Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of what our editors are digging recently.
What sorcery is this?
Looks … relaxing? Anyway, sit back (in sand) and enjoy our staff picks:
HyperIce Vyper Roller
A solid recovery is something most of us don’t spend enough time on when exercising, and the HyperIce’s deep vibrations help quickly release the myofascial muscle tissue that we all tend to stress in high-intensity and strength workouts. — Reuben Brody, Los Angeles Editor
Vanderbilt Backpack
Slick, spacious and easy on the eyes, this particular STATE model is best suited for gents (or gals) on the taller side. With multiple storage compartments, a front stash pocket and a padded laptop sleeve, the Vanderbilt will keep you organized at the office, gym and everywhere in between. Also, for every bag purchased, STATE gives a fully stocked one to an American child in need. — Evan Bleier, News Editor
Aldo Mx. Sneaker
Perhaps, in the wake of our full capitalist cyber catatonia this past Monday, you’d like to give a little something back. Perhaps, unrelated, you’re also looking to have a super comfy holiday season. Allow me to dispatch two birds with one stylish stone and recommend a pair of these supremely cozy kicks. As comfy as your favorite house slippers, but fit for public admiration. Plus, 100% of the proceeds go toward the Global Citizen “Education for All” initiative, helping bring quality education to children in the world’s most impoverished countries. Look dapper, help those in need. Win win. — Danny Agnew, Creative Director
Filson Flask
If there’s a downside to being editorial’s resident wunderkind, it’s probably that my experience and credibility in the world of brews and booze is a bit … unrefined. Here’s the perfect pick-up for the recent Natural Light retiree, or any older gent looking to add some class to his drinks game. The veg-tanned leather on this flask is poised to age nicely over the years. Oh, the places this flask will go. — Tanner Garrity, Editorial Intern
Swatch Hodinkee Sistem51 Vintage 84
It doesn’t look like it, but Swatch’s Sistem51 watch (a Hodinkee exclusive) is a radical milestone in watchmaking. First, it’s assembled by robots! It’s also a self-winding mechanical watch with just 51 parts, anchored by a single screw, that costs less than $200. Democratic design. Democratic price. — Michael Nolledo, Deputy Editor
Raleigh Carlton Mixte 8 Complete City Bike
Before moving to New York, I was the type of cyclist with multiple bikes for different riding scenarios: geared roadie for speed and distance, cruiser for grocery shopping, fixed gear for shenanigans. One thing they all had in common: all Raleigh, baby. My current fave is their new city bike, which is commuter- and shopper-friendly (thanks, built-in basket), as well as New York tough: sturdy frame and drivetrain, built-in fenders and a Shimano gear set are all I need. — Athena Wisotsky, Senior Editor
Alta Focus Supplements
I’ve tried all the gingko, B12, ginseng espresso combos under the sun. None have served me so well as this delightfully encapsulated natural cocktail of herbs to beat the 2 o’clock slump that has me dreaming of moving to Italy, where everyone gets a damn nap after lunch. — Shari Gab, Senior Producer
Carlaw Bench by Gus Modern
Getting older means beginning to resent irksome little daily tasks that are suddenly more difficult than they used to be. One of these tasks is putting on shoes. I need to be seated, and it must be at a comfortable height. Preferably in private, where my housemates won’t see me grunting as I struggle with a pair of shoes. Thus, a good foot bench becomes an essential. This one equips a little walnut valet for your personal effects, and the leather-on-walnut aesthetic matches tidily with the minimal design schemes gents tend to favor these days. — Walker Loetscher, Editor-in-Chief
Twin Peaks: A Limited Event Series (Blu-ray)
When you shoot an entire new season of an acclaimed television series as one long movie — and after a 26-year hiatus — and then chop it up into non-linear episodes, things are gonna get confusing. Use this new Blu-ray collection to figure it out. Also, stop it with the damn fine cup of coffee references. So 1990.— Kirk Miller, Managing Editor/Nation Editor
THE BEST THING WE DRANK THIS WEEK
American single malts are a thing, yes, and a worthy addition to your home bar. So kudos to Seattle’s Westland. Big fans of all their malted barley expressions, we gravitate to their Westland Garryana American Single Malt. During last week’s sojourn to their distillery, however, they informed us that this limited edition was pretty much sold out this year (you might be able to find a prior year’s edition online). We can see why: Aged in a rare Pacific Northwest white oak — which the distillery can’t cut down, but only salvage —you’ll get a little smoke and sweetness on the palate, plus a spirit that’ll never be replicated anywhere else. According to the distillery, a new variation will arrive next year. Worth the wait.
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