The Gear Patrol Podcast

IKEA's new buy-back-for-store-credit program, Spotify's latest product and feature launches, and the impending reality of autonomous taxis. Episode Navigation:2:35 – IKEA Buy Back Program Being Piloted in Pennsylvania 22:05 – Spotify Adds a Ton of New Features, Expanding its Market Dominance 32:30 – Hyundai Debuts its Ioniq 5 Robo-Taxi, Due Out in 2023Featured and Related:Ikea is launching a furniture buyback program – Fast CompanyBuy Back program – IKEAInside Ikea’s plan to reinvent itself as a circular company – Fast CompanyHow Ikea plans to be climate positive by 2030 – Fast CompanyIkea’s Offering to Buy Back Your Old Furniture—If It Can Survive the Journey – GizmodoIKEA Is Now Selling a Hot New Product: Renewable Energy – Architectural DigestIKEA Is Increasing Refunds on Returned and Unwanted Office Furniture by 50 Percent This Week – Concrete PlaygroundNew Spotify Feature Will Make You and Your BFF a Playlist of Songs You'll Both Like – GizmodoSpotify is taking over Delta's entire in-flight audio section – EngadgetPhilips Hue partners with Spotify to turn all your lights into a music visualizer – The VergeHow Spotify’s Newest Personalized Experience, Blend, Creates a Playlist for You and Your Bestie – SpotifySpotify’s Podcasts Subscriptions service is now open to all US creators – Tech CrunchIn early 2020, Spotify accounted for 30% of global streaming service usage – StatistaHyundai reveals self-driving Ioniq 5 'robotaxi' – AutocarAutonomous Tech Developer Motional Unveils Hyundai Ioniq 5-Based Robotaxi – ForbesHyundai reveals the robotaxi it built for Lyft, and a version for its very own metaverse – The RegisterMotional reveals its Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric robotaxi – Tech CrunchMotional websiteWaymo starts offering autonomous rides in San Francisco – The VergeWaymo Is 99% of the way to self-driving cars. The last 1% is the hardest – AutoblogTesla Crashes Into Police Cruiser. Self-Driving Cars Have to Learn how to Drive. – Barron'sVolvo invests in Israeli developer of testing platform for autonomous vehicles – The Times of IsraelRainbow road sign film would be easier for autonomous vehicles to read – New Atlas Toyota pauses Paralympics self-driving buses after one hits visually impaired athlete – The Guardian

Tesla Robot, Jack Daniel's Tennessee 10-Year, and How to Shop on Social Media (Intelligently). Episode Navigation:01:31 – Tesla Robot18:20 – Jack Daniel's 10-Year Tennessee Whiskey30:30 – Navigating the World of Shopping on Social MediaFeatured and Related: Don’t overthink it: Elon Musk’s Tesla Bot is a joke – CNETElon Musk's 'Tesla Bot' Is a Shitpost – VICETesla Promised a Robot. Was It Just a Recruiting Pitch? – WIRED Elon Musk says Tesla’s latest beta self-driving software is ‘not great’ – Reddit/CNBC Service Robotics Market worth $103.3 billion by 2026 – PR NewswireThe Robots Are Coming – Inc.Share of US households using specific technologies, 1915 to 2019 – via Inc articleNo More Mr. Nice Robot? – Slate ....Boston Dynamics' lifelike $75,000 Spot robot… – Business InsiderInvasion of the Robot Umpires – New Yorker Is It Time to Take Jack Daniel's Whiskey Seriously? – Gear PatrolAn Overlooked Bottle of Jack Daniel’s Is One of the Best Whiskeys Nobody Is Drinking Right Now – Gear PatrolShelf Sleepers Archive: The best booze nobody is drinking right now – Gear PatrolThe Story Behind Genesis, The New Global Luxury Car Brand – ForbesHow MSCHF managed to dominate the internet — with fun! – The VergeMood Board to Moneymaker: How Instagram Pages Turn Into Brands – Gear PatrolTikTok made me buy it – The Verge25 TikTok Viral Products Available on Amazon During Prime Day – Teen VogueTikTok adds in-app shopping, in a partnership with Shopify – The New York TimesWill Everything On Social Media Be Shopping? – BuzzFeed NewsInstagram Tests Ads for Shops – Yahoo!The future of social media looks a lot like QVC – Quartz

Dive watches for kids, Acura brings back a cult-classic, and your houseplants have a carbon footprint. Episode Navigation:0:10 – Parchie, Watches for Kids16:30 – 2022 Acura Integra33:00 – The Carbon Impact of HouseplantsFeatured and Related: Cara Barrett’s New Watch Brand For Kids HodinkeeParchie – Watches for KidsShould New Dads Buy Birth-Year Watches for Their Kids?Seiko Designed Affordable New Back-to-School Watches for Kids, But Adults Will Love Them TooThis Perfect Summer Watch Comes in Adult and Kid-Sized VersionsThe Acura Integra returns for 2022Acura Integra Returns in 2022 AcuraMarket Watch: Acura Integra Type R Motor TrendOriginal Integra Type R Auction Results Bring a TrailerNissan Reveals the Next-Generation ZAre your houseplants actually good for the planet? VoxCarbon Footprint Fact Sheet by the University of Michigan Center for sustainable Systems University of MichiganEPA carbon footprint calculator EPA.gov

