Best New Gear | July 2022

Understated travel luxury, adaptable apparel for everyday and travel wear, and waterproof storage for smaller essentials are just some of the month’s highlights that are well worth a closer look. Let’s delve into July’s best new gear below…

EDC

GiantMouse ACE Nibbler

Michigan-based EDC knifemaker GiantMouse has released one of the more fun drops of the summer. The new ACE Nibbler is a compact folder that comes in five variations (green canvas micarta, titanium, and three aluminum colors: red, blue, green). The Nibbler is the smallest and most affordable GiantMouse to date, which lowers the barrier to entry and encourages its inclusion in your EDC kit.

The aluminum variations come with N690 satin blades while the titanium and micarta-handled Nibblers feature 20CV satin finish and 20CV stonewashed blades respectively. The blades come in at just under 2″ (50.7 mm) with a handle of 2.76″, giving the full knife an overall length of just 4.7″ when open. Lastly, the aluminum versions weigh in at 56 grams, with the micarta 3 grams lighter while titanium tips the scales at 72 grams. With your option of scale and blade materials, and a low price, there’s something for everyone with the new Nibbler.

Urban

WaterField Designs Moto Sling

WaterField Designs out of San Francisco have a knack for taking on carry challenges and coming up with luxe and functional solutions. Their latest release, the Moto Sling is no different. Designed to be a front-worn motorcycle sling to carry essentials, it also works well for e-bikes, scooters, wheelchair users, or just daily EDC. The strap has a grippy underside to prevent sliding even when riding at high speed and maneuvering on the bike. Large zipper pulls operate with ease even with gloves on and organizational pockets can hold a small tablet while keeping more delicate items separated.  At launch, it is available in leather (three colorways) and all-black ballistic nylon.

Mack Weldon Silver Collection

With record-setting temperatures affecting numerous countries and summer travel on the rise, the need for basics that can work in a variety of conditions as well as keep you stink-free is paramount. NYC-based menswear brand, Mack Weldon, just dropped their Silver Collection. The capsule includes underwear, socks, tees, shirts, and sweats and all are woven with real silver fibers which prevent odors from forming due to silver’s antimicrobial properties. The pieces are constructed of Supima cotton for that soft feel, and a touch of stretch for comfort and ease of movement. The Silver Collection is available now with prices starting at $16.

EVERGOODS CAS2

In Montana, EVERGOODS continue to produce useful, thoughtful, and innovative products. More recently, they’ve started to focus on products with a smaller form factor such as the CAP2L, the MHP3.5, and the CAP1. Now, they’ve released their newest friend – The Civic Acess Sling 2L (CAS2). This sling has a new custom material, intelligent organization, and a sleek profile that’ll make it versatile for the user as they crossover between urban and outdoor adventures. 

DSPTCH Slingpack Small

DSPTCH are known for their blend of understated urban styling and tough functionality. And now you can enjoy it all in the new small version of their popular Slingpack. Designed for 14″ tech devices, the bag features an ambidextrous and quick-adjust strap and a padded tech sleeve. Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime guarantee, the bag is available in Ballistic Nylon, Dot Grid, and Dyneema Composite Fabric options and is a versatile piece for smaller daily loads or a day bag for your travels.

Trakke X-Pac Zero Waste Sling, Largo Sling and Kelso Sling

We’ve been big fans of Scottish brand Trakke for a long time. And our long-standing love of X-Pac is no secret either. So bring the two together and you’re in for a carry party. While Trakke are well-known for their waxed canvas, the introduction of X-Pac across several of their slings is a fun twist that brings a slick technical feel to these limited-edition offerings. The Zero Waste Sling, Largo Sling and Kelso Sling have been reimagined in both black and white X-Pac, providing great protection from the elements and dependable durability to tackle everyday needs and weekend adventures alike.

