The Coolest Pieces of Gear We Tested This Week

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% Running Shoes

I’ve never felt faster or lighter on my toes while running than when I’m wearing Nike’s ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% sneakers. I’m not training for a race (yet), but I like running short and longer distances in these kicks. They’re constructed with an 8mm drop, feel comfortable on the road, and give me that little extra push I need thanks to the built-in plate. I’m not ready to run a marathon but these make the miles feel a little easier every time. — John Lonsdale, Deputy Digital Editor

[$250; nike.com]

Frankfurter Brett Phoenix S Kitchen Workbench

The Phoenix S is a ridiculously well-organized tool bench. It has designated containers so you can keep prepped food, waste, seasonings, and tools nearby, spending less time emptying scraps in the trash and hunting down the pepper mill. Setup is simple: It’s a three-part system that starts with a polyurethane non-skid base with precision-milled holes on all four sides. Drop that onto a corner of your countertop or island, then slip the bars that hold the various containers into the holes. There are a few configurations to pick from. Once you top the base with your cutting board, and outfit all your seasonings and oils, you’re ready to start prepping.

Over a few weekends, I broke down dozens of broccoli and cauliflower heads, root vegetables, fruits, and chicken thighs. The containers kept my work station clean. The rear of the base holds a long, angled bracket that makes it easier to reach across the cutting board to grab salt. You can also prop up a tablet to make following recipes easier.

My only complaint is you need to work over a corner of your countertop or island to really take full advantage of the system. If any of the short sides rest over a countertop, you won’t be able to use the containers there. Luckily, the system collapses into a tidy space that’s not much bigger than the 18.5×11.75-inch cutting board—so serious home cooks might want to leave it out all the time. — Sal Vaglica, Senior Editor

[From: $568; rankfurter-brett.de]

Stio Miter Flannel Shirt

From socks to knit caps, the editors here at Men’s Journal see quite a bit of high-tech, engineered fabric. It takes a solid flannel shirt, like the Stio Miter Flannel, to remind us just how comfortable simple cotton can be. The 100% cotton flannel build here is the perfect weight once cooler fall temps hit. A pair of buttons on each cuff keeps things orderly. But, really, this shirt wants its sleeves rolled up and put to work—even if that’s just kicking it around a campfire. Once winter hits, the breathable fabric becomes a versatile layer under a heavier puffy jacket. — Sal Vaglica, Senior Editor

[$109; stio.com]

Timbuk2 Tech Roll Top Backpack

I’ll come right out and say I hate most backpacks. I want them to be sleek but not too small. I need them to hold up to being crammed to the brim; survive a monsoon; and take a beating whether, that’s being stuffed in an overhead compartment or tossed in a gym locker—without looking like a technical backpacking pack. Timbuk2’s newest roll-top backpack proved to be a dependable travel carryall. I stashed my DSLR and essentials on planes and trains while traveling across Switzerland. To my surprise, it was an absurdly comfortable pack for hiking. It distributes weight exceptionally well and has just the right amound of padding along the straps and back. It didn’t feel cumbersome or obtrusive, even while traversing a via ferrata in the mountains. I love that the main compartment has a zipper, so you can get specific items without having to dump out all the contents. A weatherproof bottom and outer means a little or a lot of dirt and water won’t do any major damage. Internal organization, a hidden water bottle pocket, and back laptop compartment mean it’s brilliant as a commuter pack, too. With the expandable top and impressive storage size, why use any other pack? — Brittany Smith, Senior Editor

[$179; timbuk2.com]

Todd Snyder Cashmere Hoodie

Todd Snyder has gained a reputation for being a designer who understands what men are actually willing to wear in order to up their style game. He’s mastered the art of bringing basics—such as chinos, jeans, and sneakers—to the next level. Naturally, his take on an everyday hoodie is a sophisticated piece of streetwear. He elevates the tried-and-true sweatshirt by constructing it with 100% cashmere. It’s as ridiculously soft and comfortable as you’d expect. And while its $348 price tag may seem a bit steep, I’m gonna assume the quality is far superior than your usual rotation of hoodies. I’m partial to the burgundy colorway. It’s sharp and perfect for fall—not to mention it breaks up my all-black wardrobe. I plan on wearing it to dinner at my local pub, at ski resorts come winter, and lounging at home with the fam. — David Schlow, Creative Director

