This Is the Gear News You Need to Know This Week

We’ve made some new adjustments to This Week in Gear, including a new streamlined layout. Comments or concerns? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

Monday, November 27th

Oris Big Crown ProPilot Worldtimer
Continuing its tradition of creating innovative-but-accessible mechanical watches, Oris has improved the travel watch with its latest entry into its Big Crown series. The watch keeps track of two time zones via the main dial (local time) and subdial (home time), but once the wearer has entered a new time zone, they can easily adjust the local time by rotating the coin-edge bezel. Inside the robust 44.7mm case ticks away a modified automatic movement from ETA, and the timepiece comes with a choice of a steel bracelet, nylon straps, or a selection of rich leather straps.

Hardgraft Soft Shoe Stuff & Bag
Think of Hardgraft’s latest release as buying a first-class ticket for your shoes. The travel set consists of two grey melange shoe stuffers that slide into your shoes to help maintain their shape as well as a soft brushed shoebag.

Mission Workshop Bridgeman Pea Coat
Mission Workshop’s new jacket offers the traditional looks of a peacoat with 3-layer softshell fabric from Schoeller that’s windproof, highly water resistant, breathable, insulating and stretches in four directions. It epitomizes what the brand’s Advanced Project series is all about: making products designed with zero compromises.

Juxtaposed Shelf: Religion Tenth Anniversary Edition
You might not know designers Mike Simoniana and Maaike Evers, but you know their work. They are the design duo responsible for early Google devices like the Nexus 7 tablet and Nexus 5 smartphone, as well as more recent Google products like the Daydream View VR headset. Their Juxtapose shelf project is as much a work of art as it is a source of learning and understanding. The first religion edition of the shelf was available as a limited run of 50 and sold out instantly in 2008. So for the 10th anniversary, they’ve re-released the concept without production limitations. Like the original, this version consists of a one-of-a-kind solid pine shelf with dedicated cutouts for seven hardcover volumes of the world’s most influential religious texts including Tao Te Ching, Holy Bible, The Qu’ran, The Analects of Confucious, The Bhagavad Gita, The Discourses of the Buddha and The Torah.

Work Sharp E5 Kitchen Knife Sharpener
Work Sharp’s E5 electric sharpener features a one-touch programming option that separates it from competing devices. Users just need to press one button to choose between shaping, sharpening and refining. All that’s left after that is running the blade through the two channels on the left and right side of the machine. There’s no need to deal with grit belts or deciding between edge angles. Speaking of edges, the E5 applies a 17° WorkSharp Edge that’s designed to balance the precision of Eastern knives with the durability of Western blades. In short, it’ll make your knives perform better and help them last longer. If you prefer other options though, Work Sharp does sell an upgrade kit that adds the ability to apply 15° East and 20° West sharpening guides.

Tuesday, November 28th

Frye Officer Lace Up Boot
These sophisticated lace-up boots are made from dark green oiled suede. They feature a cap-toe design, Goodyear welt construction, a rubber sole and waxed laces. The slim profile pairs with chinos or jeans and the aesthetic will lend a respectable air to any casual outfit. They’ll also compliment trousers and a suit if your wardrobe trends that direction. If you’re looking for a versatile design and a quality construction, this is your boot. — John Zientek

Savage Industries EDC One
Adam Savage, the real-life mad scientist famous for blowing shit to smithereens on Mythbusters, is returning to his roots in industrial design. His first creation is the EDC One, a wonderfully unique everyday bag inspired by the tool carriers used by NASA astronauts on the moon. It’s constructed with insanely strong and lightweight upcycled sailcloth, and hidden magnets keep the clamshell mouth locked shut. — Michael Finn

The James Brand Elko Knife
At just 2.6 inches when closed, the Elko is The James Brand’s smallest EDC knife yet. Along with a 1.74-inch drop-point steel blade, the Elko has a pry bar that doubles as a key ring, bottle opener and screwdriver; its lightweight anodized aluminum handle further bolsters its minimalist EDC perfection. — Michael Finn

