Despite the original design being an annual bestseller for Huckberry, the digital retailer’s flagship in-house brand continues to innovate on the Waxed Trucker design. A lightweight, unlined shacket variation was introduced earlier this year, and now the most intricate version yet has just debuted, featuring waxed ripstop fabric and a corduroy-lined collar.

Huckberry

Flint and Tinder’s new Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket in Navy Ripstop layers two substantial features onto the celebrated original design, both enhancing performance and visual intrigue.

Updates

First, as the name suggests, the shell is made of a navy blue 10-ounce ripstop-woven waxed cotton, which is three ounces heavier than the fabric used for the standard Waxed Trucker.

Huckberry

Ripstop cotton has a crosshatch structure of reinforcing yarns woven into the fabric to prevent holes from spreading into larger rips.

Huckberry

The other update is a fine-wale corduroy-lined collar, like the kind found on many Barbour jackets and barn coats.

This traditional workwear feature gives the inside of the collar a soft feel on the neck and, when turned up, on the face. Plus, it creates a visually appealing blend of textures. 

The body and sleeves are fully lined with a special-edition Southwestern Nightfall woven jacquard polyester flannel.

Huckberry

Key features like the patch chest pocket, vertical hand pockets, vented cuffs, donut-riveted buttons and adjustable waist tabs are all unchanged. 

Made in America

Just like the original Waxed Trucker, the special-edition Navy Ripstop is made in America with domestic waxed cotton.

Huckberry

It is cut and sewn in Los Angeles and the new fabric is 10 oz Army Duck ripstop-woven waxed cotton from Fairfield Textile in New Jersey. 

Availability and price

The Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker in Navy Ripstop is available now from Huckberry for $328. Despite the material improvements, including a heavier shell, it sells for the same price as the standard Waxed Trucker. 

Huckberry

Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket Navy Ripstop

• $328 at Huckberry

The latest chapter? A collaboration with Ojai, California’s Messermeister on 20 one-of-a-kind culinary knives to benefit World Central Kitchen, the José Andrés-founded nonprofit that provides meals to communities hit by disaster

Messermeister

The blend of form and function here is truly wondrous to behold.

Each knife boasts a hand-forged Messermeister Meridian Elite blade made in Germany with German 1.4116 stainless steel and measuring 8 inches in length.

Messermeister

Meanwhile, Middleton meticulously crafted 20 unique handles, with materials ranging from resin to a variety of woods including Maple Burl, Black Ash Burl and more.

The knives measure 13.5 inches total and all come with a leather magnetic edge guard.

Messermeister

The collection will be auctioned beginning tomorrow at 3 pm EST/noon PST and run for 48 hours.

One hundred percent of the proceeds go to WCK, which has served hundreds of millions of meals in crisis zones since its founding. 

Messermeister

Because each piece is a one-off, buyers aren’t choosing from a catalog; they’re acquiring a specific object that won’t be reproduced.

As collectors and working cooks who track the handmade knife space know, that makes them even more exclusive than a limited-edition production run. 

Messermeister

If you’ve been watching Middleton Made’s output or looking for a reason to acquire a serious handmade kitchen knife, check out the selection at Messermeister’s site below and mark your calendar.

Welcome to Reference Points: A series about the products that changed the standard — and never really stopped influencing it. Discover more here.

Now, the brand has collaborated with a decidedly more modern brand on an exclusive footwear collection. The Crocs x Pendleton team-up launches with the Pendleton Classic Crafted Clog and the Pendleton Classic Lined Clog.

Crocs

The Pendleton touch

As noted, there are two offerings in this collection, both of which are part of this limited-edition collection. However, they offer two very different experiences.

Perhaps the most exciting of the two, at least from a material and craftsmanship standpoint, is the Classic Crafted Clog. Instead of canvas (or faux fur), this shoe now gets a 100-percent wool Tucson-patterned upper. Better still, the blue colorway is exclusive to Crocs, meaning you won’t find it anywhere else.

Crocs

That extends to the adjustable back strap, which helps make the shoe both more comfortable (courtesy of the wool-lined padding) and secure (courtesy of the nylon hook-and-loop adjustable elements).

Below that heritage upper, you’ll find Crocs’s legendary Croslite outsole, which is lightweight, durable, waterproof and easy to clean (although I’d still recommend not allowing the wool to be exposed to the elements, though the brand notes that the shoes can “be briefly soaked, lightly brushed, and air dried for cleaning”).

Crocs

Companion clogs

The other part of this collection, the Classic Lined Clog, sits more on the gorpcore side of the spectrum. Unlike its companion shoe, this one has a full Croslite upper and outsole, including the back strap.

However, that upper features Pendleton’s Nehalem pattern, which, as the brand puts it, was “inspired by the earthy spectrum of colors of the Pacific Northwest, from the rugged shoreline to the ancient forests of Oregon.”

Crocs

This shoe also gets a carabiner cord with charms over its upper and it comes with two exclusive Jibbitz charms, a Pendleton camp coffee mug and a fish.

While these are more outdoor-friendly, they’re also a cozy option, as the insides are lined with a sherpa-like fuzz that’ll keep your toes warm in the cooler months.

Crocs

Pricing and availability

The Crocs x Pendleton Classic Crafted Clog and the Crocs x Pendleton Classic Lined Clog launch on September 22 for $120 and $90, respectively. However, you can sign up for stock alerts right now on the brand’s site.

Crocs

Crocs x Pendleton Classic Crafted Clog

• $120 at Crocs

Crocs

Crocs x Pendleton Classic Lined Clog

• $90 at Crocs

Today in Gear: The most important news in the product world, independently curated by our editors. Catch up on other key releases across all the topics you care about.

Sazerac Company

2026 Van Winkle Collection

Few annual whiskey drops generate the kind of obsessive attention that the Van Winkle collection does, and the 2026 release gives devoted hunters six reasons to start searching now. Produced by Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and distilled at Buffalo Trace, the lineup spans five bourbons and one rye, aged ranging 10 to 23 years like usual. Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlen Wheatley and the Van Winkle family hand-select every barrel, meaning no two vintages taste exactly alike. The six expressions (Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10-Year-Old, Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-, 20- and 23-Year-Old, and Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old) represent four generations of wheat-forward tradition. Of course, quantities are highly limited, and secondary-market prices far exceed suggested retail.

• Learn More

iFi Audio

iFi Go Cable

The Go Cable is a USB-C cable with a built-in DAC/amp, designed to be paired with a high-quality set of in-ear monitors. The built-in DAC supports high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256, while the amplifier outputs up to 70mW into 32Ω. And its direct 2-pin connectors ensure that it’s compatible with a wide range of IEMs. Additionally, the cable has in-line control buttons and an integrated microphone, allowing you can control playback and answer calls.

