This Week in Gear: August 17-21

A look back at an entire week’s worth of gear.

TIG-gear-patrol-970

Good morning, and welcome to the latest edition of This Week in Gear — your single-shot serving of an entire week’s worth of killer new gear pulled from our weekday editions of Today in Gear. Bookmark it to peruse over Sunday football and start your Monday completely up to speed. Here’s to another fantastic week.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

TIG-gear-patrol-samsung

Announced yesterday alongside the Galaxy Note 5, Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge+ is an indication that the specifications war is, indeed, over, and mobile phone manufacturers can now focus less on boosting numbers — like hard drive size, processor speed, and so forth — and more on streamlining features and design cues. Of course, the Edge+ does one-up its predecessor in its number of curved screen edges — two, rather than one, providing more multitasking options — though the 1440p ultra-HD screen itself is still 5.7 inches, set inside a glass-and-metal body, while other specs net meager updates — a 2,600mAh battery lasting approximately 13.5 hours, a reprised Exynos octa-core processor, and so on. Paired with the boosted ergonomics that its slightly slimmer body provides, that extra screen curve makes it clear that going forward, user comfort and intuition is the new name of the game.

Omega Seamaster 300 “SPECTRE” Edition

TIG-gear-patrol-omega

The newest addition to the SPECTRE hype train: a limited-edition Omega Seamaster 300, with a perfectly Bond-like black ceramic bi-directional rotating diving bezel.

The Story of Kullervo

TIG-gear-patrol-tolkein

Perhaps part of a trend of “unreleased works” by now-mythic authors, The Story of Kullervo is an unpublished J.R.R. Tolkien manuscript that tells the revenge story of a man sold into slavery.

Giro Montaro MIPS

TIG-gear-patrol-giro

Giro have released a new addition to their line of MIPS helmets, the trail-focused Montaro. It will be available from your local Giro dealer and online this fall.

Nemo Salsa Sleeping Bag

TIG-gear-patrol-nero

Nemo’s newest addition to their sleeping-bag line features their signature spoon shape as well as stretch stitching around the middle to reduce unnecessary volume and conserve heat. The bag will be available in January for $240+.

Pacific Shaving Co. Caffeinated Shaving Products

TIG-gear-patrol-shave

Keep your skin looking and feeling fresh with this new caffeine-enhanced shaving set from Pacific Shaving Co.

Misfit Speedo Shine

TIG-gear-patrol-misfit

Designed in collaboration with Speedo, the Misfit Speedo Shine is purportedly the most accurate wearable fitness tracker for swimmers, thanks to intensive testing in Speedo’s AquaLab, where designers and athletes worked to hone algorithms to fit every type of stroke. In addition to tracking several other exercise methods, along with sleep patterns, the aircraft-grade anodized aluminum that makes up the tracker’s body makes it a good fit for any type of athlete. Just remember to replace the battery every six months; like the Fitbit Zip, it uses a standard watch battery for power rather than a rechargeable cell.

Oliberté Tan Pullup Backpack

TIG-gear-patrol-oli-bag

This pack from Oliberté melds rustic aesthetics with modern needs; a 15-inch laptop sleeve, a credit card-sized hidden internal pocket and more, all tied together in Ethiopian leather.

Patagonia Provisions Sustainable Buffalo Jerky

TIG-gear-patrol-jerky

Jerky is great — sustainable jerky, doubly so. Patagonia’s new foray into food, Patagonia Provisions, collaborated with Wild Idea Buffalo, a free-range grass-fed buffalo ranch based in South Dakota, for this welcome addition to the market.

Tanner Goods Memori Brass Pen

TIG-gear-patrol-pen

The value of a good pen shouldn’t be underestimated; Portland, Oregon-based Tanner Goods’ new all-brass pen speaks to this fact, with an ergonomic design sized perfectly for the average hand.

Watteam Power Meter

TIG-gear-patrol-wattteam

In addition to being one of the most affordable biking power meter on the market at $499, Watteam’s PowerBeat is also easy to install, capable of attaching to any aluminum or carbon crank system.

361° Sensation

TIG-gear-patrol-361shoes

The flagship offering from this upstart athletic shoe brand utilizes multi-density midsoles and blown rubber in the outsole forefoot for shock dispersion and foot guidance; crowded though the shoe market is, they’re worth a shot.

Google OnHub

TIG-gear-patrol-hub

Google’s new OnHub router promises to be a simpler solution for people who just want easy wi-fi access. The router will update on its own, which means that you never have to worry about installing new firmware updates. It also communicates with your devices via an app instead of blinking lights, conveying information like signal strength and speed. According to Google, the router’s cylindrical shape and 13 antennas will help it to better disperse throughout an entire home. Going forward, it looks like OnHub could become the new centerpiece for Google’s smart home devices.

