There is something so satisfying about a well thought out and implemented load out… and this one is incredible. Start with a GR1 Heritage, add a leather pouch by Saddleback, and a few tech covers from Nomad, and cap it all off with what might be the best tech pouch on the market – the Evergoods Cap2.
The traditional materials of leather and canvas might add weight, but it’s hard to argue against the aesthetic of it all. Just beautifully done.
I maintain that the best sweatshirt in the world is made by American Giant. However, it’s not the most comfortable. The most comfortable sweatshirt that I have been able to find is actually a collaboration between Todd Snyder and Champion. These sweats are made of French Terry in the US and they have a price tag to prove it, but if you wear a sweatshirt every day in the winter, these are 100% worth the mass exodus of cash from your account. Seriously.
Was asked recently what is the best power bank for travelers. The answer is pretty simple – Nitecore makes a series of Power Banks that emphasize both weight and capacity. And while they don’t feature as many usb-c ports as I would like, they are the best I’ve been able to find.
The use case is pretty simple. I needed a “road” sling that would work both as a gear hauler when walking around the island and as a camera protector while on the beach and shooting in harsh locations. I looked at, tested, and trialed over 20 different offerings on the market, but could never find the right bag. One would be great for hauling EDC items, but be too small for carrying my camera. Another would be fantastic as a camera hauler, but far too large for anything else.
Then, Code of Bell came calling. They sent over their X-Pod and I found my sling. When compressed, it’s damned near perfect at keeping my pockets empty and when extended, it spacious enough to carry both my Leica SL2-S and an extra lens or two if I need them. Better yet, I’ve found the bag to be very water resistant and tight enough to keep the sand out as well.
The X-Pod isn’t ground breaking at any one function, but it’s damned good at just about everything. It’s special because of its versatility… and that’s why this is now officially the best gear sling The Gear Journal has been able to source.
The Pokka Silver Bullet is probably the hottest EDC pen on the market right now… and for good reason. It’s cheap, it’s all weather capable, and it’s small enough to keep in your pocket.
Outside of bag nerdia, the name Dan Matsuda is not going to ring many bells. Inside the regular old bag enthusiast world he probably isn’t all that well known either. But, if you are a real bag nerd… someone that spends far too much time setting up a backpack, organizing it, and obsessing over the details – well then, Dan Matsuda is probably your homeboy.
Anyway, Dan makes pouches out of his little shop every week using exotic and/or modern materials. And then, on Friday at around 2pm central or so he lists them for sale on his site. Typically, by 2:05pm they are all sold out.
I recently got my own Matsuda pouch and I am here to tell you – the underground hype? It’s all for good reason. Sincerely.
