Today in Gear: A Great Winter Cologne, Revolutionary Ski Bindings, Star Wars Jackets and More

New & Noteworthy Releases

Fulton and Roark Ltd Reserve Sterling Solid Cologne
Winston-Salem based Fulton and Roark have quickly made a name for themselves in the men’s grooming world by producing innovative solid colognes. The biggest advantage of the solid format over liquid is that scents tend to last longer and remain even throughout the day, avoiding those awkward instances right after applying where fragrances can overwhelm. The fourth edition of their limited reserve series is a perfect scent for the winter months inspired by a familiar smell close to the company’s North Carolina roots: tobacco. Its highlights include notes of smooth leather, amber and vanilla, all in a tasteful, masculine balance. The name is an homage to Mount Sterling in the Western Mountains of North Carolina, which according to F&R, is home to a challenging adventure we’re setting our sights on — a hike to an abandoned 60-foot fire tower that’s the highest on the eastern seaboard.

Salomon S/Lab Shift Ski Bindings
Skiers who want to explore the backcountry have always had to face one crucial decision: buy a second set of everything that’s dedicated to touring (expensive), or use a heavy frame binding that works at the resort, and out of bounds. Not anymore. Salomon’s new binding, the S/Lab Shift, is a true merger of lightweight backcountry and frontside downhill bindings. It’s highly engineered with 300 parts, but the real innovation is in the toe, which uses uphill climbing pins that snap in — transformer-style — when a skier is ready to go downhill. — Tanner Bowden

Outlier Indoors
While Outlier is known for its technical garments and outerwear, the brand is bringing its performance-minded design to experimental home essentials. The new Outlier Indoors collection features a suite of cozy products for lounging around the house, including merino wool pajamas, an inflated linen blanket, grid linen towels and more.— Andrew Connor

Rapha Special Edition Wool Softshell Jacket
The result of a collaboration with Italian wool powerhouse Loro Piana, Rapha’s new wool softshell is about as lux as it gets. It’s highly water resistant and is perfect for winter cycling (though we won’t judge you if you wear it everywhere else too). — AJ Powell

Echo Base Collection Star Wars Jackets by Columbia Sportswear
Star Wars: The Last Jedi hits theaters on December 15 and in preparation, Columbia Sportswear has launched two limited-edition jackets and a parka that (que the nostalgia) are designed to look like the garments worn by Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back. All are super warm, featuring the company’s patented Omni-Heat reflective insulation technology, and contain subtle nods to the Rebel Alliance. And each will cost $400. The collection goes on sale in Columbia stores on December 8 at midnight. Expect the stock to go nearly as fast as the Millennium Falcon. — Tucker Bowe

Fresh Deals

LifeStraw

Half Off: The One Travel Essential You Never Knew You Needed
Essential to campers and hikers, a dependable water filter should really accompany any trip to someplace where the drinking water could be an issue. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter — recently recommended by The New York Times‘ Frugal Traveler, Lucas Peterson — filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water without chemicals like chlorine or iodine. It also functions without batteries or moving parts. Today, you can score one on Amazon for just $14 — that’s more than 50 percent off the normal retail price of $30.

Yamaha

Want an Affordable Home Vinyl Setup? This Beloved Receiver is a Great Place to Start and It’s Now Just $130
As we’ve explained before, there are many ways to build the perfect home vinyl setup depending on your budget, but it generally boils down to two formulas. Combining self-powered speakers with a turntable equipped with a phono preamp is the simplest setup, but these systems are also less flexible and often have poorer sound quality. The other method is to pair passive speakers with a dedicated amplification system and a turntable.

If you’re interested in the latter route, Yamaha’s R-S200BL Stereo Receiver is an excellent entry-level amplification option to pair with some bookshelf speakers and a great entry-level turntable. It’s also a great power source if you just wanted to set up a separate stereo system for an outdoor space like a deck. CNET’s audio expert Steve Guttenberg was wowed by its performance for the price and also notes that “its clean good looks put most similarly priced receivers to shame” — which we thoroughly agree with. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio from any other Bluetooth audio source.

And right now it’s available on Amazon at an even lower price of $130.
That’s 28% off MSRP. In short, an exceptional value in audio gear is an even better deal for a limited time.

Pelican

Pelican’s Ultra-Rugged Coolers are 30% Off Today Only
When it comes to rugged coolers, YETI gets all the hype. But the truth is, a handful of other companies are making coolers that are competitive both in price and performance with YETI’s — like Pelican. Known for making bomb-proof travel cases for electronics and cameras, Pelican applied its knowledge of that space to coolers and never looked back. They’re made in the USA and come in a variety of sizes and colorways. For today only, Amazon is clearing house and offering Pelican’s cold keepers up to 30% off.

Logitech

The Original King of Bluetooth Speakers is Now Just $50
Ultimate Ears are responsible for some of our favorite portable Bluetooth speakers. The company announced the second-gen of its famed UE Boom speaker in 2015, conveniently named the UE Boom 2, which effectively antiquated the original UE Boom speaker from its lineup. Comparing the two, the UE Boom is a little bit louder and larger; it’s also more water-resistant and can charge a slightly faster — but ultimately they’re not that much different.