Symbol Audio Dovetail Record Crate

TIG-gear-patrol-box

Stuffing your records in an old Corona Lite box simply does not do them justice. Put them on display with this beautifully crafted oak or walnut record box from Symbol Audio.

COBRA Golf KING LTD Driver

TIG-gear-patrol-cobra

COBRA Golf have brought back their iconic King driver featuring a unique new SpacePort system that allows golfers to view the internal driver technologies. Available starting October 1st.

The Premier x New Balance MiUSA 998 PRMR

TIG-gear-patrol-nb

The newest sneaker from Massachusetts-based New Balance sees a 998 developed in collaboration with The Premier Store.

The Comic Book Story of Beer

TIG-gear-patrol-beer

This well-researched and beautifully illustrated graphic novel from Jonathan Hennessey and Mike Smith was illustrated by Aaron McConnell and takes you on a journey through the history of beer. It is available for preorder now and will be shipping September 22nd.

Easton Power Sensor by Blast Motion

TIG-gear-patrol-easton

Easton’s new Power Sensor has been in development for a long time but it is finally ready to come to market. The small sensor that attaches to the end of your baseball bat feeds realtime data to your smartphone to help you analyze your swing and improve your performance.

J.Crew Denim Relaunch

TIG-gear-patrol-jcrew

J.Crew enters the selvedge denim game with its redesigned denim pant collection. Increasingly popular Japanese denim is the star; the line’s 13.5-ounce denim is sourced from Kaihara Mill in Japan, where it’s tailored and dyed according to a process dating back to the ’70s, then sent to Wonderland Concepts in Henderson, Kentucky, for hours-long washing cycles. Available in straight, slim and “slimmest” cuts, they’re worthy contenders; be sure to up your cuffing technique.

Gez Gear Compression Sleeves

TIG-gear-patrol-gez

If compression sleeves work for you, try these offerings from Gez, a new company from Atlanta, Georgia offering sturdy compression sleeves with attachable “gel packs” for direct heat/cold application.

Strider Bikes

TIG-gear-patrol-strider

Encouraging your kids to be athletic doesn’t have to clash with avoiding as many scraped knees as possible; pedal-free bikes offer a great way to do both.

House Industries Oxblood Big and Tall Blocks

TIG-gear-patrol-box

Made with kiln-dried basswood and lead-free paint, these imaginatively designed yet understated blocks can both class up a playroom and lighten up the bar cart.

Camera Swagg

TIG-gear-patrol-strap

The much-loved Moneymaker camera strap gets a lighter-weight treatment in heavy-duty nylon for comfortable and adaptable camera gear carry.

Speck MightyPack Plus

TIG-gear-patrol-bag

Speck’s first-ever backpack features molded EVA foam, triple-layered padded base cushions, flexible compartments (including dedicated pockets for chargers) for versatile gadget storage and more. (Bonus points for the TSA approval.)

Stone 19th Anniversary Thunderstruck IPA

Every year, Stone Brewing Company in Escondido, CA releases a limited-edition anniversary beer. The 16th, 17th and 18th editions have all been excellent American Double IPAs, and the 19th edition stays with this theme. Brewed with all-Australian hop varieties, including Vic Secret and Ella, Thunderstruck IPA delivers wave after wave of juicy hop goodness across your palate. To back up all of this hop bitterness, nearly 400,000 pounds of Australian Fairway malt were imported for the brew. According to Stone, the beer pairs best with barbecue shrimp, chicken satay and fish tacos.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe

TIG-gear-patrol-mercedes

Mercedes’ newest C-Class coupe gets the AMG treatment and comes in two trim levels, the base C 63 and the C 63 S, producing 473 horsepower and 510 horsepower respectively. In addition to the increase in power, the C 63 also gets adorned with larger, flared wheel arches, an increased track width and larger wheels.

Chums Neoprene Classic Prints

TIG-gear-patrol-chums

Chums have long been a favorite eyeglass retainer for outdoor enthusiasts and fratboys alike. Their new range of colorways offers everything from Realtree camouflage to bright and bold patterns.

Polar M450 Cycling Computer

TIG-gear-patrol-polar

Polar’s new cycling computer is ideal for every type of cyclist and features integrated GPS, Bluetooth Smart Sensor support and barometric altitude and fitness tests to teach you more about your condition and progress.

Aether Apparel Tracker Hoodie

TIG-gear-patrol-aether

This new hoody from L.A.-based Aether Apparel combines active technical materials with sleek styling for the perfect addition to any kit.

Greenbelly Meal2Go

TIG-gear-patrol-green-belly

Providing a third of your daily recommended nutrient intake, Greenbelly meals are the perfect sustenance to bring with you out on your next trail adventure.