Best New Gear: January 2020

A new decade is upon us, and what a start with January’s new offerings. Convertible carry, slick EDC pieces, and savvy additions to your wardrobe are just some of the month’s best new gear…

Urban

master-piece Rumble NO.01400-tw Backpack

Expert Japanese carry crafters master-piece have released this limited edition Rumble Backpack to cater to your everyday and overnight needs. Made with durable, water-resistant Mastertex, it’s ready for the commute, the gym and short trips. Top and side access and a range of external pockets keep gear within easy reach, while the slick military-meets-streetstyle vibes will turn heads wherever you roam.

master-piece 25th Anniversary Model Potential Black Leopard Backpack

Want to prowl the urban jungle in carry style? Make sure to pounce on master-piece’s 25th Anniversary Model Potential Backpack before it’s gone. The eye-catching pack combines a black leopard print with a versatile design that suits everyday and travel use. The bag can be carried as a backpack or briefcase-style, with a luggage pass-through for travel ease. The main compartment lays flat for easy packing, while a variety of pockets are available for organizing your gear.

ACUNEO x UNCAR COMPOUNDED Backpack

Minimalist in styling but packed with features, this pack will draw the urban commuter and weekend explorer alike. The clean silhouette is complemented by a wide-opening hinged compartment that provides convenient access to your gear. Organization is also well covered, with plenty of pockets to store items neatly and securely.

côte&ciel Tara L

côte&ciel’s signature blend of fashion-conscious style and everyday functionality is well on display with the Tara L shoulder bag. Its intriguing fortune cookie silhouette reveals a dual compartment design that houses a variety of small EDC or travel essentials. A savvy pick for the stylish carry minimalist.

Everyday

WP Standard Leather Rucksack Backpack

Inspired by military rucksacks but with a contemporary look and feel, WP Standard’s Leather Rucksack Backpack is a statement piece designed for the long haul. It features a drawstring closure and buckle flap, with two front pockets for frequently used items. And that handsome full-grain leather will look even better as the years roll on.

Bedouin Foundry Balian Sling

Missed out on our killer collab with Bedouin Foundry? Well thanks to high demand you’re in luck, as Bedouin have a small batch of Balian Slings at the ready to make your own. Dyneema and Italian vegetable-tanned leather make up the exterior of this handsome EDC companion. However, this time round the sling features a black and white crank pattern lining (as opposed to our collab orange and black) and the ‘X Carryology’ branding hits.

SSCY Tack Triangle

Love totes? Love backpacks? Get the benefits of both in the SSCY Tack Triangle. This convertible tote backpack lets you easily swap between carry modes and also offers a front open slot to store bulkier items such as outer layers or a yoga mat. Plus you can clip the corners together to create a smaller silhouette. Made with unique twill woven Japanese nylon that provides structure and an enticing handfeel, this is a clever carry piece that does well balancing style and multifunctional design.

Osprey Arcane Tote Pack and Arcane Duffel Pack

Osprey makes the push towards greater carry sustainability with their Arcane Tote Pack and Arcane Duffel Pack. Both bags are made with 100% recycled fabrics with a PFC-free DWR coating. As the name suggests, the Arcane Tote Pack doubles as a tote bag and backpack, while the Arcane Duffel Pack can be carried as a duffel or backpack and features a clamshell opening for packing ease.

Quoddy Maine Woods Boot

Winter isn’t kind to your feet. But consider yourself well prepared with a pair of Quoddy Maine Woods Boots. Built to handle harsh weather, these 100% waterproof boots are made by hand with Horween leather uppers, Vibram outsoles, and waterproof internal booties. And with their suave styling, you’ll look darn fine stepping out during winter excursions.

Wellen Dawn Patrol Fleece

If you want a trusty fleece to keep you cozy during outdoor and urban wanderings alike, the Wellen Dawn Patrol Fleece is an enticing pick. And get set for even more warm and fuzzy feelings knowing it’s made from deadstock fabric that would otherwise end up in landfill. Not to mention less environmental impact in the manufacturing process.