• $79 at iFi Audio

Tacray

Tacray Outdoor Folding Chef Knife (Micarta + Damascus)

Tacray has improved and refined its Outdoor Folding Chef Knife with a new layered Micarta handle paired with a stunning Damascus steel blade. As the name suggests, this is not your typical folding pocket knife. Measuring 12.21 inches total when deployed, this is a full-sized chef knife ideal for campground cooking. Yet, since it folds like a pocket knife, its easier and safer to transport to and from your campsite. It also has a handy button lock for extra security and safety, and it has a pocket clip, in case you did want to carry it on your person (or attach it to a pack).

• $89 at Tacray
  $99 (10% off)

nivia-shop

Nivia 3D Finder

Bavaria-based Nivia introduces a potential game-changer with the first GPS-based avalanche transceiver. The 3D Finder uses three-antenna technology to locate buried victims with centimeter-level precision (no cross-searching required), which the brand says can make recovery up to 30 percent faster. Considering how much every second counts in an avalanche burial situation, that’s huge. A single-button interface handles marking, group check and all core functions, while a large high-contrast display keeps navigation readable in any conditions. Charged via USB-C, the 3D Finder weighs 225g, operates down to -20 °C and doubles as an emergency power source for a smartphone.

• $649 at nivia-shop

Originally released in January 2025, the slip-on sneaker-loafer hybrid sold out within a matter of days … and although Hoka hasn’t advertised it, this month’s restock is on the same path.

Hoka

Sneaker-loafer hybrid silhouettes are nothing new at this point, but Hoka’s contribution to the disruptive footwear category clearly continues to resonate.

Maybe that’s thanks to its premium leather and suede upper, or its technical-meets-traditional custom speed tassel. It could be due to its classic Hoka underfoot comfort, provided by the model’s Speedgoat 5 midsole.

Along with those compelling features, the unisex Speed Loafer also boasts a grippy Vibram outsole, reflective piping, a suede mud guard, leather sockliner and refined but prominent heel leather patch with the brand’s bird logo.

Given how quickly the Speed Loafer moved during its original release, sitting on the decision to score a pair of your own is probably the wrong call.

Hoka hasn’t announced how long this run will be available, and limited restocks on viral silhouettes have a way of disappearing before most people realize they’re gone. So if you like what you see, act now.

Hoka

Hoka

Hoka

One of the big ones is the ability to lock the former, at least straight out of the box.

Yeti

Fortunately for any Roadie owner concerned about bears or campsite thieves, Yeti makes the easy-to-install Lockport, which screws into one of two notches on the front of the cooler.

Yeti

Yeti

It’s compatible with every Roadie size, from the 8 to the 60, and it even ships “free.” Yeti includes a code with every cooler for customers to redeem the Lockport at no additional charge.

Just one problem: it’s almost never in stock.

The popularity of the Roadie series means that shoppers continuously try to take advantage of the promotional add-on, with supply rarely catching up to demand.

Yeti

Well, if you’ve purchased a Roadie in the past but failed to take Yeti up on its offer, now’s your chance. The brand quietly restocked the Lockport on its website.

Yeti

The $30 accessory sells separately on its own, of course, in case you can’t find your code or want to double up for symmetry, like some users.

But don’t wait. Who knows if stock will last this time around? And if history is any indicator, the Lockport won’t be available for long.

Yeti

Yeti Roadie Cooler Lockport

• $30 at Yeti

I point this out because it better puts into context what I am about to claim: WESN’s next knife, the Bok, may be the finest and most innovative the brand has ever offered. And I know this because I got an early, exclusive look at this upcoming launch.

WESN

Bok to the future

To understand the full context of the Bok, it helps to know how it came to be. This knife wasn’t simply pulled out of thin air, after all. Rather, it has been in development for a whopping five whole years. In fact, the concept dates back further than the brand’s own Bornas and Samla knives, both of which WESN has produced for some time.

The design process also hasn’t been a straight line, as WESN’s Creative Director, Ethan Thompson, tells me.

“Along the way, the BOK has been considerably larger, smaller, and taken on several different blade shapes,” he says. “What stayed consistent was the starting point: our own take on a button liner lock. We built the knife around that mechanism, working through the rest of the design from there.”

WESN

And therein lies the most significant element of this knife: this is the first WESN knife to employ a button-actuated internal liner lock. That brings significant advantages, even over the brand’s own catalog.

Not only is this mechanism extremely strong and reliable, but it also keeps the knife slimmer than models with other mechanisms, like frame locks. Furthermore, this is the first WESN knife to be expressly ambidextrous (it also has a reversible pocket clip, furthering that end).

And that brings me to the name. “Bok” is the Swedish word for “book,” which is appropriate, as this knife turns the page to a brave new chapter for the brand. However, that’s a happy accident.

As Thompson tells me, “That wasn’t the original inspiration, but […] it feels fitting.” “Bok” also happens to be Swedish for beech, as in the trees found all around the country’s south, and thus, it serves as a fitting connection to WESN’s Scandinavian heritage, in line with all the other knife names since (but not including) the Microblade.

WESN

Over the edge

As I already mentioned, this entire knife was built around the brand’s new button-actuated internal liner lock. But a locking mechanism alone does not make an enticing everyday carry knife. Luckily, the Bok has far more going for it than just a novel lock.

It comes standard with a 2.89-inch drop-point blade made from MagnaCut steel (as I’ve said so many times, this is the favored super steel of the moment; and I’m not mad about seeing it here, as its all-around performance is stellar).

That blade also has a thumb disc (or “stud,” as the brand calls it), which is removable, should you so desire. And yes, that makes the slender blade Spydie flick-friendly, as well as easily manually deployed.

WESN

Opposite the blade, the handle scales come in two options: black G-10 or titanium. Perhaps obviously, the G-10 option is grippier, while the titanium is more premium and robust overall. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either.

The handle also houses the lock and reversible pocket clip, as mentioned, and it has an internal lanyard attachment point. That last bit is nice because it allows for the extra attachment for those who want it, but it doesn’t detract from the sleek, minimalist styling of the knife for those who don’t.

In total, the knife measures 6.90 inches long (and closes to just 4.0 inches), and it weighs either 3.0 ounces (titanium) or 3.9 ounces (G-10). Paired with its slender profile, it is sleek enough to fit in even crowded pockets, but not so small that it compromises cutting power.

