I carry a WaterField bag, backpack, or pouch every day; that’s no exaggeration. Lately, I’ve been using the Sutter Slim Backpack I recently reviewed or, when traveling, the Air Porter Carry-On Bag. The company recently sent me their new WaterField Essential Crossbody Pouch to check out; it’s a nice addition to my WaterField kit and fills a fairly specific need.
Sometimes we check out items that bring our tech to the cutting edge. Other times, we look at things that turn simplicity into art. We were offered the opportunity to check out a Carved Alloy Wallet, and it’s safe to say they’ve set a new bar for functional art!
Slice makes cutting tools that are durable and easy to use, but most importantly, their ceramic blades are finger-friendly and safe. Whether your goal is always to be prepared or you regularly have a lot of cardboard boxes that need opening and breaking down (raises hand), Slice has a knife that will get the job done. I was sent the Slice Folding Utility Knife and the EDC Folding Knife to try; both knives have features that make them different from and, yes, likely safer than using their metal blade equivalents. Let’s take a look.
Nomad, one of our favorite accessory companies, has been on a roll lately, releasing some fun new products. Just in time for summer, there’s a new Nomad Sports Slim Band for Apple Watch and a Nomad Leather Cover for Apple’s Siri Remote that protects the remote and helps you keep track of it. And there’s a new Nomad x Orbitkey Key Organizer too. Here’s a quick look at each.
Some months ago, my friend David turned me on to Ekster wallets. He had just gotten one and loved it. Soon after, I got an Ekster Parliament Wallet, and I’ve also become a fan. Now they’ve released the Ekster Aluminum Cardholder. It’s excellent and has a few unique features I love; it’s also currently on sale.
I tend to go through cycles with my wallet. Sometimes it’s bursting with receipts, business cards, and every card I’ve ever thought I might need, but every once in a while, I get the urge to slim down my everyday carry to a more reasonable level. I was recently given a chance to check out the MGear Gadget Wallet 3.0, a customizable minimalist wallet, and I figured it might be worth a try.
Nomad has made a name for itself by releasing some of the best mobile accessories on the market. Whether you have an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, Nomad has something for you. Now, with their new Nomad Pen, they’ve gone in a new analog direction; sure, it’s “just” a pen, but it is all Nomad.
If you are one of the many who now has to work remotely, or if you regularly commute and need a bag that can hold it all and then some, you’ve come to the right review. Finding a well-made backpack that looks professional, has intelligently designed compartments, and that’s comfortable to carry when fully loaded is no easy feat; the WaterField Pro Executive Backpack handles it with élan.
Having a high-quality, reliable flashlight is essential, and that’s what Fenix aims to deliver. I was recently sent the Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight to test; it’s the third version of Fenix’s popular PD35 series, and this model promises even better performance. I prefer flashlights that are easy to hold, small enough to carry, and that are also plenty bright; let’s see if the PD35 checked off all of the boxes.
It seems that most devices I use as of late are charged via USB-C. From my phone to laptop and everything in between, one charging solution works for them all. I often find myself stranded in various places needing to charge, so having another charging option strong enough for everything, including my laptop, is a game-changer; the Eggtronic Sirius 65W Universal Charger does just that.
There are certain tools we all need to carry to get us through a day. If I am at the ranch or out hunting or hiking, one of those tools is always a good flashlight. The Olight Warrior Mini 2 Four Elements Limited-Edition Tactical Light has proven itself to be a fantastic everyday carry option.
I’ve reviewed many bags over the years, but Tom Bihn’s minimalist approach while also looking “adult” has always struck me as stunning. So when I had the opportunity to check out the Tom Bihn Le Grand Derriere bag, it was a no-brainer. The Tom Bihn Le Grand Derriere, or LGD for short, is a reissue of a hip bag designed early in the ’90s. Over the past few years, you may have seen people using messenger bags or shoulder bags to carry their items with them on a day-to-day basis. Many people might take one look at the LGD and consider…
We recently brought word that Nomad had released three new leather wallets. These include the new Card Wallet, the Card Wallet Plus, and the Bifold. Each is beautiful, and each serves a different approach to “every day carry.” Of the three new wallets, the Nomad Card Wallet Plus sits nicely in the middle and holds “just enough.”
Small knives are arguably the most useful pocket item you can have. They can do everything from slicing up an apple to whittling little figurines or cutting you loose if you get stuck in some vines. Admittedly, of these, slicing the apple is probably (hopefully) most likely what you’d need a small knife for, but we don’t judge here at Gear Diary. Go ahead and whittle to your heart’s content. In any case, if you need or want a new knife for everyday carry, check out the WESN Samla; it’s now live on Kickstarter!
When Apple released the current Apple Watch, I immediately picked one up. I love the functionality, but there are times when I simply want a watch that tells time. That’s what the NOVE Trident Diver Watch delivers. The thin, 6.8mm dive watch is gorgeous; it is also tough and good for depths up to 660 feet!
If you’re interested in an affordable fitness tracking watch with long battery life, one that is as stylish as it is smart, you’ll want to check out the new Amazfit GTS 2 and GTR 2 smartwatches. They can track your activity, sleep, heart rate, SP02, monitor your stress, and more. Best of all, they are affordably priced.
Before the pandemic, when I would travel (remember doing that?), I usually packed a gear pouch loaded with cables, batteries, adapters, and more. The resulting package was bulky, cumbersome, and it weighed a lot, but it kept me connected in any situation when I was away from home. Even when I’m just going out and about or to the office, I’ll usually bring too much gear with me, but the Pitaka MagEZ Digital Travel Kit makes that a thing of the past.
There’s nothing worse than needing a simple tool and having nothing on you with which to complete the job! If you aren’t the type who carries a full Leatherman on your belt, the Desuccus 18-in-1 Snowflake Multi-Tool might just be a practical solution for you. Made to fit on its included keychain, the Snowflake Multi-Tool is small but mighty — packing 18 commonly used tools in its 2.5″ body.
I recently reviewed the Zepp E Circle, one of the most gorgeous and functional health-centric watches available. Zepp has already added another watch to their line — the Zepp Z. Made from a single block of polished titanium alloy with more of a traditional men’s watch design, the Zepp Z has a classic style that is loaded with smart features and intelligence-assisted fitness tracking.
When smartphones hit critical mass, every manufacturer of “dumb” phones started leveraging all their designs to add smarts to every phone in their lineup. We’re seeing a similar push with smartwatches. Traditional watchmakers are finding ways to raise the intelligence level of their iconic designs. The latest watchmaker to do so is Citizen, with their C Z Smart line.
Complete with the World’s first dual-curved display, the OPPO Watch is a Google user’s answer to the Apple Watch. I’ve been trying it out for the last few months and have been absolutely amazed by its style and functionality. But is that because I’m so used to the form and functionality of the Apple Watch?