The Coolest Pieces of Gear We Tested This Week

Tentsile Connect 2-Person Tree Tent 3.0

Fall is our favorite time to go camping. The leaves are changing, the weather cools down, the crowds thin out, and the Great Outdoors call us. And this year, we decided to try out a whole new way of camping—But not in where we went, but how we slept. Introducing, the Tentsile Connect 2-Person Tree Tent 3.0. This thing is such a fun way to fall asleep under the stars… not to mention one of the most comfortable. Forget the blow-up mattress, the sleeping pad, and the bulky fold-out cot. This suspended tent eliminates the need for any of that.

It features a double-bay sleeping area, multiple internal pockets, and ample storage underneath. This four-season tent can hold up to 880 pounds, and it packs down into a very manageable duffel bag that can easily fit in any car. It weighs in at 20 pounds packed up, but we certainly didn’t feel like it was overly cumbersome for a short trek to the campsite. It’s constructed from 400D PU-coated nylon-polyester composite (it’s built tough-as-nails), and it comes with a 70D PU-coated polyester rainfly so you need not to worry if the weather suddenly turns on you.

We can’t emphasize enough what a unique camping experience we had in our Tentsile Connect Tree Tent. We might not ever go back to ground camping. If there are trees nearby, this is our new go-to tent. And the possibilities are endless as to how you can rig this up: over water, over rocks, over horribly graded land, and even over normally great campsites… your camping experience will seriously be elevated (pun intended).

Bonus: And if you’re traveling off the grid with a group of friends, you can even connect the 2-person tent to other Connect Tree Tents, for a massive 6-person mansion in the middle of the backcountry—all while floating like a cloud above ground. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$549; tentsile.com]

True Places Emmett Folding Chair

Having a nice place to sit is one of the most pleasant feelings for any outdoor junkie. Whether you’ve been hiking all day, scaling rock faces, paddling though the ocean, flying down trails on your mountain bike, or even just standing patiently with your fly rod all morning at the edge of the river… when you need to take a load off, you gotta be sure to have the proper rig. And we just sat our backside in one of the most comfortable portable camp chairs we’ve ever had the privilege of relaxing in—We’re talking about the Emmet Folding Chair from True Places.

This thing is built so-damn well that we can’t think of a critical word to say here. The brand states that it’s “Perfect for the modern outdoors,” and this statement hits the nail on the head. It features TrueFlex custom outdoor fabric for impeccable comfort, its frame is built from aerospace-grade aluminum, and it features ultra convenient bag hooks on the back that also work great for things like light jackets and hats. And it even boasts a customizable cup holder to move wherever your arm prefers to reach for your beverage, alongside bottle openers underneath each arm rest. Not to mention that it comes equipped with a really nice carry bag that fits ultra-comfy over the shoulder. This impressive folding chair is thoughtfully designed with the mantra of ultimate comfort for outdoorsy folk at the forefront of evrything. It’ll be your new go-to chair, trust us.—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$189; trueplaces.com]

Suunto 9 Baro Titanium

Suunto took their flagship GPS sports watch and beefed it up with the tough durability of a titanium body that meets the demands of the US Military standard 810H for metrics including extreme temperatures, drops, and freezing rain. But the features to this updated, top-of-the-line trail companion don’t stop there. The 9 Baro Titanium also sports a Tour Mode with battery life of up to 170 hours for those multi-day epics.

Barometric readings mean more precise accuracy on altitude and vertical differentials in your outings, as well as storm warnings that can be helpful in the backcountry or other exposed environments. There are recording modes for just about any activity you could conjure, which can all be synced and shared through Suunto’s proprietary app, as well as the ability to tie in to a collection of third party apps including Komoot’s turn-by-turn mapping.—Joe Potoczak, Men’s Journal contributor

[$599.00; suunto.com]

Patagonia Lightweight Sleeping Bag

Not every camp mission is a trek across the rockies. In fact, a lot of our camping winds up being in the heat of the summer or a tropical surf trip when you only really need a sleeping bag for bugs or the last few hours before sunrise. Hence, you don’t need to be carrying around some heavy sleeping bag with your gear. You can really lighten your load with the Lightweight Sleeping Bag from Patagonia. In fact, this thing weighs in at a featherlight 11.8 ounces.

