Clothing
Comfortable, durable nylon band for timepieces
I never take my watch off, and this watch band has held up through two years of hiking, yard work, showers, swimming, etc. The original british grey nylon has weathered a bit, but the stainless steel hardware still looks great, and there is no fraying or visible wear on the tough nylon strap. I have the two-buckle version, but there is a a four-buckle version for extra security. The long tail of the strap doubles back through the keepers and stays out of the way. I never liked the way rubber straps feel on my skin, but the nylon in this band has never irritated or chafed.
-- Brad Reese
They take a licking and keep on ticking. Much more comfortable and uncluttered than traditional watchbands, especially for those that work on keyboards all day. Sun, snow, salt: they handle it all. And when they finally wear out, a new one costs $17.
-- PJL
Zulu Watch Bands
$17
(various colors/sizes/buckles)
Available from County Comm
Manufactured by Maratac Extreme
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Casio Protrek Solar Watch
Cinch Belts
Swatch Original
Battery-less, multi-functional time piece
A watch is a personal thing. Some prefer analog, some prefer digital. I have numerous watches. At last count, just over a dozen watches including a Rolex and an Omega, but the watch that most often stays on my wrist is the Casio Protreck PRG90-1. In addition to being powered completely by solar (no more replacing batteries!) it has a barometer, a thermometer, an altimeter and a compass. Although Casio makes several watches with various permutations and combinations of solar, compass, barometer, thermometer, altimeter, world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, auto-luminescence (the back light goes on automatically when you turn the wrist towards you), mine is the only one with all the features I would want or use. Mine has world time, so it's very useful for traveling. You can set the preset world time at a push of several buttons, and keep your home time in the bottom display. The PAG80-1V, for instance, has a yacht timer, but no world time. The PAG 40-3V doesn't have solar power, a feature which is more than a definite plus.
The PRG90-1 really has the best combination of all the features I would want or use. I recently wore it on a trip to Machu Picchu, and the altimeter function was extraordinarily accurate to markings on the mountain. Although the thermometer could use work (it seems to be affected by the temperature of the wearer) I have calibrated it to measure ambient temperature. The barometer is also extremely useful to determine the immediate weather conditions (quite useful: In Peru I saw the barometric pressure drop so quickly and suddenly that I predicted rain when many of the locals said, "no, it never rains in Lima." Needless to say, they were wrong and the Casio was right!).
If I could get another one, I'd perhaps pick up the PAW1200 series, which in addition to all of the features of the PRG90-1, also has a signal to the atomic clocks in the U.S., Japan and Germany, but those retail for well over $300. Although the PRG90-1 retails for around $250, they sell on eBay for less. I picked mine up brand new from a retailer in Hong Kong for just over $100.
-- Alastair Ong
Casio Protrek Solar Watch
(PRG90-1VDR)
$274
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Casio
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
World Heritage Sites
Swatch Original
Analog Atomic Wall Clock
Stink-resistant cycling cap
I'm all about wool these days. It's the new polypropylene. Never stinks. Never. All my fancy high-tech fabrics smell like the bottom of a pond when I come in from a ride, but I can ride for days in my old-school wool cycling jersey and wool undershirt and they both smell about as fresh as, well, a lamb, which I can only assume doesn't smell (I live in the city). Recently, I picked up this Swobo cycling hat with fold-down earflaps. It's warm, lightweight, doesn't get stanky and is thin enough to fit comfortably under a helmet. It also looks good to boot. The ear flaps fold away in the heat or can be flipped down when it gets cold -- perfect for SF/Marin foggy to sunny rides.
-- Mathew Honan
Swobo Merino 6 Panel Beanie
(black, black/blue, charcoal)
$35
Available from Skates On Haight
Manufactured by Swobo
Related items previously reviewed on Cool Tools:
Icebreaker Merino Wool Jersey
Headsweats Coolmax Skullcap
Wool Underwear
Last Chance Heavy Duty Belt * Tech Web Belt
Last Chance Heavy Duty Belt
I've never been a fan of notches. But most cinch belts just don't do the job. Inspired by the belts worn by smokejumpers, this one's made of two nylon strips sewn together with a foot-long strip of Velcro running along one side. Once it's on and the Velcro touches, I never have to re-cinch it. Though the nylon is substantial, much thicker than a seatbelt, the aluminum buckle is very light; I hardly notice it. Ideal for everyday casual wear, the belt is plain and quite handsome. I've worn it with a tie and blazer. It didn't fly under the radar -- it looked great. Never again will I hole-punch another post-holiday notch.
-- Steven Leckart
Last Chance Heavy Duty Belt
$23
(small - xl)
Available from Bison Designs
Also available from Amazon
(only med. - xl)
*
Tech Web Belt
Better than the smoke jumper belt (I've tried it) is Patagonia's Tech Web Belt. It's lighter and handsomer, comes in colors, and you don't have the noise and debris-collection of Velcro. I've worn mine for six months at all occasions from dressy to sweaty. Trim your new belt to the exact convenient size you want, flame-melt the cut end so it doesn't fray, and you've got the perfect custom belt.
-- Stewart Brand
Tech Web Belt
$26
Available from Patagonia
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Eagle Creek All-Terrain Money Belt
Duluth Trading Suspenders
Blaklader Heavy Duty Work Pants
Ultralight windbreaker
When folded into its stuff sack, this Pertex windshirt is the size of a small apple and weighs only about 100g. Unlike a "real" coat, the smock can disappear into a jacket pocket or cargo pocket of your combat pants or it can lurk, weightlessly, for weeks in a backpack until needed. Other than being a carry-all-the-time item allowing minimal bulk, it's extremely versatile. It blocks the wind, preventing windchill, while still feeling as breathable as a lightweight cotton t-shirt. Pull up the neck zip and the smock will trap a layer of air around your body. Because the smock keeps this air dry instead of letting it saturate with sweat, it's a superb insulator: the ground outside has been white with frost recently, but I've been quite happy walking around with the smock over my sweater (about 0 Centigrade). Shower resistant, but not waterproof, it's much more breathable than anything I've tried that is waterproof -- while Goretex may transmit about 25% of water vapour in even ideal circumstances, Pertex scores closer to 100%. As such, the windshirt is a great outer layer for hikers, cyclists and runners to wear in all conditions where real rain wear isn't essential. It's also terrific for commuting and tourism, especially when added to a light umbrella, which allows you to leave heavier-to-carry and sweatier-to-wear just-in-case clothes at home. I have read that if you soup up the water resistance with Nikwax DWR, it makes an acceptable waterproof, but I haven't tested this. Serious outdoor adventurers in serious conditions might want to look at the Featherlite's grown-up, bulkier, heavier cousins like the Montane Extreme, Paramo, and especially various Buffalo products. These combine Pertex with insulating material to provide single-layer high performance clothing for skiing and mountaineering in very harsh conditions. Other brands like Paramo and Marmot offer products similar to the Featherlite. I went with Montane because of their reputation. They're the kings of ultralight, which is what this type of windshirt should be about.
