While 2020 was a slow, aching crawl forward, 2021 is a rapid sprint. (How is it June already?) And as we quickly approach the start of summer, one thing is clear. Some of the year’s best gear releases have already happened. From the latest in tech, fashion, EDC, and more, we’ve rounded up the new gear we’re excited about in 2021. Whether you’re hunting for the best multi-tool or need some camping upgrades, we’ve got you covered.
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Sonos Roam
One of the most anticipated audio tech releases of the spring was Sonos’ first truly portable smart speaker. The Sonos Roam brings the high-quality audio we’ve come to expect from Sonos in a small, sleek, powerful package. With a durable, waterproof build the Roam is a go-anywhere speaker perfect for your next adventure. On its own, the Roam is a solid, handheld speaker but we think it works best when added to an existing Sonos setup. Connect with your indoor speakers and bring the Roam to the backyard to keep the party moving.
$169
Leatherman Bond
We were thrilled to learn that the legacy multi-tool brand was releasing a new piece of gear in spring 2021. We’ve long been fans of Leatherman and we were even more excited that they’d be revisiting the tool that started it all: founder Tim Leatherman’s original PST multi-tool. The newly released Leatherman Bond is an updated, redesigned version of the PST with the essential tools and a sleek modern design. Included are the classics: pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, knife, file, and more. Plus, the lightweight body and wallet-friendly price makes the Leatherman Bond the ideal entry-level multi-tool.
$50
Dims Dusen Dusen x Cleo Chair
Design incubator Dims has been reimaging modern home essentials for a few years now. And their latest release for spring 2021 is one of our favorite Dims pieces. The studio linked up with artful, brilliant designer Ellen Van Dusen for a colorful riff on their Cleo chair. The Dusen Dusen x Cleo is a technicolor reimaging of the original dining chair crafted by Stine Aas. Each piece is individually hand-finished for a chair that feels cohesive and bubbly. The chair is currently sold out but Dims has a waitlist that folks can join for first dibs.
$585
Apple iMac 24-inch
Speaking of colorful releases, Apple’s spring rebrand of their iMac was a welcome surprise. The ultra-thin iMac 24-inch recalls the colorful backs of the tech company’s OG desktops now in seven chic colorways. Powered by Apple’s M1 chip, the new iMac promises to be a high-performance computer with all the bells and whistles you’ve come to expect from Apple. That means 4.5k retina displays, a 1080p camera, a six-speaker system, and more. Plus, included with the colorful desktop is a color-matched magic keyboard and Apple’s standard magic mouse.
$1,299+
Oddfellows Boozy Capsule
Oddfellows latest ice cream release is inspired by the world of spirits. The Boozy Capsule recreates cocktails from some of the world’s most famous bars in ice cream form. That means a cranberry-lime sorbet infused with Absolut Citron and Cointreau. And coffee ice cream infused with Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur and Oloroso Sherry with gems of Manuka Honey. Individual flavors of the limited-edition ice cream are available by the pint at Oddfellows’ NYC and Boston locations but you can order the whole 6-pint set online.
$90
Easy Wine 12-Pack
We’ve found our official drink of the summer. Earlier this spring, the folks behind Shacksbury, one of the countries best cider makers, debuted Easy Wine, a light, canned wine perfect for “leisure time.” The branding is on-point and the product itself is stellar. A light, spritz-y sparkling wine, Easy Wine is made from California-grown grapes and packaged in 12oz. cans.
$60
Mom Grass Pre-Rolled CBG Joint
For Mother’s Day 2021, our favorite CBD brand Dad Grass introduced the next iteration of their organic hemp smokables: Mom Grass. These pre-rolled joints are made with CBG, “the mother of all cannabinoids.” CBG, or cannabigerol, chill, soothing, non-psychoactive vibes – the perfect complement to Dad Grass’s CBD joints and herb.
$10
Omsom x Pepper Teigen Krapow 4-pack
The colorful brand Omsom has been delighting the editors of food magazines for close to a year and recently launched a collaboration with Pepper Teigen (yep, Chrissy Teigen’s mom). In late spring 2021, Omsom released the Krapow starter, a pouch of seasonings and sauces used as a shortcut to making this chili basil stir-fry. Plus, the Krapow starter includes naturally occurring MSG and is part of Omsom’s mission to shed the stigma of MSG. Omsom’s starters make weeknight meals easy and the Pepper Teigen collab is an easy addition to your pantry arsenal.
