Timeless In More Ways Than One

If you’re no longer in college, chances are you probably have some sort of messenger bag or briefcase that’s supplanted your backpack. Maybe you’re even carrying one that Gear Patrol turned you onto. Personally, I use a nice Timbuk2 bag that my wife gave me, and it has served me quite well. It carries my laptop and looks good, so I have no complaints. But a recent foray at filson.com has officially given me bag envy. Particularly, the Filson Field Satchel.

If you’re not familiar with the brand, Filson has cranked out rugged products from their Seattle, WA HQ for over a hundred years, and the Field Satchel is just one example of their timeless collection. Made completely of Bridle Leather, the bag features gold fittings, two expandable pockets, and a solid brass lock to keep your gear safe. Moreover, its classic look will never fall out of vogue, so becoming obsolete isn’t part of this satchel’s plan.

Care for it like our golf guru Patrick cares for his clubs (preeecious), and the bag should serve as a great college graduation gift… for your future grandson. Seeing that it’s versatile enough to handle work and travel, developing that authentic patina should happen long before that.

Editor’s Note: Keep the size of the bag in mind and note that it’s not designed to carry a laptop. So, if you’re toting a Dell XPS everyday this might not be practical. It isn’t cheap either, but in Filson’s words you, “Might as well have the best” and we agree. Plus the fact that the bag evokes your unending desire to become Indiana Jones doesn’t hurt either.

Cost: $795

Also See: Dad Gear Messenger Bag | Pelican 1510loc Laptop Overnight Case

If Only Everything Was Goose Down…

A down vest or jacket should be a man’s winter wardrobe essential. The sheer warmth and comfort that goose down provides are nothing short of spectacular. But, honestly though, most options for men are either geared towards scaling K2, high fashion, or simply too granola.

Penfield’s Rockwool vest strikes a nice balance of rugged, casual, and street. The 80/20 goose down is teflon coated with 60/40 cotton nylon, detailed with a traditional leather front and shoulder yoke, and a super-soft shearling collar. We prefer the black, but the Rockwool vest is also available in tan or as a full jacket (not shown) for you vest haters.

Men looking for a tamer option should also look at the Rockwool’s lower priced brother, the Outback (shown right, $130) which forgoes leather yokes and shearling collar for wind and rain proof fabric. It’s available in micro striped hickory, black, and bark.

Editor’s Note: Pair either the Penfield Rockwool, Outback, or any down vest with a sweater (as we did for the shot above), shirt, or sportcoat as only American men can do. Pull on a pair of your favorite weekend jeans or wool pants and call it a day.

Cost: $265

Also See: L.L.Bean Shearling Boots | J.Crew Long Sleeve Jersey Polo

Sad Variations on a Theme

By Ben Bowers: The end of one year and the begining of the next is often a time rightly used for reflection. So, considering the kind of year 2008 has been, I felt this fleeting moment should be used to comb for lessons that we can all learn from by witnessing high profile debacles of others.

Of course, every year is filled with mistakes; sometimes, the consequences of which extend only to the perpetrator, while at other times they affect an entire nation. 2008 however was a particularly interesting year in this regard, because major errors seemed to run in pairs.

Don’t believe me? Click the link below to find the lessons that stand out from 5 pairs of moronic miscues that went down in 2008.

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If you’re the type of guy that believes a t-shirt is relegated to serving soley as an undershirt, then I would ask you to open your mind to another dimension in your wardrobe.

You may not know this, but thanks to masses of WWII photos featuring soldiers donning their “undershirts” and military pants that circulated in the early 40’s, the t-shirt/pant combo became socially acceptable. Of course, one need not know that in the past few years they have evolved into something of a couture item, especially here in Los Angeles.

For those naysayers who believe that all t-shirts are created equal, I assure you there is a great chasm in quality between that cannon flug t-shirt at sporting events and the well-fitted, cloud wrapping, skin-kissing shirts from Bumpy Pitch. Who better to trust in designing a shirt than a couple of Southern California soccer (futbol) dudes, a graphic designer, and an actor?

This combination of talent and style is what leads to great fabric, graphics (vintage soccer logos from the teams of yore), and fit (snug on the body, perfect sleeve and torso length). At first, I was a bit hesitant with the 50/50 blend, but after a few wears, I’ve found myself offering Bumpy Pitch fashions my hard-won loyalty. I wear a size 40L jacket and tested some mediums that fit snug where you want snug (arms, chest) and cut straight through the sides. Just right.

Wearing a different design everyday for a week netted me a number of compliments. I even paired one with dark jeans and a vest for a recent Christmas party (again, this is LA) where fellow Angelenos commented on how comfortable and flattering it looked and asked where to procure a shirt like mine. The true test, however, came at a Ralph’s grocery store on Sunset Blvd when the bagger halted his duties to lend approving remarks. Honestly, that’s all one can ever hope for.

Editor’s Note: Word of advice from my run with the Bumpy Pitch shirt - do not lend one to your girlfriend (or girl friend) and expect to get it back. Though with the way it looks on her (damn fine)… you might not ever want it back.

Cost: $36

Also See: Ten Bills | Bonobos Pants | Lands’ End Canvas Field Coat

Macworld 2009 Comprehensive Round-up

While tomorrow’s headlines might read, “Apple Announces New Products, Steve Jobs Nowhere To Be Found,” we think anyone who knows anything about Apple should applaud Phil Schiller (President of Apple). His presentation at Macworld 2009 was fantastic, and all of us here at Gear Patrol feel he finally deserves some bloody credit.

In terms of new Mac hardware goodies, Apple announced the completely redesigned 17″ MacBook Pro. Software, however, was the primary focus of the event, as significant new features included in iWork ‘09, iLife ‘09, and iTunes were highlighted and demoed.

Yes, inevitably, some of you will yawn, but to us a DRM-Free iTunes (no ridiculous sharing restrictions and handicapped sound quality) is a major event and finally puts iTunes on the same playing field with competitors like Amazon music. Read our full rundown of what happened this morning after the jump.

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By William C. Montgomery | The Truth About Cars | Results after the jump.

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