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.
Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
“Most of my work trips are one-nighters, and I prefer to pack light. That doesn’t mean Spartan, though. I needed a backpack that could carry my work clothes, a pair of shoes, and my laptop, all the while looking and feeling streamlined. The Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus 38L fit the bill and then some. It can hold up to a 16″ laptop, a day’s worth of clothes, a water bottle, and travel documents with ease. I love the compression straps that keep clothes neat, and the chest strap and waist belt help my aging back.” Buy: $300
– Amos Kwon, Auto/Watches Editor
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Return of the Obra Dinn
“In a happy coincidence, we recently spoke about this detective video game in a feature here at Cool Material and it happened to be on sale recently. So, I scooped it up and I’m very much looking forward to playing. Return of the Obra Dinn is a highly-praised independent game that has the player unravel the mystery of the Obra Dinn’s missing crew. The unique art-style and immersive gameplay set this game apart from so many other point-and-click mystery games and I’m thrilled to take the plunge into this compelling narrative.” Buy: $20
– John A. Paradiso, Managing Editor
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KAPITAL Reverse Fleece Big Sweat
“Sadly, one of my favorite online shops, Indigo & Cotton recently announced they’d be closing shop. To move their remaining inventory they ran a 40% off sale. I saw that as a good opportunity to pick up a piece of Kapital. And I’m glad I did. This sweatshirt is comfortable AF and fits perfectly.” Buy: $115
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Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Fry Pan
“As the chef in my family (ok, more like short-order cook), a good nonstick pan is a daily necessity. I have been through an insane number of them over the years, and the Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Fry Pan is, hands-down, the best of the best. My previous one lasted a decade, and I just replaced it. The triple-reinforced non-stick coating is remarkably durable but can perfectly cook the most delicate scrambled eggs and manage finicky scallops with ease. Most of the time, it doesn’t even need oil, and cleanup is a cinch. It’s not cheap, but it also means you won’t go through a pan a year.” Buy: $110+
– Amos Kwon, Auto/Watches Editor
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Craighill Headphone Stand
“Craighill is one of the few brands out there that seamlessly marries form and function. In my studio, I’m always losing my headphones and am usually in a panic right before an important Zoom, cursing myself with where the hell I put them. This headphone stand will surely reduce my stress while keeping my desk looking a little cooler for it. ” Buy: $88
– Brett Braley-Palko, Style Editor
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Psilouette Psilocybin Gummies
“Shrooms can be hard on the stomach, and depending on where you live, also hard to find. Both of those problems are solved with Psilouette for the psilocybin curious and those looking to safely microdose for a better general well being. The gummies, made with 0.5 milligrams of active ingredients derived from 75 milligrams of fruiting body mushrooms, are made in a way that skips the nausea and kicks in fast–about 15 minutes to be precise. A consultation helps guide you through everything you need to know as you take them. It’s the perfect microdose whether you want to opt for the nootropic or aphrodisiac option. Plus, since the dosing is consistent, it’s easy to eat them one by one until you find the right level you want to be at for desired mindset. The packs come with 32 gummies, making It an easy (it’s mailed right to your door) way to jump on the mushroom microdose train (even if it currently operates in a legal gray zone).”Buy: $40+
– Nickolaus Hines, Features Editor
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