We publish our weekly roundup of gear news for you to enjoy over the weekend. Savor it with your Saturday morning coffee, or use it to fend off the existential panic of Sunday night — it’s up to you. Comments or concerns? We’d love to hear from you at tig@gearpatrol.com.
This Week in Review
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Motoring
Outdoors and Fitness
Style
Tech
Watches
Home
You Probably Need to Repot Your Houseplants ASAP. Here’s How
How much room your plant's roots need, how to avoid waterboarding them and more.
Looking for Affordable Home Office Gear? These Are the Moneyball WFH Brands
Don't want high-end or the lowest of the low-end home office gear? This is your home office brand strikezone.
The 7 Best Pellet Grills You Can Buy in 2020
The absolute best pellet grills, whether you're on a budget, tailgating or setting up your backyard dream kitchen.
What’s the Difference Between German and Japanese Kitchen Knives?
Steel hardness impacts how well a blade can hold an edge. But the more durable option isn't necessarily the better one.
Screw Charcoal Briquettes. Grill with These Fuels Instead.
There's grilling with instant light charcoal briquettes, then there's grilling.
An Astronaut Convinced Me to Keep a Journal. Here’s How I Stuck With It
Strategies for staving off boredom and anxiety work just as well in outer space as they do in apartments.
The 25 Best Things to Cook with an Instant Pot or Multicooker
Just get an Instant Pot? Here are 25 of the absolute best things to make in it.
You Know That Little Hole in Your Pen Cap? It Could Save Your Life
Maybe stop chewing on your pens.
The 25 Best Kitchen Tools You Can Buy for Less Than $25
Hardwearing, essential and altogether overlooked.
Absolutely Everything You Need to Know Before Buying an Office or Desk Chair
What's the best way to sit in an office chair? What's the best office chair? Are there any cheap office chairs that don't suck? Your questions answered.
A $20 Buffalo Trace Bourbon Available Everywhere Is Now $200 and Nowhere to Be Found. What Happened?
The rise of Weller 12, from shelf sleeper to baby Pappy to unobtanium.
The 10 Best Beach Chairs You Can Buy in 2020
The best of beach chairs in 2020 is all about portability, durability and affordability.
6 of the Best Scotch Whisky Brands You’ve Never Heard of
It turns out, after a few hundred years of distilling history, there's more to scotch whisky than the big brands we see all the time.
10 Good-Looking Cheap Desks You Can Buy Online Right Now
Just give in and buy one of these cheap desks. Your posture and productivity will thank you.
I Can’t Get Enough of These Ramen Noodle Flavor Packs for Adults
And everything else I want in my apartment right the hell now.
This Slick Coffee Table Is the Result of Customer Fanfare
The new Dims. Caldera L is a longer, larger and better version of another table.
A Company That Makes Fire Pits Designed a Charcoal Grill That Gets Hotter, Faster
A Weber alternative if there ever was one.
For the Second Year in a Row, This $40 Tennessee Whiskey Will Be One of the Best Values at the Liquor Store
The 2019 George Dickel Bottled-in-Bond release was one of the best values in recent whiskey memory. The 2020 version is rolling out now.
Getting Married? There’s a Special Le Creuset Cast-Iron Pot for That
Because you were going to put Le Creuset on your wedding registry anyway.
This Pillow Was Literally Made for You and You Alone
Pluto Pillow is a direct-to-consumer bedding brand that makes pillows customized to your body statistics, sleep habits and sleeping preferences.
Why a $23 Bottle of Otherwise Ho-Hum Bourbon Actually Matters in the World of Whiskey
The return of an almost-forgotten, affordable name in bourbon is a welcome surprise.
Motoring
The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Beats the RAV4 on Price and Peace Alike
It's not quite as wild as Bob Dylan's 1965 appearance at Newport, but one could argue this compact crossover is Honda's most important vehicle.
This Boring Old Mercedes Sedan Was Much Cooler Than You Think
A staid, decidedly unsexy Mercedes sedan is also one of the best cars the company ever built.
These Are the Most-American New Cars Money Can Buy
Want to support American manufacturing? Here are the most American-made cars you can buy.
8 Awesome Wagons We Can’t Buy in the United States
These wagons are magnificent...but painfully out of reach.
Why Is Your Car’s Steering Wheel on the Left? Blame the Teamsters
Turns out where your car's wheel is has an awful lot to do with people's tendency to be right-handed.
