Best New Gear | April 2021
We’ve tested samples, combed our press releases and scoured the corners of the Interwebs for the very best releases in every Carry category, so you don’t have to. All the best new gear, from EDC to travel to urban, finely curated, in one spot.
Enjoy!
EDC
nanoSprayer
Carrying a large bottle of perfume, cologne or sanitizer every day just isn’t that practical. But the nanoSprayer is designed to keep these at the ready in a compact, elegant design that fits easily into an EDC setup. It features a twisting cap-less design so you don’t need to worry about losing a small cap. It also comes with a refill nozzle to easily top up from your perfume/cologne bottle. And its durable, leak-proof metal construction will easily handle the demands of daily carry.
Aer Tech Folio
If you carry a lot of tech but don’t want to carry a large bag, look to Aer’s Tech Folio for sleek, tough, and practical tech carry. The dual-compartment design features dedicated storage for a laptop, as well as separate storage for smaller items such as cables, accessories and EDC items, with an assortment of pockets to keep gear tidy and easily accessible. Available in two sizes to suit 13″ and 16″ tech, it’s a great minimalist carry option for the commute, travel, and weekend use alike.
ForeverPen
A pen that lasts forever? Never needing to be refilled? And small enough to carry anywhere while also being multifunctional? The ForeverPen is designed to tick all these boxes, with a highly compact design that fits on a keychain, zipper pull, or stored in a pouch or bag pocket until needed. The pen features a silver composite tip that lets you write on multiple surfaces including paper, plastic, wood, and more. And since it’s solid ink, it never needs refilling. The tip is combined with a choice of body materials to suit your own tastes. And its multifunctional design even serves as a box opener.
Benchmade 9070SBK Claymore™
If you’re looking for a versatile and super-tough folder, check out Benchmade’s new 9070SBK Claymore™. Their strongest folding knife to date, the USA-made design has a push-button automatic opening and uses CPM-D2 blade steel for durability and edge retention. Additional features include handle ribbing with ball bearing-styled texture for dependable grip.
Apple AirTag
Tired of misplacing items and wasting time searching for them? Apple’s AirTag is a simple tracker you can attach to a variety of objects, such as keys, wallets, phones, and more. Use the Find My app to play a sound to locate the item or alternatively Precision Finding to locate the item if it’s nearby using your iPhone. If it’s further away, the Find My network can help you locate it through nearby devices using Bluetooth.
The Ridge Topographic Aluminum Wallet
Keen on minimalist front pocket carry that still packs a punch in the style department? The Topographic Aluminum Wallet offers a striking topographic design paired with tough and lightweight construction and adaptable functionality. The wallet holds 1 to 12 cards, along with folded cash stored in either a cash strap or money clip depending on your style preference.
Work
Maotoam 13-in-1 USB-C Hub and Ergonomic Laptop Stand
Maotoam takes adjustable laptop stands to the next level. Not only offering multiple adjustment points to create your ideal tech positioning but also integrating numerous other features. A choice of 13 ports allow you to connect a wide variety of devices, transfer data, support multiple monitor displays, and efficiently charge a range of tech devices simultaneously. And its all-in-one design helps keep your workspace tidy and clutter-free.
Wipebook Pro +
Whiteboards are great for everything from brainstorming to to-do lists. But they’re not known for their portability. The Wipebook Pro + changes this, offering a portable whiteboard in the form of a reusable notebook. The notebook has 20 pages of wipe-clean whiteboard surfaces, with 10 ruled and 10 graph-lined pages. And you can use the free Wipebook app to scan and save your work too.
Outdoors
WESN Samla Friction Folding Pocket Knife
The last time we heard from WESN, the Detroit-based knife company, we looked at the Henry, a modern take on the classic slip-joint. This month, the team is back with their latest creation: the Samla, a knife inspired by their Scandanavian roots. The knife was designed to be compact and practical while looking good and built to last a lifetime. The Sheepsfoot blade measures 2.45″ (6.2 cm) long with a thickness of just a quarter inch (0.65 cm) and is made of Sandvik 14c28n stainless steel. You have a choice of Titanium or Rosewood scales (with brass hardware) and everything rides on phosphor bronze washers. The friction folder design is as simple as they come and is ready for any outdoor task, from food prep to precision cutting around the campsite. It comes with a lifetime warranty. Check out the campaign to learn more and back if you’re interested.
