The Coolest Pieces of Gear We Tested This Week

SideTrak Swivel Portable 12.5-Inch Monitor

Working remotely has kind of become the new normal. Many of us haven’t been back to our offices in several months, nor does there seem to be any answer in sight as to when offices will open their doors for employees to handle their work in a professional environment again. That all being said, we’ve all been adapting to our home offices and working wherever we can find the best WiFi signal. And this can be challenging when your ill-equipped with office gear.

I’m going to start off by saying that I’m a big fan of external monitors when I work. I like to keep my tabs, windows, and files organized—once you get used to external monitors, you simply can’t go back. This is precisely why I was thrilled to hear about the SideTrak Portable Monitor. This thing is so handy in so many ways. And the best part? No hauling around your desktop monitor from place to place. Genius, if you ask me.

You simply apply the sleek adhesive magnets to the back of your laptop, download the simple software, snap the SideTrak onto the back, plug in the HDMI cable and your laptop has just become a dual screen. It weighs only 1.2 pounds, so you barely notice its even on your laptop, it extends out and rotates for the perfect viewing experience, and it simply does its job as good as any other large scale monitor we’ve used in the office. It makes working from just about anywhere as productive as working from the comfort of your office.

The 12.5-inch screen is the perfect size for organizing your work, while staying true to the portability that really makes this gadget shine. It’s compatible with Mac, PC, Chrome, PS4, Xbox, and Switch, so it’ll work on just about all your digital devices. If you’re looking to step up your work-from-home game, then this monitor is a no-brainer. I’ve found even working from the park with my mobile hotspot to be equally as productive all while getting my daily dose of Vitamin D. You can’t beat that.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$325; sidetrack.com]

Logitech StreamCam

Here’s the thing about working from in front of a big, beautiful external monitor: It’s utterly useless during the (seemingly) never-ending parade of Zoom calls. Sure we’re fans of the big space the screen gives you—a huge upgrade from our MacBook’s tiny, cramped screen—but without a camera built-in, we have to whip out and flip the laptop open to take calls. Well, we used to.

Logitech’s StreamCam solved that with impressive technology that’s deceptively easy to use. With very little downtime, we had the drivers installed and the camera up and running with one USBC cable ported into the MacBook. A few more minutes making the StreamCam the default for apps like Zoom, Google, and Facetime, and the external camera behaves as seamless as a built-in one. Easy? Sure, but the camera streams at 60 frames per second (FPS) in full 1080p HD, so you’ll have the best-looking box in the Brady Bunch come meeting time.

The video is crisp and a noticeable upgrade from a laptop’s camera. The Logitech desktop app comes with a ton of adjustments you can make, like autofocus and tracking (in case you like to move at your standing desk during meetings) and fun tricks like flipping the image and filters. Propped on top of our screen, the camera’s internal dual front-facing microphone means no one struggles to hear us from the laptop’s mic. — Sal Vaglica, Men’s Journal Contributor

[$170; logitech.com]

Evermill Counter Top Spice Rack

If elegant design in your kitchen is just as important as capability and function, then we have the newest piece of kitchen gear that you need to check out: The Evermill Counter Top Spice Rack. This thing looks so damn nice in our home, that we almost forget how handy it is with our everyday cooking tasks. Almost.

It comes in a 12-piece collection (Bay Leaves, Captain’s Blend, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Cumin, Evermill Blend, Harissa, Italian, Oregano, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, and Turmeric) or an 18-piece collection (which adds Allspice, Cloves, Coriander Seeds, Brown Mustard Seeds, Nutmeg, and Sumac) and the spices are all labeled in handsome glass jars with sturdy metal lids to keep all your spices fresh.

Each jar has the name of the spice prominently, and beautifully, displayed on the exterior for easy selection, and the rack itself can be mounted to the wall or simply placed on the countertop.

Bonus: You can sign up for a 12-month spice subscription that gets mailed right to your door, so that you never have to worry about running out of your tried-and-true staples of flavor in your cuisine. The racks come in Gunmetal, Silver, Black, or White finishes.

