The Coolest Pieces of Gear We Tested This Week

Camp Chef 4-Piece Carving Set

When it comes to camp cooking and outdoor BBQs this season, a solid set of carving tools is vital. After all, once you spend all that time marinating, seasoning, grilling and smoking that delicious food, handling and slicing it up in proper fashion is just as important. And the 4-Piece Carving Set by Camp Chef tackles this job with ease

The set includes a 10-inch chef knife, santoku knife, a pair of grill tongs, as well as  high-quality carving fork. This is everything you need to get your meats from the prepping board, to the grill, to the carving board, to the mouths of your hungry guests. Bonus: It also comes with a really nice canvas roll knife case to keep it all organized in between BBQs.

Right out of the box, the chef’s knife cuts like butter right through tri-tip, brisket, pork belly, and even pork ribs, and the natural grip of the Pakkawood handles are not only beautiful, but feel ever-so solid in-hand.

At an affordable price point for such a high-quality set, this carving set should be by your side for all your culinary adventures this summer.

[$72; campchef.com]

Republic of Durable Goods ‘Mock ONE’ Portable Folding Hammock

While we’re all being urged to shelter in place and help prevent the spread of COVID-19, you may have found yourself fixing up your current living space to make it more comfortable. And we can’t think of too many things that are more comfortable than a hammock. However, without proper anchor points (which many of us may not have on offer) a hammock in your backyard is just not in the cards. Enter the Mock OONE Portable Folding Hammock from Republic of Durable Goods.

This hammock is so easy to assemble and even easier to operate. It folds down into a very manageable size (even portable for places like the neighborhood park or the beachside campsite) it pops open in just seconds, so this thing can go with you wherever you feel like relaxing and kicking back for awhile.

Made from parachute nylon, it has a 250-pound capacity with a height limit for people up 6’ 4” tall. The hammock itself weighs 14.5 pounds (which is remarkable given that the frame is made from coated steel for the highest durability), it’s easily handled in most out-of-the-house situations. It even features cup holders to keep your favorite beverage at arm’s reach while you relax.

Being stuck at home does not have to be an uncomfortable situation. We suggest adding the Mock ONE to your daily routine. It’s amazing how a good 30 minutes in a hammock can simmer down your stress levels and help you comfortably get through all the uncertainty in the world right now.

[$149.98; republicofdurablegoods.com]

Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier

Staying hydrated in the summer heat is something that everybody should take seriously while getting outdoors this season. And when you’re heading far of the beaten path, lugging large amounts of water can be a huge burden on your pack weight. This is where a high-quality water purification tool comes in clutch. And one of the best we’ve ever tried is the Grayl GeoPress. It produces 24 ounces of safe drinkable water from anywhere in only 8 seconds—which the brand states is unrivaled speed. It weighs in at only 16 ounces (empty) so it’s the perfect grab-and-go solution for any outdoor adventure.

Its ease-of-use is second to none, and it simply does its one job exceptionally well. The applications of this purifier go well beyond the trail, too. Use this at park water fountains, hotel sinks, side-yard water spigots, as well as any lake or river. This filter protects users from viruses, bacteria, protozoan cysts, pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and even microplastics. Not to mention that we can attest to the claim that it simply makes water taste better. Its filter catridge lifespan is roughly 350 cycles (65 gallons of water).

If you plan to hit the trail and get after some backcountry excursions this summer, the GeoPress from Grayl is a life saver.

[$89.95; grayl.com]

Hedley & Bennett Alder Modern Apron

If you’re mastering new skills in the kitchen (check out 57 things every man needs to know about cooking), an apron is a must. Oil splatters, marinades splash, mixers go haywire. You want a line of defense between your culinary concoctions and your clothes (lest you enjoy doing laundry). Hedley & Bennett does you one better: Their aprons double as a kitchen assistant. Utility loops keep a towel, spatula, and tongs handy, and large slanted pockets (plus one square on the chest) offer added storage so you can keep need-to-have-close devices on you at all times. We love the Alder Modern Apron for its aesthetics: black and gunmetal gray camo with two-tone straps and matte black hardware. The print quite literally camoflauges stains better than a solid color, and the chino twill is thick and durable. Also check out their Wake Up and Fight Masks; every mask purchased helps Hedley & Bennett donate masks to those in need. — Brittany Smith, Senior Editor

[$85; hedleyandbennett.com]

Leatherman FREE K2

A good multitool is an absolute must-have for any outdoorsperson. And no brand does it quite like the trusted crew at Leatherman. That being said, their FREE collection is one of the most diverse lines of of high-quality multitools we’ve ever seen.