Hydro Flask Day Escape Collection
Summer’s just around the corner, and Hydro Flask has come out with perhaps the perfect collection of bags to keep your drinks and food chilled on excursions to the beach or the mountains. The Day Escape collection of soft coolers consists of three bags. The first is the 20L Soft Cooler Pack that holds 36 cans without ice, has watertight zippers and welded seams for leak-proof transportation, a padded mesh back panel, padded shoulder straps, and a woven carry handle. The side mesh pockets can hold up to a 32 oz Hydro Flask bottle and the front laser-cut loops are designed for a Dry Storage accessory to attach.
If you prefer a tote format, you can choose between an 18L and 26L bag. They too offer the same 36-hour cool performance and feature the same 600D durable polyester shell. The smaller tote can hold 24 cans and the larger can carry up to 42 cans, both sans ice.
Hydro Flask Outdoor Kitchen
Hoping to bring the same expertise from their water bottles, Hydro Flask recently introduced their Outdoor Kitchen collection – a fresh and functional approach to camping and dining outdoors. The collection includes reusable serving and dining essentials, and features an all-new TouchShield double wall insulation to keep foods at their ideal temperature while shielding hands from temperature transfer. The stackable design with press-in lids makes transport simple. The collection includes serving bowls in three sizes (0.3, 0.5, and 1 quart), a 10-inch plate, 12 oz tumbler, a flatware set, and serving spoons. This all can be carried in a 34L outdoor tote and everything can be mixed and matched among three colorways.
Gerber LineDriver
Gerber helps you enjoy smooth fishing with their LineDriver. This dual-ended multitool has one end that rotates to easily and quickly tie knots and clear eyelets. The other end offers a crimper, hook threader, as well as scissor snips, while a pocket clip and tether point enable secure carry with easy on-the-go access.
Gamma Jacket
The Gamma Jacket aims to be the ultimate all-season, all-rounder jacket. How? The jacket is infused with heat-conducting graphene that keeps you cool in warmer weather and warm in colder weather. Plus a built-in heater provides added warmth for colder environments. The lightweight, anti-odor, waterproof jacket is versatile enough for travel, everyday and outdoor use. And with 10 pockets, you’ve got plenty of storage for small travel and EDC essentials.
YETI King Crab Orange Color Collection
YETI brings a fresh pop of color to your carry with their King Crab Orange Color Collection. Inspired by the North Pacific and the king crab, the collection features a vibrant orange colorway across multiple pieces including coolers, drinkware, and even dog bowls.
Triple Aught Design Ghostwing TRS Mid-Top
The lightweight performance of approach shoes, the comfort of court shoes, and the understated styling of everyday shoes in one? Triple Aught Design takes on the challenge with their Ghostwing TRS Mid-Top. A multifunctional shoe designed to adapt to numerous environments and conditions, keeping you prepared while helping you blend in too. The shoe features a custom-engineered 200D ripstop nylon, welded PU-film reinforcement around the eye-row and on the tongue, and a microfiber synthetic suede lining. The Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole provides traction on both wet and dry surfaces. And the anti-clog lug profile is designed to self-clean and expel dirt and mud. Created in a variety of low-key colorways, this versatile urban/outdoor hybrid is ready to roam wherever you do.
Patagonia Altvia Pack 28L
Need a little flexibility when a day hike might turn into an overnight trip? Patagonia’s Altvia Pack 28L gives you that flexibility with an adjustable drawstring closure that automatically closes the lid, a rain cover for wet weather, and a comfy, breathable harness for extended use. Quick-access and internal pockets provide organization for your gear and the pack is also hydration bladder compatible. Rounding off this adaptable pack is sustainable construction using 100% recycled nylon.
