Everything You Need to Know for a Remote Trip to the Channel Islands

Editor’s Note: In this series, Off the Beaten Path, we’re telling the stories of outdoor guides and how they spend their time off, individually experiencing the very places they uncover for people every day. In this edition, we’re giving all the insights on how to get to California’s Channel Islands yourself and what to bring along for the trip.

What are the Channel Islands?
An archipelago of eight islands just off the coast of California constitute the Channel Islands. Only the five northernmost islands — Anacapa, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel — are part of Channel Islands National Park, established in 1980. (The other three, more southern, are San Clemente, San Nicolas and Santa Catalina.) The islands are close to the shoreline — you can see them from LA on a clear day — but you can only them by boat or, in some cases, a plane.

The islands are rugged, rimmed by steep sea cliffs and filled with grassy hillsides and rocky mountains. There are occasional stands of pine and oaks, but largely, the landscape is covered by grasses and wildflowers. Over 140 species are endemic to the islands. Onshore, the only mammal species are (very pesky) island foxes, skunks and deer mice; birds, reptiles and insects thrive. The sea also teems with life: many species of whales, dolphins, bountiful fish populations, plus sea lions, seals and dolphins.

The islands are almost entirely unpeopled and extremely undeveloped. This, combined with the difficulty of getting to them from the mainland, make them one of the least visited national parks. But visiting them can be done — and the rewards for a journey can be spectacular. It’s a prime — and recommended — place to reconnect. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Get There
Island Packers operates ferries to each of the islands; Channel Islands Aviation operates planes to Santa Rosa and San Miguel year-round, on demand. Boats run year-round to Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands (1-hour trip), April through November for Santa Rosa and San Miguel (3- and 4-hour trips, respectively), and spring through fall to Santa Barbara Island (4-hour trip).

What to Do
Anacapa Island, the nearest to shore, is beautiful but has no fresh water; primitive campsites, short hiking trails and minimal access to the ocean due to cliffs makes it a great spot for a day trip or short overnight stay. Similarly, there is no water, goods, or services on the more distant, relatively small islands of San Miguel, Santa Barbara, or Santa Rosa, making them best for a short visit. (Each does offer brilliant wildlife viewing, hiking, and ocean life.)

This makes Santa Cruz Island the most viable option for a prolonged stay. It is the largest island by far, at 60,000 acres, or roughly the size of Staten Island, with some 70 miles of coastline. More than half of its acreage is private land owned by the Nature Conservancy, but that still leaves plenty of area to explore on the eastern, National Park, side. Island Packers ferries operate 5-7 days of the week for drop-off and pickup. Scorpion Ranch campground, on its easternmost end, is the only place on any of the islands with drinking water and pit toilets; not to mention, the campground sits in a beautiful valley shaded by Eucalyptus trees. Nearby, Santa Barbara Adventure Company operates out of Scorpion Harbor, providing guides, gear, and tours for sea kayaking and snorkeling.

Both the Smugglers Cove trail (7.5 miles, out and back) and the Potato Harbor Trail (4.9 mile loop) begin and end near Scorpion Ranch campground, and lead through the interior and cliffs of the island for great views and wildlife viewing. Potato Harbor, on the northern side of the island, offers incredible sunset views; Smuggler’s Cove, on the southern side, is a great spot to explore.

Bring your own kayak and snorkel gear to explore the various kelp beds and over 250 sea caves along the island’s coast. Or, rent a guide and gear through Santa Barbara Adventure Company. The marine life off the coast is some of the most vibrant in the world—you’ll likely see fish of all kinds, sea lions, and maybe even dolphins and whales.

Rather than staying on the island, you can also outfit through SBAC to take a boat to the west side of the island and explore Painted Cave, the longest in North America, a cavernous delight on a kayak. Or, backcountry camp at Del Norte Campground, in the middle of the island, then hike back to Scorpion Ranch for more populated fun. (Just make sure you bring water—Del Norte doesn’t have any.)

What Gear to Bring
Because most of the Channel Islands are entirely undeveloped, you’ll need first to bring your own water and food (Can we recommend some Pad Thai?). It’s prettty essential, also, to note that Scorpion Ranch campground on Santa Cruz is the only place with potable water on the islands. For a day hike, be sure to dress in layers — temperatures swing wildly between chilly, windswept nights to blazing, cloudless days—and consider bringing along a down jacket, hat and gloves in the cooler months. Sturdy hiking boots and water shoes are a must. If you’re going in the water, don’t forget to bring or rent a wetsuit, since water temperatures are frigid three months out of the year. If you’re camping, don’t forget a lightweight stove — there are no open fires allowed on the island, so this won’t be an open-fire-grilling trip.

The Gear that Helps Cody Townsend Shred His Best

Cody Townsend wakes up early most days — around 2 AM. Cody is one of the world’s most recognizable pro big mountain skiers in the world always pushing the limits of his snowy pursuits. His skiing has taken him from the Arctic to Tibet, completing some truly white-knuckled lines. But, when he wakes up, he just needs a cup of coffee. He’ll then throw on his 30-pound ruck and climb for the summit. “Hours of sweating, struggling and suffering later, I arrive at the summit, tired but energized by the view and the vertical finish line.” Then all there is to do is “click into my skis, put the goggles on and gingerly step back out to the steeps.” For a pro like Cody — or for anyone looking to tackle any challenge — the gear you step off with can make all the difference. “My gear is essential because in the backcountry it truly can be the difference between success or failure,” which on some lines Cody takes on, can mean life or death. Read on for Cody’s insights on the pieces of kit that he relies on every day to tackle the next ski line where the gear can’t fail. What’s more: “It’s kind of weird how much happiness a good piece of equipment can give me.”

Salomon QST 106 Skis

The most do-it-all ski I’ve ever skied on. From the summit of Denali to the groomers of Squaw, it is light enough to walk with to the highest point in North America, yet powerful enough to carve like Mikaela Shiffrin on-piste. It also does pretty damn well in powder, too, being 106mm-wide underfoot.