These Are the Best Rental Cars to Grab This Summer
We combed through the prominent rental car companies's inventories and picked out the best cars they offer, so you can make the most of your summer.
The 5 Best Portable Jump Starters
The best portable jump-starters are sleek, computer-regulated, lithium-ion gadgets that can fit discretely in your trunk or even your glove box.
The New Ford Bronco Will Debut July 13. Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Here's the important information you need to know about the new Ford Bronco before it arrives.
The Land Rover Defender Now Offers Its Very Own Rooftop Tent
The new Land Rover Defender can now be ordered ready for overlanding — at least, in some markets.
Truck-Driving Americans Would Give Up Alcohol, Coffee Before Their Pickups, Ford Says
A vast majority of pickup truck owners said they'd give up booze and java for a year rather than be deprived of their rig.
Toyota’s Newest Hot Hatch Is a Tiny Ball of Awesome. Of Course, We Can’t Have It
The GR Yaris packs a mighty turbocharged engine and AWD into a tiny, flickable ride.
Would You Spend $50,000 On This Old, Obscure Toyota Off-Roader?
This rare Toyota truck predates the 4Runner and has some serious "Stranger Things"-era style. But it won't go cheap.
BMW and Apple Are Teaming Up to Turn Your iPhone Into a Car Key
One less item to carry in your pockets, we suppose.
Jeep’s New Grand Wagoneer Could Be Incredibly Fancy…and Pack a $100,000 Price Tag
How much will Jeep enthusiasts pay for an SUV? We may be about to find out, thanks to the brand's first six-figure model.
One of the Coolest Off-Road Camper Vans Just Got Even Better
If you love cooking outside far, far away from it all, this Winnebago is right for you.
The Ram 1500 Could Be About to Become a High-Tech Towing Monster
Some new (and very helpful) upgrades could help extend Ram's success against the Silverado.
The Best Super-Cheap Sedan You Can Buy Is About to Die
Zoom-zoom with a stick shift for well under $20,000? Not anymore.
VW Hopes You’ll Fall in Love With Its Sexy New Sedan
Volkswagen doubles down on style to sell a sedan you probably haven't looked at.
Porsche’s Perfect Sports Car Just Got Even Quicker (But You Might Not Like How)
Porsche's best car is about to get even better...technically speaking.
These 10 Car Brands Gave New Car Buyers the Least to Complain About
One Japanese brand finished in the top 10, and it's not one of the ones you would have expected.
This Camper Turns Any Midsize Pickup Truck Into an Overlanding Beast
Turn your Taco into a tiny house.
This Upcoming Cheap Performance SUV Should Have BMW Worried
It could be the best value in hot hatchbacks...even if it's not really a hatchback.
Enter to Win the Shelby GT500 of Your Dreams, and Help Fight for Equal Justice for All
Eleanor is fighting for a good cause.
Tesla’s Newest Model S Can Go Farther Than Any Electric Car Before
The Tesla Model S hit a big, round range number — one that will make Elon Musk very happy.
One of Ford’s Coolest Vintage Trucks Ever Has Returned (But Not How You Might Think)
You can now slake your vintage Ford truck nostalgia with one dealer's (very pricey) appearance package.
Enter to Win This Super-Fast Mercedes-AMG Wagon and Help Those on the Front Lines Against Coronavirus
Omaze is auctioning off a Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon to help those taking the fight to COVID-19.
Ram’s Ford Raptor-Killing Hellcat Pickup Will Officially Arrive This Summer
Just a couple more months.
The New Ford F-150 Has Arrived. Here’s Everything You Need to Know
The new 2021 Ford F-150 should be the optimal full-size pickup for cruising, camping, towing, eating a cheeseburger or catching a quick nap.
Cadillac’s Futuristic Tesla-Fighting Electric Car Arrives Soon. Here’s Our Best Look Yet
Cadillac's vital new electric crossover, with an exceptionally weird name, has an official launch date.
Outdoors and Fitness
10 Bike Racks that Blend Seamlessly Into Your Home
City bikes need a place to rest inside — enter the indoor bike rack.
Can New Technology Help You Get Fitter at Home?
At a time when home fitness is especially relevant, two new products promise to help you sweat without crowding your house. Our testers check them out and weigh in.