Mission Workshop Eiger

Mission Workshop salutes military history but delivers a modern twist for urban environments with their Eiger jacket. Based on the classic military field jacket, it comes in two technical fabric options and features fully taped seams and an adjustable hood. The Gray and Charcoal colorways feature Swiss-made Schoeller c_change™ fabric that includes a heat reactive, waterproof yet breathable membrane for temperature regulation. The Black Como colorway features a textured black textile made in Italy especially for Mission Workshop. Technical in nature, refined and timeless in style, the Eiger is a smart addition to both your everyday and travel wardrobe.

686 Men’s Bottoms

Pick the right pair of pants and they’ll be your secret carry weapon. Just like the men’s bottoms from 686. A host of carefully integrated pockets let you carry a variety of items on your person, keeping them accessible yet discreet on the go. Plus they double as both travel and everyday pants, with features such as 4-way stretch, breathability, and water and stain resistance ensuring you stay comfy and prepared throughout the day and night.

Active

Proof Meridian Hoodie

From workouts to weekend meanderings around town, this Proof Meridian Hoodie is another fine addition to their versatile collection. Designed to accommodate casual and active use, the hoodie features inbuilt stretch, a tailored fit, an adjustable hood, and a soft cotton blend construction to keep you warm wherever the day takes you.

Proof Meridian Joggers

Want the perfect partner to the Meridian Hoodie? Meet the Meridian Joggers. Also featuring a tailored fit, inbuilt stretch, and soft cotton blend, you’ll feel equally comfy getting active or kicking back to relax. Pockets are on hand to stash essentials and the adjustable drawcord gives a dialed-in fit.

FREITAG F660 JIMMY

FREITAG jumps into the world of sports carry with the F660 JIMMY. This tough gym bag is made with recycled truck tarps and material crafted from recycled PET bottles. A large exterior pocket stores frequently used items, while the main compartment features a zippered pocket to store wet or dirty items separately.

Chrome Industries Urban EX Tombstone Pack

Need a burly hauler built for rugged city use? One that laughs in the face of drenching weather and works equally well on and off the bike? Chrome Industries serves up the Urban EX Tombstone Pack for your carry consideration. The pack’s Knurled Welded construction protects the contents from the elements, with an interior padded 13″ laptop sleeve and additional pockets storing your daily gear.

Imperial Motion Borealis Reflective Backpack

Staying visible in low-light conditions is important, which is where this useful pack comes in with its reflective shell. In addition to reflectivity, the practical design lends itself to a variety of uses, from commute carry to day trips on your days off. Separate laptop storage keeps tech at the ready too, with space for a 15″ device.

Outdoors

Alpin Mountain Co. Ascent Pack VX-21

If you appreciate adaptable volume and easy access in an outdoor pack, the Ascent Pack is well worth considering. And now it’s gotten a nifty style and construction update courtesy of abrasion-resistant X50 sides and a VX-21 body. Tough yet lightweight and built to thrive in inclement weather, this is a great go-to option for a variety of outdoor adventures.

Mystery Ranch Tower 47 Pack

Keen for a burly, organized crag pack that will comfortably carry all your gear wherever you need to go? Mystery Ranch steps up for adventure duty with the Tower 47 Pack. An adjustable Futura harness and removable alpine belt keep the load secure and comfy over extended carry periods. Removable compression straps and front daisy chains provide flexibility for a range of carry loads. And you don’t need to worry about access, as top and front openings let you easily pack and reach gear throughout the bag.

Mystery Ranch Skyline 23 Pack

If you’re after a smaller climbing daypack that still offers solid durability and access, consider the Skyline 23 Pack. Top and side compression straps let you secure a rope externally, while additional attachment points let you secure tools and extra items for easy access. Speaking of access, a Rip Zip opening provides quick access to the main compartment. A ventilated back panel, padded shoulder straps and removable webbing waist belt keep the load comfy and stable while you’re on the move.

Photography

Mystery Ranch DSLR Chest Rig

Not being able to access your camera can mean missing epic shots. But that’s not a problem with Mystery Ranch’s DSLR Chest Rig. Three carry options let you get flexible with your carry. Use the harness to keep gear quickly accessible on your chest, the shoulder strap to sling it conveniently over your shoulder, or the included straps to secure it to your backpack harness for all-in-one portability.