YETI Rambler 20oz Tumbler

A day wouldn’t start for me without coffee, and that coffee always goes in a Rambler. It keeps my coffee hot for hours, allowing for sipping leisurely through a computer morning, or if I need to drink it quickly before a pre-dawn start. Its wide-mouth with a removed lid allows my hot “joe” to cool quickly to a perfect fast drinking temperature.

Le Bent LeSend Socks

Blisters can be a painful way to end any long day hiking in the backcountry and this first-ever ski touring ski sock is the absolute antidote to blisters. It has a specific fiber blend and composition that helps prevent cold and wet feet.

Gaia App

The app is the lifeblood of serious backcountry skiers seeking new zones and exploratory skiing. From discovery to research, tracking your moves, or guiding you through a whiteout, Gaia is probably the most essential software on a skier’s phone.

Ford Ranger Lariat FX4

I drive about 12-15k miles per winter. From highway miles to rugged back roads, my truck is the lifeblood fueling The FIFTY (2019 film project). Reliability, versatility and something that can go anywhere and do anything is a must. So far my new Ranger is checking off all those boxes.

YETI GoBox

When you live out of the back of your truck, organization is key. From camera equipment to my backcountry kitchen, I’ve started using multiple GoBox’s to make sure my gear is organized, protected and easily accessible when living on the road.

Arcade Adventure Belt

If your pants don’t stay up, well that’s a day ender right there. Stretchy and comfortable to not be restrictive when climbing or skiing, weatherproof to not get bogged down like leather belts do in snow and rain and micro-adjustable to the perfect fit. The best belt ever created for doing stuff outside.

Voile Straps

The most useful item ever. From packaging your skis together to fixing a broken ski boot, medical emergencies to organizing your gear, I always have 4-6 of these on me in the backcountry. They’re as versatile for a skier as duct tape is for a handyman.

Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Beacon

You trust your life to your beacon. Might as well get the one the best mountain guides in the world use. Reliable, simple and fast are the signatures of the Barryvox S all in a compact, high tech package.

How to Reconnect Off-the-Grid, According to a California Park Guide

Editor’s Note: In this series, Off the Beaten Path, we’re telling the stories of outdoor guides and how they spend their time off, individually experiencing the very places they uncover for people every day. We’ll take you on their personal journeys — unearthing natural wonders and calling out the gear they use along the way.

“What do I do on my days off? Some days, I Gorilla Glue the holes in my surfboard,” says Jerry Phillips. Sure enough, his board sports three freshly patched holes, punched last night when Phillips and another guide went surfing after work. “I fell on the first wave, and was floating right in the boneyard when the rest of the set came through,” he says.

Phillips is a guide for Santa Barbara Adventure Company in Channel Islands National Park, a series of five rugged islands rising just off the coast of California. Though the islands can be seen from LA on clear days, their relative isolation from the mainland has allowed them to remain undeveloped and makes them collectively one of the least visited National Parks.

Phillips is just twenty years old. But he’s an assistant manager and respected guide out here. His path to Santa Cruz, the largest of the Channel Islands, has been dense with wild experiences. “As a kid, I didn’t like the outdoors that much. But I liked trout fishing, and that got me outside. Then I liked climbing, and that got me outside even more,” he says. In the middle of a ranger-guided tour in Denali, a match struck in his head: “I looked at the guide and realized I could make a career doing that.”

He was studying psychology at UC Santa Barbara and planned to go to Yale for grad school. “I went surfing for the first time less than a week in. And I remember saying to myself, ‘I’m probably not going to go to Yale.’” He became an active member in UCSB’s Adventure Program, leading backpacking, kayaking and climbing trips, and spent a summer volunteering as a junior interpretive ranger in the Yosemite.

After he graduated, he got a job guiding kayak tours on the island. “My first day out here, I was guiding,” he says. “It’s all common sense. You figure it out.” Now he works on the island five to seven days a week.

He’s taken to the Channel Islands quickly. “Yosemite has a lot of shock and awe. In some ways, the Channel Islands is a quaint national park. You have 200 to 300 people on these islands at a time, max. Yosemite gets six million visitors a year. This is small, sure — but then you get into the ocean and it opens up into grandiose adventure.”

On tap for an off-duty afternoon: a big bite of that grandiose adventure. Phillips suits up in his Xcel Drylock wetsuit, NRS Ion personal flotation device, and Adidas Terrex Voyagers and is pushing his kayak off into Scorpion Bay ten minutes later. As he paddles past the breakers and through the canopy of a massive kelp forest, perched in one of SBAC’s Ocean Kayaks, he points out the gnarliest of the island’s 250 sea caves. “When I’m guiding clients, I spend all my time making sure everything goes smoothly,” he says. “When I’m out here on my own, the fun is getting yourself into the bad spots, and then getting yourself out.”

Getting into a bad spot inside one of these booming caves is a scary prospect, but Phillips seems unconcerned. The solution, again, is common sense. “I just remind myself to stay calm,” he says. “Yes, there’s a chance there’s a rock that will hurt you. But ninety-nine percent of the time, it’s just a lot of water moving around.”

His first so-called bad spot worth visiting is the aptly named Boat Wreck cave. The tide is high, and the swell rolls through the yawning entrance, bellowing and belching spray. Here’s the plan: once inside, he’ll hang a sharp right and wait for a small hole in the back of the cave to funnel a swell into a concentrated wave that he’ll surf through the cave and out its side entrance. “But there’s a big space against the wall to the left — I avoid that because there’s not enough room for both a kayak and a person,” he says. “If you have to bail out, you bail to the right. Oh, and sometimes there’s another wave coming in while you’re going out, so you might get whomped from both sides.”

He paddles in, waits for the swell, catches it, and rockets through the cave, then gets whomped from both sides and eats it. He keeps his cool and lets the massive churning gyre of water pull him right out the cave mouth, then climbs back aboard.

Back at the cave entrance, he chuckles. “Yeah, that got pretty hairy. Don’t think I’ll do that again.” He takes a long look at the swell breaking through the cave. “Well… maybe just once more.”