The original UE Boom is still an excellent Bluetooth speaker and, more importantly, now you can get it for really cheap. Amazon is selling the UE Boom for $145 (here), but, for a limited time, eBay is offering it for hilariously good $50 (here). Yes, it’s manufacturer refurbished, but it comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and you can buy the speaker in a host of colors.

For reference, the newer UE Boom 2 normally goes for $150–$200 (here), depending on the color. Amazon is selling them for as low as $135 (here), which is actually a better deal than what Amazon is selling the original UE Boom.

Save Up to $500 on the Sound Bar Audio Experts Praise for Its Exceptional Sound
The biggest appeal of soundbars is that they’re much easier to setup compared to surround sound systems. Unfortunately, most of them offer poor audio quality, especially when handling music. The Definitive Technology W Studio Sound Bar is a rare exception. It features three aluminum dome tweeters, six full range mid-woofers and a wireless subwoofer, and has been lauded by outlets like CNET for offering superb sound in an elegant package. In fact the only knock most have against it is the system’s high price.

Well, that’s no longer a problem for a limited time. You can pick up a new version for $500 of its normal retail price of $1300. If you want to save even more money, Amazon is selling certified refurbished models for just $499!.

Nest

Save $100 Already on Nest’s Brand New Smart Security System
If you already own a Nest device, be it the Learning Thermostat ($218+) or a Cam Indoor ($159), the Nest Secure is a great way to build out your smart home. It’s the company’s first smart security system and utilizes the same app as your other Nest devices. The starter kit — consisting of one Nest Guard (a smart hub), two Nest Detects (magnetic door or window sensors) and two Nest Tag (smart keys) — normally goes for $500. For a limited time, eBay is offering 20-percent off this starter kit. That’s $100 off.

Note: You can purchase individual Nest Detect and Nest Tag devices to add to your system later on.

Panerai

Save an Astounding $890 on This Mechanical Pilot’s Watch
Luminox’s P-38 Lighting is a part of the brand’s aviation-inspired lineup and is fitted with a dial meant to look like it was ripped straight from the cockpit of Lockheed’s funky, two-tailed fighter. As a part of its military-inspired look, it comes with a hulking 44mm case; this might be a non-starter for some guys, but if you have a predilection for big, tough-guy watches it’s an excellent choice in wristwear. Similarly, the watch comes adorned with stylish and legible Arabic numerals as well as sharp tritium gas lume and a chunky rotating bezel sitting atop the square case.

This iteration of the P-38 Lighting, in particular, comes packing a Swiss-made automatic movement which contributes to its fairly-high $1,400 MSRP, but right now you can get a massive $800 markdown at Huckberry. Better still, the online shop is offering an extra 15% off sitewide (the discount automatically applies at checkout), which means you can get an additional $90 off on top of that already amazing deal.

Clarks

Save 45% On the Classic Clarks Wallabee Boot
Now at Nordstrom, you can get 45% off the classic Clarks Wallabee boot. The chukka is made from brown beeswax leather and features a comfortable crepe sole. It’s perfect for casual wear and is just as appropriate in the summer as it is in the winter months. Sizes 8 through 12 are available now but don’t wait because, with a deal like this, they’ll be gone soon.

Now in Stock at the Gear Patrol Store

Our Most Popular Tee is Now Back in Stock
The details matter, especially in everyday items. That’s why we chose to make our first-ever, (very) limited-edition Gear Patrol t-shirt in America, from a tri-blend of poly, cotton and rayon. It’s comfortable, moves well and boasts a slimmer fit. The logo is also screen printed with a premium, water-based ink.

The result is a traditional crew neck that looks good and works well in the gym, on the commute or just exploring over the weekend. And because nothing beats the feel of a fresh tee, we ship every shirt in a poly bag so that you’re the first to touch it.

Matador Daylite16 Backpack
Matador Daylite16 Weatherproof Packable Backpack uses the finest materials available in the outdoor industry to offer superior performance in the smallest possible package. Built from waterproof Cordura ripstop material. The Daylite16 features two water-resistant zipper compartments and two side pockets. Interior 16-liter capacity. Perfect for travel, day trips, and hikes. Packs away to fit in the palm of your hand. Total product weight is 4.1 ounces.

Today on Gear Patrol

10 Limited-Edition Whiskeys to Drink Now Before They’re Gone Forever

The season’s best brown spirits include big rye whiskeys, smoky Scotches and high-octane bourbons.

Found: 5 of the Best Looking Cars BMW has Ever Produced, All Reasonably Priced

For all its ups and downs, though, there’s no doubting that BMW’s “ups” have produced some of the classiest and best-looking cars on the road.

Deck Your Wrist with These Quirky Mid-Century Watches from Hamilton

During the mid-20th century, Hamilton experimented with bold case designs.

The Best Menswear Shops in New York City Right Now

New York has enough variety to surprise and engage even the most discerning shopper. Here are the best places to shop, right now.

Jim Fets Photography

The Absolute Worst Trend in Automotive Design Today

The most recent and most egregious design quirk that’s been quietly swelling in popularity is fake exhausts.

The Best Gym Bags to Buy Now

Gym bags aren’t all created equal. Find the one that meets your needs (and reflects your style) in our comprehensive list.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Related Topics