WESN

The future looks bright

Even those casually familiar with WESN can see this knife is a significant step toward the brand’s future and its knifemaking endeavors. And I don’t think it’s too far-fetched to say that it is likely to lure new fans to the brand.

WESN

Of course, that remains to be seen once the knife officially launches. While there isn’t a firm date yet, the brand is targeting a Fall 2026 Kickstarter launch. Until then, interested parties can sign up on the WESN Bok landing page to be notified of further developments.

When the WESN Bok launches, the G-10 version will be $235, while the titanium version will be $285.

While we cover no shortage of lesser-known brands, the past week has been dominated by heavy hitters, including all of Japan’s “Big Four” moto makers: Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.

Their many-splendored offerings are joined by notable updates from BMW, KTM and … Aston Martin??

Scroll down, it’ll all make sense, we promise.

Yamaha 2027 WR450F

Royal Enfield Himalayan 440

This past week, Apple introduced its first foldable iPhone (as well as new Apple Watches and AirPods), Fosi Audio revealed “the world’s smallest portable CD player,” and Sony revived an older pair of ANC headphones. But that’s just scratching the surface.

Below, we’ve rounded up all the most interesting new releases and announcements you might have missed from the past week. 

Apple

Apple iPhone Duo

The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable iPhone. It features a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display, making it work like an iPhone and iPad mini all rolled into one. But the real beauty of the Duo is its specialized software, which lets it work in various orientations (and keeps the hinge crease barely visible). The Duo runs on the same A20 Pro chip as the iPhone 18 Pro and uses a 48-megapixel Dual Fusion camera system. Also, an under-display FaceTime camera keeps the inner screen fully uninterrupted. Starting at $2,000, it’s also Apple’s most expensive iPhone.

• $1,999 at Apple

Apple

Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max look much like last year’s iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. But Apple upgraded both with its new A20 Pro chip and a second-generation vapor chamber, which gives both performance gains, faster charging and longer battery life. With the iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple gave it a physically larger battery so it lasts even longer. Both models feature a smaller Dynamic Island that can display three Live Activities (up from two). Most notably, the 48-megapixel main camera supports variable aperture, so you can control aperture (as well as a few other advanced controls) for the first time on an iPhone. Unfortunately, Apple also increased the base price of both iPhone Pros.

• $1,199 at Apple
• $1,299 at Apple (Pro Max)

Apple

Apple Watch Series 12

The Apple Watch Series 12 is quite similar to last year’s Series 11 in a lot of ways. The two smartwatches have the same 2,000-nit displays, look identical and come in the same two sizes (42mm and 46mm). However, the Series 12 packs a new processor (S11 chip) that enables some new Apple Intelligence and Audio Intelligence features. More notably, the Series 12 has upgraded optical and electrical heart-rate sensors that power a new Health Sensing System. This helps the Series 12 more accurately track steps, as well as support a new Readiness feature, which takes into account your recent activities, vitals and sleep patterns, and lets you know how “ready” you are for future workouts. Additionally, for the first time in the Series 5 (released in 2019), Apple sells the Series 12 in a ceramic version.

• Starts at $399

Together, they show an industry that never stops ticking — and, centuries later, can still find the time to surprise you.

Seiko

Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series HDB005

The Seiko 5 “Fifty Five Fathoms” diver-style watch gets a green makeover with this “Green Tweed” edition featuring a green dial, matching green bezel and gold accents.

• Learn More

Panerai

Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni PAM01734

Based on a 1960s Luminor military prototype, this 44mm Platinumtech Luminor features a unique inscription on its green brushed dial and a pair of parallel grooves in its crown protector that are meant to ease operation of the crown while wearing gloves.

• $56,400 at Panerai

Panerai

Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni PAM01794

Limited to 1,000 pieces and based on a 1960s Luminor military prototype, this 44mm stainless steel diver boasts 300m of water resistance, an 8-day power reserve and a unique inscription on its dial derived from its inspiration.

• $11,000 at Panerai

Yema Watches USA Official Store

Yema Superman Steel Blue CMM.10

The Superman Steel Blue revisits one of Yema’s most storied dive watch lines with a sunray dial, polished applied baton hour markers and Grade A Super-LumiNova BGW9 on both hands and indexes. Its 39mm 316L stainless steel case and bezel frame are equipped with Yema’s patented bezel-lock mechanism, sitting alongside a ceramic bezel insert. Inside, the in-house Caliber CMM.10 automatic provides a stated accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day and a 70-hour power reserve.

• $1,890 at Yema

Of course, that’s only the tip of the iceberg, as we also saw noteworthy drops from Work Sharp, Bestech, CJRB, Vosteed and, maybe the best sleeper hit of all, Ocaso Knives.

But don’t take our word for it; check them all out below.

CJRB Latitude (J1975-GDBN and J1975-GD)

Boker Plus Echidna

Bestech Nyrrdreki

Typically, the mule version of the iconic hiking boot comes in an array of upper materials, such as woven leather, quilted textile or canvas. But YMC’s makeover in brushed suede brought more versatility to the silhouette, while also adding a decidedly outdoorsy aesthetic.

Well, the pairing is back once again with two new variants. And this time around, the mule is more refined than ever.

Merrell | YouMustCreate

Hair today

Dropping in black and brown, the latest Moab 2 Slide swaps the brushed suede from last year’s release for hairy suede. The collab keeps the versatility of the monochromatic slides but nudges them even more into streetwear territory.

Merrell | YouMustCreate

Merrell | YouMustCreate

Both silhouettes feature black mudguards and black soles underneath, riding on Vibram Ecostep Recycle outsoles. Made up of 30 percent recycled rubber, the bottoms still provide plenty of grip on both wet and dry terrain. The front of the slip-on also retains the typical protective rubber toe cap.

Merrell | YouMustCreate

Merrell | YouMustCreate

On the midsole, Merrell branding matches its respective upper color. The all-black option is arguably more stylish for urban wear, but the brown leans into Merrell’s outdoor proclivity quite perfectly.

YMC Creative Director Sage Toda-Nation states, “Following on from our last collaboration with Merrell, we wanted to continue with our take on the Moab slide. The shoe is a style that I believe can integrate seamlessly into someone’s life who lives between the city and the outdoors.”

Merrell | YouMustCreate

Price and availability

The Merrell x YMC Mule 2 Slide is currently available from YMC’s website for $150. It will get an expanded release on September 21 from Merrell’s store and other retailers.

Merrell | YouMustCreate

Merrell x YMC Moab 2 Slide

• $150 at YMC

The SNZH became extremely popular with modders, who routinely transformed it into a more direct Blancpain homage dubbed the “Fifty Five Fathoms,” a nickname that has stuck with the SNZH.

