Gear Patrol

Ah, the music festival. Concert after concert under the hot sun, huge fields of camping fans, available yet astronomically priced food, and port-a-potties stretching to the horizon combine for a strange breed of “roughing it” with large doses of civilization mixed in. Prepare properly and you’re in for the weekend of a lifetime; shirk the prep and you’ll be poor and plenty grumpy come Sunday night. Here are ten pieces of gear — appropriately fitting the chaotic and not at all fashionable atmosphere you’ll come to know and love — to get your music festival experience on track for “Epic!” status. We’ll leave the collapsible peace pipe to you.

Since 1963, we’ve enjoyed six generations of the Corvette and five versions of the Mustang. Nine different Presidents have called the White House home and we have listened to vinyl give way to tape, CDs and eventually the digital download. We’ve also had 50 years of the Stanley PowerLock tape measure, a product that has clearly stood the test of time and continues to enjoy its reign at the top.

When it comes to home security, there don’t seem to be many options between expensive monthly-fee security systems and keeping a pump-action under the bed (note: don’t do that). The Scout Home Security System ($120+) utilizes wi-fi and mobile connectivity to meet somewhere between safety and affordability.

Ring belts are the saving grace for casual types who can’t stand the sight of belt loops in the raw. These Archival Webbing Belts ($28) are a restrained alternative to the preppy stripes and bright colors you’ll soon see crowding retailers’ spring shelves. They’re made in Portland, OR, from British mil-spec cotton webbing and feature a Horween leather tab and red bar tack stitching. For proper sizing, measure your waist and add 6 inches, then compare this number to Archival’s “Finished Length of Belt”. Remember to leave slack for those porterhouse binges.

East meets West — Coast, that is — with Gorjana & Griffin. Offering wares for men on the move (women too) that speak to a bi-coastal lifestyle, Griffin & Gorjana strikes a balance between city and beach, polished and casual, offering up iPad cases, handsome weekenders and everything in between. Spearheaded by husband and wife pair Gorjana and Jason Griffin Reidel, Gorjana & Griffin designs and hand produces offerings entirely in their 6,000-square foot studio based in Laguna Beach, California. Further evidence of good intentions? Gorjana & Griffin backs its social commitment with a charitable foundation to aid a variety of causes, including Southern California’s first Food Truck Festival, which benefits children with cancer. Now that’s something we can get behind — and wear.

Our picks: Marshall Dopp Kit ($115) | West iPad Case ($75) | Stillwell Triple Wrap Bracelet ($65) | West Leather Carabiner Traveler ($94) | Marshall Weekender ($395)

Best Made Co.’s latest camping accessory is made in the USA from solid white oak, duck canvas and solid brass hardware, producing a vintage aesthetic that would look right at home around both your grandfather’s campsite and yours. Since America’s not getting any lighter, the Camp Chair ($185) is built to support 350 pounds, both in chair or stool mode.

We of all people love a good camera, but sometimes they can be so aesthetically… well, boring. Cold, monochromatic bodies coupled with cold, monochromatic buttons, dials and lenses — it makes even the plainest of men want to go out and do a little accessorizing. And while you may be cringing over the mental image…

Billy Reid’s Heirloom collection is a new made-in-the-USA luxury line distinguished by high-end wools and cashmeres from the booming southern-style diplomat. The tailored collection currently features eight suits, all of which have their merits — but the Campbell Patch Suit in black red is our pick for expanding your suiting palette beyond the staples of…

You worked your ass off during the spring and summer to landscape that patio into a prime entertainment spot — only to watch it all wither away over the last few months. Your bitter attitude or the bitter weather shouldn’t keep you from enjoying moments outside with friends, though. The Loll Designs Fire Ring ($590) is a three foot wide outdoor fire pit made in the USA from 1/8 thick steel that’s perfect for small gatherings.

After nearly five years of design and numerous prototypes, designer George Vlagos of Oak Street Bootmakers has created what may just be his finest boot yet, the Trench Boot ($426). First, a little background on the humble Trench Boot. With American wartime roots, the Trench Boot first came into service as a replacement for the…

Bocce is right up there with table shuffleboard on the underrated sports list. In truth, the game is just as enjoyable as horseshoes, but can be enjoyed without the necessity of pits, a hammer and the danger of dinging a child with a heavy metal object. The Terrain Bocce Ball Set ($298) is a beautiful…

The plastic pitcher currently filtering water in your fridge is a far greener way to stay hydrated than pounding down bottles, but it stills leaves plenty to be desired — both in terms of form and function. Its tupperware aesthetic isn’t exactly ready for the bright lights of the dinner table, and if you fill…

We can’t all be members of the Bel Air Circuit. For those scorned by the secret society, there’s Prima Cinema ($35,000). Designed in California and built in the U.S.A., Prima Cinema is a combination system/service that delivers Hollywood’s latest creations directly to your own private screening parties, simultaneous to their theatrical release. The system comprises…

