The 8 Best Camp Coffee Mugs of 2018

There’s truly nothing better than sitting around a campfire passing around hot cocoa or a cold beer and reminiscing about the day’s activities. Whether you’re teeing up s’mores or just starting to cook up a dinner meal, a beverage is key to peak enjoyment. While you can always use your daily water bottle as a backup shaker for gin and tonics, reaching for that in the middle of the night when you’re parched is not the best feeling in the world. Washing it out every single night before bed is an additional step that can altogether be forgotten about if you add one more handy tool to your camping kit — a coffee mug. It doesn’t need to be super fancy, nor does it need to even hold coffee (tea, anyone?). These eight mugs are ideal for both hot and cold beverages, and are sure to last you for years to come.

Yeti Rambler

Just like everything else Yeti makes (coolers, backpacks, camp chairs), this is a damn tough mug. The double-wall vacuum-insulated mug keeps coffee (or tea) warm while you’re driving or beginning your initial ascent, but the exterior is cool enough for you to hold right after the first pour. Put a lid on it and it’ll last for even longer.

Klean Kanteen Insulated Cup

The 8-ounce insulated cup made of 18/8 stainless steel is built to survive anything you throw at it. Drinks will stay piping hot for 2 hours, while your iced coffee will most certainly last for closer to 10. It’s currently on sale down from $18 to just $15.

Toaks Titanium Single Wall Cup

Titanium might not be your first choice for a tiny cup for use around a firepit, but it’s actually the best material for a mug like this. No matter how close you get to the fire, the mug will stand up to high temps and avoids corrosion. Best of all, there’s no metallic taste after you sip your water or coffee.

GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug

While this 17-ounce mug isn’t the flashiest on this list, it does come in four bright colors, so you can pack for a crowd and never worry about misplacing your personal coffee/tea/water/gin and tonic. The BPA-free polypropylene comes with a lightly insulated sleeve made from ballistic cloth to protect your mug from the dirt (or your hand from the heat), and the collapsible handle easily clips onto bakpacks or folds up to fit in the side pocket of your backpack.

RTIC Coffee Cup

Just like RTIC’s coolers, this double wall 12-ounce mug is tough as nails and insulates like nobody’s business. Choose from 14 different colors, each with a built-in stainless steel handle and splash-proof lid — and a flip-top closure.

Need Supply Co. Falcon Enamelware Mug

If you’re trying to keep it simple and want a mug for your camping adventure that you might also use in your backyard or when entertaining, we recommend you reach for enamelware. The white, red, grey or black shiny mug is both dishwasher-safe and burn-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it near the grill while you’re cooking or hand-washing it after each use. The porcelain enamel blends with heavy-gauge steel to produce one of the prettiest, yet functional, coffee mugs we’d bring to basecamp.

Stanley Classic Camp Mug

Stanley has been making quality backcountry camping products since 1913. Each is backed by a lifetime guarantee, so you can get one and keep it forever. This leak-proof 16-ounce mug keeps cold beverages at the ideal temperature for up to 20 hours, and will keep things hot for roughly 2.5 hours. If you’re looking for something a bit bigger, Stanley produces insulated mugs and cups from this size, all the way up to a stein and growler size.

MiiR Camp Cup

We try not to be biased, but we think that MiiR makes a pretty great water bottle and we’re sure they’ve replicated that with the camp cup. Whether you’re bringing a cup of joe to the office or up the mountian, there’s no sweating involved — on your end or the cup’s. Enjoy 12-ounces of BPA-free stainless steel supported drinks at any time of the day.

Hydro Flask 10 Ounce Wine Tumbler

Yes, we know this isn’t technically a coffee mug, but the Hydro Flask insulation is just as strong with this as it is with water bottles. The honeycomb insulation keeps cold beverages at just the right temperature, and the BPA-free design means you don’t have to waste a second thought on the goblet. Stainless steel construction means your wine, er coffee, won’t taste any different. Plus, the 10-ounce tumbler comes in seven colors with a lifetime guarantee.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The 8 Best Shampoos You Can Buy in 2018

This definitive guide to the best shampoo for men covers everything you need to know before buying your next bottle, including ingredients to avoid and the best brands for different types of hair.

The Short List

Best Everyday Shampoo: Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo

Verdict: Malin + Goetz is known for making simple grooming products with gentle formulas. Its peppermint shampoo is a perennial best-seller because it provides a slight minty tingle while nourishing the hair with essential amino acids, which cleanse and balance a variety of hair types. While $22 seems like a splurge for an everyday shampoo, it’s worth it for keeping your hair lustrous and healthy.

Best Drugstore Shampoo: Every Man Jack Daily Shampoo

Verdict: Most drugstore shampoos feature a laundry list of chemical ingredients that harm your hair. Every Man Jack is the exception, and since 2013, the company has produced men’s grooming products that use primarily post-recycled packaging, natural ingredients (no parabens here) and are cruelty-free. Most of its shampoos double as 2-in-1 conditioners, but the mint shampoo is a nourishing, invigorating standalone option if you’re shopping on a budget — or not.

Introduction

For most guys, the application of shampoo is treated as a cursory convenience, a rite of cleanliness taken for granted. We don’t consider it like our cologne, moisturizer, or even soap, where minute details help us choose one brand over others. The bottom line: hair doesn’t always get the love it deserves.

Interestingly enough, shampoo was once considered a luxury. Nowadays, too many guys wash their hair to the point of damage or excess. “For guys with longer hair that may go over the ears or neck collar, you can get away with shampooing three to four times a week,” said Kyle Bergman, BirchboxMan’s Senior Grooming and Lifestyle Merchant. “However, hair consistency can also determine how often a guy shampoos his hair. Thick and unruly hair can benefit from the scalp’s naturals oils to help control and hydrate hair. Guys with more oily hair would benefit from shampooing every day to ensure they’re mitigating the amount of shine shown.”

If you’re willing to look beyond the aisles of Duane Reade and CVS — or look through them with a trained eye — you’ll find shampoos suitable for your hair type without problematic chemicals. According to Bergman, “The hype around different types of shampoos is very real, and in some cases even scientifically backed.” They’re designed to make your hair shine, enhance its voluminousness, keep your curls curly, and save dry, brittle hair from oblivion.

“Regardless of the empirical evidence, guys will definitely feel the difference between an energizing shampoo and a hydrating one,” Bergman said, “which ultimately will cleanse and create different hair consistencies based on the ingredients.” For those in search of the shampoo which keeps their hair healthy, clean and free of bad chemicals, we’ve done the guesswork for you.

Ingredients to Avoid

Bergman’s sound advice is moot when everyday shampoo comes into question. Harmful chemicals lurk in mass-market shampoos, and detecting them requires a close read of the bottle. When buying shampoos for BirchboxMan, Bergman noted, “We try to avoid synthetic “filler” such as parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil, which can cause substantial damage to the hair and scalp.” Some toxins, like sulfates and isopropyl alcohol, strip hair of its natural oils. Others, like propylene glycol, are added for a smoother lather but irritate the skin. The worst offenders are preservatives, like parabens and formaldehyde, that are known carcinogens. Washing your hair shouldn’t cause cancer, so look for shampoos without these ingredients if you want your hair and your body looking and feeling good.

Buying Guide

Best Everyday Shampoo: Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo

Verdict: Malin + Goetz is known for making simple grooming products with gentle formulas. Its peppermint shampoo is a perennial best-seller because it provides a slight minty tingle while nourishing the hair with essential amino acids, which cleanse and balance a variety of hair types. While $22 seems like a splurge for an everyday shampoo, it’s worth it for keeping your hair lustrous and healthy.

Best Shampoo for Thin Hair: Hims DHT Blocker Shampoo

Verdict: The minimalist packaging provides a strong initial draw, but you’ll stick with this shampoo because the formula blocks the hair-loss causing chemical DHT. The classic tea tree-peppermint scent is invigorating, as is the $11 price tag — a small investment that staves off baldness.

Best Shampoo for Dry Hair: Kiehl’s Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Shampoo

Verdict: A plenitude of natural oils forms the base of this shampoo. While olive oil provides essential Vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids for nourishing dry hair, the addition of avocado oil and lemon extract adds a lustrous shine to the formula while additional vitamins moisturize and stimulate hair. With natural oils, a little bit goes a long way, and applying a small amount is recommended for achieving balanced hair.

Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair: Sachajuan Intensive Repair Shampoo

Verdict: Stockholm-based Sachajuan has built its reputation on innovative, hair-protecting technologies. This shampoo contains its Ocean Silk technology, which includes UVA/UVB protection from prolonged sun exposure. The light scent adds the feeling of being near the ocean, too, making it an ideal product for pre- and post-beach use.

Best Shampoo for Oily Hair: Das Boom Industries Everyday Shampoo Marrakesh

Verdict: Das Boom Industries’ Marrakesh shampoo evokes the spice of its namesake city. Piquant notes of black pepper, cardamom and bergamot compose the scent profile, while natural elements and extracts do a good job of balancing oily hair. Use a generous amount for optimal results and seriously good smells.

Best Shampoo for Curly Hair: V76 by Vaughn Hydrating Shampoo

Verdict: V is for vegan in this cruelty-free shampoo by Vaughn. The center of its moisture-rich composition is almond butter, which does a spectacular job of hydrating curly and unruly hair and enlivening wilting strands. Save the Earth, save your mane.

Best Shampoo for Flaky Hair: Phyto Phythéol Intense

Verdict: Founded by celebrity hairdresser Patrick Alès, Phyto launched in 1965 alongside the opening of his Paris salon. The brand’s forte is botanical-based hair products that eliminate recurrent hair issues, and its Phythéol Intense anti-dandruff shampoo provides a silicone-free way to fight even the worst dandruff. Mineral and plant extracts prevent dandruff from recurring, exfoliate the scalp and help treat psoriasis and eczema on the head.

