Best New Gear: October 2020

October brings change. For everyone in the Northern Hemisphere, temperatures drop, there is a crispness in the air, leaves begin to fall from their branches, and things seem to slow down, just a bit anyway. At least, things seem to slow down… outside the world of gear anyway. These makers are just starting to heat up to keep our insatiability for new gear, completely fulfilled. Let’s have a hike through some of October’s best new gear.

Urban

côte&ciel x K-Way Capsule Collection

C&C and K-Way (both hailing from Paris) teamed up together to bring us a 4-piece unisex collab collection. With the mixture of both refinement and street style, this collection will appeal to a wide range of potential customers. It contains the Isar backpack (a Carryology favorite), the Sormonne backpack, the Isarau sling, and finally… a proper raincoat made from K-Way’s proprietary LE VRAI 3.0 Nylon.

Laflore bebebark

As an international designer brand with an eco-friendly mission, Laflore’s focus is providing high-quality products that are every bit as beautiful as they are ethically responsible. Even their decision to launch on Kickstarter is driven by the goal of preserving precious resources – ensuring that they begin a new product’s journey producing only what’s needed. More than that, they want to get the word out to everyone that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be dowdy, uncomfortable, or impractical. Women can have it all….at least when it comes to a handbag.

Trakke Whisky Collection

Trakke must have been putting back some of that fine local Scotch whisky during quarantine. Normally, we’d argue that a brand who is hitting the hard stuff regularly might start slipping. But not Trakke. Our Glaswegian friends took inspiration from the nectar of the gods to create a brand new product collection in this beautiful brown/amber/golden colorway and of course, they’re using Halley Stevensons waxed cotton (from just up the road in Dundee, Scotland). We’re getting our hands on some of these soon, keep an eye out here on the site!

EVERGOODS Civic Panel Loaders V2

We just traveled up to Bozeman to visit with the mad scientists up at EVERGOODS and we got to get a first hand walkthrough of these “V2” CPL24 and CPL28 backpacks. Folks, they nailed it. Building upon the success of their hugely successful “V1” bags, the details and refinements here already make this a contender for next year’s Carry Awards, no joke.

Bellroy Transit Workpack

Funny, we were just chatting about how much we loved Bellroy’s Transit backpacks. The Transit Plus is my (Taylor’s) current favorite travel backpack in the world, which is a pretty heavy statement. And well, we began musing… what if Bellroy made a smaller everyday pack using some of our favorite features from the Transit packs? It would be perfect. I actually emailed Bellroy about this concept… they told me to wait a week. And well, here it is, the Transit Workpack in all its smaller everyday-sized glory.

Black Ember SHADOW

These blew us away. Black Ember really figured out the balance between simplicity and high-tech and bottled it all up in a form factor that is perfect for an everyday/travel cross-over (depending on the literage you choose; available in 22L and 26L). Add in the fact that there is essentially an included TKS organizer in the top interior of the packs and you’re looking at an instant classic.

Huckberry Beanie

Our good friends at Huckberry have been quietly working on their very own products… and with their product knowledge, we know whatever they release, that it will be pretty awesome. Made from a blend of wool, nylon, acrylic, and spandex, this hat will fit well, last a long time, be warm, and comfortable. Available in 7 fantastic colors (we can’t choose a favorite).

Greys Outdoor Slipper Boot

With all this working from home… it’s great to feel comfy. But, what happens when you have to step out to go on an errand, walk the dog, or even simply grab the mail? Even more importantly… what if it’s cold, rainy, or muddy? Consider your normal house slippers ruined. Greys seems to have read our minds with this Outdoor Slipper Boot. Comfy, designed to look nice with jeans, made from temperature-regulating wool, and with a rubber outsole which will provide traction and weather resistance. The ultimate indoor/outdoor work from home slipper boot? Quite possible.

Faherty Brand Cooper M65 Jacket

The M65 is a classic of style and function. Originally a field jacket designed for US Armed Forces, Faherty Brand has found a way to keep the same iconic styling, yet found a way to make it casual. As Carryologists, one thing is for sure, we love all those pockets as well as the water-resistant shell.

