The Top Gear to Buy in November 2023: Travel, Outdoors, EDC, & More

A clean and classy three-day travel backpack, versatile photography packs, and a safety-oriented snow vest were just some of the standout pieces gracing the carry stage in November. Delve in for a closer look as we check out the month’s best new gear.

EDC

Casio EDIFICE x Honda ECB2200HTR-1A

Casio has welcomed a new addition to their EDIFICE timepieces in the form of the ECB2200HTR-1A. The sporty, limited-edition timepiece is a tribute to the Honda TYPE-R. The watch features details such as a Honda “H” logo embossed on the dial and TYPE-R logo engraved on the back of the case. The genuine leather watch strap has an Alcantara® underside with red stitching inspired by the TYPE-R interior, while championship white paint and Honda red accents feature on the dial and band loop. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters and features Casio’s Smartphone Link technology that allows it to connect to the CASIO Watches app to update the time zone based on the user’s geographical location.

YSMART SHARKZ Micro Knife

Want the benefits of an easily portable blade in a super-compact package? The YSMART SHARKZ Micro Knife delivers in pint-sized style. It features a tough Grade 5 titanium body and a tungsten carbide blade, all in a package small enough to fit easily on a keychain, secure to a pack, or even wear on a neck lanyard. Durable and sturdy enough to cut through cans, seatbelt webbing, and more, while lightweight and small enough to discreetly carry every day, it’s a nifty addition to both urban and outdoor EDC setups. If you’re keen to learn more, check out the SHARKZ Kickstarter campaign for details.

The James Brand Titanium Bottle Opener

The James Brand have a well-established reputation for crafting thoughtfully functional and stylish EDC gear. So it’s no surprise that their Titanium Bottle Opener delivers on both style and practicality. Made from one solid billet of 6AL4V titanium, the bottle opener features a sleek and ergonomic design and also integrates a mini driver and a lanyard hole. But there’s a catch. You can’t purchase the bottle opener by itself. So how do you get your hands on this classy piece? Well, The James Brand will include it for free on all orders of $300 or more, while stocks last. So if you’ve had your eye on some prime TJB pieces, now might be the perfect time to dive in and score an extra treat in the mix too.

Urban

Mission Workshop Notch Sling

Mission Workshop has welcomed two fresh colorways to their versatile Notch sling, including Olive and Coyote X-Pac. The multifunctional sling works equally well as a daily carry companion for small setups or as a travel buddy for keeping essentials secure but easily accessible. It can be worn crossbody or as a waist bag and also doubles as an organizational pouch in a larger bag. Built in the USA, the sling can also be attached to any of Mission Workshop’s Arkiv® Modular Backpacks, creating further storage options for larger loads.

Leander X Eddie Pinero Today Is Yours Collection

Leander Studio, a product company and design studio based in North Carolina, has collaborated with Eddie Pinero, an international speaker, video producer, and founder of Your World Within, to bring you the Today Is Yours Collection. The collection features Leander’s workspace goods and EDC accessories, all embossed with Eddie’s quote, “Today Is Yours.” This collaboration aims to provide daily motivation to people while enhancing their workspace so that they can produce their best work. The collection features a mix of American Black Walnut and Wickett and Craig full-grain American leather. Each item is hand-finished in Leander’s studio. 

The Today Is Yours Collection consists of seven items, ranging from cord tacos to a desk mat and combos with the complete collaboration. It caters to everyone’s needs, ensuring everyone can find something of interest in this collection.

Reigning Champ Aubergine Collection

Reigning Champ is a renowned brand known for producing some of the finest sweatshirts and hoodies all across the globe. And they have recently unveiled a limited-edition purple colorway collection. This collection pays homage to the dark purple skin of the vegetable that shares its name with the color. The collection includes their most popular styles such as full-zip hoodies, crewnecks, pullovers, and terry shorts. Get your hands on this exclusive collection before it’s too late.

Buck Mason American-Made Jeans and Tees

A good pair of jeans and a quality t-shirt can elevate anyone’s outfit. Buck Mason, a Los Angeles-based brand, has launched their take on these two essential pieces, with an emphasis on domestic manufacturing and affordability. The brand uses American-grown cotton and knits cotton at its own mill in Pennsylvania. The Toughknit 90s Boxy Tees are made from midweight, 220 GSM jersey, and have a roomy fit similar to ‘90s styling.

Their new Japanese Loomstate Selvedge Jeans are cut and sewn in the US using 14 oz. selvedge denim woven on traditional shuttle looms in Japan by Kurabo Mills. The denim is modeled after vintage shrink-to-fit jeans and rinsed for a softer feel. You can choose from three fits: Cowboy, Full Saddle, and the Ford Standard Jean, which is a mid-rise, slightly tapered option.

Mack Weldon Latitude Outerwear Collection

Mack Weldon just introduced their latest collection, consisting of a range of weather-resistant outerwear pieces. Initially, it’s comprised of two styles – a bomber jacket and a vest. Both feature a water and wind-resistant shell with an insulating fleece lining. The jackets also have bonded (instead of stitched) seams for greater durability with reduced weight and weatherproof zippers. 

