May 2025’s Must-Have Gear | From Ultralight Alpine Carry to Suave Timepieces

An ultralight alpine backpack, stylish timepieces, bespoke 3D-printed sandals, and summer-ready linen apparel are just a few of the pieces stepping up to shine as we check out the month’s best new gear…

EDC

Brew Watch Co. Metric Manual Wind

Brew Watch Co., a popular microbrand, has just celebrated its 10th anniversary. And what better way to do so than with the release of their most premium watch to date? Based on the Metric, the watch features a 36mm case with an integrated bracelet but steps up on the feature front. The Metric Manual Wind has a hand-wound custom-engraved Sellita SW210-1B caliber movement visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback, along with polished, mountain-top index markers for enhanced light reflection from all angles. With an 8.5mm height, the watch is the brand’s slimmest design to date and delivers excellent comfort for all-day wear under a cuff.

Dennison + Collectability Sunray Dial Watch

Dennison has made watch cases for some of the world’s leading timepiece brands, from Rolex to Omega and more. But their very own ALD Collection is impressive in its own right, so much so that it serves as the foundation for the Dennison + Collectability Sunray Dial watch. Collectability is an online platform dedicated to educating collectors and helping them to buy and sell Patek Philippe timepieces. It was founded by John Reardon, who previously served as International Head of Watches for Christie’s. Now the Dennison + Collectability Sunray Dial watch celebrates past and present with the modern two-tone Sunray Dial taking inspiration from rare pieces in Collectability’s archive. It features a 37mm by 33.5mm stainless steel case with a sleek 6mm profile for comfortable wear. It also comes with a bespoke leather strap featuring a pin-buckle designed to mirror the case’s curvature and finish. The watch has a Swiss Ronda quartz movement and comes in gold and stainless steel finishes.

Thyrm x ExcessorizeMe PyroVault 2.0 Lighter Armor

Thyrm have teamed up with Excessorize Me for a special edition of their PyroVault 2.0, dishing up the lighter armor in a ruggedly sleek Blackout colorway. The PyroVault 2.0 features dual-wall construction, a gasket-sealed spring-loaded lid, and a lanyard attachment. Compatible with Zippo, Z-Plus, Thunderbird, and Blazer inserts, the PyroVault 2.0 does equally well in EDC or outdoor setups when you need dependable, weatherproof protection for a lighter.

Nodus Sector Deep Pioneer

Designed and assembled in Los Angeles, Nodus’s Sector Deep Pioneer advances their tool watch concept with enhanced functionality and a list of robust specifications. The watch features an eye-catching 316L surgical-grade stainless steel case with a 42mm bezel sitting on top of a 38mm midcase, creating a notable 4mm protective overhang. It measures 13.6mm thick, with a 47mm lug-to-lug and 20mm lug width. It includes a left-side “destro” screw-down, lumed crown.

Inside, the TMI NH34 GMT movement powers the Pioneer, offering a 41-hour power reserve and is regulated in-house to +/- 10 spd. The watch sports a fully lumed DLC matte black steel bezel, featuring a 120-click unidirectional mechanism with both a 60-minute timer and an eight-point compass. A flat sapphire crystal with an underside AR coating protects the dial.

With a focus on extreme luminosity, Nodus equipped the Pioneer with Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 Grade A on all hands, all markers, dual bezel scales, and the date. The watch boasts a 500m water resistance. It’s fitted with a 20mm bracelet that tapers down to 16mm at the clasp, equipped with Nodus’s proprietary On-The-Fly-Adjustment Clasp and quick-release springbars. 

Shady Rays Forged Collection

The concept behind the Shady Rays Forged Collection is straightforward: transform the beloved frames into something more elegant and streamlined. With this goal, the designers concentrated on the Classic, Titan, and Allure models, creating ultra-thin designs that incorporate a contemporary flair while preserving the brand’s renowned durability. These new versions are lighter, sleeker, and stronger than the originals, representing more than just an improvement in materials. All products are backed by Shady Rays’ Signature Lost & Broken Replacement program. This means that if you damage or lose your glasses within two years of purchase, they’ll send you a replacement pair for a small processing fee.

Urban

Ucon Acrobatics x Studio Feixen

Ucon Acrobatics brings playful functionality to their latest releases through a limited-edition collaboration with Studio Feixen. The Swiss design studio is known for its experimental design language, expressive typography, and playful compositions, and infuses this creative energy into five collaborative pieces including the Alva Medium Bag, Jona Large Bag, Hajo Mini Backpack, Mion Mini Backpack, and Jannik Medium Backpack. The collection boasts bold geometric and modernist artwork designed to evoke a sense of rhythmic movement across each bag. The collection is crafted with reflective 600x900D polyester Oxford made from recycled textiles, creating a matte finish in daylight but bringing reflective functionality at night to boost visibility in low-light conditions.

