Independent reviews
From everyday tech and home products to lifestyle and specialist gear, each review focuses on practical use, strengths, limitations, and who the product suits.
Travel Backpacks
A close look at Aer's 28-liter flagship travel backpack with waterproof X-Pac fabric, strong organization, and a comfortable carry system, plus the trade-offs to weigh before buying.
Everyday Carry
A CNC-machined, toolless utility knife built from a single piece of titanium or aluminum, made in the USA and thin enough to disappear in a pocket.
Travel Gear
A waterproof PVC deck that packs down small and survives the elements, with a few trade-offs in feel and price.
Buying Guide
From Garmin watches and bike computers to action cameras and trainers, here are the standout deals from this sales event, plus the ones we would wait on.
Everyday Carry Tools
The Antdesign Apex standard version packs eight quarter-inch hex bits, swappable magnetic modules, and a grade 5 titanium body into a pocket-friendly folding driver. Here's what works and what doesn't.
Tech Accessories
A four-piece modular USB-C and Lightning cable set with thick braided Kevlar nylon build, screw-lock connectors, and up to 240W power transfer.
Wearables
Apple skipped an Ultra 3 and instead gave the Ultra 2 a black DLC-coated titanium case, new band options, and a wave of new software features for divers and sleep tracking.
Everyday Carry Knives
A designer collaboration knife with standout ergonomics and a sub-$80 dress knife that punches well above its price.
Everyday Carry
A closer look at three new folding knives from Artisan Cutlery and CJRB, spanning $30, $60, and $200 price points.
Knives
Two premium flipper knives from the Artisan Cutlery Wizard Series, from a titanium-and-Fat-Carbon build to a full timascus showpiece.
Fountain Pens
A 14k gold nib, ebonite feed, and a beautifully deep oraloid body make the Aurora Optima one of the most rewarding piston fillers around.
Everyday Carry
Six months of continuous use with the aluminum Aviator Minimalist Wallet: build quality, customization, and the one accessory we'd skip.
Tech Accessories
From a grippy dbrand case to a magnetic keychain pouch, four AirPods accessories that solve real everyday problems.
Everyday Carry
Eleven all-black everyday carry picks, from a tiny pocket knife and a chunky dive watch to a modular phone case, metal wallet, and a musical fidget toy.
Everyday Carry
From a sub-$20 slip joint to a premium M390 titanium folder, six knives that deliver serious performance for the money.
Knife Buying Guide
Ten folding knives that consistently sell for under $30, sorted by how confidently we would recommend each one.
Multi-Tools
A ranked guide to the best budget multi-tools under $50, plus the honorable mentions and buying tips that help you avoid the cheap junk populating online marketplaces.
Pocket Knives
Four budget folding knives from Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Walmart, and Lowe's, compared on action, lock strength, and steel to find the best pick under $20.
Flashlights
Three closely related compact tactical flashlights, two clear winners, and one that is hard to recommend against its siblings.
Everyday Carry
From a slim iPhone 14 Pro case to a carbon fiber key organizer, these everyday carry accessories bring the material's signature look to your pockets without the exotic price tag.
Travel Gear
Five carry-on compatible 30 to 40 liter duffels compared on materials, hardware, carry comfort, and packing features, from budget to premium.
Everyday Carry
From a magnetic key-case wallet to a pocket coffee press, five affordable everyday carry accessories that each solve a real problem.
Everyday Carry
Four carry pieces that earned permanent pocket time: a fixed blade that fixes bad habits, two do-everything flashlights, and a TSA-friendly multi-tool.
Everyday Carry
From waterproof winter boots and gloves to a flashlight fidget toy and a keyring that stops breaking nails, nine EDC picks worth a look.
EDC Fidget Toys
A full rundown of the EDC fidget toys we tested, from the all-in-one AC EDC Zoom Slider to affordable clickers like the Two EDC Coracle, so you can pick the right one without guesswork.
Everyday Carry
A look at three fixed blade knives for everyday carry: the Axial fixed blade tanto, the Daily Customs AK1, and the David C. Anderson Nasmoke.
Flashlights
Four compact EDC flashlights stand out during the shopping season, from tiny keychain lights to a 3,200-lumen powerhouse with IP68 waterproofing.
Everyday Carry
A quick rundown of four pocket-sized flashlights that punch well above their weight, from AA-powered throwers to ultra-versatile keychain lights.
Flashlights
From budget 18350 workhorses to tactical flat lights with laser and UV, these eight EDC flashlights each bring something worth considering.
Everyday Carry
From a grippy phone case and AirPods Pro to a film camera and an IP55 SSD, these are the everyday carry picks that hold up on real shoots.