been rainbows and sunshine. So, what would happen if one really did disappear? Could it? Could consumers let it go? Could venture capitalists, too? Or, is there too much value in brand names? In the contributions they’ve made to clothing as we know it? Or is there always profit left to be juiced out of each label’s history and lore?

On a much smaller scale, Best Made represents how even a young brand’s DNA cannot die — at least not until customers no longer care and venture capitalists no longer see a way to make even more money. The brand, founded in 2009 by Peter Buchanan-Smith, catered to city-dwellers with a penchant for DIY and the outdoors. See: enamel-coated axes, bold beanies called “Caps of Courage” and so on and so forth. It suffered severe losses in 2019 and needed resuscitated by 2020’s end. Then Duluth Trading Company bought the name and whatever inventory was left. The employees, the brand’s existing stores and partnerships it had aligned under its previous owner, however, were not a part of the deal. As such, things went quiet for a while, but Duluth has the operation up and running again — axes, clothing, camping gear and brass-coated bravado included.

abercrombie and fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch

Will it perform? It’s totally possible. For Duluth, the experiment didn’t require a whole lot of heavy lifting — just a bit of money up front. Avid fans were surely excited to see it return, while those that steered clear while it was independent — oftentimes because it was too expensive — might bite now that things often go on sale. (The site’s 25-percent off as I type this.) Companies this size can do that, cut the retail price and make up the margin elsewhere, while upstart brands oftentimes aren’t able to make the same sacrifices. It’s why, without sizable investment (and a divvying up of ownership rights in return), small brands don’t break the surface. Inversely, it seems, that’s why big brands stick around. Oh, and brand loyalty, I guess, but don’t their designs look increasingly all the same?

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Reviewing Clarks’ Beloved Desert Boots

Although you’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t owned a pair of Clarks Desert Boots at some point in their life, the iconic chukka isn’t Clarks’ best-selling shoe. The Wallabee is. Surprising, right? Surely, since the Desert Boot is undoubtedly the easier silhouette to style, but just because it isn’t the top performer doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t beat out others in its category. (Hint: It does.)

But it also defined a category of its own — at least in Western markets. While the Desert Boot is a type of chukka, it stands alone as the originator of the desert boot category, one which now includes copies and knockoffs aplenty (both with and without the signature soft sole). Clarks, the company (then called C & J Clark), was founded in 1825, and it wasn’t until 1948 that the Desert Boot debuted — in Australia of all places. There, because board members were unimpressed with the original design and didn’t think it was fit for the UK market, Clarks debuted the boot an adaptation of a style Nathan Clark, the great-grandson of C+J Clark (aka Clarks) founder James Clark, found in Cairo a few years prior. Soldiers in Burma, by way of South Africa, trusted the boots, then made from reverse leather for a suede-like look, in all types of weather, because they were comfortable, hard-wearing and, for then’s standards, easy to make.

In just under a year, Clarks exported the then officially suede Desert Boot to Jamaica — where they remain popular to this day — and then the US, via a small booth (and a dedicated salesman) inside the 1949 New York Shoe Fair. Eventually, as you now know, the boots made their way back to the UK and then abroad once more — at last Clarks made them in mass quantities. Why? Well, because people loved that they looked casual yet classy and were comfortable yet surprisingly hard-wearing (considering the soft bottom).

That made them appealing to several camps — the beatniks and artists, preppies and adventurers — but for the same reasons: They’re versatile, comfortable and perfectly ubiquitous, meaning they’re everywhere but interesting each time.

clarks desert boots

Clarks

The Good

Clarks’ Desert Boots are typically made from suede, which means they’re soft — plus, since the sole’s made from crepe (coagulated latex) it’s soft, too. This combination makes the boot comfortable, of course, but light, easy to pack and low profile. It’s why adventurers, who could essentially fold them into any size suitcase, and the beatniks, who wouldn’t dare bother with fancy material things, loved them just the same.

It’s why people do today, too. They pair nicely with plain chinos or are passable with a plain suit. They offer the ease of the sneaker with the sophistication of a more stylish shoe. Plus, with these there’s no fiddling with speed hooks or bothering with a “break in” period, if you believe in those. They’re good to go right out of the gate — in whatever color, or textile (standard, polished leather or vegan biomaterial included), you choose.

