Today in Gear: March 21, 2017

Good morning. The annual World Happiness Report, a United Nations initiative which ranks countries based on citizens’ perceived happiness, was released yesterday. The Scandinavian nations once again held the throne, with Norway coming in first, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and Sweden. The U.S. dropped to the 14th spot, down one from last year. (Norway, if you’re reading this, please tell us your secret.)

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Today’s Gear

What’s New, Now

Rudy’s 1–2–3 Bundle

Rudy’s, a Seattle-based brand known as a pioneer of the modern barbershop trend, has introduced a magnificently simple grooming system: 1, shampoo; 2, conditioner; 3, body wash. All three contain nothing but good and natural stuff like coconut, jojoba, cedar, citrus and juniper. No “color treatment chemicals.” No “volume-pumping vitamins.” No BS. You lather it into your hair and onto your body, you wash it away, then you smell great. Easy as 1–2–3. Even better, every sale of Rudy’s new 1–2–3 helps support homeless LGBTQ youth.

Kitsbow 5-Axis Drifter Jean

You’d never guess these are “cycling jeans” until you slip them on and go for a spin. They are meticulously designed for optimal performance: a unidirectional weave, a durable cotton/nylon/lycra blend, an interior gusset, high-articulation knee seams and more; yet they look like something you’d find in a premium menswear shop.

Grado GH2 Headphones with Cocobolo Wood

For 64 years, Grado has been handcrafting some of the world’s finest headphones in a small, family-run Brooklyn shop. Among Grado’s most distinguished headphone models is the GH2, which is now being offered with cocobolo wood, a rare South American wood prized for its acoustics (it’s frequently used in fine instruments) and its gorgeous grain (it’s also used in high-end furniture, chess sets and more).

Lotus Elise Sprint

Copyright 2017 Matt Balls, Matt Balls Photography

Lotus is really going all in on its “add lightness” ethos with the new Elise Sprint. Lotus put the Elise Sprint on a crash diet, getting it down around a featherweight 2,000 pounds. Might make you second-guess that McMuffin before any early morning drive, lest you spoil all of Lotus’s R&D. — Bryan Campbell, Motoring Writer

Elemnt Bolt GPS Bike Computer

Just about everything a stats-obsessed cyclist would ever need, in a small, aerodynamic package. It also pairs easily with peripheral sensors and electronic shifters. All your recorded data and riding profiles can be accessed using a companion app.

Grovemade Aluminum Key Ring

Cut from a solid block of pure aluminum, this EDC centerpiece is ultra lightweight, ultra strong and ultra cool. (It’s also ultra ready to party, with a built-in bottle opener).

Deals of Note

Great Products, Great Prices

How to save on the world’s best dijon mustard, a Patagonia fleece and a Dewalt tool set.

From the Gear Patrol Store

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District Vision Kaishiro Sky G15

From District Vision, a recipient of last year’s GP100 award, comes an all-new sunglass frame for runners: the Kaishiro. Like District Vision’s other frames, the Kaishiro features titanium-core construction, a hypoallergenic nose pad and D+ lens technology, making it shatterproof, scratch resistant and oleophobic. It’s made to run fast and far, and look fantastic while doing it.

What’s New from GP

Read Up on Our Latest

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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, 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.

Next Page: Happy Hour Talking Points and One Thing to Watch

Happy Hour Briefing

Ice Breakers for the First Drink

• New research shows that a quarter of Americans are willing to give up booze in favor of smoking pot. [Money]
• Beboe is the Hermès of marijuana. [New York Times]
• Without the Late Chuck Berry, rock ’n’ roll would not exist. [The Ringer]
• In an effort to prevent false summit claims, Nepal is putting GPS devices on Everest climbers. [New Zealand Herald]
• Beijing finally shuttered its last major coal plant, paving the way for a smog-less, clean-energy future. [The Daily Telegraph]
• And one thing to watch:

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