Gear Patrol | Spirit of Adventure, Passion for Gear

One great looking whiskey, we imagine

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find this one on the shelves of your local package store, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use a little imagination, right? Created by David Riesenberg (get it?), the sublime package design project features a unique concept: a removable bottle label created through a unique process of drying, pressing and silkscreening, which can then be used as a coaster. Once you’ve emptied the bottle of bottle of whiskey of course, which in our imagination is also a high proof.

More images of the Riesenberg work after the jump

On February 2, 2011, Simone Moro, Deni Urubko and Cory Richards managed to ascend one of Pakistan’s 8,000 meter peaks. In winter. Something that hasn’t been accomplished in 16 expeditions spanning the past 26 years. Richards used a small camera and filmed the entire crucible with each torment of the ascent captured veraciously. Look for the film to hit festivals this year. Cinematography: Cory Richards, Directed/Edited: Anson Fogel.

Serves You Right

The Urbancase Sidebar ($3,100) is a proper workspace worthy of any aspiring mixologist. More than just a pretty face, the handcrafted walnut cabinet features a laterally sliding panel which hides adjacent compartments for liquor and glassware, providing some much needed personal space between your Macallan and that handle of Old Grand-Dad you swear was left by a guest. A drop front door also tastefully stashes various other key bartending tools, while its Corian top attractively minimizes the impact of spills and other livery-induced mishaps. Measuring 42L x 35.5H x 14.5D inches, it should work in almost any room and is available now for pre-order with a targeted ship date of August.

Buy Now: $3,100

Hot 100

Back in 2008, we introduced you to the first renderings of the revolutionary Icon A5 personal aircraft. Small, light, maneuverable and sleek, it showed what portability and cutting-edge design could look like in a small aircraft. Well, ICON has now released info about the first production run of the Limited Edition ICON 100 A5. The A5 is a 2-seater with a top speed of 120 mph and with both water and land takeoff and landing capability. Furthermore, ICON promises a quick ramp up capability for the uninitiated. In fact, 30% of deposits were made by those who don’t have a pilot’s license. This initial 100 program is truly special, in that it provides an early delivery date for 100 customers who deposit a cool $100K for this special run. How special? How’s custom paint and interior? The shell is bathed in heat-reflective pearlescent white paint, with metallic silver, red and black trim. Customers will also be able to change the color of the paint, if so desired. The interior is just as special, with marine-grade materials that are resistant to water, salt, sun and heat. The overall design is groundbreaking, incorporating aspects of motorcycle and automotive design. It provides a unique experience to pilots everywhere who want the benefit of a personal aircraft that utilizes the best technology available and doesn’t require a personal hangar to house. It just might be the perfect personal escape vehicle. Who knows? You just might find Daniel Craig at the helm in a future Bond movie.

Care to see how the A5 flies or how those wings fold? Watch the videos after the jump.

Price: $139,000

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You Mess 'Em Up, It Ties 'Em Down

Dutch designer Michiel Cornelissen has devised a clever product to tame Apple’s ubiquitous ear buds. The CableGuy ($13) features four slots for holding the ear buds and 3.5mm plug in place, leaving room in the middle to wrap up the pesky cord in a nice ‘n tidy fashion. There’s also a built-in clip for attaching the CableGuy to shirts, bags, and pockets. Sold in black and red, as well as other limited edition color sets, it could be time to finally treat yourself to a break from cable mayhem. That, — or you could just buy a better set of headphones.

Buy Now: $13

Patriotism to a Tee

Having just celebrated this Nation’s birthday, our patriotism is running high and we recently stumbled upon just the tee shirts from Declaration ($24) to embody it. Inspired by our country’s struggle to become a free nation, Declaration draws from colonial heritage and American revolution themes for their designs. Themes that shaped the very foundation of the country we proudly call home. With shirt names like The Rebellious Stripes, Independence and Join or Die Deceleration proudly represents one of the greatest eras in American history. Now you don’t have to fly old glory in the front yard to show your support, though we’re in full support of that too.

Buy Now: $24

Rolling Stone

Looking for a pair of sinister wheels for your sinister ride? Well, even if you aren’t, you’ll still appreciate the work that goes into a set of Vossen Wheels. With over 25 years of experience, Vossen’s measured approach of design and engineering has created a portfolio of some of the best looking wheels we’ve ever seen lusted for. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that their marketing materials look like they’re straight off a Warner Brothers set. Specializing in 19 to 22 inch concave, staggered wheels Vossens are subjected to ultra-tight tolerances and quality control. They’re also compatible with modern features like tire-pressure sensors and big-as-you-can-get-em brakes. The fact that these stunners are backed by an equally impressive industry-leading workmanship warranty and a lifetime structural warranty is total icing.

Care to see that menacing Caddy (and an M3) in motion? Then you’ll want to watch the videos after the jump.

Buy Now: $650 per Wheel

Cold and Calculating

The purpose of a Beer Froster ($550+) should be self-evident. What may not be so obvious is how it’s different from a standard freezer. Anyone who has ever attempted to cool down some brews quickly in the freezer and then forgot about it has learned that the consequences of combining beer with freezing temperatures can be explosive. The line of Beer Frosters from industrial fridge maker Summit Appliances eliminates this risk by combining an extremely powerful cooling unit with an incredibly stable thermostat. Together, these features let users set the Beer Froster’s temperature to a chilly low of 24 degrees — which is the absolute coldest beers can get before actually freezing. In other words, it provides the maximum level of chill without the risk of detonating your well-earned suds. This accuracy lets the Froster line noticeably chill a six pack in around 10 minutes, though the recommended time for best results is actually 90. Available in a variety of sizes for everything from dorm rooms to stadiums, we’re definitely thinking our wine fridge could benefit from having a new blue-collar buddy.

Editor’s Note: Aluminum bottles like those pictured above may be ideal for chilling, but don’t let us catch you handing them out at home. That is, unless, “home” happens to be spray painted with yard lines.

Buy Now: $550+

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Like a G-17

AirPlay continues to invade the home and this time, packed into the Klipsch Gallery G-17 ($530) wi-fi portable speaker system. The G-17 touts four individually powered drivers: two 10-watt Tractrix-horned tweeters alongside dual 20-watt woofers alongside all the usual ports like USB and 3.5mm inputs. Charge up its batteries (or plug-in directly), and take it anywhere you need great portable sound. It’s even wall-mountable so there’s no excuse not to fill every nook and cranny with Klipsch horn-tweeter goodness. Our preference: speaker grill off.

Buy Now: $530 (Fall)