

John Zientek
Managing Editor
John Zientek has worked on Gear Patrol’s editorial staff since 2015. His passion for manufacturing, design, and the creative process has taken him from remote towns to major cities worldwide to tell stories about the people, places, and cultures that shape superlative products. When not helping guide Gear Patrol’s editorial strategy, he enjoys loud music indoors, soft music outdoors, and life’s natural song when there’s no music at all. You can often find him cooking outdoors or walking near large bodies of water in Northern California.
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Factory Tour: How Red Wing Makes Its Boots
We go inside the Red Wing, Minnesota, factory of Red Wing Heritage Boots to see the process of crafting an iconic American boot.
By John Zientek
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We Asked an Expert Designer How to Layer This Fall
Designer Eiichiro Homma shares advice for successfully transitioning from summer to fall.
By John Zientek
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Footwear
We Cut 5 Great Boots in Half to See What Makes a Quality Pair
Explore Cemented, Blake/McKay, True Moccasin, Goodyear Welt and Stitchdown constructions.
By John Zientek
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How to Wash Your Jeans, According to an Expert
You’ve invested in your denim, so learn how to wash it.
By John Zientek
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These Board Shorts Are Trusted by the Best Surfers in the World
Outerknown's best-selling Apex Trunks were designed by 11-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater.
By John Zientek
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How an Iconic, American Hat Is Made
Walking the production line at one of the biggest hat factories in the US.
By John Zientek
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Food & Drink
The Glossary of Grilling: Everything You Need for Amazing Outdoor Feasts
These terms, advice, expert opinions and products will guarantee the tastiest summer ever.
By Tyler Chin, Will Price, Jack Seemer, and John Zientek
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The Cure for an Uptight Wardrobe? Tie-Dye
Now more than ever, designers are embracing the free nature of tie-dye patterns in a range of garments and accessories.
By John Zientek and Evan Malachosky
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Outdoors
Danner’s Trail 2650 Is a Solid Hiking Shoe for a Variety of Trails
The ideal interplay of durability, protection and weight.
By John Zientek
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Steve McQueen’s Iconic Persol Sunglasses Now Come in New Colors
The Steve McQueen Special Edition series features five colors inspired by the King of Cool.
By John Zientek
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How to Shop from Stores in Japan (and Save Money)
Buying products from Japan is notoriously difficult, especially for US shoppers, but a few sites make it easier — and an all-time low exchange rate makes it enticing.
By John Zientek
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Outdoors
The Helinox Chair One Is Our Favorite Camping Chair
Lightweight, portable and incredibly easy to set up.
By John Zientek
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Outdoors
The AeroPress Go Is the Best Coffee Maker for Camping
It's portable, it's durable, and it makes a damn fine cup of coffee.
By John Zientek
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Food & Drink
This Is the Ideal Portable Pizza Oven If You Love Pizza
This 44-pound oven can reach up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit and cook a Neapolitan-style pizza in one minute.
By John Zientek
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Outdoors
The Best Mushroom Coffees to Start Your Morning Right
Harness the power of adaptogens (and caffeine!) with these forward-thinking brews.
By Hayley Helms and John Zientek
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Can Better Denim Change the World? Levi’s Is Betting on It
Paul Dillinger has given himself the impossible task of transforming the global apparel business into a cleaner, more ethical and more sustainable industry.
By John Zientek
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No, You Don’t Need Polarized Sunglasses. Get These Instead
Polarized sunglasses aren’t the end all, be all outdoor eyewear solution.
By John Zientek
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The Oxford Shirt Is a Versatile Essential
This classic cotton button-down can be worn a million ways.
By Evan Malachosky and John Zientek