You’ll sleep better knowing that prying eyes can’t see your bike parked at the campsite. And, if you have to do a little wrenching in the morning when you wake up, you can do it right there in the shade of the vestibule without even getting dressed. Or if you prefer, you can stand upright in the tent and put on some clothes.
This is functional art. The Aspiral clock was designed by two British gents with a lot of time on their hands. So, they devised a new way to tell time. The dial of the clock spins round & round. At twelve on the dot, the ball drops into the center to pop out again at the outside of the spiral. Each clock is guaranteed accurate and handmade just for you.
The anchor light stands out for its commanding looks & enduring practicality. Brass sheet beats rust and even acid rain. A hand-made glass lens distributes light 360º. Heavy-cast handles fold down when not in use, but are available for hooking-up the lamp using a bracket, rope or tree branch. It functions on lamp oil, but is easily converted to electric. Its classic shape is handsome, sturdy and will last a lifetime.
Unlike most products made in Detroit, Equipe Watches might actually sell on the international market. That’s because they’re innovative and stylish. Their auto-inspired designs use proven Miyota/Citizen quartz movement & unique metalwork for looks that are much more European than American Midwest. Oh, and the pricing…more import than domestic, for sure.
Riding a bike as basic transportation is something foreign to the American mindset. Most of us think of biking in terms of recreation, exercise or something we did as “kids.” Obesity, gas prices and the level of CO2 in the air are starting to change things up. Linus Bikes are on to it. Styled after bikes from the 50s & 60s, their line of steel-framed, upright cycles are simple and functional: a perfectly healthy way for getting from point A to point B.
Stronghold has been making genuine denim workwear in Southern California since 1895. Way back when hard work was actually done in the region. Regardless, the timeless-style of this sturdy workcoat is a great fit for hard labor or cool nights on the coast. Made of 100% loom-woven selvage denim with a button front & 4 patch pockets – it’s (old) fashion that really functions.
It doesn’t just look sharp. It is sharp. Precision knife-maker, Wenger, creators of the original Swiss Army knife collaborated with Porsche Design on the P3700, a pocketknife both functional and elegant. With scissors, corkscrew, straight blade, a can opener and more – it’s a great little tool. The ergonomic design & matte black finish just make it look lethal.
Even though the hipsters just found out, real cyclists have known for generations there’s nothing more legit than a Brooks saddle. And now leather carver, Kara Ginther, can keep you one step ahead of the herd with a custom etching. Prices vary, but Ginther can do it all – from freehand graphics to logos to patterns. Think of something original & keep those hipsters guessing, “Whoa, that’s cool. Wait, is it?”
Gas mowers stink. They belch out blue smoke causing noise & air pollution. Bosch’s Rotak 34 electric mower is greener: quieter, cleaner & even lighter than the old gas burner. With 1400 watts of cordless power, it will make you just about as happy as you can be when you’re stuck doing chores.
Dyson brought us the sleek, design-forward vacuum cleaner we didn’t know we needed until we got it. Now, they’re repeating the act with the Air Multiplier, which is not simply a fan – but is in fact, a fan. Don’t ask us to explain exactly how this bladeless windmill works, but it certainly works and it’s super cool. It’s also safe, with no blades to cut off fingers. With simple controls for oscillation & air output, it feels just like a normal fan…except more, well, sexy.
It’s only a little bigger than your iPhone and shoots crispy HD video. On top of that, the Cyber-shot TX9 features Sony’s 3D Intelligent Sweep, which lets you shoot ultra-wide panoramas by just panning the camera. It can also shoot bursts up to 12 frames-per-second for sequences and has a background de-focus for isolating your subject. All this means that no matter how clueless you are, you’ll get pro results.
Torino-based Chotovelli really know what time it is. Their understated, functional designs are classic, but also fresh. The 3900 series features a big, bold face and premium materials like a stainless steel case, crystal glass and a leather band. It’s got a chronograph & V54 quartz motion guaranteed to keep you on schedule and looking good on your way.
If you’re old enough to remember the 80s, you were there when the Commodore 64 had its short-lived and rather limited heyday. But like PacMan and Pong, it had its charms. Well, lovers of ephemera will rejoice, because an updated version of the classic machine is back. The Commodore Phoenix is a 64-bit all-in-one PC. It’s slim, energy efficient, offers four USB ports, a parallel port, 1LAN port and goodies like a 7-in-1 media card reader and stereo speakers. Old but new, get it?
Nixon’s Chronicle timepiece sports a new (and unexpected) face – wood veneer. The combination of stainless steel, light wood-grain & black leather band make this wrist-candy a thing worth dreaming of. Stop dreaming…grab one today.
External hard drives are about as interesting as watching crickets dry-hump. Although, when the drive case looks like a pimped-out ride with ground effects…we post it. LaCie’s box boasts a gigabit of speed & 2 terabytes of storage – maybe that’s something to peak your interest.
Cigars aren’t the best travel companions – unless you enjoy puffing a roll of tobacco with the consistency of moist hay. 63 intricate steps went into the creation of Vanderburgh’s Pocket Humidor. Small enough to slide into your over-nighter – large enough to house four 6 1/2in cubans & a Palio cutter. Too much hassle? You can always swing into 7-eleven & grab a pack of Swishers.