Why Did the Best Female Rock Climber in the World Team up with a Streetwear Brand?
Evolv and Ashima Shiraishi, one of the best female rock climbers in the world, teamed up with streetwear label Brain Dead to make a very special climbing shoe.
Some Wonderful Outdoor Products Have a Weird Ingredient
Can microalgae save the planet and be your first layer's best friend? More and more brands are singing its praises — and sneaking it into their gear.
One of the Best Bike Saddles Is Made by a Company You’ve Never Heard Of
Selle Repente is relatively new and unknown, but the Italian cycling brand’s impressive Latus CL saddle is a secret worth sharing.
We’ve Never Seen a Hiking Pack That Does What This One Can
Fjällräven's newest trekking pack proactively helps you take a load off when the going gets tough.
We’ve Never Seen Bike Gear like This Before
Giro's Yasuda Collection is the product of an obsession the brand's creative director has with the work of a mysterious Tokyo designer.
This New Masterclass Can Save You from Utter Embarrassment
Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk’s series promises to help all of us spend more time catching air than eating pavement.
This New Bike Helmet Will Make You Want to Wear a Bike Helmet
Loaded with seamlessly integrated features, the Thousand Chapter MIPS Helmet is destined to make cycling safer — and more stylish.
You Should Consider This New Protein Powder for One Weird Reason
Human Improvement, or Hi!, is a new fitness nutrition brand with a protein blend that includes an important key ingredient: crickets.
This New E-Bike Is Incredibly Fun Looking and Actually Affordable
As the lightest and cheapest model Rad Power Bikes has ever produced, the single-speed RadMission is one intriguing proposition.
Style
My New Favorite Hand Cream Is Actually Really Affordable
Custom hand cream that won't break the bank.
The 10 Best Sweat Shorts to Wear All Summer Long
From classic heather grey sweat shorts to over-engineered designer options.
What Should You Wear with White Pants? Here Are 5 Tips
5 ways to wear white pants.
No, You Don’t Need Polarized Sunglasses. Get These Instead
No, polarized sunglasses aren’t the end all, be all outdoor eyewear solution. Here’s why.
31 Cloth Face Masks That Actually Look Good
Face masks are protective, firstly, but they can also look pretty stylish. Here are our favorites.
6 Lightweight Jeans You Can Totally Wear All Summer Long
Summer-friendly renditions on the classic five-pocket jean.
How the Gay Community Helped Popularize Workwear
Workwear's roots may have started on railroads and construction sites, but its boom in popularity in more recent history owes much to the gay community.
Need Great Summer Shoes? Check Out These Slip-On Styles
The latest trend in shoes is literally the easiest to get into.
David Lynch’s Sunglasses Are Just as Esoteric and Cool as You’d Expect
Desirable both in terms of style and performance.
The 10 Best Aviator Sunglasses for Men
From Ray-Ban, Barton Perreira, Jacques Marie Mage and more.
Tech
How to Use Your Most Essential Apps Like a Real Pro
You know your way around your most essential apps. What 21st century citizen could afford not to?! But beyond the plateau of paltry proficiency, there is a hidden plain of true expertise. Who in their...
3 Reasons You Should Still Be Buying Blu-Rays
Yes, the analog experience is one thing. But there are other reasons to still buy physical copies of your favorite movies and shows.
The Best Smart Thermostats: Which Is Right For Your Home?
Here's what you need to know before buying your first smart thermostat.
How This Electronics Juggernaut Got Its Start in a Bombed-Out Department Store
The story of a world war, a department store, and a plucky transistor radio.
Don’t Want to Shell Out for an Apple Watch? Buy This Instead
The Timex Metropolitan S delivers fitness tracking features, notifications and more in a lightweight, 36mm package for under $200.
How Fast Does Your Home Wi-Fi Need to Be?
What's a good internet speed? More importantly, what's a bad one?
5 Things We Might See at Apple’s Big Event Today
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is happening this afternoon. Here's what we might see.
An Expert Explains Why the Sonos Arc Soundbar Is So Much Better Than the Playbar
Chris Davies, the senior director of audio engineering at Sonos, helps break down the differences between Sonos's newest soundbar, Arc, and its old Playbar.
Your iPhone Is About to Get Way Better at Video Calling
Picture in Picture for FaceTime was previously only available on iPad. Now it's coming to iPhone with iOS 14.
