Every week there are dozens of new and exciting pieces of gear. But are they actually worth buying? Trust the team at Cool Material to help you find the latest and greatest releases in a recurring column: What We’re Buying.
Exped Deepsleep Mat Duo
“Our family goes camping twice a year, and it’s always a challenge to get comfortable sleeping on thin foam pads. I hate bringing giant air mattresses because that’s just not camping, either. This year EXPED came to the rescue with its Deepsleep Mat Duo 7.5. It’s plenty wide for me and my 6-foot, 200-lb frame, and the edge-to-edge comfort is supreme with the right balance of cushion and support. The accessory pump is small but makes quick work of things, and the large deflation valve helps with fast camp breakdown. I’ll never go foam again.” Buy: $280
– Amos Kwon, Auto/Watches Editor
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Malibu Suede Vegan Sandals
“I’ve been looking for a good pair of sandals for a while now and, for some reason, Birks just don’t work on me. I recently came across an Instagram account who was wearing these sandals and decided to give them a go. Man are they comfortable and they look good on me. I typically prefer real leather because I like the patina you gain after months of wear, so we’ll have to see how these wear in after time. In the meantime, these are my new favorite wheels.” Buy: $130
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Swoveralls Corduroy Overalls
“Look, I’ve been ready for fall since, like, June, so being able to get my autumn wardrobe together is always my favorite part of this time of year. With pumpkin picking and leaf raking on the horizon, I wanted a comfortable outfit that looked a little nicer than an old flannel and some sweatpants. I opted to get some corduroy overalls last week and I’ve worn them three times already this week (for reference, it’s only Tuesday when I’m writing this). The corduroy gives it a little bit of structure and design while the generous cut of the overalls allows for me to move — and stretch out on the couch — with ease. I like to pair it with a waffle-knit henley underneath but I’m thinking just a plain white tee would look just as good on the sunnier days this fall.” Buy: $128
– Brett Braley-Palko, Style Editor
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Marshall Stanmore III
“While I am in no way an expert in sound systems, I bought this speaker because I wanted something nice to play music in my house other than my tiny iPhone speakers. This compact little bad boy delivers the right sound in the right size that looks great sitting on top of a bookcase, but isn’t so huge that it overpowers the whole room. Been rocking out for a while now with no complaints. As for the neighbors? Well, that’s an entirely different question.” Buy: $380
– Jay Gentile, Sales Director
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Metal Cutting Shear
“The family pool sprung a hole just in time for the end of swimming season. Before looking into getting a new one, I was left with the task of demoing the existing structure. These shears made very short work of the pool walls. Highly recommended for taking down an above ground pool or any sheet metal project you may have on the horizon.” Buy: $44
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Rhodes Footwear Portland Boot
“I’ve been breaking these in since the first hint of a chill in the air. They garner attention and compliments without being too flashy, but are also sturdy and up for a beating. They’ve served me equally well while hauling furniture and industrial-size barbecue equipment as they have while brewery hopping in the rain. I have a feeling these will become my everyday boot for many falls and winters to come. And the best part is they only keep getting better looking with wear.” Buy: $220
– Nickolaus Hines, Features Editor
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Proper Cloth Japanese 11oz Washed Grey Stretch Jeans
“I literally hate buying jeans. It’s like a roll of the dice. I decided to get a pair from Proper Cloth because, literally, nothing I have ever bought from them has been a disappointment. I picked up a pair of their new Japanese 11oz Washed Grey Stretch Jeans. They’re substantial enough for the cooler months and with the right amount of stretch that lets you know they’re jeans and not denim-like sweats. You can choose your measurements and your preferred fit, plus the slight fade and whiskering are just right. They nailed my fit perfectly. The materials quality and the custom fit make them totally worth the money.” Buy: $225
– Amos Kwon, Auto/Watches Editor
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Percival Flannel Workshirt
“After recently discovering UK menswear brand Percival I’ve been pleasantly surprised with their range of styles and quality craftsmanship. My new favorite piece is their Flannel Workshirt made from a blend of Italian wool and perfectly suited for the crisp fall weather. The Omega Check Houndstooth pattern, in particular, is striking and the fit is just perfect. Plus, it’s heavy enough to be worn on its own or it can be layered with a sweater underneath or an overcoat on top. These Flannel Workshirts are selling quickly so if you want one for this Autumn you’d better act fast.” Buy: $230
– John A. Paradiso, Managing Editor
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Snow Peak Lounge Cushion
“I’ll admit that I originally bought the Lounge Cushion more for aesthetic as opposed to purpose. But, hey, ¿por qué no los dos? It looks great and it feels even better! Even though we’ve covered Snow Peak extensively on the site, I’ve always assumed their beautiful Japanese-designed camping products would be lost on me as I am not, uh, ‘outdoorsy.’ But that notion has definitely changed as a result of this purchase, and now I suggest you other non-campers get on board as well!” Buy: $65
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adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers
“Forget everything you thought you knew when it comes to “not wearing white after Labor Day” and slip into a pair of crispy white adidas Originals Stan Smith sneakers. Made with high-performance recycled materials, an innovative, more sustainable rubber compound and a pattern as stylish as it is distinctive, these kicks check each and every one of the boxes while still being available for around twenty percent off per pair. Even better, this particular pair of three stripes works well with jeans, chinos, blazers, tees, button-downs, button-ups and, well, everything else you could imagine pairing with a crispy pair of bright white kicks.” Buy: $70
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