Episode Navigation: 1:17 — Samsung Z Flip & Fold 317:08 — Lamborghini Countach27:03 — Sunspel & Buck Mason's Athletic CollectionsFeatured and Related: • Everything Samsung Just Announced At Its Big Unpacked Event — Gear Patrol• Folding Phones Are the New 3D TV — Wired• Lamborghini Countach LP1 800-4: This Looks Like It And It's Amazing — Jalopnik• Lamborghini reports record profits in 2020, CEO teases electric future — CNBC• The Trail Collection from Buck Mason• Sunspel Activewear• How did Athleisure Take Over American Fashion? — The Atlantic

Tyler explains what "influential" means in this context, how he selected the 50 cars and the top car of each decade, and why his list isn't of the 50 best cars. Episode Navigation:01:00 – Influential versus "Best"08:15 – If You Change An Iconic Car, Is It Still The Same Car?13:30 – The One Quality That Makes A Car "Influential"16:30 – How Tyler Chose These 50 Cars19:20 – Cars That Didn't Make The Cut22:05 – The Most Influential Car On The List Featured and Related: The 50 Most Influential Cars These Are the 16 Best Cars to Buy in 2021 The Best New Cars, Trucks and SUVs We've Driven So Far in 2021 The Best Used Cars You Can Buy Right Now These Are the 10 Best Cars to Buy Under $55,000

Episode Navigation1:25 — Google's Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Plus18:17 — Levi's x New Balance 99230:35 — Molson Coors Kills Off Its Cheap BeerFeatured:• New Balance x Levi's Authorized Vintage• Marketing Dive: Molson Coors to Sunset 11 Economy Brands• The Verge: Google Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro • CBC: Recording of discussion of the Ice Beer Wars of the 1990s

Will Price joins JD and Nick to discuss $99 AirPods Pro competitors, car "feature" subscriptions, and the Airstream x Pottery Barn collab. Episode Navigation: 02:19 – Nothing Ear (1) ANC Earbuds 16:25 – Subscriptions to Unlock Car Features 32:58 – Airstream x Pottery Barn Special Edition Travel Trailer Featured:Homepage: Nothing TechFrom The Verge: "Nothing officially reveals its $99 Ear (1) true wireless earbuds"5 Wireless Earbuds to Buy If You Don’t Want AirPodsApple's New AirPods Are Coming. Here's What to ExpectA Day with the AirPods Pro: Here’s How They Stack Up Against Apple’s Standard AirPodsBMW wants customers to pay a subscription fee to use features the car already has installed, like a heated steering wheel or adaptive cruise controlFrom TechCrunch: "BMW wants to sell you subscriptions to your car’s features"From Elektrek: "Tesla is charging owners $1,500 for hardware they already paid for"From Tesla: "Full Self-Driving Capability Subscriptions"Airstream and Pottery Barn Designed Your Dream Glamping TrailerFrom Airstream: "Introducing the Pottery Barn Special Edition Travel Trailer"From Pottery Barn: Pottery Barn x Airstream CollectionAirstream's New Camping Trailer Has the Perfect Invention for Modern Travel

Impossible Foods announces chicken nuggets, Peloton gets into the video game business, and Stone Brewing launches a "premium" hard seltzer that is anything but.**In the initial version of this episode, it was incorrectly stated that Stone was fined by the TTB for trade practice violations. This is not true. Stone paid the TTB for tax violations as a compromise after making a mistake in their tax filings — not because of trade practice violations. We regret the mistake. — JD Episode Navigation:01:35 – Peloton Launches Video Games, Is Now a Full-Blown Media Company 19:00 – Impossible Foods Announces Chicken Nuggets, Coming This Fall 32:44 – Stone Brewing Buena Vida Hard Seltzer, and Why It's Shouldn't be Called "Premium" Featured: Via Hollywood Reporter: “The Netflix of Wellness”: Inside the Hollywoodization of Peloton Via Engadget: Peloton launches its first exercise game for connected bike ownersVia ReviewGeek.com: Sigh… Peloton Wants to Gamify Exercise Via Insider: People are hacking their Peloton bikes so they can watch Netflix and cheat the leaderboard ranking system Via Bloomberg: Impossible Foods to Launch Nuggets Into Brewing Faux-Chicken BattleVia The Beet: Impossible Foods Announces New Vegan Chicken NuggetsVia Thrillist: What’s the Difference Between Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat?Via Stone Brewing: Stone Brewing Announces Buenavida Hard Seltzer, Crafted for the Good Life

Upsides and downsides of Apple's battery pack, Hyundai swings for the fences with the Elantra N, and Houseplant releases yet another amazing smoking accessory. Episode Navigation:02:00 – Apple MagSafe Battery Pack 15:32 – Hyundai Elantra N27:22 – Houseplant Gravity Glass Featured:The iPhone 12 is a Great Smartphone with Even Greater PromiseThe Best MagSafe Cases for Your iPhone 12The Best MagSafe Accessories for the iPhone 12Should You Buy Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack for Your iPhone 12?Seth Rogen's Weed Brand Made a Gravity BongThe 2021 Hyundai Elantra Is One of the Best Values in New CarsThe 2021 Hyundai Veloster N: A Hot Hatch for Extroverts Who Love a Good Deal