Patagonia is again a leader in the field, and this bag is super stripped down. In fact, there isn’t any hardware. The lack of a zipper combined with 40-g PrimaLoft® Aerogel allows it to pack down to almost nothing. Your sleeping bag will take up about as much room as a t-shirt. The shell and liner are 100-percent nylon ripstop with a DWR finish. And staying in line with Patagonia’s ethos, it’s Fair Trade Certified with ecologically responsible materials. It also comes in two sizes for whatever type of person needs to fit inside.—Jon Coen, Men’s Journal contributor

[$199; patagonia.com]

California Cowboy High Water Shirt

If you have any affinity whatsoever for the late, great Hunter S. Thompson, then we have the very next piece of clothing you need in your closet. We’d like to introduce you to the California Cowboy High Water Shirt. Inpsired by the Gonzo journalist’s timeless style, the High Water Shirt pays homage to the classic beachwear of the 1950s—old-school surf style, mixed with modern comfort that never quits.

It’s towel-lined with the brand’s proprietary Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton-modal cloth—which means it fits and looks like a classic button-up, but adds a bit of soft, comfy interior terry cloth for a bit of insulation. And it even features a dedicated bottle pocket for “safe beer storage,” as well as a secure sunglass loop just under the top button and a hidden locker loop on the back, under the collar. This shirt does way more than simply look dapper. Not to mention, every shirt comes standard with a koozie and bottle opener. This is the shirt that’ll compliment your wardrobe in a unique way, and it’ll certainly keep you looking stylish whenever you enter “Bat Country.”—Jon Perino, senior editor

[$135; californiacowboy.com]

Camelbak Classic Light 70oz Hydration Pack

One of the smartest decisions we made on a recent bikepacking trip was taking the Camelbak Classic Light 70oz pack. Wearing your drinking water means no bottle cages on the bike and more room for a frame bag. Empty, this minimalist bag weighs in at just over six ounces (without the bladder), yet it provides everything you need for a ride.

The tapered, triangular shape sits comfortably right over the upper spine with a breathable back panel that helps keep you dry and cool. The pocket has enough room for gloves, a wallet, and maybe a snack bar, with a clip for keys and a stretchy band to hold bike tools. Below that, a light loop keeps a rear flashing blinker up high on your back, so cars have an easier time seeing you. In front, an adjustable chest strap keeps things snug. There is a loop on both shoulders to hold the drinking tube, but the right shoulder strap also has a clip, which did a great job holding the tube in the perfect spot so we can reach for it without looking.

The Classic Light comes with Camelbak’s standard-issue 70-ounce (2L) bladder though we opted for cold water using Camelbak’s Stoaway 2L Insulated Resviour ($50), and stuffed it inside. Full of water, the Stoaway added just over five pounds, meaning the whole system came in at a tick more than 5 1/2 pounds, which we didn’t notice during the ride. The Stoaway kept drinks cold for most of the ride with a neoprene sleeve that covers the pack and the 39-inch-long drinking.

Filling the bladder was really easy and drinking from the tip was even easier with a self-sealing hole we never had to worry about. It might have dripped a bit once we spit the tube out, but never so much that we had to shut it off with the lever. Fitting the Stoaway—which is rugged enough to lash to your bike without a pack—into the Classic Light was a little finicky at first because it’s a tight squeeze, but we managed. Overall, the Classic Light was comfortable, easy to drink from, had enough storage, and it dries quickly after a rainstorm.—Sal Vaglica, Men’s Journal contributor

[$65; camelbak.com]

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]