Merrell Moab Speed
Want to move quickly and confidently on the trails? Merrell’s Moab Speed helps you do just that with its lightweight, shock-absorbing design, and Vibram Traction Lug outsole for enhanced traction and stability. The hiking shoe also embraces sustainable construction with 100% recycled laces, a 100% recycled mesh lining, an EVA foam insole with 50% recycled top sheet, and 30% recycled rubber in the outsole. Available in men’s and women’s options, the Moab Speed aims to help you conquer a variety of trails with comfort from day one.
Snow Peak Collapsible Coffee Drip
Being outdoors and enjoying your favorite coffee don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Snow Peak’s Collapsible Coffee Drip sits on top of a wide variety of mugs to prepare an energizing brew. And its lightweight and collapsible stainless steel design is convenient to pack and carry in a bag.
Nakamori Shoten x Yosemite Light Mountain Boots
The Nakamori Shoten x Yosemite Light Mountain Boots straddle the niches of Japanese outdoor gear and streetwear, with outdoor-inspired aesthetics and excellent handcrafted construction. The leather boots offer a considered balance of light weight and durability, with a replaceable Vibram sole so you can keep exploring in these boots for years to come.
Snow Peak Active Backpack Type 03
Looking to keep things fast and agile when you’re on the go? The Active Backpack Type 03 is the lightest pack in Snow Peak’s Active Backpack series, weighing in at just 356g. Though lightweight, the 15L pack still offers a range of features including exterior bottle pockets, an adjustable drawstring for external carry, an interior pocket, and reflective detailing.
Camera
Peter McKinnon X NOMATIC Everyday Camera Line
Following on from the huge success of their collaborative travel camera pack, Peter McKinnon and NOMATIC have teamed up for a camera carry line aimed at everyday carry. The Everyday Camera Line features a 25L Camera Backpack, 8L Camera Sling, and a Camera Tech Organizer. The Camera Backpack offers multiple access points and a wide range of customizable organization setups courtesy of a ladder system, cubes, and dividers. Plus its adaptable design easily accommodates everyday carry loads too. The Camera Sling is ideal for smaller setups with interior organization and a convenient quick-closure system. And the Camera Tech Organizer neatly handles all your smaller photography bits and pieces.
WANDRD All-New PRVKE Lineup
WANDRD build on their already great PRVKE series with the new and improved ALL-NEW PRVKE, which enhances comfort with updated back panel and strap designs. The pocketing also gets an update for easier usability and increased organization options. And a new luggage passthrough strap makes the pack easy to pair with wheeled luggage. Additionally, there’s a new family member on the scene with the PRVKE Lite. A smaller option to the PRVKE pack, the PRVKE Lite is a versatile camera and everyday backpack. It features quick side access for a camera, inbuilt camera protection, a clamshell opening, 16″ laptop sleeve, and an expandable rolltop that lets you increase the bag from 11L up to 16L for larger loads.
Street/Urban
Spalwart Marathon Snow Jogger
Streetstyle meets snow shoe with the Spalwart Marathon Snow Jogger. An eye-catching hybrid, the shoe incorporates a calfskin sock liner, paneled suede, a padded mesh collar, a black foam rubber midsole, and a thick rubber outsole to take snowy terrain in your stride. All while dishing up a unique aesthetic to keep you stepping out in style.
Nanamica x Tanner Goods
Nanamica and Tanner Goods have teamed up on a capsule collection that nods to the beautiful outdoors while offering protection from unpredictable spring weather. The collection includes a coat, hat, two pouches, and a mug. The capsule features Nanamica’s Gore-Tex fabric mixed with Konbu® for waterproof yet breathable protection from the elements. You’ll also find Tanner Goods’ full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather adding a luxurious touch to this stylish and timeless collection.
Groove Life Groove Belt
Belts should be simple. But many aren’t. Groove Life designed the Groove Belt to do away with many of the frustrating elements that can make wearing a belt a hassle. A magnetic buckle makes it quick and easy to secure or undo. The webbing features 5% inbuilt stretch for comfort and is made to lie flat and not fold over in your belt loops. And the webbing end tucks neatly away in a keeper loop for a dangle-free aesthetic.