Vivobarefoot Tabi Gen 01

Vivobarefoot are no strangers to innovating in the barefoot footwear realm. And now they’ve turned their attention to the humble flip-flop, reimagining what sandal comfort can achieve with the Tabi Gen 01. The innovative design is the world’s first 3D-printed sandal shaped by your feet. The shoe harnesses the power of the brand’s VivoBiome technology, which involves scanning your feet at a Vivobarefoot store in either London or Bristol to create a personalized blueprint of your feet before the sandals are 3D-printed. Designed to offer a precise fit for your specific feet, they promote natural foot movement while also offering a grippy outsole for use on diverse terrain. Crafted with a biodegradable thermoplastic, the sandals are only available in the UK at present in limited numbers, though a virtual queue will be available in the near future for early access to Tabi Gen 02.

Vollebak Ultra High Molecular Weight Pants

Creating pants that are super lightweight but extremely abrasion-resistant is no easy task. But Vollebak rises to the challenge with their Ultra High Molecular Weight Pants. The pants are woven with a protective grid featuring two types of UHMWPE. While being exceptionally light and tear-resistant, the pants are also extremely stretchy thanks to 31% elastane, as well as water-repellent courtesy of fluorocarbon-free technology. Versatile for everyday and travel wear, the pants include four discreet zip pockets and a bungee pullcord.

Under Armour No Weigh Backpack

Under Armour has unveiled its most ambitious backpack yet: the No Weigh Backpack, a culmination of three years of research, athlete feedback, and biomechanical testing. This isn’t just a bag—it’s a reimagining of how we carry weight. At its core is UA Suspension™, a patent-pending strap system that adapts to your movement in real time. Unlike traditional straps that dig in and restrict motion, these auxetic-inspired straps stretch and contract multi-directionally, redistributing load across your shoulders and back to reduce fatigue and strain. In third-party ergonomics lab tests, the system proved to lighten the perceived load and move with the body, not against it.

The design philosophy behind the No Weigh Backpack is rooted in performance. Under Armour treated it like a piece of athletic gear, not just a utility item. The result is a pack that feels less like a burden and more like an extension of your body. Director of Accessories Tobiah Taylor put it best: “It doesn’t just feel lighter—it moves with you. You’re not fighting the bag anymore.”

Beyond the revolutionary straps, the No Weigh Backpack is packed with features tailored for athletes and commuters alike. Its expandable 28–35L capacity accommodates everything from cleats to textbooks, while ventilated compartments keep sweaty gear separate from daily essentials. Breathable, moisture-wicking back panels ensure comfort during long hauls, and quick-access zippered pockets provide convenience on the go. The “Level” strap adjusters and floating sternum strap offer a customizable fit for various body types.

Nike ACG Daymax Collection

The Nike ACG Daymax collection brings outdoor-ready durability and everyday functionality together across three bags catering to a wide range of loads and needs. The largest offering in the collection is the 60L Duffel Bag, which works equally well for travel and gym trips with its separate shoe storage, multiple external and interior pockets, and spacious main compartment. The 25L Backpack moves between everyday and short travel use, with quick-access front and side pockets complemented by an internal slip pocket for a laptop. The 3L Crossbody Bag is ideal for smaller day-to-day setups or travel essentials, with quick-access front pockets for frequently needed gear. External webbing across all three bags also offers additional options for securing further gear.

Reigning Champ Rebound & Recovery Program

Reigning Champ aims to support you in all aspects of your daily life, travels, and workouts. To that end, they have just introduced their new Recovery Program, a collection of midlayers and bottoms designed for ultimate comfort, ready for warm-ups, cool-downs, and rest days. The collection is crafted for the ebbs and flows of movement and rest, utilizing supple Stretch Jersey and their softest fabric, Brushed Jersey. Eight new styles are ready for you to explore.

Alex Crane Bo Pant in New Spring Colors

Despite a full month away from the official start of summer, many areas in the Northern hemisphere are already experiencing uncomfortably hot temperatures. A full-length version of the brand’s flagship style, the Bo Pant is a relaxed, drawstring waist pant that’s cut and sewn in Chennai, India, from renewable-grown French linen. It’s then dyed and soft-washed with organic pigments. Alex Crane just dropped new spring colors for this lightweight pant that is both relaxing and dressed up enough for outings.

Mack Weldon Tech Linen Collection

As the mercury begins to rise, New York-based modern menswear purveyor Mack Weldon has unveiled an expansion of its popular Tech Linen Collection, blending the timeless appeal of natural linen with innovative performance features.

