The Coolest Pieces of Gear We Tested This Week

Ghurka Gearpack No. 4 Vintage Chestnut Leather

If you’re a big fan of finely crafted leather gear—and we’re talking about serious artisanal craftsmanship—then the superb products from Ghurka are likely nothing new to you. However, having just dropped last week, their all-new Gearpack No. 4 is something we think you need to immediately have on your radar. This compact, yet ultra-capable pack is as functional in the field as it is handsome around your shoulder.

Staying true to one of the brand’s very first designs in their original collection, 45 years ago, this Gearpack is made from gorgeous vintage chestnut leather, adorned with thoughtful accents and exquisite artistry. Its utilitarian design pairs perfectly with its sophisticated aesthetic. Its dimensions are 12×4 inches, with a 12-inch depth, and it features a smooth zippered top closure, a separate interior laptop sleeve, a large front pocket with the brand’s signature post/tab closure, and it all fashions to your body with its ultra-comfy adjustable strap.

These packs are ‘Companions for Life’ as the brand puts it—and we couldn’t agree more. Built for real-world application and built for the long haul. Perfect for all of your professional necessities, casual travel gear, cameras, gadgets, every-day carry, and everything in between. This pack just so-damn impeccable that we can’t think of a critical thing to say about it. From the office, to the airport, to the park, to Happy Hour… this packs fits the bill.

Each product that Ghurka makes is an individual piece that’s unique to its owner (each pack comes with its own registration number), and you can even customize your pack further with a personalized monogram or a brass tag for your own personal touch. Not only are these packs tailored to suit all of your adventures, but they’re built to serve as your trusted daily driver for decades to come—an heirloom, if you will. This pack won’t let you down, nor will it ever go out of style.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$895; ghurka.com]

Nathan Adventure Polarized Running Sunglasses

If you’re the type of outdoor enthusiast that cannot function right without proper eyewear on your face… we feel you. While standard UV protection is often times sufficient, polarized lenses really add that extra bit of glare-reduction that keeps us from feeling that ever-dreary eye fatigue after a long day outdoors. And with that being said, we just discovered some of the best polarized shades we’ve ever tried at a price point that blew our minds. Introducing the all-new Nathan Adventure Polarized Running Sunglasses.

Coming from a tried-and-true brand that most people associate with hydration packs and water bottles, Nathan has just dropped their brand new line of shades… and they are superb. Built specifically for the active human, they just launched four new frames with legit polarized lenses, each for a mere $50. This blows any other shades out of the water when it comes to price, as well as performance.

We recently got our hands on the Adventure sunglasses, and the TR90 frame is lightweight, uber-comfortable and flexible for active pursuits, yet still durable and tough-as-nails for whatever the world throws at you. Wins on every front if you ask us. The lenses are crystal clear, reduce glare as well as any other (much pricier) polarized lens we’ve ever tried, and deliver 100-percent UV protection. We can’t think of a reason that you shouldn’t have a pair (or two) of the new Nathan shades in your outdoor kit. Keep a pair in your car, keep a pair in your pack, and—hell, at this price point—keep a pair in your hoodie pocket. They simply do their job so well. Good on ya, Nathan.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$50; nathansports.com]

Five Ten Hellcat Pro

It was on a recent bikepacking trip, which ended up being more bike-hike, where we were thankful for the grippy Hellcat Pros. Hopping off the gravel bike, wearing a lesser shoe would have made schlepping our ride over impassable terrain far more nerve-wracking. The Five Ten’s rubber soles have an exceptional grip on damp terrains like boardwalks, loose gravel, and slick boulders. And they are ridiculously comfortable with a styling that reads more lifestyle shoe than technical footwear.

Underfoot there is a compression-molded EVA midsole that is supportive and cozy without adding extra weight. There are clip shoes that weigh less sure, but these still feel very light despite they’re built like a pickup truck. There is a 3/4 length, stiff TPU plate underneath your foot that transfers power to the pedals. It stops just behind the toes, which gives the front of the shoe enough flex to allow for comfortable walking.