Best Drugstore Shampoo: Every Man Jack Daily Shampoo

Verdict: Most drugstore shampoos feature a laundry list of chemical ingredients that harm your hair. Every Man Jack is the exception, and since 2013, the company has produced men’s grooming products that use primarily post-recycled packaging, natural ingredients (no parabens here) and are cruelty-free. Most of its shampoos double as 2-in-1 conditioners, but the mint shampoo is a nourishing, invigorating standalone option if you’re shopping on a budget — or not.

The Best Motorcycle Helmet Upgrades to Improve Life on Two Wheels

If you’re the type of rider that loves to upgrade, modify and trick out your motorcycle with useful add-ons to make life in the saddle more manageable, you know the value of gear real estate. After your panniers, tank bag, GPS, heated grips and seat, 12v sockets and extensions, LED rally lights and mounted GoPros, what space do you have left? Well, just use your head — literally.

In its most basic form, the helmet is your single most important piece of gear — it protects your moneymaker after all. But whether you went for a lid that gives you basic protection or snagged the latest, greatest, top-of-the-line model, you can always use some upgrades. We picked out a few of our favorite, more useful add-ons, but don’t tack all of these on your helmet at once. Be reasonable with add-ons; just pick up this gear first.

Speedmetal Wind Stopper Helmet Skirt

Clearly a great addition for the colder months and/or higher altitudes, the Wind Stopper Helmet Skirt does exactly as its name suggests. The Helmet Skirt creates a seal around your neck, trapping warm air in your helmet, and keeps you nice and toasty. Brushing and mouthwash is highly recommended before a long ride.

BluArmor BluSnap

The design is a little bulky but having full-on air conditioning in your helmet is something every rider has wished for at some point or another. BluArmor BluSnap was developed in India to give motorcycle riders some level of relief while riding through traffic. And if you’ve ever seen or been in the traffic in major cities in that country, you can completely understand why that’s where BluArmor BluSnap originated. If it works there, it should have no problem keeping you cool on the 405.

GoPro Chin Bar Mount

Crash bars, suspension tubes and fenders are great places to get action packed, engaging views for your GoPro videos. However, nothing beats a rider’s eye view of the ride — that’s how viewers feel they’re right there with you — the GoPro Chin Bar Mount is the easiest way to get that shot.

Sena 30K Bluetooth Headset

The 30K Bluetooth Headset is the latest from Sena. Along with its sleek, subtle profile, it has a host of upgrades this time around too. You get the standard BlueTooth connectivity, which basically puts your phone and all its functions inside your helmet, but the ‘group ride’ functionality underwent an overhaul as well. The 30K now utilizes a mesh network capable of connecting you to up to 16 other riders. And, if one rider goes out of range, disconnects and then comes back within range, the network automatically links the rider back up, unlike the old Bluetooth system.

NUVIZ Head-Up Display

The NUVIZ is the only one of its kind on the market. It doesn’t project digital displays directly on your visor like a true HUD should, but the unit’s screen provides all the information you need while riding, right where you need it, by connecting to your phone to any other helmet mounted systemsvia Bluetooth link.

5 Essential Motorcycle Apps for Every Rider

You don’t have to ride motorcycles to know that when it comes to luxuries, technology and creature comforts, cars and their drivers have a leg up. While some top-tier bikes like the Honda Gold Wing come with Apple CarPlay, GPS navigation, a radio and heated seats, the majority of the motorcycle community makes do with a lot less. For the riders who adore a more simple, analog life, but crave just a little more without spoiling the riding experience, a select few apps can go a long way. Now, these apps won’t heat your seats, but they’ll definitely make life on two wheels a hell of a lot better.

Eat Sleep Ride

Eat Sleep Ride is more than just a way to connect with other riders. You can track and share your rides and participate in competitions to win gear. However, one of the most helpful features is a crash detection system which shares your location in the event of an emergency.

Polarsteps

When you’re on an epic adventure ride with friends, swapping driving duties for some hands-free time isn’t an option. So who takes all the road notes and jots down the exact route (and where you took all those amazing photos)? Once you find cell service and/or an internet connection, Polarsteps syncs up your route, your stops along the way and then geotags your photos, organizing them all on a vivid, shareable map.

GasBuddy

Since motorcycles have much shorter ranges than cars, it’s even more crucial to know where your next fuel stop is. GasBuddy is a way to find and share gas stations and prices in your area. On top of that, if you join Pay with GasBuddy, you can save 15 cents a gallon on your first fill-up and five cents a gallon every fill-up after that.

Pirelli Diablo Super Biker

Most of the free riding world doesn’t have access to the same technology MotoGP riders have — tech that records almost every detail about each lap, like lean angle, speed, lap time, acceleration, altitude, etc. But the Pirelli Diablo Super Biker app brings you a couple steps closer by putting all of that data acquisition in your pocket.

Dark Sky

When you head out in a car for a drive, you generally don’t have to worry about the weather unless there’s a hurricane or blizzard inbound. On a motorcycle, we’re a tad more vulnerable. Dark Sky provides valuable and accurate foresight with weather reports updating by the minute over the hour, plus hour to hour predictions throughout the day and for the week ahead.

The 10 Ways Our Staff Stays Productive

You arrive at the office, coffee in hand, and immediately sit down to check your email. You attend a couple of meetings, take a few phone calls and then when you finally sit down to do the bulk of your work, you realize you have approximately 37 minutes to get it done before you’re called back into meetings. While days like this might not be the norm, they happen to everyone. All of a sudden you glance at the clock, and it’s 6 PM. Where did the day go? And why is your to-do list growing, not shrinking? We feel you. To make the most of every single minute, it helps to have the right tools. Whether you have a routine you never break in the morning, or you listen to a specific playlist in the afternoon to pump you up, these tools can be the difference between staying until nine and leaving right at six.

The Gear Patrol team has a variety of tools they use to stay focused, cut out the noise and remain productive so that we can all partake in happy hour. Here are the tricks we’ve found to streamline our communication, check off every box and stay on task.

Shinola Runwell Planner

“I just write to-do and to-buy lists on whatever loose paper I have at hand, then usually put something more concise in the planner I carry around. Checking items off as I go never fails to satisfy. My brother introduced me to this planner, he’s way too into notebooks and paper products.” Andy Frankes, Editorial Assistant

Moleskin Classic Notebook, Reminders and Google Calendar

“I don’t know that there’s any one thing that keeps me productive, but instead a combination of many. I enter small, must-do tasks into Apple’s Reminders app to be delegated back to me later. Meetings and appointments go into Google Calendars. Everything else gets written down in my little notebook — crossing those out when completed is always gratifying.” Tanner Bowden, Associate Staff Writer

Google Calendar

“Growing up I wasn’t always the most organized person, but I have grown close to Google Calendar as my productivity savior. With it, I am able to schedule all of my important events with detailed notes via computer or on my phone. After scheduling those significant dates, I can view my calendar and its entirety from a macro point of view to keep me grounded and focused on what I need to accomplish for that day.” Jarry Truong, Associate Videographer

Google Tasks Gmail Integration

“Google’s new task list integration with the new Gmail is incredible. It helps me keep on track and knock out everything I need to get done in a day. It’s a pretty bare-bones app, but realistically a task app doesn’t need fancy bells and whistles. I used to use Todoist, but I’m never looking back.” AJ Powell, Assistant Editor

Uchida LePen, Muji 0.5mm Gel Pen and Leda Art Supply Notebook

“Keeping focused and on-task is my greatest personal struggle at work. It’s a struggle at home, too, but that’s not as much of an issue. I like productivity products that don’t feel like productivity products — I want them to work so well it puts me in a slightly better mood, such that I might keep churning through that extra bit of work. Great pens and satisfyingly dense paper do the trick, as does an easy-to-use app. These are the things that keep my mental treadmill from screeching to a halt — improving those little moments in-between tasks.” Will Price, Associate Staff Wrtier

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Montblanc Notebook

“No matter how much technology advances, no app, device or technical instrument will beat the power of putting pen to paper. Montblanc is known for producing some of the finest luxury writing instruments and notebooks money can buy. I love jotting down my daily to-do list on this notebook’s crisp, cream-colored paper and the leather binding is, of course, made in Italy. I’ve already got another one on deck for when this one is completely filled in a few months.” Alyx Effron, Account Executive

Things 3

“Whether there’s a little or a lot on my plate, there’s a strategy I depend on (and an app that supports it) to make sure I cross everything off my list by the end of the day. David Allen’s Getting Things Done methodology has you make a big list of every task you have to do, categorize it based on when tasks need to be completed and then take action on the most pressing things. You could do this with a notebook or a standard digital to-do list, but I’m a spoiled millennial who likes everything to be well-designed, so I use the mind-bogglingly expensive GTD app Things 3. It’s sophisticated enough that it works on both my computer and my phone, and I can even set it to send reminders about upcoming tasks and deadlines. And perhaps more importantly, it soothes my deadline anxiety by letting me write down everything I need (or want) to do, then sorting everything so I only have to look at what’s most important.” Justin Fenner, Senior Associate Editor

Spotify Discover Weekly

“Working in an open office has perks, but it can also be incredibly distracting. If I need to write copy or focus on research (and tune everyone else out), I always listen to my Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify. I typically don’t know any of the songs so I won’t be singing along in my head and it’s almost always an eclectic mix that I’m into. Since it’s updated every Monday, it always feels fresh — there is nothing mundane about it. I find it the perfect background for me to get work done.” Megan Billings, Deputy Editor, Gear Patrol Studios

Digital Inspiration Mail Merge Add-On for Gmail

“When I first started working with G Suite as my main working platform, I wanted to find a solution for mail merge, which turned out there were plenty. For sales, I am a really big believer in casting wide nets. When we’re prospecting an opportunity to sell something turnkey or a PR note highlighting a GP win within the industry, I want all of our clients and potential clients to know about it because you never know if it will trigger an opportunity. One of the best features of Digital Inspiration’s plug-in is that it allows you to set the merge to run at a specific time, ideal for getting email to the top of a client’s inbox first thing in the morning when they are likely catching up on industry/trade news. I also like that it forces you as a seller to have your contacts well organized via a Google sheet.” Jason Dakota Davis, East Coast Sales Director

Poketo Weekly Keyboard Pad

“I’m not sure there’s much that brings me more joy than when I’m writing things down — and it can be anything. From thank you notes to postcards and to-do lists, I love the feeling of my pen on a piece of paper. So it should come as no surprise that to keep myself organized I opt for a physical planner. Poketo designed a weekly planner that’s blank except for four square boxes under the days of the week. In the designated lines, I pencil in coffee meetings, team get-togethers and what stories are due on that day. Since I write in the date up top, I can skip a week if I’m on vacation and not waste an entire sheet. I can plan out as many weeks at one time as I want, or stick to just focusing on a single week — not to mention it’s skinnier than my keyboard, so it doesn’t take up much space on my desk. And on Fridays, I can slide it into my file cabinet without having to move anything around.” Meg Lappe, Staff Writer

The 11 Best Mechanical Watches to Wear When Traveling in 2018

Last Updated July, 2018: This post has been updated with new picks for 2018. Prices and links have also been updated.