-- Jonathan Coupe
Montane Featherlite Smock
$76
Available from ProLite Gear
Manufactured by Montane Outdoor Clothing
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Duofold Varitec T-Shirt
Schoeller Softshell Fabrics
Gossamer Whisper Uberlight Pack
Quick-zip, heavy-duty footwear
I basically own three pairs of shoes. One is a pair of flip-flops that I wear around the house like sandals. Another is a fancy pair of dress shoes that I dust off for weddings, bar-mitzvahs, funerals, and schwanky dress-up events. But for everyday wear in professional office environments, during travel, and for general romping about, I keep a pair of 10" Rocky side-zip leather boots on my feet seven days a week.
The handy side-zip means that getting in and out of these boots is loafer-fast -- an essential feature for daily wear or moving quickly through airport security lines. The lacing enables me to customize the fit for my feet, but once that's done, I go months without retying the laces. These boots are designed for use by police officers and other law enforcement and EMS-types, so they're versatile, rugged, and incredibly comfortable (once they're broken in). The black, all-leather uppers have clean and simple lines, so they look good in any casual office environment. The boot styling provides ample ankle support, which is nice for hiking, long walks, or keeping my feet dry in wet, snowy, sandy, or muddy environments.
During a typical week, I'll wear these boots to work from Monday to Friday, then keep them on my feet during the weekend as I wander through the deep snows of Lake Tahoe, or explore abandoned buildings, or stroll along sandy beaches of the Pacific Coast. Yet even after all that abuse, 20 seconds' worth of buffing is all it takes to clean the boots up in time to walk to work on Monday. When new, there's an initial break-in period that lasts for three or four days (during which I carry band-aids to prevent blisters). But the leather softens up quickly, and thereafter they feel perfectly natural on my feet. An occasional dose of shoe polish is all that's needed to keep them looking great. I'm on my third pair now, and with regular shines to condition the leather, I easily get 3 years of daily wear out of 'em before all the cumulative abuse makes them sub-optimal for office wear. I buy mine from Galls. Check out all the testimonials -- kind of hilarious.
-- Todd Lappin
Rocky Side-Zip Paraboots
$115
Available from Galls
Manufactured by Rocky Boots
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Bates 924 Boots
Muck Boots Jobber Work Boot
S.W.A.T. Tactical Sport Boots
Hands-free illumination & eyeball shield
Wearing these safety glasses sure beats trying to hold a flashlight and use your hands. I own head-mounted lamps, which I use for certain activities, but wearing safety glasses and a headlamp can be a little too bulky. I got these safety glasses about 6 months ago after some of the guys I work with were using them on the job for viewing plans at dusk/night. I'm a Highway Safety Consultant, however my background is construction and I still do some work in that area, so most of my work requires approved safety glasses. I just wear these on a neck cord and put them on as I need them during the day or night. Each side has its own switch. They are great for working in any low light situation, so I also enjoy wearing them for activities that do not really require safety glasses. I use mine for wiring electrical panels since the light is usually poor in a new house that doesn't have power. Some of the older guys I work with use the bifocal version. I recently got my mother-in-law a pair of the bifocal ones for sewing detail work.
-- Scott Newton
LED Safety Glasses
$13
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by AOSafety
Related items previously reviewed on Cool Tools:
Zipka LED Headlamp
Petzl Myo 5 Headlamp
Blinkless EyeDropper
Ultra-light, packable head warmth
My desire to ride a bike during winter dwindles as the temp drops, but traditional beanies -- aside from being bulky under a helmet -- can feel way too warm, especially once you really get pedaling. This ultra-thin polyester skullcap has cut down on those downhill-windchills without overheating me. The material breathes (hold it to the light and you can see through it), and it dries quickly. It also packs tiny (see below). If you desire more ear coverage, there's the previously-reviewed thermal Maxeit beanie or Headsweats also makes a MidCap as well as several other thicker, more expensive options I have not used, including a few in micro fleece. As it is, I get 2/3 ear coverage with this skullcap, which is generally fine for the climate I ride in (San Francisco). Headsweats makes a cycling cap complete with a bill; I prefer being able to carelessly wad mine up and throw it in my pack, plus the lack of a bill affords other uses: I've donned mine with a hooded sweatshirt to play basketball and under a $.99-store beanie to add a bit more warmth. Above all else, this polyester cap makes my helmet much more comfortable.
-- Steven Leckart
Headsweats Coolmax Skullcap
$12
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Headsweats
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Patagonia Travel Beanie
Tilley Winter Hats
Knifty Knitter
Protective gear for welding/motorcycling
I bought this jacket three years ago while shopping for welding supplies, but it now doubles as a motorcycle jacket. Convection is the enemy of anyone on a motorcycle. Leather is naturally wind proof, so its brown cowhide suede finish has kept me warm while riding around on my Harley. The jacket's really well made and an amazing value for about $55. I'm just learning how to weld (my particular interest is to build furniture), so my experience is rather limited. However, it's my understanding the sparks created from arc welding have a tendency to melt through most synthetics, and that heavy cotton and leather seem to work best at shielding sparks. The cheaper welding jackets made by Black Stallion are made of cotton and may work fine, but because they can allow air to pass through, they wouldn't work well as a motorcycle jacket. With this one, I get two jackets for the price of one.