From the men that brought you the hardcore rucksack comes the first, yup, military-grade tie. Shrugging off the worst any properly bedecked man is likely to encounter, The Man Tie ($65) is made from the same 1000d Cordura material as their rucks — and built with durability in its details. Two variants (narrow or classic)…

If we hear one more story about an impending zombie apocalypse, we’re packing up our stuff and humping it to the upper reaches of Canada. Our supplies? A crapload of MREs, an accompanying supply of Pepto, several crates of whisky and The Cell Machined Survival Kit ($75+). The minds behind this baton-like kit are looking…

Boot technology has come a long way since the days of Sir Edmund Hillary, but some things, like a vintage-style hiking boot, should never change. Danner, in collaboration with Tanner Goods, has made an exemplary modern classic in the Danner Mountain Trail Left Bank boot ($350). Made in the Portland, Oregon Danner factory, this special…

Allen Edmonds makes some of the finest American footwear around, and they’re certainly introducing more stylish designs that depart from purely traditional looks these days. Case in point: Eagle County boots ($350), which look one part classic cap toe and one part modern lace-up boot. They’re outdoorsy without being overly rugged, including Goodyear welted construction,…

Sitting Bull used his hands, your grandfather used a crowbar, and if you use either of those items today you’re being silly. Appreciation of the past doesn’t mean we need to suffer its inefficiencies. When seconds count, lives are at stake, or a nasty camp job needs an ass-kickin, the TNT Emergency Survival Tool ($215+)…

Two former World Cup Alpine skiers, Erik Schlopy and Brion Friedman, had an epiphany: In a world without snow, skiing doesn’t go over too well. So they set out to develop ski poles made from sustainable materials in a climate-friendly fashion. The results are Soul Poles ($99+), high-tech ski poles made from a decidedly low-tech…

Smoked whiskey isn’t usually America’s cup o’hooch but that doesn’t mean braver distillers won’t try their hand at it. Corsair Artisan Distillery plies their hand at the smoked flavor palate with their newest whiskey, Triple Smoke Single Barrel American Malt.Crafted from malted barley smoked by three different flavor fuels including cherry wood, peat and beechwood,…

Remember your first day of school? Wet-your-pants excitement in elementary, doldrums in middle and utter jadedness in high school — but always accompanied by that trustworthy backpack. Those tattered Eastpaks and monogrammed LL Beans may not have exactly exuded street style, but there’s still time to make up for it with Everlane’s latest consideration, an…

Maybe it started for you the first time you watched a set roll in, before you knew what a set was, and gazed in open-mouthed amazement as the locals made it look oh-so-easy. Or maybe you just caught 30 minutes of Blue Crush on late night TV. Regardless of how you first fell in love…

Sure, an overstuffed leather chair that goes horizontal with the flick of a lever is a comfortable way to tuck in for the afternoon, but why ruin a room with a Rent-a-Center relegation when you can have your modern and lie in it too? Responding to the challenge of designing a recliner that’s comfortable, ergonomic…

Salame (or “salami” to us Yanks) deserves to be called the swiss army knife of comestibles. Whether it’s a picnic, a fancy dinner, or a last minute get-together, you can always count on the cured delicacy to liven up and accompany any food offering. But not every salame is made equal, and Olli Salumeria proves…

Motorcycle enthusiasts are well aware of the drawbacks of a poorly executed backpack. Shoddy hardware, questionable weatherproofing and styling that usually screams “look at me” for all the wrong reasons are just some of the pack-ability pitfalls we face. Enter Hammarhead Industries to offer a viable and attractive solution. The HHI Day Pack ($290) combines…

Summer heat always brings out that key piece of clothing in every man’s arsenal, the T-shirt. Left Field’s American Crew Tee ($60) features blue and red style accents that separate the Made in the USA shirt from a standard Hanes pack. Available in Heather grey, navy and white, this tee is your new go-to for…

KA-BAR has been churning out incredible knife after knife since its founding in 1898. The latest film from Common Machine Prod. displays the history of the famous knife company — and done a fine job at that. First founded by two brothers, KA-BAR was originally known as the Tidioute Cutlery Co. in Tidioute, PA. —…

Buck has been making knives since 1902. You’ve been making knives since, uh, never. That shouldn’t stop you from combining your extensive talent with Buck’s 100 years of experience to create a unique blade via their new Buck Custom Knife Builder ($62+). Using the online tool, buyers can choose between two knife models (the 500…

Even if you spent all spring getting your physique Speedo-ready, it’s probably for the best that you wear something a bit more… local. But then again, the last thing your just-add-water outing needs is that pair of loud surfer shorts you’ve been modeling since college. Luckily, Paste Blue Navy Yellow Trunks ($94) strike a brilliant…

It can’t provide an array of covert weapons for getting out of a bind or a good scolding, but Google’s new Nexus Q ($299) accessory does allow Android users to stream video and music content from Google’s Play applications as well as YouTube to their home theater. In fact, anyone with an Android device connected…