Apple Is Making It Easier Than Ever to Own an Electric Car
Say goodbye to range anxiety.
Wyze’s First-Ever Outdoor Security Camera Has an Ingenious New Feature
Wyze, the company best known for making some of the best affordable smart home cameras, just announced its first-ever outdoor smart home camera.
Olympus Is Done With Cameras
Dogged by persistent whispers that it was preparing to give up the ghost — which until now it had vehemently denied — Olympus is finally selling its imaging business, home of the OM-D and Zuiko...
This New Feature Should Make AirPods Last Longer Than Ever
This new charging feature will hopefully extend the lifespan of AirPods and AirPods Pro.
The iPhone 12: When It’s Coming and What You Should Know
Apple isn't expected to announce a new iPhone for quite some time, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from turning.
5 Affordable Turntables That Even Audiophiles Would Want
Can you get a great-sounding turntable for under $500? Yes, yes you can.
Mophie’s UV Sanitizer Can Charge and Clean Your Smartphone
The Mophie UV sanitizer is available right now. It costs $80.
Watches
10 Great Solar-Powered Watches for Summer Sun
Never wind them, rarely change the batteries — simply strap on one of these great solar-powered watches and enjoy.
7 Iconic Watch Bracelets Every Fan Should Know
Certain watch bracelet designs have achieved cult status are instantly recognizable, even among non-watch collectors.
These Are the Watches We’re Obsessing Over in June, 2020
We're flipping our lids over a new French dive watch, a vintage Enicar that desperately needs a trip to the spa, and more.
A Complete Guide To Mechanical Watch Maintenance
Your mechanical timepiece could very well outlive you. These are the steps and precautions to take to ensure that does.
Your Next Purchase: One of These 12 Great Dress Watches
From $1,000 to $20,000 and everything in between.
A Guide to Common Automatic Watch Movements
These are the third-party, automatic watch movements being utilized by a multitude of brands today.
Three Instagram Accounts for Watch Lovers to Follow in June, 2020
@ericwind serves up the vintage watch goodness, @iniarchibong designs with an eye for beauty and @adpatina saves midcentury watch ads from anonymity.
The Complete Buying Guide to Casio G-Shock Watches
Casio makes a rugged G-Shock in just about every color and for every type of profession -- here, we break down the model line.
Here Are 10 Important Watch Releases You Might Have Missed
Vintage-inspired Longines, colorful Heuer chronographs, complicated Lange & Söhne and more.
These New Dive Watches Revive a Classic Style
The Alkin Model Two is a modern interpretation of the super compressor-style diver, which uses two crowns and an internal, rotating bezel.
The Most Affordable Automatic Watches Use This Japanese Movement
The Miyota 8215 movement powers entry-level mechanical timepieces from brands both small and large.
Get a Special Version of the Hamilton Watch from Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet”
Hamilton worked with the Tenet film crew to design a modified version of its Khaki Navy BeLOWZERO watch. Now you can buy it in a limited edition.
5 Colorful Watches to Celebrate Pride Month
Show your support for LGBTQ+ rights during Pride Month with one of these rainbow-colored watches (and one awesome strap).
Panerai’s Classic Military-Inspired Dive Watch Now Has a Beautiful Blue Dial
The brand launched the Luminor Marina PAM1313 in celebration of the collection's 70th anniversary.
Two New Vintage-Inspired Watches Revive the Classic ‘Tuxedo Dial’
A beautiful design from the mid-20th century is getting a new lease on life.
This Colorful New Chronograph Watch Takes Its Inspiration From a Funky 1970s Design
TAG Heuer's celebrating its 160th birthday with a new Carrera that sports colors from its 1972 Montreal chronograph.
Is This the Most Elegant Travel Watch Ever Made?
The new A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone introduces new features to one of the most impressive and complicated travel watches in the world.
This New Chronograph Resurrects One of the Most Iconic Watches Ever Made
TAG Heuer has pulled off an excellent recreation of its first Carrera watch from 1964, updated with modern tech and sizing.
You Won’t Believe What Someone’s Done To These Humble G-Shock Watches
These all-metal G-Shocks combine silver or gold dials with stainless steel cases, mechanical Swiss movements and Casio soul.
3 Affordable Watches to Wear to the Beach This Summer
Summer's here, and it's time to get your wrist ready for the beach with one of these sporty, water-resistant watches.
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