Here's a selection of my end-of-the-year survival essentials, as well as a few items on the top of my wish list.
After living on the East Coast for more than a decade, I'm beginning
to sense that the mythical tolerance to cold weather the locals keep bragging about really
doesn't exist. Fall and winter are also an incredibly busy time for Gear Patrol and are
typically packed with travel to trade shows and events. Both factors make me appreciate the
comforts of a well-appointed home and the value of smart preparation when the road finally
beckons.
Buffalo Trace Stagg Jr.
The hype around select bourbon brands like Buffalo Trace's George T. Stagg is incredible — and very
possibly deserved. Stagg Jr. is the first-born son of the revered father and retails for $30 less;
supposedly the stuff will be widely available. True to its roots, it's also uncut, unfiltered and
bottled at barrel proof (134.4 abv). Think of it as fire in a glass, where the smoke's in the taste
instead of your face.
Barber Osgerby Sofa Collection for Knoll
Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby know a thing or two about design — the duo snagged an Order of the
British Empire award for their work on the London 2012 Olympic torch. Their new sofa collection for
American furniture brand Knoll presents a perfect balance between comfort and style. Just like the
unmistakable swooping frame of a Barcelona chair, the distinctive cast aluminum feet of this series,
available in a range of colors from bold red to neutral black and white, are sure to become future
interior design icons.
QVIVO
This incredible cloud media service has changed life on the road by allowing me to stream or
download any title in my entire digital library of movies and TV shows from nearly every piece of
tech I own. No more syncing or file transfers before running out the door again. Best of all: It
costs a mere TSA-change-tray shakedown — $2 a month — for unlimited storage.
Belkin WeMo Light Switch
Our phones got smart in a hurry, but our homes still need a tutor. Belkin's WeMo Light Switch is a
simple upgrade that can easily replace any standard switch in your home. How's it better? It
connects to your home network over Wi-Fi, allowing you to remotely switch lights on or off from
anywhere via an iOS or Android app. Tell it where you live, and it'll even automatically turn lights
on at sunset, no matter the season.
Signature L.L. Bean Boots
Anyone who lives anywhere that foul weather strikes (we get it — you're lucky, SoCal) knows L.L.
Bean's classic Bean boots are ideal footwear for rain, snow, mud and every terrible mixture in
between. Since they're now available in all manner of sizes and even a range of colors and
materials, you don't have to settle on the same style worn by your grandfather — though his are
likely still in great shape.
Unit Portables Unit 05 Overnight Bag
Purpose and simplicity are the top selling points of this convenient Scandinavian packing system.
The kit includes an overnight bag, a see-through mesh dopp bag, a 13- or 15-inch laptop sleeve and
even an extra pouch for cable management, all of which are designed to securely attach to the inside
or outside of the bag depending on your organizational preferences. Black looks great, but options
for eight other colors will make it easier to pick your gear out from the crowd.
A.P.C. Marled Wool Sweater
Wool sweaters define my look when the temperature drops. They stay warm even when wet — a critical
criterion for a Southern transplant — and are also comfortable and durable enough to handle heavy
wardrobe rotation. While you can never go wrong with solid colors, I've learned to appreciate the
versatility that a little marl or speckle brings. This particular entry from A.P.C. caught my eye
this season, but there are plenty of great options to choose from at all manner of price points.
Vapur MicroFilter Water Filtration System
There's no longer an excuse for dehydration. Vapur's trademark, American-made Anti-Bottles have
always been a smart travel option since they roll up for easy storage and weigh next to nothing when
empty. The addition of a straw microfilter that removes 99.999% of trip-ruining bacteria takes the
worry out of pounding back Brazilian tap water after a streak of Caipirinhas.