For the fan of kitchen aesthetics and sheer thoughtful design, this spice rack takes it to the next level. It’s the perfect gift for the home chef in your life.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$179-$229; evermill.com]

Graphene-X Alpha Series 3L Jacket

Are you looking for a versatile, capable, stylish jacket to take you into wintertime? Well, after testing out several of the latest and greatest on the market, we have to say that the Graphene-X Alpha Series 3L Jacket is as good as it gets. When lightweight needs to be paired with versatility, this thing simply keeps you warm when the temps dip, and then breathes when you get active and your body heat rises. Graphene really is the genius material that makes this one of the finest outdoor pieces of gear we’ve gotten our hands on in a while.

This material is 100-percent waterproof, so anywhere with any inclement weather is no problem at all. It packs up into a very compact little package, so bringing along on any excursion is a breeze. If you’re headed anywhere outdoors in the foreseeable future, this jacket is precisely what will keep you comfy in the elements, while never weighing you down.

Not to mention that with such thoughtful design, this jacket simply looks so handsome. It feels like a rain jacket meets a Batman suit. You can take this thing on the PCT or you can take it to Happy Hour… it’ll turn head’s no doubt. We couldn’t find one thing we disliked about this jacket. After all, it’s “wearable science” as the brand states, and we’d stand behind that claim.

Bonus: Graphene has antimicrobial properties, which hinder bacteria’s ability to grow… it even can inhibit mosquito’s communication signals. Just sayin’.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$349; graphene-x.com]

Wonderffle Stuffed Waffle Iron

The name is “Wonderful” for a reason. The Stuffed Waffle Iron from Wonderffle is one of the most amazing little contraptions we’ve ever used on the stove. This little piece of kitchen gear makes the easiest, and tastiest, breakfast treats we’ve ever made: stuffed waffles.

It comes in either pre-seasoned cast iron (the version we use), as well as cast aluminum. This thing is durable, capable, and so damn fun to cook with. You simply heat it up on the stovetop, grease it down, add your pancake/waffle mix and fill with whatever you wish. (We loved strawberries and Nutella, as well as bacon and cheddar cheese). The sky really is the limit when it comes to experimenting with different ingredients.

You cook for a few minutes on each side, and then the ergonomic design lifts the waffle out of the iron and places perfectly on the plate with no hassle at all. If you’re a big breakfast fan, or have kids that are tough to impress, then this waffle iron needs to be in your breakfast arsenal. It makes Sunday brunch at home just as fun as an outing to the local café.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$69; wonderffle.com]

Lasso Athletic Compression Socks 2.0

A good pair of socks is underrated. No matter what the activity, socks are a key source of comfort––or discomfort. That’s why we were so glad to come across Lasso, a brand that makes socks feel like a luxury item. 

Lasso’s proprietary compression weave technology is engineered to support the ankle and foot throughout all your fundamental movements and training. Designed to improve circulation and provide recovery and pain benefits, their products offer patented SmartSupport targeted compression zones that provide joint stabilization exactly where and when it is needed. The added compression was a welcomed benefit that allowed us to move with confidence.

The added StrikePadding technology was also a nice feature. It provides targeted arch support with extra padding to relieve foot and arch pain and reduce impact vibration. Proprietary moisture wicking fibers improve breathability, reduce foot friction, and pull moisture away from the foot to help prevent blistering. So if you’re tired of low-performance socks that leave your feet aching after activities, Lasso’s Compression socks may just be the solution you’re looking for.––Chris Wellhausen

[$30; lassogear.com]

VSSL Adventure Ready First Aid Kit

When comes to being prepared when heading off the grid, things like first aid certainly need to take a front seat in your kit. However, packing light is also of the utmost importance. While you don’t want to be weighted down in any way, you also don’t want to compromise on emergency gear should something serious happen. This is where the team at VSSL has honed their expertise in this field and created quite possibly the most compact, yet stocked-up first aid it we’ve ever seen.