-- Velemir Cicin
Black Stallion Cowhide Welding Jacket
$55
Available from Working Person's Store
Manufactured by Black Stallion
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Eastwood Supplies
Aerostitch Suits
Ultimate MX Hauler Motorcycle Carrier
Convert lace-ups to slip-ons
Slip-on shoes are incredibly convenient, but of course, they don't always provide much support or padding. These sets of individual elastic bands convert standard lace-ups to slip-ons. Each band has triangular-shaped anchors to keep them from slipping out of the eyelets. The bands can be tricky to squeeze through, but once they're in, they stay put in my experience. They're available in three sizes (small - large, depending on the desired fit) and a variety of colors, including fun neons (!) but also white and black if your step doesn't need the added flash. It's really a wonder no one thought to invent these sooner. After a friend gave me a set, I salvaged a pair of running shoes from the back of my closet. Call me lazy, but because I can easily kick 'em off and slip 'em on, they're the only shoes I wear on the weekend.
-- Steven Leckart
Golaces
$10
Available from Jibbitz
Manufactured by Golaces
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Speed Laces
Nike Free
Shoe Goo
How to protect garments & textiles
Most people know to buy acid-free photo albums for old family snapshots, but the same care goes for old garments. For years I've been relying on inexpensive, unbuffered acid-free tissue paper to ensure some dear family heirlooms will remain in tact for years to come, including a piece of beaded silk from my step-grandmother's dance costume from the '20s. Regular tissue paper is acidic and will yellow over time and damage fragile fabrics, especially silk. Unbuffered, acid-free tissue paper is completely PH neutral. If you want to spend a little more, you can also buy acid-free cardboard boxes from an archival supplier, but as long as you have a buffer of tissue between the plastic and the contents, a standard plastic storage bin is an easy and inexpensive solution. Just make sure to keep the lid slightly ajar to avoid creating a microclimate of heat and moisture. I also separate each garment with additional tissue. The textiles themselves need to be positioned as they are intended to be worn, with as few folds as possible (sharp folds will eventually turn into breaks in the fabric). If I must fold a piece, I go back and refold it every six months in order to avoid permanent creasing and tearing. I also use the acid-free tissue to pad out the inside of the garment in order to maintain its original shape. There are a few important environmental conditions that must be maintained, but this is not particularly difficult: store bins in a dark, cool place (65 degrees Fahrenheit) and maintain the relative humidity level (50% is ideal).
A cardboard box carelessly stuffed with baby clothes or a wedding dress that's left in a non-regulated environment can suffer a variety of damages: disintegration of delicate fabrics from contact to acidic surfaces (i.e. cardboard boxes); breaks in fabric due to creases, folds, and tight storage; fading from exposure to light; swelling and distortion of the fabric and the running of colors due to moisture; whereas too dry causes brittleness and breakage; and, of course, insect infestation. Moth larvae will eat just about everything: wool, feathers, fur, hair, leather, lint, dust, paper and occasionally cotton, linen, silk, and synthetic fibers. They're also attracted to blood, sweat, and other biological substances, so you MUST clean your clothing prior to storage. You can also get stiff, buffered acid-free tissue, which is specifically intended for balancing the PH of cellulosic textiles such as cotton and linen. However, unbuffered really is the way to go if you're dealing with a range of organic material, especially if it's going to be housed in one box -- it's also slightly cheaper. I took graduate classes in museum conservation, but didn't decide to properly pack away my own treasures until I assisted with the treatment of a rather large 20th century costume collection infested with moths. We rehoused literally hundreds of garments, ranging from turn of the century wedding gowns to 80's silk shirts with shoulder pads, using the same unbuffered acid-free tissue paper you can get from any archival supplier.
-- Linda Leckart
Acid-Free Tissue Paper
$20 - $68*
Available from Light Impressions
Also $20 - $230* from University Products
*price depends on quantity
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Plastic Storeage Containers
Instant Period Costumes
University Products
I've been wearing Titanium Sport frames from Maui Jim for about 5 years. I use them for driving, sports, walking, just anytime. Many people prefer more substantial sunglasses, but these are especially comfortable for wearing under my biking helmet. They weigh about 11 grams and feel minimal and I don't get as much sweat on them. There are also no hinges to break or tighten. I was rock climbing in the Dolomites when these glasses slipped off my neck (I often keep them around my neck when I don't need them). They seemed to almost float down 120M of rock. They wound up landing with only a small scratch on the lenses and I wore them for the rest of the trip. I got my first pair after a friend recommended them. I'm on my third pair -- lost one, gave one to a friend -- and I just ordered my first prescription pair (prescription is a fairly new offering). I can't wait. I happen to prefer the Wailea's, but the Titanium Sport line has two other models with slightly different shapes and two sizes. I prefer the smaller size. Maui Jim's are expensive, but worth it.
-- David Siegel
Maui Jim Titanium Sport Sunglasses
$250
(Wailea)
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Maui Jim
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
SwiMP3
Micro-Mesh Abrasives
Adventure Hat
Insect armor for the legs
I was bothered by insect bites above my socks and beneath my trousers after doing yard work, until I remembered the British Army wore thick, knee-high socks in Africa during WWII as protection against fleabites. So I found a great source for extra long ("over-the-knee" or OTK) socks that I roll over into a cuff below the knee, as the British did. These are 85% cotton, 15% Lycra, so they do shrink, but there's enough extra length in them that they will stay up even after going through a dryer.
These OTKs have proven effective for me and aren't too hot to wear in the summer in Seattle, where it rarely goes above 90 and the humidity is low. Elsewhere, heat might be a problem. In cooler weather, I've found I appreciate the extra warmth, so I'll stick with them when the buggy season ends.
Before finding these, I tried a variety of socks from several military clothing suppliers. I ordered five pairs of two different types of "boot socks," a cheap three-pack ($2.60/pair) and a Kevlar sock ($5.95/pair). The problem was that all of these came only 3/4 or maybe 4/5 of the way up to the knee (before washing). I next tried $5 men's "knee-highs" from Sock Dreams. They were effective at first, but shrank after going through the washer and dryer to two inches below my knee, so I still got bug bites above their tops (I'm 6'2"). If you are 5'8" or less, the knee-highs should work.