We used them with Magped’s magnetic pedals, where they provided excellent and smooth power transfer, but you can also ride them clipless. Not only are Hellcats stiff front-to-back, but they refuse to twist, no matter what you’re riding over or how hard you push them. Up top, a wide band of hook and loop tape covers the laces and lets you quickly cinch down for a snug fit, locking that heel in place, even with gloves on. The Hellcat Pros were comfortable all day, from breakfast to riding to carrying the bike, and a few beers at the end of the day. Designed for mountain riders, we think the styling, durability, breathability, and performance extend beyond the downhill rider—including gravel bikers.—Sal Vaglica, Men’s Journal contributor

[$180; adidas.com]

Benchmade Station Knife

There aren’t too many tools in a cooking arsenal that outshine your trusty chef’s knife—From slicing into juicy tri-tip, to fileting salmon in the field, to chopping your herbs and veggies to garnish, you need something that’ll perform. A badass blade is key when getting your food prepped and served in proper fashion. And we haven’t used a finer blade this year than the brand-new Benchmade Station Knife.

Handmade in Oregon City, this knife has all the bells and whistles wrapped into a handsome and humble designed. Utilizing Benchmade’s proprietary SelectEdge technology, this knife cuts through most culinary staples with impressive ease. (Seriously… this thing is such a pleasure to cook/prepare/serve food with.)

Available with either a CPM-154 steel blade or a 440C steel blade, you can customize not only the blade material but also the handle (with even a carbon fiber option). This knife holds up not only in the kitchen, but it also shines in the backcountry or beach bonfire BBQ. It will serve you in every facet of your culinary life, and we’re ceratin that you’ll likely never use another knife in this category again. It really is that good.

Save yourself some time and energy scouring the internet, and just pull the trigger on the Station Knife from Benchmade. It’s not gonna disappoint you.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$280-$425; benchmade.com]

Turtlebox Blue Tooth Speaker

If you’re a moonlight DJ, don’t be surprised if business falls off a little. While your music selecting may be in demand, your PA system is getting a run for its money by the Turtlebox, a new Bluetooth connect speaker that delivers a whole lot of loud through the convenience of a phone. We’re talking in the range of 120 decibels. That’s serious output… Ideal for your BBQ at the park, beach party, boating adventure or camping trip to the middle of nowhere, the Turtlebox combines outdoor ruggedness with sound that cuts through wind and travels distance. Imagine being able to bump Run the Jewels at the jobsite over power tools or Neil Young while cruising down a river?

It features an IP67 Waterproof Ingress Protection rating (this thing will still work after being submersed) and waterproof cap to protect your port openings as well as Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, Illuminated LED rubber pad for controls and handy USB-C TO charge your phone in the great outdoors. In a stroke of brilliance, they have even come up with Bluetooth Stereo pairing for when you have two Turtleboxes—Instant dance floor. The battery lasts 6 hours if you’re fully cranking Pearl Jam Vitalogy and 20 hours if you’re just chilling to Eddie Vedder’s solo stuff at a more reasonable volume. Built in tie-down anchors, wide rubber feet and rubber handle make it durable through your adventures.—Jon Coen, Men’s Journal contributor

[$374.00; turtleboxaudio.com]

Buddha Board

Stressed out these days? When’s the last time you took a moment for yourself and painted a picture? We know, we know: Many people aren’t the artsy type, and paints, brushes, canvases, etc. can be costly and messy. However, we just found the finest solution for normal folk to tap into their fleeting inner artist, exhale, enjoy, and then move on with their day… no mess, no waste, minimal cost. We’re talking about the Buddha Board.