Made from military-grade aluminum, this kit is roughly the size of a flashlight (9-inches long), weighs a featherlight 14 ounces, it’s fully waterproof, has a precision compass, and features a 4-mode 200-lumen light. This thing is impact resistant and built for real world application. It includes 46 first aid essentials—including bandages, tweezers, masks, antibiotic and burn creams, antiseptic towels, medical gloves, blister pads… the list goes on.

If you’re planning a trip outdoors (even if it’s just to the local campsite), then this kit will never be a bad idea to have with you. And the best part? You won’t even know you have it, until you need it. (And you’ll be so glad that you do.) For all your outdoor excursions, the VSSL First Aid Kit should be in your pack.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$125; vsslgear.com]

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

Since the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones look almost identical to the WH-1000XM3 they replaced, you have to dig a little deeper into seeing if the upgrade is worth it. We just put them on. No music. No active noise canceling powered up. With 10 percent larger earcups, which increase the amount of foam that rests against your head, these are extremely lightweight and comfortable. With up to 30 hours of runtime on a charge, it’s easy to see how you could wear these most of the day.

Now here’s why you would want to. At the top of our list isn’t the noise-canceling, which is rock solid when working in a busy house with a family and a constantly barking dog or walking on the street, but rather the practicality to pair with two devices. If you’re streaming music from your computer, the XM4s will allow you to answer a call on your phone pretty seamlessly. The system does seem to prioritize the phone in most instances, which we found helpful. A feature we loved on the previous version was Quick Attention: While wearing the headphones, place your palm against the right earcup and the volume dims and ambient sounds creep in, letting you respond to someone talking to you without taking the headphones off or searching for a pause button. But you’ll likely not need it because of the XM4’s new Speak-to-Chat feature. It automatically stops your music when you start talking and for 30 seconds after it senses a conversation. Most of the time it works well. Thankfully you can adjust the sensitivity of the microphone, which picks up your voice to start the Speak-to-Chat feature, in the app.

The physical buttons remain the same—just two—as much of the controls for things like volume, skipping, taking calls happens by tapping or swiping the right ear cup. This tends to be our gripe about most wireless headphones. The lack of physical buttons means memorizing specific gestures. And while they are intuitive on the Sonys—like swipe up to raise the volume, down to lower it—things can get tricky with answering calls or trying to access the Google Assistant or Alexa. There is a cheat sheet built into the app if you need a refresher. The sound on the XM4s still sounds great and the app’s equalizer lets you dial in different settings. We tend to find the Vocal setting a pleasing upgrade to podcasts.— Sal Vaglica, Men’s Journal Contributor

[$350; sony.com]

Pair of Thieves Cool Breeze Boxer Briefs

Boxer briefs are a dime a dozen, right? While some boast performance specs, others tout comfort, while some are just plain colorful fashion statements. But what if you were to combine all three into one capable boxer brief built for everything from the gym, to happy hour, to lounging around the house? This was our first thought when we slipped on the Pair of Thieves Cool Breeze Boxer Briefs.

Made with cooling mesh material, these boxer briefs are breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and oh-so freakin’ comfy. They are also flat-stitched, so no annoying seam irritation or chafing from these bad boys. We spent a full weekend surfing, skateboarding, chasing our two little kiddos around, and walking all over town in these boxer briefs, and we have to say: They check all the boxes. They’re ultra comfy, breathable, capable, and they come in several rad colorways for all personality types.

While there are almost too many options for high-quality men’s undies on the market these days, the Pair of Thieves Cool Breeze are as good as it gets. Not to mention that their price point is a bit lower than most boxer briefs we’ve seen… which is a huge plus for us.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$22; pairofthieves.com]

Clyraguard - PPE Disinfectant Spray

With Covid-19 showing no signs of waning as the winter months approach, wearing a mask is the best way to protect you and your family. While simply wearing a mask in public is a great first step, keeping that mask clean and sterile is equally important. In a perfect world, you would always remember to toss your mask into the wash after each use, but what about when you are on-the-go and the luxury of a fresh mask isn’t available? That’s what Clyraguard was designed for.