As common as shorts are, there's still a lot to think about, like where they're appropriate to wear, and what length to buy. Episode Navigation:00:57 – What to Know Before You Buy Your Next Shorts02:05 – Relying on Style Icons for Guidance04:15 – What Styles Are Popular Right Now?10:06 – Can I Wear Shorts to the Office?12:15 – What About Length? What Inseam Do I Buy?15:15 – What Sets Apart "Nicer" Shorts from "Normal" Shorts?19:00 – Some Shorts Are Versatile, But Buy Single-Purpose Shorts22:30 – Defining the "Standard" Men's Shorts24:00 – Our Top Recommendations Featured: The Best Shorts to Wear This SummerThe 15 Best Gym Shorts of 2021 for Every Kind of WorkoutThe 10 Best Sweat Shorts to Wear All Summer Long12 Great Board Shorts to Buy NowThe Best Swim Trunks for Summer Aren’t Just for SwimmingThe Best Gym Shorts According to 6 Personal Trainers

An exposé reveals Amazon UK destroys millions of goods to meet their bottom line; Ochs & Junior 's new perpetual calendar; Ford trademarks "Rattler."Episode Navigation:01:50 – Amazon's Latest Controversy17:30 – Ochs & Junior's New Perpetual Calendar Watche32:30 – Ford Trademarks "Rattler" for Some Reason42:30 – Products and News We're Obsessed WithFeatured:From Fast Company: Amazon is destroying millions of unsold goods, from smart TVs to laptops From ITV : Amazon Destroying Millions of Items of Unsold Stock in One of Its Uk Warehouses Every Year, Itv News Investigation Finds "Innovative Sustainability" – You Might Already Own the Most Disruptive Piece of Outdoor Gear This Might Be the Weirdest Perpetual Calendar Watch You've Ever Seen This Is How Calendar Watches Work These Perpetual Calendars Are Some of the Best Watches from Patek Philippe Ford's 'Rattler' Trademark Suggests Another Off-Roader Is Coming The Ford Maverick Is a Whole New Kind of Pickup Truck Is Ford Already Testing the New, Super-Powerful Bronco? The Ram 1500 TRX, Driven: King of the Tyrant Pickups 12 New Gadgets to Have on Your Radar (inc. Canon EOS R3) From PetaPixel : Canon EOS R3 Expected in September, Nikon Z9 in November The Ordinary Skin Care Regimen Brickit: LEGO Building AR App

Episode Navigation:01:00 – What You Need to Know Before Buying a Chef's Knife05:45 – Is There One Perfect Chef's Knife?09:17 – Utility Knives vs. Chef's Knives, and Why You Shouldn't Purchase Knife Sets12:50 – The Elements of a Chef's Knife You Need to Know18:45 – Blade Materials: Stainless Steel vs. Carbon Steel (and Others)27:32 – What Is Knife "Tang" and Why Does it Matter?31:43 – Chef's Knife Handle Types33:45 – Japanese vs. German Styles37:36 – What Determines the "Quality" of a Knife?39:11 – Knife Maintenance, Storage and Sharpening48:55 – Will's Top Three Chef's Knife Recommendations Featured:Check Out ChefsKnivestoGo .com The Difference Between Japanese and German Knife Styles Bob Kramer Has Spent 25 Years Trying to Forge a Better Chef’s Knife What's Really the Difference Between a $35 and $150 Chef's Knife? The Best Places to Buy Japanese Kitchen Knives Online Please Stop Storing Your Kitchen Knives in a Big Wood Block Every Serious Home Cook Needs a Japanese Chef’s Knife. Here Are the 8 Styles You Need to Know This Is Our Place's Biggest Release Since Its Always PanJacques Pépin's Classic Omelette

Where does the initial inspiration come from? What factors are there to consider? Navigation:01:20 – How Does Burial Design a New Beer?11:02 – How Alia Midoun's Latest Beer Came to Be15:30 – How the Burial Team Decides What Works and What Doesn't19:45 – Choosing Other Elements of a New Beer Recipe22:45 – How Different Burial Staff Members Approach Beer22:30 – How did Burial Navigate the Craft Beer Boom?29:05 – How Alia Used the Craft Beer Boom to Inform Her Work32:10 – Breaking Down the Burial x Gear Patrol Beer: "Pursuit" Lager43:10 – Doug and Alia Recommend Their Favorite Burial Beers Featured:Burial Beer's WebsiteVisit Burial Beer's Forestry Camp in Asheville, NCBurial Beer x Gear Patrol "Pursuit" Helles-Style LagerBurial Beer x Gear Patrol "Pursuit" Beer Glass14 Black-Owned and Black-Led Breweries You Should KnowThe 22 Best Gifts to Get for a Beer LoverThe 6 Best Beers to Drink This Summer10 of the Best Beers Brewed by Women15 Delicious IPAs You Can Buy Almost AnywhereThe 25 Beers You Need to Try Before You DieThe 12 Best Non-Alcoholic Beers You Can Drink in 2021The 10 Best Coolers of 2021