During such a stressful time in history, it’s vital to take good care of your own well-being. And spending a few minutes concentrating on something that belongs to nobody else but yourself, is a very nice breath of fresh air amid all the noise we deal with every day. This simple little product gives you the opportunity to step away from the screen, grab the included paint brush, dip it in water, and simply move the brush strokes to your own rhythm. When you’re all done with your piece, it displays for a bit and then dries out and disappears, leaving you with a blank canvas for next time. No clean-up, no stress, all good. If you’re the type to get wound up on a daily basis with emails, Zoom calls, deadlines, and the like, then we highly recommend this wonderful little drawing board. Draw whatever you please—It’ll be gone shortly after, awaiting your next artistic impulse to strike.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$37.95; buddhaboard.com]

Work Sharp Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener with Tri-Brasive

If you’re looking for an easy, simple way to keep your blades sharp, you need to look no further than the all-new Work Sharp Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener with Tri-Brasive. This little piece of gear punches way above its weight class in performance—and at a price point that fits just about any budget, this sharpener is precisely what you need to keep your blades sharp and working at their best.

It’s an angle-guided, 3-sided abrasive jig-and-clamp manual sharpener, so you can work with utmost precision for your kitchen, filet, and EDC blades—and it all fits wonderfully into its included hard case. It comes equipped with three grits (ceramic, fine diamond, medium diamond) for all types of blades, and it adjusts from 15 degrees to 30 degrees (in 1-degree increments). The customization for whatever blade you’re fine-tuning is superb. The whole package is lightweight, easily packable, and ultra-functional for just about any blade you may have in your kitchen or in your pocket.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$59.95; worksharptools.com]

Finn Optics HighTail

A big gripe of ours is “sport” sunglasses that look the part but don’t stand up to the demands of the sport. When you consider most brands are charging $200 a pop, you want the specs to feel feather-light, boost optics, and enhance your workout whether you’re charging on foot or bike. Finn Optics was created to fill this gap—to design affordable sport sunglasses that really perform. The HighTail is the brand’s first model. Made from a rough-and-tumble composite, these are incredibly light at just 32 grams. The frame sits off your brow, yet the bridge doesn’t dump all the weight on your nose. They seem to levitate, mitigating steamy hot spots on the lenses. Speaking of which, you get two polycarbonate lenses for bright sun exposure and low-light conditions. Have an unusually large or small head? A malleable live wire running through the arms lets you adjust the temple width. We like the patterned temple grips. They’re reminiscent of handlebar tape—a nod to the brand’s cycling origins and inspiration—and provide good hold without ripping out your hair. Available in Black and Lightning colorways, these are subtly sharp. — Brittany Smith, digital deputy editor 

[$98; finnoptics.com]

GoPro HERO 10 Black

It’s been over ten years since we first saw our friends’ first GoPro footage—of what looked like them squatting and standing, squatting and standing, from the nose of their surfboards, snowboards, and wakeboards. Thankfully, our riding selfies have advanced since then. And so has the GoPro. In fact, GoPro has just releases its HERO 10 Black and everything about it is upgraded.

First off, the tech is solid with a new GP2 Processor that opens the door to 5.3K video at double the frame rate and 4.0 video stabilization mode—it looks like Scorsese is following you around your local hill or surf break. GoPro has always boasted pretty good resolution for its time but with 23 Megapixels, your “pictures” are now “photos.” It shoots better in low light for those cloudy sessions or action that happens right after the sun drops and allows for Super 8X Slo Mo shooting at 2.7K resolution. Colors pop and time stands still.

It’s waterproof down to a depth of 33 feet, and the HERO 10 Black boasts some pretty impressive convenience as well with Cloud Connect. Not only can you watch the footage via LCD screen on the back of the unit (this has been standard the last few generations) but you can now download a simple GoPro Quick app to your smartphone and the images from the GoPro transfer wirelessly to the app when it’s in range. So basically you can then scroll through on your phone, pick the ones you want and junk the rest really simply. (You can still do this by cable to your phone or the old fashioned way to your computer.) The HERO 10 features a new cable and batteries, so unfortunately those old parts you’ve acquired won’t transfer over, but the mounting remains the same. Now it’s up to you to do something better than just squatting and standing.—Jon Coen, Men’s Journal contributor

[$399.98; gopro.com]

Dakine Campus Premium 28 Liter Backpack

So back to school was a couple weeks ago, but September is one of those in-between months where you were splitting time between work or school and the beach. Hence, your daily-use bag is probably a little beat up and sandy. If it’s time for an upgrade, the Campus Premium is a good choice going into the fall. While this is essentially a day pack, it can really make a great weekend or commuter pack at 20.5 inches by 13 inches. Pack a change of clothes, sweatshirt and your work or play gear—It keeps your goods organized with a laptop compartment that also features a fleece-lined tablet sleeve.