You’ve got your slip-on shoes, your handsome-yet-rugged duffel bag, your comfortable-yet-cool attire, your dopp kit, your tablet, your Nintendo Switch, your noise-canceling headphones, your camera, your guide book and hopefully your passport is in there somewhere. Yes, packing for a trip can seem overwhelming, but you can take solace in the fact that you only need one watch.

So what watch to wear on your globetrotting adventures? Well, traditionally the GMT (or dual time) has been the de facto travel watch ever since it was conceived in the mid-’50s for Pan Am pilots crossing several time zones at once. By allowing the wearer to monitor two separate time zones at once, the GMT frees its wearer from the grueling mental math required when keeping tabs on whatever is going on in your home time zone.

If you demand more time zones at once, you can opt for the world time watch which, though more mechanically complex (and thus more expensive) than the GMT, has actually been around longer, invented by watchmaker Louis Cottier in the 1930s. Here, the watch denotes the current time for every time zone in the world all at once. So if you’re in Tokyo, need to call a client in London and inundate your mother in Chicago with texts about your trip, no arithmetic is required to keep all that in check.

Whichever you choose depends on your own needs (and the state of your bank account), but rest assured there are options aplenty for the jet-setter. The best of them combine value, durability, good looks and, of course, functionality, all into one handy watch — so there’s no need to burden your carry-on any more than you already have.

GMTs

Farer Lander

Farer, a young British upstart, makes watches inspired by those worn by great 20th-century explorers. Naturally, that means the Lander here definitely owes some debts to Smiths and the Rolex Explorer, but the result is nevertheless handsome and distinct. Its automatic movement is housed in a subtle 39.5mm x 10mm case (perfectly proportioned, if you ask us), and it’s paired with a bronze crown and a beautiful blue mid-century-inspired dial design. At $1,425, it’s not quite the cheapest mechanical GMT you can find (it’s damn close, though), but its excellent design makes it a standout in the entry-level price bracket.

Movement: ETA 2893-2
Winding: Automatic
Case diameter: 39.5mm
Water Resistance: 100m

Monta Skyquest

It can be tough to find a “tool watch” GMT for less than several thousand dollars, but the Skyquest from Monta is certainly a value proposition if ever there were one. For less than $2k you get a steel GMT with 300m of water resistance, automatic Sellita SW330 movement with 42-hour power reserve and jumping GMT hand, steel bracelet or rubber strap designed by sister company Everest Horology Products (plus a very nice Nato), and much more (see our full review here). If you’re looking for a GMT Master II-alternative that you can take in the water and not worry about having to baby, then the Skyquest is likely the watch for you.

Movement: Sellita SW330
Winding: Automatic
Case diameter: 40.7mm
Water Resistance: 100m

Sinn 857 UTC VFR

If your travels take you to someplace … unforgiving, this is the watch to have. The automatic movement inside is protected by a burly stainless steel case with Sinn’s “Tegiment” case-hardening technology and built to satisfy DIN 8330, a certification for pilot’s watches that Sinn and the German Institute for Standardisation co-developed. As such, the brand states the watch is exceptionally shockproof and can reliably operate at temperatures between -49 degrees and 185 degrees Fahrenheit. And while this is ostensibly a pilot’s watch, given that it has a ratcheting bezel, loads of lume and a 200-meter depth rating means it could easily do double duty as a diver, too.

Movement: ETA 2893-2
Winding: Automatic
Case diameter: 43mm
Water Resistance: 200m

Oris Big Crown ProPilot Worldtimer

Though it says “worldtimer” in the name, this pilot’s watch from Oris is more of an advanced dual-time watch, though it does go a step further than a standard dual-time or GMT in terms of convenience. It displays the wearer’s home time in the three o’clock subdial and the local hours and minutes on the main dial. When you twist the watch’s bezel, it moves the hour hand on the main dial, meaning that when traveling you don’t need to fiddle with the crown when you change time zones. It may seem trivial, but for frequent travelers, it eliminates the only real hassel of a GMT watch.

Movement: Oris 690 (base ETA 2836-2)
Winding: Automatic
Case diameter: 44.7mm
Water Resistance: 100m

Nomos Zürich World Time

Similarly, Nomos’s Zürich World Time isn’t actually a world timer, but rather more of an advanced GMT. Yes, it has a world city ring, but it doesn’t display the hour for all 24 timezones individually. Instead, the city name at the 12 o’clock corresponds to the time shown on the main dial, and when the pusher at two o’clock is depressed the ring advances to the next city, while the hour hand advances one hour in synchrony. (The home time is indicated on the ring at three o’clock.) Though this complex take on the GMT function seems to fly in the face of the traditionally Bauhaus approach of “less is more,” the Zürich continues Nomos’s tradition of making incredibly beautiful and modern designs.

Movement: Nomos DUW 5201
Winding: Automatic
Case diameter: 40mm
Water Resistance: 30m

Grand Seiko SBGJ201

Grand Seikos are loved by hardcore watch guys because of all of the unseen details that make them so technically impressive. For example, this SBGJ201 GMT rocks the brand’s lauded high-beat movement that ticks at 36,000 bpm (most high-end mechanical watches tick at 21,000 or 28,800 bph). This bolsters accuracy, but it also gives the watch a much smoother seconds hand than its cohorts. Enthusiasts will also love the expertly-finished dial and the almost paper-like texture of the dial.

Movement: Seiko 9S86
Winding Automatic
Case diameter: 40mm
Water Resistance: 100m

Rolex GMT-Master II

Yes, it’s the obvious pick, but the Rolex GMT-Master is the definitive travel watch and an all-time classic. Gone is the old-school “Pepsi” rotating bezel of the original (unless you want to shell out $40,000 for the white gold version), replaced by a ceramic black number (Rolex also makes a black and blue variant, called the “Batman” by enthusiasts). Driving the watch is a COSC-certified automatic GMT movement, and the watch comes with classic Rolex details like an oyster bracelet and cyclops date magnifier.

Movement: Rolex 3186
Winding: Automatic
Case diameter: 40mm
Water Resistance: 100m

World Timers

Montblanc 1858 Geosphere

The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere has a lot going for it. For starters, its world time display is decidedly unique. While world timers with Lambert projection maps only display one hemisphere (usually the north), this shows both on two globes at 12 and six o’clock. Further, while most world time watches have a dressy look to them, this has the look of a classic tool watch, thanks to a black and gold color scheme, a rotating ceramic compass bezel and a chunky case design. The best part, though, is the price: about $6,300, making it one of the most affordable world time watches you can buy.

Movement: Montblanc MB 29.25
Winding: Automatic
Case diameter: 42mm
Water Resistance: 100m

Girard-Perregaux 1966 WW.TC

Given their complexity, world time watches inherently have larger cases and crowded dials, but despite this, Girard-Perregaux’s latest take on the style has an uncluttered dial design and a very nicely-proportioned 40mm by 12mm case. What’s more, it’s relatively well priced, considering that for around $13,000 you’re getting an in-house automatic world time movement (not exactly easy to manufacture) from a highly regarded legacy watchmaker.

Movement: Girard-Perregaux GP03300-0027
Winding: Automatic
Case diameter: 40mm
Water Resistance: 30m

Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time

In addition to having a world time function, the Geophysic Universal Time packs another complication, and it’s one of the geekiest and stealthiest in horology: the deadbeat seconds. While mechanical watches are most easily identified by the smooth sweep of their seconds hand, a deadbeat seconds watch ticks once a second like a cheap quartz watch (which is a bit ironic). This is deceivingly difficult to engineer in a mechanical watch and is the reason most deadbeat watches tend to cost thousands.

Movement: Jaeger-LeCoultre 772
Winding: Automatic
Case diameter: 41.6mm
Water Resistance: 50m

Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time

Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas World Time isn’t by any stretch of the imagination an affordable watch, but it seems to be the perfect convergence of class, durability, high watchmaking, and wearability. Part of what makes it stand out is its movement and world time display, which houses not the standard 24 time zones but rather all 37, including those that are offset by 15- and 30-minute intervals. While Vacheron Constantin is mostly known for exquisite haute horlogerie, the Overseas has the makings of a utilitarian timepiece (as far as the Swiss Big Three are concerned), thanks to a solid 150-meter depth rating, and anti-magnetic build and a convenient, quick-release strap-changing system.