The North Face Black Series
The North Face may be one of the biggest outdoor gear companies on the planet, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t experiment with small, sometimes secretive, side projects. The Black Series used to fit into that category — as part of the brand’s lesser-known Urban Exploration project, the Black Series marries the outdoor function of some of its most successful pieces with a style that leans heavily on cues picked up from Japanese streetwear. The catch? The collection was only available in a few brick and mortar stores located around the world (the only North American location was in San Francisco). But “was” is the key word here — because the Black Series is now available online, for a limited time, of course. — Tanner Bowden

Seiko SRPC “Mini-Turtle”
While Seiko’s launch of the SRP777 “Turtle” in late 2015 was met with nearly universal acclaim, one sticking point with some enthusiasts was its large 44mm case diameter. As an alternative, Seiko has just launched a quartet of new divers in its Prospex range that take the basic look of that watch but scales it down to a more manageable 42mm in diameter. Another big change is the repositioning of the crown at three o’clock (in lieu of four o’clock) and a magnifier over the date window. Prices have yet to be announced, but odds are it won’t eclipse the current SRP777’s $475 MSRP. — Andrew Connor

Wednesday, November 29th

SkiBonez Mask
Ski masks have always been standard equipment for staying active through the depths of winter in the colder parts of the country. That doesn’t mean the conventional design was ideally suited for the task. The SkiBonez Mask improves on the idea in several critical ways. Its warmer thanks to a fleece layer that keeps cold out and heat in. A unique inner “skeleton” also creates a pocket in front of the wearer’s mouth that improves oxygen flow. Finally, moisture is channeled through the bottom of the mask, keeping your face dry and goggle’s fog free. In short, a brilliant upgrade that’ll leave you wondering how you ever put up with anything else. Pick one up this ski season and make the most out of your time on the mountain.

Buck Mason Oil Cloth Bomber
Just released, the Oil Cloth Bomber is a versatile layering piece cut from high-quality Japanese fabric. This simple piece features a two-way zipper, two welted pockets and ribbing along the collar, hem and cuffs. Wear it as a mid-layer under your favorite winter coat, of if you’re in a milder climate, just throw it on over a tee. — John Zientek

Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH
Leica’s Noctilux line of super-high-speed, super-high-quality prime lenses is the stuff of legend, despite only really having one lens in it at any given time. The first one, a 50mm f/1.2, blew the doors off of the camera world in 1966 and following iterations got the aperture down to a mind-blowing f/.95 for the most extreme subject isolation you’ll see on a 50mm lens. Now, they’ve done the same with a portrait focal length. The new 75 f/1.25 will offer even more background blur than the 50mm Noctilux while maintaining the so-called “Leica look” and extreme performance that the folks from Wetzlar are known for. The 75 f/1.25 will start shipping in 2018 for a mind-boggling $12,795. — Henry Phillips

Klipsch Heritage Headphone Amplifier
Okay, forget that this little box magically transforms mediocre digital sounds into heavenly analog ecstasy. Just look at it. Its surface-level beauty alone — weighted aluminum golden dials, machined switches, genuine walnut veneer — make this heritage-inspired amplifier deserving of any audiophile’s workstation. — Michael Finn

Kitsbow Icon V2 Flannel
Before manufacturers discovered polyester and nylon, wool was the ideal material to wear when recreating in the outdoors, and in many ways it still is. Kitsbow, the California-based maker of stylish mountain biking gear, has leveraged wool’s performance abilities in the latest iteration of its trail-worthy Icon flannel. The shirt incorporates the best of the old and the new: it’s made with wool from Pendleton Mills but also features elbow and shoulder panels constructed with Schoeller’s abrasion and water-resistant fabrics. — Tanner Bowden