Sock Dreams has no shipping charge, regardless of order size. They also offer an incredibly wide variety of colors, including plum and bubblegum; I went for navy and charcoal.
-- Roger Knights
Over the Knee Socks
$6
Available from Sock Dreams
Knee-High Socks
$5
Available from Sock Dreams
Light, tough, all-purpose footwear
The idea of combining the virtues of a trainer and an off-road, combat or hiking boot isn't entirely original, but my Classic 6" Swats continue to impress me. The sole has masses of cushioning, all-terrain grip, and a steel shank for stabilization, making it the equal of a high-end trainer (the company says they set out to design what they call a "cross trainer for law enforcement"). But the Swats actually do a better job for me than trainers costing several times their price. I get more ankle support than a low trainer and lose hardly any flexibility or cooling. And these let me walk and run through mud in a rainstorm for two hours with perfectly dry feet and a secure grip.
I'm 220lb, with an ultra high arch foot and hyperflexible ankles. I need maximum stability and shock absorption, a tough combination to find. The boot is docked with a tough leather and Cordura upper that stops at ankle level, giving most of the protection and support of a boot, but still leaving you more flexibility. The result is a shoe that's good for almost every type of ground and lets you hike, walk, run, jump, wear it all day, and drive in it. Water resistance and breathability are excellent.
The Bates are obviously tough and provide extra ankle support off-road carrying a heavy pack, but it's a higher boot. There are high-cut, full-on military boot Swats, too. I haven't tried them. My 6" lower tops answer a different need. They're more of a universal shoe you can hike, drive or run in, and still wear at the office without feeling out of place (unless you work in a very formal environment). Another nice feature is these shoes are available in wide and women's fittings. They're also surprisingly cheap -- less than $80 a pair.
-- Jonathan Coupe
S.W.A.T. Tactical Sport Boots
$64
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by The Original Footwear Co.
Cozy cap with built-in sleep mask
I travel a lot and often forget to pack my eye mask because it's so flimsy. The back section of this snug, warm beanie is split so that you can turn it around and use it as an eye shield that provides greater eye coverage without the fuss of uncomfortable elastic bands
at the back. There is a small pocket in the rim for stashing things, like a couple of sleeping pills for a long flight. And there is also a drawcord in the rim that you can pull tight to make the beanie into a small bag.
I suppose you could modify a beanie with a (nose)slit, but I am not the most adept seamster. Arguably, if I could find a tight knit beanie I would be willing to try and mod it, but this one has been the best find in my opinion, because of its fit as much as its additional features.
I can be quite persnickety about beanies. I have two other beanies -- one is Polarfleece(r) that I only use for camping because it has a fold-over brim that isn't exactly fashion-forward. The other is a surf-brand beanie I bought easily 10 years ago, which features a tight knit and snug fit. I ardently looked for a replacement for at least three years before I found this very comfortable Patagonia beanie. The Patagonia beanie fulfills both roles I need a beanie for: camping (I
wore it recently at a mountain biking race in the Vermont backwoods), as well as urban wear (I wore it last week in cool weather in downtown San Diego).
I really like the tight-knit fabric and can nap/sleep fitfully while traveling. I have used it flying from California to Carolina and then again up to NYC and Vermont, but I fly transatlantically at least once a year and am really looking forward to using this beanie on one of my longer 16-hour trips.
-- Chris La Rose
Patagonia Travel Beanie
$34
Manufactured by Patagonia
[Unfortunately Patagonia says they are no longer offering this beanie; there are apparently a few left in stock which can be obtained by calling customer service at 800-638-6464 (you could also try the Patagonia outlet in Dillon, MT 406-683-2580); a cursory search showed that 3rd party vendors seem to be sold out, too; if you know of a reliable source that still has these in stock, or if you find a comparable beanie from another manufacturer, please let us know -- sl]
Remedy for lost, mismatched socks
The Sock Pro is a little rubber disc perforated in the center to allow the toes of a pair of socks to be slipped through its center. The perforations hold the socks together through laundry and drying, and they keep socks paired in the dresser drawer. I've been using these thingies about a year and half and they really save me time and annoyance at the laundromat. For those with families, you can buy them in different colors and assign one color to each family member. It takes some effort to drag heavier socks through the hoops, but I have been able to use them with Thor-Lo maximum padding running socks and they work fine.
-- Rhea Jacobs
$5
(20 discs in one color)
Available from and Manufactured by SOCKPro, Inc.
Thin, ordered pocket storage
For many years I suffered with a "creeping boat" wallet, consistently growing in size from year to year. Not only can sitting on such a thick wallet be bad for your back, but it also leaves an unsightly bulge in your back pocket (not to mention stretching the pocket out, thereby increasing the chances of your wallet falling out). The All-Ett billfold, while not stylish, solves all of those problems. The wallet has two pockets -- a deep one for receipts and a shallower one for bills - and a four-card slot system that holds a ton of cards without adding much bulk. Right now I keep about 20 cards (I've had up to 30), and it's about a quarter inch thick, with a few bills/receipts.
With my old wallets, I used to keep out cards I didn't use as frequently, but now I take them all with me. The wallet is made of a nylon that feels like a parachute, which helps keep its slim profile, dries quickly (unlike leather), and is breathable. I've had mine for about 2 years and it's held up pretty well so far -- no tears etc. The price is a little high, but comparable to most standard leather wallets I've seen.
It's worth noting that some people have expressed concerns about cards falling out of the slots. It is true that the more cards you keep, the more secure the cards will be in each slot. But I've never had an issue with this. I find that if I open up the wallet and tip it sideways, the cards can come out, but I've never experienced this in real usage due to the fact I hold my wallet horizontally like you'd hold a normal wallet. If I tip it some while looking for bills, the cards still don't fall out as the slots open towards the fold. It seems the only way to actually have them fall out is to open the wallet all the way up and then hold it vertically. Again, if you have several cards in each slot, this doesn't happen, only when there are a few (I've tried it with two in a slot and they slipped out). That said, if I were to be storing only a very few number of cards, I'd store them in just two of the slots, ensuring a more snug fit. Nevertheless, this wallet is intended for those of use who like to carry more than a few.