Proof Stealth Down Hoodie

Down jackets: Incredibly warm… but you look like you’re going to climb Everest… when you’re just walking down the street to grab a coffee. Proof went to the drawing board and completely rethought what a down layering system should look like. No stitches on the exterior, a form-fitting stylish cut, four-way stretch, and more. This finally looks like a down jacket that we can recommend… and one that we want to wear.

ORBITGear S200A, SP002, MODF System, MODZip System, MOD-BT & MOD-PC

ORBITGear doesn’t know where the brake pedal is, they only have three gas pedals. And we are stoked about that. Offered in a heavy contrast bumblebee yellow VX fabric with black trim, these products can be used as stand-alone products for everyday carry and travel… or as a MOD to existing ORBITGear products. What do you think? Do you love these guys as much as we do?

EDC

Mobile by Peak Design

Incredibly, Peak Design has launched their latest Kicstarter, number 10 for a company that got their start on the platform with the Capture Clip. This time, the team tackles the Mobile world with a collection of phone cases and magnetically-attached mounts, allowing you to take your phone everywhere and keep it pointed in the direction of your choosing, securely. The cases are compatible with iPhone 11, 12, or Samsung S20 or any phone with the use of the Universal Adapter. The system also works with Apple’s newly introduced MagSafe system with the iPhone 12. The collection includes: case, universal adapter, mobile tripod, kickstand wallet, car mount, universal bike mount, wall mount, wireless charging stand, motorcycle bar mount, and more!

Petes Lube Knife Oil

Uncle Pete (one of WESN’s actual uncles) was having issues finding a suitable oil to help with an old door hinge on his farm in Michigan. So, he decided to solve the problem himself and came up with the perfect solution: Pete’s Lube. It’s a 100% fully synthetic oil. You only need one drop so the $15 10ml bottle should last quite a while!

Mujjo iPhone 12 Cases

Mujjo has introduced a range of leather cases for the new iPhone 12 line up including support for the iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max. There are four colorways available – black, tan, blue and green and there are two configurations – standard and wallet with the latter allowing you to carry 2 to 3 bank, ID or commuter cards with you at all times. They start at $44.90 USD and are available now. 

The James Brand The Pike

Elegance, history, classic design, and function… all wrapped into one. The razor sharp gents at The James Brand reimagined your grandfather’s knife using modern materials and construction, but with a nod to the past. This handsome slip-joint has a blade made with Sandvik 12c27 steel to keep an edge for months and months of use. The Pike is itching to hop into our pocket.

The Urban EDC Half Delta

The Urban EDC Half Delta, designed by Dustin Snyder, is the little brother to his original custom folder, the Delta 1. Sleek and svelte, the Delta 1 was Dustin’s attempt at bringing a smaller knife to the table, in a market filled with tactical, overbuilt folders. At just over 5” in overall length, the Urban EDC Half Delta boasts a 2.12” Elmax blade. Its tanto shape uses almost every square inch that the frame allows – giving an almost unreal handle to blade ratio. The Elmax steel is the winner here – with added chromium which leads to more corrosion resistance. Not to mention the fact that it is the easiest of the super steels to sharpen, while also providing supreme edge retention.

Terrain 365 X Prometheus Design Werx Invictus-AT G10

Terrain 365 JUST released (this past Thursday) their latest collaboration folder with Prometheus Design Werx, the Invictus-AT with a G10 handle on the presentation side. This version is lighter weight and offers a different tactile feel in the hand. It is engineered for use in any environment on land, in and even under water, without ever rusting, pitting or staining. All the materials used in the making of this folder are 100% non-ferrous, non-magnetic, and rustproof. “AT” (A.ll T.errain) designated folders are required meet the trifecta of apex folding knife performance criteria; rustproof, non-magnetic and edge holding. The dendritic cobalt composition and annealing process of their Terravantium blades achieves all three. Folks… this is a knife that we lust over. Hats off, Terrain 365 and Prometheus Design Werx.

Bellroy Phone Case – 3 Card

We’ve been loving the Bellroy 3 Card case for years now. Whether you want to use it for a wallet replacement, store some business cards to keep them nice and crisp, or even just keep some emergency cash bills in there, the 3 Card has your phone’s back. Additionally, you can use the magnetic closure flap to flip out like a kickstand for mobile viewing and/or video chats. Now available to fit a wide variety of the new phones that are dropping, grab one for yourself in a variety of colors, from subdued to wild.

