Good morning. The Gear Patrol Store is back and better than ever. Over 100 items are available right now, including products hand-picked by our editorial team, exclusive collaborations, three adventures-of-a-lifetime and all manner of awesome gear (custom-built FJ40, anyone?) Expect to see more and more awesome stuff in the coming weeks. Here’s what’s good in gear elsewhere: a lightweight hiking boot, two minimalist bi-fold wallets, the Oculus Rift Touch controllers and much more.
And here are some fresh stories to start the day.
Oris Big Crown ProPilot Day Date
Since Oris first launched its “Big Crown” pilot’s watch in 1938, the company has continued a nearly 80-year history of making practical mechanical watches. The first were designed so that pilots could easily wind their watches while flying with thick gloves on; those original watches — with big crowns — have brought rise to an entire aviation-inspired line. The Big Crown ProPilot Day Date is no different, employing a simple dial with large Arabic numerals coated in SuperLuminova, a sapphire crystal, a 45mm stainless steel case and a screw-in crown, making the watch good for 100 meters of water resistance. Ticking away inside is an automatic winding movement based on a Sellita SW220-1 with a day and date complication and finished with Oris’s signature red rotor. It’s everything you’d want in a reliable, everyday timepiece.
Oculus Touch Controllers
Oculus Rift owners can put down the Xbox controller they’ve been using and pick up a pair of Oculus Touch controllers — yes, they’re finally available for purchase. The controllers track your hand positioning in 3D: move your hand in real life, move your hand in the game. They also track individual fingers, so you can point or give a thumbs-up in VR. These controllers are how Oculus Rift’s games are meant to be played. And if you’ve already spent big on the Oculus Rift and a compatible PC, the $200 price tag shouldn’t be an issue. — Tucker Bowe, Tech Writer
Discommon Goods Thermoformed Leather Card Wallet
The current trend in wallets is minimalism, and we aren’t complaining. (A few cards, some petty cash; what more do you need to carry?) This Italian calf-hide bi-fold wallet is thermoformed, which basically means each pocket will hold up to four cards — that’s eight cards total, give or take a few spare bills — without losing its shape.
Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine
As it turns out, none of the eight flavors that define American cuisine are native to the United States.
Danner Mountain 600 Boot
Part sneaker, part hard-wearing heritage hiking boot, the 600 is Danner’s most forward-thinking boot design. First and foremost, it is built to hold up in the harshest environments (waterproof outer, heavy-duty Vibram sole, moisture-wicking liner), yet it is designed with a lightweight feel and street-savvy aesthetic. Now available in full grain leather, in four colors.
Grovemade Bifold Wallet
We weren’t kidding about minimalist wallets. Here’s another that hits all the right marks: premium USA leather, enough space for 8 cards and some bills, classic cotton sew lines, all of which is crafted by masterful hands in Oregon. It’s time to slim it down, dude.
Next Page: Fresh Stories to Start Your Day
Fresh Stories to Start Your Day
15 Great Gifts Under $50 for the Driver
A car won’t fit into a stocking. But a toy car? Perfect.
Now This Is How You Make Fried Chicken
Stick-to-your-ribs comfort food — in the comfort of your own home.
Crepe-Sole Shoes to Stomp Out the Winter Doldrums
Soften you step with these crepe-soled cruisers.
15 Best Winter Tires of 2016
We picked the best tires to help you stay mobile through the winter months.
The Ultimate Bug-Out Bag (for When the World Ends)
Because 2017 is just around the corner, and judging by 2016, well… we’re not exactly optimistic.
10 Best Lightweight Laptops of 2016
As computers quickly became an everyday necessity, a decade of technological leaps has boosted lightweight laptops from niche to normalcy.
GP100: The 12 Best Style Products of the Year
Our picks for the finest products launched in 2016.
Behind the Scenes
Sightings from Instagram