Movement: Vacheron Constantin 2460 WT/1
Winding: Automatic
Case diameter: 43.5mm
Water Resistance: 150m

The Best Cast-Iron Skillets You Can Buy in 2018

The only skillet on the list to appear twice, The Field is our pick for best everyday skillet. You get the smooth surface of premium cast-iron, you get a price that isn’t eye-watering, you get a skillet light enough to handle day-in-day-out and you’re not going to feel the world-ending rage you might if you drop a skillet three times its price off to the floor.
Cooking Surface: 8.75 inches
Total Diameter: 10.25 inches
Weight: 4.5 pounds

Introduction

R

e-embracing craftsmanship. A righteous exodus from the flimsy and mass-produced. A feedback loop of hipsters following each other’s tails. Call it what you will, one of the biggest stories in the wide world of products is the surge of the maker movement, and few industries have been revived more thoroughly than that of cast-iron cookware.

In the first half of the 20th century, cast-iron cookware hit its peak, reaching near-ubiquity in the American home kitchen. A great many of the brands of the time — Favorite, Vollrath, Wagner and Griswold — made skillets considered collector’s items now. These pieces were light, hand-smoothed specimens. Today, some sell for dollar amounts in the thousands.

The rise of mass-manufacturing — coupled with the introduction of cooking materials like aluminum, stainless steel and various permutations of non-stick — spelled a violent downturn for cast-iron in the ’60s and ’70s. Lodge, the sole widely-available, American-made cast-iron manufacturer to come out of this period alive, has remained as such since. But, the recent rekindling of interest in handcrafted goods has led to something of a renaissance, or at the very least a second life, for the heavyset kitchen tool.

Point of all this being cast-iron cookware hasn’t been this cool since before the first World War, so it’s about time you got on board. Here’s everything you need to know.

Important Terms

Cast-Iron: Iron made with around 1.7 percent carbon, giving it its classic heavy, brittle nature.
Seasoning: The layer of polymerized and carbonized fats between what you’re cooking and raw iron.
Pour Spouts: If present, small areas cast into both sides of the pan meant to easily discard (or save) sauces or excess grease.
Wall Slope: The gradient at which the walls of a cast-iron pan run into the cooking surface; the steeper the wall slope, the less tossing can be accomplished
Front Grip: A protruding area opposite the handle where you grab hold of the pan with your non-dominant hand; meant to make heavier dishes and pans less cumbersome.
As-Cast: The result of skipping the milling and polishing process on the cooking surface; when a skillet’s cooking area is rough and sandpapery, it is as-cast.
Rust: Also known as ferric oxide, a toxic result of the oxidation of bare cast-iron; avoided by a layer of seasoning, but easily fixable.
Smoke Point: The heat at which fats begins to break down and smoke; also the point you need to reach to properly season a pan.

How to Use a Cast-Iron Skillet

How to Heat Your Skillet

Get used to putting it on the stove (or by the fire) ten to fifteen minutes prior to cooking or applying oil. Iron is a terrible conductor, meaning it will take a few to get hot, but it’s rescued by tremendous heat insulation. Also be mindful that because it gets hotter than other cookware and can’t be quickly cooled by removing from heat, heavy smoking often occurs. You can cook nearly anything in cast-iron, but it shines brightest producing any dishes that are improved by a wicked crust: cornbread, pies, steaks, fried chicken and bacon are among the most popular dishes.

How to Clean Your Skillet

Cleaning is as simple as waiting a few minutes until after cooking (to let the pan cool) and scraping what you can out with a wooden spoon or spatula. All remaining bits and pieces are easily dispatched with a handful of kosher salt and light rubbing with paper towels or a dry sponge. If something is seriously stuck, a bit of water and even minimal soap isn’t going to destroy your seasoning.

How to Season Your Skillet

Crank your oven way up (self-clean cycle works wonders), grab your favorite fat (flaxseed is popular) and drop a very small amount on the cooking surface. Wipe the fat over all the cooking surface and various nooks and crannies of the pan, then wipe over that again with a clean paper towel. Too much oil and you’ll leave your pan sticky and not fully polymerized, and therefore not non-stick. Let your pan sit in the super-hot oven for an hour or more; you’re waiting to for the applied fat to exceed its smoke point, which is what causes it to attach firmly to the pan. If it looks shiny, leave it in longer. It’s as simple as that.

How to Remove Rust from Your Skillet

Rust isn’t a death sentence for cast-iron. If it’s flash rust — rust that forms after just a few minutes of iron exposure to air — you can usually just wipe it off and get it seasoned. Heavier layers of rust are removed by a soak in a vinegar solution (1:1 white vinegar to water), a wipe off, dry down and applying a layer of seasoning. If this isn’t effective and you’re game for a science experiment, look up “electrolysis.”

How to Store Your Skillet

Obviously, you’ll want to keep your skillet out of humid or damp areas. Beyond that, it’s not recommended to stack cast-iron pans in each other as they can easily scratch a hard-earned layer of seasoning away if twisted the wrong way. If you have room, simply tossing it in the oven after cleaning is an ideal storage spot.

How to Pick the Right Size

Consider what you want to cook in your cast-iron skillet, how often and for how many people. Then understand that a skillet’s cooking surface is smaller than the size it’s typically labeled as, so think of how much space whatever it is you’re wanting to cook will take up and ensure it will fit. Most 10-inch skillets have about nine inches of cooking surface, which is enough to comfortably cook one large ribeye but not quite a full pork loin.

If you want to cook full breakfasts, multiple steaks at a time, or just run a household with a few more mouths to feed, go bigger — something with at least 9.5-inches of cooking surface is a good place to start. Yes, the weight will climb the bigger you go, but don’t shirk yourself and your family out of quality food because you have to use two hands.

Buying Guide

Best All-Around Cast-Iron Skillet: Butter Pat Industries Heather Skillet

The 6 Best Outdoor-Inspired Briefcases

It’s not that briefcases are out of date. It’s that alternative versions of the archetypal business bag are now accepted as appropriate in most work environments. Backpacks, messenger bags and trendy canvas totes have taken advantage of this cultural easing and attempted to displace the briefcase in productive everyday carry, but it has held on to its position as the most respected work bag.

Today’s briefcases aren’t the cubic leather carriers you might imagine a bowler-wearing businessman would pair with his favorite trench coat though. They’re more casual, and more like the satchels and shoulder bags that initially inspired the design’s creation. The new species of briefcase carry laptops, tablets and daily essentials instead of overstuffed folios of paper, and durable, weather-resistant materials like waxed canvas and Cordura nylon come in handy for that. It’s no wonder that outdoorsy brands including Patagonia, Filson and Topo Designs have managed to not only make the briefcase more functional but also more contemporary.

Orvis Battenkill Briefcase

Perhaps the closest to the stiff rectangular original, Orvis’s Battenkill Briefcase exchanges hinges and latches for canvas and locking zippers. Its build and aesthetic are very much in tune with the brand’s sportsman roots.

Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase

Topo Designs has applied its retro-outdoor vision to the Mountain Briefcase. It’s built with tough 1000-denier Cordura fabric, accented with leather and stuffed with organizational pockets. Also, it doubles as a backpack, and the straps that allow it to do so stow away when they aren’t needed.

Filson Original Briefcase

This handsome bag is made of 22-ounce cotton twill fabric. Its interior is more than large enough for your daily essentials, and a range of exterior pockets allow for quick access to the items you need most.

Patagonia Headway Brief

Patagonia wants you to use this bag on the weekend too, so it gave it a 22-ounce capacity and built it with ballistic nylon. In addition to its main compartment, there’s a smaller one that’s stocked with organizational sleeves and pouches for smaller items, another for a laptop and tablet, and a fourth, zipperless sleeve for things like magazines and travel documents.

L.L.Bean Heritage Waxed-Canvas Brief

L.L. Bean has been in the bag-making business since the 1930s, and it draws on that heritage in this eight-liter briefcase. Rugged and weatherproof waxed canvas and leather are the two materials at play here, and they’re used to create a simple carrier with a main compartment, two exterior pouches and a quick-access sleeve.

Mystery Ranch 3-Way Expandable Briefcase

The 3-Way Briefcase might be the most technical on this list, with many different points of access including a main compartment, separate laptop sleeve and a front access pocket that’s lined with additional pockets and sleeves for other essentials. Want to use it as a weekend bag? There’s a third zipper that expands the bag’s capacity by five liters.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

7 Stylish Motorcycle Boots You Can Wear Anywhere

5 Stunning Vintage-Style Motorcycle Helmets From Boutique Brands

You’ve definitely heard of the Bell Bullitt and the Moto-3, maybe even the Biltwell Gringo. And if you haven’t seen the new Legends line from AGV, it’s time to put that on your radar as well. But, all those vintage style helmets are from mainstream brands that stay somewhat on the conservative side of styling. If you’re looking for a more unique helmet with all the style of the more popular choices and then some, check out these boutique brands from all over the world. They may not have the mainstream recognition of Bell or AGV, but they sure as hell can go toe-to-toe with them in the style department.

DMD SeventyFive

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The New Jersey based DMD isn’t a Mom ‘n’ Pop operation by any means, but it handles the entire production process in-house. DMD helmets carry modern DOT and ECE standards while at the same time boasting the claim of being the “smallest homolgated shell in its category.” Meaning you won’t look like Rick Moranis in Space Balls just because you wanted a classic style.

Premier Trophy NX

Although Premier Helmets was founded in California in 1956 and isn’t really a boutique brand, it still might not ring any bells for American riders. That’s because the company picked up and moved shop to Italy in ’87, but Premier lids have protected the noggins of world-class riders like Phil Read, Troy Bayliss and Marc Marquez over the decades. Premier also makes modern style helmets, but the Vinatge Range collection is infinitely more timeless.

MÂRKÖ Full Moon

Mârkö is another brand that dabbles in modern motorcycle helmets, but its calling card is the Classique line. Mârkö prides itself on the ‘how you get there is more important than where you’re going’ mindset and that’s the spirit ingrained in its products. Performance is more important than style, but Mârkö no doubt found a way to inject a metric-ton of both into each helmet.