An Expert’s Opinion:

“These are the most comfortable shoes on Earth. And they’re dirt cheap if you buy them at the right place. You can kick them off in a second when you’re going through airport security, which is a big benefit in my line of work. But they’re great for anything. I buy about three or four pairs at a time. When one pair dies, I just rotate it out,” Anthony Bourdain told Men’s Journal.

clarks desert boots

Clarks

clarks desert boots

Clarks

The Bad

These are so easy to wear they sometimes feel like a copout. Plus, they’re so abundant that it often seems like you’re one of many millions wearing a pair — which, honestly, you definitely are. But is that really a bad thing? They’re so good that they’re beloved by millions; who cares?

I do; that’s why I’m (and you’re) here. Honestly, Clarks’ Desert Boots can feel a bit basic — and look it, too. Everyone from your dad to your beginner younger brother owns a pair, and that came make feeling en vogue in them pretty difficult. Plus, crepe soles and suede uppers wears down far faster than a stiff leather exterior and a Vibram outsole (or even a double-stacked leather one). But crepe offers comfort and a completely different look; so, it’s your choice.

Another common complaint is that the two eyelets simply aren’t enough. For those used to boots that lace up high over the ankle, with or without speed hooks, these may make it feel like your foot’s sliding around inside. And it may be. Sizing down a half size is my recommendation in order to ensure the proper fit. That way you don’t have to lace them so tight that you’re cutting off circulation.

clarks desert boots

Clarks

The Verdict

Clarks’ Desert Boots do their job, and have for nearly 75 years — far longer if you count its predecessors in Egypt and East Asia. So, trust that they’ll be everything I mentioned and more: comfortable, super easy to match with slacks or standard jeans and, it goes without saying, something you will definitely not regret ordering — just as long as you measure your foot first (or trust my recommendation to size down a half size) to be sure they fit.

Should these be your end all be all boot? No. But they’re a great starting place, especially if you’ve never owned a pair. Everyone has to at least once, but steer clear of re-upping unless you really love them or you’re opting for a new iteration — like Todd Snyder’s shearling rendition or one of the woven versions. It’s true that, since these have been around for the better part of a century, there are plenty of imitations — both better and worse. Seek out an upgrade (like Astorflex’s Greenflex, which cost $40 dollars more).

Shop

Desert Boot Grey Suede

Clarks clarksusa.com

$150.00

Desert Boot Sand Suede

Clarks clarksusa.com

$150.00

Desert Boot Beeswax Leather

Clarks Clarks

$150.00

Desert Boot Dark Tan Leather

Clarks clarksusa.com

$150.00

Desert Boot Brown Vegan

Clarks Clarks

$150.00

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Today’s Best Deals: Savings on Dog Gear at Kurgo, $69 off AirPods Pro & 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.

HOME & FURNITURE DEALS

OUTDOOR DEALS

FITNESS DEALS

STYLE DEALS

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BMW M May Build Another Wild Special Edition Car, Rumor Says

BMW’s M high-performance division celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022, and the brand plans to celebrate the large round number with massive M-brand product launches. BMW will launch the production version of the wild, gaudy-looking plug-in hybrid XM crossover and the M3 Touring wagon in other markets. There have been rumors of a seriously wild iM2 electric car as well — and now, rumors suggest BMW may have yet another fun M car in the works for 2022.

A purported BMW insider recently told BMW Blog that BMW will produce a “very special limited edition M4.” The source says this M4 would be “unique” and built in “extremely limited” numbers for a few months beginning in November 2022. The BMW Blog source also says the special edition M4 could be configured like the upcoming M4 CSL with a manual transmission and other features specific to the vehicle.

The M4 CSL is expected to arrive in summer 2022. That should be an exclusive car in its own right; BMW has only used the Compact Sport Leichtbau designation twice in its history. BMW Blog has the 3.0-liter inline-six on the CSL tuned up to 550 horsepower, about 10% more than the M4 Competition. The CSL should have a significant weight reduction package and may push the price tag above $100,000.

So this rumored new M4 model would be even more exclusive than the CSL and BMW Blog says it will also be distinct from the 50th-anniversary editions of the M3/M4 that BMW may produce as well. Here’s hoping one of the distinctive features is a more reasonably proportioned kidney grille.

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Today’s Best Deals: 20% off Sale at Madewell, Over $100 off Sony Headphones & 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.

HOME & FURNITURE DEALS

OUTDOOR DEALS

FITNESS DEALS

STYLE DEALS

TECH DEALS

WATCH DEALS

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Every Kitchen Should Have These Small Appliances

Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, you almost certainly have a kitchen in your place of residence. And a kitchen means the opportunity to expand your culinary horizons, be that as simple as tweaking a classic favorite — like spicing up a box of mac ‘n’ cheese with some roasted broccoli and buffalo sauce — or developing your own array of from-scratch recipes.

