Best New Gear | January 2023

From bomber protective cases to a capable carry-on companion and tough workout gear, 2023 is off to a great start with January’s best new gear…

EDC

Pelican M40, M50 and M60 Micro Cases

Pelican, a brand professionals trust to protect their gear, have just released a new set of Micro Cases. Designed to hold smaller items such as keys, wallets, small tools or camera accessories, the cases are available in three sizes and four colorways. Using the same DNA as their coolers, cases, and protective gear, the Micro Cases feature dual latches and padlock holes for added security and an o-ring seal for watertight protection. Lastly, they are IP67 rated which means your gear is protected from water, dust, and being crushed.

Quince Leather Apple Watch Bands

The San Francisco-based affordable luxury brand, Quince has just released their take on the Apple Watch band. Available in two styles, an all-leather band crafted from top-grain calf leather, and a 100% waterproof sports band for active pursuits, there’s something for every person and every occasion. 

Of course, to accommodate for the different-sized Apple Watches, the straps are available in small and large sizes. With three colorways offered in the leather band and any-color-so-long-as-it’s-black for the sports band, plus an extremely competitive price point, the new Quince bands should be on your radar if you’re looking to mix things up on your wrist.

WaterField Magnetic Laptop Sleeve for MacBook Pro M2s

Apple recently dropped their M2 MacBook Pros and SF-based WaterField was ready with their new Magnetic Laptop Sleeve. Constructed from rugged waxed canvas and available in several colors, and combined with a ballistic nylon lining and 4mm of shock-absorbing neoprene, the new cases offer both style and protection. Rare earth magnets run the length of the opening to allow for easy opening and a satisfying close.

Opinel Maintenance Kit

Opinel offers some of the best value-for-money knives, but even tools that are well-built from the factory require some TLC from time to time. To that effect, the company has released its new Maintenance Kit, which provides essential accessories for keeping your knives in good condition for years to come.

The collection includes small and large sharpening whetstones. The small is best for folding knives while the latter can handle kitchen knives alongside folding blades. There’s also a plant-based, food-safe oil ideal for maintaining carbon/stainless blades, locking rings, and even conditioning the wooden handles or cutting boards. You can pick items up individually or in a convenient kit that comes with a large stone, oil, and microfiber cloth, perfectly nestled in a storage tin.

Orbitkey Key Organizer Seasonal Release

The organizational experts out of Melbourne, Australia know how to keep things exciting. Fresh off their Star Wars collaboration, the team is back with new seasonal colors for their Key Organizers. The new colorways in Leather are Sea Foam, Island Green, Cocoa Rose, and Cotton Candy. If you often find yourself on the move, you can choose between Mist, Graphite, and Tangerine in the Active Key Organizers category. Whatever the option, the Key Organizers add a little personality to your EDC while transforming your keys into a neat and compact stack – that is both jingle and scratch-free.

Bellroy All-Conditions Pockets

Bellroy have spent over a decade honing their All-Conditions collection, constantly improving with each new release. And now the All-Conditions Pockets are back and better than ever. As the name suggests, these weatherproof pockets take on the elements with ease, featuring pre-molded water-resistant leather exteriors, YKK AquaGuard zippers, and savvy interior organization that keeps your essentials tidy whether you’re hurtling down a mountain bike trail or navigating bustling city streets during a soggy morning commute. With options including the All–Conditions Card Pocket, All–Conditions Phone Pocket, and All–Conditions Phone Pocket Plus you can accommodate smaller and larger setups alike, secure in the knowledge that even if you get a soaking, your EDC will be safe and sound.

Dango Products M1 Maverick™ AirTag Wallet and AirTag Vertical Wallet Band

If rugged, multifunctional wallets are your pocket carry of choice, the Dango Products M1 Maverick AirTag Wallet might be your ideal pocket partner. Made with a burly blend of CNC machined and anodized 6061 aerospace aluminum and top-grain leather, the wallet offers four loop holes for attaching additional items such as keys or lanyards. Designed to store up to eight to 10 cards, the wallet also comes with an Apple AirTag compatible silicone band (Apple AirTag not included) so you can easily keep track of your wallet. And if you just fancy the AirTag band, these are available separately too.

Urban

Reigning Champ Merino Terry Line

If you’re looking for effortless urban style with understated performance, Reigning Champ’s Merino Line has you well covered. Handcrafted in Canada, the line includes pieces such as the Merino Terry Half Zip, Crewneck, and Pant, all featuring a merino terry knit fabric that wicks moisture, regulates temperature, and resists odors. Great for day-to-day wear and travel packing too, these pieces are versatile wardrobe staples that adapt to a range of different settings with ease.