Seiko discontinued the SNZH around 2018, eventually replacing it with an updated version under the Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series line two years ago. The new version, like the similarly revived 5 Sports SKX models, boasts improved specs and a similar design to its predecessor.

Seiko

Now, Seiko has introduced a pair of striking new colorways to the reborn “Fifty Five Fathoms,” offering up more options for what is arguably the brand’s best-looking affordable diver-style watch.

The new colors are “Formal White” and “Tweed Green.” Like the most classic discontinued “Fifty Five Fathoms,” the SNZH57, both of these new references feature a plethora of gilt accents on the hands, applied indices, day-date frame and bezel markings.

Seiko

The Formal White, ref. HDB004, features a white sunburst dial paired with a black bezel, creating some nice contrast. Perhaps even more beautiful is the Tweed Green, ref. HDB005, which color matches its green sunburst dial with a rich green bezel. It’s quite a luxe look for a sub-$500 watch.

Outside of the new colorways, the watches are the same as the current-gen SNZH-inspired divers. 

Their specs include a 42.5mm x 14.2mm stainless steel case with a 4:00 crown, a three-row steel bracelet with a twin-trigger deployant clasp, 100m water resistance and the Seiko Calibre 4R36 automatic movement that both hacks and hand-winds/ features that were absent on the original SNZH.

Seiko

Availability and pricing

Both the HDB004 and HDB005 are slated to become available from Seiko in October. As usual, UK pricing has been announced before U.S. pricing, with the watches having an SRP of £340, which currently converts to about $460. 

However, the existing black version of the watch, ref. SRPK99, retails for just $400 stateside, which I suspect is closer to what we’ll see when these new colors go live next month.

Seiko

Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series HDB005

Specs

Case Size	42.5mm
Movement	Seiko Caliber 4R36 automatic
Water Resistance	100m

• Learn More

Even so, more often than not, it’s only a piece or two at a time. As a result, it can take a lot of patience if you’re trying to wait out a discount for the size or color you need. 

Welcome to Shop Smarter: A series dedicated to highlighting not just what’s on sale, but why it’s worth owning. Discover more here.

A limited Storage Days deal

But you’re in luck for the next few days. Through September 13, Harbor Freight is running a Storage Days sale across its Yukon and US General lines.

Harbor Freight

With these available coupons, a whole bunch of carts, rollers and other storage pieces are discounted by 15 percent. There’s also an even more generous promotion for compatible accessories, as it knocks 20 percent off their MSRP. 

Though the codes only apply to in-store purchases, the Storage Days collection is expansive. It covers a range of price points and configurations, including everything from heavy-duty cabinets to shelving. 

Harbor Freight

In other words, there’s a practical option whether you’re outfitting a professional shop or a one-car home garage. 

The brand positions each storage system as a shop-grade alternative at an accessible price.  You’ll find steel construction, lockable drawers and a variety of colorways to be common themes. 

Extra ITC benefits

In addition to the above promotions, Harbor Freight is offering ITC members an extra 5 percent off the discounted price.

Moreover, as part of a larger, coinciding sale that runs through October 1, some options are actually marked down even more than 20 percent. 

For instance, there’s a US General 22-inch end locker that’s 25 percent off. If you need something more mobile, Harbor Freight is also offering the service cart at 28 percent off.

Harbor Freight Tools

U.S. General 30 in. x 16 in. 3-Shelf Steel Service Cart

• $70 at Harbor Freight

As an example, just last month Esoteric introduced the T-01 turntable, which costs $50,000. It’s positioned as more affordable version of the brand’s flagship $80,000 Grandioso T1 turntable.

Now, Esoteric is at it again with another ultra-luxurious hi-fi component. Only this time, it’s designed to bring audiophile-grade streaming into a household. 

Esoteric N-01XE

Esoteric

The Esoteric N-01XE is a high-end music streamer, network streamer and DAC that’s positioned as a more affordable alternative to the brand’s flagship model, the Grandioso N1, which costs $45,000. 

In fact, Esoteric integrated the N-01XE with two core technologies found in its flagship model. 

Esoteric

Esoteric

Flagship technologies

First, it features the same DAC (Master Sound Discrete DAC G2), which employs a fully dual-mono configuration with independent power transformers for the left and right channels. According to the brand, it can achieve “even higher performance while preserving its signature musicality.”

Secondly, the N-01XE runs the same flagship streaming platform (Esoteric Network Engine G4), which features large-capacity RAM, a powerful CPU, and an SFP port for optical network connections. This platform has a dedicated linear power supply that is completely independent of the audio power supply. Esoteric says this enables even purer streaming.

Esoteric

Esoteric

As a network player, the N-01XE supports native DSD512 playback and up to 768 kHz PCM. When converting digital to analog, the N-01XE uses digital processing algorithms independently optimized for DSD and PCM files to make sure each sounds as good as possible. 

On the streaming side, the N-01XE a wide range of services, including Tidal, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Qobuz Connect, Roon, Spotify and QQ Music (a popular streaming service in China).

For physical connections, the N-01XE is all-encompassing. It features coaxial, optical and USB-C digital inputs, as well as well RCA and XLR analog outputs. 

Esoteric

Price and availability

The Esoteric N-01XE is available for preorder now and will start shipping this November.

It costs $28,000.

Williams founded A Continuous Lean in 2007, spearheading the men’s style blogging movement that defined the 2010s menswear renaissance (commonly known as the #menswear era).

These days, ACL is a Substack and newsletter where Williams still dispenses advice and recommendations on a vast range of products and lifestyle categories, with timeless style at its core. 

Viberg

While ACL is hardly a household name, its eminence among the menswear faithful has afforded Williams a series of collaborations with well-respected brands. The most recent one allowed the sartorial philosopher to tinker with Viberg’s Chukka boot.

Viberg

Dubbed the ACL Michael Williams Field Chukka, it extends the traditional ankle height of the design whose modern form was popularized by British soldiers in World War II.

The collaboration “reworks our classic chukka with a higher-cut pattern through the instep,” elaborates Viberg, “providing greater coverage through the lace area and additional protection from the elements.”

In the details

Viberg is renowned for obsessive attention to detail, a reputation that justifies its lofty prices.

The ACL Michael Williams Field Chukka is made with Snuff Janus Suede from England’s storied C. F. Stead Tannery, accented with leather piping along the quarter (the panel that wraps around the back of the heel) and “blind” eyelets.

Viberg

It features a channeled leather insole that, according to Viberg, will mold to the owner’s foot over time. 