Weatherman Drops Limited Forest Green Umbrellas

As we approach the end of the year, some areas of the country are experiencing heavy rainfall and storms. Weatherman Umbrellas, a brand created by an actual meteorologist, has recently launched its Forest Green collection. The shades of the forest inspire this collection, which features a dark green colorway for collapsible, stick, and kids’ umbrella sizes. These umbrellas are equipped with industrial-strength fiberglass shafts and ribs, quick-drive, and water-repellent vented canopies that can withstand winds of up to 55 mph.

WaterField Packable Crossbody

WaterField’s Crossbody is a part of their Packable Bags Collection, which consists of five pieces. This minimalist shoulder bag can be easily folded into a pocket, making it highly portable. The bag is made of a custom Tasian+Tricot textile that is lightweight, waterproof, and rugged. When unfolded, it looks crisp and unwrinkled, thanks to the material. The bag’s interior is lined with a silver ripstop, which is easy to clean and provides a clean background to easily find the contents inside. YKK weatherproof zippers keep the bag dry and maintain its clean lines. The shoulder strap is adjustable to provide different carrying options while keeping the bag flush against the body. Reinforced stitching at stress points also ensures the bag’s longevity.

EVERGOODS Element Drop In Pouch

Sometimes, a upgrade to your carry can look subtle and simple, but hidden under the surface is so much more. Enter the Element Drop In Pouch, an RF Welded, weatherproof pouch. Minimalist, svelte, and robust, the ELEMENT Drop In is an essential weatherproof tool in your carry arsenal. As with all EVERGOODS products, this was designed and developed in house, with over three years of R&D. On the surface it may look like a slim pouch, but thanks to the patterning that has made the team from Bozeman a favourite of the carry industry, the EDI can morph to any task at hand. Suitable for a variety of loadouts, from tech to travel, the EDI is an exciting addition to the EVERGOODS line and your carry quiver.

Outdoors

Db Welcomes B-Corp Status and the New Snow Pro Vest

Db are striding forward to greater sustainability with their new certified B Corp status. As part of this journey they have implemented a number of steps including transitioning from virgin fabrics to 100% recycled and GRS certified fabrics, ensuring all products are free of perfluorochemicals, 94% of all fabrics used are Oeko-Tex™ certified, and offsetting over 100% of CO2e emissions they haven’t been able to cut yet.

In addition to their B-Corp status, they have also released the new Snow Pro Vest, a backcountry safety pack designed for off-piste terrain. Created in collaboration with professional snowboarder Sage Kotsenburg, the safety vest is lightweight and lets you move freely in the mountains. The breathable design serves as an additional layer while keeping your avalanche safety gear within reach. You can easily use lifts without needing to remove a backpack and the 8L Snow Pro Vest is also compatible with the Safeback SBX System.

Satisfy® Osprey® Talon™ Mineral

Running brand Satisfy have teamed up with Osprey on the Talon Mineral, their take on Osprey’s most sustainable pack to date. The pack is made with bluesign® approved recycled materials and trims and features a PFC/PFAS-free bio-based water-repellent coating. Each pack is individually hand-dyed using natural mineral pigments. The pack’s AirScape back system provides comfort and ventilation, while the BioStretch harness and continuous-wrap dual pocket hipbelt enable dynamic movement and a tailored fit. The 22L pack offers a range of additional features including an interior laptop/reservoir sleeve, dual-zippered panel access to the main compartment, a LidLock bike helmet attachment, and ice axe attachment.

HEIMPLANET X FDMTL KIRRA

HEIMPLANET have collaborated with the Japanese denim experts at FDMTL to create a limited-edition KIRRA. The two-person inflatable tent blends FDMTL’s signature Boro patchwork pattern with HEIMPLANET’s inflatable Diamond Grid. Stable, easy to set up, and understatedly stylish in design, this limited-edition tent brings an extra-special touch to your outdoor adventures.

SMMT 3-In-1 SÈRPA Tumbler

SMMT is a company founded by Jamie and Michelle Parker, based in Park City, UT. They are producing some of the most innovative and Après-inspired gear in recent times. Their latest product is a 3-in-1 tumbler that is perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes or starting your day with a hot cup of Joe. When the former Nike executives set out to design new drinkware, they didn’t rely on the same old pattern we’ve all seen before. Instead, they introduced some real innovation. The tumbler features a craftsman steel lid that is proprietary and leak-proof, with a knurled edge that doubles as a coaster that magnetically nests beneath. A sippable Tritan lid nests under the steel lid for drinking on the go, and it fits in most car/truck cup holders. The 18/8 stainless steel vacuum-insulated vessel keeps drinks hot or cold for hours and is powder-coated in three colorway options with striping detail that adds style while providing a texture for grip. Finally, the SÈRPA tumbler is dishwasher safe, and since SMMT is a 1% For the Planet member, a portion of proceeds goes to the Summit Land Conservancy.