-- Brian Houle
ALL-ETT Billfold Wallet
$20
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by ALL-ETT Billfold
Organic lint remover
Tired of lint balls breeding on your clothes making you look like you have some fiber disease? This small pumice stone works much better than the electric fiber shavers I've used in the past. It's also about 2x3 inches, so it works quicker than any lint comb for covering larger surface areas. Lightly brush the stone over any problem areas and the stone's rough edges trim off the excess pilling and lint.
For me, after a couple months of use, the stone started crumbling around the edges leaving some small bits to clean up afterward. However, the amount of crumble is determined by how aggressive you are at de-linting -- and actually, the soft, porous nature of the stone helps you avoid damaging your clothing. If you snag the fabric, the part of the stone that's caught can give, instead of just continuing to tug on the garment. If you brush really fast you may also start to detect a sulfur-like smell, but it's very subtle and you may never even notice it -- especially if you aren't too aggressive. This is great for people who want to keep their sweaters, scarves or any clothing with pilling looking nice longer, but also those who want to cut back on dry cleaning.
-- Adrienne Rodriguez
Sweater Stone
$8
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Sweater Stone, Inc.
[Sweater Stone, Inc. has previously offered "free" samples, meaning you pay $5 for shipping and handling to the U.S. ($7 non-U.S.). If you want to save a couple bucks, check back here to see whether they revive the offer. - sl]
Feet-strengthening shoes
MBT Shoes may be goofy-looking and pricey, but they really work. By mimicking the unstable natural environment we lived in before paving over everything, the shoes strengthen your feet and improve your gait (other claimed improvements include posture and even weight loss, but I can only attest to foot strengthening, and also that I'm more aware of my abdomen and posterior muscles - you have to tighten them a bit as you walk). The MBTs (Masai Barefoot Technology) aren't meant to mimic "barefoot" shoes like the Nike Free, Vibram Five Fingers or the VIVObarefoot. These are a great option for someone with compromised feet (or ankles) who might have problems going the barefoot route at first. Also, they aren't really meant to be worn off paving as they intentionally cause instability that isn't appropriate for hiking (though they do come in a "hiking" boot and other styles).
A rounded midsole creates the "pivot" of the shoes. This curved bottom makes it so that your heel and toe cannot hit the ground at the same time. As you walk, you step on your mid-foot, not the heel, and roll over the pivot. This not only distributes pressure with each step, but also trains you to focus on balancing. When I'm standing around I'll find myself pivoting back and forth on them, which I imagine must also help your back and legs as you change angles. Standing up on the subway in the MBTs is quite challenging sometimes. The best way I've found to stabilize myself is to keep one foot flexed forward on the toes and the other back on the heel. I wouldn't want to run full out in them, but you can jog a bit to catch a light before it changes. When I started karate a few years ago I began having pain in my feet, which I eventually attributed to plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of the thick tissue that supports the arch). I went to a podiatrist who prescribed custom orthotics, but I felt they were just treating the symptom, not curing the problem. Eventually I found the MBT shoes, bought a pair and went to an hour-long training class. The class isn't necessary, but it helped me understand why and how the shoes should work (the shoes also came with a DVD, which wasn't as informative). I learned there are several muscles along the bottom of the foot, and they weaken from lack of use over time, causing the foot to lengthen and flatten, and eventually causing a pulling of the fascia. The MBTs require you to use those muscles again (and even cause your foot length to decrease somewhat), which alleviates strain. I've had my shoes two years. I wore them much of the time for a couple of months, and now I wear them a few times a week. They're still going strong, and my foot pain has disappeared. This fall I tried a 5-mile hike barefoot for the first time ever. While my feet were a bit tender, they felt strong the entire way.
-- Stanton Teters
MBT Physiological Footwear
$160 - $265 (depends on style)
Available from Walker's Warehouse
Also Amazon (only some models)
Manufactured by Swiss Masai
Best way to waterproof leather
Sno Seal waterproofs leather products. The beeswax formula is long lasting, doesn't harm or weaken leather like animal fat waterproofing products do, and still allows the leather to breath. Easily applied by heating your leather boots with a hair dryer and simply rubbing Sno-Seal into the leather.
I haven't seen or used another product as good. I've been using it for the last tens years on the four pairs of prospector Gortex/leather boots that I've owned. Because of the Sno-Seal I wear out the soles (multiple times) before the leather shows any kind of deterioration.
A 3 1/2 oz. (100g) tub of the stuff will last me two years for one pair of boots, reapplying every three to four months, depending on use.
-- Dave Babcock
Sno-Seal
$3.50 for 8 oz.
Available from Amazon
Also from REI
Manufactured by Atsko
Soft helmet
My second time snowboarding I got a concussion and lost memory of the day. Since then, I wear a helmet as much as possible when boarding. However helmets are hot and bulky, and if I am traveling, or if it's a nice soft powder day, I have always wanted something that offers protection without the hard shell. D3o Labs has come up with a new foam that is soft in general use, but gets rigid when impacted. This material was used in Olympic slalom ski suits to take the sting out of the on-coming gates and to offer crash protection. A Swiss company, Ribcap, has licensed this material for a set of very nicely made knit caps. These hats have this smart foam sewn in to make them effectively a soft helmet. This is by no means a substitute for a rated hard shell helmet, but I like having the option, especially when traveling where a helmet is bulky. The hat I just got from a retailer in Canada (so far the only place I have found them) is really nicely made, and has a built in balaclava.
-- Alexander Rose
Ribcap Protective
$80
Avialable from XX Inc.a
Video demo
Manufactured by Ribcap
Manufacturer of smart foam: D3o
Non-skid shoes
 
Architects love to build walking surfaces that are horrible to walk on when wet. I found the elegant and foolproof answer to that -- Shoes for Crews. This company has a shoe that I defy you to try to skid in when on slippery wet surfaces. They come in 50 or so styles for men and women, for work, play, casual and formal situations. The work models have steel toes. These darn shoes really work!