We particularly had our eye on the simple FREE K2. This folding pocket knife boasts eight tools (pry tool, package opener, awl, bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver, medium screwdriver, extra-small screwdriver, and of course, a 420HC blade).  

Made for just about any simple application you can think of, this multitool packs a huge punch in a very compact and convenient package. It features magnetic opening/closing, all tools lock into place, and it can all be operated with one hand. Its clip is small and sleek (without compromising durability) so it fits nice and snug right into your EDC kit.

For a simple, functional and highly applicable multitool, the FREE K2 is the ticket.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$79.95; leatherman.com]

The Original SPIbelt

Gear doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel in order to have an impact on your everyday life. The Original SPIbelt is a remarkably handy tool for runners. Its low profile hugs your hips and stays put without digging, sliding, or chafing. Load it up with your smartphone (size up to the Large Pocket SPIbelt for bigger devices), credit cards, money, and keys. Even when full, it won’t bounce or jostle while training, and frees up your hands so there’s no fear of chucking your iPhone mid-sprint. — Brittany Smith, Senior Editor

[$19.99; spibelt.com]

VSSL First Aid Mini

Let’s face it: We’re all itching to get outdoors these days and soak in some and vitamin D and take a giant breath of fresh air. And while we think getting outside certainly sounds like a fantastic idea, it’s crucial that you make sure you’re prepared when catastrophe strikes.

So, to stay prepared, we think the VSSL First Aid Mini is precisely the piece of gear you don’t want to leave home without. This waterproof-sealed first aid kit is made from military grade aluminum, and it’s about as compact as any first aid kit we’ve ever seen—6.75-inches tall, 2-inches wide, weighing under 10 ounces—but it still packs a huge punch when it comes to what’s inside.

Let’s take a close look at what these expertly curated kits of supplies include.

In comes with three supply kits inside. In supply kit #1 you get six antiseptic wipes, two wound-closure strips, two large bandages, and antibiotic ointment. Supply kit #2 includes first aid tools such as tweezers, razor blade, four safety pins, emergency whistle, sewing kit, and medical gloves. And supply kit #3 comes equipped with outdoor essential including six blister pads, eight tablets of pain medication, burn and pain cream, two knuckle bandages, two disposable thermometers, as well as adventure tape.

Put this kit in your car, in your purse, in your backpack, in your day bag… you can put this kit quite literally anywhere in your life, making sure that if/when disaster strikes, you’re prepared to handle it. We can’t think a reason not to have this kit in your everyday life.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$70; vsslgear.com]

LEVO II Oil Infuser

Staying home and cooking for yourself has been kind of the thing to do recently. Getting creative in the kitchen is one of the most popular trends we’ve seen across the board. That being said, we have a question for you: Do you have an oil infuser on your kitchen counter right now? We didn’t either until recently, and we have to say that it’s been one of the most flavor-enhancing tools we’ve ever added to our cooking regimen.

But what exactly does it do? It allows you to infuse your oil with a plethora of herbs to wonderfully enhance the flavors of everything you cook. You simply place your selected herbs in the Herb Pod, place in the top compartment and set to the dry cycle. Once the botanical ingredients have been dried, you’re ready to infuse. Add oil (or butter) to the top compartment and watch as it drips into your container below. The process is about as easy as it gets, and the result is amazingly delicious.  

Bonus: Its WiFi connectivity makes it easy to monitor and control infusions straight from your mobile device.