There are two main compartments and then a specific pocket for all your gear—fleece lined sunglass pocket, organizer pocket, expandable side pockets for water bottles or whatever you reach for most, exterior quick-access pocket and secret security pocket against your lower back. Comfort wise, the pack features ergonomic foam back panel and shoulder straps with breathable air mesh and adjustable sternum strap with a padded bottom panel. There’s also a lot of recycled polyester in here. It’s comfortable, light, and carries what you need.—Jon Coen, Men’s Journal contributor

[$90; dakine.com]

Sensate 2

If you have trouble fully relaxing these days, you’re most certainly not alone… and we’ve got the next piece of tech you need to have in your life. Enter the Senate 2. This little gadget packs such a huge punch in a micro package—We can’t think of a reason not to have it with us wherever we go. The Sensate 2 is lightyears ahead of other calming, relaxation apps you may have tried before. What the Senate brings to the table is a truly immersive experience when it comes closing your eyes and wallowing in the sounds that calm you. Working simultaneously alongside the Sensate app, you simply place the Sensate 2 on your chest, choose your sounds and experience from your smartphone, and then lay back and let the Sensate 2 pulsate on your body in wonderful synchronization to the sounds in your headphones. It really takes the classic “relaxation to the sounds of nature” experience to a whole new level.

You can choose between 10-, 20-, and 30-minute sessions for whatever length of a break from the real world you need, and the results are fantastic. We found ourselves more focused afterward, much calmer, and entirely less stressed. It’s a quick solution for your wellbeing when your days get tough—and even if they don’t, it’s a wonderful break from the little bits of your everyday that can build upon one another and create stress. The brand states that it improves heart rate variability, calms nerves, promotes better sleep patterns, boosts resilience, and simply makes you feel better instantly. And after a few weeks of trying for ourselves, we’d have to agree that all of those claims are spot on.

This is a small thing that can move mountains if you ever feel overwhelmed with your daily to-do’s. Your mind and body won’t regret a few minutes every day with the Sensate 2.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$249; getsensate.com]

Deckers X Lab KO-Z Mule

Fall is officially here, which means it’s time to upgrade your slippers. And one pair of high-end slippers we recently got our hands on can seamlessly take us from fall into winter, and then back into spring… and even into summer. We’re talking about the Deckers X Lab KO-Z Mule. These are the slippers you need to go from the living room, to the grocery store, to picking up the kiddos from school. As soon as you slip your feet into the ultra-comfy EcoTan premium 10mm Twinface Sheepskin and suede leather, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.

They have a cushy ergonomic PU footbed (layered with memory foam) and gentle arch support, and they feature 5mm of looped wool that’s layered on top of five layers of foam. These slippers are stacked, to say the least. They offer true street performance, while staying true to classic slip-on comfort. And with a unique aesthetic, these slippers can really go anywhere you need them to. These should be your go-to footwear for this fall, and beyond.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$130; deckersxlab]

Verve Culture Tortilla Press

We love fresh-made tortillas. However, we never thought we’d be able to make it happen at home. But the truth of the matter is, it’s ultra simple. All you need is masa corn flour and water… and the Verve Culture Tortilla Press. Simply mix equal parts masa corn flour and water, mix together for roughly three minutes until it turns into a nice dough. Then you roll together 1-inch dough balls and place in the press for a good flattening. The last step is to just heat them up in a pan and you’re good to go. Taco Tuesday will never be the same at your house, we assure you. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that takes very little effort.

