jgt Courtesy

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The 79 Products We Recommended Above All Others in 2020

We test thousands of products every year. These select few earned our highest seal of approval.

Every year, our team reviews thousands of products for our growing archive of roundups and buying guides, which cover everything from office chairs to coolers to soundbars.

We do our best to cater to myriad shoppers, including those with budgets — and those without. However, every guide on Gear Patrol now includes a best overall option, designated by a badge that reads “Just Get This.”

Products with this seal balance a number of different factors, including price, functionality and, sometimes, aesthetics. Here are those picks for all of 2020, compiled into one list for easy shopping.

Home & Kitchen

office chairWayfair

Steelcase Series 1 Ergonomic Mesh Task Chair

Steelcase’s entry-level office chair, the Series 1, combines looks, comfort and ergo-friendly features not usually found in a chair under $500 into one very strong value proposition.

MORE OFFICE CHAIRS

mattressSaatva

Saatva Classic Mattress

Saatva’s flagship mattress combines comfort with luxury touches, so you really feel like you’re getting what you pay for.

MORE MATTRESSES

Coway Airmega AP-1512HHSAmazon

Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS

The Airmega AP-1512HHS offers some of the best air purification at its price point, and it does so in rooms up to 361 square feet. Plus, its small build makes it easy to tuck away. 

MORE AIR PURIFIERS

Field Cast Iron SkilletCourtesy

Field Company Cast Iron Skillet

Field Company’s cast iron is lighter, smoother and simpler than that of many new brands. It also manages to keep its prices lower relative to some of its high-minded competition. 

MORE CAST-IRON SKILLETS

Tojiro DP GyutouAmazon

Tojiro DP Gyutou

You will be hard-pressed to find a blade that’s made better than this one for under $100. It offers full-tang VG10 stainless steel tempered and cut to a thin, violently sharp edge that lasts.

MORE KITCHEN KNIVES

Oxo 8-cup Coffee MakerAmazon

Oxo 8-Cup Coffee Maker

This SCA-approved coffee maker is incredibly simple to use with just four buttons. The machine’s metallic body and clean lines look good on the countertop, and it doesn’t eat up a ton of space.

MORE COFFEE MAKERS

Baratza EncoreCrate & Barrel

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder

It’s not cheap, but no grinder under $200 can chew through beans as reliably as the Encore, which boasts high-quality stainless-steel burrs and 40 grind settings.

MORE COFFEE GRINDERS

Delta Cycle MichelangeloAmazon

Delta Michelangelo Gravity Stand

This is the only wall-mounting indoor storage option that doesn’t require installation. Instead, the rack works with gravity, using the weight of the bikes to create a stable downward force that can support two bicycles.

MORE BIKE RACKS

gravity blanket gear patrolGravity Blanket

Gravity Blanket

Gravity weighs you down, so logically, a blanket with the same name is the heavyweight of this competition. Its soft and plush, and what we dream of wrapping ourselves in while we’re at work.

MORE WEIGHTED BLANKETS

Schiesser Towelling Bath RobeEnd Clothing

Schiesser Hooded Towelling Bath Robe

Schiesser’s been around since 1875, so they know a few things about making quality garments. Its Towelling Bath Robe is made with an all-cotton French terry material that’s plush, breathable and absorbent.

MORE BATHROBES

august smart lockAmazon

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

This is August’s most expensive smart lock, but it’s also its smallest and most convenient. It doesn’t require an extra hub or bridge for you to control remotely. It also doesn’t cover up your deadbolt, so you can still use your old keys to unlock the door if you want to.

MORE SMART LOCKS

Outdoors, Travel & Adventure

Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown Hooded JacketCourtesy

Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown Hooded Jacket

Though built for rock climbing, the Super/DS StretchDown Hooded Jacket can function anywhere. It features a meandering pattern and a woven construction to increase durability and stretch while minimizing cold spots.

