The Coolest Pieces of Gear We Tested This Week

Uber Appliance Healthy Sorbet/Ice Cream Maker

While we’re all stuck indoors these days, it’s important to keep your zest for making fun food at home from getting dampened. If you find yourself cooking the same old stuff every single day, we have a product that just might put a fun zing into your next meal: The Uber Uber Appliance Healthy Sorbet Maker.

This thing is oh-so easy to use, and it produces limitless, super-tasty frozen treats. Especially if you have kiddos in your home, this appliance whips up delightful sorbet or ice cream in a matter of seconds. And the best part? You’re in complete control of what ingredients you include. If you’re a parent who’s reading this, then you understand how important it is to get your kids eating healthy, while still keeping their enthusiasm levels high and having them feel like they’re being treated. The Uber Appliance Healthy Sorbet Maker check all of those boxes. Wins across the board if you ask us.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$69.99; uberappliance.com]

Shady Rays Classic Timber

Do you suffer from a common disorder where you’re constantly searching for lost sunglasses? And then, when you eventually find those sunglasses, you find that they’re horribly scratched or damaged? Does this really bum you out because you spent $180 on those polarized sunglasses? Well, you’re not alone. And the crew at Shady Rays has come up with a solution that you definitely want to check out. They offer several high-quality polarized sunglass frames, all for around $50. We personally chose the Classic Timber. The retro-style frame fit our lifestyle wonderfully, and the emerald green polarized, shatter-proof lenses keep our eyes protected on all of our outdoor adventures.

With a full line of affordable glasses, Shady Rays bridges the gap between high-quality and affordable. And the bst part? If your glasses are ever lost or damaged, the brand will replace them for free. No more anxiety about keeping track of your designer $300 frames.

“We are an Independent Sunglasses Company that is focused on one thing: Making the best shades to live active and worry-free in the outdoors,” states the brand. We think they nailed it.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$48; Shadyrays.com]

Sherpa Sonam Polartec Fleece Hoodie

When it comes to getting cozy on the couch or staying toasty on the trail, a quality hoodie is likely the most versatile piece of clothing you have in your closet. This is why we put extra emphasis on choosing the right one. And if you haven’t had a chance to try out a hoodie made by the fine folks at Sherpa, then we think you need put this on your to-do list immediately. We’re particularly big fans of the Sonam Polartec Fleece Hoodie.

It’s made from upscale Polartec Thermal Pro with Repreve (which is made of recycled water bottles), so it’s not only eco-friendly, but it feels like your wearing a pillowy cloud (while still maintaining a high-quality, durable feel).

Named after the Tibetan word for “merit,” the Sonam is the ultimate, do-anything, wear-anywhere pullover hoodie. It has a unique feel to it (and we mean that in a very good way). You won’t be disappointed with this addition to your spring wardrobe.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$99.95; sherpaadventuregear.com]

SQiN For Him

SQiN For Him is taking a fresh approach to men’s skincare. While we can certainly attest to the efficacy of their formulas, what initially caught our attention was how this San Diego-based company is bringing sustainability into the skincare industry.

Fighting plastic pollution is one of SQiN’s core values and that’s reflected in their use of recycled materials for all of their packaging. They also champion several environmental initiatives including 1% for the Planet and the Ocean Conservancy. Not to mention, their formulation facility is 100-percent wind-powered and all of their products are cruelty-free.

We began testing SQiN’s products in late-January and have noticed a significant difference in the feel and look of our skin. While the sleek aluminum bottles add a touch of class to your bathroom counter, the plant-based formulations feel lighter and absorb better than many of its competitor––notably without the addition of harsh chemicals and minimal preservatives.

The Moisturizer ($39) hit our face with a lightweight and refreshing blast but didn’t leave that unwanted oily after-feel. The clear zinc oxide formula in the reef-safe Sunscreen ($39) offered excellent SPF 30 protection, while an infusion of plant-based antioxidants kept our skin from drying out while spending all day in the sun. We were impressed with the Eye Cream’s ($47) ability to lessen fatigue-induced heavy bags or dark circles, while The Cleanser ($35) offered us a 2-in-1 hybrid––a refreshing formula to rid our face of daily grim, and also a lubricating and all-natural replacement for regular shaving cream.