[$348; toddsnyder.com]

Orangewood Oliver Jr. Mahogany

Designed in Los Angeles and sold strictly online, Orangewood is committed to bringing the venerable musical instrument into the modern marketplace. With a focus on style, craftsmanship, and affordability, these aren’t cheap replicants; they’re quality instruments. All Orangewood guitars are ready to play right out of the box, strung with quality Ernie Ball Strings (gig bag included). I love the Oliver Jr. The body is smaller (and more apartment-friendly) than the larger senior namesake. It’s got a solid top for a bright, clear tone, and a dark mahogany or blonde spruce construction from tip to tail. What I love most is every purchase of an Orangewood Guitar helps the brand provide instruments to music education programs via the Give A Note Foundation. — Jon Langston, Commerce Editor

[$195; orangewoodguitars.com]

Callaway Epic Flash Fairway Woods

The Epic Flash Fairway Woods boast the latest technology from one of the industry’s leaders in club innovation—but it’s the brand’s customization and ordering process that’s truly innovative. Your days of finding aftermarket club wizards or relying on your local pro’s club-fitting prowess is over. It’s now possible to get a totally custom-fit club, down to grip type, directly from the factory itself. Simply share the specs you’re looking for and you’ll receive a club that’ll fit your needs to a T (or, rather, tee). The head includes Jailbreak technology to maximize ball speed, which leads to a super hot face and extra carry. Although the head looks anything but oversized, the face is forgiving and seems to have a slight draw bias to it. In short: It’s easy to hit off a tee and from the fairway. Solid feel and sound should reinforce your confidence, but if that’s not enough, get a load of this: Callaway has leveraged AI to test over 15,000 prototypes (via simulation) to get the prefect face design. The end result is a handsome club with superior distance that should help your game. — David Schlow, Creative Director

[From $399; callawaygolf.com] 

Hyperice Hypervolt Plus

When I was younger, personal massage devices were objects my younger brothers and I would gawk at and abuse while our father shopped in The Sharper Image. These days, navigating life in my 40s, I’m suffering from chronic low back pain, so I find any sort of massage device a necessity. Hyperice’s Hypervolt Plus is a high-performance based iteration of its predecessor, boasting 30% more power.

Its small, compact size remains the same (and it’s still markedly quieter than the TheraGun). The motor just delivers a deeper massage, for more targeted relief. It’s amazing for increasing circulation and optimizing warmups and post-workout recovery. It’s super portable, at just 3 lbs, and is TSA-compliant, so you can loosen up tight glutes after a long flight.

The Hypervolt Plus has three speeds and five interchangeable head attachments whether you need to attack tight shoulders or ease back spasms. Even on days I don’t hit the gym, it’s a trusty tool for getting out any knots or kinks. I think I just figured out what to get my brothers for the holidays. — David Schlow, Creative Director

[$449; hyperice.com]

Patagonia Men's Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket

Fleece jackets are cold-weather staples. You’ve got polar, micro, French terry, cotton, and all sorts of blends. But there’s something very nostalgic about sherpa fleece. Patagonia’s Retro-X Fleece jacket has that fluffy wool-like texture on the outside that screams comfort, while the interior is all performance. There’s a windproof membrane bonded to the fleece, separating it from a next-to-skin mesh that loves to breathe. You never feel stifled: It dumps excess heat and controls odors with ease. The full zipper means you’re free to cool off when you’r blood starts pumping and can just as easily warm back up thanks to a high collar. It performed brilliantly during a blustery sunrise hike in Switzerland, and was the perfect outer layer while touring the top of a snowy mountain peak. I also appreciated the roomy pockets (including the bonus chest pocket) for stashing my large iPhone, passport, and all matter of on-the-go essentials. As for its color blocking and detailing? Well that’s just icing on the cake… and the source of an endless stream of compliments. — Brittany Smith, Senior Editor

[$199; patagonia.com]

Razer BlackWidow Elite Gaming Keyboard

I’ve been gaming on computers since my parents first bought me a Commodore 64 in the late ’80s, and I would stay up until midnight playing Maniac Mansion. And while I’m certainty not about to enter any international Dota 2 tournaments, I’d like to think I take my PC gaming seriously. Much like any other hobby, the right gear can give you an advantage—or at the very least make things easier. The Razer BlackWidow Elite keyboard certainty fits into that category and may be one of the best keyboards I’ve ever used.

