Today in Gear: Our Review of the New Audi A8, 2019’s Best Fitness and Lifestyle Apps & More

The best way to catch up on the day’s most important product releases and stories.

TIG-Jan-1-gear-patrol-lead-full

Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and deals. Comments or concerns? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected].


New & Noteworthy Releases

Suzuki-Jimny-Black-Bison-gear-patrol-feature

The Jimny Black Bison Edition by Wald International is Aggressively Awesome

Do you need aero scoops on a Jimny? Absolutely not. But, since when does need come into it?

Lofren-Boots-Preorder-gear-patrol-lead-feature

These Impeccable Boots Are Now Available for Pre-Order

Vintage-inspired styles made in Japan.

Sanmi-Ittai-Trinitas-Single-Cask-Whisky-gear-patrol-feature

Now’s Your Chance to Buy Some of Japan’s Most Coveted Whisky

The first booze release of the year is a 300 bottle haul of whisky from a famous Japanese distillery.


Fresh Deals

CAP-Barbell-Rubber-Coated-Dumbbell-Weights-gear-patrol-full-lead

CAP Dumbbells Sale
Save 59% If you went to the gym this morning, you probably felt trapped as if you were in an overstuffed elevator. All the machines were taken, weights were scarce and the vibe, while uplifting, felt a bit heavy to handle so early. Take control of your fitness goals and build a home gym. Weights are ubiquitous and necessary for strength-based at-home workouts. While you can do most exercises with just your bodyweight, adding a pair of dumbbells ups the intensity level leading to the results you want. These CAP rubber coated dumbbell weights are essential. Right now, you can pick up a couple of 10-pounders for $9 compared to the original price of $21. Buy a pair, then start pumping out push-up rows, overhead presses and AMRAP (as many reps as possible) bicep curls. — Meg Lappe

Patagonia-Black-Hole-Deal-Gear-Patrol-lead-full

Patagonia Black Hole Pack
Save 30%: Among all of the well-loved products that Patagonia has created over the years — from ultralight synthetic insulation jackets to iconic fleeces — is the Black Hole duffel. The utilitarian gear hauler is made rugged enough to handle the rigors of weeks’ long field expeditions yet practical enough that its features aren’t lost on casual travelers. (The 60-liter version is perfect for carry-on-only trips.)

The Black Hole duffel succeeds because its design is so simple — it has an accessible D-shaped opening, mesh pockets for a small amount of internal organization, removable backpack straps — and its laminated ripstop construction is both durable and weather-resistant. It’s precisely these qualities that make the Black Hole backpack excellent too. The pack uses the same hardwearing fabric in an everyday bag that’s well suited to commuting and shorter adventures.

Similar to the duffel, the Black Hole Pack uses a wide opening to access its main compartment, which has sleeves for a laptop and tablet or a hydration reservoir as well as smaller organizers for small items. Unhindered by other unnecessary features, the bag is left to do what it should: provide an ample space for whatever it is you might need to carry (there are two small exterior pockets too).

Right now Huckberry is selling Patagonia’s Black Hole Pack for 30 percent off. — Tanner Bowden

MP-Post-NYE-Sale-gear-patrol-full-lead

Mr Porter Sale
Save up to 50%:Currently, online retailer Mr Porter is making a very compelling case to spend the remainder of any holiday bonus you may have received. You can save up to 50 percent on a range of great products to update your wardrobe from brands like Brunello Cucinelli, Common Projects, Drake’s and more. While there is a staggering array of garments and accessories to choose from, sizes are limited, so act fast if you see something you can’t live without. — John Zientek

aether winter jackets gear patrol lead fullAether

Aether Winter Jackets
Save 40% We might be able to say the days are getting longer now, but the temperatures continue their frigid downward spiral into the new year. There’s no better time to upgrade your winter jacket game and get one of four different Aether winter jacket styles at 40% off. —Bryan Campbell

finexDrop

Finex Cast-Iron Skillets
Save 25% Called gimmicky by some and innovative by others, Finex cast-iron skillets still cook in the same manner as your usual cast-iron skillet. Its pan is cut into an octagon with hard corners that aim to work like better pour spouts (they’re useful for baking, too) and its steel coil-wrapped handle is meant to stay cooler for longer than the usual iron handle.

The shape, handle, a heavier than normal base and a pretty steep retail price are the defining qualities of the Portland company’s weirdly divisive skillet. Today on Massdrop that price is 25 percent less steep — a cool $55 cheaper for the 10-inch skillet. —Will Price

LL-Bean-Sale-gear-patrol-lead-full

L.L. Bean Sale
Save 25%+ Welcome to day two of 2019, which means the possibilities for goal-setting and adventure-planning are still crisp in the air. If you already took a pen to paper and know your goals for the season, congrats! If you’re looking for some inspiration, we like to let the gear do the talking. If something new calls out to you — snowshoes, tents, winter coats — it might be worth the purchase to test the waters. Whether you want to hike more, run more, cook more or spend more time doing things you like, the L.L. Bean sale will help get you the gear you need to go from busy to relaxed. Today, you can take an extra 25 percent off sale items in stores and online with code EXTRA25. — Meg Lappe

Klipsch-Headphones-Gear-Patrol-lead-full

Klipsch R5 Wireless Headphones
Save $20: Klipsch is knocking $20 off its R5 Wireless headphones to start off the new year. Basically, if you’ve made some ambitious workout resolutions and you are in the market for some wireless headphones, these are a good option to get you on your way. They are sweat-proof and have a neat adjustable neckband that wraps behind your neck, which runners will like. Plus they can be worn over-the-ear or under-the-ear, whichever is more comfortable for you. Lastly, they have a solid, 8-hour battery life.

Native-Strap-Co-Sale-gear-patrol-full-lead

Nato Strap Co. Straps
Save 25%: If nabbing that coveted watch is high on your priority list for the new year, then chances are good that you’re gonna need a new strap or two to go with it. Thankfully, The Nato Strap Co. is still running an end-of-year sale (use the code “2018” at checkout), offering 25% off straps site-wide. Though most of their offerings are indeed Nato straps, there are several other types on offer as well, including two-piece canvas straps and several Panerai-type models with oversized buckles. Here are a few favorites for consideration: — Oren Hartov


Today on Gear Patrol

a man wearing a blue patagonia puffy jacket on a blank backgroundChandler Bondurant

The 11 Best Synthetic Down Jackets of 2020

Synthetic insulation rivals down in warmth and surpasses it in durability and water resistance. Here are the jackets that use it best.

Audi-A8-Review-Gear-Patrol-feature

2019 Audi A8 Review: Truly Next-Gen Innovations Place it Firmly at the Top

The Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series are the clearest alternatives, and while both have significant technology credentials the A8 can claim the title of technology leader until one of them bests it.

A-Guide-To-Watch-Microbrands-gear-patrol-lead-feature

25 Boutique Watch Brands You Should Know About

“Indies,” “microbrands” — whatever you call them, these smaller, independent watch companies are making waves in the market right now.

The-Best-Apps-to-Breathe-New-Life-into-Your-Fitness-Routine-Gear-Patrol-Feature

The 12 Best Fitness Apps Right Now

Countless apps strive to help make you fitter, stronger, leaner, looser and more relaxed than ever before. Here are our favorites.

Cast-Iron-Essentials-gear-patrol-lead-featureChase Pellerin

5 Accessories to Get More Out of Your Cast-Iron Skillet

Everyone knows cast-iron skillets need a bit more TLC than the rest of your pans. This is what you need to keep them looking great, and then some.

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