Hedon White Knight

With Hedon, we start to venture into the world luxury helmets. Of course they meet modern standards but with Hedon, you can customize your helmet from the chin strap, up. Choose the material the shell is constrcuted from, the type of leather trim, the liner material and paint job.

Ateliers-Ruby Silver Lake

Ateliers-Ruby is another brand firmly planted in the world of luxury motorcycle helmets. It’s currently being reworked and perfected — and unfortunately unavailable at the moment, but Ateliers-Ruby is another brand with a customization program. However, even with the configurator down, Ateliers-Ruby makes so many different designs you’d be hard pressed to run into another rider wearing the same lid as you anyway.

In Search of Open Road, I Pedaled 675 Miles from Oregon to Idaho

I

have a short list of real regrets and one of them is not bicycling across America with my younger brother, Rob, a few years ago. Then in his late twenties, Rob pedaled from Burlington, Vermont, to Napa, California, where he’d gotten a job as a teacher. I was busy and Rob averaged eighty miles a day: our orbits never quite intersected. So I satisfied myself with his Kerouacian dispatches from the road. Many featured a website called “Warm Showers,” where strangers offered beds and showers (“but nothing more,” Rob swore) to long-distance cyclists. One host, who suffered from Lyme Disease and had all his windows blacked-out, insisted that Rob watch weird movies with him in his basement. Rob survived, eventually riding a few thousand miles with another Rob, devouring all-you-can-eat buffets from Kansas to California.

So a few months ago, when I felt an urge to hit the road under my own power, I called Rob. “Yes!” he replied, before I’d invited him. “The long-awaited next installment in the Bethea Brothers Adventure Saga!” (A decade ago, he and I thru-hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail for Backpacker, which ran photos of him in his preferred hiking attire: a speedo. In 2016, I climbed up and biked down the tallest volcano on earth with Rob, for Gear Patrol.) Next, I phoned two photographer pals, one of whom, Justin, could ride a big chunk of the trip, which we’d by then plotted from Portland, Oregon to McCall, Idaho, some seven hundred miles. The rationale: it’d take ten days (all the time I had); we’d pass by many breweries (Rob’s requirement); and we’d meet mom at the end, where she’d be finishing a float trip. Then we’d return to our lives: mine as a correspondent for The New Yorker, in Atlanta, and Rob’s as an English teacher in San Diego.

I boxed-up my Salsa Vaya Apex touring bike and boarded a plane in mid-June. In addition to ample beer and pie purveyors, there are plenty of bike shops in Portland, including Crank, where I went for last-minute tuning. We screwed on our rear racks, installed our Salsa panniers, and took off in our Rapha onesies: bike touring triplets. The Vaya is ultra-light for a touring bike, but mine was saddled with thirty pounds of gear: food, tools, tubes, clothes, sleeping and eating stuff. I was especially excited about a few items: my MSR Hubba Tour 2 tent, which sleeps two (brothers) and has a vestibule big enough for a pair of bikes; Giro’s Empire VR90 superlight mountain bike shoes; and a Goal Zero solar-charging panel to keep my phone alive (for mapping, not email) while riding in remote areas.

Bike-touring offers the immersive perspective of a hike, over distances typically achieved by car. We’d decided to use a few well-established bike routes, including part of the famous Trans America, a well-known cross-country cycling route. We would generally, I hoped, avoid the back-alleys Rob had coerced me down on previous trips. But this lingering possibility was part of the excitement of traveling with him.

On our first day, we left the city later than planned, following a bike path bisecting a highway out of Portland. But soon we were on a forested two-lane heading to Hood River, sixty miles away, where Thunder Island Brewing Co. waited just outside town along the Columbia River Gorge. We traced the path of the river, on its less-traveled, hilly northern shore. Rob pushed up the rollers. Justin stopped often—for pictures, he claimed. I fiddled with the Goal Zero solar panel attached to my rear panniers, and tried to consume some electrolyte goo when Rob started to pull ahead. It tasted awful, even after a pull on a fruity vape pen we’d — legally, of course — brought along. The sativa helped a bit with the ups, I thought, and soothed a few early-stage squabbles. A typical, context-free exchange between me and Rob:

Rob, with a big smile, as I finally catch up to him: “You need some more of this pen, bro!” I’d supplied the pens, but Rob, who carried them, had become their Tim Leary-esque evangelist.

Me: “Okay, but do we have to pass the pen like it’s a baton, while riding on a narrow shoulder with trucks flying by?”

Rob: “Yes.”

Justin, who also has a brother, would laugh, shaking his head at these moments. Then we’d stop so he could photograph us squabbling.

Our first night was spent in beds, at a buddy’s house in Hood River — an idyllic little Oregon town best known for its world-class wind-surfing opportunities — which was handy since we were exhausted and a little too stoned to assemble tents. But the next night, at Timothy Lakes Campground, in Mt. Hood National Forest, the tent was useful as the mosquitos came out. It had been the most glorious day of riding in my life, with four thousand feet of climbing leading to a screaming forty-four miles-per-hour descent (according to Strava) on perfectly-paved two-lane blacktop bisecting old growth forest. Each of the following days had a few things in common: three or four local Deschutes Black Butte beers each, washing down heavy food in a small town; a break to soak our feet in a river; and that sense of absolute freedom that only comes from pedaling all day with nothing more than basic appetites (hunger, thirst, curiosity) to satisfy. Through Willamette, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests — all still thankfully preserved — we went, then eastward into the high desert and the Hells Canyon Wilderness, North America’s deepest river gorge, straight on to the Oregon-Idaho border.

Strange things happen when you disconnect. While replacing my second flat tire on the highway into Bend, Rob and I broke out into spontaneous song: Simon and Garfunkel’s “America.” Justin filmed it. The next day, after Justin returned home, Rob (presumptive navigator) and I (blind follower) took a two-hour accidental detour along a gorgeous stretch of the Crooked River, which elicited oohs and ahhs. The road ended up petering out, we realized our mistake, and the only truck for miles — a dad and sons out on a remote scouting mission — saved us from a long uphill retracing of our misbegotten steps. We didn’t regret it. They dropped us in Prineville, Oregon, where we’d veered off-track. A food truck at the Crooked River Brewing Company provided the best burger of my life. On down the road, in minuscule Mitchell, Oregon, we stayed at Spoke’n Hostel, a church-turned-biker-retreat. There was no preaching, just comfortable bunks, a massage chair, a refrigerator full of snacks and a beer-loving, beatific proprietor who shared his favorite Bible and Zeppelin verses.

By the end, we’d climbed nearly forty thousand feet of elevation and passed out under star-littered skies, by creeks, rivers and ballfields. We’d beaten one old guy on a carbon bike up a steep pass. We’d been buzzed by trucks and vape pens alike. We’d shared a tent pretty successfully, and avoided bivvying in back-alleys. We’d had just one serious argument, over breaking camp. But we’d laughed harder, and more often, than I can remember laughing in years. The Goal Zero hadn’t consistently charged my phone, but the sun and sweat and camaraderie had left me deeply energized. I had a nice Rapha tan. It wasn’t the full coast-to-coast trip I’d wanted to take years ago, but it was close enough. Maybe even better. We tentatively decided to pick up where we left off next summer, continuing east to the psychedelic wilderness of Yellowstone.

The Gear

Salsa Vaya Apex with Salsa Panniers

The Vaya Apex is a sleek yet sturdy touring bike, at just twenty-five pounds, that also wins style points. Its durable, proprietary panniers complete the package. Pro-tip: switch your seat to a more comfortable leather model by Brooks.

Rapha Riding Wear

The pinnacle of performance and aesthetics, Rapha has every item you need to wear while riding. I endorse the Brevet base layer, Brevet lightweight jersey, Core rain jacket, Core bib shorts, and the Check cap.

Giro Cinder MIPS Helmet

It’s light, breathable and tough: MIPS technology redirects impact energy. Pretty much all you can ask for from a helmet. Also, nice: it’s easy to adjust.

Giro Empire VR90

The Giro Empire VR90 off-road bike shoes have a carbon outsole and Vibram tread, making them both lightweight and powerful. They also breathe well, lace-up and look pretty sexy, too.

MSR AC Bivy Sack

Stay dry, bug-free and comfy in this super-minimalist shelter weighing just a single pound.

MSR Hubba Tour 1 Tent

The perfect tent for a pair of bike tourers who want to share a shelter with a vestibule for their bikes. It’s four-and-half pounds, but that’s nothing split two ways.

Thermarest NeoAir XLite Pad

An ultralight three-season pad that offers luxe comfort while weighing less than a pound.

Blockerlite Compression Dry Sack

The best way to pack a lot into your panniers, with extra waterproofing.

MSR TrailBase Water Filter Kit

It takes the work out of water filtration, cleverly using gravity to purify. It’s a bit heavier than carrying a bottle of iodine, but the taste is worth it.

Blackburn Central 800 Front Light

Offering a generous eight hundred lumens, it’s easy to mount, waterproof and rechargeable.

Blackburn Core Slim Mini Pump

It comes with a handy pull-out hose, weighs less than five ounces, and is not much bigger than a pen. It’s also presta and Schrader valve compatible.

Blackburn Wayside Multi-Tool

Offers nineteen functions, including chain tool, spoke wrenches, screwdriver and five hex keys. And it weighs less than half a pound.

Dompen (Sativa) Vape Pen

A pre-loaded, disposable vape pen that offers energy with a citrus flavor. Lightweight and lasts forever: some two hundred two-second “doses.”