Despite its luxurious build and price, this isn’t a delicate boot. The upper is tough as nails, and a leather storm welt helps keep moisture out.

Viberg

It is equipped with a Tzar natural latex outsole from Reltex, providing reliable grip, and the material is also incorporated into the leather heel stack for additional shock absorption. 

Availability and price

Williams’s take on Viberg’s chukka is exactly what I would expect: a timeless classic that will endure beyond any given trend. Considering the Canadian shoemaker’s reputation for resolable, repairable construction, it could last a lifetime with proper care.

The Viberg x ACL Michael Williams Field Chukka is available now from Viberg for $1,300. 

Viberg

Viberg x ACL Field Chukka

• $1,300 at Viberg

Since then, the brand has remixed it to death: various soles, hundreds of colorways and more collaborations than anyone’s bothered to count.

None have gone quite as far as the upcoming Samba Climbing Shoe.

Adidas

In a way, the new model fits into the broader trend of fashionable approach shoes like the Keen Jasper, Puma Klim and Village PM 1PM. Even Spanish label Loewe has its own take on the style, assuming you can ignore the near-$1,000 price tag of the Grip.

But according to Adidas, the Samba Climbing Shoe stays true to the promise of its name.

Adidas

The upper retains the Samba’s supple leather construction, arriving in the classic black-and-white color scheme. There’s even gold-foil lettering on the side, typical of the Samba OG.

Adidas

Underfoot, though, Adidas swapped out the signature gum sole for Five Ten Stealth rubber, which extends up and around the toebox to replace the suede overlay panel.

Adidas

Adidas

Availability and pricing

Whether or not athletes actually reach for the Samba Climbing Shoe is the question that hangs over its release. The shoe features traditional laces rather than velcro, while the leather upper looks especially prone to scrapes on rock.

What is not in question is that Adidas has found one of the more unexpected places yet to take its most iconic silhouette, even if Samba’s low-profile build translates reasonably well to a climbing context.

Adidas

The shoe costs $120, putting it at the lower end of the climbing shoe market. That alone suggests Adidas is aiming at the gym-climbing crowd rather than sport climbers projecting hard routes.

IN any case, the Samba Climbing Shoe goes on sale October 6 in the US.

Adidas

Adidas Samba Climbing Shoes

• $120 at Adidas

The ahead-of-its-time “Birch Collection” featured cold-weather outdoor silhouettes that veered from the squishy shearling and suede silhouettes that have defined the brand, and the collection was quietly phased out just five years after its debut.

Now, Ugg has reintroduced the Birch Boot II after what it’s calling a “20-year nap.”

The upgraded slip-on boot follows in the same outdoor-ready footsteps as its predecessor, and is built with waterproof nubuck overlaid on a water-resistant suede upper.

Its sugarcane EVA midsole and sheepskin interior, including a fully lined sheepskin shaft, follows Ugg’s traditional cozy playbook, while the nylon shank and rubber lug sole offer support and traction.

The ready-for-anything boot comes in three classic Ugg shades: Chestnut, Black and Dusted Cocoa.

While its design language is appraochable, its price point is a little less so; at $255, these are an investment piece that should last for many seasons to come.

Ugg

Ugg

Ugg

Ugg

From track-spec 911s wearing commemorative liveries to a revised Taycan and a pair of electrified Cayennes pushing the SUV format in new directions, Porsche has kept us busier than usual, and in the best possible sense.

The standouts are hard to narrow down, but a few have stuck with us. For instance, the 911 GT3 100 Jahre Nürburgring arrived as a proper tribute to a century of racing on the Green Hell. On the other end of the spectrum, the Singer x Louis Vuitton collaboration proved that the 911’s cultural reach now extends well beyond the garage.

Scroll through what we’ve covered below. Whether you’re here for the heritage specials or the tuner upgrades, they won’t disappoint.

Porsche 911 GT3 Bergsport

Porsche 911 GT3 100 Jahre Nürburgring

The latest example of that investment is the Hurricane Trailsetter GTX, which brings Gore-Tex’s respected waterproof technology to the existing Teva silhouette.

The Gore-Tex Invisible Fit liner provides a durable, breathable and comfortable waterproof fit without adding bulk. Alongside its weatherproofing, the trusty low-top trail runner is outfitted with a speed lace closure, responsive Hyper‑Comf cushioning and durable Spider Rubber Endure traction underfoot.

At 10.33 ounces per half pair these wouldn’t qualify as lightweight, but their robust materials and ability to withstand downpours and trail hazards make the extra ounces worth it.

The Hurricane Trailsetter GTX is available in Tan/ Mountain view and Black/Black, in both men’s and women’s sizing.

Teva

But a company called Vanna Camp GmbH thinks there’s a better way. 

Vanna Camp GmbH

The South Tyrol-based startup recently debuted its Cubivan Camping System (CCS) at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon. With a modular design and impressive origami-like capabilities, it promises to raise the bar for camper van conversions in more ways than one.

A packable life on the road

The CCS relies on a slide-out and fold-out mechanism that deploys a series of modules from packed configurations into fully camp-worthy accommodations.

Like some other plug-and-play conversions, the modifications aren’t meant to be permanent, so the system can be moved from one vehicle to another (provided it’s compatible).

Vanna Camp GmbH

Instead of a soft-sided construction, it relies on solid walls made from fiber-reinforced plastic. Vanna Camp says this means it’s not just quieter but also more private and better equipped for weather than setups that skew more tent-like in design.

Furthermore, when erected, the main cube offers a 6.2-foot standing height and a dedicated 35 x 37-inch wet-bath floor area. As such, it amounts to a generous addition to the interior footprint, relative to the space at large.

Vanna Camp GmbH

To that end, Vanna Camp positions the sleeping module up top, like an RTT or a pop-top, to provide more room. In contrast to traditional setups, however, it brings a fully hard-sided form that unfolds to create a large 79 x 79-inch bed.

Even so, what makes the CCS stand out on paper is that it accounts for more than just shelter, and it all tucks away when not in use.

Vanna Camp GmbH

The rear module doubles as both a kitchen area and a bathroom. Accordingly, it brings a burner setup for cooking as well as a full wet bath. Vanna Camp doesn’t offer complete specs, but the setup includes a shower and a portable toilet.

Availability and pricing

It’s worth noting that Vanna Camp has not designed the Cubivan Camping System as a one-size-fits-all item. Compatible base vehicles include the VW Caravelle, Ford Tourneo Custom and Mercedes Vito.

Vanna Camp is taking reservations through its Pre-Order page, with tiers starting at €150. The brand targets a full order launch for Summer 2027. No retail price has been announced.

