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.
Nocs Standard Issue Waterproof Binoculars
“I am not a birdwatcher. Even the idea of having yet another piece of gear to carry on a hike just to spot things that are far away was not that appealing to me. But then I got to try out a friend’s Nocs and realized that it’s more than a little eye opening to see all the animals and details that are easily missed (or disappear entirely) when you get close. Plus, at only 12 ounces and less than 5 inches long, it’s easy to forget these are even in my bag until I want them.” Buy: $95
– Nickolaus Hines, Features Editor
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Snake and Jake's Christmas Club Lounge Canvas Print
“When you can’t be at your favorite dive bar, you can still lustily stare at it on your wall. Or at least that’s the chief impetus behind my recent purchase of this fine photographic representation of the most glorious dive bar in New Orleans – if not the world – Snake and Jake’s. Those familiar with the iconic dive will no doubt recall its legendary antics including beer-drinking dogs, free drinks to nude patrons, and a wild anything-goes ethos under year-round Christmas lights that is in far too short a supply these days. Bottom line: When you’re stumbling out of this delightfully ramshackle watering hole in the blazing New Orleans sunlight at 7 AM, you know you’ve had a good night. And when you’re not, you can at least look at this photo on your wall and smile.” Buy: $73
– Jay Gentile, Sales Director
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Filson Vintage Flannel Work Shirt
“I get myself one Filson Vintage Flannel Work Shirt every fall because it is the most comfortable, most decadent, and warmest plaid flannel shirt money can buy. The thick 8.5oz heavily brushed cotton twill is super soft and as warm as a sweater. It’s now a slightly more trim fit but still provides enough freedom of movement for outdoor chores. The chunky buttons are easy to secure, and the large flap chest pockets are big enough to hold a can of beer (first hand experience). It’s easily my favorite plaid shirt.” Buy: $165
– Amos Kwon, Auto/Watches Editor
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WTFATC World Class Shorts
“North Carolina still has the occasional warm day even in the middle of Autumn – so, yeah, I decided to pick up a flashy pair of shorts. In fact, I’ve had my eyes on these shorts for quite some time. Who The Fuck Are Tens Clubs? (aka WTFATC) are a relatively new brand that do one thing and they do it well. They make one hell of a pair of soccer shorts. Their first release sold out in minutes so I missed out. But, I managed to scoop up their second release, this time in a lovely forest green. I’m a big fan of brands that fully commit to one thing and present a fully cohesive identity. WTFATC do that phenomenally. And their shorts are ridiculously comfy and look really great.” Buy: $75
– John A. Paradiso, Managing Editor
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RoToTo Pile Camo Crew Socks
“Temps dropped last week in Philly and I want to keep wearing my new sandals so I figured I’d get a hold of some new socks. I’ve purchased Rototo’s before and have always been pleased with them. This camo pair looks good when you’re giving a bit of a peak, they’re thick af, and long enough so that they don’t slouch. They’re like sweaters, but for your feet.” Buy: $28
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A Rabbit's Foot
“Lately, I have enjoyed the longform pieces from online and print “bookazine” A Rabbit’s Foot. Founded by producer, writer, and filmmaker Charles Finch, this publication is so fully formed, it’s hard to believe it launched just this year. With insightful looks at classic cinema and a decidedly high-brow take on cultural topics ranging from the lasting appeal of Sophia Loren to Peggy Guggenheim’s Lhasa Apso, and large profile “gets” like Wes Anderson, A Rabbit’s Foot has its eyes turned backward on the Golden Age of cinema while searching for the same beauty in our modern era.” Read
– Brett Braley-Palko, Style Editor
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Morakniv Garberg Black Carbon Fixed Blade Knife
“I’m spending more time learning the art of bush-crafting these days, and I wanted to add a smaller full tang knife to my kit to complement the larger ones, so I chose Moraniv’s Garberg. The 4.3″ blackened DLC drop point carbon blade is tough and corrosion resistant, and the carbon content makes it great for firestarting. I love it because you can still baton wood and also do finer work like carve and filet. The grippy handle feels great in the hand, and the highly versatile Multi-Mount Sheath provides numerous carry options.” Buy: $112
– Amos Kwon, Auto/Watches Editor
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Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
“I know they now brand it as ‘Celebration IPA’ but it will always be Celebration Ale to me. I always start looking for this beer the week before Halloween. Yes, it is old school and many IPA’s are bigger and bolder. But for me, it signals the start of the holiday season, it pairs really well with Thanksgiving dinner, and most importantly, it’s delicious. I will be going through a couple of cases for sure.” Buy: $11
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Baboon To The Moon Go-Bag
“A friend of mine recently blew through Chicago for the weekend with this bag in tow touting it had enough space for ‘all of the travel and Chicago take home essentials.’ I was dubious at first, but after watching the seemingly already filled bag devour all the Chicago favorites like Affy Tapples, Giardineria, Malort and the like without losing a step, I was convinced this was the bag I wanted to be traveling with in the future. Bonus points because it’s built out of a ballistic shell material that’s secured with universal double stitch construction. In other words, this is the perfect travel bag.” Buy: $159
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ASOEOSA Aromatherapy Candle 6-Pack
“What. A. Steal. I thought they just happened to be on sale when I first purchased my set, but, no, they’re still less than $30! And (talk about even more bang for your 20 bucks) each one comes with its own unique scent and a 25 hour burn time. The designer in me especially appreciates the packaging and presentation. The clean typography, kraft paper label, and amber glass jar just lend themselves so perfectly to a whole variety of interior styles. So, sick Diptyque, bro, but there are some cool options out there that won’t always break the bank.” Buy: $24
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Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Midweight Half-Zip
“I’ve got a 10k coming up with my daughter. Running at this time is weird. It’s not hot anymore but not so cold that my Raynaud’s kicks in. I need a long sleeve shirt that is comfortable enough for a long run but not something I want to tear off during the route. The Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Midweight Half-Zip is like a well-worn pair of running shoes. Good looking, comfortable, and meant to be worn near daily. Midweight and well-ventilated to keep the air flowing during that long run, sweat-wicking and nearly chafe-resistant. Not to mention the thumbholes to keep your hand slightly warmer. If you want to get out on the road or trails in this colder weather, layer up with one of these.” Buy: $118
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