Tyler Duffy joins to talk about how the new Ford handles highways and trails, and doesn't mince words about how well it stacks up against the Jeep. Episode Navigation:01:10 – Does the New Bronco Live Up to the Hype?03:30 – A Brief Rundown of the Bronco's Storied Past06:45 – A Top-Level Summary of the New Bronco08:45 – Available Engines: Jeep Wrangler vs Ford Bronco11:50 – "Bronco" As a Ford Sub-Brand14:10 – On-Road Driving Impressions19:50 – The Bronco's Manual Transmission, and Scope of Options Packages26:12 – Off-Road Driving Impressions, and Ford's Off-Roadeo Driving Program31:13 – What Are the Bronco's "GOAT Modes?"35:00 – Interior/Tech Criticisms and Everyday Living Impressions42:00 – Overall Cost and Current Wait Times May Be a Dealbreaker For Some48:45 – Bottom Line: Is It Worth Buying a Bronco Now? Featured:Ford Bronco Official SiteFord Bronco Online ConfiguratorThe Ford Bronco Has a Trick Up Its Sleeve the Jeep Wrangler Lacks: Trail Turn AssistFord Off-Roadeo Driving Instruction Program Some Ford Broncos Are Being Held Up Due to a Very Specific Shortage Bronco Sport ReviewJeep Wrangler 4xe ReviewJeep Wrangler ReviewThe Jeep Wrangler 392 Is Absurd, But That's Kind of the Point

Pellet grills have been around only since the mid-Eighties and feature precision computer controls: a super low-effort alternative to charcoal and gas grills. Episode Navigation:01:25 – What Is a Pellet Grill and Smoker, and What Are "Pellets?"03:40 – The Complex Components That Make Pellet Grills So Simple to Use07:30 – Why Pellet Grills Are the Most Precise of Grilling Options09:15 – Pellets Aren't a Big Hassle, and These Are Set-It-and-Forget-It Devices13:00 – Why Pellet Grills Are Also Smokers, and What They Cook Best20:00 – Comparing Pellet Grills to Other Types21:50 – Traeger, and the Genesis of Pellet Grills23:15 – The Ecological Impact of Pellet Cooking26:40 – The Surprisingly Low Prices of Pellet Grills29:30 – A Rundown of Our Top Three Pellet Grill Picks44:05 – What Is Will Grilling With This Summer? Featured:The 10 Best Pellet Smokers and Grills You Can Buy in 2021Pellet Grilling Isn’t a Fad, It’s the Future — Here’s WhyBack in Stock: The Best Tailgate Smoker You Can BuyThe 12 Best Charcoal Grills You Can Buy in 2021The 11 Best Gas Grills You Can Buy in 2021The 30 Best Things to Cook with an Instant Pot or Multicooker8 Tools You Need to Take Your Grill Setup to the Next Level9 Things Your Dad Taught You About Grilling That Were Completely Wrong25 Grill Recipes You Should Bookmark Right Now

Whether you're getting a cut for the first time in a while or want to finally find a style that you're happy with, these tips will empower you in your search. Episode Navigation:01:04 – Why Is It So Difficult To Know What We Want from Our Hair?03:35 – What Is the Key to Talking to Your Barber?06:30 – Advice from Rob McMillen, Head Barber at NYC's Blind Barber09:45 – Hair Care Terminology You Need to Know15:27 – Talk to Your Barber About What Bothers You About Your Hair18:50 – What About Hair Types and Face Shapes?23:25 – Should You Bring a Photo of Celebrity Haircuts to Your Appointment?28:05 – Hair Maintenance Between Haircuts34:16 – What Hair Styles Are Popular Now, and What Timeless Looks Should You Consider?39:48 – Evan's Best Hair/Haircut TipFeatured: Tips for Getting the Best Haircut This SummerHow to Significantly Improve Your Hair in 90 DaysGoing to Cut Your Own Hair? Use These Barber-Approved Grooming ToolsThe 12 Best Shampoos for MenThe 10 Best Conditioners for Men5 Tips for Getting by Without Your BarberGrowing out Your Hair? Here’s How to Maintain ItHow to Find the Right Hair Products for MenThe Best Hair Clippers for Men

Senior Staff Writer Tanner Bowden unloads his pocket knife knowledge and offers up a wealth of advice to inform your next EDC purchase.Episode Navigation:1:00 – Why Do People Love Pocket Knives?3:45 – What Does a Person Need to Know Before Buying a Pocket Knife?4:50 – Most Pocket Knives Are Folders6:41 – Different Elements of Pocket Knife Form Factors8:04 – Blade Types and Shapes14:23 – How to Decide Which Shape Is Right for You16:10 – Pocket Knife Brands to Know21:21 – Types of Actions: the Mechanism That Opens the Knife27:32 – Handle Types to Know31:30 – How Pocket Knife Size Should Factor In to Your Decision34:49 – Pocket Knife Maintenance36:30 – Blade Materials: How Different Steel Types Affect Your Knife44:40 – Our Top Three Pocket Knife Recommendations Featured: The Best Pocket Knives of 2021The Best Knives and Multi-Tools to Give Dads This Father’s DayNow You Can Customize One of the Best Pocket Knives for Camping and HikingWatch Now: The Pocket Knives Gear Patrol Staffers Keep at Our DesksEverything You Need to Know About Pocket KnivesThe Best New Knives and EDC of May 2021Curious About Friction Folding Pocket Knives? This Is the One to GetPocket Knife Rules & Laws in the U.S. – Updated for 2021 (courtesy EDC Ninja)