Later, Phillips ditches the kayak gear, grabs a Nalgene and a book — The Geology and Landscape of Santa Barbara County and Its Offshore Islands — from the guide shack, and hikes up to Delphine’s Grove, a stand of Cyprus trees overlooking nearby Anacapa Island. He sits down in a shady spot and munches on a cookie. “I always have lots of stuff in my head, from working all the time, and when I’m not working, from finding exciting shenanigans to do,” he says. “When I’m by myself, it’s nice to just quiet my mind. That takes more energy than one might think.”

The Filson Essentials That Will Carry Your Summer, From the Alaska Range to the Adirondacks

You can’t get much more Americana than Filson. The Seattle based outdoor wear company is over 120 years old and still producing classics. Known for rugged tin cloth, Filson has been outfitting generations of American outdoor enthusiasts, and no summer weekend getaway or bold new adventure would be complete without a bit of Filson kit in the mix. Before heading outdoors this summer take a look at this full rigout of our favorite Filson essentials from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. And we didn’t even stop there for the lineup, we also included the bag to haul it all with. No matter the variety — canvas tote or four-wheeled carry-on — The bag you escape to your summer get-away says it all, the symbol of the whole adventure. Luckily, we have the perfect bag for this summer’s latest exploration, whether you’re in the Pacific Northwest, far-flung in Alaska or in the mountains of New York state.

Tin Cloth Duffle Pack

Made from the same iconic cloth that’s made Filson the legendary company it is today, this duffle is ready for anything you throw at it. Cut from 15 oz tin cloth and nylon webbing, you can haul it in any weather imaginable. You can easily switch up carrying the bag like a duffle or break out the stowable backpack straps for those longer treks. Inside, you’ll find a nylon coated accordion pocket to stow your wet and muddy kit and a padded laptop pocket. This duffle will quickly become your go-to when heading out fishing, hunting, or just taking a quick weekend out of town.

Feather Cloth Shirt

The lightest shirt you can get from Filson this 3 oz cotton shirt is light as a feather and easily packable — perfect if you’re planning a summer getaway that involves some long hikes and posting-up at the local tavern afterwards. The pre-washed fabric is as soft as can be and won’t shrink up on you, while the double needle construction makes sure you can depend on it.

Chronograph Watch

A new timepiece from Filson, the chronograph is as rough and tumble as you would expect — and still accurate. The quartz movement is no fuss and stainless steel case and rubber strap can take a beating. This is the kind of timepiece that can take whatever you can dish out.

Danner Crater Rim Boot

Made by another North-West icon Danner, but available through Filson, the Crater Rim Boots are made in Portland and offer unparalleled comfort with a breathable Gore-Tex lining. These rugged but comfortable boots are perfect for stomping around any terrain a hike could take you on, or back in the city for everdaywear.

Logger Mesh Cap

No summer getaway is complete without a good cap to shade you. This made-in-the-USA trucker is perfect for the laid back summer fishing trip with plenty of retro vibes to go around. Bend it, sweat in it, laugh in it, make it your own.

These Watches for Dad Are Good Enough for the Italian Navy

Panerai is known for its no-nonsense watches ready for a maritime adventure — which make them ideal as a good Father’s Day gift. With a rich history reaching back to 1860 and all about oceangoing adventures, what is not to love? On the technical side, Panerai watches are known for their extreme reliability, luminous markers and that signature patented crown-protection- ready for any adventure on land or at sea. Panerai’s new additions to the Submersible clock in at 42mm (with one exception) — a little more subtle than its well-known 47mm — and have all the classic Panerai aesthetics you love, would be a worthy choice to celebrate dad. Perfect for the courageous dad who is into extremes or racing vintage wooden yachts — at least in his daydreams.

Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech™

This timepiece isn’t messing about. Fittingly dubbed a Survival Instrument, at its beating heart is a robust three-day power reserve that is safely protected in a 47mm case of solid Carbotech™ a high-performance material both lighter than titanium and stronger than stainless steel. In this limited series, a special engraving on its case back is a fitting reminder for all that Dad does. The Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech™ was designed in tribute to Panerai’s historic partnership with the Italian Navy. You too can grab one. But you’ll have to be quick, only 150 are available. Your other option is to join the Italian Navy.

Submersible – 42mm Blue Bezel

Made to the same exacting standards as the larger classic 47mm Submersibles, this new 42mm dial offering is just a more compact version of the original. The blue rubber strap and unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel, all come together nicely with the textured Shark Grey dial.

Submersible – 42mm Black Bezel

Just like the Blue Bezel, the Black Bezel is as rugged as it is stylish. Rated for 300 meters depth and Super-LumiNova coated markers for low light conditions, you can take this piece anywhere and be confident it will come out the other side in one piece. The rubber strap will also ensure it won’t be going anywhere without you.

This Is How One Guide Spends His Time in the Channel Islands

Editor’s Note: In this series, Off the Beaten Path, we’re telling the stories of outdoor guides and how they spend their time off, individually experiencing the very places they uncover for people every day. We’ll take you on their personal journeys — unearthing natural wonders and calling out the gear they use along the way.

The Channel Islands are not just where Pablo Chalott works as a guide three to five days a week. They’re his muse. So, on his days off from leading kayak tours through the island’s sea caves, he heads out, trusty Canon EOS A2 film camera in hand, and gets to work on a personal project: a photographic portfolio of the roughly 140 unique flora and fauna on the island.

Step one: rolling off his cozy REI self-inflating camp bed at the guide campsite, brewing a cup of coffee, lacing on his trusty Timberlands, and taking a hike through the Scorpion Valley of Santa Cruz Island, where he spends most of this time.

Chalott has worked as a guide with Santa Barbara Adventure Company for two years, but he’s been coming to the Channel Islands for much longer than that. He grew up in Oxnard, a town that sits just north of LA, opposite the park’s five rugged Pacific islands. In grade school, he came to the islands for class trips; eventually, he went to Cal State University Channel Islands to get his degree in art. He works in mixed media—watercolor, photography, polaroids bleeding ink, but his go-to is black-and-white film.

A series of his Channel Island landscape shots hang in the ranger station on nearby Anacapa Island, remnants of a science-and-art workshop he took part in, joining biologists at a research station for a five-week stint. The combination of the natural and artistic worlds stuck. Guiding out here was the natural next step after working as a surf instructor and portraitist in Oxnard.

