Glove Affair
Leather usually doesn’t hold up well when Ol’ Man Winter puts on the hurtin’. Our recent tests with Helly Hansen’s Leather Gloves ($100) proved they are an exception, even in wet weather. Armed with Primaloft insulation, Helly Tech Protection fabric and rich goatskin leather, these durable mitts warm up quickly and keep moisture out. Don’t [...]
Hat evolved
We’re long overdue for a breakdown so what better candidate for a part-by-part analysis than the GR TAC ($35) — the new tactical hat from the deft hands of GORUCK. It’s quite possibly the last hat you’ll ever need or want. Hit the jump for our breakdown.
Shagtastic
Looking like the long haired hippy twin of the Ranger Hoodie LT the Shag Master adds Polartec Thermal Pro High Loft fleece to the already excellent Ranger. As such, it has ergonomically placed chest and arm pockets, integrated thumbholes, aero hood, as well as a cut that provides superior mobility. The high loft Polartec fleece [...]
Mafioso look no more
Working in the city and working in an office doesn’t give a man myriad outerwear options that look just as good on casual Friday as they do during the rest of the week, especially when the thermometer starts to drop well below seersucker weather. And wearing your double-breasted black wool overcoat doesn’t work everywhere, pal. [...]
Sta-Puft
Light is good. Light, warm and water-repellent are just that much better, especially when it comes to outerwear. No doubt this fall will bring the kind of weather where you want to be prepared yet mobile and versatile. The new Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket ($279) will allow you to do just that with its lightweight [...]
System of a Down
Totally waterproof and completely tailored, the Nau Down Load ($440) packs a one-two style/utlity punch. Just in time for your dashing fall wardrobe. The weather-resistant shell features premium touches including taped seams, mini-storm skirt, removable hood, ribbed wool cuffs, breathable laminate exterior, and a warm yet breathable interior comprised of bulk-free 650-fill down. A bounty [...]
Kicking & Thinking
Judging by how quickly terms like “smartphone” and “smartTV” steamrolled into our vernacular, we may soon be uttering “smartcleats” (or smartboots for readers across the pond) if Adidas has their way. The first generation Adidas Adizero f50s made a splash earlier in 2011 by weighing a mere 5.1 ounces and claiming the title as the [...]
Chart a New Start
The Fitbit Ultra ($100) sits in an interesting spot on the competitive spectrum of workout computers. The original was essentially a pedometer for the 21st century, and recorded users steps to calculate distance traveled and calories burned over a day. This new incarnation provides the same features and adds the ability to distinguish other calorie [...]
Watersheep Down
Fleece has a tendency to be clammy against the skin when it gets wet, but wool’s natural properties prevent that not-so-pleasant feeling by keeping moisture away from your skin. If you’re searching for a full zip secondary layer that’s both protective and comfortable, look no further than the Icebreaker Sierra Hood ($200), which we had [...]
Wearable bug zapper
Repelling bugs in the outdoors usually means hiding in your tent, smearing mud all over your exposed skin or dousing yourself from head to toe with a noxious chemical that comes out of a bottle with lots of skulls and crossbones on it. Recently, some clothing companies have started selling insect repelling shirts and trousers, [...]
Far from the bare essentials
When it comes to gear reviews, you often find yourself asked to test products that challenge personal biases. My opportunity came in the form of the new and soon to be released Adidas Adipure Trainer ($90). Simply put, I couldn’t see myself wearing, liking or even needing a barefoot trainer — despite being convinced it’s [...]
Pressure to be better
You may not be aware of it, but everything you do (or don’t do) after a workout prepares your body for the next. From stretching, to nutrition, to hydration, your body immediately starts rebuilding what you’ve broken down. The new Adidas Recovery compression apparel takes it to the next level. Here’s how: Recovery reduces muscle [...]
See socks differently
Socks are often the red-headed stepchild of a man’s wardrobe. Abused, overlooked, and unappreciated they’re often an afterthought. That is, unless you buy the right socks. These are the right socks. Dahlgren is a small, family-run sock company based in Oregon that knows the value of focusing on one thing to get it right. And [...]
Finally, a casual technical tee
Yeah yeah, another technical t-shirt. Do we really need another wicking, breathable tee? If it’s from Sport Science ($22), the answer is yes. And here’s why. While this shirt does a fine job of pulling sweat off the skin to keep you cool but not clammy, that’s not what makes it special. No, what we [...]
Stand Tall
Posture is an often overlooked element in any training or athletic environment. The premise is simple though: better posture leads to more efficient muscle engagement and cuts down on fatigue. What you may not realize is that those benefits can help in your day to day life as well. Intelliskin’s Foundation Shirt 2.0 ($95) provides [...]