SQiN isn’t the cheapest skincare product you’ll find, but as the old adage goes: You get what you pay for. With SQiN, you’re getting an all-natural, plant-based product that actually rejuvenates your skin, but also, you can feel good about supporting a company that’s fighting for the environment. In our book, that’s a win-win.—Jack Haworth, Social Media Manager

[Prices vary; sqinforhim.com]

Solo New York Re:move Duffel

When it comes to your checklist of “every-day carry” items, you’ve probably got things like your wallet, smartphone, keyring, and perhaps a pocket knife. But, would you consider your go-to backpack or duffel bag to be on that list? If not, then we think you simply haven’t found that perfect bag yet. After all, your trusty satchel deserves just as much (if not more) credit than all your necessary pieces of gear to accommodate your everyday life.

And if you’re a fan of functional, stylish, and eco-friendly gear, then we’d like to recommend the Re:move Duffel from Solo New York.

Solo NY’s entire Re:cycled Collection is made from recycled water bottles. “They not only help eliminate plastic bottles from landfills, but all the tags, strings and stuffing are all made from 100-percent recycled and biodegradable materials,” states the brand.

And the bags look fantastic. With many thoughtful design features from the heathered grey material (made from recycled PET bottles), to the black camo lining, to the uber-organized interior section and panel section that slides over your larger luggage handle… this duffel has everything you need (and you can feel good about making a positive impact on the planet.)—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$64.95; solo-ny.com]

CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes and Sprays

Right about now, keeping life sanitized and free of germs is at the forefront of everybody’s mind. Things like hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes/sprays are all the buzz during this COVID-19 pandemic… it almost seems like you can’t get enough stocked up in your home.

And if you’ve been struggling to find just the right product to keep your space clean, then we’d like to suggest looking into CleanWell Botanical products. The company was founded by a father whose son had an immune disorder. When he realized that the chemicals in the household products they were using were actually making his son’s life more difficult, he knew there had to a better way.

CleanWell products are made entirely from plant-based active ingredients, they’re kid-safe, and they smell fantastic. With a full line of wipes, sprays, and hand sanitizers, we can’t think of a reason why these natural defenses against germs shouldn’t be on your shelves right now.

And the brand states, “CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes and Sprays are on the EPA’s List N ‘Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2.’ All products included on List N meet the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2 virus.”—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

Check product availability near you here.

[Prices vary; cleanwelltoday.com]

OtterBox OtterSpot Wireless Charging System

Keeping your phone charged can really be a pain in the neck. And with wireless charging making a big statement on many devices these days, why not take the leap and lose the cords?

Enter the OtterBox OtterSpot Wireless Charging System. This system is really impressive. Here’s how it works: You plug the base into the wall, and then you stack the OtterSpot wireless batteries onto the magnetic docking system. The base can charge up to three batteries and one device simultaneously. Once the batteries are fully charged, you simply pluck them off the stack and bring them with you anywhere for wireless charging of your Qi enabled device. It’s a portable power pack without the cord… and you can equip yourself (and your whole household) with multiple batteries so everyone has their own portable charging unit to be used wherever they please.

The base is compatible Apple, Samsung, Google and other Qi wireless-enabled devices—without having to remove most phone cases. This is honestly the simplest way we’ve ever been able to charge our phone… and it charges fast. Being able to charge the batteries all night and then simply pull one from the stack and take it on the go has been one of those simple pleasures that’s worth every penny.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$129.95; otterbox.com]

The North Face Men's Himalayan Source Pullover Hoodie

Sweatsuits have become the new work uniform. And since you’re no doubt rotating through a collection of sweats from college—ones designated for sleep, leisure, and brief jaunts outdoors—we urge you to make an upgrade. The North Face’s Himalayan Source Pullover comes in four punchy colors (primary red, blue, green, and yellow) that add some welcomed brightness to your monochromatic wardrobe. We love that the fabric is partially spun from plastic bottles removed from the Himalayan foothills, which is depicted on the back. It’s also a nice reminder that we’ll be back to our favorite outdoor pursuits soon. — Brittany Smith, Senior Editor