Sword Endurance Single-Use Pouches

The best-tasting, most energizing drink mix I’ve tried.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The 4 Best Hydration Packs of 2018

You set out on your big long run in advance of marathon training season in your tried and true sneakers, most comfortable shorts and trusty fitness tracker. The first six miles pass in the blink of an eye, and then all of a sudden it’s been an hour, and you’re parched. You begin to look for a water fountain along the way, and soon another mile passes without any water in sight. It’s about time for you to try out that fancy energy food you purchased, so you figure that will make the water issue disappear. As soon as it hits your taste buds, you realize what a mistake that was. It’s sticky, and it feels like you’re trying to chew a caramel and talk at the same time. You frantically start looking for the nearest convenience store to purchase a bottle of water, run to it and proceed to down the entire 16-ounce bottle of water. While a taste of normalcy returns to your tongue, now that you’ve stopped, the rest of your body starts to rebel; you know you’ll be sore tomorrow. You already can feel your muscles begin to cramp up.

If you start running with a hydration pack now, you’re pretty much eliminating the risk of any of the above from happening to you. While it’s not a guarantee, these four packs are sure to improve your long runs exponentially.

Ultimate Direction SJ Ultra Vest 3.0

When ultrarunner Scott Jurek puts his name on something, you know it’s been tested and thoroughly used. The Appalachian Trail FKT (fastest known time) record holder crushed 50 miles a day to beat the record. Ultimate Direction created this vest in partnership with him, making sure to include enough pockets for snacks and plenty of water. The pockets are phone compatible, so you can stop and take photos, and if you’re hitting the trails, the on-the-go trekking pole holders are a unique addition.

Salomon Advanced Skin Backpack

Recommended by running groups everywhere, this Salomon vest was a favorite of ours when we took to the trails in the Northeast Kingdom. Whether we were riding mountain bikes or running through the back hills — and paths — of our temporary headquarters, this running vest did its job beautifully. The slim-cut eliminates any bulkiness, and the quick-drying fabric is critical for hot weather days. While the straps look confusing, they’re simple to tighten. Combine all of that with a 1.5-liter bladder, and two soft flasks (16 ounces each) and your hydration needs are complete.

Nathan VaporAir Hydration Pack

This vest is comfortable and roomy with five liters of storage and breathable shoulder straps. It rides high on your back so you don’t have to worry about bounce or chafing. The vest is lightweight and spotted with pockets so that you can fit your phone, water bottles, credit cards and keys in individual spaces.

CamelBak Octane 10

Camelbak is to water storage what peanut butter is to jelly. The two go hand in hand and work together very nicely. This neon green backpack has a stuff sack pocket perfect for storing a rain jacket in the event of any summer storms. The straps compress and hug your body to eliminate any roughness. And, there’s a space to hold trekking poles in case you decide to go hiking instead of trail running.

Best Panniers for Bike Commuting

As a recent convert to the world of bike commuting, I realized that while you can stick with just the bare bones, your bike commute can go from doable to nearly perfect with the addition of a few key accessories. Beyond a bike and a helmet, it’s helpful and safe to have lights, a bell and a pannier. All these add-ons make commuting fast and convenient.

While there are a variety of bells, headlights and taillights that have all worked for me, I’ve had the most difficulty finding a durable pannier. It needs to clip on and off quickly as I lock my bike up outside overnight, keep my laptop safe over bumps and terrible road conditions and have plenty of storage for all of my work clothes if I bike to the gym first. Convertible backpack straps are a bonus. While some people can swing a messenger bag or backpack over their shoulders and ride, I found that I could hold much more on the bike if I just attached my bag to it — and I didn’t show up to work with a big sweat stain on my back from said bag.

Here are four panniers that hit all our requisites in durability, storage and design.

Brooks England Suffolk Rear Travel Pannier

The roll-top closure ensures that you can stuff this bag with extra sneakers, your lunch and even your laundry if you’re a drop off and pick up kind of guy. The leather accents elevate the bag so it can go with you from home to the office — and even to important business meetings. The detachable shoulder strap is clutch, and the Ortlieb attachment system is the be all, end all of attachment options.

North St. Woodward Convertible

This pannier and backpack comes from the Pacific Northwest, so you can bet that it’s waterproof. There’s a lifetime warranty on the Woodward, which backs up its craftsmanship (each bag is made by hand). It comes in three colors — deep green, bold navy and black, each with reflective detailing so you don’t have to worry about riding at night. The internal laptop sleeve is a must-have, and the external pockets make it easy to stash your phone so you can check directions at stop lights.

Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic

If you’re looking for simply the best pannier on the market, look no further than Ortlieb. Since 1982, these bags have proved that they are durable, waterproof and easy to use. While not the sleekest-looking panniers on the market, it’s hard to find something as reliable. The back-roller classic comes in black, red, yellow and blue, with a shoulder strap to carry in and out of the office. The roll top guarantees water won’t sneak inside, and the QL2 closure is a breeze to attach the bag to your bike.

Arkel Signature V Urban Pannier

This bike bag built for a city commuter comes in three colors — copper, olive and black — and offers an impressive 28-liters of storage. The bag is made from 1000D Cordura and lined with a waterproof TPU laminate. Arkel makes all of its goods in Canada, and this pack is no different. You can run as many errands as you’d like post-work, as the bag will hold your laptop in a dedicated pocket, leaving room for groceries, tools and bike shoes.

The Sneakers Our Staff Swear By While Traveling

At Gear Patrol, one of the most important pieces of gear we pack is a pair of sneakers. Whether you’re the type to workout on vacation, are a sneakerhead or fall somewhere in between, sneakers have become a must-have packing list item as opposed to something that’s relegated to the sad list of ‘if I have space.’

While our sneaker picks are just as diverse as our EDC items and boot-favorites, there are some commonalities — among them a particular style of Vans. Here are 10 of our favorite sneakers we always pack when traveling.

Freewaters Tall Boy Trainer Knit

“Freewaters is a small brand that you probably haven’t heard of, but despite that its Tall Boy Trainer has quickly endeared itself to me and become my favorite travel shoe. I first wore them on a jaunt down to the Bahamas that included a charter flight in a Cessna 402B that turned me green. Since then, I’ve worn them on virtually every trip I take by air. They look great, are comfortable and if I need to sprint through the terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson, they can handle that too.” — AJ Powell, Assistant Editor

Adidas I-5923

“I don’t know why they changed the name from Iniki to a boring serial number, but these guys are my travel sneakers because they’re supremely lightweight and airy. The upper is a stretchy mesh that allows air to flow nicely through the toes, and the Boost sole makes for a particularly slipper-like walk. Hot tip: they go on sale often — wait for the sale.” — Will Price, Associate Staff Writer

APL Techloom Phantom

“Whenever I travel, I live in athleisure for as long as humanly possible. These are my favorite sneakers to bring along on my journeys because they are light, slip on and off easily and are very stylish. They can be worn for walking through airports, outdoor excursions, the gym or basically anywhere. The rose gold color brings the chic level up a notch as well.” — Aliza Diliberti, Senior Account Executive

Vans Slip-On

“I don’t have a go-to travel shoe per se — my trips are varied and tend to call for specific footwear — but these make an appearance in most cases. They’re quite lightweight and minimal, so I don’t mind throwing them into my duffel even if the chances of wearing them are low. They’re also easy-on, easy-off (good for letting the piggies breath on long flights) and the all-black colorway is subtle enough to wear as a casual dress-up option. They’re only $50 too, which is nigh unbeatable.” — Tanner Bowden, Associate Staff Writer

Nike Epic Reacts

“For me, the Epic Reacts are the perfect travel shoe. Lightweight, comfy, stylish and most importantly – easy to take on and off at security. It’s also an incredibly versatile shoe – throw them on with a nice outfit or for a grueling 10-mile training run. I picked up this pair on the original release date and have been rocking them ever since, both on and off the plane.” — Brenden Clarke, Social Media Coordinator

Sabah Camel/Teal

“Years ago, my cousin introduced me to these “reimagined” Turkish slippers. Since then, I’ve bought several pairs for my friends and family. They’re phenomenal summer shoes: simple, comfortable, unique. I can’t remember the last time I wore sandals.” — Tucker Bowe, Staff Writer

Vans Classic Slip-On

“I’m not fancy or well-traveled enough for Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check, which means I kinda have to take my shoes off (and then struggle to put them back on in a rush while trying to keep an eye on my laptop and toiletries) every time I go through airport security. Being able to almost literally hop into and out these deeply comfortable Vans Slip-Ons makes them perfect for that function, and their enduring status as an affordable staple shoe means they go with virtually everything else in my closet.” — Justin Fenner, Senior Associate Editor

Allbirds Wool Runners

“These are, I believe, the only answer that makes any sense. They’re very lightweight and since they’re wool, they pack down to almost nothing. They’re affordable and extremely comfortable (these are the only sneakers I’ve ever worn barefoot). They’re great when it’s warm, great when it’s cool, great on a plane or in a car or if you’re walking for long distances or whatever. It should be noted that Allbirds have caught flak for being the Tech Bro’s footwear of choice, and I, frankly, could not give less of a crap – and nor should you. They’re excellent. (Full disclosure: I own and wear the Runners, but I currently have Allbird’s Wool Loungers on my shopping list because they actually seem like the perfect city and travel shoe.)” — Nick Caruso, Associate Editor

The Etnies Scout

“The Scout is extremely light and durable. The STI Foam mid and outsoles offer good support for a lightweight mesh shoe. They also breathe well, making them solid in warm, wet and even cold weather. Versatility is the name of the game in a travel shoe. I’m currently on my second pair of the Scouts and they get along anywhere I take them.” — Ryan Brower, Content Producer, Gear Patrol Studios

Adidas Speedfactory AM4NYC Shoes

“When I travel, I have to bring a pair of sneakers that I can take for a run and walk around town, but don’t look like I’m walking around in my running sneakers. This pair of Adidas kicks from the Speedfactory line are all black, which means they won’t get dirty whether it rains or I run through a particularly dusty trail. I’m a big fan of the Boost cushioning, whether I’m running five miles or walking ten; my feet still feel cozy and supported after all-day wear.” — Meg Lappe, Staff Writer

12 Types of Knife Blades and What They’re For

There’s more than one way to skin a cat, so the saying goes. However strange the idea of doing that may be, it should also be noted that there is also more than one type of knife with which to undertake that task. Even those just vaguely familiar with pocket knives will have noticed that blades come in every shape and size. That’s not just happenstance, and it surely isn’t the whimsy of imaginative bladesmiths. Knife blades are shaped differently for a reason. Below, you’ll find information on how to identify 12 of the most commonly-found shapes, and what they’re used for.

