There are few things more nostalgic than a hand-made sling-shot, and Hella Slingshots ($20+) brings back some great memories. These colorful slingshots are individually made in California from Mora tree branches. Each is airbrushed with acrylic paint, and the leather projectile pouch is connected with latex tubing and sinew. They even sell wildflower seed bombs so you can beautify those ugly, hard-to-reach grassy patches. Just don’t shoot your eye out.
Sometimes you just need a bag to throw your gear in and get going. That’s exactly what the WHARF Army Duck Canvas Duffel ($119) is for. Hand cut and sewn in Rhode Island, this duffel is made from 10oz water-repellant army duck cotton canvas, with two exterior pockets and heavy-duty cotton straps. You can beat it up all day long, and it will never let you down.
Some days you feel like your wallet is too fat to fit in your pocket, which is exactly why Brooklyn designer Jack Sutter created Tight Wallets ($16+). Made from soft Italian leather and high-quality elastic, these wallets fit into tight pockets, make pants fit better, and force you to get rid of excess wallet baggage (like that Starbucks gift card with $0.79 on it).
Before you buy another bland-looking car charger for your iPhone, check out the TYLT Band Car Charger ($40). The flat ribbon cable gives you a more aesthetically pleasing (and tangle-free) method of keeping your phone juiced up while you are on the road. It also has a universal USB port, so you can charge two devices at once.
Labeling itself as “the last opener you will ever need”, the Bottle Grenade ($20+) is the latest Kickstarter project to peak our interest. In truth, this opener is the ultimate EDC tool including a screwdriver, a bottle opener (twist and pop-top), a 7/16″ hex bolt wrench, a magnet, and a clip so you can hang it on your belt loop (shown above).
Native footwear brings hiking boots to new altitudes with the Fitzsimmons Hiking Boots ($90). Made from one single EVA foam mold, these lightweight hiking boots are water-resistance and eco-friendly. The Native uses a low emission manufacturing process, giving you a minimal carbon-footprint and maximum comfort.
The latest craze to hit the culinary world is a precision temperature method called Sous Vide, and the Nomiku ($359) is bringing it from fancy French restaurants to your home kitchen. Turn the toughest of meats into delicacies by using the Nomiku to cook your meat throughout using a precisely controlled water bath for up to 72 hours(!). It is about as close to cooking magic as we have seen thus far.
Another day, another successfully funded Kickstarter campaign: Jamboo Headphones ($30) are an easy upgrade from the standard white earbuds that came with your iPhone. These bamboo wood headphones have colorful hand-woven threads wrapping the cord, making you stand out and giving you the comfort of knowing that you won’t have to spend 20 minutes untangling next time you want to hear some jams.
When you need your tie to be as ruggedly stylish as you are, look no further than the Goruck Man Tie – Narrow ($65). The first military-grade tie in history, this tie “laughs at water, abrasion, and danger”. So whether you are escaping deadly assassins in a suit, or you are trying to avoid a nasty ketchup stain during lunch, the Goruck Man Tie doesn’t care. Comes with a lifetime guarantee, also comes in Classic width.
Beef jerky should always be at arms length when you are on the move, which is why we like Field Trip Beef Jerky ($18 for three pack). With three flavors: Original, Honey Spice, and Teryaki, this jerky will keep you from getting hungry no matter your adventure. Field Trip Beef Jerky is the product of three guys looking for a protein and nutrient rich snack to munch on while they were trekking, or training, or both. All natural, all delicious.