Three new silhouettes were introduced: a laid-back camp shirt, a versatile classic button-down, and a sharp pleated short. Each piece is made from the brand’s Tech Linen fabric, which is not what you might expect from your father’s closet; instead, it’s a thoughtful fusion of breathable, natural linen and COOLMAX, a high-performance, moisture-wicking fiber made from recycled plastic bottles.

The result is a collection that enhances everything you love about linen. Mack Weldon’s Tech Linen promises superior durability and increased breathability, keeping you cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. The fabric is also wrinkle-free and machine washable, providing unmatched convenience for the busy modern man.  

Mack Weldon Heavyweight Relaxed T-Shirt

For those looking to complement or expand beyond their merino wool t-shirt collection, take a look at heritage or vintage, heavy, or slub t-shirts. Mack Weldon just released their take on this with their Heavyweight Relaxed T-Shirt. Launching in three colorways, the top has a timeless style with a laid-back fit that is suitable for pairing with a blazer or lounging on a lazy Sunday. Made with 100% cotton slub, the tee gives a relaxed look while still appearing polished and sharp.

FREITAG Mono[PA6] Musette

Zurich-based FREITAG has received positive feedback about their Mono[PA6] release and has decided to offer the Musette as a standalone piece, available for purchase. Previously only offered as a companion piece to the Mono[PA6] Backpack, this versatile crossbody is ready for the spotlight.

Weighing just 125 grams, the musette exemplifies minimalist efficiency. It features a water-repellent fabric, an adjustable drawstring strap, and an expandable fold-out bottom, making it surprisingly capable of carrying your everyday essentials. The bag is crafted entirely from Polyamide 6 (nylon). From the triple-layer fabric to the zipper, the musette is designed for straightforward recycling. At the end of its life, the bag can be melted down, and the resulting granules can be made into new products. 

Additionally, the bag is designed for repairability, and if this is not possible, a take-back program is in place to ensure it enters the recycling loop.

Code of Bell ANNEX KIT

Shiro Suzuki, the genius behind the Los Angeles-based Code of Bell, is back with a new creation. The ANNEX KIT is a 2-Way Multi-Purpose Organizer designed for adaptability in daily, work, or travel scenarios. Measuring 9 x 5.5 x 2.7 inches and weighing 0.8 lbs, it offers 2.5 liters of capacity with the ability to expand to 4 liters. 

The ANNEX KIT’s signature front compartment is crafted with ECOPAK EPX, a 100% recycled laminated waterproof fabric, and is expandable with adjustable elastic cords. The primary compartment, built with durable CORDURA re/cor recycled nylon, features a custom orange camo ripstop lining for visibility. It’s packed with organization: multiple mesh and zippered pockets, elastic slots, six card slots, a pen holder, and a sliding organizational divider. YKK water-repellent zippers secure the compartments. 

Various carry modes are achieved via a padded grab handle or a removable shoulder strap equipped with a FIDLOCK magnetic slider buckle, transforming it into a sleek shoulder bag. A magnetic key hook strap resides in the front compartment, and a zippered pocket is on the rear panel. This KIT blends sustainable, high-performance materials with functional design.

Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka

Red Wing Heritage brings effortless style to the warmer months with the relaunch of its Men’s Weekender Collection. This collection features an updated Weekender Chukka and the debut of the Weekender Oxford, making it perfect for both casual escapes and urban adventures. It combines a timeless aesthetic with modern comfort.

At the heart of this refresh is a focus on lightweight construction, instant comfort, and seasonal versatility. Both styles now feature a re-engineered fit, a sleek one-piece quarter panel, and a new Ortholite footbed made with 30% sustainable content, providing rebound and support that lasts from morning strolls to late dinners. Plus, the resoleable design ensures these are not just a one-season shoe, but are built to go the distance.

The Weekender Chukka has received a fantastic upgrade in fit and flex, thanks to a revised last that better conforms to your step, combined with premium leather that ages beautifully. Meanwhile, the Hill outsole keeps you grounded without weighing you down.

The Weekender Chukka continues to exude casual style, making it a versatile choice for any day of the week.

Alex Crane Breezy Linen Tees

Alex Crane’s best-selling Sun Tees are now available in new summer colors. As a refresher, they are knit, cut, and sewn in Portugal from renewably-grown French linen. They are then dyed with organic and GOTS-certified pigments and soft-washed with eco-friendly, biodegradable enzymes. That’s all to say these tees are comfortable and sustainable, and are available in both short-sleeved and long-sleeved options, in a total of 18 colors. So you’re sure to find one that matches your vibe for your next summer adventure.