Hartov explains the origin of the military wristwatch and talks about how far the category has evolved since the first World War. Episode Navigation:01:10 – What Is a Tactical Watch?02:45 – Early Military Watches, WWI and Beyond11:35 – G-Shock's Genesis and Rise to the Top of the Segment17:00 – Defining Characteristics of a Tactical Watch20:00 – Oren Discusses His Service and How it Affected His Relationship to Watches22:35 – How Quartz and Digital Watch Advancements Affected the Military25:00 – Other Modern Tactical-Style Watches30:55 – What Is the Quintessential Tactical Watch Featured: These Are 10 of the Best Tactical Watches21 of the Best Military Watches and Their HistoriesThe Ultimate Guide to Military WatchesWe Field-Tested Two Military Watches in the Army and This is What We FoundWhat's the Most Legit Modern Military Watch You Can Buy?Out of Iraq: The Story of an Issued Military WatchThe 10 Best Field WatchesThe Fascinating and Humble History of the NATO Watch Strap

Tips for taking inventory of what tech you use and how you use it, and also the implications of cutting back. Episode Navigation:00:50 – Is There Anything You Can Do To Moderate Your Relationship With Tech?02:45 – The Implications of Quitting Social Media and Other Tech04:00 – Auditing Your Tech Usage, and Intentionally "Low-Tech" Devices10:55 – How Planned Obsolescence Forces Us To Be Tech-Forward13:45 – Nostalgia for Analog Devices Complicates Our Relationship with Technology16:50 – How Tech Causes Privacy and Security Concerns22:00 – Do Phones Listen To Us?24:40 – Eric's Top-Level Advice for Low-Tech HopefulsFeatured: 10 Google Chrome Settings You Should Change Right NowHow to Prevent the Internet from Tracking YouLight Phone Review: The Advantages of a “Smart” Phone That Can Never Have Instagram@RobertGReeve on Twitter: "Your social media apps are not listening to you" (Thread)All the Biggest Announcements from Today's Big Apple EventDisable Amazon's Creepy New Echo Feature Before It Turns OnWhy You Need a Password Manager (And Five to Try)3 Best VPN Services to Make Sure Your Online Data Is PrivateHow to Make Your Online Passwords Ironclad

Senior Staff Writer Tanner Bowden explains what's so difficult about buying used bikes online–and offers tips on making it much easier. Episode Navigation:01:20 – What's Hard About Buying Any Bike Online05:10 – Why the Used Bike-Buying Process Is So Convoluted07:20 – The Pandemic and Economic Issues Caused a Massive Bike Shortage11:05 – Specific Elements That Complicate the Used Bike-Buying Process12:10 – Some Dedicated Sites That Sell Used Bikes (And That You Can Trust)13:30 – What You Should Know Before Starting Your Search15:50 – Why Shopping Online for a Used Bike Is Harder Than Finding a Used Car18:20 – Tips and Tricks for Buying Used Bikes From Different Websites22:05 – How To Inspect a Used Bike In Person If You Aren't a Pro24:10 – eBay-Specific Advice: Seller Ratings, Photos, and More27:00 – Serial Numbers and How To Avoid Stolen Goods29:30 – FatFingers.com May Help You Find Hidden Gems32:35 – 'The Pro's Closet' Is The Best Way To Buy a High-end Used Bike40:00 – Tanner's Most Important Advice: Ask Lots of QuestionsFeatured: Shopping for a Used Bike? Here’s How to Get One on the InternetThe Internet Is the Best Place to Buy a Used Premium BikeThe Used Bikes We’d Buy Right Now Under $500 11 Awesome Bicycle Brands You Should Know Complete Guide to Buying Your First Bike Used Bike Marketplaces and Forums:The Pro’s Closet Pinkbike’s BuySell forumBicycle Blue BookGearTrade Serial Number Searches: Bike IndexProject 529 Find Hidden Gems on eBay:FatFingers

Here's everything you need to arm yourself for a purchase, or at least to understand how your current chair is affecting your body.Episode Navigation: 02:00 – Gaming Chairs Are Not Office Chairs03:20 – Adjustability: What Makes an Office Chair Great05:15 – Office Chairs Mitigate Pain10:15 – Is There a Perfect Office Chair?12:45 – Why are office chairs so expensive? Plus, our Top Three Picks.22:25 – Ergonomics25:00 – Should I Buy a Used Office Chair?28:55 – Are Super Cheap Office Chairs Okay to Buy?30:50 – Specific Office Chair Features and Extras (Pro Tip: Roller Blade Wheels)35:15 – What Chair Does Will Use?38:00 – Will’s Epic Rant Against Gaming Chairs44:05 – What About Office Chair “Alternatives” Like Yoga Balls and Kneeling Chairs?46:40 – Will’s Most Important Office Chair Buying AdviceFeatured:The 21 Best Office Chairs of 2021 6 Perfectly Fine Cheap Desk Chairs Available Under $250 Need a Better Office Chair? Just Get This Absolutely Everything You Need to Know Before Buying an Office or Desk Chair Still Working from the Couch? Upgrade Your Home Office with These Deals