MORE DOWN JACKETS

Arc'teryx Atom LTArc’teryx

Arc’teryx Atom LT Insulated Jacket

The Atom LT is made with breathable Coreloft insulation, which functions better than down when placed under a shell. Combined with a hydrophobic finish, it does a lot to keep the wearer from getting damp from either weather or exertion.

MORE SYNTHETIC DOWN JACKETS

Battenwear Northfield ParkaEnd Clothing

Battenwear Northfield Parka

This vintage-inspired parka features a water-repellent 60/40 cotton-nylon shell with a faux shearling lining. It comes with flap pockets, Polartec-lined hand-warming pockets and a brimmed hood.

MORE WINTER PARKAS

danner shoeZappos

Danner Trail 2650

The Trail 2650 fits like a trail running shoe and maintains enough support for rough surfaces without becoming overkill. That makes it an ideal choice for, well, anywhere. 

MORE HIKING SHOES

Yeti Tundra HaulYeti

Yeti Tundra Haul

Yeti designed the handle so that it doesn’t slam against the hard plastic if you drop it, and the wheels roll so quietly and smoothly that you’ll wonder if it’s actually floating behind you.

MORE COOLERS

Yeti Rambler TumblerAmazon

Yeti Rambler 20 oz Tumbler

This double-wall vacuum-insulated option keeps your beverage as hot or cold as you like while also looking good and standing up to the elements. The no-mess lid makes it even more travel friendly.

MORE TRAVEL MUGS

Thule Tepui Low-Pro 3Backcountry

Thule x Tepui Low-Pro 3

With a closed height of just 8.5 inches, the Low-Pro is truly low profile. That helps you save on gas while minimizing the lift-off effect a rooftop tent can have on a small car rolling down the interstate.

MORE ROOFTOP TENTS

Peak Design Packing CubesCourtesy

Peak Design Packing Cubes

Available in two sizes, these cubes expand and contract with clever zippers to accommodate more or less stuff. They also include a second compartment for dirties that gets bigger as the ratio of clean to dirty changes.

MORE PACKING CUBES

Bellroy Classic BackpackBellroy

Bellroy Classic Backpack

This 20L zip-top back strikes a chord between minimalist design and maximalist features. Though it comes in a variety of durable fabrics, this all-black version is made with Bellroy’s Dura nylon material.

MORE EVERYDAY BACKPACKS

Priority Continuum OnyxPriority Bicycles

Priority Continuum Onyx

Good luck finding an urban ride as simultaneously user-friendly, safe, stylish and affordable as this one. The good looks stem from the matte black paint job and internal cable routing for a sleek, uncomplicated profile.

MORE COMMUTER BIKES

Segway Ninebot Kickscooter MAX 630LPAmazon

Segway Ninebot Kickscooter MAX 630LP

The 630LP is a cut above the bargain scooters, bringing added capability you can really use. It hits a top speed of 18.6 mph, has a range of 25 miles, has 10-inch wheels for added comfort, folds with three clicks.

MORE E-SCOOTERS

all terrain tiresTirerack

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

These are BF Goodrich’s toughest all-terrain tires. They have a Baja 1000-race-derived tread compound that resists cuts, chips and tears. The computer-optimized tread compound guards the core against protruding objects.

MORE ALL-TERRAIN TIRES

security chain company super z6Amazon

Security Chain Company Super Z6

The Super Z6 chains are cable-based and work for passenger cars, trucks and SUVs. They are super low-profile, requiring only 1/4-inch of ground clearance. They are easy to install without moving the vehicle.

MORE TIRE CHAINS

Fitness

Thousand Interval ShortTen Thousand

Ten Thousand Interval Short

Ten Thousand emphasizes versatility above all else in the Interval Short, which it made for doing pretty much anything. It’s ideal for infrequent yogis who might also want to wear them for running or working out.

MORE YOGA SHORTS

Manduka GRP Adaptmanduka

Manduka GRP Adapt

Manduka developed a proprietary open-cell polyurethane blend that’s porous enough to absorb moisture and sufficiently grippy when dry. The five-millimeter construction is thick enough to pad your body without getting too heavy or bulky.

