Editor’s Note: It’s pretty clear that we’re passionate about gear. And with this series, we want to share with you our own personal favorite pieces. Over the next few months, we’ll bring you our staff’s 10 personal favorites — goods we personally own and use. The selection will run the gamut, from heirloom pieces to practical gear that can be easily procured. Last but not least, each will share one “holy grail” item that still remains the stuff of dreams, out of reach, but hopefully only temporarily so.
When your life becomes saturated with stuff, as it does at Gear Patrol, it’s the small discoveries that stay with you. Double-string flossers, customizable pillows, sweet and tangy mayonnaise from Japan — that’s my jam.
Placker’s Twin-Line Flossers
The double-string design is so simple and effective. Frankly, I’m shocked these haven’t become industry standard.
Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow
As close as I’ve come to finding the perfect pillow. The filling inside is made up of memory foam noodles, and there’s a zipper that lets you remove the filling to your desired firmness. I appreciate that.
Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Stockpot Pressure Cooker
If you cook beans, you need a pressure cooker. I cook a lot of beans.
Perfumeria Gal Pure Glycerin Liquid Soap
There an old drugstore in Madrid that’s been making this stuff for over a century. The scent is musky, but clean and really fresh. Whenever I hear a friend of mine is going overseas, I make a point to request a couple bottles.
‘Cathedral’ by Raymond Carver
Fiction is hard for me these days. Rarely do I find myself invested in the characters of a new book or story. With Carver, I just get sucked in. It’s his rhythm, his language. So direct.
Miele Classic C1 Capri Canister Vacuum
My mother taught me that there are two kinds of people in this world: those who vacuum their corners, and those who don’t.
Kewpie Mayonnaise
Sorry Duke’s. My heart is elsewhere.
Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault Pack
I’ve given up on rolling luggage. The handle always breaks! This pack has a 33-liter capacity so it’s great for short trips. It’s comfortable and practically indestructible. Oh, and pockets. Lots of pockets.
Cigar City Jai Alai IPA
Jai Alai is one of the best beers from Florida — my home state. Sometimes, I can find cans in New York, but they’re expensive and usually pretty old. So when I visit my folks, I always buy a six pack.
The Grail
David Mellor Provencal Black Handle Flatware
In his day, David Mellor designed everything from streetlights to cutlery. I discovered this flatware earlier in the year at Cosme in New York City. Someday I’ll splurge on a set.