If you feel like you’ve hit a road block with your culinary creativity at home, we suggest getting a LEVO II onto your countertop. It’s a sophisticated (yet simple) device that we didn’t know we would love so much. (Plus, it just looks really nice in our kitchen. Wins across the board if you ask us.)—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$249; levooil.com]

Dakine Mission Surf DLX Wet/Dry 32L Backpack

The roll-top dry-bag style backpacks on the market the last few years are awesome for keeping your gear dry from the elements or just your own wet gear. But should you need your fin key, you might have to crawl inside the bag, past your fins, towel and bag of granola. They’re also not particularly streamlined.

Dakine does function very well and the Mission DLX has separate pouches to keep your gear organized enough to find it when you need it. Drop your gear in the separate seam-sealed wet-dry pouches and you don’t need a headlamp to find your sunglasses… “They’re in here somewhere!” It has fleece-lined sunglass and dedicated wax pockets, plus it has a great profile and wears super comfortable. It’s an ideal every-day bag. Lifetime warranty.—Jon Coen, Men’s Journal Contributor

[$125; dakine.com]

Rumpl Shammy Towel

We’ve been surfing a lot on both coasts this summer–dawn patrol, lunch break, afternoon with the groms and evening glass offs.  If you use one thick cotton towel a day, for say two sessions (and rinse offs), you’d be hauling and washing five towels a week. The Rumpl Shammy Towel (95-percent polyester) is the answer.

Outside of summer, you’d want a traditional beach towels to really get dry. But when you have sun and warmth, the Shammy does the trick. Cotton towels get heavy, wet and sandy. The Shammy takes up far less room in your pack, dries quick in the sun between sessions and it’s anti-microbial. So you barely have to wash it, which means time to sneak in a mid-morning session.—Jon Coen, Men’s Journal Contributor

[$39; rumpl.com]

CRKT Provoke

The right tool for the job is essential for getting proper work done. And not many brands know this quite as well as the fine crew at Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT). And recently they dropped a brand new design from the “mad scientist” Joe Caswell out of Newbury Park, CA: The Provoke.

This thoughtfully designed karambit knife takes much of its inspiration from ancient design with a modern-day twist. It’s the first ever knife to use CRKT’s Kinematic technology (i.e. it stays properly and unobtrusively tucked away, but springs into action swiftly when you need it most). Opening up lightning fast with the push of a thumb, the black oxide-finished hawkbill-style blade is made from premium D2 steel, which is highly durable and boasts impressive edge retention.

This tool was made for serious application, and also features another “world’s first” when it comes to clip design. Th clip sits almost 100-percent flush with the handle, and is activated with a very slight push of the thumb. It’s really a beautiful design that needs to be held in-hand to truly be appreciated.

If you’re looking for a tool that’ll suit endless situations in the field, then the Provoke should be in your kit. It’s a unique design that’s specifically made for countless instances where underperformance is simply not an option.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$199.99; crkt.com]

Szanto Automatic Officer's Coin Cushion Watch

Style is everything. Whether that means the way you walk, the way you speak, the way you do your hair… your style is your own. That being said, if you’re a fan of vintage trends, then we think we might just have your next piece of gear. Enter the Szanto Officer’s Coin Cushion Watch. This timepiece simply screams classic mid-century style—a time when gentlemen took this aspect of their life very seriously.

It features a 44mm 316L stainless steel case with Japan Automatic 21 jewel movement, and it boasts a wonderfully comfortable genuine calf leather strap. It’s also water resistant up to 100 meters.

But, all of the impressive specs aside, the classic styling of this watch is really what drew us to this timepiece in the first place. It simply looks so classy and refined. This watch will most definitely hold up as your daily driver, but can also fit the bill for those special occasions where a beautiful timepiece on your wrist is something you simply can’t compromise on.

If you’re in the market for a new watch with a unique design, look no further than the Officer’s Coin Cushion from Szanto.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$395; timeconcepts.net]

Staheekum Redwood Boots

Summertime adventures can sometimes be stifled due to lack of proper footwear. Finding just the right boot for the trail and the campsite, or even the daytrip downtown, can sometimes be an overwhelming task given the countless options out there are on the market. And when attractive, rugged style needs to meet real-world function, we think the Staheekum Redwood Boots are the perfect blend of the two.