MORE YOGA MATS

Hydroflask-GG-Gear-PatrolHydro Flask

Hydro Flask Trail Series 24 oz

Thanks to double-walled vacuum insulation, the Trail Series keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12. It’s free of harmful BPA and Phthalate chemicals, and the wide-mouth, easy-drinking top accommodates most backcountry hydration filters.

MORE WATER BOTTLES

asics gel nimbus liteAsics

Asics Gel-Nimbus Lite

The Gel-Nimbus is an ideal sneaker for longer, easy runs and heavy-duty mileage. They’re a solid all-rounder, crowd-pleaser kind of running shoe.

MORE RUNNING SHOES

winter running shoesNike

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Shield

With textures inspired by winter tires, the outsoles grip the road while shedding water. Meanwhile, a half-length DWR-treated shroud covers most of the laces, keeping your forefeet dry without sacrificing breathability or becoming too bulky.

MORE WINTER RUNNING SHOES

shoesReebok

Reebok Nano X Shoes

The Nano X features a wide toe box, minimal drop and split outsole that is simultaneously stable and flexible. It also boasts a breathable upper and beefed-up, high-density foam collar that cradles and supports the ankle.

MORE GYM SHOES

jaybird vistaNever Go Quiet

Jaybird Vista

The Jaybird Vistas have an IPX7 rating, meaning they’re fully waterproof and sweatproof. Their lightweight design makes them feel like they’re not even in your ears, and the carrying case is slimmer than that of the competition.

BEST RUNNING HEADPHONES

Style & Grooming

Everlane Grade-A Cashmere CrewEverlane

Everlane Grade-A Cashmere Crew

Everlane’s cashmere sweaters may be the best thing they make. Each one is made using 100 percent Mongolian cashmere, which sits at the upper echelons of both fineness and length.

MORE WOOL SWEATERS

Reigning Champ Mid Weight Terry SweatshirtHuckberry

Reigning Champ Mid Weight Terry Sweatshirt

Reigning Champ’s Mid Weight Terry Sweatshirt is what the company was built upon.  It’s made in Canada (where some of the best sweats are made) and designed with quality details like inset-raglan sleeves and flatlock stitching for seams that are flush against the skin.

MORE CREWNECK SWEATSHIRTS

outerknown jgtOuterknown

Outerknown Transitional Flannel

Outerknown’s Transitional Flannel uses a grip of plaids in and a few solid colorways, each with eco-friendly heavy organic cotton. They’re sturdy but soft and come with natural corozo nut buttons, dual flap chest pockets and a classic fit.

MORE FLANNEL SHIRTS

Flint + Tinder 10-Year PulloverHuckberry

Flint + Tinder 10-Year Pullover

Flint and Tinder’s 10 Year Hoodie is built to last a decade. At 23 ounces of beefy fleece, a double-lined hood and raglan sleeves, this made-in-Los-Angeles pullover is a major value.

MORE HOODIES

blue jacketEnd Clothing

Portuguese Flannel Labura Chore Jacket

Straightforward. That’s what the Labura Chore Jacket is. Straight up quality brushed cotton fabric that’s not flimsy, corozo buttons, three outer patch pockets, one inner pocket, and a solid price.

MORE CHORE COATS

a flannel shirtOuterknown

Outerknown Blanket Shirt

Made from organic cotton heavyweight will, this shirt is sturdy, soft and breathable. It has two button-flap chest pockets and natural corozo buttons. Consistently one of our go-tos when recommending a great all-around piece of outerwear.

MORE OVERSHIRTS

Filson Tin Cloth Short Lined Cruiser JacketFilson

Filson Tin Cloth Short Lined Cruiser Jacket

Made from 14-ounce, oil-finish Tin Cloth, this jacket is water-repellent, wind-repellent and abrasion-resistant. It’s fully lined with dry-finish Cover Cloth in the body and synthetic lining in the sleeves, and it sits at the hip so you have a full range of motion.