Manufacturers keep innovating, folding functions into all sorts of forms, and we continue to track the best, most interesting releases, from nimble keychain tools to full-featured pliers-based workhorses.

As usual, Leatherman has had an active year, dropping everything from the minimalist OPNR to the heritage-recalling Garage Batch #008: Captain’s Crunch.

Meanwhile, The James Brand’s minimalist Helton and Böker’s elegant Naturensöhne MK II NXT remind us premium EDC tools can shine aesthetically without sacrificing utility.

Then there are wild-card entries, like the Talo Modular Trekking Pole and the Aulumu G05 Pro Phone Stand Multi-Tool, which interrogate the very meaning of the term.

So whether you’re looking for a capable trail companion, a refined desk-side utility knife or something genuinely pocket-sized (or smaller), odds are you’ll find it among the dozens of options below.

As marathon season and cooler weather rapidly approach, REI is quietly selling Brooks’ beloved max-cushioned daily trainer for well below retail, making it a perfect time to save on a reliable and well-regarded running shoe.

The Ghost Max 3, which debuted in 2025, is the third generation of Brooks’ comfort-focused road running franchise that was introduced a few years ago as a much more cushioned, rocker-based alternative to the existing Ghost.

The reliable shoe offers the support and reliability of a traditional stability shoe, but is equally equipped for everyday wear as it is for logging daily miles.

Rather than focusing on speed, it focuses on comfort, and thanks to REI’s 30-percent discount, is more comfortable for your wallet, as well.

The comfortable, albeit slightly heavy, discounted Ghost Max 3 is available in four colorways: Primer Grey/Ebony, Coconut/Chateau/Navy (my personal favorite), Black/Navy/Acid Lime and Blue/Starfish/Moonlight.

This year in particular has seen some incredible output, ranging from the 50th anniversary of its solar-powered Eco-Drive movements to some more playful offerings as well.

Dozens of releases have crossed our desks already this year but these are the ones that really caught our attention …

Citizen’s best of 2026, so far

Citizen

Citizen Attesa Eco-Drive Green Flash and Purple Aurora Models

To mark 50 years of Eco-Drive, Citizen’s Attesa line delivers two limited-edition GPS watches (1,500 pieces each worldwide) inspired by rare atmospheric light phenomena. The Power of Green Flash model pairs a structural color film dial with a vapor-deposited dark green sapphire bezel and Duratect Amber Yellow accents. Meanwhile, the Power of Purple Aurora features a raised black dial with light-changing purple film for the subdials and a vapor-deposited purple sapphire bezel with Duratect Pink. Inside each of the 44.6mm Super Titanium cases, the Caliber F950 locks onto a GPS satellite signal in as little as three seconds, keeping perfect time anywhere on Earth.

Specs

Case Size	44.6mm
Case Material	Super Titanium
Movement	Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS F950

• $2,295 at Citizen

Citizen Watch

Citizen Eco-Drive One AR5065-54W

At just 3.88mm thick, the Citizen Eco-Drive One AR5065-54W is a “marvel of micro-engineering,” to use the brand’s own words. Its 38mm black DLC-coated stainless steel case frames a two-tone dial with rose gold hands (and other details), alongside minimalist indices. Citizen’s Caliber 8826 solar movement pulls power from any light source, holding a charge for up to a year. However, it is limited to 250 pieces worldwide, making this a rarefied masterwork that’ll be hard to come by.

Specs

Case Size	38mm
Movement	Eco-Drive 8826 (solar quartz)
Water Resistance	50m

• $3,395 at Citizen

Distinguished by its patented bezel lock and often found on a “scales” steel bracelet, the Superman epitomizes 1960s dive watch design language. Now, the new Steel Blue reference offers an era-faithful alternative hour track on a radiant blue sunburst dial. 

Yema

Most of the details on the newest Superman are familiar. It’s built on the same 39mm stainless steel case with brushed surfaces, polished chamfered edges and a sharply curved crown guard.

The case is capped with a double-domed sapphire crystal and provides the standard 300m water resistance.

Yema

On top sits a black ceramic bezel ring with a fully graduated 60-minute count-up track.

Locked in

The steel coin-edge bezel frame is held in place by Yema’s patented bezel lock. Introduced in 1963, it is a small steel bracket attached to the crown guard that locks into the bezel’s fluted grip with teeth.

Yema

When the screw-down crown is fully tightened, the bezel is locked in place. Unscrewing the crown slightly releases the lock, allowing the bezel to be turned. 

It may be antiquated, but it remains a compelling piece of watchmaking history.

“Dear God, it’s beautiful”

The titular feature of the Superman Steel Blue is its “blue steel” dial. The gray-blue hue has a hint of indigo, and a vibrant sunburst brushing makes the dial pop.

Yema departed from its typical triangle-dot-dash and dartboard-style Superman hour tracks. It features a uniform set of polished, square, baton-style indices with blue-emitting Super-LumiNova running through the center of each. 

Yema

Time is indicated by the standard Superman handset, featuring a fencepost hour hand, big triangle minute hand and lollipop seconds hand. All three are filled with matching blue-emission Super-LumiNova. 

Save the date

Another variation from the norm for this Superman is the absence of a date complication. It creates a balanced, unbroken ring of hour markers. 

Yema

The watch is powered by Yema’s in-house Caliber CMM.10 automatic movement, providing a stated accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day and a 70-hour power reserve. A sapphire exhibition caseback reveals its blacked-out finishing. 

Availability and price

The Superman Steel Blue is available now directly from Yema for $1,890 on a black FKM rubber strap and $1,999 on a “scales” steel bracelet with a sliding diver extension clasp. This is a regular production model. 

According to Yema, all duties and taxes are included in the stated price for American customers. 

Yema Watches USA Official Store

Yema Superman Steel Blue CMM.10

Specs

Case Size	39mm
Movement	Yema Caliber CMM.10 automatic
Water Resistance	300m

• $1,890 at Yema

To celebrate the milestone, the brand is going back in time. Not the full 100 years, but around 60 years, by issuing a pair of limited-edition Luminor dive watches inspired by Panerai military watches of the 1960s; specifically a rare prototype of the reference 6152/1.

The two new models, references PAM01734 and PAM01794, both shrink down the prototype’s massive original 47mm to a still-oversized but more wearable 44mm. Both new models are also powered by the same in-house movement, the manually wound Calibre P.5000, which boasts an 8-day power reserve and features a transversing bridge that protects the balance from shock. 