There's a lot more to the Cassette Boom that nostalgia alone. Episode Navigation:01:40 – Why are Cassette Tapes Making a Comeback?04:00 – Cassette Audio Quality Is Different Than You Might Recall0 5:45 – Memories of Cassette Tapes (and CDs) Are Powerful08:45 – The Last Car With a Tape Deck, and Tapes in Current Pop Culture10:45 – Current Artists Are Selling New Cassettes12:00 – The Cassette Boom, by the Numbers13:48 – Where Are We Supposed to Play Cassettes?17:16 – Will Companies Make New Tape Decks?18:25 – Companies Making New, High-Quality Cassette Tapes20:00 – Where Do We Go Now (from MP3s)?22:55 – Predictions: Will This Cassette Tape Trend Continue?24:35 – Tucker's Advice for Aspiring Cassette Tape Collectors Featured:Classic Cassette Tapes Are Making a Comeback Gear Patrol Magazine – Get an Annual Subscription for Just $39 Check out the Just Cassette blog and Instagram Profile From Forbes – The Walkman And Cassette Tapes Are Making A Comeback Buy New Cassette Players from Urban Outfitters ($30+) Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 ($10) Taylor Swift Evermore Album Deluxe Cassette ($13)

Product recommendations and further reading to streamline your home energy usage.Episode Navigation:01:35 – The 3 Tips03:38 – Most Important: Up-To-Date Appliances04:30 – Saving Money Is Mostly a Longer-Term Goal05:20 – Being Mindful of How You Use Tech, and "Energy-Saver" Modes07:15 – Gaming Consoles: an Example of Big Power Drains08:42 – Different Energy Saving Modes09:25 – TV Settings to Modify for Energy Savings10:34 – What Energy Star Certification Means, and New vs. Old Appliances12:05 – Bonus Nerd Fact: Chest Freezers are Very Efficient13:25 – Some Specific Product Recommendations: Streaming Sticks and More17:50 – LED Light Bulbs, Smart Home Products (and Dumb Home Products)20:55 – Vampire Loads and Why Surge Protectors Are Super Important 30:00 – Eric's Top Recommendation for Energy Savings Featured:How to Save Energy When Your A/C Is Draining It It's Time to Check Your Surge Protectors The Best Apartment-Friendly Smart Home Devices The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Home Smart The Best Smart Thermostats: Which Is Right For Your Home? The Best Smart Plugs To Buy in 2021 Google Finally Announced a New Chromecast: Here's What You Need to Know All the Reasons to Still Buy an Apple TV In 2021

Will Price gives us the download on why rum is finally having its moment.Episode Navigation:01:20 – Rum Is Excellent and Rum Is Complex02:28 – Why Is This Rum's Moment?04:40 – Has Good Rum Always Been As Prevalent As It Is Now?07:40 – What Is Rum, Exactly?08:39 – Light Rum vs. Dark Rum, and Other Varieties12:28 – Isn't Rum Super Sweet Tasting?14:55 – Why Will Considers Rum a "Loose Cannon"17:25 – How Are We Supposed To Drink Rum? Neat? On The Rocks?20:28 – The Fascinating Good and Dark History of Rum21:25 – Why You Have to Buy Hampden Great House, "The Pappy of Rum"24:05 – A Word on Age Statements, Rum Labels, and Prices28:10 – How Will and His Team Picks Rums to Recommend30:45 – Some Rums at Different Price Points That You Should Look Into33:10 – Final Tips About Finding Interesting Rum BottlesFeatured:Seasoned Whiskey Drinkers Are Switching to Rum. Why? The 13 Best Bottles of Rums You Can Buy in 2021 From The Gear Patrol Archives – " A History of Rum" The Best Sipping Rums from Around the World Just Get This Rum if You're Tired of Bacardi-Induced Hangovers A Rum That Tastes Like Dessert and 7 More Home and Design Releases

Zen Love reveals what that hole in your dive watch is , and discusses why watch enthusiasts are enamored by watches with "unnecessary" functions. Episode Navigation:1:50 – What is a Helium Escape Valve (HEV), and Where on Your Watch Is It3:30 – Why Helium Escape Valves Are Needed4:12 – HEVs Are Needed Specifically for Saturation Diving8:54 – HEV Watches Aren't Actually Used That Often, Even by Sat Divers12:48 – Manual and Automatic HEVs, How They Work, and Some Issues17:10 – Why Buy a Watch With Unnecessary Features?26:00 – Other Watch Brands that Feature HEVs, like Doxa28:45 – Are Dive Watches the Pinnacle of Watch Style Statements? Featured: Why Does Your Rolex Dive Watch Have a Hole in Its Side? We Found Out The Ultimate Guide to Dive Watches The 12 Best Dive Watches at Every Budget Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Dive Watch 5 Dive Watches Worn By Professional Saturation Divers Further Details: Ubiquitous but Overlooked Elements Hidden on Your Favorite Products