Chalott walks quietly along a dry creek bed rimmed with morning glories, through a green meadow, up hillsides of dry grass. Overhead, Devil’s Peak, the Channel Islands’ highest mountain, wears Pacific Ocean mist like a crown. He stops to photograph what looks like a massive dandelion, white with seeds ready to be blown away. “I love to shoot plants,” he says. “You capture a moment. They bloom and then they die. It’s never here more than once.”

Today, Chalott wants to photograph a Channel Island scrub-jay, which is a much larger bird than its coastal cousin. “They’re always around in the campground, but I can never catch them out here in the wild,” he says.

He stops to listen for the jay’s call. “I don’t think the island has changed my artistic eye. But I do think it has changed my artistic ear,” he says. “All the sounds are inspiring. When I wake up, the birdsong is all around me immediately and it makes me feel safe.”

The jay is nowhere to be found so Chalott decides to look elsewhere for inspiration: the sea. He fell in love with snorkeling several years ago during a surf trip to Indonesia. The Channel Islands have some of the most vibrant diving in all of the US. Now, in May, the water has just edged to a chilly 59 degrees, so he squeezes into his 4.3mm Xcell Drylock wetsuit, then climbs into the water with one of the richest kelp forests on the island, as the seaweed dances with the swell below. Dark kelp bass, brilliant blue opaleye and bright-orange garibaldi—the state fish of California—dart among the kelp, a massive, flowing forest canopy viewed from above.

As opposed to surfing, snorkeling in the ebb and flow near the rocky shoreline makes him feel fluid, he says, “like I can flow with the sea.” Inspiration comes differently underwater. “When I’m out here, I really appreciate color. The water is this clear blue, and the kelp forest becomes a sea of yellows and greens,” he says.

In the evening, Chalott hikes along the sea cliffs on the island’s northernmost side. He snaps a photo of a succulent, his camera equipped with a 50mm lens. “I see some abstraction there,” he says, pointing to one pinkish branch. “But sometimes I also like to just shoot a plant as a plant.” He takes a seat on a bench of rock and dirt that seems nearly custom-made to watch the sun drop over the horizon. “Last photo of the day,” he says. The shutter snaps and he sets the camera to his side.

“I love that it’s almost uninhabited out here and that it has such massive biodiversity, especially marine life,” Chalott says. “The Chumash people who first lived here believed this island was the source of all life. Their creation story said that they walked across a rainbow bridge to get here. Those who looked down were turned into dolphins.” As if on cue, the setting sun lays a beam of pink light across the ocean, straight to him.

If he could, would he want to live here permanently — the 141st unique species on the island? “Of course,” he says.

The Kiwi Brand Making The Stowable Gear you Need

Kathmandu has been cooking up some of the most innovative outdoor kit for more than 30 years. The New Zealand based outdoor retailer has brought their Kiwi grit and continuously design and adapt gear that can stand the tests of its rugged homeland and modern needs — be it making easily stowable garments or a multi-use jacket. No matter the weather or if, let’s say, you’re out for a day hike, packing smart for a holiday or out for a long trek, you can always count of Kathmandu to be at your side. Here are three of our favorite bits from Kathmandu that you will be able to take from street to the trail and back again.

Flinders High Loft Jacket

This lightweight insulating midlayer wicks moisture away from your body to keep you as dry as possible while you’re working up a sweat, while the Polartec Thermal Pro down insulation keeps you warm and allows for breathability. As a plus, the stitch-free woven construction means you can expect minimal down leakage while keeping the jacket lean and light.

Litehaul 38L Carry-On Pack

This bag is not messing about. The Litehaul is for the traveler striving for that holy grail of plane travel: carry-on-only. With this, you will always be ready to get up and go — no waiting for anything. The Litehaul can go from backpack to brief to shoulder bag with ease and has a plethora of compartments that will make any gear-head happy.

Benmore 5-in-1 Travel Rain Jacket

Sometimes you need a jacket that has to do more. Good luck finding a jacket able to handle more weather than the Benmore 5-in-1. This jacket promises to be the only one you will need to pack. A jacket you can wear five different ways, the outer shell is a rain shell while the interior down bomber can be turned into a vest. This way you can work the zippers to create the layer you need.

These Sunglasses Will Never Quit on You

The Essentials from Huckberry That Will Make Your Summer

As a reader of Gear Patrol, you already know that Huckberry consistently offers some of the best gear you can get your hands on. If the crew over at Huckberry has learned one thing from traveling to far-flung locales for their catalogs — case in point, this summer’s edition all shot in Puerto Rico — it’s that having the right kit can make or break any trip. Whether it’s the perfect shades or the shoes that will stop your dogs from barking, below are the nine things that the Huckberry crew don’t leave home without — plus a bag that can carry them all in comfort.

Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 43L

This Huckberry exclusive from Mystery Ranch is smartly organized with lots of space. Ready for one-bag travel, it offers two separate compartments for shoes and dirty laundry — so you can keep the dirt and funk at bay — plus zippered compartments and dividers to help you stay organized.

Free Fly Bamboo-Lined Hybrid Shorts

You probably don’t think of bamboo as being suited for a good pair of shorts, but these are perfect. They are ideal for summer days on the trail, naturally breathable, odor resistant and moisture wicking. Altogether, these are much more than just a pair of shorts.

Wellen Hemp Zip Hoodie

This lightweight terry zip-up hoodie is much more than comfy — though it certainly is. The blend of organic cotton and hemp make it ready for years of snuggling up to its soft fibers, while the sustainable materials should make you feel pretty good inside too.

Flint and Tinder Breaker Trunks

These lightweight and breathable American-made trunks are perfect for cold pond dips on hot summer days. Additional spandex keeps them working for you and velcro pockets ensure you’ll keep a handle on all your essentials.

California Cowboy The High Water

There is no better way to get that dose of good vibes than with this updated Aloha shirt that comes equipped with a dry pocket to keep your tech from being splashed, a built-in bottle opener (no, really) and a reinforced bottle pocket to keep that beer on ya.