The artisanal brand makes each of these presses in Mexico from old Singer sewing machines and other recycled irons—Cast iron gives you perfect, flat tortillas every time, and it’ll last you forever. They also stepped it up by adding some aesthetic flare with a vibrant FDA-friendly, lead-free paint that prevents rust, and will never flake. Trust us, once you try this technique with this press, you’ll never serve store-bought tortillas again.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$48; verveculture.com]

Sea to Summit Collapsable X-Mug

Space in your pack can get tight. Even space in your car can get tight. And while the idea of a campfire mug might feel romantic, sometimes efficiency is more important. Check out the new X-Mug from Sea to Summit. The whole thing collapses and goes from a little disk to a plastic mug in a half a second. Made of flexible food-grade silicone (able to withstand temps to 300 degrees Fahrenheit) it also doubles as a measuring cup. Perfect for hot cocoa by the fire at night, and then you can measure your pancake batter in the morning. The nifty little fins keep you from burning your hands. It’s actually part of a whole X-Series of camp dinnerware and pots for lightening and tightening your pack load.—Jon Coen, Men’s Journal contributor

[$14; seatosummitusa.com]

xSuit 3.0

What’s the biggest gripe you have when it comes to wearing a suit? For us, it’s mobility. While tailored, slim-fit suits are everywhere these days, the material that many of them are made from can often be over-stifling when it comes to normal movements. This was a big issue for us, until we found the xSuit 3.0.

Not only does this suit fit better than most designer suits we’ve worn in the past, but it moves and breathes like no other suit we’ve ever worn before. The secret? It’s made from Infinite Flex fabric which stretches no matter how you move or bend, and it’s reinforced at all the key spots. It’s also wrinkle resistant so you can travel with this suit and not stress about spending much time ironing it out, and it’s machine-washable so the dry cleaner doesn’t need to be one extra stop during your busy weekday.

But we know what you’re thinking: Does this suit present itself like a legit, high-end suit? Yes it does. It feels well-built, is tailored ultra-stylish, and presents everything you want out of a good suit, but it feels lightyears more comfortable. No joke. If you’re the type that loves to shut down the dance floor at a wedding, prefers to walk the city to your next business meeting rather than drive, or simply just prioritize comfort as much as you do style, then this is the suit you need to have in your closet. It really is that good.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$495; xsuit.com]

RTIC 52-Quart Ultra-Light Hard Cooler

Nothing facilitates a day spent outdoors like a solid cooler. Keeping your food and beverages fresh and cold is vital in making that weekend afternoon run smooth and pleasant. But where to even begin when it comes to the high-end cooler selection these days? While some people are loyal to certain brands, we think diversifying one’s kit is key in finding just the right piece of gear for every situation. And we just got our hands on one of the best hard coolers we’ve ever used, at a price point we can feel really great about. We’re talking about the 52-Quart Ultra-Light Hard Cooler from RTIC.

At currently under $200, this badboy punches way above its weight class in performance, is far more lightweight than other hard coolers of this size, and simply looks like something we’re proud to have adorning our campsite or backyard BBQ ensemble. This cooler is over 30-percent lighter than other roto-molded coolers with the same capacity, but it lacks no performance specs when it comes to keeping ice, impeccable durability, and well-rounded capability—Wins across the board.

It also boasts 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation so you can be sure that your perishables are gonna stay cold. Not to mention that the handles are ultra-sturdy and the ergonomics are as good as any cooler we’ve ever used (your back will thank you as you hoist this thing into your tailgate). We’re big fans of the Blue/Gray colorway (pictured), but they also come in Light Gray and Dark Gray. This is a purchase that won’t break the bank, and it’ll most likely last you years to come. This cooler is a no-brainer addition to your outdoor kit if you ask us.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$199; rticoutdoors.com]

Thule RoundTrip Duffel Bag

The Thule Rountrip Bike Duffel comes in for a win in my book. I didn’t realize how beneficial having this bag would be. The Roundtrip Duffel is 55L, weighing in at 2.84 pounds, and has separate compartments to store my helmet, shoes, eyewear, layers, snacks, and essential tools. I also found it served as a home base for gear not necessary to load up with as I ride light whenever possible—I am able to find essential items easy when I need to bring more on the trail.