Formulated to defend against airborne viruses such as Covid-19, Clyraguard is a personal disinfectant and germicidal spray used to decontaminate PPE––such as face masks and coverings––and will prevent cross-contamination. Hospital-grade and FDA-registered, we have been using this spray on all of our masks.

We were glad to find Clyraguard to be both colorless and odorless, while its eco-friendly, copper-iodine complex created no irritation or discomfort. And with extensive testing proving their formula provides 99.99% antimicrobial efficacy against viruses, bacteria, and fungi––including complete inactivation of Covid-19––applying it to our masks certainly gave us peace of mind during these uncertain times.––Jack Haworth, Men’s Journal Digital Editor.  

[$25; 4 oz; clyramedical.com]

Costa Ferg 580G Polarized Sunglasses

If you spend any time near the water, you know how taxing the glare from the sun can be on your eyes. This is where polarized shades come in crucial. And some of our favorite sunglasses that we’ve gotten our hands on this season were the Ferg from Costa. Their 580G polarized glass lenses are possibly the best lenses we’ve ever used for a full day on the fishing boat.

They are the lightest-weight glass lenses we’ve ever had on our face all day long. Boasting 20-percent thinner and 22-percent lighter than your average polarized lens, the weight felt like plastic lenses, with the optimal performance of glass. This was a very refreshing feeling. The frames are made for a wider fit, so they covered our whole face pleasantly well, yet they’re light and unobtrusive, while still feeling sturdy and of the highest quality.

We couldn’t really find anything we didn’t like about these sunglasses. The cherry on top is the scratch resistant nature of these glass lenses, which is a huge bonus for us and our on-the-go lifestyle. For anyone looking for their next pair of shades for on-the-water adventures, then look no further than the Costa Ferg with 580G lenses.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$279; costadelmar.com]

Arlo Essential Spotlight Wireless Security Camera

Self-installed smarthome products are complicated. This is what we initially thought, until we discovered the Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera. While we’ve been known to botch installation of new techy gadgets in our home, the Arlo Essential Spotlight was just about as easy and user-friendly as we’ve ever experienced. Recording in 1080p resolution and 130-degree field of view, there isn’t much you’ll miss with this camera.

It also features color night vision, ultra-bright infrared LED lights, as well as an impressive (and highly accurate) 12X digital zoom with up to 23 feet of motion detection. It boasts everything you need to keep track of what’s going on outside your home or business. And the fact that it’s all wire-free and communicates directly to your mobile device for email alerts and even push notifications, you won’t miss a beat.

Not to mention the peace of mind that this little device provides during such a stressful and uncertain time. It also has two-way audio so you can communicate with people outside your door without contact. Last, but not least, it has a wonderful battery life of up to 6 months on one charge. This little gadget packs a huge punch at a wonderful price point. If you’re new to smarthome tech, then this is the perfect entry-level piece of gear.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$129.99; arlo.com]

Nezium Game Changers

Nezium was born out of pure necessity. There simply hasn’t been a chamois short/bike liner created to match the fit and comfort of premium performance underwear––as well as offering functionality that riders actually use––until they introduced The Game Changer. The fabric is incredibly comfortable and moisture-wicking, while the four-way stretch offers the rider ultimate comfort.

Nezium’s unique features also set them apart from other products on the market. They have integrated an upside down pocket with a velcro flap to offer an easy access storage pocket (under your outer shorts) to ensure your items will not fall out. The pad is moisture-wicking and well-ventilated for extreme comfort, protection, and durability. They’ve also created, for the first time ever, a water bottle holder strap located on the back of the waistbands. Nowadays, riders are shoving their water bottles in the back of the shorts and the Nezium water bottle holder prevents the bottle from falling out.