[$70; thenorthface.com]

Omega Cold Press 365 Juicer

Being stuck indoors right now means that we all have to get creative with what we’re eating. And while we’d all like to think that we’re eating enough fruits and veggies, for many people, the problem is simply coming up with new ways to prepare them in order to keep things fresh (pun intended). This is where the fine products at Omega Juicers comes in to save the day.

Having the ability to mix multiple pieces of produce together to create wonderfully unique flavors is the breath of fresh air that many of us could use right about now. (Not to mention boost your immunity. Yes, please.)

Omega’s Cold Press 365 Juicer is one of the finest juicers we’ve ever had the opportunity to try. With the auger operating at a slower 90 RPM’s, this juicer preserves the essential nutrients, enzymes and vitamins of your fresh fruits and vegetables. And, according to Omega, this slower, cold-press tech also yields more juice out of your produce, as well as minimizes clogging, foaming, and heat build-up… Wins across the board if you ask us.

When it comes to getting your daily dose of vitamins from fresh produce, why not get it all in one glass of juice first thing in the morning? The Cold Press 365 is simple to operate, easy to clean, boasts professional build quality, and it’s even noticeably quieter than other juicers we’ve used. We can’t think of a reason not to consider an appliance like this right about now. Happy juicing!—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$149.95; omegajuicers.com]

Houdini Wooler Houdi

Who doesn’t like merino wool? Better yet, who doesn’t like ‘super fine’ merino wool? We’ll admit, we could all use something uber comfortable to slip into from time to time. And it doesn’t get much nicer than the Wooler Houdi from Houdini. It provides remarkable warmth retention while maintaining wonderful breathability.

Produced in Northern Italy, the Wooler GridMerino fabric is super-fine ZQ-certified New Zealand merino wool. This is some of the finest material we’ve ever seen in a zip-up hoodie. The grid construction of the fabric maximizes airflow, while creating a layer of air within the hoodie. What this means is that the fabric becomes warmer when you wear it underneath an outer layer, and it breathes better when worn on its own. Not to mention that the fabric is renewable and biodegradable (The brand will even recycle the jacket for you if/when you’ve completely worn it out.)

If sustainable production and top-tier quality are priorities of yours when shopping for outerwear, the Wooler Houdi is precisely what you should get into. It’ll immediately become your trusty go-to for any outdoor adventure, and can even find its place while snuggled up on the couch.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$300; houdinisportswear.com]

Ballsy Ballguard Liquid Powder

It’s no secret: Male grooming and hygiene is important. Not only when it comes to intimate encounters, but also just for everyday comfort. And if you’re tired of the messy application process of things like talc powder, then we’ve found the perfect solution: Ballsy Ballguard Liquid Powder.

This stuff is such a pleasure to use when compared to traditional powders. It goes on like a lotion, but dries clear and mess-free in seconds, leaving you with a pleasantly soothing feel. It fights sweat, chafing, as well as odor, and it leaves your parts smelling fresh all day. Not to mention that it contains no talc, paraben, or aluminum.

If you add Ballguard Liquid Powder to your morning routine, we’re pretty certain that you’ll feel more comfortable (and confident) throughout your day.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$12; ballwash.com]

Snow Peak TAKIBI Jacket

When quality is everything, but style certainly cannot be compromised, we turn to brands like Snow Peak. Its name originates from the iconic Japanese mountain, Tanigawa, where the brand’s mission was born: to reconnect outdoor enthusiasts with the natural world. Snow Peak prides itself in its artisanal craftsmanship and the quality truly shines with each and every piece of gear that they bring to market.

That all being said, when we were looking for lighter workwear-style jacket this season, we had to look no further than their TAKIBI Jacket. Made form fire-resistant 100% Aramid, this jacket is as striking to look at, as it is functional in the real world.

