Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of all the stuff our editors have been digging on recently.
Taft Gladiator Boots in Cognac
I needed another pair of boots like I needed a hole in my head, but just look at these things: they’re standing there at the intersection of Drop Dead Handsome and A Little Bit Weird, looking at you like, “Yeah, people are for sure gonna comment on me.” Goodyear welted, French full-grain pebble leather burnished to a high shine, and ready to anchor everything from a white tee and jeans to a full Peaky Blinders suiting kit. I pretty much HAD to buy them, right? — Danny Agnew, Creative Director
The Active Anorak+ by Ball and Buck
Ball and Buck have carved out a comfy niche for themselves in the outdoor-adventure community by making modern, high-performance garments that look like something your grandpa would’ve worn (assuming he was impeccably dressed). Their latest release, which launched on Kickstarter yesterday, is this Paracord-cinched anorak. It may look like waxed canvas, but it’s actually a four-ply Nylon Taslan that’s super water-resistant and packs down to the size of a muffin. It’s also got an early-bird price of $128 — aka $220 off full retail. — Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief
Tommy John Second Skin Undershirt
My fellow summer sweaters, my comrades in moist underarms: the time has come to step into the sun and not worry about immediately soaking through your shirt. “HOW?” the perspiring masses roar. I’ll let you in on my little secret: Tommy John’s unmatched Second Skin undershirts, which simultaneously cool, dry and feel softer than that scratchy number you’ve got on now. — Alex Lauer, Associate Editor
Rumpl Quick-Dry Shammy Travel Towel
A brief summary of my pet peeves: gym shorts riddled with static, door handles that require excessive “jimmying” and having to stuff a wet towel back into a duffel during a trip. Addressing that last one? This bundle of absorbent fun from Rumpl, a polyester-spandex towel that’ll dry you down when emerging from the water, and dry itself before you get back to the car. — Tanner Garrity, Associate Editor
Apollo Moc 2.0
A shoe that looks like the lovechild of a Croc and an Adidas Boost in the best way possible. These sneaks feature an upper made from a single piece of high-tech microfiber and a shock-absorbing EVA outsole for easy strolling. They also have a baby-soft polyester lining; meaning, you can feel free to wear them sockless and pair with rolled pants or above-the-knee shorts. (Bonus: they’re currently $45.) — Eli London, Director of Partnerships and User Acquisition
Manual Coffeemaker No3
Most days, I make a cup of pour-over at home (you know, the good shit). I have two filters just in case of emergency: a ceramic one for daily use, and a plastic one for travel and backup. For cold brew, I make a single-serving in a mason jar and filter it through the ceramic pour-over (weekends only). Point being: I’m fussy about coffee. I’m curious about this glass three-for, though, which serves both those functions in addition to being a French press. And before you ask, yes, I have a problem with French presses: they cool too quickly. But Manual appears to have seen my type — making the glass double-walled should do the trick. — Athena Wisotsky, Senior Editor
Apasco Tumblers
Summer is day-drinking season, and these handcrafted, glass-blown tumblers are perfect for a back patio spread or post-work drink before the sun sets. They’re sophisticated yet not uptight, the way most high-end tumblers feel. The thick glass and varying shapes give off the impression they’re melting in the summer heat themselves. I always go for classic tumblers, but the five-piece Mezcal set is tempting too. — Ryan Thaxton, Production Intern
Matrix Industries PowerWatch
I lost my Misfit Shine a few years back, and gave up on activity trackers soon after because (irony alert!) I was too lazy to get a new one. The PowerWatch changed my mind: it’s bold and looks like a timepiece someone would wear climbing a mountain or diving with sharks (I do neither, but I like to dress for the role). But at its heart, this is a watch more about brains, a smartwatch/tracker that runs entirely off of body heat, while still measuring calories burned, sleep stats and steps. — Kirk Miller, Nation Editor/Managing Editor
THE BEST THING WE DRANK ATE THIS WEEK
It’s National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, because why not? With that in mind and In lieu of a booze pick, we’re recommending Vice Cream. Founded by cancer survivor Dan Schorr, this isn’t a low-cal, gluten-free or “healthy” dessert in way, shape or form — it’s purposely decadent (their motto is “unapologetic indulgence”). Just now available nationwide, we suggest testing out Breakfast in Bed (maple ice cream with chunks of sticky bun dough, pecan praline and a touch of cream cheese) or Afternoon Delight (creamy vanilla ice cream with chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough, salted caramel truffles and swirls of chocolate fudge and caramel). Feeling guilty? A portion of the profits go to funding various cancer research institutes nationwide.
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