Proof 72 Hour Merino Tee

We love this tee already, you know that. It is the best performance merino tee money can buy. It also happens to be the softest — a lucky coincidence. The merino helps to naturally regulate your temperature while the nylon reinforcing makes it easy to care for.

Mohinders City’s Slipper Woven

Meticulously hand-made in India, these woven slippers are kitted out with soft and durable crepe soles making them ideal for outdoor jaunts. The slip-on’s leather is all locally sourced and naturally tanned buffalo leather that will mold to your feet for that perfect fit.

Sunski Topekas – Huckberry Exclusive

Polorized shades are a must for any getaway. This pair is made for adventures with superlight frames — that are 100% recycled — scratchproof lenses and traction pads on the bridge and temples for a locked in fit. They also boast 100% full-spectrum UV protection.

Nomadix Chris Burkard Adventure Towel

Never go anywhere without a towel. This towel, designed for the most outdoorsy pursuits is highly absorbent and made with anti-slip technology taking you from camping to a long tan on the beach. It is also printed with one of Chris Burkhard’s iconic photos.

Pantropic Panama Player Hat

The Panama straw has been a sign of summer and relaxation for decades. This hand-woven Tuscan hat is made from durable Panama straw that will keep your dome shaded without any extra weight — the straw is mighty light and airy.

The GMWB5000D Is a Bluetooth®-Connected Watch for Lovers of Classic G-SHOCK Vibes

Classic vibes and today’s technology come together in the all-metal Casio GMWB5000D-1, an evolution of the original G-SHOCK that set the standard for the digital adventure watch back in 1983. It was tough as nails during the Cold War era, and today’s GMWB5000D-1 takes on the Digital Age with smartphone integration via Bluetooth, automatic time zone and Atomic Clock alignment and a solar charged battery. The handsome brushed and polished stainless steel case will resist water up to 200 meters and, of course, is totally shock resistant, making it a thoroughly rugged companion for the most rugged of globetrotters.

In a world increasingly full of less-than-stylish tech-focused watches, the GMWB5000D-1 will never let on that you’re wearing a high-tech, modern device. Instead, this watch is a wrist-worn conversation starter, a good-looking curiosity and a subtle style statement. The case is a big part of this story, with its brushed and polished stainless steel surfaces gleaming, and the bracelet — which is also a tribute to that on the original G-SHOCK — elegantly hugging your wrist with its meticulously finished links.

Though it hides its technology well, the GMWB5000D-1 is a true wolf in sheep’s clothing. The LCD display is a super-twisted nematic unit, or STN, which require less power than standard LCDs. Lighting for the LCD is provided via a rear-mounted Super-Luminator, which is bright and, like the screen itself, highly efficient. These features make the solar charged battery strong enough to offer over a month of power when fully charged, giving the watch virtually limitless power in the dark and freeing you from the hassles of a dead battery. Not changing the battery also means the case seals will never go through unnecessary stresses that can cause leakage of the 200-meter rated case. Those seals are held in place by a black DLC coated solid caseback with enough specifications listed to make the rear view surprisingly compelling.

As a Bluetooth® Connected watch, you can adjust the watch features on your phone via the G-SHOCK Connected app. You’ll also get the most accurate timekeeping known to humankind. The GMWB5000D-1 calibrates itself to the world’s six main Atomic Clock broadcasting points (when available, based on your location), and the number of cities and time zones and daylight-savings regimens available is exhaustive; but you don’t have to think about any of that, as the watch sets it all automatically, automatically approximately 4 times a day via Bluetooth by connecting to the G-SHOCK Connected app. Your calendar will stay on target until the year 2099, accounting for leap-years with no user input.

The five onboard alarms (including one snooze alarm) will be a great friend when you’re looking to stash your phone away at night, and the stopwatch, which will split your timings down to 1/100th of a second (provided you stay under one hour of timing), will provide an entertaining blur of digital numbers. Stopwatch functions include elapsed time, split-time (good for laps and intervals), 1st-2nd place times (dual-split), and a countdown timer with a maximum length of 24 hours.

All of that may sound complicated, but the GMWB5000D-1 is a cinch to operate from its four side-mounted buttons, all of which are labeled clearly on the watch face itself. If you remember the 1980s and owned a Casio then, you’ll recall how intuitive these buttons are, but G-SHOCK has gone further by providing a quick tone-on/off toggle, which makes shutting off an embarrassing alarm super easy (during wedding vows, anyone?).

When connected to your smartphone, the Casio G-SHOCK Connected app will provide all the mod-cons, but if you can’t be bothered with that, or see the GMWB5000D-1 as a panacea to the constant contact of your smartphone, it’ll operate just like a vintage digital G-SHOCK… only better.

Here Are 8 Beautiful Things for the Perfect Dresser Top

Your dresser top serves more than just utility. It’s not a dumping ground. It says something about you and you should put some thought into it. It’s a space for a few beautiful objects and it should be kept pretty clean and minimal. Whatever you choose to put there, remember that it’s visible to whomever you might let into your bedroom. So, it should not simply deliver purpose, but look very, very nice while doing it. To that end, we’ve chosen a handful of items that we think will look damn good. They’ll bring you a bit of joy, serve you well and tell anyone who steps in your bedroom that you have good taste.

Your Signature Scent

Some choices are obvious: a timeless, well-designed lamp, a fragrant candle or three, a chic pen, superior coasters and a beautiful catch-all tray. While you might be inclined to hide your fragrance in the bathroom cabinet, we recommend choosing a bottle that’s attractive enough to leave out on display. It’s not just about easy access. Montblanc’s Explorer is our pick, ticking the box not just for looks but truly for the scent. It’s bright at the top but married with leather and wood undertones. This is thanks to its three prime ingredients Italian bergamot, Haitian vetiver and Indonesian patchouli making Explorer perfect for everyday use. Leave it on your dresser top, and you’ll have it for easy access so you’ll never forget a spritz.