Tanner Bowden discusses why vegan shoes aren't sustainable–despite being marketed as such–and explains how eco-conscious shoppers can spot dubious marketing.Episode Navigation:01:15 – Vegan Shoes ≠ Sustainable Products03:03 – Vegan Shoes, Plastic, and Harmful Chemicals06:55 – Olukai's Statement About Vegan Shoes and Sustainability09:35 – Why Patagonia is a Sustainability Champion12:21 – Patagonia Wild Idea Work Boots15:45 – Mushroom Leather and Other Sustainable Alternatives20:10 – Tips For Finding (Actually) Sustainable Products23:40 – Why You Should Look for "Climate Neutral" Certification25:43 – Adidas and Allbirds Collaboration28:20 – Your Best Bet Is to Buy Used Gear, and Where To Do ItFeatured: If You Think Your Vegan Shoes Are Saving the Planet, You're Wrong Adidas and Allbirds' Collaborative Sneaker Is Here Patagonia Wild Idea Work BootsFrom Olukai: What, Exactly, is a Vegan Shoe? Vegan Shoes Explained Piñatex Pineapple Leather by Ananas Anam In the Future, Leather Will Be Made From Mushrooms Not Cows Climate Neutral Certification: 200+ Brands Dedicated to Decreasing Global Carbon Emissions

Kyle Ng of Brain Dead has a philosophy about collaborations: that they should be vehicles for positive change.Links: This Tee Is Raising Money to Support Black Communities Why Did the Best Female Rock Climber in the World Team up with a Streetwear Brand? Introducing Gear Patrol Magazine: Issue Sixteen, The Summer Preview Virgil Abloh-Designed Furniture and 7 More Home and Design Releases You’ve Never Seen Carpenter Pants Like These A Directory of Brands and Retailers That Have Spoken Out Against Racism Episode Navigation:What is Brain Dead, and Who is Kyle Ng? — 1:48What is Streetwear? — 4:49Describing Drop Culture — 9:40Differing Types of Collaborations — 11:25Brain Dead's Philosophy on Collaboration — 16:20 What Makes This Story Stand Out? – 21:14How Brain Dead Flips Capitalism on Its Head – 24:10Brain Dead's Focus on Building Community – 28:30

The Pan America, which costs between $17,300 and $20,000 MSRP, is loaded with tech, and enters a segment where competition is fierce.Review: Harley-Davidson's New Adventure Motorcycle Is Truly One of a KindHarley-Davidson Pan America 1250 and 1250 Special ($17,319-$19,999)Rawhyde Adventures Motorcycle Training9 Fantastic Adventure Motorcycles You Can Buy Right NowThe 16 Best Motorcycles for Shorter Riders

Blame Whiskey Hipsters all you want, but the real culprit here is the Three-Tier System. Chasing Whiskey: Bourbon Is Becoming Stupid Expensive. Why?One Good Bottle:Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof (~$65)Also mentioned:"Shelf Sleepers" – bottles worth picking up, even after a price hike

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Review: the Best Wrangler, Whether You Care About Gas MIleage or NotThe Hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe: What You Need to KnowRivian Will Copy One of Tesla's Smartest Features: Its Charging NetworkThe Jeep Wrangler 4xe (MSRP $47,995)

Summer is coming whether you're ready or not. Wouldn't you like a preview?Annual subscription to Gear Patrol Magazine (now $39)Check out Issue Sixteen: Summer Preview 2021 on its own ($20)Subscribers get a $15 gift voucher to The Gear Patrol Store each year of the subscription, plus early access to each print issue and more.

Reactions to the biggest announcements from Apple Spring Loaded.Show NotesAirTags, iMac and More: The Biggest News From Apple's Spring Event The iPhones That AirTags Will (and Won't) Work With You Don't Need to Buy a New Apple TV to Get Its Best Feature All the AirTag Accessories You Need to Know About New Apple Products: The All-New Apple AirTags (from $29; pre-order April) The All-New iMac 24-Inch (from $1,299; pre-order April 30) The New iPad Pro (from $799; pre-order April) iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini, now in purple (from $699; pre-order April 23) Apple TV 4K (from $179; pre-order April 30)

The annual Watches & Wonders show was chock-full of huge releases, but two announcements in particular really stood out.Watches and Wonders 2021: All the News in One PlaceYou Can Now Buy a Two-Tone Rolex ExplorerThe Cartier Tank Is Now More Accessible Than Ever: The New TankLike All Things in 2021, Rolex (and Your Other Favorite Watch Brands) Is Getting a Little WeirdThe Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 Is Getting Its Victory Lap After All Purchasing Advice:“My fiancee got a new job at a law firm and I want to get him a watch to celebrate — something he’d be proud to wear in the office — but won’t actually break the bank.” - Jon, BrooklynJust Get This: Tudor Black Bay 58"I like the idea of changing my watch strap, but are there any “rules” to follow?" - Eric, AtlantaThe Complete Guide to Watch StrapsKind Of Obsessed:Zen Love:Yema Speedgraf ($1,499)Oren Hartov:The New Cartier Tank Must