MORE WAXED JACKETS

Levi’s 501 Shrink-to-FitLevi

Levi’s 501 Shrink-to-Fit

The quintessential blue jean comes in all manner of shades, washes and distressing, but you could do no wrong going the old-school way with the straight-up rigid shrink-to-fit version. They only get better with wear.

MORE JEANS

J.Crew 484 Slim-Fit Pant in Stretch ChinoJ Crew

J.Crew 484 Slim-Fit Pant in Stretch Chino

J.Crew’s popular Stretch Chino features a lined waistband and chambray binding at the seams. Also, it comes in the full spectrum of colors.

MORE CHINOS

L.L.Bean Stretch Country Corduroy PantsL.L.Bean

L.L.Bean Stretch Country Corduroy Pants

Slanted hand pockets, welted rear pockets, flat front. L.L. Bean’s shoot straight down the middle and are as classic as it gets. They’ve got a smidge of stretch and even come with a lined waistband and curtain for extra durability.

MORE CORDUROY PANTS

cat work pantsAmazon

Caterpillar Trademark Pants

Caterpillar’s popular work pants are a go-to option for carpenters and construction workers. It’s made from a durable poly-cotton duck canvas and is replete with cargo pockets and utility pockets.

MORE WORK PANTS

sweatpantsCourtesy Entireworld

Entireworld Loopback Sweatpants

A healthy blend of Japanese organic cotton and recycled polyester makes this one of the most responsible sweatpants out there, even if you’re feeling irresponsibly lazy at home. The loopback fabric is warm and suspiciously soft against the skin.

MORE SWEATPANTS

Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C SerumSephora

Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is one of the best ingredients you can apply to skin for brighter, more even complexion. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s serum is packed with it, along with collagen amino acids, for an instant pick-me-up for tired or dull skin.

MORE FACE SERUMS

Wahl-Cordless-GG-Gear-PatrolAmazon

Wahl Model 9864

This beard trimmer is housed in a durable stainless steel housing and utilizes rechargeable Lithium-Ion 2.0 technology that can provide hours of trimming on one charge. It comes with four attachments and 12 T-Blade guide combs to achieve different length trims.

MORE BEARD TRIMMERS

Wahl 5-Star Magic ClipAmazon

Wahl 5-Star Magic Clip

The Magic Clip is what the pros use. At just 10 ounces, your arms won’t be fatigued by the time you’re done. It comes with eight attachment guides from 1/8 of an inch to 1 inch and includes a styling comb, a brush and blade oil to keep it running smoothly.

MORE HAIR CLIPPERS

Footwear

50 best boots gear patrol tecovas the johnnyCourtesy

Tecovas Johnny

Direct-to-consumer brand Tecovas has been on the radar of many a cowboy boot fan thanks to its balance of quality details and affordable prices. Its Johnny boot comes with a water-resistant suede, a leather stacked heel, and 3/4 Goodyear welt construction.

MORE COWBOY BOOTS
Red Wing Iron Ranger BootsNordstrom

Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots

This iconic boot features a protective cap toe, cork misdole that adapts to the wearer’s unique foot shape, speed hooks and resolable Goodyear-welt construction. You’ll need to step into them knowing about the tough break-in period, but fans will tell you it’s totally worth it.

MORE WORK BOOTS

oakstreet trench bootCourtesy

Trench Boot

Oak Street Bootmakers built its brand on its WWII-inspired trench boot. This pair is made in the USA and features Chromexcel leather uppers from Chicago’s Horween Leather Co, brass eyelets, rawhide laces and a leather sole.

MORE TRENCH BOOTS
clarksEND.

Clarks Desert Boots

The definitive desert boot is still made using supple and rugged English suede from the world-famous CF Stead leather tannery. Its crepe rubber sole gives superior cushioning and traction, too.

MORE CHUKKA BOOTS

Rancourt Sherman BootsCourtesy

Rancourt Sherman Boots

Rancourt’s Sherman Boot is not only appealing for its brass eyelets, natural lactae hevea crepe soles and true-moccasin construction. It’s also a looker thanks to the shrunken bison leather upper.