-- Don Bierey
Shoes For Crews Slip-Resistant Shoes
$30 and up
Available from Shoes for Crews
Versatile travel jacket
I have fallen in love with Duluth's Twill Presentation Jacket. The catalog picture above doesn't do it justice. It is just dressy enough to work for business meetings, but enormously versatile to wear for just knocking around. In the last month, I have worn it everywhere from going to the movies to staying two days in a swanky hotel in Morocco for business meetings, hiked part way up an 11,000 ft mountain, and slept on a long flight. As this implies, it is a dreamy traveler's jacket -- never looks wrinkled (it is treated to resist wrinkles and stains), is tremendously comfortable, and has 13 pockets including zip-up pockets inside the outer patch pockets. Enough space to fit a moleskine in an outer pocket, a cell phone inside, a wallet safely zipped-in, some pens -- and suddenly I don't have to carry a backpack when I am going out for a quick meeting. And credit where credit is due: I first spotted this jacket on Tim O'Reilly, and promptly copied him, though in a different color. (I recommend the khaki color.) Although the jacket comes in other fabrics (canvas and denim), I think the twill is far and away the most versatile.
-- Paul Saffo
Duluth's Twill Presentation Jacket
$100
(size: regular)
Available from Duluth Trading
Super pocket pants
I was recently travelling in Norway, and found that the construction workers were almost all wearing these unique pants made by Blaklader. I found a pair in a hardware store, and have barely taken them off since. They have ingenious pockets, bombproof construction, and are completely unique from anything else I've ever seen. The pants are like wearing a toolchest wrapped around you. All the front and rear pockets have bellows. The big pouch pockets pull out and essentially replace a toolbelt. They have a great set of cargo pockets that are attached to the waist belt that can be tucked into the front pockets when you aren't using them. They can at least replace a set of nail bags. The pants have hammer loops, and knife pockets and a cell phone pocket and chisel pockets and pencil pockets. They've got a ruler pocket, and as best as I can tell a calculator pocket (mine fits perfectly). The knee reinforcements have a gap in the bottom where you can insert a set of kneepads too (which they make in two different thicknesses).
They make my Carhartt pants seem so *useless.* They are reasonably priced too. I brought back extra pairs as gifts to a couple of friends of mine in the construction industry and they are really happy with them. The pair of Blakladers I purchased were the Heavy Duty Work Pants, in two tone khaki and black. I think they are #1680 in the catalog. They are almost a little too heavy, and I'll probably order a pair of the cotton ones #1630 later this week from their distributor in Minnesota. Indeed they aren't exactly fashionable. While Carhartt pants can be worn around town, these are a little too much for casual wear. It's workwear for sure. I'm planning on giving mine a coat of waterproofing and trying them at the ski area where I volunteer in the winter.
-- Craig Davis
Blaklader Heavy Duty Work Pants
#1680
$80
Available from New Worker
Manufactured by Blaklader
Durable shade hat
The new Tilley Hat is beautifully made of nylon microfiber. It is much lighter (3 oz. total weight) than the original canvas hat and is extremely comfortable to wear, even on the hottest days. The crown is well ventilated and the brim holds its shape well. There is an effective chin strap. It is not suitable for heavy rain wear due to the crown ventilation; use the OR Seattle Sombrero for that. The new hat is guaranteed "forever", even against loss.
-- Carl Bradford
Tilley LTM6 Airflow Hat
$70
Available from Tilley
Durable cargo pants
Similar to the 5.11 cop shirt you have reviewed on Cool Tools, the 5.11 pants are the best tactical (read cargo) pants I own. When you have cool tools you need some way to carry them! Used by the FBI and many other law enforcement agencies, I find that these pants wear well and look great. I've purchased mine at Brigade Quartermasters, US Calvary and Galls.
-- Charles Kinnear
Tactical 5.11 Pants
$40
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by 5.11 Tactical Series
Traditional wool wear
Filson's gear is made in Washington state and is superior to almost all of the winter/outdoor gear I've used. They are a bit spendy but spectacularly well made, and they wear like iron. I imagine my Filson Mackinaw will be handed down to my daughter and then to her children before its usefulness has departed. The woolen gear is quiet in the woods, keeps you warm even if damp or wet, and smells just fine to boot. Thumbs up.
-- Tex
Filson's Mackinaw Cruiser
$265
Available from Filson
Shoe Protection
These pull-on rubber boots are made more like a wet suit than a standard rubber boot. The bottom shoe part is semi-firm and waterproof and the high part is somewhat porous like a wet suit. If you are a scuba diver, picture the wetsuit booties with a firmer shoe part. They are really comfortable and very easy to pull on and off. If you don't go in water over your ankles, they keep your feet dry. The porous uppers mean your feet don't get clammy and stink. They make doing chores on a wet day so much better. They are so comfortable I think I could hike in them, although I have not tried it.
-- John Coate
Muck Boots Jobber Work Boot
$70
Available from and manufactured by Muck Boots
Also many models available from Amazon
Lightweight Head-and-Neck Protection
I spend much of my time outside. Especially backpacking. And this hat always goes with me. It looks a little different, but I've come to like that. Its function is unequaled. Light weight at 2.5 oz and crushable into the pack when not in use. It blocks sun all around with a 4" front brim and a long back tail that can be velcroed up if not needed. It breathes well through side mesh panels and will even scoop water out of a stream to douse your head on a hot day.
-- Carol Corbridge
Adventure Hat
$37
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Sunday Afternoons
Quick-tie shoelaces
It was while training for a triathlon that I first heard about quick-tie shoelaces. When transitioning from biking to running you want to get your Nikes on fast. So I went to the running store and bought a pair of elastic laces with a spring-loaded plastic thingy like you find on a cinch sack. It worked well enough for my first race. But then a funny thing happened. I kept using the shoes for my regular runs and found I lost nothing in support and gained a few welcome moments each time I put on, or took off, my shoes. Why would I ever want to go back to regular laces?
Later I googled and found Speed Laces. They've taken the idea up a notch with low-friction eyelets you can screw into your shoe's eyelets, plus neater cinch mechanisms. I bought half a dozen and began retrofitting my family's running shoes.
"I don't want those things on my shoes!" said my wife. But she relented once I promised to put her old laces back if she wasn't won over. Now, she admits I was right. (I was careful to match the color of Speed Laces to her shoes.)