Built with a high-quality leather upper and thick rubber outsole, the Redwood Boots carry that sturdy feel while still providing impressive comfort for long days off the grid with a molded foam insole. These boots are the real deal, built with well-above-par craftsmanship and premium materials. Not to mention that thier sturdy laces simply do what they were intended to do: they stay laced up. This may sound a bit obvious, but one big gripe we’ve had with other boots we’ve worn, is that the laces like to come untied at the worst possible times. This is not the case at all with the Redwood.

For all your summer outdoor excursions, the Redwood Boots from Staheekum won’t let you down. (Not to mention an attractive price point for boots of this quality.)

Bonus: For every shoe purchased on the Staheekum website, a tree is planted through Trees for the Future.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$110; staheekum.com]

Wonderfold W2 Two-Seater Wagon

When it comes to summertime outings with the kids, hauling all sorts of gear along with you is common practice for most parents. Not only do you need to be sure to keep the kiddos in tow, but the towels and snacks need to be nearby, the sports equipment and sand toys need to be at arm’s length, and everything simply needs to fit—with room for a tired kid (or two). And all that being said, it still needs to fit in the trunk of the car at the end of the day. For all of this (and more), we highly recommend what we call the “Cadillac” of modern wagons: The Wonderfold W2.

As parents to two small, energetic children, we can’t express enough how much we appreciate any gear that simply makes our family outings easier. The W2 passes that test with flying colors.

Let’s look at the specs: Aside being one of the easiest fold/unfold pieces of gear we’ve ever used, its all-terrain tires tackled everything from grassy picnic hauls, to soft-sand beach undertakings—these wheels are built to take on whatever terrain you wish to throw at them. It has high face-to-face seats, so the kids can keep a direct line of communication, and are easily removed for optimal gear storage. It has a great one-step braking system, and the adjustable push/pull handle ergonomics are precisely on point.

It has a removable canopy for keeping the little ones cool on a hot day, and the mesh side panels optimize ventilation. It also features side pockets for all your precious little things (e.g. phone, wallet, keys, etc.)

The versatility of this wagon is really next level. If you’re looking to get into the luxury automobile of wagons, we think the W2 from Wonderfold checks all the boxes.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$389; wonderfoldwagon.com]

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera

When it comes to keeping your home safe and secure, there is no shortage of worthy options for home security cameras or lights. However, we still think that not all security cameras are created equal. That being said, the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera is one of the best (and brightest) cameras we’ve ever tested.

One of the best features right out of the gate that the Pro 3 Floodlight offers is that it’s 100-percent wireless. This is a very nice offering when it comes to self-installation. Getting this camera up and running is one of the simplest and user-friendly tasks that we’ve ever seen from a high-quality piece of tech like this.

Now, for some of the specs: The weather-proof wireless camera boasts 2K video resolution with a 160-degree field of view. It’s outdoor UV and weather-resistent, and operates with a rechargeable battery that easily lasts weeks in between charges, and it offers two-way audio capability. Not to mention that all of this is operational and viewable directly from your phone via the Arlo app.

It does require an base station for local storage, and it’s compatible with four different models from Arlo (VMB4000 , VMB4500, VMB4540, or VMB5000). But, if you already have an Arlo system in your house, this thing jumps right in and seamlessly integrates with your existing system.

With so many everyday applications—from home security while your away, to speaking with delivery people to keep your packages safe, to assisting you when entering your home in the dark of night—this floodlight is the ticket when you need to shed some light where you live. 

Bonus: It also includes a free trial of Arlo Smart, which is 2K cloud storage for your video clips.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$249.99; arlo.com]

Coalatree Escalante Hammock

It’s officially hammock season. This means we can all exhale for a moment, lie down in between two trees, and simply relax and enjoy the summertime sun. And for this, the Coalatree Escalante Hammock fits the bill in a most pleasant way.

This ultra-lightweight and extremely packable hammock is made from highly durable (and strong) parachute nylon, measuring 4.5×8 feet in size, with a max weight limit of 450 pounds… all while weighing in at a mere 13 ounces.