Opinel Artist Nature Series Collection

French heritage knife brand Opinel has launched a limited edition set of knives featuring three artists, each putting their spin and style on the classic No.8 folding knife. The first is Rommy González, originally from Santiago de Chile. Living and working in Berlin, her background in graphic design and film photography shows how varied her creative pursuits are. Her design shows a collection of fungi in a pleasing color palette. Next up, MioSHe has a design loosely based on Selene, the goddess of the full moon, while reminding us of “Vrikshasana” or the tree pose from yoga. Lastly, Perrine Honoré is a French illustrator who resides in Barcelona. Honoré’s design is festive and colorful and features abstract images from nature. 

Crumpler x Pedla Collection

Born in the vibrant streets of Melbourne, Crumpler and Pedla have long been icons in their respective fields. Coming together for the first time in 2018, and then again in 2020, Pedla and Crumpler have reunited to create special editions of Crumpler’s Fruiterer, Dry Floral Arrangement and Squid bags. Engineered with 150D RPET Ripstop, XPAC V21 Veggie Leather and extensive recycled materials then finished with water resistant zippers, key clips and and reflective accent logos for added visibility, these bags are your new ride companions.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffels

Fan favourites for almost 20 years, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffels are true gear haulers. Coming in sizes from 40L to 100L, they can suit any task in any location. They’ve now been updated with some design tweaks, but most significantly, new materials. The Black Hole Duffels will now be manufactured from 100% recycled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). For every 1,000 yards of TPU produced, 75 lbs. go to waste as a result of the manufacturing process. In an industry first, Patagonia is now purchasing the TPU “waste” direct from the factories and recycling it into all Black Hole Duffels moving forward. The use of recycled TPU gives the bags a new matte finish look. Additionally, all new Black Hole Duffels are now designed with even greater repairability in mind. Patagonia’s Reno repair center is now stocked with Black Hole replacement components such as the base, side panels and top panel. Instead of custom patching, a repair tech will be able to replace a damaged panel with a new one, resulting in a higher-quality repair. Fun fact: the replacement panels might not be color matching. If you’re looking for a new adventure duffel, look no furhter!

William Ellery x Nanga Ultralight Down Jacket

Brooklyn based brand William Ellery is a research driven brand pulling inspiration from years past. More recently, founder Trevor David has been experimenting in the world of Ultralight backpacking. Inspired by this pursuit of ultra lightweight and minimalist performance gear, the Ultralight Down Jacket was born. Partnering with Nanga, the Japanese Down Experts, they’ve created an incredibly unique and head turning jacket. It has an expandable front mesh pocket for holding your gear, such as wet hat and gloves, allowing it a place to dry as you hike. The mesh also doubles as a stowage pouch for the jacket. Stowed, it doubles as a pillow, saving some extra weight off your sleep kit. A men’s Large barely tips the scales at 11oz thanks to the 930 fill power Hungarian goose down, and the recycled ripstop shell is elegant in an Olive Drab. Made in Japan, this is a show stopping jacket.

Travel

Carl Friedrik 72-hour Backpack

The ease of hands-free backpack carry, the convenient access of a carry-on suitcase, and luxuriously refined design to keep you traveling in style? Carl Friedrik’s 72-hour Backpack offers all of this in an elegantly practical pack designed to accommodate three days’ worth of travel. The main compartment opens flat for easy packing, while a separate external-access laptop compartment fits up to 16″ tech devices. The bag provides multiple interior and quick-access pockets for organizing smaller items and the quality construction with premium nubuck leather and Vachetta leather detailing exudes class on the go.

Western Rise Meta Shell Shipping

Last fall, we introduced you to Western Rise’s Meta Shell – the ultimate travel jacket and even covered it in a dedicated New Releases preview. Now, it has made its way into the hands of backers and is available for purchase from the Colorado-based company specializing in versatile performance clothing. To recap, the Meta Shell is made of 4-way stretch material that is soft, breathable, and waterproof. Its secret superpower is the ability to pack into its own pocket, transforming into a sling bag.

Photography

Shimoda Urban Explore Series

Shimoda is well known for its adventure photography bags but fans were increasingly keen for a lighterweight, urban-friendly alternative as well. Enter the Urban Explore series, designed for everyday carry in urban environments. The series features three pack sizes including 20L, 25L, and 30L options. The smallest option fits 14″ tech devices, while the two larger sizes accommodate 16″ devices. The packs provide rear-panel access to all your photography gear, as well as quick-access storage when you need to grab a camera fast for that awesome shot. Each pack features multiple grab handles for easy portability, a choice of pockets for organizing gear, and a durable and water-resistant build. Additionally, a removable Core Unit gives you the flexibility to use the packs for photography, everyday, and travel use alike. Check out Shimoda’s Kickstarter campaign to learn more.

Peak Design x Sitka

Sitka and Peak Design are experts in their own respective fields of technical apparel and camera carry. The two have joined forces to release a collaboration of best sellers the Slide Lite and Capture Camera Clip. In limited edition subtle colourways, these are a unique pairing that celebrate the companies commitment to the environmental cause. The two brands will use a portion of the proceeds to make a joint donation to the TeddyRoosevelt Conservation Partnership, a bipartisan advocacy group for land conservation in the US.

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