MORE HUNTING BOOTS

50-Best-Boots-gear-patrol-Velasca-SciostreeCourtesy

Velasca Sciostree Boots

The pebble grain kudu leather upper, classic wingtip brogue embellishments and tough Vibram lug sole make this boot worthy of the English countryside.

MORE WINGTIP BOOTS

50-Best-Boots-gear-patrol-Thursday-Rogue-BootThursday Boot Co.

Thursday Rogue Boots

Thursday Boots offers some of the best value for money with quality details like Goodyear-welt construction cork beds for comfort and weather-resistant leather uppers. Its Rogue Boot is perhaps the brand’s most stylish boot thanks to the Jodhpur design and Cuban heel.

MORE ANKLE BOOTS

bootsHuckberry

Rhodes Huxley Boot

These boots combine a super flexible and resolable Blake stitch construction with premium calfskin uppers and made-in-Portugal craftsmanship. They’re more chiseled than the Blundstones, giving them a sleeker aesthetic that pairs well with a dressier outfit.

MORE CHELSEA BOOTS

L.L. Bean Wicked Good MocassinsL.L.Bean

L.L. Bean Wicked Good Mocassins

These slippers are lined with luscious Australian merino sheepskin to keep your feet swaddled in a vessel of warmth. If you need to walk further than the confines of your home, the memory foam footbed and arch support will get you there comfortably.

MORE SLIPPERS

Sorel Caribou BootZappos

Best Overall Snow Boots

Sorel Caribou Boot

Sorel’s mega-popular Caribou Boot has been lauded by warm and dry feet everywhere. Its tall vulcanized rubber portion in conjunction with water-proof full-grain nubuck leather uppers and seam-sealed construction makes it one of the most waterproof boots out there.

MORE SNOW BOOTS

Watches & Accessories

tyig watchesHodinkee

Omega Speedmaster Professional

The Speedmaster Professional you can buy today is nearly identical to the one worn to the moon in 1969 — it has the same case shape and size, the same dial design, nearly the same movement, too.

MORE CHRONOGRAPH WATCHES

tudor guideTUDOR

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight

Tudor’s Black Bay lineup is inspired by the Tudor-branded Submariners made during the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, and the Fifty-Eight is the greatest tribute to that era yet, thanks to a vintage-inspired 39mm case and a dial with an old-school gilt dial.

MORE DIVE WATCHES

scarfBloomingdale’s

Polo Ralph Lauren Reversible Scarf

Ralph’s had this scarf in the collection for years. It’s made in Italy using a perfect mix of luscious wool and nylon for both strength and comfort.

MORE WINTER SCARVES

Colorful Standard Merino Wool BeanieEnd Clothing

Colorful Standard Merino Wool Beanie

Colorful Standard’s the best way to top off your fit. It’s perfectly proportioned, made in Portugal with Italian superfine merino wool for a silky touch and comes in every color you could conceivably want.

MORE BEANIES

Bombas Merino Wool Calf SocksBombas

Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks

Bombas offers some of the most details for the price. It features a unique honeycomb arch support, cushioned footbed, seamless toe and y-stitched heel, all wrapped in a merino wool fabric that’s great for year-round wear.

MORE WOOL SOCKS

Tech & Gadgets

Twelve South CurveAmazon

Twelve South Curve

Designed to elevate your laptop 5.8 inches off the desk surface, this stand aligns your screen with an external monitor (if you have one). It’s also made of aluminum and comes in Space Gray, meaning it’ll blend in naturally with the latest MacBooks and MacBook Pros.

MORE LAPTOP STANDS

Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging StandBelkin

Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Stand

The Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Stand is capable of delivering 10-watts of power and fast-charging any iPhone or Android. The stand design allows for horizontal and landscape orientation.

MORE WIRELESS CHARGERS

apple watch series 6Apple

Apple Watch Series 6

The Series 6 is the perfect smartwatch for iPhone owners who want the best that Apple has to offer. In addition to an always-on display, it has a blood oxygen sensor and electrical heart sensor. Plus it comes in premium finishes like stainless steel and titanium.