But, even if you have a top-notch range (AKA a stovetop-oven combo) in your kitchen, there are plenty of other cooking-centric devices you might want and/or need in order to take full advantage of your dietary adventures, especially in the age of internet recipe blogs and social media food-sharing. It’s with all of this in mind and more that we’ve rounded up a collection of small kitchen appliance essentials that every foodie should own, plus a few worthy examples of each.

Blenders

Once thought of solely as beverage makers, blenders have become an incredibly valuable and versatile kitchen appliance. Yes, they’re still exceptional for making smoothies, but they can also be used to craft sauces, dips and — with a little creativity — seemingly-stranger things like ice cream or bread dough. With all of that on the table, it’s easy to see why you might want one on your counter.

Coffee Grinders

There are actually numerous reasons you might want to consider buying yourself a coffee grinder. The biggest of those reasons, however, is that they give you far more control over your coffee, especially in the realms of freshness, flavor and even style (meaning you can choose your own grind, be that extra coarse for cold brew or ultra-fine for a ristretto shot). If you’ve got a bean juice addiction, this should be near the top of your list of must-have small kitchen appliances.

Coffee Makers

If you’re going to make your own coffee at home and you don’t want to deal with the more labor-intensive styles, like pour-over and/or french press, you’ll certainly want your own coffee maker, if even just for occasional convenience. However, there are legions of sub-par options out there that are cheaply built and limited as to what you can do with them. Instead of wasting your money, take stock of what you want out of a coffee maker and invest in a good-quality option that can make that happen.

Electric Grills

Backyard barbecues can be immensely enjoyable, but the required fuels (especially charcoal and wood) and the particulate matter they produce don’t translate very well to indoor usage. But if you’re dead-set on grilling even in inclement weather, an electric grill is a great workaround and a means of expanding your kitchen’s versatility. Whether you like grilled veggies or flat-top bacon and eggs, these devices will get the job done right.

Food Processors

For certain types of foods and recipes, hand-cutting, -chopping, -dicing and -slicing is absolutely necessary. But if you’re making something where the ingredients are more integrated — as can be seen in everything from purees to patties, sauces to salsas and everything in-between — then a food processor is a handy means of saving you time and effort. Furthermore, while blenders can pulverize most foodstuffs (especially the industrial options), they often lack the finesse and versatility of food processors.

Fryers

The job of air fryers can be done just as well by convection ovens. While we believe that to be the truth, the popularity of air frying over the last two years has made dedicated tabletop fryers more accessible and approachable, especially from a price standpoint. If you don’t care about the other things a convection oven can do, a fryer could be the right investment, especially if you want to attempt to somewhat sidestep the health issues around oil-heavy deep frying without missing out on the satisfying crunch.

Mixers

An integral part of all things baking, mixers of both the hand and stand varieties are a practical necessity when it comes to making bread, pastries and so much more. The style you choose will largely be dependent upon your budget, counter/storage space and level of patience. But we’d highly suggest that all foodies keep one on hand; you never know when you’ll have a craving for some home-baked sourdough and you’ll find it far more difficult to make without a mixer.

Multicookers

Colloquially misnomered as Instant Pots (a brand-item association similar to how adhesive bandages are often called Band-Aids), multicookers are remarkably versatile, relatively small kitchen appliances that are exceptional for single-pot meals like stews, soups and casseroles. They can also be used to make rice, baked goods and intrepid chefs have even experimented with using them to cook steaks and whole chickens. You might actually find it easier trying to figure out what can’t be made in one, rather than charting the exhaustive list of what can.

Immersion Blenders

Designed to be, you guessed it, immersed in liquid-heavy foods — like soups, stews and even dips and spreads — this style of device offers a more convenient and less messy means of blending mixtures, especially when they’re already inside their cooking vessel. For instance, if you’re making a soup and you want it to be a bit thicker, you might add in some more ingredients after you’ve already started cooking it in your multicooker. Well, an immersion blender will let you blend those new ingredients without removing the entire soup from the pot. This is especially crucial for foods that need to be mixed while cooking, like egg-based recipes.

Immersion Circulators

Not to be confused with immersion blenders, immersion circulators are made to be submerged in liquids and will gently and (more importantly) evenly heat said liquids and maintain a constant temperature. This is best exemplified in sous vide cooking, which is admittedly a bit buzz-worthy but also boasts benefits like better consistency and precision (this can be very important when cooking meats), lower energy consumption and even a higher degree of food safety.