Does adding technology improve a product, and if so, to what point?Note from Nick: I didn't acknowledge Tanner Bowden's proper title – he's a Senior Staff Writer at GP, not a Staff Writer as I said in this episode. Sorry, Tanner!Mentioned in this episode:Xupermask by Will.i.am x Honeywell ($299)The Best Face Masks of 2021First Look: How The North Face [FutureLight] Will Change Everything You Wear OutsideIs Spider Silk the Performance Fabric of the Future?Levi’s Made a Tech-Infused Jacket You’ll Actually Want to WearWhich Should You Buy: Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker?The Best Smartwatches of 2021What I Learned from a Month of Whoop ($30/month)Oura Ring Health Tracker ($299)This Graphene-Enhanced Running Shoe Is the First of Its Kind ($190)Purchasing Advice:Small-home workout gear on a $250 Budget – Maddie, CincinnatiLululemon Reversible Yoga Mat ($58+)TRX Suspension Training ($190+)Amazon Basics Dumbbells ($16+)Beginner camping without a car – Doug, BrooklynREI Rental Gear (various)Housewarming gifts for someone you've just begun dating – Kevin, BrooklynSonos Roam Review: Almost a Perfect Portable Speaker ($169)21 New Pieces of Outdoor Gear to Start Your Spring off RightKind Of Obsessed:Outer Shell Drawcord Handlebar Bag ($90)Outer Shell Rolltop Saddlebar Bag ($50)Olympus Trip 35 (used; price varies)

Tesla vs. other EVs, the Supercharger network, and a rant about April Fool's Jokes.Mentioned in this episode:Mercedes-Benz E63S WagonHyundai Sonata N LineEverything You Need to Know About the New Tesla Model STesla’s Pickup Truck Is Here, and It’s More Insane Than We Ever ImaginedTesla Has Strange Ideas about How to Shift, and Other NewsThinking About Buying an Electric Car? Here's What You Should Ask Yourself FirstThese Were the 10 Most Popular Used Cars in America in 2020Gear Patrol's EV coverage, all in one placeTesla Model 3 Vs. Amtrak's Acela Express: The Electric Future Acid TestWould Tesla Be Better Off Without Elon Musk? Some Electric Vehicle Shoppers Think SoHeadlinesVW Won’t Rebrand U.S. Unit as Voltswagen, Company SaysLego bricks are terrible for the environment. These wooden alternatives biodegradeShip Is Freed After a Costly Lesson in the Vulnerabilities of Sea TradeKind Of Obsessed2022 Cadillac CT5-V BlackwingGenesis GV80

Reflections on fitness during and after the pandemic, predictions of future fitness trends, headlines, and gear we're obsessed with.Mentioned in this episode:JaxJox DumbbellConnectPeloton vs. Wahoo: Who Makes the Better Stationary Bike?Can New Technology Help You Get Fitter at Home? (Tempo vs Tonal)7 Awesome Kettlebell Alternatives You Already Have at HomeApple's Fitness+ Is a Breeze to Use — And It Really Kicked My AssHow to Build the Ultimate Home Gym, Three WaysWhat Running Gear Should You Spend Your Money On?These Amazon Kettlebells Will Save You a Fortune and Last a LifetimeAngela Gargano Instagram WorkoutsRiders for Black LivesThe 6 Best Mini Multi-Tools of 2020HeadlinesiOS (Old School) Gives Your Phone an 8-bit Apple Aesthetic PopGrip and SOG Make a Mini Multi-Tool That Attaches to the Back of Your SmartphoneMade is a new, Crowd-funded Brand Making Made to Measure, High-End Outdoor ApparelKind Of ObsessedNemo Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat ($20)Chrome Barrage Freight ($200)Priority Bicycles Ace ($499+)

What the now-discontinued Apple HomePod got right and what it got wrong during its short, three-year run. Mentioned in this episode:First Look: Apple HomePod$100 Smart Speakers: Which Is Best?The Best Multi-Room Wireless Speakers of 2021The Complete Sonos Buying GuideHow to Use a Pair of HomePod Minis As Computer SpeakersApple's HomePods Make a Sneaky Good Surround Sound SystemMore Gear Patrol Smart Home Coverage HeadlinesRapper and Entrepreneur Travis Scott Launches Cacti, an Agave-Flavored Spiked SeltzerIt's Sleep Awareness WeekCrocs x Justin Bieber collection launched and promptly sold outGucci’s New Sneakers are $12 (But They Only Exist Digitally) Kind Of ObsessedClairin Casimir RumPro-Ject T1 TurntableSchiit Audio Mani

Gear Patrol CEO and Founder Eric Yang talks about essentialism: "the purposeful decision to have less, and better," and how that idea quickly took over our purchasing habits over the past year of pandemic life. Deputy Editor Jack Seemer reveals his new golf "hobby," and, apparently, Eric has put together 36+ LEGO sets since last March. As mentioned in this episode;A Year of Pandemic LivingBen's LetterHanes masks9 Great LEGO Car SetsThe Best Face Masks of 2021Peloton vs. Wahoo: Who Makes the Better Stationary Bike?The Essential Gear You Need to Stay Productive While Working From HomeHeadlinesBreitling SelectHouseplantKind Of ObsessedNew Balance Fuel Cell Rebel Version 2BMW 330i M Sport Wagon

Behind every product is a new story. That story could be rooted in the values that drove its creation, or its materials, or origin. Those hidden details are why we're launching the Gear Patrol Podcast, a weekly discussion of not just products, but the ideas and culture that surround them and bring them to life.Join our host Nick Caruso and a rotating cast of Gear Patrol staffers as we have a good time discussing and debating what we know best: products and product culture. We hope you'll tune in every Thursday, starting March 11th.