Panerai

The PAM01734 is the more special of the two, as its case is made of Platinumtech, Panerai’s proprietary 95-percent platinum alloy that’s 85 percent harder than standard platinum and far more resistant to scratching. The platinum model also gets a sapphire caseback to show off its movement.

PAM01794 is made of stainless steel and has a closed caseback featuring an engraving of the Florence boutique, and it triples the water resistance of its precious-metal sibling. It’s rated for a professional-level 300m, while the PAM01734 has a 100m water-resistance rating. 

Panerai

Both models feature circular brushed sandwich dials that forego the expected fauxtina lume: a green dial with gold-tone hands for the platinum model, and a black dial with heat-blued hands for the steel. Both watches also feature dramatically domed sapphire crystals designed to resemble the Perspex acrylic crystals used on 1960s Luminor divers.

The obscure prototype had two distinct features that the new references also recreate. The first, present on both new models, is an inscription under 12:00 on the dial. On the new models, it’s engraved on two lines and reads “Panerai Firenze.” The other, more interesting feature is only recreated on the platinum PAM01734.

Panerai

Its crown-protecting device, a signature feature of the Luminor, features a pair of parallel grooves next to the crown. The ’60s prototype included these grooves as a performance feature to make the crown easier to turn while wearing gloves. Personally, I think they look especially sharp, and if they actually improve the winding experience, then Panerai should think about rolling out this feature to the entire Luminor line.

Finally, both models come with two straps: one leather and one rubber. PAM01734 gets black leather and green rubber, while PAM01794 receives brown leather and black rubber. I’d prefer to see the brown leather paired with the green dial and black leather with the black dial, but what are ya gonna do?

Panerai

Availability and price

As you probably expected, the platinum PAM01734 is both rarer and more expensive than the steel PAM01794. To be exact, it is ten times rarer and more than five times pricier. The PAM01794 retails for $11,000 and is limited to 1,000 examples, while the PAM01734 has an SRP of $56,400 and is limited to just 100 pieces.

The launch of the models coincides with a celebratory Panerai-hosted historical art exhibition called “Immersion” at Museo Marino Marini in Florence, which runs from now until September 19. If you’re planning to be in Italy on those dates, you can reserve your visit here.

Connected via Bluetooth and controlled through the Power Tuner app, even then, I felt the feature showed a lot of promise as a factory addition.

Yamaha

Now, I expect riders will appreciate it all the more. That’s because the Tuning Fork brand rebuilt its top WR450F enduro from the ground up for 2027, and the updates have made the bike even more of a desirable item on paper.

Shock to the heart

Yamaha’s update for the new model year is much more than a new colorway or some minor aesthetic massaging.

Yamaha

The 2027 WR450F carries a revised 450cc engine built around a new cylinder head with an updated intake port design, which the brand says improves power delivery across the rev range. 

It also brings cam timing changes aimed at more stable combustion, as well as an increase in AC magneto inertia to improve technical and low-speed riding behavior. According to Yamaha, both changes also improve stall resistance at low speeds.

Yamaha

To complement the refinements to its heart, the WR450F benefits from a new hydraulic clutch. The brand says it offers a lighter lever feel. 

It also comes with a new inner hub design boasting added durability, and it complements some tweaks to the gearing in the form of a larger rear sprocket for improved power delivery. 

Yamaha

A reframed enduro

In keeping with the changes to the bike’s powertrain, Yamaha has also made a series of adjustments to the chassis.

The frame is new for 2027. The Tuning Fork claims to have redesigned it for balanced rigidity and flex. A revised front downtube targets a more stable ride, while the overall frame geometry works to enhance front-end feel and cornering performance.

Yamaha

Furthermore, Yamaha tweaked the suspension setup. The front brings more progressive fork settings for better contact, and the rear gets a new KYB shock with a hand-operated low-speed compression clicker for convenient trailside adjustment.

Add to that some lighter rear braking components, a redesigned seat cover material, a sharper rear fender and some new WRF graphics, and the result is a choice overhaul of an already capable enduro.

Availability and pricing

Yamaha says the 2027 WR450F arrives at dealers in October. Pricing will start at $10,499.

Yamaha

Yamaha 2027 WR450F

• $10,499 at Yamaha

While visiting the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History in Bardstown, spirits entrepreneur Matti Anttila discovered a dormant trademark for a brand called Chicken Cock.

Chicken Cock Whiskey

Snicker if you must, but the brand’s name actually dates back to the mid-19th century, when James A. Miller distilled and aged his own bourbon out of Paris, Kentucky. Chicken Cock eventually became quite the fan favorite in speakeasies, and was even reportedly the house whiskey at Harlem’s legendary Cotton Club during Prohibition (Duke Ellington specifically calls out the brand by name in his 1976 memoir).

Chicken Cock Whiskey

Like a lot of old American whiskey brands, Chicken Cock’s quality and reputation deteriorated after Prohibition. It eventually became a mass-market blended whiskey, and its parent company National Distillers discontinued the brand in 1955.

But since the brand came back to Kentucky in 2017, it’s become a solid IYKYK premium bourbon with a strong cult following. To celebrate its 170th anniversary, Chicken Cock has unveiled its most interesting release so far, and it will surely turn some heads.

Chicken Cock Whiskey

Get your rooster shot

For its latest release, Chicken Cock connects to its lineage with a limited-edition ceramic rooster decanter. Once you remove the head of the rooster, you’ll be able to pour a glass of 8-year-old straight bourbon bottled at barrel-strength, or 115 proof. According to the brand, this is culled from the barrels it first laid down back in 2017.

The liquid itself was likely produced through the ongoing partnership between Chicken Cock and Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Chicken Cock Whiskey

Going perfectly with your bottle of WhistlePig PiggyBank, the vintage-looking decanter pays homage to early branding, including its painted label art from over 100 years ago. The label at the base also depicts the name of founder James A. Miller. This is the first time Miller’s name has appeared on a bottle of Chicken Cock since the Prohibition era.

Chicken Cock Whiskey

Along with the Rooster Decanter, Chicken Cock is also releasing a more accessible 6-year-old bourbon in a normal bottle with a vintage-style label.

Price and availability

Limited to just 1,200 units, the Rooster Decanter will begin rolling out to retailers nationwide in the coming weeks. It’s priced at $200. As for the 170th Anniversary 6-Year Bourbon, it has a $100 price tag.

Chicken Cock Whiskey

Chicken Cock Whiskey 170th Anniversary Limited Edition Rooster Decanter

• Learn More

That’s not a typo; Jake Burton Carpenter‘s eponymous company emerged from a rented Vermont farmhouse in the late ’70s.

