Today in Gear: March 14, 2017

Good morning. Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the internet, is calling for its urgent rescue. He argues that the internet no longer benefits everyone equally, as mega-corporations have gained total control over our personal data, misinformation spreads unabated, and political advertising needs to be more transparent. (While we’re at it, can we also outlaw mirror selfies and dabbing? Thank you.)

• ICYMI, here’s yesterday’s gear news.

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Today’s Gear

What’s New, Now

Goldwin Hooded Spur Coat

The name Goldwin may be unfamiliar to many outside Asia and Europe, but that changes now. At this year’s Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, the Japanese company showcased a collection of outerwear and lifestyle goods that had it all: outstanding attention to detail, mountain-ready performance, urban sensibility. The Hooded Spur Coat is a perfect example. Its three-layer Gore-Tex outer is soft and seam-sealed against all moisture; the urban silhouette sits low and relaxed; six large pockets are placed thoughtfully inside and out. Also available in navy.

Timbuk2 x Apexer Tuck Backpack

Timbuk2 is a homegrown San Fransisco company of supreme coolness. Also from San Fransisco, and also supremely cool, is Apexer, an artist known around the world for his striking kaleidoscopic graffiti. The two combined their San Franciscan coolness into this limited edition 20-liter rolltop, with dual side pockets, a rear-entry quick-access zipper and a secret stash pocket.

Traditional Aceto Balsamico of Monticello

Made the old-fashioned way: aged in rare wood casks and fortified by time.

Land Rover Project Hero

One of the world’s most capable SUVs will be put to use in disaster situations.

Oliver Peoples x Berluti Sunglasses

Italian leather brand Berluti has joined forces with luxury eyewear brand Oliver Peoples for a capsule collection consisting of three sunglasses. Oliver Peoples was originally an all-American endeavor, but it has been owned by Italian behemoth Luxottica since 2007. All this to say, the collection feels very Italian on Italian: rounded vintage-inspired shapes, subtle contrasts of materials and textures, a rich color palette. A manifestation of luxury, these frames will definitely up your eyewear game for spring. – John Zientek, Associate Staff Writer

Anodized Aluminum Engraved Blueprint Art

What’s your favorite piece of machinery? It can be anything — car, boat, plane, train, even a firearm. Any size, any model, any year. If there’s a blueprint for it, Engraved Blueprint Art (no hiding behind that name) will laser etch the blueprint, in full detail, onto a 24 x 18–inch framed sheet of anodized aluminum. Think of how great it’d look hanging in your garage, where you go to bathe in the marvels of engineering.

From the Gear Patrol Store

Free Shipping on Orders $39 or More

Aer Fit Pack

The Aer Fit Pack carries all that you need without adding bulk with extra padding. Versatility, style and functionality — a perfect option for travel, work, or play.

Deals of Note

Great Products, Great Prices

How to save on American-made boots, a refurbished MacBook and workout joggers.

What’s New from GP

Read Up on Our Latest

• Don’t be fooled — not all Apple products are worth your money. Our tech writers break down the must-haves and the who-cares.
• So you like cars, huh? Then you ought to be following these Instagram accounts.
• Photographer Michael Muller shares his secrets to shooting great white sharks like underwater supermodels.
• Before you grab your passport and suitcase and other travel essentials, you need a perfect travel watch.
• Oh, and don’t forget a wi-fi hotspot.
• Pasta made with leftover beer brewing ingredients is real, and surprisingly delicious.
Next Page: Happy Hour Talking Points and One Thing to Watch

Note: Stories published on Gear Patrol may contain links to buy products sold in our curated store as well as by third party retail destinations. Items purchased through the GP store help directly support editorial initiatives. In some cases, our we may also receive a small commission for the online customers we refer to external retailers. Learn more about our editorial policies related to commerce and affiliate sales here.

Happy Hour Briefing

Ice Breakers for the First Drink

• An inside look at how restaurants prepare for VIP clientele. [Eater]
• This yellow lab has saved its diabetic owner’s life 3,500 times. [BBC]
• Coming soon to smog-choked urban China: skyscrapers covered in vertical jungles. [Dezeen]
• In a major acheivement for the collective internet, a group of scientists christened a robotic submarine Boaty McBoatface. [The Guardian]
• This rotted tree branch–looking thing is actually a thousand-year-old toy boat for a Viking child. [Sci-News]
• And one thing to watch:

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