Overall it becomes a one-stop shop; All I need to do is grab this bag after grabbing my bike and I am good to go out for my adventures. When the excitement of riding and/or the balance of juggling other travel items—for me, it’s camera gear—distracts my attention, the RoundTrip Bike Duffel ensures an easy way to keep my bike life organized.—Chris Wellhausen, Men’s Journal contributor

[$129.95; thule.com]

Topo Designs Mountain Duffel 40L

For any outdoor excursion, you need the proper gear. And to haul that proper gear, you need a trusty bag. Something as tough and rugged as the task at hand, yet thoughtfully designed for easy access to your gear, and optimal organization so you always know where that crucial item lives. For all of this, and more, we highly recommend the Mountain Duffel 40L from Topo Designs.

You likely know all about the sterling reputation from this fine company, and this duffel is no exception. Built ultra-sturdy with padded sides and base, this mighty bag can hold everything you need for a day on the slopes, at the crag, on the sand, or anywhere in between. With a 40L capacity, it can hold your snowboard boots, pants, jacket, gloves, helmet, goggles, and all the rest of the vital components it takes to enjoy yourself on the hill. And it performs the same for any other outdoor excursion you can think of. It’s built from 100-percent nylon with high abrasion resistance, so it’ll certainly last you many years, and it comes in three really awesome colorways.

It has stowable backpack straps, dual exterior zipper pockets, top and side carry handles, and it boasts some of the finest heavy-duty plastic hardware we’ve ever seen, not to mention water-resistant YKK zippers. For everything from day trips to the coast, to weekend adventures in the mountains, to week-long international vacations, this duffel handles any job tremendously… and it looks so damn good while doing so.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$149; topodesigns.com]

Patagonia Men’s Straight Fit Jean

Patagonia has long been known to set the standard for innovating environmentally conscious apparel and gear, but they don’t just sit back and rest after a product comes to market. They take the piece and imagine how the product and process it can have even less of an impact on the planet. So here comes the new Men’s Straight Fit Jeans for fall, likely the most responsible production jeans ever made.

Before we get into the feel-good aspects, we need to see if this denim actually feels good. And yes, it does. This is a classic fit straight leg jean. Gear that is made to last can’t go out of style… Not an issue here with a classic fit, five-pocket design with brass zipper, copper rivets and nickel shank-button closure. They are cut straight through the hip and thigh and will keep their shape for years. You can wear them to work or they’d perform great for a weekend on the trail.

Now to their responsibility part. These are made of mostly Organic Regenerative Organic Certified Pilot Cotton with about a third recycled cotton. The indigo foam dyeing process eliminated nearly all the wastewater from a process that is normally very wasteful. They are fair trade sewed in one of the 20 fair-trade certified factories that now make outdoor gear. The more companies that use them, the better for laborers around the world. And Patagonia is leading the way on that.—Jon Coen, Men’s Journal contributor

[$119; patagonia.com]

Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Tennis Shoes

If you spend any time on the tennis court, these are the shoes you need. Built for speed, the ultra-lightweight Jet Mach 3 All Court shoes from Babolat are quite possibly the finest tennis shoes we’ve ever used. Ultra-responsive, supportive, abrasion-resistant and built to last, not to mention uber-comfortable. They weigh in at a featherweight 325 grams, and utilizing their unique MATRYX EVO material in vital places on the shoe, these things fly across the court without compromising the superb build quality you’d expect from Babolat.

Boasting some very impressive shock absorption with their KPRSX system, the pliable EVA foam in the heel makes for one helluva solid feel on the foot when starting and stopping. Featuring a Michelin Premium sole for tried-and-true longevity, these shoes not only facilitate our daily training, but most notable when footwork truly matters against your opponent. Not to mention how damn-good these shoes look (we prefer the gold/black colorway pictured). If you’re in need of a serious tennis shoe upgrade, then look no further. These are the latest and greatest, and at a reasonable price point for what they are, these shoes are a no-brainer.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$130; babolat.com]