Burton

Mind you, that’s long before snowboarding was even allowed at the vast majority of ski resorts, let alone the X Games, the Olympics and the likes of Craig Kelly, Shaun White, Torah Bright, Chloe Kim and others becoming household names.

The official founding year is 1977, but Burton is getting the jump (no pun intended) on its 50th birthday party with the first of five product drops, each honoring a different era in the brand’s and sport’s evolution.

Burton

“Our 50th anniversary celebrates the counterculture spirit of the global riding community, the creativity and grit that got us all here and the next generation of riders taking snowboarding to a place we never imagined 50 years ago,” says Burton owner and chair of the board Donna Carpenter. 

“Jake was often asked to predict snowboarding’s future, and he always said it was up to the riders. That’s what we’re celebrating this season – each generation of snowboarders making snowboarding their own.”

Burton

This week brings us the first release, revisiting Burton’s first decade of existence, a time when media dubbed snowboarding “winter’s worst new sport,” but the brand now accurately dubs, “The Sideways Revolution.”

The headliner is a reissue of the 85 Powder Shell kit, snowboarding’s first outerwear jacket and pants.

Burton

Originally released in 1985, the kit has been upgraded with modern 3L weather resistance, with heavyweight tees and an archive-inspired beanie rounding out this first capsule.

Check out the Powder Shell below, and stay tuned for four more momentous drops in the months to come.

Burton

Burton 50th 85 Powder Shell 3L Jacket

A direct reimagining of the original 1985 Powder Shell Jacket, this limited 50th-anniversary celebration shell updates a piece of snowboard history with 3-layer construction, 20,000mm waterproofing and 20,000G breathability. Fully taped seams, YKK water-resistant zippers, pit zip vents and a removable hood round out the feature set. Available in two colorways (as are the pants), it’s a heritage drop built for riders who know where the sport came from.

• $315 at Burton

Burton

Burton 50th 85 Powder Shell 3L Pants

A faithful update to the original 1985 Powder Shell Pant, these pants swap vintage vibes for modern performance. Burton’s 3-layer construction pairs a 20,000mm waterproof rating with 20,000G breathability, fully taped seams and YKK water-resistant zippers. Mesh-lined thigh vents on the inner and outer leg let you dump heat fast, while a water-resistant boot gaiter and elastic waistband round out a setup built for serious powder days.

• $315 at Burton

The new Brushed Fleece Blouson, for example, is part Harrington and part track jacket, blending the elevated silhouette of the former with the relaxed comfort of the latter.

Uniqlo

In French, blouson translates simply as “jacket,” though in English the word refers specifically to a jacket gathered tight at the waist. But it refers to a specific category of jackets cut to sit at the waistline, such as Harrington or bomber jackets. Uniqlo applies the term to several jackets in its Fall 2026 collection.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo

Along with the requisite waistline, the Brushed Fleece Blouson features loose-cut raglan sleeves and broad elastic ribbing at the cuffs and waist to hold its shape. Slanted seam hand pockets also follow the Harrington blueprint. 

Uniqlo

It takes on a sporty lean with the high-zip collar, which can fold down for a more refined look, and a brushed jersey fabric with a 74 percent polyester, 19 percent rayon and 7 percent acrylic blend. It moves and breathes like a modern performance fabric, but the heathered texture and brushed finish give the appearance of wool.

Availability and price

Uniqlo

The Brushed Full-Zip Blouson is available now from Uniqlo for the characteristically low price of $60. It is available in a light brow that borders on tan (my personal favorite), black and chocolate brown. 

Already an excellent, mountain-ready insulating layer, Patagonia has updated the Nano-Air Insulated Light Hoody for Fall 2026 with a revised insulation system and shell fabric the brand says deliver more breathability and stretch than the previous version, seemingly small changes that matter in high-output, cold-weather adventures.

Patagonia

The more durable face fabric is constructed from 2-ounce, 30-denier 100-percent recycled polyester air-permeable stretch ripstop, built with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish made without intentionally added PFAS.

The updated lining, a 1.6-ounce 30-denier 100-percent recycled polyester air-permeable stretch shadow ripstop, is more breathable than its predecessor, and helps wick heat away from the body during climbs.

Additionally, the new new FullRange insulation fill is highly air-permeable, moving heat and moisture out fast enough to stay comfortable when generating hard effort, then providing enough insulation when the pace drops.

For 2026, the brand also updated the fit: the new Regular fit is tailored for versatile movement, thanks to updated shoulder and elbow articulation, as well as the ability to be layered easier.

Finally, the elevated hood and sleek snag-resistant wrist cuffs have been redesigned for better comfort and mobility.

For FW26, the color palette includes three neutral shades: Weathered Stone, Glacial Blue (on backorder) and Ink Black (also on backorder).

Patagonia

Patagonia

Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC

Audio-Technica

Open-back and wireless

Open-back headphones are typically designed for at-home listening. The audio is more natural and spacious, but outside sounds directly affect the overall sound. That’s why you should listen to open-back headphones in a quiet environment.

Also, because of the open-back design, the audio can leak, allowing people around you to hear what you’re listening to. So it’s not very considerate to listen to open-back headphones around others.

Audio-Technica

So, the concept of wireless open-back headphones is a little odd. But they’re designed for a particular type of person: someone who wants improved sound along with the freedom of not being tethered (or wired) in their own house. 

LDAC, the best Bluetooth audio

Audio-Technica claims the ATH-AL5NC were created for “hi-fi enthusiasts, remote workers, gamers, and other listeners who value exceptional sound quality, lasting comfort, and awareness of their surroundings.”

Audio-Technica

The ATH-AL5NC pack 53mm dynamic drivers that the brand claims generate “a wide, detailed soundstage with pure, natural sound.” The headphones also support LDAC, the highest-resolution Bluetooth codec, which lets them stream 24-bit/96 kHz wireless audio. (They also support AAC and SBC codecs.)

The headphones are also lightweight at 240 grams (8.5 ounces) and designed to rest gently over the ears with minimal clamping pressure. They have up to 75 hours of battery life. Basically, they’re comfortable and primed for long listening sessions. 

Audio-Technica

Additionally, Audio-Technica equipped them with a Sound Leakage Reduction mode, which, as the name suggests, is designed to make them a little more bearable to wear around others in the home.

The headphones also support wired audio and come with a 3.9-foot cable with a 3.5mm stereo mini-plug and an in-line microphone and controls. This lets you use them as a gaming headset.

Audio-Technica

Price and availability

The Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC wireless open-back headphones are available now. They cost $279.

Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC

• $279 at Audio-Technica