The Top Gear to Buy in December 2023: Watches, Winter Knits, and Classic Totes.

Whiskey inspired watches, handknit sweaters from the North, and updated favourites – 2023 finished out with some home runs! Check out the Best New Gear of December 2023.

Oak & Oscar Olmsted FEW Edition

Earlier this month, Chicago-based watchmaker Oak & Oscar teamed up with FEW Spirits for a special collaboration, celebrating their friendship and love for bourbon. The Olmsted FEW edition keeps the classic 38mm field watch case unchanged but mixes things up with a salmon-colored matte dial inspired by FEW’s color palette. The watch includes design elements such as a  Horwween leather strap, thin rehaut with red tones, brushed hands, and engravings of the logos for both brands.

Each watch features a unique wooden coin from the oak barrel used to age the bourbon, all visible through the exhibition case back. Additionally, buyers 21 years or older will receive a bottle of FEW’s Bottled in Bond bourbon aged in the aforementioned bottles. The watches are limited to just 50 pieces. They are hand assembled in Chicago and ship in a canvas watch wallet, also designed in the Windy CIty.

TrainingPeaks Custom Apple Watch Integration

TrainingPeaks, a leading app for endurance athletes and coaches, has just launched a new integration for the Apple Watch. It allows users to transfer structured bike and run workouts directly from TrainingPeaks right into the Apple Watch Workout app. This allows for seamless integration between TrainingPeaksd and the native Workout app, enhancing the user experience. Auto Send functionality allows users to view upcoming workouts for the week. The Custom Workout interaction is compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and beyond. 

Handknit Collection from Reigning Champ

Reigning Champ has recently launched a novel collection of heavyweight sweaters that draw inspiration from prestigious academic institutions. These sweaters are hand-knitted in Vancouver, Canada using locally-sourced wool. Reigning Champ collaborates with skilled artisans on the west coast of British Columbia to craft these limited edition woolen sweaters, which are individually hand-knitted using 100% Canadian wool. The Collegiate and Varsity Sweaters by Reigning Champ showcase traditional detailing in sturdy, chunky gauge knits designed to endure for lifetimes and be passed on as heirlooms for generations to come.

Exped All Natural LuxeMat

Exped offers a range of luxury camping products under the Luxe line, which caters to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a more upscale camping experience. These products are made with all-natural fibers, including moisture-regulating wool insulation and organic cotton tricot fabric with 4-way stretch.

The Luxe line features the LuxeMat, a camping mat available in different sizes and options, and the LuxeWool Blanket, which is available in two sizes. The LuxeWool Blanket integrates the aforementioned wool and cotton with certified sheep wool insulation, corner loops for hanging, a cloak clip for wearable use, and a sling bag for storage and transport. Additionally, the LuxeWool Pillow features upcycled foam filling, an organic cotton tricot cover with wool insulation, and a size suitable for outdoor use. With these luxurious products, Exped ensures that campers can enjoy the glamping lifestyle or a more comfortable camping experience.

Ancoats The Diplomat, The Attaché, and the new Black Ops II

Ancoats are back with two new attachés and an updated black ops tote! The Diplomat features a top-loading style with a top zip that extends down the sides, allowing for convenient laptop stowing in the padded section and access to the admin panel. While the Attaché offers a ¾ zip access, allowing it to open fully for flat packing, providing versatility for organizing gear. Both units function as side carry bags with short asymmetric grab handles and as shoulder bags with offset tuck-away aluminum ‘D’ rings. Additionally, they include a luggage pass-through on the back for added convenience.  These attachés are customizable, offering options in fabric, front handle pop colors, lining, and compatibility with 13″ or 16″ laptops, which makes them suitable for a range of users. One of the key features of both new bags is their ability to piggy-back (or attach) on the Tote, expanding functionality and storage options.

The new Black Ops II tote is designed with Orange Cordura 500d lining, making it one of the toughest totes in the market. Its exterior is made of Black Cordura-faced X-Pac X51 laminate, while its interior is made of the reversed Cordura 500d. Its durability ensures that the tote can withstand harsh conditions and protect your gear, making it the ultimate protection for your belongings. 

Mission Workshop Squad Jacket

Mission Workshop relaunches the Squad jacket, a minimal but versatile waterproof coaches jacket that is easily dressed up or down. The Squad features Polartec Neoshell 3-layer textile and waterproof seam taping throughout for exceptional coverage and durability. Made in small batches at Mission Workshops Los Angeles factory, this jacket is ready for any occasion and every season. 

Tracksmith x Forestbound Tote

Designed for versatility, this tote is durable enough to withstand the abuse of the daily commute and big enough to handle a full weekend’s worth of gear. Measuring 22” wide and 14” tall, with an interior pocket to fit a 15” laptop and an exterior pocket for smaller items there is space and a place for everything. Built from a heavyweight water-repellant canvas and finished with a premium leather bottom and straps, this is designed to last a lifetime and age beautifully along the way. Designed in Massachusetts and made in the USA, this bag is local through and through.

Alpine Sea Co Cove Bag 11L

An epic daily crossbody bag that transitions seamlessly from everyday use to travel and everywhere in-between. Made in Hood River Oregon using Eco Friendly, highly water resistant materials. A large front stash pocket to stow your water bottle or other essentials for quick access when you need. A zippered pocket at the front end is easy to access and large enough to securely hold most oversized cell phones. Interior Aluminum key clip with a lead long enough to use while your keys are attached and slip pockets can be found at each end to help you keep track of all those smaller accessories.

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