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.
Running & Hiking Apparel
A lightweight insulated jacket with 3M Thinsulate, a functional hood and a built-in stuff sack, reviewed after weeks of cold-weather walking and hiking.
Running Gear
Harrier's updated Xmore waterproof running jacket sheds weight and clutter while keeping a 15,000/15,000 waterproof and breathability rating, all for under £100.
Fountain Pens
A slim black-and-gold fountain pen from the famous London department store, with solid fit and finish and a surprisingly pleasant steel nib.
Fountain Pens
A handcrafted American fountain pen in striking marble-like resin, with a black steel JoWo nib, sensible ergonomics, and a price that fits the bespoke category.
EDC Knives
A full dress Herman Sting with Damis steel Vinland blade, Tamascus scales, and in-house custom machining at a level few makers reach.
Fountain Pens
A transparent 3D printed fountain pen with a twisting DNA-inspired ink chamber, a stainless steel nib, and a design that cleans up nicely after use.
Stationery
Eight lesser-known pencils, pens, and notebooks from popular stationery brands, each with a distinct trick that makes it worth a look.
Stationery
From brush-tip highlighters to an otter-shaped letter set, these ten underrated stationery picks deserve a spot on your desk.
Running Shoes
Three daily trainers with built-in guide-rail style stability for runners who want support on tired legs, compared on ride, design, and price.
Running Shoes
A three-shoe rotation for big aerobic base building: the Nike Vomero 17 for daily miles, the Adidas Boston 12 for long runs and faster efforts, and the New Balance 1080 v13 for recovery days.
Fountain Pens
A resin and rose gold kit pen from Highlander Pens in Colorado, featuring a JoWo nib, custom band engraving, and a handsome molten metal resin.
Fountain Pens
The Hightide Attache offers an attractive acrylic body, smooth writing, and a compact carry-friendly size at a very friendly price, with one durability caveat worth knowing.
Fountain Pens
A clipless pocket fountain pen made from colorful hand-folded Micarta, with a steel JoWo nib and five exclusive versions at Atlas Stationers.
Fountain Pens
An artisan piston filler from the Hinze Pen Company with a scaly Juma resin body, a large ink window, and customization options worth knowing about.
Art Supplies
A beautifully made hexagonal watercolor pencil with pigmentation that closely matches the brand's own watercolor tubes, plus a few lightfast quirks to know before buying.
Planners & Stationery
A practical look at the 2024 Hobonichi Techo lineup, including Tomoe River S paper changes, the A5 HON hardcover, and the Weeks and Weeks MEGA formats.
Planners
A practical guide to the 2026 Hobonichi Techo lineup, from the A6 Original and A5 Cousin to the Weeks, Day-Free, and 5-Year Techo, plus standout covers and accessories.
Planners & Stationery
From the English A6 Planner to the 5-Year Techo, a practical walkthrough of Hobonichi's most popular books, covers, and accessories.
Planners
After a month of side-by-side testing, here is how the Hobonichi Weeks holds up as a single planner for planning, tracking, and journaling.
Everyday Carry Knives
A US-made crossbar lock folder with MagnaCut steel may be the strongest value between $100 and $200, and aftermarket aluminum scales take it to another level.
Running Shoes
Hoka's flagship stability trainer delivers plenty of protection for long, easy days, with a reshaped heel that adds stability but may rub for some runners.
Running Shoes
The Arahi 7 keeps its proven midsole and refreshes the upper, delivering a firm, predictable ride with genuine support for everyday and long-distance road running.
Running Shoes
The Arahi 8 is a genuinely different shoe from the Arahi 7, with a new H-Frame, softer foam, higher drop, and a roomier fit. Here is how to pick between them.
Running Shoes
A long-term look at the Hoka Arahi 8 after 100 miles, covering the new H frame, softer EVA midsole, clunky heel transition, and who this shoe actually suits.
Running Shoes
We ran the Hoka Bondi 8 against the Hoka Skyflow, Saucony Hurricane 24, New Balance More v4, and ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 to see how the max cushion pioneer holds up.
Running Shoes
Two plush Hoka favorites compared: the classic Bondi 8 for everyday comfort, and the plated Bondi X for a steadier, springier ride.
Running Shoes
The Bondi 9 ditches its old formula for livelier super critical EVA, and after 100 miles the excitement holds. Plus two max cushion alternatives worth a look.
Running Shoes
Hoka's two best-selling neutral trainers face off: a plusher, more stable Bondi 9 against a lighter, more traditional Clifton 10.
Running Shoes
Hoka's Carbon X 3 keeps the rhythmic platform fans loved on the X 2 and adds a new ProFly X midsole compound, but the voluminous upper will not work for every foot.
Running Shoes
First runs in the latest Hoka Carbon X reveal a knit upper, an aggressive carbon-plated rocker, and a midsole that feels firmer than expected in cold weather.