Staff Picks: All the Stuff Our Editors Fell In Love With This Week

Vinyl storage, do-everything pants and ‘The Oregon Trail’

By The Editors
March 30, 2018 9:00 am

Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of all the things our editors have been digging on recently.

Dovetail Vinyl Storage Cabinets by Symbol Audio
I recently found a cheap record player in a closet at work, which seemed as good a reason as any to start collecting — and occasionally listening to — vinyl. My collection is up to three so far (Asleep at Heaven’s Gate by Rogue Wave, Thawing Dawn by A. Savage and the greatest debut album of all time). Eventually, I will buy a sexy storage bin and erect it front and center in my living room so that guests can peruse my library and say things like, “Their early stuff was a bit coarse for me, but I thought with this album they really showed a restraint and professionalism that belied their years.” And then we will slap each other’s backs and sip small-batch rye and probably go out and gentrify something. Anyway, when that day comes, I will most definitely be looking to Symbol, an American company that makes the most beautiful stereo equipment you will ever lay eyes on. Their latest release? These ash and walnut storage bins, which you can stack and array as you see fit, no matter the size of your wax stack. — Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief

MOBS Tread High Nubuck Sneakers
I walk a lot and seem always to wear out my high-tops faster than I can replace them, but I still can’t bring myself to buy the sensible, ugly dad shoes everyone is rocking these days. I went a little different this time, with these unisex high tops from MOBS. They have a ton more support than your usual super-flat Chuck Taylors and are worlds sturdier than canvas, all of which make me optimistic about their longevity. Related: I’d like to see more pink sneakers on men. — Athena Wisotsky, Senior Editor

Adidas Zonyk Aero Midcut
I’ve been a bit indiscriminate with my sunglass use over the years. Tennis? Beach bar? Usually the same pair. I’m lucky the things haven’t gone full slip-n-slide down the sweaty bridge of my nose and cracked. Enter: a not-going-anywhere, lightweight option from Adidas ideal for blocking rays and channeling the Terminator on bike paths. — Tanner Garrity, Associate Editor

Burton Traverse Pack
Your correspondent is currently filing this Staff Pick from a European walkabout, on which once again this miraculously-still-available-despite-being-several-years-old pack is kicking ass and taking names. Roomy enough that I’ve crammed 10 days worth of gear into it, comfy enough that I hiked twelve of the gnarliest miles of my life from Spain into France yesterday with it fully loaded. And so utterly waterproof that when it started pissing down rain around Cap Peyrefite, I didn’t even think twice — just enjoyed the view and kept it pushing. — Danny Agnew, Creative Director

Quiet Life Park Windbreaker Jacket
My S/S 2018 look will apparently be flashy AF, because I can’t help but gravitate towards colors these days, this windbreaker from Quiet Life included. Aside from two breezy colorblock patterns, the jacket’s got a slick silhouette with an anorak-style hood and mesh lining for breathability. I’d say see ya on the streets, but let’s not be coy — you’ll see me first. — Michael Nolledo, Deputy Editor/Chicago Editor

Handheld Oregon Trail Game
I’m not a huge fan of nostalgic one-game handhelds, but this is an exception. The entire aesthetic of this Target exclusive evokes the classroom computer banks of yore. If you’re not interested in it yourself, swat the phone out of some Fortnite-playing youth and shove this in their hand. Time to learn about dysentery, kiddos! — Alex Lauer, Associate Editor

American Giant Roughneck Pant
AG made its name through some durable hoodies (which are great, but not nearly the best thing they do). The made-in-America brand’s newest venture: These extremely durable canvas pants, available only in neutral colors and featuring a straight, relaxed fit with just a bit of stretch. Result: Trousers you can wear anywhere (camping, office, night out, airplane, etc.) and pair with anything. — Kirk Miller, Managing Editor/Nation Editor

THE BEST THING WE DRANK THIS WEEK

People are waaaaay too precious about their whisky. You don’t have to sip it neat — witness Copper Dog, a new blended Scotch from Speyside that’s a combo of eight single malts. It’s decidedly a mellower Scotch, with notes of citrus and honey. It’s great on its own, but really shines as a mixer. Below, the easiest brunch cocktail recipe you’ll ever try. And yes, your non-whisky-drinking friends will dig it.

Apple Dog
1.5 oz Copper Dog whisky
1 Granny Smith apple

Juice apple and build in a lowball glass. Add cubed ice. 

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