High Above Lost Lake Duffel
Rugged duffles come in all shapes and sizes, but very few are designed to be minimal. High Above has reimagined the carry-all bag with the idea that less can be more — the Lost Lake Duffel is designed with a durable Phifertex mesh that may not be waterproof but is antimicrobial and packs down small when not in use. The bag comes in two sizes, features military-spec nylon webbing handles and exterior pouch-style pockets, and is currently funding as a project on Kickstarter. — Tanner Bowden

Thursday, November 30th

Helm Bynum Boot
Finding a boot with classic style and modern performance is tough. But with the Helm Bynum boot, you get an even mix of both. The 8.5-inch tall boots are based on the height of traditional military boots and handcrafted in America from trusty Horween Chromexcel leather. These classic details are complemented by Helm’s signature white composite rubber midsole, creating a timeless look that’s also incredibly comfortable. Another unique feature we love? The seasonally updated sockliner quote and tongue stamp.

Terasu Gyuto and Utility Knives
California-based Terasu is now offering two knives made in Bolinas by metalsmith Kurtis Major. The Gyuto (180 mm blade) and the Utility (135 mm blade) both feature burt-wood handles made from Mt. Tamalpais windfall white oak. The blades are Japanese Hitachi ‘White paper’ Carbon steel (forged in Germany) which are double beveled and tripled layered with black skin. If you’re looking to invest in functional, good-looking tools for the kitchen, these are definitely worth the price. — John Zientek

Trek Verve+ E-bike
Like it or not, e-bikes are redefining how we commute, especially in urban areas where bicycles are simply more efficient than cars and public transport. Trek isn’t new to the e-bike game, and its latest commuter model, the Verve+, is an affordable addition to well-known cycling brand’s current line. The bike is constructed with a pedal-assist system by Bosch that can get riders going up to 20 miles per hour and has commuter-friendly additions including fenders and integrated lights that turn on automatically. — Tanner Bowden

The North Face x Pendleton Collection
Brand collaborations like this one are a dime a dozen. But rarely are they this good. Paired with Pendleton’s classic wool jacquard patterns, which are processed and woven right here in the USA, The North Face’s products take on a whole new cabin-adventure-ready spirit. The collection includes a vest, two jackets, a backpack, down booties and a ballcap. — Michael Finn

BMW

2018 BMW M5 Gets a Pricetag
We’ve known what the 2018 BMW M5 will look like for quite some time now. It’s also common knowledge it will have a batshit crazy 600 hp twin-turbo V8 and AWD. Now BMW has set the price tag at a whopping $102,600. — Bryan Campbell

Friday, December 1st

The North Face Summit L3 Ventrix Hoodie
The new Summit L3 Ventrix Hoodie is a jack-of-all-trades wonder, wear anywhere midlayer that breaks new ground thanks to its advanced Ventrix insulation system. As the name hints, Ventrix activates with movement, venting excess body heat during moments of peak activity via laser perforations located in key areas such as the center back and armpits. A critical piece of your mountain layering system, it retains warmth when you need it and releases it when you don’t — setting a new standard for all-day comfort during active days out on the mountain. — Gear Patrol

Pre-Order “Fundamentals” Kitchen Tool Bundle from Material
This seven-piece set — a chef’s knife, paring/utility knife, tongs and two spatulas, plus one of two wooden bases — is heavy on modern design and relatively light on price. Good for gifting someone who’s beginning to build out their living space, or for upgrading your own –Nick Caruso

Ginew Elk Down Vest
Ginew’s Elk Down Vest is a throwback to mountaineering vests popular in the decades ago. it is made with 5 ounce 700 fill goose down and features a hunted elk yoke. Made in Seattle, this vest will last your for years, and is perfect for chilly days, no matter the location. — John Zientek

Monster Children x Civilware Clipper Knife
A handsome pocket knife is a keystone that grounds a well-rounded EDC, and unique blades should be prized for their ability to set apart and stand out. Monster Children’s latest collaboration with Civilware does both — the drop-point folder is built with high-quality stainless steel and features a clip that’s suitable for pockets or holding currency, and the handle is engraved with custom graphics from the designers at LAND. — Tanner Bowden

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