Toasters & Tabletop Ovens

Toast is an undeniable staple of the worldwide culinary world, especially where breakfast is concerned. And while you could get a simple standard toaster (the kind with vertical bread slots and a push-down activation lever), we’d suggest expanding your horizons into the realm of toaster ovens or even tabletop convection ovens, the latter of which can also be used to air fry your food. This is an expansive category and there’s no single right answer for everyone, but a toaster is certainly one of the most crucial small kitchen appliances.

Buying Bourbon Can Help Raise Money for Kentucky Tornado Relief

On December 10, tornadoes ripped through multiple states, destroying homes, killing at least 88 people and displacing families. Kentucky — especially western Kentucky —was particularly impacted by the tornadoes. In an effort to aid in recovery and reconstruction, the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit — sponsored by Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Bourbon Crusaders and notable whiskey writer Fred Minnick — is auctioning off rare bottle of bourbons to raise money for the state.

The auction, which started on December 16 and runs until 10 p.m. EST on December 21, is a compilation of over 400 bottles of whiskey, memorabilia and one-of-a kind experiences, donated by distillers, private collectors and other good samaritans.

As of this story’s publishing, the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit has raised $1.5 million, all of which will go to the state’s Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. The benefit notes that this auction came together in three days, when something of this scale usually takes up to six months to put together.

Some notable lots in the auction include a 16-year-old Willet bourbon from 2018’s Bourbon Bonanza Benefit, a bottle of Charbay’s Bourbon Crusaders and a private barrel selection of Maker’s Mark 46 selected and signed by Kentucky governor Andy Beshear. The top 15 items of the auction, which includes a 1971 bottle of Old Forester Single Barrel selected by Brown-Forman President Garvin Brown and a Knob Creek Single Barrel Rye Selection Experience, will be sold during a live-streamed auction on December 21 at 7 p.m. EST.

To learn more about placing a bid on an auction or how to make a donation to aid in relief efforts, head to Kentucky Bourbon Benefit’s website.

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The White House Just Launched a Major Push for More Electric Cars

The environmental proposals Congress inserted into the Build Back Better plan appear to be on hold right now. But the White House is taking some executive action that should provide a significant push promoting electric vehicles in the American marketplace.

A new EPA rule announced Monday would raise the projected car mileage standards to 40 mpg by 2026. That figure is 25% higher than the Trump administration’s revised goal of hitting 32 mpg by 2026, and it’s higher than the 38 mpg the Biden administration proposed back in August. According to the EPA, meeting that target will mandate improvements of between 5-10% per year in fleet-wide emissions between 2023 and 2026.

joe biden in f150 lightning

NICHOLAS KAMMGetty Images

Perhaps the most prominent way manufacturers will meet those efficiency targets is by selling battery-electric or substantially electrified plug-in hybrid vehicles. The administration’s goal is for 17% of new cars sold in 2026 to be electric or PHEV, up from 7% currently.

President Biden has, so far, generally proven to be a booster of electric vehicles. He was on hand for Ford’s first public unveiling of the F-150 Lightning, and has managed to climb behind the wheel of GM’s electric Hummer (as seen above). His administration’s legislatic priorities have backed up his enthusiasm; the infrastructure bill passed earlier this year includes a hefty investment in EV chargers, and the Build Back Better plan intended to offer up to a $12,500 tax credit on new EV purchases, although the future of that bill remains in doubt.

Automakers have already been moving toward producing more electric and electrified vehicles. Many luxury brands are planning to be all-electric by the end of the decade. General Motors will try to do so by 2035. Even typically EV skeptical brands like Dodge and Toyota announced ambitious EV plans in 2021.

Much of that is because customers are far more willing to buy EVs than initially anticipated. The biggest challenge for manufacturers may be building enough of them to meet demand. Ford is planning a dramatic expansion of Mustang Mach E production to produce around 200,000 vehicles per year by 2023. The brand is also ramping up production for the F-150 Lightning. Ford had to shut down F-150 Lightning reservations with a backlog of 200,000 vehicles to work through.