Built with unmatched expertise and attention to detail, the TAKIBI Jacket features a button-down front, camp collar, with several hidden pockets on the front, as well as storage pouches on the back. While functionality is at the forefront, the attractive design and comfortable material are what really makes this jacket shine.

If you consider yourself a fan of being outdoors and immersed in Mother Nature, this jacket will surely have you covered during your outdoor pursuits. This’ll be your go-to coat this season.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

Editor’s Note: As of this writing, Snow Peak is offering 60% Off Apparel through April 12.

[$480; snowpeak.com]

AquaTech AxisGo iPhone Water Housing

When we got our first glimpse of Aquatech’s AxisGO water housing for our iPhone XR, we simply had to get our hands on one. This is ain’t no measly iPhone waterproof case. This thing is top-of-the-line photographic equipment.

Upon first opening the box, it felt similar in build quality to those ultra heavy-duty housings that we’ve used for our DSLR, but drastically lighter in weight—weighing in at only 18 ounces, this is a very awesome thing. It’s made from polycarbonate, aluminum, marine-grade stainless steel, and it features high-grade optically correct glass elements.

The housing alone comes with lens cap, wrist lanyard, and O-ring tools, but you can also pair this bad boy with their Pistol Grip and their 6-Inch Dome Port and you’ve got a rig that’s worthy of some serious water photography.

The brand calls it “the ultimate Smartphone Imaging System.” We’d have to agree that they hit the nail on the head with that claim. With smartphones’ ever-evolving capabilities of taking wonderful photos these days, this is the perfect accessory to take your photography to another level… beneath the waterline.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$199; aquatech.net]

Rodd & Gunn Lodge Knit

A high-quality, stylish knit sweater is a must-have staple for any guy’s closet. If done right, their versatility is all over the map, capable of gracing the office, the night club, the causal stroll to the grocery store, and even on date night. The tricky part is, finding just the right one that can handsomely handle all of these social situations.

This is an area where New Zealand-based outfitters Rodd & Gunn really shine. Their Lodge Knit is the perfect solution for the guy looking for something multi-faceted, radiating with sophisticated style, and still maintaining the highest level of comfort and quality.

Made from 70-percent Merino wool and 30-percent Alpaca, the European yarn is extremely comfortable without feeling overly delicate. And the thoughtful style accents—like the metal badge logo at the hem and the genuine leather trim on the quarter-zip front—are simply the cherries on top that make this one of the finest knit sweaters we’ve worn this season. It’ll be our go-to staple in our closet for many years to come.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$298; roddandgunn.com]

Robert Marc Eyewear

Bespoke suits. Bespoke hats and belts. Bespoke boots. Why not bespoke eyewear? Robert Marc eyewear is chic, cool, and super affordable. The frames range from stylish to simple, elegant to straightforward. The designs are fantastic for fashionistas, but perfect for regular guys, too. And best of all, they’re fitted and built just for your face.

Modern but classic frames are handcrafted and subtly branded with premium materials, elegant designs, and unique color combinations. But they’re totally customizable, too. You get a supreme fitting, sized specifically to your facial specs.

It takes a bit longer and, of course, Robert Marc is pricier than your local strip-mall optometrist. But darn if these aren’t the most comfortable glasses we’ve ever worn. They’re stable, secure, and they look awesome.—Jon Langston, Commerce Editor

[prices vary; rmnyc.com]

Brickell Anti-aging Products

Portland, Maine’s Brickell has long been one of our fave men’s grooming suppliers. The stuff these guys put out is manly without being overly macho, tough but not hard, and cool but affordable. 

But the Brickell line of anti-aging and anti-wrinkle products for men is nothing short of a revelation. We started the regimen right after the lockdown started, and can plainly see a difference already. The only shame is we can’t go out and show off how great we look.

The Restorative Eye Cream ($40) reduces eye wrinkles, lines, bags, and dark circles around our eyes; the Hyaluronic Acid Booster ($60) is a like a moisture injection straight to the heart of the matter; and the Peptide Protein Booster ($60) keeps things taut and tireless. And the killer Face Moisturizer is easily our new apres-shower go-to.