Camo NATO Watch Straps
Tough and stealthy, these Camo NATO Watch Straps are made with durable and quick-drying ballistic nylon webbing. A popular design for military personnel, police, and emergency services, the strap design holds your watch at two different points, keeping it safely secured. And with multiple military-requested camouflage patterns available, you’ve got various options to suit your own style.
Fellow Carter Move Mug
Whether it’s a warming brew on your commute or a relaxing cup after a long trek, the Fellow Carter Move Mug lets you carry and enjoy your coffee in thoughtful style. It features a double-wall vacuum construction with a leak-proof seal, a tapered thin lip for comfortable drinking, a ceramic coating to avoid metallic tastes, and a snap-in splash guard.
Patagonia Better Sweater
Patagonia have been championing sustainable production for decades and they’re not stopping now. They’ve made their Better Sweater even better by constructing it with a 100% recycled polyester fleece that is bluesign® approved. The sweater comes in men’s, women’s, and children’s options and is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. A sweater you can feel better wearing, knowing it’s better for the planet and the people who make it.
Danner Overlook
Shoes that can serve multiple roles are great additions to daily and travel wardrobes. And the Danner Overlook is just such a shoe. Stylish enough for the city but functional enough to embrace outdoor trails, Danner’s Overlook offers the comfort of an everyday sneaker with outdoor-ready performance. The dual-density midsole is firmer around the edges to provide stability but softer in the middle for traction. The EnduroKnit upper is breathable and water-resistant, while triangle outsole lugs provide dependable grip across multiple terrains.
Vasque Satoru Moc
The Satoru Moc is all about flexible wear. Breathable and comfortable, it’s great for laid-back everyday wear. But its performance-minded design allows it to hit the trails too when a little exploring is on the schedule. It features a knit upper, memory foam footbed, and a lightweight slip-on design that easily strides from urban streets to casual outdoor adventures too.
Y-3 CH2 Utility Backpack
Urban style and everyday functionality are deftly balanced with the CH2 Utility Backpack from Y-3, a collaborative label between adidas and Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto. The simple and straightforward organization includes quick-access pockets and interior laptop storage, with a drawcord and buckle closure and compression straps to adapt to varying loads.
C.P. Company Crossbody Bag
Italian brand C.P. Company brings functional flair to your daily carry with their Crossbody Bag. Nodding to fashion-friendly style without sacrificing practical design, the bag offers three zipped compartments, an adjustable strap and padded back panel, and a front drawstring for securing additional items externally.
Transit Zip-Pocket Backpack
The Transit Zip-Pocket Backpack offers understated style with casual sophistication in a sleek, simple silhouette. The pack has a zippered and buttoned closure and a rear zippered pocket for discreetly storing smaller valuables. Made in Italy, its low-key design transitions smoothly from weekdays to weekends and back again.
Travel
Aer Travel Sling 2
With travel starting to open back up, it’s time to start planning for journeys near and far. And one of the most important considerations is a companion to keep your travel essentials secure yet easily accessible, whether you’re in the airport lounge or hitting the streets for some sightseeing. The Aer Travel Sling 2 steps up as a solid travel buddy that can hold a variety of items, from a 16″ laptop, to travel documents, tech accessories, and more. The 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior easily handles demanding travel use. And the bag offers flexible carry with a luggage handle passthrough, grab handle, and sling strap that enables side or cross-body carry.
WAHTS NASH Packable Jacket
WAHTS blends luxury, sportswear, and travel functionality together in their NASH Packable Jacket. Sustainably made in Portugal, this ultralight and packable jacket is easy to store in luggage or wear during the daily commute or weekend adventures. It’s water and wind-resistant, with elasticated cuffs and reflective detailing. And it stores neatly in its own pocket for space-saving portability.
Wool&Prince Merino Wool T-Shirts
Wool&Prince prioritizes getting more from less. And their merino wool t-shirts deliver impressive performance qualities with versatile style for everyday and weekend wear. Odor-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, breathable and comfortable, they’re a solid wardrobe staple you can reach for on trips to the gym, travel adventures and simply going about your day.