Each component of these shorts are well-thought-out––the length of the short, width of the waistband, seam line on the back to ensure proper pad location, ABR Compartment, and silicone print on the legs to ensure they stay in place––and when put together, they create a pair of shorts that actually live up to their name: Game Changers. ––Chris Wellhausen

[$69.99; neziumlife.com]

Timberland Earthkeepers Polarized Sunglasses

When it comes to picking out a new set of shades, what are the most attractive qualities that you prioritize when sifting through the enedless catalogue pages of options? Obviously, style is typically at the top of the ist. Next probably comes lens construction and technology. Then, comfort and weight likely get factored in. But have you ever been swayed toward one frame over another because of your love for eco-friendly products? This was quite literally the top reason we decided to give the Timberland Earthkeepers a try—particularly the TB9195 frames.

Right out of the gate, the frames were just our style: classic boxy, square shape with a thin frame and really handsome color stripe along the temple. Next, we were thrilled to see that they are polarized, which is a deal-breaker for us living and playing at the ocean every day. But what really caught our attention was the fact that they are made with bio-based injection plastic. They are as lightweight and easy on the face as any other frames we’ve ever tested, while still being constructed to the sturdy, durable standard that you’d expect from an iconic outdoor brand like Timberland. Comfort without compromising integrity and capability… with an eco-conscious twist. Wins across the board if you ask us.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$71; amazon.com]

Stasher Reusuable Bags

Stuffing sandwiches and snacks into single-use plastic zip-top bags can’t feel good—not with the giant synthetic trash waste island floating around out there. Eager to find an alternative, we’ve been loving the Stasher bags (they’ve cultivated quite a following online). Made from thick silicone—what the brand calls platinum-grade—these reusable bags are free from BPA, BPS, lead, latex, or phthalates, and feel far sturdier than your standard-issue supermarket baggies. Once you’re done storing snacks in them, cooking them in the microwave or a sous vide bath, or chilling them in the freezer, just toss them into the dishwasher.

The key, we’ve found, is having a handful of these around. If you’d normally use one bag daily for an office or school lunch, having two or three means there is always a fresh one waiting. Unfortunately, silicone is still a bit of a pain to air dry and while we’ve let Stashers sit out, more often than not, we’ve just gone in with a dish towel to soak up any residual water. The Stasher’s seal pinches closed and while it didn’t open in routine use—going to work or school while bouncing around a backpack—we haven’t tried them while sous vide cooking yet. But beyond lunches, these are a no-brainer to use when we start traveling again as they’re TSA-compliant.

Pricey, it’s good to know the use of the bags extends beyond food and you can store everything from toys to phones to computer accessories. Currently, Stasher has seven sizes available, from the smallest Pocket (holds 4 ounces) to the largest Stand-Up Mega Bag (104 ounces), which is shaped like a triangle and supports its own weight. There are tons of colors and patterns in the line too. — Sal Vaglica, Men’s Journal Contributor

[Single bags: from $8; bundles: from $14; stasherbag.com] 

Volcom Mod Tech Dry Bag

Whether you’re on a surf trip to some far-away land or getting shacked at your local beach, keeping your valuables dry and safe is critical. Trust us, it’s never a good idea to trust a shoddy bag to protect your goods from water damage. To fix that problem, Volcom came through with their burly and versatile Mod Tech Dry Bag.

We were stoked to find that unlike many dry bags on the market, this one was specially designed to meet surfers’ needs on-to-go. Wetsuits are great in the water, but once back on-land, you need to find somewhere to put that sopping pile of neoprene. To protect your valuable items––laptop, phone, clothes, etc––from your rancid wetsuit, Volcom added a special wetsuit compartment to seal in bad smells for stink-free transportation. This bag allows you to keep your neccessities close with multiple security pockets for gadgets and also straps for towels––a space-saving feature we found to be very handy.