The keys themselves are super durable and designed specifically for gaming using its award-winning Mechanical Switches. The dual side walls increase stability and consistency of the switch and reduce key wobble as well as the ingress of dust and water. The “Orange” model I tested was ultra quiet, but there are other versions for those who need to hear their keys clacking as well as feel them. The Hypershift function gets rid of the need for an extra row of keys, and instead uses a toggle to create a secondary set of key functionality.  It’s a must-have for gamers, like me, who enjoy creating macros.

It also happens to look beautifully sleek and understated. But it still has some fun: Every session feels like a personal laser light show with its customizable Chroma LED system. The BlackWidow Elite is super comfortable, and its removable magnetic wrist rest can be handy for those looking to save some desk space.

Even though The BlackWidow Elite was designed with hardcore gamers in mind, it’s a sleek, super-functional keyboard that even those who aren’t in their forties still playing videos games until 12 a.m. should consider. — David Schlow, Creative Director

[$170; razer.com]

adidas FWD-01 Sport Headphones

I was skeptical when I unboxed adidas and Zound Industries’ FWD-01 in-ear headphones. Most brands have pivoted toward small, totally wireless buds when it comes to sport headphones; and the ones with a wire seem less bulky and obtrusive than these. But after listening to engineers and designers, then taking the headphones for a test run over the Williamsburg Bridge (as well as a gym session), I can say with confidence that I was pleasantly surprised. Plenty of in-ear buds house all the electronics in your ear, which is why most of them start to hurt half-way through your workout. That’s a lot of tech crammed in your ear canal. adidas and Zound Industries brought it all to the exterior of the bud (no easy feat).

Once you find the right combination of the bud and wing tip, and properly get them in place, you’re golden. The weight of the heaphones doesn’t yank them out of your ear, and—so far—neither have my workouts. They didn’t budge mid-run, or during 100 jump rope revolutions. Designers created and tested them with burpees to ensure stability no matter the movement. The cord is designed to look like a shoelace, but its flat design also ensures the control panel stays put. Since you tend to lose tactile sensations when you’re hustling through a sweat session, they kept the buttons easily detectable. Expect passive transparency so you can hear nearby traffic, lightning-fast USB-C charging, and 16 hours of playtime. Crank your favorite beats: The sound quality is top-notch, too. Oh, and the buds are magnetic, so you’ll feel secure rocking them all day long, without fear of losing a bud to the subway tracks or a storm drain. — Brittany Smith, Senior Editor

[$149; adidasheadphones.com]

Panaracer Gravelking SK Bike Tires

It’s hard to get excited about a hunk of rubber, I know. But these tires have made my decades-old road bike so much more capable. I’ve been riding with them for the past few months, and I’m really impressed by how well they cushion bumps on cracked roads. They have plenty of tread, but they still roll easily and quietly on the pavement (there’s none of that annoying drone you hear when people ride fat-tire bikes on the street, for example). Last weekend I finally got the chance to do some real, dirty off-road riding. By the end of the day, I loved these tires even more: They kept me upright—without slipping or sliding—on mountain singletrack, where most other riders were wheeling full-suspension mountain bikes. From rocky creek crossings to sandy downhill stretches, the Gravelkings held firm—and put a big smile on my face. — Michael Charboneau, Part-time Web Editor

[$50; jensonusa.com]

"Fly Already: Stories" by Etgar Keret

Here at the office we have a big table of books for the taking, and the one with the slipper-wearing goldfish smoking a cigarette over the edge of a balcony on the galley cover caught my eye. Holy hell, “Fly Already: Stories” by Etgar Keret is a great collection. The reader is dropped into each story, like said goldfish plunking into a bowl. Keret deftly serves the reader just the right amount of everything (scenery, emotion, fallibility). There’s also some magical realism and even sci-fi elements baked in there. I get a little self-conscious reading this book on the train, given the amount of times my eyes widen and my jaw goes almost comically slack (he’s very good at doling out twists, too). The book isn’t out until September 3, but in the meantime, here’s one of the stories that had my head spinning called Tabula Rasa, which was published a few years ago.