Outdoors

Arc’teryx Alpha SL 30 Backpack

When every gram counts, Arc’teryx delivers a lightweight carry solution with the Alpha SL backpack. The 30L pack is designed to be ultralight but tough enough for rock, ice, and alpine climbing. How does it do this? Through the use of ALUULA Graflyte fabric, which offers exceptional tear strength with minimal weight. Coming in at just 444g (15.7oz), the weight can be further reduced by removing the compression straps and waist belt. Though minimalist in design, the pack still includes useful features such as a thermoformed back panel and shoulder straps for lightweight comfort, as well as an external zippered pocket for small essentials.

Gregory x Finisterre Collaboration

Gregory and Finisterre have struck gold twice now, and their latest collaboration reads like a love letter to the perpetually restless. This isn’t just another drop of lifestyle bags masquerading as adventure gear—these are purpose-built workhorses designed for the kind of person who checks the surf report before their morning coffee. The standout piece is undoubtedly the duffle, which features a dedicated waterproof compartment that finally solves the age-old problem of where to stash your soggy wetsuit without turning everything else into a damp mess.

The crossbody and sling options round out the collection with that rare combination of everyday wearability and genuine durability. These aren’t bags that will fall apart after a season of hard use—they’re built with the understanding that adventure doesn’t always announce itself with a week’s notice.

Gregory’s technical expertise married to Finisterre’s sustainable, surf-inspired ethos creates something that works equally well navigating airport terminals and coastal trails.

NOCS Zero Tube Monocular

A brand we love for democratizing optics, NOCS, just launched their Zero Tube Monocular. It’s a 10×25 scope that’s tiny enough to clip to your pack or belt but still packs some impressive optical power. It features ED glass, fully multi-coated lenses, and Bak4 prisms. It’s also waterproof, fog proof, super tough, and backed by NOCS’ famous No-Matter-What lifetime warranty.

Snow Peak x Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX

Snow Peak, the legendary Japanese outdoors and camping brand, has teamed up with Merrell, makers of rugged and versatile outdoor footwear, for a limited-edition release of the Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX trail shoe. This exclusive collaboration upgrades the fan-favorite hybrid runner with waterproof GORE-TEX protection, rugged Vibram traction, and abrasion resistance for fast-moving and unpredictable terrain. To top things off, each pair is finished with co-branded details and comes with a custom storage bag. 

Travel

Gossamer Gear Modular Travel Collection

For the adventurer who values efficiency and quality without the weight, Gossamer Gear has just launched its highly anticipated Travel Collection. True to the brand’s ultralight ethos, this new line reimagines global travel for the minimalist, offering a suite of smartly designed, durable pieces that keep you agile and organized. Here are the highlights:

Your Command Center: At the heart of the collection is the Aero Jet Pack, an exceptionally lightweight (one of the lightest 35L packs available) carry-on backpack. Crafted from recycled and PFAS-free fabrics, it offers intuitive organization and comfort, designed to hold everything you need for your entire journey, not just the flight.

Modular Packing Perfected: Say goodbye to chaotic bags with Gossamer Gear’s smart, modular Packing Cubes. These compression cubes are thoughtfully designed to fit perfectly within the Aero Jet and other packs, each tailored for specific items to ensure easy packing before your trip and stress-free retrieval at your destination. 

Spontaneous Exploration, Covered: The RikSak is your featherlight companion for day trips and excursions. This cinch-top daypack weighs under 5 ounces and ingeniously packs down to the size of a small wallet, ready to deploy whenever adventure calls at your destination.

The “Just in Case” Masterpiece: The Vanish Duffel offers a practical, there-when-you-need-it solution for those inevitable finds you can’t leave behind. This 38L packable duffel magically expands your carrying capacity, yet compresses into its own small pouch (9″ x 21″) and weighs a mere 7.5 ounces.

Secure Your Essentials: Travel with peace of mind thanks to the PassPorter Travel Wallet. This slim, zippered wallet features RFID-blocking technology, a lockable design, and ample space for up to four passports, cards, and cash, keeping your vital documents secure and organized.

Systematic Lightness: The entire collection is engineered to work together, with each ultra-lightweight component designed to minimize bulk and ounces without compromising on durability or the practical functionality that sophisticated travelers demand.

ORIGIN GTFO Travel Pant

American-made and veteran-owned ORIGIN, known for their best-selling jeans and durable menswear, introduces the GTFO Travel Pant. Rooted in Farmington, Maine, ORIGIN is a champion of the “Made in America” mission, using materials sourced in the States to craft high-quality, performance-driven apparel. The new GTFO Travel Pant embodies this, claiming “One pant. Any destination.”

The pant uses ultra-light, military-grade stretch nylon. This fabric allows it to pack down small and resist abrasion, while repelling water and drying in a flash. It also sports body-heat activated, wrinkle-free performance, transitioning effortlessly from the airport to evening wear. The pant is pre-shrunk for a “frustration-free” fit, guaranteeing all-day comfort, making it a versatile solution for travelers who value American craftsmanship and timeless style.