The Essentials

Montblanc: M Ballpoint Pen $430
Montblanc: Meisterstück 1 Pen Sleeve $105
Montblanc: Sartorial Key Fob Pivot System $170
Design Within Reach: Focal LED Lamp with USB Port $195
Craighill: Nocturn Catch $88
Yield: Coquina 6oz Candle $38
Yield: Avilés 6oz Candle $38
Yield: Castillo 6oz Candle $38
MoMA Design Store: Concrete Coasters $35

The Perfect Office Distraction Is a Pallet of Mini Cinder Blocks

G-SHOCK’s GBD-800UC and GBA-800UC Are Like a Personal Trainer on Your Wrist

With an unimpeachable reputation for bullet-proof activity-oriented watches, Casio’s new G-SHOCK GBD-800UC and GBA-800UC are no-brainers for anyone seeking a personal training device on their wrist. Styling gets a major upgrade with these new models, and the neutral colorways will match your workday or weekend clothing just as well as your gym garb, making it harder to leave the watch in your dresser drawer along with your motivation.

The Power Trainer Series is all about tracking, timing, and, ultimately, tackling your workouts. Whether you’re setting up sophisticated interval programs or simply counting steps and calories toward a daily goal, the GBD-800UC and GBA-800UC have you covered with a bevy of elaborate, yet easily operated, functions.

The watches’ accelerometer turns itself on and starts counting your steps when you start moving. When you stop, it returns to power-saving mode. You can set a daily goal for steps taken, and the sub-dial will display your progress toward that goal throughout the day. Unlike many fitness trackers that ask you to move through menus for your daily step status, the watch sub-dial won’t let you avoid this motivating info.

When you use the interval timer feature, that same sub-dial gives you an intuitive and instantaneous visual monitor of how close you are to completing an interval. Feel like you’re going to blow up before finishing that 60-second mid-run sprint? Well, a quick visual reference can help you dig deeper for that extra push to the end. Impatient about properly warming up? The sub-dial will keep you mellow until your body is actually ready to go harder. With 20 programmable 5-interval programs and the ability to combine those programs if needed, it’s easy to set up and store enough workouts to cover even the most elaborate training programs.

All of those timers can be set up via the G-SHOCK Connected app, which communicates with the watch via Bluetooth. This app will also generate a wide range of useful post-workout data using graphs and charts that provide at-a-glance legibility. You can zoom in on a single set of short intervals, or you can pan way out for a whole month’s worth of workouts. Both perspectives can be highly motivating.

The lap timer is equally helpful, and these models can store up to 200 lap records, which is perfect for those who like to improvise a workout in real-time based on how their body is feeling (rather than sticking to a rigid interval program). Either way, the watch will store your data for analysis after the workout.

World travelers will appreciate this new G-SHOCK collection’s ability to update its time/date four times per day, by accessing an internet time server via Bluetooth with the G-SHOCK Connected app, as well as the watches’ ability to set itself to the time zones of over 300 cities. You’ll need to be connected to your phone for it to do all that, but that shouldn’t be a problem when carting your daily carry items around when traveling.

The watches do even more for the traveler, however. Lose track of your smartphone, and the Find It Feature will locate it for you. Power down your phone for a break from blue screens at night, and let the watch’s alarm clock wake you up. If you’re suffering jet lag and need a jog, then head out on an evening run and let the automatic LED light illuminate your workout data.

Updates to the bands are going to help this watch fit more people more comfortably. These include “wings” on the inside of the rubber strap near the lugs that smooth out the fit, a newly designed anti-sliding clasp, extra holes for those with extra small or large wrists, and a fine adjustment mechanism. Once again, these features eliminate excuses not to get the GBD-800UC and GBA-800UC and on your wrist where it belongs so you can keep yourself in top shape.

Grab These Classic Ray-Ban Shades, The Perfect Gift for Father’s Day

Do your dad — or yourself for that matter — a favor and retire those old beater shades you keep dragging out summer after summer. Replace them with a fresh pair of sunglasses, classic or updated. Of course, there are not many other shops or brands more respected than Sunglass Hut and Ray-Ban. Ray-Ban is an American classic (now made in Italy) with every frame style more iconic than the last. We’ve picked some of the best Ray-Ban’s has to offer for a good Father’s Day Gift from Sunglass Hut. This way you give dad an upgrade and maybe elevate your own look while you are at it.

Clubmaster Classic

A shape that works on many, the Clubmaster Classics are unmistakably retro. With the 50’s silhouette, they are just the right amount of vintage without looking period. They are timeless.

Aviator Classic

Currently one of the most iconic sunglass styles in the world, Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses were originally designed for U.S. aviators in 1937. Aviator Classic sunglasses are a timeless style that combines great aviator styling with exceptional quality, performance and comfort.

Wayfarer

Certainly the most recognizable pair of shades from Ray-Ban, you just can’t beat them. This updated model is a bit softer, with a slightly smaller size and adjusted eye shape for a modern take that is still true to its roots.

For more selects (for dad or yourself), head to Sunglasshut.com or a retail store near you.

3 Excellent Knives for Your Dad This Father’s Day

Let’s face it, your dad probably likes to feel handy. It’s a dad’s MO to be steadfast, prepared and reliable. So, why not feed into it and gift him a trustworthy addition to his EDC this Father’s Day, whether he’s in need of simply opening a few packages at the office or he’s into something a bit more rugged like camping or sailing.

Below we’ve culled a few options — from extra teeny to glow-in-the-dark — and from this short list, you should find something suitable for any dad’s needs. This Father’s Day, let your dad know he’s still the one you want to turn to, even if you don’t necessarily need to.

Zero Tolerance 0022

This blade comes in at a mere 1.8 inches, making the 0022 is the smallest ZT knife to date. It may be small but this durable knife will wear well. It’s made of CPM 20CV steel so it is corrosion resistant and tough with top-notch edge retention to boot. ZT’s KVT ball-bearing opening makes it quick to use and the handle, which has a carbon fiber front scale with a stonewashed titanium back, was designed with deep finger contours so it’s extra comfortable to hold. The 0022 is a great option as a back-up knife or one to keep in the office drawer for mail time.

