This week’s roundup of that latest, most eye-catching gear is a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, and a whole lotta head-to-toe swagger!
LIVSN Karst Pants
When LIVSN says, “pants,” we say, “how much?!” That’s because the little brand out of Bentonville, Ark., continues to make big waves in the rugged outerwear department. What started as pants we couldn’t stop wearing evolved into a go-anywhere jacket that’s equal parts fashion statement and foul-weather staple.
This week, we were collectively awed at the Karst Pant — not just because of its abrasion-resistant 1000D four-way stretch nylon and abundant zippered pockets, but because of its clever “Practical, Not Tactical” marketing. You can learn about all the technical features and snag a pair for yourself — the Karst is available now for $169.
IWC Schaffhausen/Mercedes-Benz ‘Big Pilot’s Watch‘
If the words “Mercedes-Benz” and “Private Lounge” don’t scare you off, you might have just the wrist to sport this extremely limited, premium timepiece. Made specifically for the elite Mercedes clientele by watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen, the Big Pilot’s Watch is only available to the first 10 — that’s right, 10 — Mercedes-Benz AMG owners who register for the Private Lounge.
What is the Private Lounge? I couldn’t tell you, since all those words do scare me off. But if you qualify and manage to become 10% of the members, you’ll be reading the hours and minutes on this 18-carat Armor Gold and black watchface.
The special Big Pilot’s Watch also “echoes [the] signature G-lass design features such as the headlights and spare wheel cover.” And if you, like me, are wondering how much it costs, it means you’re also not going to buy it. But if you’ve made it this far, go ahead and see if you can snag a spot in the lounge!
Rockford Fosgate Ranger Roof Audio System
While this is yet another product for only select drivers, the Rockford Fosgate Ranger Roof Audio System has much greater availability and likely caters to a different crowd. This “all-in-one audio system” is tailored to install on 2018 and news Polaris Ranger UTVS — both two-door and crew models.
The flagship system for the four-seater Ranger boasts eight speakers and two subwoofers with a 1,500W amp. Make the dirty chores a little more fun — the Ranger Roof Audio System starts at $5,000 and goes up to $8,000.
Kryptek Flyway Waterfowl Camo
Hunters know Kryptek largely for its unique and effective camo patterns. But the brand also makes some solid hunting apparel, as we’ve tested in the past. Now, it’s launching a new Flyway Line encompassing 13 pieces of apparel specifically made for the rigors of waterfowl hunting.
The camo pattern looks effective in swirling hues of browns and tans. It also is extensive, covering all the bases from gloves and hats to waterproof pants and insulating jackets.
Costa King Tide 8 Sunglasses
Costa’s most advanced and technical line of frames now has a new flag-bearer, the King Tide 8. These are no mere shades, however; this is a purpose-built, vision-enhancement system, invented specifically for anglers.
A full wrap design pairs with removable side shields to block out any and all peripheral glare (common on the water). But wait, there’s more — the frames carry “shark-inspired” vents to prevent fog, drains to keep sweat from matriculating into your peepers, and non-skid construction to keep these glasses in place whether wet or dry. Available now for $349.
Montane Composite Hoodie
Layering is great, but it’s also a hassle. In a perfect world, an insulating layer doesn’t restrict freedom of motion and can breathe enough to keep your temperature regulated. Is it unachievable alchemy? Montane doesn’t think so — and the Composite Hoodie professes to be the answer.
Utilizing the brand’s “latest fabric technologies,” the Composite Hoodie carries the durable stretch fleece of the Fury line on the sleeves, shoulders, hood. And this dynamic, lightweight, stretchy fabric complements the Composite 750-fill down baffled core and back.
Montane touts it as a perfect layer for climbing, hiking, skiing, and more. Available now for $280.
Rapid Rope
My grandad always said, “There are two types of knots in this world: those you make, and those that happen.” In retrospect, I don’t think he really knew how to connect with me, and I forgot about it until just now, when I stumbled across Rapid Rope’s “rope-in-a-can” — 120 feet of fresh, spooled line — no knots but the ones you make.
According to the brand, the canister is about the size of a 12-ounce soda and keeps the 1,100-pound test cord tangle-free and at the ready. Plus, the lid has a rope cutter so you can unspool only the length you need and leave the rest nice and tidy. Rapid Rope is available in a variety of colors and costs $25.
MiiR Moka Pot
No filters, no fancy moving parts — just coffee, water, and heat. The Moka pot is one step up from cowboy coffee — water goes in the bottom and grounds sit just above. As the water boils, it pushes up through the grounds and settles in the top chamber.
Of everyone who’s ever used a Moka pot, 99% all had the same red or silver no-name pot. MiiR ups the ante without messing with tradition. The MiiR Moka Pot ($60) uses stainless steel and 100% recycled plastic, holds 6 cups, and comes in a stylish black or brushed stainless.
Blundstone x L.L.Bean Chelsea Boot
Work and play, style and adventure — opposites attract but they always go together … like buffalo plaid and leather! Blundstone and L.L.Bean join forces to do what they each do best, and the result is the handsome-yet-capable Chelsea Boot.
Double-stitched, 2.5mm water-resistant leather marries to elastic panels in the iconic red-checker pattern. A steel shank and TPU outsole round out the build on this handsome boot. Available now for $220.
G-Shock x Packer DW5600PCK232 Watch
Simultaneously a vision of “futuristic works of art and design,” and “homage to the long-standing history” of the brands behind it, the DW5600PCK232 timepiece carries DNA from both iconic sports watch brand G-SHOCK and street wear/sneaker icon Packer.
The multifunction watch has the vintage digital face, and interchangeable resin bands in slate gray and deep navy — a color palette that “reflects the futuristic and environmental elements that inspire the construction of this one-of-a-kind timepiece.” Neat! The DW5600PCK232 is available in limited quantities now for $140.