Olivers Court Series

Whether you’re looking for multifunctional everyday wardrobe staples or one-bag packing champs, Olivers have you covered with their new Court series. This series is all about adaptability and is designed to be worn across a diverse range of environments, from the gym to lunch at your local cafe or a spot of sightseeing. Key pieces include the Court Jacket, Court Shorts and Court Jogger. Inspired by ’90s retro styles, the Court Jacket provides a modern twist on a classic track jacket. The Court Shorts fare equally well on water or land, moving smoothly from trails to trips around town. And if you’re after easy everyday comfort look no further than the Court Jogger with its slim and tapering fit. Made with Court Dynamic Nylon, a fabric that is odor-resistant, water and stain resistant, quick-drying, lightweight and breathable, these pieces will become go-to staples for a range of day-to-day and travel outings.

Travel

Exped Radical Pack

Exped might be best known for their line of sleeping mats but they make a wide variety of gear. They recently released the Radical Pack, their take on a backpack duffel that has been designed for travel, sports, and recreation. Available in three colorways, the padded backpack straps quickly stow away or can be converted to a shoulder strap. A single, extra-long zipper across the center allows for convenient access and large internal pockets make keeping things organized a breeze. The Radical 45 is constructed of recycled 210D ripstop nylon carbonate and lined with recycled 150D polyester. Both fabrics are PU-coated and PFC-free, as well.

Western Rise Evolution Pant 2.0 and Evolution Short

Carryology favorite Western Rise introduced their do-it-all Evolution Pant on Kickstarter way back in Spring 2018. Four years later, they are back with a new version and are introducing the Evolution Short to the mix as well. The 2.0 improves or changes upon the first version in nearly ten different ways. It features 4-way stretch material, a stretch waistband, bartacked pockets (instead of utilizing a metal rivet), is dirt and water resistant, offers a crisp drape instead of soft, resists wrinkles, and has a slim straight fit. 

The new Evolution Short promises to take the place of your favorite khaki shorts, providing a versatile bottom option for warm weather. It is lightweight and features 4-way stretch, is stain and water resistant, and has a secured zippered wallet pocket and drawstring elastic waistband. A zipper fly and button closure, as well as interior drainage mesh pockets, round out the features and the last feature means you’re ready for the beach or river.

Matador Flatpak™ Dry Bags

While water-resistant does the job most of the time, sometimes you just can’t afford for gear to get wet. Enter Matador and their Flatpak™ Dry Bags. Available in 2L and 8L sizes, these roll-top bags have an IPX7 waterproof rating and provide trusty storage for electronics, base layers, food, and more. Both bags feature a flat bottom, enabling them to stand up for easy packing and access. However, they fold flat too, making them convenient to stash in luggage or a day bag to defend your gear in wet weather.

Carl Friedrik Rover Collection

London-based brand Carl Friedrik have made a name for themselves in the luxury carry sphere, bringing functional elegance to everyday and travel settings. And with almost a decade in the industry, their dedication to carry that doesn’t just look good but performs well too is evident in the new Rover Collection. A carefully considered blend of relaxed but refined styling and travel-savvy design, the collection features a choice of two backpacks, two weekenders, and a tote that will handle everything from business trips to spur-of-the-moment weekend getaways.

Integrating community feedback on prototypes in real-world travel use, the collection includes thoughtful features such as wide-opening access on the Anywhere Tote, an interior garment carrier in the Getaway Weekender, and expandability in the Everyday Backpack. Add in the durable yet attractive construction with nubuck leather and Vachetta leather detailing and you’re ready to rove in understated luxury for many years to come.

Outdoor

Danner Panorama Hiker

Invoking memories of the classic Danner DNA, the new men’s and women’s Panorama features a durable suede upper, PU-coated leather rand on the heel and forefoot for added durability, Danner Dry waterproof protection, and an OrthoLite footbed for ultimate support and comfort. The outsole features large, deep lugs for traction in rugged terrain and the affordable price of $160 makes for a great entry point for new hikers.

Solo Stove 2.0 Firepit

Solo Stove has been a huge success since their launch in 2016, and they are a favorite of many for relaxed evenings at home and campsite BBQs. Solo Stove 2.0 may look the same, but under the hood, there is a change that’ll make every Solo Stove owner very happy: a removable ash pan. No longer do you have to lift the whole stove to empty, a simple tray is easily taken to the trash and replaced with no drama or slipped discs. The 2.0 version of the fire pit with the removable ash pan will be available in all three sizes – Ranger 2.0 (small), Bonfire 2.0 (medium), and Yukon 2.0(large). Now with an expanded range of accessories that includes grilling attachments, heat deflectors, and a table top cover. So you’ve got no excuse – get outside and relax!