Zero Tolerance 0393

Zero Tolerance introduced the 0393 last year and it’s back with some new upgrades. ZT has added a “working” finish which will hide scuffs better than stonewash. Beyond that, this lightweight, titanium knife also comes with a carbon fiber overlay that glows in the dark so it’ll be hard to lose on those camping weekends. The harpoon style blade opens with a KVT ball-bearing system and a handy flipper and is equipped with a reversible titanium pocket clip as well. For any dad who likes maximum utility, this is a good bet.

Kershaw Launch 10

It’s not hard to see why the Launch 10 is nicknamed “The Claw.” It’s equipped with a hawkbill-style blade that has angular planes on both the blade spine and the handle. Made of CPM 154 steel, the blade has solid corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and it’s also super tough. The handle on this knife also sweeps upward making it easy to hold and that, combined with the shape of the blade, makes this tool ideal for breaking down boxes. A push-button open makes it especially easy to use in a flash — just make sure you know your state laws on carrying automatic knives.

14 Gear Essentials for a Weekend of Bouldering

Today In Gear: Urban Armor Gear’s Rugged Apple Watch Strap, Just-Announced iOS 13 Features & More

Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and deals. Comments or concerns? We’d love to hear from you at tig@gearpatrol.com.

You already know Urban Armor Gear for making some of the most hard-wearing protective cases for your tech. The brand now offers an Apple Watch strap made to the high standards of explorers, athletes and world travelers. UAG’s Active Strap for the Apple Watch is a sturdy woven band that can stand up to the most rigorous of tasks. Made from a high-strength nylon weave and outfitted with custom stainless steel hardware, the Active Strap can be fitted to any generation of Apple Watch right up to the most current model. The hook-and-loop fastener means there’s no way it will give your wrist the slip. No matter what you’re in for next, this strap can take it, and with UAG’s one year warranty you’ll have plenty of time to put that to the test.

New & Noteworthy Releases

Even at $250, The Macallan’s Latest Whisky Feels Like a Deal

The Macallan’s limited edition offerings are typically pure unobtanium. Not this one.

Apple Finally Has a New Mac Pro, and It’s a Beast

The Mac Pro starts at $5,999 with an 8-core Xeon processor, 32GB of memory, an AMD WX 7100 graphics card and a 256GB SSD. The Pro Display XDR starts at $4,999.

The Best iOS 13 Features and Apps Coming to Your iPhone

iOS 13 promises to make unlocking your phone with Face ID 30-percent faster and all apps will launch twice as fast.

You’ll Never Be Able to Buy This Custom Off-Road Pickup Truck

Sorry, folks: Even if the one-off Skoda Montiaq concept were to go into production, you’d probably never be able to buy it in America.

These Are the Shades You Need for All Your Summer Adventures

Not all sunglasses can handle the transition from street to surf and back again, but with Kaenon’s latest shades you won’t have that problem.

This Is the Most Cutting-Edge Nissan 180SX You’ll See All Month

It doesn’t take much work to make the 1989 Nissan 180SX a modern-day sport scar competitor, but this one goes above and beyond.

These New Minimalist Sneakers Are Just What Your Wardrobe Needs

Available in quarter sizes.

This Bold New Bike Just Won a 200-Mile Race on the Country’s Worst Roads

Colin Strickland and Amity Rockwell just won the 200-mile Dirty Kanza on the same ride: the new Able gravel bike from Allied Cycle Works.

Don’t Waste Your Time Hunting for the Perfect Summer Tee. Look Here

Mr Porter just launched a summery range of exclusive t-shirts from brands like Carhartt WIP, Kapital, Aimé Leon Dore and Noon Goons.

Could This Gorgeous Speedster Be the Best Car Porsche Never Sold?

In spite of its jaw-dropping looks and pumped-up performance, the one-off, single-seat Porsche Boxster Bergspyder never reached production. That’s a crying shame.

These Complicated Watches Offer Tons of Functionality Without Breaking the Bank

Three new Classima watches from Baume & Mercier offer stylish, classic looks and genuinely useful features at appealing prices.

The Tracker Navy SEALs Swear By Gets an Upgrade

Whoop launches the third iteration of the tracker loved by trainers and military personnel.

Fresh Deals

Seiko SNN241
Save 54%: This chrono features a larger 42.6mm steel case with a Japanese quartz movement powering two sub-dials — a 60-minute counter at 12 o’clock, and a running seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, as well as a date window. The SNN241 has a brown dial with Hardlex crystal and a matching contrast-stiched brown leather band with double-locking clasp. It’s also water-resistant to 100m, so while it’s splash-proof, it’s best to switch to a trusty dive watch for serious water sports. — Oren Hartov


Bodum French Press
Save 45%: Though coffee brewing styles come and go, the French press hasn’t budged. The simplest way to brew well without having to practice a routine and recipe, it’s the coffee beginner’s best friend (it also impresses guests). Today on Amazon, Bodum’s iconic, easy-to-use French press is marked way down. Though the 12-ounce press — good for about three cups of coffee — is just $16, we recommend buying bigger. The 34-ounce, 8-cup press is $30 and makes brewing coffee for a crowd that much easier. — Will Price

Persol Aviators
Save 71%:If you’ve been waiting to invest in an iconic pair of Persol sunglasses, Nordstrom Rack has a deal for you. Right now, you can save 71 percent on three different Italian-made Persols: the Aviator, the Sartoria and the Pilot models. Normally $350, these shades are now just $100 while supplies last. — John Zientek


Patagonia Black Hole Backpack
Save 30%: Of the well-loved products that Patagonia has created over the years — from ultralight synthetic insulation jackets to iconic fleeces — the Black Hole duffel is one that has weathered the years. The utilitarian gear hauler is made rugged enough to handle the rigors of weeks-long field expeditions yet practical enough that its features aren’t lost on casual travelers. (The 60-liter version is perfect for carry-on-only trips.)

Similar to the duffel, the Black Hole Pack uses a wide opening to access its main compartment, which has a sleeve for a laptop or a hydration reservoir as well as smaller pockets for essential items. Unhindered by other unnecessary features, the bag is left to do what it should: provide ample space for whatever it is you might need to carry.

