www.overlandequipment.com
Can you say “organized”? Whether you’re a busy mom or an Olympic athlete (or both), the Bidwell Bag is made for an active lifestyle. Inspired by Annie Bidwell, a general’s wife who donated thousands of acres of wild land for a namesake park in Chico, California (the home of OverLand Equipment), this bag does it all. Inside the zippered main compartment are two mesh bottle pouches, and enough room for an iPad and paperback, or, as in the case of one tester, climbing shoes, chalk bag, and harness. The outside pocket, with its secure magnetic closure, encloses a leather key fob, microfleece glasses sleeve, mesh zip security pouch, and an array of compartments for pens, cards, and notebooks. A hidden sleeve on the back is ideal for maps, plane tickets, or easily access your cell phone. The sleek yet roomy satchel has wide, soft, leather strap with bronze hardware that shrieks class.

www.yoursole.com
No shoes, no shirt, no service. But what about when you’re where flip flops and a Lei are considered acceptable attire? We admit to spending more time than our mothers would like balancing a fruity concoction in one hand and a shot glass in the other. What led us on the path of destruction? Flip flops, those care-free, devil-may-care sandals that are as at home on the beaches as, well as, the beach. Fortunately for all of us misguided fools who haven’t fled to the islands of our minds, flip flops are now de rigor wear for casual Fridays. And our pair of choice? Sole Casual Flips. The orthopedic shape mimics the natural, barefoot stride. The footbed is cork, which molds to your foot after wear. Plus it’s sustainable. In contrast to many flip flops, the Sole Casual’s have a textured rubber sole that provides grip on trails, sidewalks, and everything in between; the tread is big enough to rebuff sand and dirt. The upper is a durable, washable cotton canvas, backed by a thin foam and synthetic liner. Like all the gear in Gearzilla, you’ll thank us for our stamp of casual approval.  We also like to leave a pair in the car for a comfortable drive back home after days stomping through the backcountry.

 

www.hornytoad.com
We’re honestly too distracted by the outdoors to tell whether or not the ’90s grunge trend is coming back. But we do know that we’ve always had a thing for flannel, and this spring our affection has drifted to the Mixologist Shirt.  The soft-to the-touch organic cotton in this button-down edges away from normalcy with a slight, subtle weave that gives the shirt an instant lived-in look travelers will appreciate (read: ironing is not necessary). An external chest pocket over the heart is matched with an internal pocket on the right, in which you can stash vital docs or credit cards when facing a rough-looking street market. The double-button cuff and straight back on the yoke also lends the shirt the right measure of tailored attention to detail. It runs large; we suggest sizing down unless you need the space—or if the Seattle-look is indeed returning.

shop.outlier.cc
Every so often, we find ourselves splurging for the best with the hopes that the initial investment will be far outweighed by functionality, durability, and the evergreen style of an item. Outlier’s Storm King Shell Parka is such a piece. With taped seams, pockets galore, and Egyptian cotton fibers, it’s a supremely cut and navigable alternative to synthetics that promises to last. Full-sleeve and invisible pit zips allow for extra ventilation, a clear-view hood gives you an unobstructed view of the road ahead, and a high collar eliminates the need for annoying draw cords. Whether you weather your storms on your morning bike commute, treks through the African savanna, or weekends spent on the water, this Parka reigns supreme. What really makes it stand apart, although curated and produced in New York City, is the unique 100% Supermarine Cotton sourced from Switzerland. Outlier calls the fabric a 21st-century edit on a storied fabric that reaches back to World War 2 pilots. We call it soft, durable, water resistant, and almost completely windproof. If you’ve ever rationalized a technical article of clothing with “price per wear,” the Storm King can weather the elements of regret. An important note is that the sizing runs rather large, I suggest ordering an entire size down.
-Chadwick Crutchfield

gramicci.com
Consider this comfort food for the soul. The double-layered, 100 percent-cotton Beekman Plaid Monterose shirt has a retro flair and home-style comfort. While the name is a mouthful, the shirt itself is startling simple. The duckling-soft yarn is stitched in two layers, giving the shirt extraordinary warmth for a cotton confection. Two patch chest pockets with Velcro closures prove subtle but functional; we recommend one for phone numbers scrawled on cocktail napkins and the other for breath mints. Sleeve cuffs button or roll, depending on your optimal level of formality (or not). Wear the shirt with skinny jeans for a more sophisticated look, or with sweatpants at home—the knowledge that you’re cool, comfortable and warm will carry you through any situation.