Dometic CFX3 Coolers

There are many ways to keep your drinks and food cool during an outing, ranging from simple insulated packs to rotomolded coolers. But for those taking extended trips and wanting the comfort and amenities of home, a powered cooler is the way to go. With summer in full swing, Dometic wants to change the notion that powered coolers are only relegated to the overlanding crowd. Why shouldn’t a group lounging by the river enjoy ice-cold drinks?

The CFX3 series consists of seven different coolers ranging from 25L up to 99L. Besides the obvious size differences, they offer different features, such as the 55IM which can make its own ice. They are all powered by a simple 12V connection to any vehicle and without the need for ice, they can store 50% more food and drinks than a traditional cooler of the same size. For extended trips and added versatility, you can pair a CFX3 with the PLB40 portable battery which provides enough juice to run the cooler and electronics for an entire weekend.

YETI Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler

YETI are known for some of the toughest coolers around. They’re the definition of Robust, they can withstand bear attacks, and, most importantly, they keep things cold! However, there is one downside, they can get heavy, really quick! YETI have now added two more wheeled coolers to their collection with the Roadie 48, and the Roadie 60. It’s tall enough to hold your wine bottles, big enough to throw some fish in, and maneuverable enough to take on pretty much any surface. A periscope handle, Neverflat wheels, and easy-open latches make this a joy to use whether it’s relaxed beers on the beach, or home to your fresh catch from a day on the boat. Coming with YETI’s famed warranty, you needn’t worry about taking this with you wherever you adventure.

Bellroy Cooler Tote and Cooler Caddy

Don’t need to carry a lot but still want to keep your food and drinks fresh? Bellroy come to the rescue with two new cooler bags that work great for beach trips, picnics in the park, and storing your lunch during the working week. The 16L Cooler Tote is tall enough for upright wine bottles, while the 6L Cooler Caddy fits a 6-pack or lunch and even has a bottle opener built into the handle. Both pieces are made with 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation using recycled materials, a seam-sealed waterproof interior lining, and a water-resistant zipper. Both pieces also feature flat bottoms so they can stand upright. And when it’s time for storage, their foldable and compressible designs save space until the next outing.

Topo Designs x TAXA Outdoors Collaboration

A basecamp is your home away from home in the outdoors. And if you’re after an elevated experience, the Topo Designs x TAXA Outdoors Woolly Bear delivers in a big way. This limited-edition collaboration features a custom Woolly Bear basecamp trailer, along with three bags to cater to a variety of carry needs. The Woolly Bear incorporates an outdoor kitchen, inbuilt storage, and an elevated platform for a tent. Teaming up with the Woolly Bear are the Mountain Gear Bag, 16L Mountain Pack, and 10L Pack Bag. The Mountain Gear Bag is a burly hauler for larger loads, while the 16L Mountain Pack works great for carrying essentials during days of exploration and the 10L Pack Bag is a handy packing cube for organizing your gear.

Huckberry x Coors

Two winners team up again! Huckberry and Coors have been building a wonderfully curated collection over the past eighteen months, and with their latest drop, it’s dripping with heritage goodness. Inspired by their 80’s archive, these ripstop nylon baseball caps, cotton t-shirts, and tough western shirts are the order of the day, and they’ll keep you looking good from bar to beach.

Heimplanet x Helinox Collaboration

Who says outdoor furniture can’t have wow factor while also being practical? Certainly not Heimplanet and Helinox, who have teamed up to create a camping chair and table inspired by the new Light Grey color scheme of Heimplanet’s Classic tent. The collaboration features Dope Dye which prevents UV radiation and abrasion from altering the color. The Chair One weighs just 890 grams and packs down small enough to fit in a backpack, making it easy to enjoy comfortable seating wherever adventure takes you. The Table One Hard Top is a highly portable camping table that weighs only 870 grams and also packs down compactly for carrying in a backpack, on a bike, or in a car boot.

Our Best New Gear guides are brought to you by David Vo and Catherine Baecker-Khoury.