Today in Gear: Best of 2023

Welcome to Today in Gear’s Best of 2023. Consider this the People’s Choice Awards of this column: the top ten most-clicked products from January to now. This year, everyday carry was a clear theme, with knives, watches, tech accessories and even a carabiner making a strong showing. We also longed for summer days, with grilling goodies, water shoes, a lawn-care kit and a rooftop tent on the list. Enjoy this roundup of your favorites from 2023, and keep checking Today in Gear to see what innovative, stylish and smart products will come in 2024. Happy New Year!

Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios. Send your most pressing product questions to [email protected].

10. Pichi Design Kootenay Carabiner

PICHI DESIGN

A carabiner is a carabiner, right? Wrong. This Kickstarter, funded in part by Gear Patrol readers earlier this year, proved it. Pichi Design took an object created for climbers and co-opted for everyday use and redesigned it from the ground up with EDC in mind. Its two-design is inspired by the Canadian Rockies, and both areas are easy to access with an overlapping partition lever. A clip on the back means you can attach it wherever you need, in whatever way you need.

9. Vaer S5 Tactical Field 40mm Quartz

Vaer

Vaer makes rugged, reasonably priced timepieces that are instant classics, and one of the best examples of that may be the S5 Tactical Field watch. With a modern look that nods to vintage WWII-era military style, an illuminated, blacked-out dial and legible Arabic numerals and date window, this is a watch you can reach for every day.

8. Freespirit Recreation Aspen Lite Rooftop Tent

Freespirit Recreation

When it comes to rooftop tents, lighter is better. Especially when that 110-pound package is still waterproof, insulated, spacious, comfortable and can be set up and torn down in less than 30 seconds. With engineering like this, it’s no wonder Freespirit’s 2023 update to its legendary Aspen series was a hit with readers.

7. The James Brand The Ellis Slim

The James Brand

In the spring, The James Brand dropped their most minimal EDC knife yet. It’s a full-sized knife that’s thinner than a pack of gum and still doesn’t skimp on the important details: a comfortable and customizable handle and a Swedish steel blade available in both serrated and straight styles. The key ring attachment also doubles as a flathead screwdriver, scraper and pry-bar.

6. Keen’s Men’s Newport H2

Keen

We trust Keen to make comfortable, practical shoes that are always adventure ready, and in 2023 they expanded the selection of this high-traction, quick-drying, fully machine washable staple shoe. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the colorway you’re, well, keen on.

5. Bespoke Himalayan Salt Plate & Holder Set

Bespoke Post

This grill-ready Himalayan Salt Plate was a hit with readers when we wrote about it back in April, but we firmly believe that it’s never too early to start planning for summer. This visually stunning salt slab will infuse anything you cook with rich flavor and offers a dramatic presentation for your steaks, burgers and kabobs. In the meantime, there’s no reason you couldn’t use it indoors.

4. Sunday Lawn Care Spring Kickstart Kit

Sunday

Speaking of planning for summer, Sunday’s Kickstarter Kit is primed to set you up for success. With two fertilizers formulated to give your grass everything it needs and an herbicide that lives up to its Dandelion Doom name, you can start dreaming of lush green even in the midst of a winter wonderland.

3. Jack Mason Hydrotimer

Jack Mason

An everyday watch packed with extraordinary features, Jack Mason’s Hydrotimer Dive Watch dropped in April and has stood the test of time. Accurate to within five seconds a day and capable of reaching depths up to 300 meters, with a screw-down crown and a 42-hour power reserve, this is truly a piece you can rely on.

2. Tekto F1 Alpha

TEKTO Knives

This folder is the creme-de-la-creme of EDC knives. Its tactical build is made to withstand a wide range of conditions, and its 3.1-inch titanium-coated D2 steel blade is sharp, precise and easily accessible. This is a no-frills, no-nonsense knife that’s still comfortable and capable. You won’t want to go anywhere without it.

1. Plugable 5-in-1 USB C Hub Multiport Adapter

Plugable

Sometimes the best products are the ones that seamlessly solve an everyday dilemma, and Plugable’s adapter for the MacBook is just that. With this hub, you’ll never have to choose what to unplug. Take your machine from two USB-C ports to five — including a USB-C, two standard USBs, a headphone jack and an ethernet port – while still leaving room for your MagSafe charger.

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