MORE SMARTWATCHES

Sony WH-1000XM4Amazon

Sony WH-1000XM4

These cans improve on Sony’s already excellent WH-1000XM3 headphones with improved noise-cancellation and a better microphone. In terms of sound quality and active noise-cancellation, these slightly edge out Bose’s Headphones 700.

MORE NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES

Apple Airpods ProAmazon

Apple AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro earbuds boast Apple’s H1 chip for easy iPhone pairing, but they’re uniquely sweat-resistant, unlike other Apple audio products, so you shouldn’t have a problem exercising with them.

MORE NOISE-CANCELLING WIRELESS EARBUDS

Apple iPad (2020)Amazon

Apple iPad (2020)

Apple’s seamless blend of hardware and software makes its iPads the best tablet for your money. Though Apple’s entry-level option, it’s our pick for the best overall tablet for most people.

MORE TABLETS

Audioengine A2+Amazon

Audioengine A2+

The A2+ powered speakers connect to your laptop or desktop via a 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth (meaning it’s super easy to stream music from your smartphone, too). You can also use RCA connections for a standalone turntable.

MORE COMPUTER SPEAKERS

sonos arc gear patrolSonos

Sonos Arc

The Arc is Sonos’s newest high-end soundbar. It’s bigger, louder and smarter than the Playbar, as it’s a full 5.0.2 sound system with five horizontal surround channels (left, center, right, left surround and right surround) and two height channels.

MORE DOLBY ATMOS SOUNDBARS

Fujifilm SQ1Amazon

Fujifilm SQ1

The Instax Square SQ1 shoots 2.5-inch square photos that offer way more in terms of lasting appeal as an actual photograph, and an aspect ratio that’s second nature to any Instagrammer. 

Drinks

best bourbon knob creek small batchDrizly

Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

This bottle is available everywhere and thus resistant to the price gouging associated with brands like Buffalo Trace. Its 100 proof brings plenty of body without lighting your mouth on fire.

MORE BOURBON WHISKEY

best ryeFlaviar

Russell’s Reserve 6-Year Small Batch

One of few rye whiskeys to hold an age statement, Russell’s Reserve 6-Year Small Batch greatly benefits from aging. It has a good bite, and you won’t mind sipping it, or mixing it into an old-fashioned.

MORE RYE WHISKEY

lagavulin 16Lagavulin

Lagavulin 16 Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This legendary bottle merges peat with campfire smoke. It’s aggressive and mouth-wateringly savory, like brisket on a hot summer day. It’s available in nearly every liquor store, duty-free shop and self-respecting bar in America and abroad.

MORE SCOTCH WHISKY

best tequilaReserve Bar

Espolòn Blanco

This blanco tequila is one of the best values in the agave spirit category. It’s made without diffusers or additives and available pretty much everywhere. It’s the ideal budget mixer, and it’s fresh and well-made enough to drink over ice with a twist of lime.

MORE TEQUILA

reyka vodkaDrizly

Reyka Vodka

This Icelandic vodka is vegetal, slightly floral and citrusy. It’s great for mixing, thanks to its low price, but you could just as happily sip it neat (unlike with other vodkas in its price bracket).

MORE VODKA

best ginDrizly

The Botanist Gin

While bottom-shelf gin tastes little more than juniper-soaked alcohol, The Botanist combines juniper with 21 other botanicals, locally sourced from Islay, Scotland, to craft a spirit that achieves various flavor profiles one would want from a gin — sweet, herbal, piney. 

MORE GIN

Plantation-Barbados-5-Years-gear-patrolDrizly

Plantation Barbados 5 Years

The pot-and-column-still blend sits in spent bourbon barrels for three to four years before a two-year stay in French oak. The result is mahogany-hued layers of toasted coconut, orange peel and vanilla, finished with a hit of cinnamon-dusted marzipan.

MORE RUM