The company makes claims for better comfort and support, which may be true, but I find the time savings alone worth the $8.95. Plus I'm wearing running shoes more often around the house because they are nearly as easy to slip on as loafers.
-- Steve Leveen
Speed Laces
$9
Available from
Speed Laces
Non-maternity clothes extender
Bellaband is an accessory that allows women to wear non-pregnant clothes longer, and fun maternity fashions a little sooner. It is a seamless, stretchy, comfortable knit band pregnant women can wear over their unbuttoned pants to keep them on. It works like a charm and is supercomfy! As far as I know, there's nothing similar out there. It is perfect for that 'in-between' phase where you don't fit into pre-baby pants but you're still to small for maternity clothes.
-- Tina Roth Eisenberg
Bellaband
$26
Available from, among others,
Pregnancy Store
Manufactered by
Bellaband
Layering with Natural Fibers
This is probably the single most wonderful item of clothing I've ever owned. It's 100% Merino wool. Soft, useful, light, washable, warm, stylish. I've been wearing this whenever it's cold, over a cotton or silk t-shirt. Or if colder, over a lighter weight Merino wool shirt.
I used to wear mostly natural fibers. Then along came Patagonia and other outdoor outfitters with some great artificial (usually polyester) products: fleece, Synchilla, Capilene, warm lightweight coats, polyester shirts for travel that could be rolled up in a backpack, and look wrinkle-free when worn. Now I'm back to layering with natural fibers. 100% wool in various combos works wonders. Icebreaker has an elegant line of products (in spite of the very weird cover photo on their home page). They have testimonials from athletes who wear Merino wool clothing in various combos (there are 3 weights): climbing Everest, on kayak trips, wet or dry, hot or cold. How great, natural fibers outperforming artificial! Also check out Smartwool clothing, another line of beautiful Merino wool products. Go to Backcountry and do a search for "smartwool."
-- Lloyd Kahn
Icebreaker Sport 320 Wing Zip
$130
Available from
Icebreaker
Kevlar-soled moccasins
For the past year and a half I have become fascinated by feet, their function and potential, particularly. I explored the "barefoot running" scene, and found a wealth of information regarding footcare and advice for those who wished to traipse 'round unshod. Unfortunately, without the proper sensitivity and calluses, it's near impossible to walk/run in urban areas unafraid.
Thus, I went looking for a shoe that would emulate the foot as closely as possible. I tried the famed "ninja" tabi-boots as well as Nike's much hyped "Air Rift" running shoe, without satisfaction. I wondered, what would be the most effective material to construct a sole that would make for a thin, yet durable shoe...and hit upon the jackpot: kevlar. I googled "kevlar sole", and came across a mention of the company "VIVO barefoot" in a podiatry forum by the CEO and creator. Upon further investigation, I found that the only locations peddling them were Terra Plana in NYC and their headquarters in London, and while they were available online, I was wary of that route after having been foiled before... I asked a friend of mine living in the Big Apple to swing by their store and give 'em a try. He did and was blown away. Upon his coming to visit me, I slipped 'em on, and knew my search had come to an end.
They are without a doubt the most lightest and most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. Their lack of "arch support" and elevated heel is actually a boon, as it allows you to walk/run normally and regain natural posture. They also have a wide toe-box, to accommodate your feet without crunching, even have a zippered sole so that you can just replace them when they wear out, instead of buying a new pair! While the zipper tab does have a tendency to snap off, (a design flaw I hope will be remedied in future runs) I've never felt any discomfort from wearing them, and surprisingly enough, they even kept my feet darn warm in the most recent Maine winter time with their removable "insulated sole insert". They also come in a variety of designs from slip on loafers to casual tennis shoes and look like totally normal shoes. While they generally run on the more expensive side ($120, give or take) I managed to find a pair on eBay for fourty-five bucks.
-- Josh Samuels
VIVObarefoot
40 Euros and up
Compact running shoe
Two months ago I bought a pair of those new Nike Free shoes that are marketed as a sort of anti-shoe for training how to run barefoot, or closer to barefoot, which supposedly helps strengthen your feet and legs in some manner. I wasn't interested in this benefit since I already run barefoot on the beach and am not a serious runner anyway.
I bought the shoes because they squish nearly flat and hence are easy to carry in my rollaboard.
Normally I just go to a fitness center when I travel and the Free are just fine for that, but recently I found the lightweight and minimal Free just as comfortable running on concrete as my regular big, structured running shoes.
The two Free squish down to about 3-1/2 thick, which is half the thickness of my conventional running shoes. They are also lighter. Nike doesn't mention these benefit on their website, which seems otherwise quite comprehensive. The price is $85 for a standard color combination, which I bought, or you can customize your colors for $95. Pretty slick.
-- Steve Leveen
Nike Free
$90
(men's, 5.0 version)
Available from Amazon
Or $85 for women's 7.0 version from Amazon
href="http://www.amazon.com/Nike-Womens-Free-Trainer-7-0/dp/B000VI2WFW/ref=sr_1_16/002-6283566-0773613?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1193167970&sr=1-16/ref=nosim/kkorg-20">Amazon
Manufactured by Nike
Nike
Heavy duty flip-flops
I've worn several pairs of Reef sandals for more than 10 years now, and they are simply the most solid "flip-flops" I've owned. I've tried other brands, but they fall apart in stressful conditions or delaminate after a few months of wear. Reef consistently holds up, and I usually wear mine until the rubber is paper thin on the bottom. Right now I'm wearing the "Leather Smoothy" in black - the leather top seems to hold less odor. They have many different styles and colors to choose from for guys, girls, and kids.
