Today in Gear: Don’t Go Into the Weekend Without This News

Will your next Chipotle burrito be made by a robot? According to reports, the fast casual chain is testing out Chippy — a Miso Robotics-powered chip making arm. Currently being tested out of Chipotle’s “Innovation Hub” in Irvine, California, the interesting thing about Chippy is that variation is built into the design; while Chippy can follow the same recipe when it makes chips, it also has been engineered to intentionally add slight differences between each batch of chips. The result isn’t just a consistent, robot-like precision in each batch of chips, but human-like variations (think more salt or lime) between batches. While Chipotle has stated that this isn’t meant to replace the human chefs in their restaurants, rising inflation and an overall lack of new employees in the fast food sector since the onset of COVID-19 has made decisions like this more enticing. While it’s definitely an interesting novelty for now, this could be a small signal for how fast food might become even more automated going forward. Chip-making robotics aside, close out your week with a rescue watch that works where others don’t, District Vision’s New Balance collaboration and the retro-inspired release contributing to a Razor renaissance. This is Today in Gear.

Stylish, tactical and tough as nails: Meet 5.11’s new Norris sneaker.

5.11 Tactical

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that won’t quit in even the toughest of conditions, then you’re in the market for 5.11’s Norris sneaker. The Norris benefits from a hyper-strong foundation: an ASTM-certified design with an integrated Welmax board, built to withstand up to 1,200 newtons of force, and a climbing-grade rubber toe rounds out its durable design. The Norris also delivers an incredibly stable ride, thanks to its Vibram Marbrani outsole with XS Trek, which is engineered to hit the sweet spot between traction and comfort.

Part watch, part rescue beacon: Meet the O-Boy satellite watch.

O-BOY

Fully backed on Kickstarter, the O-Boy was created out of necessity; O-Boy’s founder Hadrien Dorchy dreamed up the idea after getting stuck out at sea while windsurfing (fortunately, he was rescued by passing night divers). The O-Boy operates via a private satellite network — which makes it more reliable and independent than most rescue watches, which use local cell networks (or need to be close to your phone). Its bulky bezel is reinforced by Gorilla Glass and waterproof (to 10 meters), dustproof (IP68 rating) and shockproof. Read more about the unique rescue watch down below.

Ten Thousand’s new midlayer was designed with help from the U.S. special forces.

Ten Thousand

The Tactical Over Zip from Ten Thousand was built to withstand the rigors of military training (it was developed with help from U.S. Special Forces), but that doesn’t mean civilians can’t benefit from this piece either. For the tech fabrics, you’ll find moisture-wicking Polartec Power Grid for lightweight warmth and Durable Ripstop shoulders and sleeves, treated with a DWR finish for water repellency. With a permanent silver ion anti-odor treatment and subtle zip pocket on the left sleeve, this is a perfect layer for chilly morning workouts or getting outside this spring.

District Vision teams up with New Balance for full-on collaboration collection.

District Vision

As a brand that celebrates the meditative qualities of running, District Vision’s new collaboration with New Balance — which spans everything from sneakers to race and recovery running apparel and accessories — is all about mindfulness. If you ask us though, you’ll want to make a move on the collab’s FuelCell RC Elite V2 sneaker, which has FuelCell foam, a monochromatic knit upper and original artwork by Filip Pagowski. That’s a sleeper hit you won’t want to… well, sleep on.

Are we in the middle of a Razor renaissance?

Razor

It feels like Razor’s been making a major push lately, either tapping into millennial nostalgia or working with brands like Jeep on pumped versions of its electric scooters. This retro-tinged release — the Rambler 16 — is a minibike with a powerful (but quiet) 350 watt motor that tops out around 15 mph and has a range of 11.5 miles on full charge. While this definitely isn’t meant to go off-roading, the motorcross-inspired bench seat should make this a breezy cul-de-sac neighborhood cruiser.

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