Clip Point

The clip point is a common blade shape, characterized by a spine with a front section that appears to be clipped off. This cut-out area can either be straight or concave and results in a fine point that’s ideal for precision tasks.

Example: Case Copperlock, ($38+)

Drop Point

One of the most common blade shapes, the drop-point is characterized by a convex spine that curves down from the handle to the point. This creates an easily-controlled point and a bigger belly for slicing. Drop points are great for general-purpose use and ideal for hunters.

Example: CRKT HVAS Field Strip, ($90)

Gut Hook

Technically, a gut hook is more of a feature included on a blade than a blade shape itself. One usually appears as a small, sharpened hook-like curve that interrupts the spine as it slopes toward the point. These have one main use: field dressing wild game. The design of the hook allows hunters to cut through an animal’s skin without damaging what lies under it.

Example: Buck Knives Omni Hunter, ($43+)

Hawkbill / Talon

Hawkbill knives, sometimes referred to as talons, are characterized by a spine and edge that curve down in the same direction to create a downward-facing point. This shape allows the blade to cut efficiently when pulled back in the direction of the handle, so most of their use comes through utilitarian tasks like cutting carpet and linoleum and pruning vegetation.

Example: SOG Contracter IV Folding Knife, ($30)

Needle Point

A symmetrical blade with two edges that taper sharply from handle to point. This design increases the knife’s ability to pierce and penetrate, and as such, most needle points are used for fighting and stabbing. The needle point is also notably more fragile than similar blades due to its narrow shape.

Example: Cold Steel Tactical Rondel Dagger, ($92)

Normal Blade/Straight Back

A blade with a straight spine and an edge that curves up to meet it at the tip. The long spine makes the blade heavy and sturdy for chopping and slicing, and users can get even more force by using a hand to apply pressure to the long unsharpened area.

Example: The James Brand County Knife, ($150+)

Sheepsfoot

A blade shape characterized by a straight edge and a spine that curves down to meet it at the point. Sheepsfoot blades are designed for slicing while minimizing the potential for accidental piercing with the point. It was originally used to trim the hooves of sheep but comes in handy as a rescue tool today.

Example: Gerber Sharkbelly, ($35)

Spear Point

A symmetrical blade shape with a point that’s in-line with the center of the knife. This shape is stronger than the similar needle point and is adept at thrusting. A spear point can have either one or two sharp edges, and it’s commonly used in daggers and throwing knives.

Example: Kizer Cutlery Envoy, ($137)

Spey Point

A spey point blade has a mostly flat edge until close to the tip when it curves up to the point. The spine is also mostly flat, but like the edge, angles down close to the tip of the knife to create the point. The result is a knife that has a short belly and broad tip, which prevents accidental piercing. These blades were originally used on farms to neuter animals but now are common on trapper blades and favored by hunters.

Example: Old Timer Trapper, ($20)

Tanto

Inspired by the short swords that were worn by Samurai in feudal Japan, this blade shape replaces a curved belly for an angular edge transition that makes for a much stronger and prominent point. That durable tip and generally-robust point make it good for piercing tough objects, but it isn’t as adept at slicing.

Example: Boker Kihon, ($110)

Trailing Point

In a trailing point blade, the spine curves upward to create an elevated point that’s typically higher than the handle. This shape creates an oversized belly that makes these knives good for slicing, skinning and filleting.

Example: Puma SGB Skinnter, ($105)

Wharncliffe

Like a sheepsfoot blade, this shape has a straight edge and a curved spine, but the curve extends gradually from the handle to the tip. The shape is similarly ideal for slicing while minimizing the possibility for an accidental puncture with the tip. These blades come in handy in similar situations.

Example: Vargo Ti-Carbon, ($58)

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Best Swim Trunks for Active Men

It’s an 80-degree day, and you head up from the beach to sneak in a run before dinner. You pull on your favorite pair of running shorts, zip your keys in your back pocket and go for a sunset run. The wind from the water cools you down, and the views are enough to help you eek out that final five miles. As soon as you finish, you practically strip down before your feet stop moving. The rush of the cold water instantly calms your nervous system, and now all you need is a beer to complete the trifecta of vacation perfection. Except, you didn’t bring a towel, your shorts are beyond soaked and are simply not drying as fast as you would’ve hoped. It’s a rookie mistake — time to upgrade to shorts that do it all.

Boardshorts are now versatile enough to handle your sweaty runs, power lifts and CrossFit classes. Now that shorts are no longer held back by restrictive materials, the possibilities for wear and use are unlimited. Say goodbye to that pair you only wear to the beach and hello to a surplus of shorts that have the capabilities to do everything.

Lululemon Current State Short 9″ Updated

These shorts look like they’d fit right in at the gym, even though they’re built for surfing. You can powerlift and run in these inseam-less shorts and never worry about chafing. The nine-inch length provides a bit more coverage in the gym, and the side pockets allow you to hit the boardwalk with your keys and credit card safely packed away.

Vuori Equator Boardshort

Vuori’s Equator boardshort is perfect for just about everything. You can swim, bike, hike and run in these four-way stretch shorts. Thanks to a quick-drying and anti-odor material, you can lift weights in them, then hit the sand for some beach volleyball, all before taking a dip. The legs each have a slit to help the shorts move with you and not show too much skin. As one buyer review notes, “These shorts are making me re-think life.” That’s a pretty strong endorsement.

Outdoor Voices Swim Trunk

The primary goal of Outdoor Voices is to get you outside in workout gear that feels good and looks great. Many of our staffers love the Sunday Shorts for chasing around kids and fitting a workout in. But to get wet, the new swim trunks are a better pick. The OV Swim Trunk comes in four primary colors and also features a mesh liner. And whether you’re hiking or running, the five-inch inseam is perfect.

United by Blue Upstream Boardshort

United by Blue specializes in American-made goods that also give back. For each product you purchase from United by Blue, a pound of trash is eliminated from our waterways, so you can help contribute to the over one million pounds of waste they have already removed. Beyond feeling great about everything you purchase from here, the lightweight and quick-drying linerless shorts are ideal for campsites — hike, canoe, explore and then jump in the nearest body of water. The Upstream boardshorts have a classic cut and a nine-inch inseam. Also, the shorts are constructed from a polyester fabric that’s 82-percent recycled.

Nike Signal Short

The four-inch inseam makes these short shorts ideal for runners looking to go fast. A volt diagonal stripe will be all passersby can catch when you’re sprinting by them. The color is so bright, you can run early in the morning and late at night knowing your leg is practically glowing. And because Nike designs its activewear to be durable and perform in all conditions, the Signal shorts will survive the rest of this summer and many more to come.

Patagonia 7-Inch Baggies Swim Trunks

While our staff might not take these shorts to the gym, they do pretty much everything else in them. Some prefer these for long runs, all-day Sunday wear and even casual biking. The quick-dry material has an elastic waistband, cinched with a drawstring, so you don’t have to worry about losing them in the surf. They are also available in a 5-inch, in case you like to show a little skin — as one staffer says, “it depends on the day.”

Bonobos Anywhere Shorts

If you’re a fan of the Patagonia Baggies but are looking for a few more color options, these Anywhere Shorts from Bonobos fit the bill. The Anywhere shorts dry just as quick as Baggies (making your transition from day-hiking to floating down the river seamless) and come in a washed-out orange, pink and navy. The seven-inch inseam length is the Goldilocks of shorts — not too short and not too long. The two side pockets look like regular shorts-pockets, and the back zipper pocket will secure your most important possessions while in the water.

Free Fly Hydro Short

These bamboo-polyester-nylon-spandex blend shorts look like cotton, but deal with water in a much more successful manner — after all, they are built to wear on a boat. The UPF 50+ sunblock protects your skin while you’re kayaking, surfing or fishing all day long. The mesh-lined side pockets drain efficiently, and a back zipper pocket holds gear that you can’t afford to lose.

Prana Mojo Short

The soft microfiber material of the Mojo short doesn’t snag while you’re ascending the crag (or exploring a coral reef). It stretches with your every foot placement and keeps the sun in check with UPF 50+. These shorts work for every activity — from basketball to yoga to running to swimming — and are incredibly durable and comfortable to boot.

3 Overlooked Pieces of Gear That’ll Make Your Run More Enjoyable

Running is one of those sports that you don’t need a ton of gear for — and we love that. As soon as you decide you want to go for a run, all you have to do is slide on a pair of shoes and hit the road. However, over the years, we’ve learned that the smallest pieces of gear, from sunglasses to hats to socks, can make a huge impact, and even lead to performance gains. With training for marathon season kicking off and the heat spiking across the country, we’ll take any advantage we can get.

Hats

Path Projects Muir Cap

Breathability in a running hat is crucial, and to provide unmatched breathability, Path Projects puts 94 two-millimeter holes all over the top and side panels. The all-black, sleekly designed cap is a solid grab for the running closet.

Rhone El Cap

The sleek design of this hat does just what it’s supposed to — blocks out the sun and wicks away brow sweat. The power-stretch mesh panels keep you cool and come in five different colors to suit pretty much any style.

New Balance 5 Panel Performance Hat

In a bright orange that’s no longer available, this hat was my sidekick for the New York City Marathon. It’s lined with reflective trim, which makes it easy to be seen at night.