-- Camron Assadi
About $35
Available from
Reef
Also from Amazon
Bargain personal timekeeper
I recently conducted a survey asking readers what technologies they have relinquished. Much to my surprise, watches topped the list (replaced in most cases by the clock in a cell phone). Personally, my watch is my most used mobile equipment. Always on, featherweight, quick to read. Every couple of years I check out what's available for watches as tools and I come back to the model I have worn 24/7 for 20 years: a classic Swatch Original. I wear it in the shower, swimming, and while I sleep. It's what a watch should be: waterproof, nearly indestructible, accurate, and radically legible. Clear, black-on-white glow-in-the-dark numbers (no hour ticks) in an analog face. Day/date optional. And best of all, at $40 the Swatch is probably the cheapest rugged watch you can buy. Luxury watches perplex me: what are you getting extra? Sure, the plastic wristbands of the Swatch wear out and are cheaply replaced every five years, but you'll lose a Swatch before it crashes. There are other models for making a fashion statement; for a straightforward design worthy of Apple, look for the Original (or Classic) Gents or Ladies. It is still the best bargain going for a personal timekeeping tool.
-- KK
Swatch Original
$50
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Swatch
Odor-free thermal undergarments
Many varieties of synthetic underwear claim to shed perspiration, breathe easily, and provide great comfort. I disagree.
On a recent winter backcountry skiing trip, I finally swore off wearing synthetic underwear due to the horrific body odor generated. I don't care what the manufacturers say in denial (I have sampled nearly every brand and variety from Patagonia to REI to North Face) -- they all smell. All of my skiing companions notice the same with their clothing, so it's not a personal quirk.
In their place, I have been very pleased to substitute underwear made both by Smartwool and Ibex. The difference in comfort is palpable - wool simply doesn't hold an odor, and they breathe and dry about the same as the best synthetics. I find wool also feels less clammy when soaked with perspiration. The only downside is a slightly increased cost, but you can cover that by buying only one or two shirts and washing them easily by hand on an extended trip. While I do use wool for underwear and longjohns (although synthetics aren't too bad for them), you'll see a dramatic difference in using a wool longjohn shirt because of the decrease in pit odor.
I've extended my woolen wear to T-shirts worn under sweaters during urban travel in the winter and find them entirely comfortable and easily washable on the road.
Highly recommended.
-- Douglas O'Heir
Ibex Wool Briefs
$28
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by Ibex
Smartwool Underwear
Available from, among others, Campmor
Manufactured by Smartwool
Most all-around practical
Often copied, never quite equaled, the Tilley Hat is the most all-purpose chapeau I know. Its broad brim keeps the sun or light rain off, the bit of foam in the flat crown pads the skull against light whacks and keeps the hat floating in water, and the double strap defeats all wind. (Use just the rear strap behind your head to hold the hat in all but strong winds; the front strap under the chin is effective but dorky looking.) The Canadian behind the Tilley line has generated a humorous but effective fetishism around his durable hats. With one or both side brims snapped up to the crown you get a rakish look which also stiffens the front brim against wind. The Tilley packs well and does last for many years; however, a lot of hot weather use will stain it incurably with sweat. You may not mind.
-- SB
Tilley Hat
About $60.00
Available from Tilley Endurables
Also from Amazon
Padded speedwear
 
Aerostich is a kind of the whole earth catalog for the long distance, world touring motorcyclist crowd. They have a variety of stuff for sale, but they are best known for their heavy duty, weather resistant Aerostich riding suits with ballistic padding. These riding suits are expensive but awesome - I use my Darien suit for both motorcycling and snowboarding. Ten years ago they had no competition - Aerostich was synonymous with riding suits - but now they are often imitated with varying degrees of success. All of their suits are made in America - in a small factory in Duluth - and their excellent customer service sometimes includes interaction with the owner - Andy Goldfine, who seems to be a great guy with a great sense of humor. [Also suggested by Jim Priest]
-- Steve Fox
Aerostich Darien Jacket and Pants
$300 - $500 each
Aerostich
Heavy work clothes
"These pants are made for working, and that's just what they'll do," it says in the catalog, and that is no shit. These pants are vastly sturdier, longer-lasting, more comfortable and beautiful than jeans. They have pockets below the knee that accommodate their custom-fitted light-weight kneeling pads. Those pads alone are worth the $60 price. I never realized how often around the house, tractor, and woods, I found myself holding my body at an uncomfortable, back-stressing angle until I had these pants that made kneeling easy and restful. They have pull-out pouches for nails or screws that are reverse slashed so you can get into them with either hand. In a marvelous example of intelligent design, these hang outside--unless, if they're not full, you want to tuck them inside the regular front pockets. An array of other pockets can hold everything from a cell phone to a wrench. They're the ultimate cargo pants.
A word of caution: I had to send my first pair back because I was fantasizing about my waist size, using the size from my last pair of jeans. These pants are brutally honest, and they want to fit up around your belly button, which is a problem if you no longer have as much of a waist as you did when you were 23, but like to think you do. So don't suck it in. Stand like you will be when you're holding a chain saw and when in doubt, buy one size larger. You can always burn the tag.
For this and other extraordinarily desirable gear, go to my favorite wish book, the Duluth Trading Co. catalog.
-- Joel Garreau
Skillers Duckweave Pants
$70
Duluth Trading Co.
Ultralight maximum shade
This hat is ultralight, crushable, breathes well, and keeps the sun off round the head. I've had a hemp Caribe hat from Watership Trading Companie for about four years and I don't go out in the sun without it. It is much lighter than any other hat I've seen with a full brim.
When I'm kayaking I periodically dip it in the water. The off-white hemp dries faster than cotton canvas, doesn't have a leather band to bleed color or get sweaty, and always looks good.
The Tilley hat you recommend already is a great hat too, and I notice it now comes in hemp. But it isn't as simple and light as the Watership hat. (I wish the manufacturers listed the weights of all their hats.) If the strap were cut off (and if you can get one to fit as well as mine, the strap is unnecessary) the Watership hat would be essentially rotationally symmetric while the Tilley has a narrower brim on the sides, and is generally narrower all around. The Tilley hat seems designed to have a vented airspace above the head (and is thus stiff enough to stay erect) while my hat fits snug on top of my head.
Lastly, the Watership is $13 cheaper. Made in the US (my hometown of Bellingham, WA), from sustainably grown materials, I can't recommend the hemp Caribe hat enough.
-- Ian Taylor
Hemp Caribe Hat
$56 from
Bay Hat & Canvas
Manufactured by
Watership Trading
Fancy comfortable shoes
French and expensive, Mephistos are what walking sneakers should be: good looking, hard wearing, and very comfortabl | 
