Today in Gear: In-The-Know on New Gear

Leica and Panasonic have debuted a new partnership — “L²” (a nod to both “Leica” and “LUMIX”) — which sees the two labels teaming up to co-develop lenses and cameras and other related products. In a press release, the pair stated, “Through this collaboration, the two companies will jointly invest in new technologies that can be incorporated into camera and lens products, and will incorporate jointly developed technologies into each other’s Leica and Lumix products to further enhance their product capabilities.” This is a strong move for both parties, with Panasonic’s camera bodies often overshadowed by labels like Nikon and Canon, and Leica’s legacy of making incredible lenses (with mixed results in the mirrorless camera market). Stay tuned as the fruits of this partnership bear out in the coming months.

Upgrade your tech with this epic deal from Samsung.

Samsung

Make sure you have the tech to keep up with whatever you have planned this summer; namely, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Samsung’s Super Clear Lens tones down unwanted lens flare while its Vision Booster technology “defies daylight” so you can get that perfect shot at all hours of the day. The Dynamic AMOLED 2x display improves outdoor visibility with up to 1750 nits in peak brightness. So, when you’re outside in the glare of bright sunlight, your screen is still viewable. Plus, with an all-day battery and superfast charging, a single, speedy 45w charge gives you more than a full day of power.

Unimatic’s latest releases are covered in chocolate browns.

Unimatic

Italian watch label Unimatic dropped two new chocolate brown editions of its U1S-MB and U2S-MB watches, each packing a Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1 movement. Rounded out with indices in Super-LumiNova Old Radium and silver trims and a two piece calf leather strap, both timepieces are subtle — but decadent — statement pieces.

It’s officially mosquito season: Get prepared.

Thermacell

We’re stoked as much as anyone about the rapidly approaching summer season, but we’re not too thrilled about the inevitable onset of mosquitos. Prepare to keep annoying bugs at bay with the Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller, which drives mosquitos away with a scent free refill treatment. With this on your back porch or deck there’s no need to apply an extra bug spray, lotion or light up a citronella candle.

Who says your short rotation has to begin and end with Patagonia Baggies?

Roark

Do not misunderstand: We love Patagonia Baggies for their perfect inseam length (5 inches or bust!), wide variety of colors and practical, quick-dry capabilities. That said, we don’t think they’re the only shorts worth stocking up on. Roark’s Run Amok running short boasts the same 5 inch inseam that’s helped define the Patagonia Baggies design, swapping a wild color palette for a bold graphic on the left leg. Built to move from sport to hanging out, it’s hard not to throw these statement shorts into your summer wardrobe.

Leatherman’s collab with Topo Designs is built to do it all.

Leatherman x Topo Designs

There’s multitools, and then there’s the Topo Designs x Leatherman Skeletool. We’ve talked a lot about our favorite outdoor knives in this column, and it’s uncommon to see anything with this level of color and personality (not to mention, functionality to boot). Built with seven separate tools, including: two types of pliers, two types of wire-cutters, a combo blade, a bottle opener-carabiner and a bit driver, this Skeletool is the definition of style and substance.

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