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Carga bags pictured - Top Row: 01 & 03, Bottom Row: 02L & O3L

The Carga bag looks like it comes straight off of a construction site’s scrap heap. The only difference is that instead of a pile of useless material you’ve got a unique bag with industrial looks. If the unique character of the bag isn’t enough then find comfort knowing that each bag is individually numbered.

Bag Features:

• Vegetable Dyed Leather (on leather bags)
• Aluminum Ribets
• Serial Numbered
• Die-Cut Handle
• Internal Leather Pocket
• Key Ring
• Detachable iPod/Camera/Cell Pouch

What this means to you: If you’re in the market for a bag with a distinctively modern and industrial look the bags from Carga are not apt to disappoint.

Cost: $175-$685 @ Carga Bags

Wrap yourself up this winter in a little bit of rugged prep with this rugby stripe scarf from Coach. It’s knit style belies the fact that it’s made of soft cashmere guaranteeing you a warm comfortable wrap with each wear.

Available in a combination Bordeaux/Parchment and Navy/Gray

What this means to you: Depending on where you live there’s seriously no need for more than 2 scarves but certainly any environment calls for at least one. Make it good.

Cost: $128 @ Coach

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Samsonite Graviton luggage is tough. Good luggage should be. Good luggage also has plenty of interior lining and features to keep up with your traveling rigor. The Graviton has that, plus aesthetic, in spades.

Luggage features:

• Constructed of Samsonite’s molded polypropylene hardside shell material.
• Push button locking handle.
• Top and side carry handles. Four spinner wheels. TSA combination lock.
• Fully lined interior.
• Expands 2ins. for additional packing space.
• Zipped divider pad. Zip pocket. Cross ribbons to keep clothes secure.
• 10 year warranty.

What this means to you: Travel season is on the horizon and approaching rapidly. Don’t get left behind with broken luggage and weak protection.

Cost: $190-$370 @ Luggage Online

At first we were skeptical at idea of the Nike Amp+. A device that serves as a watch and an iPod remote on one hand and also provides instant voice feedback of your time, distance, calories when teamed up with the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit and any set of Nike+ Ready shoes. Didn’t appear to be a very straightforward setup which we’re all about.

We were wrong.

The Nike Amp+ is simple in all ways. Its durable polyurethane strap can be cut to your exact preference for a natural, comfortable fit and it’s unexpectedly easy to understand LED displays time of day and icons for iPod® nano controls when activated by the remote. Its instant voice feedback of time, distance, calories and pace are clear and concise and the buttons are precise and easy to press when running. Of course, this one’s water resistant (up to 50 meters to be precise), just like any good watch.

What this means to you: You don’t have time to think about fiddling with your iPod or calorie counting when you’re exercising. With the Nike Amp+ you don’t have to.

Cost: $79 @ Nike | Nike+ iPod Sport Kit $29 @ Nike

The AMQ Tendon Low sneaker is a product that demonstrates good things can come from co-designed products. The Alexander McQueen line from PUMA is a one you probably don’t know about but should.

Our recent procurement of the AMQ Tendon Low is a mix of sport influences in an urban friendly aesthetic. It has an “anatomical foot-hugging shape last shapes of motorsports shoes with the easy masculinity of basketball styles.” You should interpret that as, sporty, urban, sleek and comfortable.

What this means to you: PUMA gone McQueen. Get in on it.

Cost: ~$230 @ Retailer Near You

If you think of all the stuff you’ve probably bought for the office to get you through those last minute ‘needs’ (e.g. late nights, late mornings, spilled lunches, stains, dirty laundry) then we venture to guess it wouldn’t be less than $45. And $45 is all it takes you to get an ‘emergency’ kit specifically catered to keep you well-groomed and prepared.

Includes: Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Dental Floss, Lip Balm, Mints, Pain Reliever, Nail Clipper, Hair Comb, Deodorant, Facial Tissues, Lint Remover, Stain Remover, Static Guard®, Wrinkle-Free®, Mending Kit, Shoe Shine Sponge, Adhesive Bandages, Shaving Cream, Razor, and Interior Mirror

What this means to you: Go forth and be unplanned and spontaneous at those happy hours (we have to drink to make it through ours as well…). You’ll be good and ready in the morning when you walk in unkempt and disheveled.

Cost: $45 @ Ms. & Mrs.

As a firm believer in subtle luxury, this writer always condones garrish and gaudy accessories. That said, a suit does benefit from subtle upgrades like a pocket square (so long as said pocket square does not detract from your suits well tailored lines).

The black pocket square with a silver Signature Belisi Monogram Pattern will instantly make your gray or black suit an absolute classic this Autumn/Winter with it’s luxurious and classic looks. Also, the designer pocket square has a great hand-rolled border which truly makes this a gent’s pocket square.

In case you don’t know how to fold a proper pocket square - Sam Hober has directions on how to fold the traditional flat pocket square.

What this means to you: Give that unused suit pocket a little company and make onlookers admire with a pocket square.

$23 @ Belisi

The manual to help you answer style and lifestyle questions is back. The editors at esquire have an all-new book for 2007 called the Big Black Book and it’s chock full of information, tips, steps on everything from drinks to suits to travel. Not unlike a certain website you’re reading now.

Amazon describes it as

“This luxury brand extension is innovative and leverages Esquire’s status as the original lifestyle magazine for discerning men. Its elegant and visually rich format brings Esquire’s great equity as a style arbitrator to the modern and successful man. The tone is exclusive. Intelligent service edit is the key ingredient and provides a unique point of distinction. The Big Black Book is about luxury items and experiences that have clear value and meaning for men.”

It is truly the one resource no modern man should be without.”

What this means to you: Whether or not you buy books and magazines, this is 10 dollars well spent to getting you upgraded and outfitted.

$10 @ Esquire

As a traditionalist I can’t help but scorn the idea of a bag. My colleagues here at Gear Patrol look upon me with disdain, but when it comes to carrying my docs and gear to work I prefer a briefcase or attaché, slim ones at that.

One of the breifcases I use regularly is the Mezzi Superslip 2.0 aluminum briefcase that’s worked well and you should take a look at it as well. Among other things, it features:

• Hidden compartment
• Black leather-style interior
• Chromed corners and handle
• Diamond stamped aluminum
• Black dust/protection bag
• Dual latch key locks (Keys included)
• Six interior compartments
• Three pen holder slots
• Only 3 lbs

What this means to you: Cut like the suit you should be wearing… slim.

Cost: $60 @ Mezzi

We talk a lot about wallets here at Gear Patrol, but that’s only because it’s one of the utility items we carry day in and day out that also gives us an opportunity for some subtle expression.

There’s no shortage of expression or functionality with the stainless steel wallet and business card case. They’re made of woven silk and stainless steel micros fibers giving you a silky metallic material.

Available in either a bi-fold wallet format (4 card slots, 1 money pocket and 1 clear ID window) or a stylish business card case with room for up to 50 business cards.

What this means to you: Soft, smooth, steel.

Cost: $20-$80 @ ThinkGeek