Travel

Pebblebee Found GPS Tracker

Want to keep track of your valuables? Hunt down lost luggage? Provide location updates during solo hikes? Pebblebee’s Found GPS Tracker is designed to help you do all this and more. The rechargeable global tracker tracks only when required to do so, allowing it to run up to 12 months on a single charge. It provides left behind alerts to your phone, an inbuilt speaker for audio alerts, and requires no subscription to use. Short-range tracking is via Bluetooth up to 1000 feet, while tracking distant and moving items is via a secure low-energy network.

Imperial Motion Layover Travel Bag

Layovers can be a drag. But with Imperial Motion’s Layover Travel Bag by your side, trips will become a lot more enjoyable. Three carry options including backpack, duffel and shoulder bag mode help you conveniently get gear where it needs to go. A clamshell main compartment, quick-access top compartment and range of pockets make accessing gear quick and simple, while the water-resistant 900D polyester canvas construction embraces tough travel use.

EDC

Leatherman Charge+ Damascus

Leatherman brings beautiful functionality to your carry setup with their limited edition Charge+ Damascus. Available in two striking options each produced in just 300 pieces, the multi-tool features American Damascus knife steel blades. One option features blue PVD coating and carbon fiber handles, while the other option features walnut-finished wood handles and gold PVD coating.

Terrain 365™ Otter Slip Joint

Founded by knifemaker Michael Vagnino and Patrick Ma (co-founder of Prometheus Design Werx), Terrain 365™ offers practical edged tools for everyday and outdoor use. Their latest offering is the Otter Slip Joint, a technical take on the Barlow knife pattern. Simple, practical and versatile, it’s a low-maintenance tool for urban EDC and outdoor adventures alike. The pocket knife features a 3-inch rustproof Terravantium™ blade with dual nail nicks, titanium liners, a titanium lanyard bail, and a choice of five handle options including titanium, carbon fiber, G10 Black, G10 Marine Gray, as well as OD Green G10 (which is exclusive to Prometheus Design Werx).

SILCA Titanium Straw Set

Carrying your own straws is an easy way to integrate sustainability into your lifestyle by cutting out single-use plastics. And this eye-catching SILCA Titanium Straw Set lets you do so in style. They’re made from upcycled waste material from SILCA’s SICURO Titanium Bottle Cage manufacturing process. Dishwasher-safe and available in a choice of colorways, they’re a great fashion-conscious, sustainable EDC addition.

CARD20 TWS Bluetooth Headphones

Headphones are often bulky and a hassle to carry every day. But the CARD20 earphones offer a super slim, lightweight alternative. Stored in a case that’s just 0.5 inches thick, each earphone weighs only 0.1 oz. Designed to stay secure and comfortable even during active use, the water-resistant earphones last 4 hours on a charge, with over 16 hours of listening time through the charging case.

Matador Better Tether™ Gear Straps and Re-Ties™ Reusable Zip Ties

Need to tie items together? Don’t want to resort to single-use plastic zip ties or fussing around with string, rope and bungee cords? Matador have two handy solutions to make attaching items together much easier. Matador Re-Ties™ are reusable rubber zip ties that can be used to secure items together or attach items to bags. The Matador Better Tether is a 6-foot (2m) nylon strap that can be tightened or loosened on either end, allowing you to attach a variety of items together for carrying in both urban and outdoor environments.

The Brown Buffalo EDC COBRA® Keeper

Tired of misplacing your keys? The Brown Buffalo solves the problem with the EDC COBRA® Keeper. The keyring attaches securely to belts and bags and features an AustriAlpin quick-release Cobra buckle for rapid access to keys and other small essentials on the go.

Office

Bexar Goods Driftwood Porter Satchel

There’s no denying Bexar Goods’ Porter Satchel is a thing of beauty. And now you can enjoy it in a striking new Driftwood colorway. Hand-stitched in Texas, this handsome hauler is made with 9-ounce vegetable-tanned harness leather and brass hardware. Smart enough for the boardroom and tough enough for weekend roaming, it’s an investment piece built for a lifetime of carry adventures.