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The Eco-Friendly Wetsuit Brand That’s Perfect For Athletes of All Kinds

Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or someone diving into the sport for the very first time, it pays to have a great wetsuit — even if you’re not planning on entering into any serious competition. Since Sumarpo was founded in 2008, the brand stands apart in the space for its commitment to eco-conscious design without sacrificing on performance. This focus on eco-wetsuits with cutting-edge technology includes using non-benzene, water-based adhesives and recycled fabric linings. Taking a look at models like the Victory, Vanguard, Race and N-Joy, all of its wetsuits feature tap into the best technology in the industry, like eco-friendly Yamamoto 100 percent Limestone neoprene — which is considered to be some of the best neoprene in the world (with 30 percent more buoyancy than other wetsuits). If you’re thinking about diving into the world of competitive swimming or triathlons, it’s never been a better time to invest in a Sumarpo wetsuit. Just in time for the holidays, shoppers can enjoy up to $200 off selected items across the entire Sumarpo lineup.

Price: $180+

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Backcountry Just Received Fresh Stock of Blue-Chip Outdoor Brands

Talking Points:

Backcountry Fresh Off the Dock Gear

In a product space marred by supply chain issues (this is especially true of the outdoor industry), it’s nice to have some good news pumping in over the airwaves. Backcountry has just received fresh stocks from blue-chip brands like Patagonia, Arc’teryx, The North Face and Burton. The caveat here is that just because Backcountry has fresh stock, doesn’t mean it will sit on shelves waiting in the wind for you to snatch it up — products sell quickly these days. So if you’re in the market for some new winter gear, act fast.

For some guidance on where to start, below is a selection of jackets worth adding to your wardrobe.


patagoniaclassic synchilla fleece jacket

Patagonia

arc'teryx atom lt hooded insulated jacket

Arc’teryx


Patagonia Classic Synchilla Fleece

It doesn’t get much more classic and iconic than Patagonia’s Synchilla Fleece. This full-zip version is in stock in a host of colorways and sizes.

Arc’teryx Atom LT Hooded Insulated Jacket

The Arc’teryx Atom LT is the gold standard when it comes to jackets with synthetic insulation. It consistently makes “Best of” lists across the web, and for good reason.

The North Face Retro Nuptse Jacket

A version of this exact jacket was worn in the now-iconic photo of hip-hop heavyweights Notorious B.I.G. and Ma$e. If you need a down jacket that comes with a healthy dose of street cred, look no further.

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This Is the Premium Timex Watch We’ve Been Waiting For

Your typical Timex watch is inexpensive and pretty basic, but fun and nicely made for its price point. That’s why we love them, but how do you make a watch that’s even more quintessentially Timex? Designer Giorgio Galli’s answer was the S1 automatic watch which the brand released back in 2019: It featured a relatively involved design, higher-end materials and movement, and a bit higher price tag than most Timex watches. Now, with even more wearable, everyday sizing at 38mm, it’s arguably upped the Timex factor.

The most significant change for the new Giorgio Galli S1 38mm watch is that its case dimensions have shrunk from 41mm to 38mm. You can still buy the 41mm versions (currently available in two dial colors) if that sizing fits you better, but 3mm will make a big difference for a lot of wearers. The basic look and feel of the watch are maintained, with a clear, legible design, a host of interesting details and nicely finished architectural case that helps keep it firmly in the contemporary camp despite its classic cues. Sapphire crystal, common among higher-end watches but rarely seen at Timex, is another notable upgrade (without raising the price).

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Timex Giorgio Galli S1 Automatic 38mm Watch

timex.com

$450.00

Available in three dial colors of blue, green and gray, another notable difference (we’d definitely call it an improvement) is that the hands are filled with Super-LumiNova rather than skeletonized as seen on the 41mm version. The watches are powered by the same Miyota 9039 automatic movement, which is a more premium option than is found in other automatic Timex watches. All in all, this is the S1 we wanted to see, but what makes it “the most Timex Timex” Timex ever made (if you follow)?

Mr. Galli understands the essence of Timex better than anyone: as Creative Director, he’s been behind some of the company’s most successful watches over the last several years. What does he want you to notice in the S1 38mm, and what can we expect from the line and the brand in the future? I put those questions and others to Mr. Galli himself.

giorgio in milan office
Timex Creative Director and designer of the eponymous S1 watch, Giorgio Galli.

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The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q. Timex says that the S1 38mm is even more Timex than any watch it’s made before. How so?

A. From day one, the Timex CEO asked me to create “the most Timex Timex ever made.” So I created the first GGS1 in 2019, a watch that combines our shared love of quality, accessibility, and great design. The new S1 38 is faithful to these important core values, but also has evolved by adding new features: a smaller 38mm case, with a double-dome anti-reflective sapphire crystal that provides the best performance in every lighting condition. I also added some new great colors, all based on love of travel and nature. These new details help elevate the overall quality, expanding the offering while keeping the line true to its spirit and being the most Timex watch we could make.