While it does come in several different colorways, we think the Escalante print is oh-so representative of summertime chill time. If you’re looking to kick up your feet and sway in the summer breeze, this little hammock is sure to put a smile on your face (just before it gently rocks you to sleep).—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$59; coalatree.com]

OGIO PACE 25 Backpack

While most of us may not be flying anywhere this season, and many of us are working from home, short local “stay-cation” types of adventures may be just the thing to get your summer vacation fix these days.

Everything from day trips on the trail, to weekend road trips to the coast, to urban exploration in your own home city, to simply keeping your everyday work gear organized (and safe), no piece of gear is more versatile for all of these excursions than solid backpack. This is where the trusted name of OGIO comes in quite fitting.

The OGIO PACE 25 simply does precisely what it was designed to do. The brand states that this pack will “keep you working from anywhere,” but we think that its uses go far beyond working remote.

Made from rugged ballistic nylon, the PACE 25 has all the accessories you need to handle the daily grind. (We’re talking  everything from a quick-access front pocket, water bottle pocket with drawstring, two easy access gusset pockets, contoured shoulder straps with adjustable sternum strap, and even a hidden back security pocket… the list goes on.)

Inside, this pack has a dedicated laptop compartment (for up to 17-inch computer), a removable zippered pouch, dedicated headphone holder, and even an additional tablet sleeve. The PACE 25 is built for the remote professional, but it’ll certainly accommodate that same person once they clock out and it’s time to get after some adventure. It goes miles beyond the 5 p.m. clock-out.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$149.99; ogio.com]

Benchmade 591BK Boost Knife

When it comes to EDC, the more functionality you can get out of a knife or a multitool, the better. While many pocket knives do their one job exceptionally well, providing one or two more features/functions is always a welcomed addition. And we think the Benchmade 591BK Boost Knife is one the finest we’ve ever tested.

Brand new to the Boost line of knives from Benchmade, the 591BK features a 3.43-inch blunt pry-tip blade made from CPM-3V steel (this blade is strong). It boasts an incredibly smooth Axis-assist mechanism for one of the easiest opening operations we’ve ever seen. The applications of this knife go well beyond cutting open your Amazon delivery boxes.

Weighing in a 4.49 ounces, this knife feels light and compact enough to fit comfortably in your jeans pocket (with its sturdy, and reversible, deep-carry clip), but just heavy enough to maintain that high-quality feel you’d expect from Benchmade. Not to mention the grip you get form its Versaflex handle just feels so nice in-hand.

Whether it’s your new EDC blade, or a permanent staple in your tool box, the 591BK gets the job done.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$190; benchmade.com]

Ekster Parliament Smart Wallet

How many times have you found yourself searching frantically for your precious wallet that you could have sworn you left right on the entryway countertop? And with all these cool applications that are made specifically for finding lost or misplaced items, wouldn’t you think the same would developed specifically for your wallet? This is where the clever minds over at Ekster have hit the nail on the head with their Parliament Smart Wallet.

But first, let’s back up for a moment, and look at the Parliament as it’s meant to be used. This premium leather, RFID-blocking slim wallet features an aluminum card holder (for up to six cards) that fans all of your credit/debit cards out at the push of a button—and even prevents them from rubbing on each other. It also features a cash holder strap, and still measures less than .5-inches thick.

Now, toss in the optional Ekster Tracker Card, and this sleek and stylish wallet becomes a solar-powered, trackable device. The tracker card charges with sunlight in only three hours, and the charge will last up to three months. With a tracking range of up to 200 feet, you can even ring your wallet for easy locating. Not to mention voice acticvation using Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri. It’s compatible with iOS 11/Android 5 (and above).

If you’re the type that’s always losing your wallet, wherever you go, then the Parliament Smart Wallet should definitely be on your radar.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[Wallet: $89; Tracker Card: $49; ekster.com]

Tesalate Bora Bora Beach Towel

You’ve elevated the tech and gear in your life to be the most versatile and functional, so apply that mentality to something unexpected: beach towels. Australian brand Tesalate makes rapid-drying towels that repel sand. It’s not as plush or thick as your typical towel, but if you’re lounging on the sand or need to dry off after a dip in the ocean, you really don’t need it to be. Instead, it’s lightweight, compact, and super absorbent—perfect for packing light. — Brittany Smith, Senior Editor 

[$59; tesalate.com]