[“Fly Already: Stories,” $14 on Kindle, $27 in hardcover; amazon.com]

Janji Runpaca Henley

I’m ghostwriting for one of our testers who spent a couple weeks wearing Janji’s new collection influenced by Mexico. If you’re not familiar with the socially conscious brand, Janji launches two collections of running apparel each year—drawing inspiration from a specific country around the world. Designers team up with local artists to collaborate on specialty prints and graphics. The best part is Janji chooses a local non-profit organization working on clean-water projects from that country and donates 5% of all proceeds to hep fund their efforts. It’s a do-good company you can feel confident about supporting. A standout from the new lineup is their Runpaca Henley. It’s made with a blend of pima cotton and alpaca fleece to provide lightweight warmth during crisp fall runs. Our tester loved the longer 3/4-length sleeve and classic henley neckline. It elevates the style of the shirt, making it an idyllic everyday essential. The fact it’s odor-resistant means it’s also a standout travel staple. — Brittany Smith, Senior Editor

[$60; runjanji.com]

Don Q's Double Aged Sherry Cask Finish Rum

When I first had Don Q’s Double Aged Sherry Cask Finished Rum, I was curious as to how the Spanish Oloroso Sherry undertones would interact with Puerto Rican rum. The answer is beautifully. The mahogany-colored spirit is smooth and bright, with spice and some warmth. Its complexity, and the way it sits on the tongue, is in part thanks to the rum’s first stint in American white oak barrels, before the year it spends in sherry casks. I haven’t used it in any mixed drinks, though Don Q says it goes well in spirit-forward concoctions. I tend to pour it over ice, then put the bottle in a hard-to-reach place, since it goes down a little too easily. — Marjorie Korn, Senior Editor

[$50; donq.com]

Manduka Pro Yoga Mat

My days start with stretching, so having a high-quality yoga mat is an essential piece of home gear for me. Previously, I’ve always used mats that tend to eventually slide around, which is especially tough when you’re sweating and trying to move into downward dog. Not this one. The Manduka Pro is the best yoga mat I’ve used so far, offering a solid foundation with the right amount of grip. It’s on the heavier side and you won’t be leaving any handprints in this mat like other ones I’ve tested, and I prefer it this way. Not into yoga right now? It still works great as a base for moves like burpees or bodyweight squats. — John Lonsdale, Deputy Digital Editor

[$140; manduka.com]

Kenyon Frontier Portable Grill

I’ve gone through plenty of grills and smokers in my day—the Big Green Egg, Traeger’s pellet smoker combo, and Weber’s iconic charcoal kettle, among others—and all have their place in the backyard cooking quiver. Unfortunately, I live in New York City at the moment and open flames and propane bombs are frowned upon, to say the least, on my outdoor terrace. Which means I’ve been forced into using electric contraptions for the last two years. I’ve worked my way through at least half a dozen, and none of them even comes close to Kenyon’s Frontier Portable Grill.

It plugs into an outdoor socket just like an indoor appliance, which still seems strange to me every time I set it up. But it preheats in only a few minutes, it has eight different heat settings for perfect temperature control, and its marine-grade stainless steel is bombproof (and looks sharp, too). At 24 pounds, the table top version is burly and extremely portable (Kenyon also offers built-in versions). The only downside to it that I’ve experienced is the cooking area: at 155 square inches, it’s noticeably smaller than your average propane or charcoal grill. That said, I hosted a Fourth of July cookout and whipped up enough hotdogs, brats, and hamburgers for 15 people. I use it fairly often for elk and beef steak, and it gets exceptionally hot for an electric grill (up to 500 degrees), so I’ve had no problem searing the outside of a sirloin. And because it’s electric, with the heating element located directly under the cooking grate, the temperature is remarkably consistent throughout (i.e., no hot and cold zones).