We were very happy with the first launch of the GGS1, and listened to our customers and to the market in order to provide a new version that would maintain the quintessence of the line.

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The Timex GGS1 is powered by the Miyota 9039 automatic movement, a more premium option than typically found in Timex automatic watches.

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Q. How would you say that the S1 38mm is different from other Timex watches?

A. The GGS1 pushed the Timex boundaries but it did not stray from its core values. It is a product that enters in a higher price point compared to a regular Timex watch, but it’s filled with design and features that speak to its beauty. It allowed me to push the quality to a very high standard and to use refined materials, yet still deliver an amazing product at a reasonable price.

Q. The watches are full of little details and touches. Are there any you particularly like but which you feel might be easily overlooked?

A. The feature that I like the most, and that might be a little overlooked, is how the light reflects on the small polished radius of the side cut-out profile, and how it’s emphasized by the fine brushing for contrast. This is a detail that I am particularly enthusiastic about, the kind of detail that I was really looking to incorporate and which was not easy to achieve.

So it is not a detail that could be easily noticed in itself, but in the way it appears differently according to how the light reflects on some parts it speaks to my approach to the watch. It is, to me, the most representative and distinctive element of the S1, and I hope that people will notice it while wearing it under different lighting conditions.

watch
Mr. Galli’s favorite detail? “How the light reflects on the small polished radius of the side cut-out profile.”

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Q. What influences were most important to you in designing the S1 collection?

A. The GGS1 is a result of the many experiences I have encountered over the past 35 years of watch design. From creating small details that tell a story to inventing new features, all of these experiences had influence over the GGS1, but for me, as a designer, the characteristics that define me the most are: simplicity, clear and thoughtful design and great details. So the S1 is a combination of small elements that are coming from past and recent work, blending into a design that represents my personality.

Q. Can we expect that the higher-end materials, movements and level of design detail found in the GGS1 will trickle down to other Timex collections in the future?

A. The GGS1 collection was developed to deliver the best design at an affordable price that represents me as a designer but that also respects the DNA of Timex. It is also a celebration of a long-standing relationship between me, as creative director, and Timex.

The S1 is the first generation of Timex products that will live independently from the original brand positioning. As for higher-end materials and level of design trickling down to other Timex collections in the future…anything is possible.

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11 Best Electric Dirt Bikes For Your Next Outdoor Adventure

This electric dirt bike is easy for anyone to use, whether you’re a beginner or experienced dirt bike rider. It can reach top speeds of 85 mph, which is pretty cool. This is the highest speed of any electric dirt bike on our list.

It can reach top speeds of 85 mph, which is pretty cool. This is the highest speed of any electric dirt bike on our list. This is a tough electric dirt bike, thanks to its strong Z-Force powertrain, dual-sport equipment, and long-legged suspension.

It has a 100-percent electric powertrain, which means it doesn’t require much maintenance. It has an Eco mode that reduces its violent throttle. When you’re riding on the road, you will gain more energy whenever you slow down your speed.

What’s great about this electric dirt bike is that it has excellent acceleration to make you go fast, but its low frame weight makes it easy to ride. The bike has an attractive blue LCD dashboard so you can view a lot of useful information such as its power output, battery level, and other data.

It’s ideal for beginners, thanks to its one-speed, direct-drive clutchless drivetrain. This makes the bike easy to use, no matter your skill level. Its controller makes use of regenerative deceleration to save energy as well as harness it better so it doesn’t go to waste.

There is a potential drawback associated with its one-speed clutchless transmission – it can make it difficult to control and manage the throttle power output, and this can result in over-throttling. Another drawback is that it will take about five hours to charge this bike’s battery to 100 percent.

Pros

  • checkIt’s ideal for beginners
  • checkEco mode reduces its violent throttle
  • checkAttractive blue LCD dashboard

Cons

  • cross-altDifficult to control one-speed clutchless transmission
  • cross-altIt will take about five hours to charge

Specs

  • Speed: 85mph
  • Battery: N/A
  • Weight: 105.8 lbs

Check Out the Watches Made for France’s Newly Merged Air & Space Forces

It’s hard to beat a military connection for making a watch feel purposeful, tough and imbued with a sense of adventure. French watchmaker Yema has worked with several of its national military services historically as well as right up to the present day, partnering with the country’s air force as well as its space program. But France recently renamed its air force to include celestial defense with a space command — and Yema wasted no time outfitting them with wristwear.