Klean Kanteen Rise Collection

Klean Kanteen’s Rise Collection fuses elevated style and sustainability in one, offering five designs that move smoothly from urban commutes to kicking back at home or venturing outdoors. Each piece is made with certified 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel, while features such as a thin rim for comfortable drinking and a splash-proof Flip Lid make them a pleasure to use too.

Travel

Tortuga Travel Backpack V4

We haven’t heard from Tortuga in a minute but they have not been sitting idly by. They just launched their new Travel Backpack, an update to the Outbreaker, six years in the making. Available in two sizes, a 30L and 40L, the new backpacks are both carry-on compatible and support trips anywhere from two to five nights to a week or more; choose accordingly. Regardless of the volume you choose, the Travel Backpacks are designed to fit nearly everyone. They use a height-adjustable, gender-neutral suspension system with shoulder straps that move up and down to fit your body, and an adjustable hip belt to take the weight off your shoulders.

The new Travel Backpacks support laptops up to 16 inches, tablets up to 12.9 inches, are made with SHELL200, and feature YKK zippers and Woojin buckles to keep things secure. A front-loading design allows for easy packing. A spacious main compartment with a large mesh pocket allows for plenty of storage, while a padded fleece-lined sleeve for your laptop and tablet keeps them safe. Additionally, a deep front pocket with an organizer panel and a dedicated Kindle sleeve serve as the “work” area of the pack and lastly, the question everyone surely has on their mind: yes it comes with two external water bottle pockets!

Proof Passport Collection

Travel isn’t always comfy or easy. But Proof aims to take some of the hassle out of travel – at least in the clothing department – through their Passport Collection. The collection includes three adaptable pieces that can work across a range of settings: the Passport Travel Pants, Passport Shirt, and Passport Field Jacket, each available in three colorways. Designed to keep you comfortable during long flights while also working equally well for exploring your destination once you get there, the collection combines versatile style with performance features such as durable, breathable fabric with inbuilt stretch, a DWR finish to help protect against water and stains, and a choice of pockets to keep travel and EDC items secure and close at hand throughout your journey.

Outdoors

Taylor Stitch Chapman Jacket

If you like your outdoor adventures with a heavy dose of heritage aesthetics and dependable protection from the elements, look to Taylor Stitch’s Chapman Jacket to keep you protected in style. Featuring a water-repellent 60% organic cotton and 40% nylon shell, the jacket also offers additional details to protect you from inclement weather including a storm flap, elastic cuffs, and an adjustable hood. And hey, there’s no reason you can’t venture into the urban jungle with this jacket too.

YKK Revived Repairable Zipper

Zipper failure is one of the primary reasons that gear is sent in for repair. And often it may be less expensive for brands to simply replace items rather than repair the zipper. But YKK is set to change this with their Revived repairable zipper. Designed to be easily repairable by the end user, this prevents the need to send your gear away over a lengthy repair period and reduces landfill waste. The new zipper has already been included in pieces such as the ARTILECT Formation 3L Jacket and will soon feature across the brand’s entire 2023 collection.

Active

Filson x Ten Thousand

After a collaboration that sold out in under 24 hours, the Seattle heritage outfitter and NYC-based activewear label have joined forces once again to create a unique collection of high-performance gear. The collection features three pieces in Filson’s signature Marsh Olive and Dark Timber colorways. Up first is the Midweight Tech Hoodie, a full-zip sweater crafted from a moisture-wicking polyester/cotton blend treated to resist stains. If you’re looking for a base layer, the Filson x Ten Thousand Versatile Shirt is made from a proprietary breathable, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying fabric. Finally, the Tactical Short is a lined training short that is constructed from a featherweight but durable ripstop fabric and offers four-way stretch. All three items have undergone a permanent silver-ion treatment that keeps things stink-free.

Olivers Pursuit Pullover Hoodie and Pursuit Sweatpant

Designed to work as hard as you do, Olivers’ Pursuit Performance Knit fabric provides a thoughtful blend of 70% cotton, 26% merino wool, and 4% elastane. This well-considered blend offers the moisture-wicking and thermoregulating properties you want in workout apparel, while remaining soft with a stylish drape that looks equally good hitting it hard in the gym or relaxing in your downtime. Olivers offers the fabric across both their Pursuit Pullover Hoodie and Pursuit Sweatpant (both available in three colorways), making them ideal workout buddies for a range of active pursuits.

Our Best New Gear guides are written by David Vo and Catherine Baecker-Khoury.