Plus, because there’s no smoke, I’ve even used it indoors, along with a griddle, for making bacon and pancakes. Everything about it is easy to use, from precise temperature controls, to simple clean-up afterwards (just rinse out the drip tray and throw it, along with the non-stick cooking grate, in the dishwasher). I know it sounds like I’m raving but, well, I am. If you’re a grill fan and live in a city, I can’t imagine a better grill to make you feel like you have your own backyard. — Ryan Krogh, Features Editor

[$845; cookwithkenyon.com]

Warby Parker Fall Collection

You know Warby Parker as the online sunglasses and eyeglasses retailer, but you probably don’t know the inspiration behind its name. It’s a mashup of two of Jack Kerouac’s literary characters: Warby Pepper and Zagg Parker. In light of that connection, they partnered with the New York Public Library for their fall collection. In all, there are 23 acetate frames available in new and existing styles. We’re partial to the Bryon frame in Aegean blue fade for its subtle yet unexpected pop of color. Aside from Warby Parker’s usual buy one, give one promise (for every pair purchased, they donate a pair to someone in need), they’re making a donation to the library’s Early Literacy Initiative. It provides families access to library branches throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, where children can learn for free. — Brittany Smith, Senior Editor

[Starting at $95; warbyparker.com] 

Yeti Hopper BackFlip 24

I’ve yet to find a better hauler than the Yeti Hopper BackFlip 24. Beach jaunts. Fishing trips. Cookouts. This backpack cooler evenly distributes the weight—whether you’re packing six-packs of beer and ice or a bountry of burgers and brats—all without crushing your shoulders. The materials feel heavy duty and premium. The exterior is waterproof and impervious to rips, sun bleaching, and mildew. The interior has an FDA-approved food-grade liner, as well as rubber foam insulation to keep your goods cold all day long. (In my experience, ice has lasted two days.) Add to that a leakproof zipper, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a cooler. Invest in the SideKick Waterproof Dry Bag to stash your keys, phone, and sunglasses—well worth the money, especially when you’re out surfing or on a boat. — Brittany Smith, Senior Editor

[$299.99; yeti.com]

Riedel Drink Specific Glassware

My cocktail glass collection is just that—a collection. It’s a random smattering. A couple pairs of rocks glasses, some one-off shot glasses, a trio of branded copper mugs, some Collins glasses (or are they simply water glasses?), and large and small coupes from my grandmother, which I don’t take out more than twice a year because I’m pretty sure they’re slightly poisonous. I think a lot about what I drink. The vessels that hold them? Less so. That is, until I learned about the Riedel Bar Drink Specific Glassware Collection. With the help of spirits specialist and bar designer Zane Harris, the famed Austrian glass company sought to make bar wares that are as thoughtfully designed as their wine glasses. So they came out with six designs—highball, rocks, fizz, neat, Nick & Nora, and sour (perfect for daiquiris, too)—plus a mixing glass for stirring drinks. (If you follow proper cocktail recipes, the contents should come to the top part of the glass.) But that’s just a start. The Nick & Nora glasses are historically accurate to the ones featured in the 1934 movie The Thin Man, against which the shape is based. The rocks glasses are big enough to fit a large format ice cube, so you don’t have to chip down the sides of a rock to make it fit the vessel. One of my favorite features is on the 6 1/2 oz neat glasses. The sides are etched so you know exactly how much you’re pouring without using a jigger. And because it’s on the smaller size, the reduced scale means your guests don’t think you’re being stingy on the good booze, which can happen when you’re serving a healthy pour of Jefferson’s Presidential Select into a large rocks glass. Plus, a new set of glasses may just inspire you to make some old-school cocktails, like this Sidecar recipe from 1919:

Stir together 1 1/2 oz Cognac, 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 oz Orange Curaçao. Strain into a sour glass, spray with a lemon twist, and enjoy. — Marjorie Korn, Senior Editor

[Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Sour, set of two, $29.90; riedel.com]