The new service is called the Air & Space Force (Armée de l’air et de l’espace), for which Yema is introducing a range of watches in its Flygraf collection. (Civilians can also buy them.) Five models make up the current series: two versions of an automatic GMT watch and two quartz chronographs each come in steel and black PVD coatings, and a fifth watch marketed for women features a white bezel and blue mother-of-pearl dial.

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The Yema Flygraf Air & Space Force Automatic GMT watches come in plain steel and black PVD versions

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Watch guys will likely be most attracted to the automatic GMTs: Measuring a pragmatic 39mm wide, they feature the brand’s own in-house-developed-and-assembled movement. The 41mm chronographs, on the other hand, offer a more affordable option, using a Seiko VK64 mecaquartz movement. All feature the excellent construction and personality we’ve come to expect of the brand.

While the look of the watches hints at their intended use, the military connection is overt in the case back engravings as well as on the nylon straps, which feature the French Air & Space Forces’ logo and are in addition to the included steel bracelet (mesh for the chronographs). As seen on other Yema watches for the Air Force, the service’s red-white-and-blue insignia is inlaid into the crown, adding a pop of color to an otherwise serious-looking pilot’s watch. (Yema donates 12.5% of sales of its Air Force watches to the French Veterans Foundation.)

watch
All the new Flygraf Air & Space Force watches come on bracelets and include nylon straps with the Air & Space Force logo.

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For an automatic GMT watch with all the cool factor that comes with a military tie-in, the asking price of $1,049 (in steel; +$100 for black PVD) is highly attractive — and places it among the most affordable GMT watches we know of. The chronograph offers strong value, too, with the additional stopwatch functionality for $399 (+$50 for black PVD), while the 34mm women’s version costs just $349. All are available now directly from the brand.

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Here’s Our Best Look Yet at Aston Martin’s Final V12 Vantage

As much as it pains us to admit it, there’s no denying that the V12 engine is on its way to extinction. Actually, it’s been on that path for a while; as carmakers have found new ways to squeeze more and more power from smaller engines and governments have imposed new environmental standards on vehicles that favor lower-displacement (which usually means fewer cylinders) motors, the number of 12-cylinder engines found in the new car market has dwindled.

Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW, for example, have all but canned their V12 production; Bentley is poised to end production of its W12 soon as it pushes towards an all-electric future, and Aston Martin is likewise moving to sunset its V12 powerplants as it reduces (but not eliminates) its dependence on gas-powered engines.

But, as Djimon Hounsou said in Gladiator…not yet. Not yet. Before sending off the V12 and the current-generation Vantage sports car, Aston Martin is combining those two great tastes into a Reese’s peanut butter cup of automotive performance: a new Aston Martin V12 Vantage.

The carmaker first teased the new 12-pot-powered speed machine at the start of the month; now, they’re doing so again with a shadowy image of the car’s front, presenting it ahead of the last two V12-powered Vantages the company built.

aston martin v12 vantage old and new
Enhance.

Aston Martin

This won’t be the first time the gang from Gaydon has squeezed a 12-pot into their compact sports car’s engine bay; they already did so for the V12 Speedster, a Vantage-derived open-top beast of a car. But while that car carries a near-seven-figure pricetag and exists in super-limited quantities (just 88 are being made), the V12 Vantage should be significantly more affordable and available — at least, by Aston Martin standards. We’ll know when the car debuts in 2022.

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Hublot’s Latest Watch Release Is an Homage to Aspen Snowmass

It’s official: Hublot loves Aspen Snowmass. The Swiss luxury Maison just released a timepiece that proves it — the Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Aspen Snowmass Limited Edition. The watch is a take on the Hublot Classic Fusion model that celebrates 75 years of the beloved resort with a limited edition of 25 pieces in black and white ceramic.

This isn’t the only sign of Hublot’s love for the famed mountain town, either. Hublot keeps time at ski lifts, snow stakes and a newly created Gondola Square sculptural clock tower made in collaboration with local designers CCY Architecture. If time needs to be kept while you’re snowboarding or skiing in these parts, Hublot’s your brand.

hublot

Hublot

hublot

Hublot

And the watch? It’s a perfect homage to luxury mountain life, fused by Hublot’s interesting materials and adventurous design. Its black ceramic case and satin-finished white ceramic dial add a panda feel (or is it mountain chic?) — all in support of an eye-catching openworked dial, of course. Thanks to the window (Hublot does mean “porthole” in French, after all), lucky owners can watch the Caliber Hublot HUB1155 self-winding chronograph movement tick away inside. And an Aspen leaf as the 12 o’clock index and high-shine brilliant titanium call to mind the mountain town’s natural beauty and silver mining heritage.

hublot

Hublot

But the Aspen references don’t stop there. On the sapphire exhibition caseback, the words “Aspen Snowmass” are positioned next to the resort’s 75th-anniversary logo, and around the edges of the caseback are the markings of the special edition and its number designation out of the 25 available examples. (You’ll have to act fast if you want a specific number.)