There are several products in the Brickell anti-aging and anti-wrinkle line, and everything we’ve tried is truly wonderful. No, it’s not cheap. But it is way more affordable than similar products our significant other, er, someone we know very, very well uses.—Jon Langston, Commerce Editor

[from $32; brickellmensproducts.com]

Force of Nature Meats

Founded on the principles of regenerative agriculture, Force of Nature is a collective of ranchers, farmers, and land stewards who are committed to creating a positive return on the planet. Force of Nature gives us the ability to vote for environmental regeneration by consuming meat that is actually good for the planet.

The fact is, factory farming is not just cruel to livestock, it’s harmful to the planet. Force of Nature raises animals the natural way, not just because it’s the right thing to do but because it can reverse climate change and preserve natural resources.

Beef, bison, pork, venison—it’s all here. Naturally raised and naturally processed, organic Force of Nature Meats are the sustainable way to get delicious burgers, steaks, and more delivered right to your door, flash-frozen and flavor-preserved. It’s a no-brainer.—Jon Langston, Commerce Editor

[from $9/lb; forceofnaturemeats.com]

YETI Trailhead Camp Chair

Whether you’re looking for a portable chair for your outdoor pursuits, or a permanent staple around your backyard firepit, the YETI Trailhead Camp Chair covers all of your bases. It’s light-weight enough to be carried for the long-haul—thanks to the backpack-style straps of the included carry bag—but built YETI-style tough so it doesn’t feel anything like those rinky dink folding camp chairs from Walmart. It’s constructed from amazingly supportive FelxGrid Fabric that conforms to the natural curvature of your body—this is especially nice as you move around while making s’mores or reaching for another beverage.

Equipped with GroundGrip feet (no slippage), included cup holder, and made with UV-rated materials (meaning that they won’t deteriorate under excessive UV rays), the packaway frame folds up into a pleasantly compact package.

If you’re in the market for perhaps the last camp chair you’ll ever need, look no further than the new Trailhead from YETI. (Trust us, have you ever been disappointed by a YETI product? We didn’t think so.)—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$299.99; yeti.com]

Linksoul Polartec Breathable Rain Jacket

You know what they say: April showers bring May flowers. So why not get yourself dialed with a new rain jacket this season? If you’re insistent on not letting rainy weather get in the way of your outdoor activities, then Linksoul has precisely what you need: The Polartec Breathable Rain Jacket. The feeling of this jacket is quite impressive with a soft-and-comfy-yet-tough exterior utilizing their patented Neoshell technology. Neoshell pairs ample range of movement, with durable weather-proof features, all while allowing for amazing breathability

Not to mention—all technical jargon aside—this jacket simply looks so damn good. It’s capable of going from the golf course, to the hiking trail, to the clubhouse, and even out on the town… seamlessly. With handsome accents, extremely thoughtful pocket placement, and high-quality feel, this jacket checks just about every box we can think of. Can we say the word “win” enough times about the Polartec Breathable Rain Jacket from Linksoul? Probably not.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$375; linksoul.com]

Fresh Eir All-Natural Hand Sanitizer

You’ve probably thought more about hand sanitizer in the last few weeks than you ever have in your entire life. That being said, with shortages all over the country and astronomical price gouging, it’s been tough for some people to get their hands on some (pun intended).

We suggest giving an all-natural option a try, Fresh Eir. This a 3-in-1 do-it-all spray that serves as a hand sanitizer, odor eliminator, and gear freshener… this 2-ounce bottle packs a huge punch.

Made from all-natural ingredients such as Witch Hazel, Aloe, Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol, and four different types of essential oils (Cypress, Sage, Elemi, and Eucalyptus) this spray not only keeps your hands and body sanitized, but it also smells wonderful—just the right blend of Earthy tones.

Bonus: As of this writing, the company is offering a free bottle of their Pure Eir 65% alcohol hand sanitizer with every purchase. What are you waiting for?—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$20; eirnyc.com]