Huckberry x Timex “Cola” Sport Watch

Huckberry and Timex got together to create a proper Quartz movement driven instant icon. Of course, every proper wristwatch needs a nickname and they opted for “cola”, based on the handsome black/red/silver colorway. Water resistant to 50 meters and made from stainless steel, this piece is made to take a licking and keep on ticking.

Combat Beads Screw Cap Pen V3

Solid titanium? Check. Ok, we’re in. Also available in solid brass, for those who want a bit classier and warmer touch. The Combat Beads Screw Cap Pen V3 is impossibly small at 3.75″ (9.525cm) when it is closed. But then, it transforms into a proper-length writing instrument at 5.375″ (13.6525cm), this could possibly be one of the best EDC style pens we’ve seen. OH! And the best part? It takes Pilot G2 mini ink cartridges.

Runabout Goods Apex Sport Face Mask

One thing is for sure, we’ve seen a lot of different face masks popping up recently. And with that, this creates competition, which ultimately creates innovation… which means more functional products for all of us lucky customers. Runabout Goods set out to make the safest yet most breathable mask to wear while participating in high output activities. RG promises up to 30% more breathability while remaining totally safe for the wearer and for those around you.

Triple Divide Co. Pineapple Wallet

Yes, you read that correctly. Pineapple. But no, this isn’t some kind of new material made from pineapple skins. This is real deal buttery Cognac Vachetta leather, hand stitched by a a 22-year-old cartographer from Northern Appalachia. Holding up to 6 cards with a secure, yet easy to access flap, this pineapple-colored wallet is meant to develop and earn a beautiful patina from years of use ahead.

Outdoors

RMU Outdoors MTB Cargo Collection

Whoa, there is a lot of radness to unpack here. The RMU Outdoors MTB Cargo Collection is made up of 5 pieces (Enduro Fanny 5L, MTB Utility Belt, Tailgate Locker 2.0, BRFCS35-50, and Core Pack 15L). RMU Outdoors didn’t set out to solve one problem regarding mountain bike carry (both while mountain biking and traveling to/from your mountain bike destination). Interested in having a deeper look? Pop over to their Indiegogo right now.

Snow Peak x Rumpl NanoLoft Takibi Blanket

Two Portland-based powerhouses have teamed up, drawing on the strengths of each company, to design the NanoLoft Takibi, a fire-resistant blanket perfect for your outdoor adventures. It combines Rumpl’s 100% post-consumer recycled NanoLoft insulation with Snow Peak’s recycled ripstop with fire-resistant material.

Houdini x Polartec Project Mono Air

Often enjoying nature, wrapped in outdoor apparel presents an awkward situation due to the amount of waste that is produced by the textile industry for production, as well as the microfiber/plastic shedding that comes as a result of just wearing the very clothes produced by said industry. This irony is not lost on Houdini and they have teamed up with Polartec to produce the Mono Air Houdi, which uses Polartec’s Power AirTM fabric – the first 100% recyclable and circular fabric technology that is designed to reduce fiber shedding.

The Swedish outdoors company Houdini didn’t just produce a hoodie. They took the unusual step of making the whole project open-source – meaning every design decision, material and hardware choice and challenges and solutions they faced and came up with are free for any person or company to take and use. With Power AirTM fabric reducing microfiber shedding by 80%, and Houdini’s inspiring decision, this is an important step at increasing sustainability and functionality.

The Level Collective x Blok Knives

We are digging this. TLC and Blok Knives got together to create a collab that seems kind of crazy… but makes perfect sense. Two items that we EDC nearly everyday; a backpack and a knife. The pack? A 20L, handmade in Britain, waxed cotton with leather trip, functional beauty. The knife? D2 steel, handmade in Britain, designed to be a lifelong functional tool. Interested? Act quickly. Only 100 of each to be made in the world, ever.

Travel

Nisolo Cusco Travel Chukka

Ever on the quest to create the best everyday / travel lightweight shoe, Nisolo really nailed it this time. Ultralight, ultra packable, and ultra comfortable. The weatherproof 100% real leather upper will keep those afternoon showers at bay while you’re out and about, too.

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