Because it’s Hublot, this beautiful, high-precision timepiece is offered on a black rubber and white calf strap that’s all street style — or should we call it slopestyle? It’s sure to pair perfectly with anything in your wardrobe, whether that’s your ski and snowboard kit or formalwear for a night out on the town.

Fellow horology and mountain-lovers can get their hands on the Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Aspen Snowmass Limited Edition exclusively at Hublot boutiques America-wide, and on Hublot’s website, priced at $18,800 USD.

SHOP NOW

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Today’s Best Deals: $300 off an iMac, Savings on a Vitamix Blender & 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.

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How to Tie a Tie

A good tie and one knot. That’s all you need. Forget the Windsors, Pratts and countless other iterations, because with a Four-in-Hand, you’re set. “People overthink it a little too much,” said Jim Parker, store manager at The Armoury in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood. “We’re trying to push that the tie is just an accessory that you don’t need to think about as much.”

The Armoury has a strong reputation for selling some of the best traditional menswear, focusing on timeless designs and top craftsmen. All of its employees swear by the Four-in-Hand. It’s a versatile knot that allows the wearer to express some individuality, without appearing superfluous. Make sure to mind the proportions of your outfit — the collar with the lapel and the tie width with the collar — and practice plenty to tie it just right.

How to Tie a Tie, According to Experts

Amechi Ugwu

“Even with tying the same knot, there are endless possibilities for how the tie can end up, it just depends on what you appreciate. I generally go for a medium- to small-size knot, I try to keep it really tight and I like my tie to sit up.”

amechi tying his tie

Gear Patrol

Jim Parker

“I used to tie bigger knots, but really what I do is let the fabric of the tie dictate. This is silk and linen, so it’s a little bit flimsy. You’re never going to get a big, full, sturdy knot. It’ll be a little loose and floppy, and I don’t like that, so that’s why I’m tying this a little tighter. Always a dimple. Like most of us here, the back blade is just kind of incidental.”

jim parker tying his tie

Gear Patrol

Steps: the Four-in-Hand Knot

  1. Begin with the wide blade of your necktie on the right, hanging 8 to 12 inches lower than the tail. Cross the wide blade over the tail, at a position just below your collarbones.
  2. Wrap the wide blade around the tail.
  3. Pull the wide blade under and up, through the loop created near your neck.
  4. Pull the wide blade down through the loop, adjusting the front of the knot as necessary.
  5. Tighten the knot to the collar, covering the top button, by sliding the knot toward your neck while holding the tie tail. Add a dimple just below the knot with your index finger.
    1. How to Store Your Ties

      “Don’t loosen your tie and take it off and hang it like a necklace so you keep it pre-tied. Untie the tie and let it hang,” said Jeremy Kirkland, then head of marketing at the Armoury. (He now hosts a fashion podcast called Blamo!.)

      “Don’t worry about the wrinkles, because gravity, your best friend, is going to take all the wrinkles out of the tie.” As to not damage the slip-stitch that holds the tie together, show your tie some respect when taking it off. “When you’re untying your tie, just reverse the knot instead of yanking on it,” Parker said.

      Types of Ties

      tie a tie gear patrol sidebar
      Top Row, Left to Right: Three-Fold Untipped Tie, Three-Fold Self-Tipped Tie | Bottom Row, Left to Right: Five-Fold Tie, Seven-Fold Tie

      Gear Patrol

      Three-Fold Untipped Tie

      “Usually the tip adds weight to the bottom of it, so the tie doesn’t blow around. As you can see, there is canvas in there. So, the canvas gives the body and the shape of the tie.”

      Three-Fold Self-Tipped Tie

      “This is a self-tipped tie. The silk is relatively thin, so to give it a bit more weight and heft it’s tipped on the inside.”

      Five-Fold Tie

      “This is very, very light. It has a small, really light canvas on the inside to give it a little bit of weight and shape. It is also hand rolled.”

      Seven-Fold Tie

      “Generally with seven fold ties, the fabric is so thick and it’s folded upon itself, so there’s no canvas on the inside. It’s literally a piece of silk, folded upon itself seven times.”

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