$18
Sea to Summit Telos TR 2
Sea to Summit announced their first series of tents, much to the pleasure of backpackers everywhere. The outdoor brand brought their adventure expertise to these roomy, versatile, lightweight tents. The Telos 2-person tent is a perfect mid-level backpacking tent that is a cinch to set up and should last years of use.
$500
BioLite FirePit+
The BioLite FirePit+ is an upgraded, budget-friendly version of the brand’s beloved OG FirePit. This painstakingly crafted wood & charcoal burning fire pit delivers the feel of a normal campfire–without any of the smoke. And, with Bluetooth capabilities, you can control the temperature remotely. It’s an ingenious piece of gear that we’re sure will be the cornerstone of many backyard parties.
$187
Adidas 4DFWD
A few weeks back Adidas announced its latest edition to the 4D line of sneakers. Using a 3D-printed lattice midsole, the 4DFWD shoe propels you forward thanks to the carefully engineered construction of the sole. Plus, Adidas built the shoe with its trademark Primeknit upper for extra support and structure. The shoe was released in a limited-edition drop and is currently sold out but you can sign up for email announcements if and when the shoe returns.
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Citizen 'Star Wars' Watches
Citizen’s retro “May the Fourth” watch release was an instant favorite for the Cool Material team. Based on the classic industry-standard 1980s watch silhouette and incorporating both analog and digital features, the “Rebel Pilot” and “Trench Run” watches combine nostalgia and performance for a surefire conversation-starter timepiece.
$350+
Truff Black Truffle Olive Oil
The design-forward hot sauce company Truff surprised everyone with their latest addition to their line of condiments: Black Truffle Olive Oil. Featuring the brand’s classy bottle designs and high-quality ingredients we’ve come to expect from one of the best hot sauce makers, the truffle oil rounds out your cooking staples.
$25
NOCS Zoom Tube
We found our latest adventure essential in the recently released NOCS Provisions Zoom Tube. This waterproof, rugged monocular offers crisp, clear visuals for birdwatchers, hikers, and any outdoors enthusiasts. Plus, the Zoom Tube can function as a manual zoom for your smartphone’s camera. Available in a variety of colorful options, the Zoom Tube is one of our favorite springtime releases.
$75
Huckberry x Chaco Agave Sandals
Earlier this spring one of our favorite eCommerce brands collaborated with one of our favorite sandal brands for a summer-ready release. The Huckberry x Chaco Agave sandals were released as slides and full-strap options with vegan-friendly construction and also feature Agave-patterned olive webbing. Plus, thanks to Chaco’s engineering, they can withstand the wear and tear of the trail. Or the comfort of a backyard cookout.
$60+
Fellow Clara French Press
We’re huge fans of Fellow’s sleek and precise coffee grinders and electric kettles. So, we were excited to see the coffee brand release a chic French Press this spring. The Clara is an easy-to-use, thoughtfully-designed French Press perfect for hot coffee or even cold brew. And, it’ll look great resting on your kitchen counter.
$99
Rowing Blazers Crêperie Sweater
Rowing Blazers’ nostalgia-laced summer 2021 release sees the clothing brand lean in to their Ivy league prep style in the best way possible. We love nearly every piece, including their collaborations with legendary footwear brand Sperry, but among our favorites is this cotton knit crêperie sweater. Now all we need is a coffee and sweet treat to start our summer day.
$248
Jam Jazz? Hat
Los Angeles-based design brand Jam, founded by graphic artist Sam Jayne, released its latest capsule a few weeks back and drew inspiration from all things earthy. In some cases literally with Jam’s “Earth Burners.” While the entire capsule is excellent a standout piece is the two-tone Jazz? Hat. It’s sure to become a headware staple this summer.
$45
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40
Fujifilm brought back some charming nostalgia with its recently released Instax Mini 40. This instant camera has all that bulky beauty of the classic versions and updated tech for the modern age. The one-touch selfie mode and selfie mirror is an excellent touch and definitely brings back the joy of the instant camera.
$100
Wiggle Room Birch Coffee Table
While we love Wiggle Room’s vibrant, colorful releases, their latest natural wood tables add a restrained elegance to any home setup. The Birch Coffee Table, in particular, with its whimsical waves and rounded legs feels youthful without being childish. It’s a perfect complement to a colorful loveseat or lounge chair and adds a summery elegance to your living space.
$720+
