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.
Ibex Tranquil Sweatshirt & Nomad Jogger
“With travel plans scheduled for the next few months (and a few of them red-eyes), I thought it was time I upgraded my travel clothes. I went with a two-piece set from Ibex. Their sweatshirt and joggers (in black, of course) are made with Merino wool, giving this outfit a luxurious feel but without too hefty of a pricetag. It’s exactly the right weight for a long flight, while also being naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. While some of my fellow airport compatriots may feel the need to dress up on flight and look down on the idea of wearing sweats on a plane, I’ll happily be napping in my window seat quite comfortably, thank you very much.” Buy: $142/$165
– Brett Braley-Palko, Style Editor
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Pendleton 1910 Rye Whisky
“I’ve found the perfect spring whisky sipper. Pendleton 1910 Rye has been aged at least 12 years, and it shows. I usually don’t like rye whiskies apart from mixers, but I’ve been taking a dram of this sublime elixir neat a few nights a week. It imparts charred oak, butterscotch, and some tasty tobacco without being overbearing or heavy. There’s just enough weight balanced with smoothness to make it my go-to right now. It’s very tough to beat for the price, and the ornate bottle is great to look at, as well as handle.” Buy: $41
– Amos Kwon, Auto/Watches Editor
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Death & Company Freezer Bar Bottle
“Death & Company’s Freezer Bar Bottle is billed by the brand as a measure, mix, freeze, and serve option so they can serve ‘their most spirituous drinks’ ahead of time. While there’s no denying that that’s brilliant from a marketing standpoint–and totally expected from a brand as renowned as Death & Co.–this is kind of like the pint glass/shaker lid combo thing with measurements on the side you can pick up at TJ MAXX any day of the week. And yet, even with all that said, I still want one or five for my home bar. Death & Co. could have sold a completely plain glass bottle for twenty bucks–without revealing any of their cocktail freezing secrets–and I still woulda send them money for it because the brand commands that kind of respect. But when you add in the recipes, you’re getting a steal at twice the price.” Buy: $20
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Fernet-Branca
“I just polished off my stash of Fernet so it’s time to resupply. While this purchase feels more like getting groceries than highlighting a unique new product, I do think it’s worth shouting out my favorite nightcap. If you haven’t hopped aboard the amaro train yet, I might recommend starting with something more accessible. Averna is a great option. But if you’re chasing that herbaceous paradise then grab yourself a bottle–or three–of fernet. There are plenty of excellent producers crafting their own renditions of this boozy, bitter delight. (Shoutout Faccia Brutto!) But the OG Fernet-Branca remains my personal favorite.” Buy: $36
– John A. Paradiso, Managing Editor
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Vasque Torre AT GTX Boots
“I have two pairs of Vasque Torre AT GTX Boots because they are simply the best. I haven’t worn a hiking boot this good, ever, and I’ve been through more than my fair share. When I got wind of the new Midnight Navy color, I pounced. While it boasts the same Vibram Wavelength II sole and Gore-Tex membrane as my other two pairs, the blue hue boldly sets it apart unlike any boot I’ve had before. They’re grippy as hell thanks to Megagrip Compound and a great lug pattern. and the comfort level is through the roof no matter how many miles you trek.” Buy: $220
– Amos Kwon, Auto/Watches Editor
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Osprey Hikelite 26
“I fall into that category of guys who enjoy a proper hike, but isn’t going to go out and spend a bunch of money on the most intricate gear with specialized features I’m likely never going to use. So much so that I would throw my hiking or camping stuff into a standard work backpack and call it a day. Osprey’s Hikelite 26-liter daypack covers all the basics in an aesthetic way and also made it clear to me that yes, pack design matters and can make a hike better (and, to be honest, carrying things without the intention of hiking, too). It has tensioned mesh to lessen the swamp back on a hot day, is made with certified sustainable materials, and has only the extras I need included in the functional design.” Buy: $130
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Egg Shop: The Cookbook
“Admittedly not the best timing as things still seem rather bleak in the egg world (or do they?). Nevertheless, this is still a very charming and thoughtfully crafted cookbook for any egg lover in your life. I happened to buy it on a whim as the Tiffany Blue-esqe cover seemed like a nice pop of color for my bookshelf, but I was very pleasantly surprised by its playful design and wide array of all egg related recipes. Boasting a fresh spin on eggs caviar, eggs Benedict, American omelets, egg salad, and, of course, the sunny side up, Egg Shop is definitely a cookbook worth cracking open.” Buy: $23
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