Right now the Black Hole Pack is available for 30-percent off at both Nordstrom and Patagonia. — Tanner Bowden

Reebok Apparel and Sneaker Sale
Save 30%:Right now, you can save up to 30 percent off a variety of Reebok gear on eBay — including the Reebok Fast Tempo Flexweave Shoes. The sneakers are down from $100 to $75 in a couple of colors and a handful of sizes. If you’re looking for a new pair of shoes for the gym and to hop on the treadmill, this is the shoe for you. — Meg Lappe


2018 LG C8 OLED TV (65-inch)
Save 50%: LG’s 2018 C8 series of 4K OLED TVs are expensive. When they were released last past spring, a 65-inch model was going for $3,500. Almost a year later, however, that price has dropped over to around $2,597 — that’s over $1,000 off. But today eBay is running a deal on a brand-new C8 for $1,699 – that’s half off. Yes, it’s still expensive, but it’s not that bad considering that we’re talking about LG’s top-of-the-line 4K OLED TV. And LG makes the best 4K OLED TVs. |

Sony WH1000XM3 Noise-Canceling Headphones
Save $52: Sony released the WH1000XM3 this past fall and they’re better than the Sony WH1000XM2 in every way. They sound better. They’re better at noise-cancellation. They have modern perks, like USB-C charging. And they still cost $350. Again, these are the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy. Period. And now you can get them for a discount. Amazon is selling new models for $52 off. Both black and silver models are available at this discount.

Bell Race Star RSD Formula Helmet
Save up to 50%: The Bell Race Star helmet is explicitly tailored to compliment sport bike levels of performance, whether that’s on the street or circling a track. The 3K carbon fiber shell and Panovision viewport offer some of the best impact protection and field of vision on the market and are the same sort of features you’ll see top-flight racers putting to the test and enjoying on the global stage of motorsports. That kind of technology and design usually comes with a hefty price tag, but today you can get the Bell Race Star RSD Formula Helmet 50 percent off at $375. — Bryan Campbell

Today on Gear Patrol

The Best American Audio Companies That Are Keeping Passive Speakers Alive

Passive speakers sound better than the vast majority of wireless speakers. These three American audio companies prove it.

10 of the Best Father’s Day Gifts for the Home Mechanic

A quick glance at any workbench of a home mechanic might make you think they have everything they need. You’d be wrong.

The 9 Best Gym Shoes for Every Type of Workout

Whether you hit the CrossFit Box or lift weights at the gym, there’s a gym sneaker in here for you.

The Best Grilling Gifts to Give Your Dad This Father’s Day

We round up the best tools and gadgets to give dads who love nothing more than to spend time around the grill.

Counterpoint: In Praise of the One-Watch Collection

Surrounded by collectors, one proud watch owner sees more advantage in buying one thing you love, and nothing more.

10 Amazing New Cars We Wish We Could Buy in America

For those of us in the United States, these 10 cars are the ripest examples of the automotive kingdom’s forbidden fruit.

You’re Invited: An Evening of Gear Testing with Dyson

Join us on Wednesday 6/12 at Dyson’s flagship demo store in NYC for an evening of hands-on product testing, live presentations, whiskey tastings and more.

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

Citizen’s Promaster Overdelivers on Air, Land and Sea for 30 Years

There’s something alluring about an over-designed tool watch: It fits the needs and wants of professional divers, aviators or mountaineers and, while it may do more than you’ll ever need, that edge is something to covet. Since its launch in 1989, the Promaster collection has delivered just that. Now 30 years strong, these watches have consistently been designed to live up to the needs of pro-adventurers while fitting just as well on the wrists of the everyday outdoorsman.

First things first, the entirety of the Promaster collection is equipped with Eco-Drive. While Citizen first introduced a light-powered watch in the 1970s, this technology came on the market in 1995 and has become a cornerstone of the brand, found in more than 300 models. Now known as Eco-Drive, it powers the watches using any light source — natural or artificial. Passing through the dial to a solar panel, both direct and ambient light is converted into energy. Then, with the use of an IC chip, the energy is either used or stored in its rechargeable lithium-ion cell. Depending on the model, this cell can hold the charge for anywhere from six months to four years without requiring any further exposure to light. It’s allowed Citizen to save more than 10 million watch batteries in North America over the past decade alone. And it’s most certainly a core selling point within the robust nature of the Promaster collection.

The eldest Promaster, The Aqualand, debuted in 1985 as the first diver equipped with a digital depth gauge. This marine watch was then rounded out four years later by the Altichron, equipped then with an altimeter ranging from -300m to 5000m and the radio-controlled Promaster Sky with a world time setting function.

And with the 30th anniversary of Promaster, Citizen is still on course. The latest 46mm Aqualand is as robust as ever. The 200m dive watch is equipped with a rapid ascent alarm, maximum depth memory, an auto start dive mode and a power reserve indicator. Thanks to Eco-Drive, you’ll never have to open the caseback of this diver to change a battery (and the charge itself can last up to 11 months).

Today, the Altichron has an altimeter functional up to 10,000 meters (yes, that is higher than Everest) and is built to withstand extreme cold, with all functions operating in temperatures as low as -20ºC (-4ºF). This 46mm watch, complete with a black ion-plated stainless steel case and the seamless accent of a black polyurethane strap, also boasts an electronic compass as well as a power reserve of 11 months.

And, finally, the newest edition of Citizen’s Promaster Sky series, the Skyhawk A-T uses highly-accurate atomic timekeeping and features a perpetual calendar, dual time, alarms, countdown timer, digital backlight and UTC displays, power reserve and pilot’s rotating slide rule bezel. Calling back to the Navy’s elite Blue Angels squadron, it has a stainless steel case with a yellow accented dark blue dial and bezel and the Blue Angel’s insignia replicated on the caseback. The power reserve on this model will last up to a whopping 3.5 years.

While it’s very unlikely that you’ll find a mountain higher than Everest to climb or that you’ll find the need to test your power reserve for a year, knowing you have a watch that could stand by you through it all is not just reassuring, it’s inspiring. Since the beginning, the Promaster name has stood for watches with supreme utility and 30 years later, that principle hasn’t changed one bit.