Arc’teryx Calvus Cap

Arc’teryx makes quality goods that continually top our ‘best of’ lists. This cap is no different. It’s designed for mountain training, so you know it’ll handle any road run easily. There’s no velcro on this, just an adjustable stretch closure strap with a quick release buckle.

Patagonia Duckbill Cap

No running hat list would be complete without the classic Patagonia Duckbill cap. The magic exists in the brim. It easily shrinks into a pocket and then bounces back to its original shape. It’s also the 35th anniversary of the Baggies, the same fabric that makes up this hat. Celebrate with a new cap.

Ciele FST Cap

Ciele makes excellent racing caps — for cyclists and runner alike. We recommend grabbing a hat, then downloading Ciele’s app, ‘EverybodyRun’ to check out races, run clubs and events near you. Then, run to whatever microbrewery the app recommends. The best post-run recovery lies in what beer you’re drinking. And this cap fits right in, no matter your splits.

Myles Momentum Cap

Seafoam green, or Waterfall as Myles calls it, is a color that can do no wrong. The hat looks almost worn-in, which is great for a classic 5-panel hat. The adjustable snap band and dark color under the brim keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Path Projects Arapahoe Cap

While this doesn’t quite look like a running hat, the DWR coated, quick dry 5-panel would say differently. Its best feature is that it works just as well hiking in the Adirondacks as it does sipping a beer after a race.

Sunglasses

Oakley Elmont

Offered in a satin chrome frame, the Elmonts come with Oakley’s sun-blocking standard (100% of UVA, UVB and UVC rays), in a lightweight alloy frame. The shape of the aviators naturally offers breathability for runners, and you can upgrade to a polarized lens in a variety of lens colors — there are ten total options to choose from.

Roka Phantom TI

The aviator style is a classic for a good reason — who doesn’t want to look like they’re an extra in Top Gun? These titanium aviators come in two sizes (regular and large) and seven lens colors, plus the GEKO nose and temple pads keep them in place. You barely notice you’re wearing them thanks to the lightweight construction. And they’re anti-everything: scratch, fog, reflective.

Ryders Trestle

At $90, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better pair of running sunglasses. Ryders is a trusted brand in the space, and for good reason. The photochromic lens on the Trestle stands next to some of the highest-end lenses on the market and comes in at around half the price. If you’re into the shape, there’s really no reason to look elsewhere.

Sunski Treelines

These sunglasses are the latest release from Sunski, the brand that set out to make affordable, yet high-performing sunglasses that can take you from the beach to the slopes and work in either locale. These slightly rounded aviator-style sunnies are inspired by the glacier goggles, with removable side panels to complete the look — they cut glare on especially sunny days, and are easily removable. The lenses are quite dark, so you might want to leave these at home on darker days.

Adidas Pacyr

A new style for Adidas running that veers back toward lifestyle, the Pacyr is still packed with features. The frame is shatterproof and comes with adjustable nose pads to properly fit your face. The frames are slightly curved toward you, to improve the field of view, and best of all they look great.

District Vision Nagata Black Rose Lens

Inspired by the time the founders spent out on the trails and realized that the light changes frequently, the Black Rose lens is made to perform in a variety of conditions. The sunglasses themselves are featherweight, and they’re cool enough that you can slide into any bar in running gear.

Oakley Radarlock Path

Oakley’s top-tier lens technology is Prizm, which it developed alongside its star-studded athlete team. In testing, Prizm lens technology simply pulls out contours and highlights that other lenses don’t. The Radarlock is a classic shape, and when paired with the Prizm Road lens, they are hard to beat.

Nike Vaporwing Speed Tint

Worn by the likes of Shalane Flanagan (who won the NYC marathon this year), the Speed Tint is built for performance. Offered in four lens and frame combos, these are aerodynamic at their core. They are extremely lightweight and breathable, and will never get fogged up.

Smith Attack Max

The brand that delivers top-notch performance on snow has a pretty good idea of what works on the road as well. The newest addition to Smith’s line, the Attack Max, features the brand’s ChromaPop lens, and the option to swap it out. The nose piece wraps around the lens, so you get 260-degrees of coverage, and the lenses are slightly larger than glasses past, which provides more visibility. These are also great for cyclists.

Native Eyewear Catamount

These N3 lenses block up to four times as much infrared light as standard polarized lenses, so if you’re outdoors a lot, this level of protection is recommended. The lenses are interchangeable, so if on race day (or training day) the skies look a little grey, it’s a quick swap to brighten everything up.

Bollé Aeromax

The oversized, semi-rimless lens offers a huge field of vision, and the customizable temples and nosepiece mean you’re guaranteed to get a tight, just-for-you fit. Upgrade to the photochromic lenses that brighten or darken depending on that day’s conditions. The anti-fog treatment comes standard, as does the waterproof and oil-proof coating, so anything the weather or road or trail spits up at you slides right off.

Julbo Aerospeed

The Aerospeed, the newest style from Julbo, is slightly larger than the previous Aerolite, thanks to feedback from ultrarunners and mountain bikers. The field of vision is immense, and it’s the go-to pick for athletes like Mike Foote, who summited over 61,000 feet in 24 hours.

Revo Crawler

A classic shape for Revo, these rectangular performance sunglasses bring lifestyle-worthy aesthetics to performance optics. The graphite lenses cut out 100% of UVA, UVB and UVC light, and feature 100% polarization to eliminate glare.

Zeal Optics Incline

Super lightweight frames are necessary when you’re logging miles. The Inclines are built for long-distance training, and as a part of the Z-Lite collection, you get a resin-based plastic frame with a bio-plastic polarized lens to make all the blues and greens really pop. It’s good for the environment, too. These are ready right off the shelf, or are easily customizable with your prescription.

Smith Optics Lowdown 2

The iconic style gets an upgrade with a more performance-focused frame and lens. During trail run testing, these stayed put, and also looked great next to the campfire after a long day outdoors. They still come with the ChromaPop lenses, so your field of vision is crisp.

Native Eyewear Braiden

Built with N3 polarized lens technology, when you put these on you get a high-contrast and super crisp and clean field of vision. These tend to fit medium to large faces better than small ones, but the temple and nose grip secure them to any face.

Nike Bandit

Popular among the NYC running crew world, this pair of crossover sunglasses offers performance features that we’ve come to expect from Nike. Offered in eight frame and lens colors, the Bandit is feather-light with floating nose pads to increase ventilation, lowering the chance of fog. Even the arms are ventilated to help prevent fogging.

Socks

Nike Elite Lightweight No-Show

While many would write off Nike socks based on the all-cotton versions you’d find at your local sporting goods store, that would be a mistake. The Elite Lightweight No-Show is one of the best socks on the market. They’ve held up for one of our resident testers over the course of two years despite seeming rather thin.

Feetures! Elite Ultra Light No Show Tab

The Feetures! Elite No Show Tab is a great option if you like thin socks. The back tabs of these socks are double lined to provide added support from the collar — and help prevent injuries to the achilles. They also offer a seamless toe, so there’s no tugging at your socks to move the threads away from sensitive areas on the top of the toe.

Lululemon T.H.E. Sock Silver

The T.H.E. Sock features silver particles woven into the fabric, which destroys bacteria that causes feet to smell and prevents post-workout stink. Lululemon’s training and running socks are seamless, foot-specific (left versus right) and thin, yet provide enough coverage for sneakers with a high collar.

Farm to Feet Roanoke Ultra Light Sport 1/4 Crew

The merino wool used in these socks is an adjustment from typical performance socks. While not itchy, the fabric has a slightly rougher hand-feel than many synthetic socks. Wool is naturally odor- and bacteria-resistant, so the socks work well in hot sweaty places, like running shoes. They’ll last for multiple days on trail runs without the need for a wash. One thing to note is that there’s very little padding in both the heel and toe.

FITS Light Runner – Low

While these fall just slightly below normal quarter sock height, they’re still comfortable and provide plenty of ankle protection. The tightness of FITS socks means there’s no extra fabric rubbing in places it shouldn’t, and the super-fine merino wool mixed with nylon and polyester makes them comfortable enough for even 10 milers. As one GP tester notes: “FITS are simply the best socks on the market — across the board.”

Darn Tough Vertex 1/4 Ultra-Light

For a brand named Darn Tough, these socks are thinner than you would think possible. But nevertheless, they defy their thin-ness and are virtually impossible to put a hole in. They’re guaranteed for life — if they’re not the most durable, comfortable and best fitting socks you’ve ever worn, Darn Tough will take them back or replace them.

District Vision Sindo Performance Socks

These socks are one of District Vision’s first expansions into other markets. As with the brand’s sunglasses, there’s plenty of research and science behind them. But more importantly, they feel good. Three layers of fabric sound like a lot, but the socks are surprisingly thin. There is added cushion under the toe and heel, but on the calf, you’ll feel a slight compression of the thin fabric.

Feetures! Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew Sock

These Feetures! have graduated compression, which means they’re tight at your ankle, and get gradually less tight as they move up. They aren’t as tight as the District Visions (which also have graduated compression), which makes them an easy first step into the compression world. Don’t read too much into the ‘mini’ in the title — it’s just a quarter of an inch shy of the District Vision’s calf height (6″ from heel to top). The socks wick sweat well and stay cool throughout long distance runs. The fabric is fairly thin, reinforced in the toe and heel and is extremely soft to the touch.

Balega Blister Resistant Crew Sock

Slightly thicker than the other options on this list, the fabric on the Balega is better suited to cold weather runs. If you like plush and cushioned socks, these are for you. While the color options leave something to be desired, the rest of the sock is up to snuff. A thin layer of fabric surrounds the arch to keep the socks in place and even after a long day of wear, they don’t smell. Insider tip: These also work well for hiking.

Stance Sediment Crew

Stance is a brand whose socks look cool and still ace performance. The fabric prevents rubbing and chafing, and the reflective details are an added bonus for early morning and night runs. They also feature left and right articulated arch support that feels great when running at any distance.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.