A do-it-all bag for the dedicated surfer, Volcom has built a winner with their Mod Tech Dry Bag.    

[$120; volcom.com] 

Urbanears Luma

Urbanears is giving Apple a run for its money with their Luma wireless headphones. Aside from being more affordable than AirPods, Luma is splash-resistant, making it more suitable for use in rainy (or sweaty) conditions. It has 25 hours of play time on a single charge; dual microphones mean calls are loud and clear, even in noisy backgrounds; and you can choose between voice or touch controls to take a call or change a song. The wear-detect sensor is a nice feature. Luma automatically pauses your music or podcast when you take an earbud out to listen to someone or something. The colorways are also a big bonus: Opt from charcoal black, ultra violet, dusty white, teal green, or true maroon. Note, like any in-ear bud, these might not be totally comfortable for all-day wear, depending on the size and shape of your ear. However, these will stay put; you don’t have to worry about them falling out mid-walk or mid-conversation. Factor in the passive noise reduction and crisp sound quality, and these are a strong contender for your next wireless bud upgrade.  Brittany Smith, Senior Editor

[$99; urbanears.com]

Chrome Industries Civvy Messenger Tote

When packing for an outdoor excursion or urban adventure, the classic tote bag is making a statement in the daypack space these days. The convenience of the over-the-shoulder carry, with the added ease of access to all your gear, the tote serves so many situations perfectly.

And when it comes to crafting the highest quality carry equipment around, Chrome Industries has made one of the finest toes we’ve tossed over our shoulder. Enter the Civvy Messenger Tote. As a new addition to the Chrome Industries lineup, the Civvy wonderfully pairs the convenience of a classic messenger bag, with the best qualities of a tote. It’s versatile for everything from the farmer’s market down the street or the beach day with the kids.

It has a wide, zippered main opening with zippered security pocket inside for your valuables like your phone and wallet. It has a durable nylon shell and weatherproof tarp liner, so inclement weather won’t be an issue for your gear. It has the classic tote straps on top, as well as deployable cross-body stabilizing strap for added security when you’re on the move. Not to mention its protective laptop sleeve, as well as designated wet/dry compartments.

This thing has it all, and it’s a handsome addition to your everyday carry kit. If you need a new pack to get you through your daily routines, then we think you should consider something slightly different than your classic backpack. The Civvy Messenger Tote simply fits the bill.—Jon Perino, Senior Editor

[$85; chromeindustries.com]

Danner Jag

There’s no reason modern hiking boots can look as good as they feel. The Danner Jag was a staple back in the ’80s and they’ve revived the look today, but with all the modern attributes.

The style is timeless, a throwback to when life and trails were simple. But wether you’re bouldering, doing a quick Sunday morning loop or hopping off a train into a new European city, this is a very versatile boot with a great aesthetic. Danner is an American heritage brand that got their start outfitting loggers in the Pacific Northwest and used their experience to create quality boots. The lightweight Jag has the comfort of a trail sneaker but features cushioning EVA midsole, waffle outsole, waterproof membrane, breathable mesh lining and that rugged toe for years of kicking rocks.—Jon Coen, Men’s Journal Contributor

[$170; danner.com]

Jetty Oyster Shell

This shell is made of oysters. Yes, you heard that right. Jetty is growing East Coast brand that has been expanding from it’s surf roots to become a favorite in the outdoor space in general. And as a Certified B-Corp, they are focused on implementing sustainable materials. The new Oystex technology is actually recycled oyster shells and recycled polyester, (plastic bottle) diverting both from the waste stream.

This outer piece is ideal for windy days on the boat and the DWR coating/10,000mm waterproof rating makes it great for a day on the trail when the weather doesn’t cooperate. The use of oysters, that most sexy and delicious of bivalves, is particularly relevant because Jetty supports a very progressive oyster reef project in their home waters of New Jersey, which uses recycled shells to recreate habitat for oysters and other marine life.—Jon Coen, Men’s Journal Contributor

[$134.95; jettylife.com]