Etnies Jameson 2 Eco Shoes
Finding gear that performs well and also blends into big-city life is hard enough. Finding gear that does both and is also produced by an environmentally and socially conscious company? Practically unheard of. That's why we were pleasantly surprised when we heard about Etnies Jameson 2 Eco shoes. The supercomfy Jamesons are made almost entirely from old bike tires, rubber gloves, and plastic bottles. Plus, they're part of the company's Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree program. (The saplings go to Costa Rica.)
Mend Messenger Bag
Mend's double cotton canvas messenger bags have a different story to tell: each one is constructed by refugees from the war in Northern Uganda.
Nixon Ceramic 51-30 Watch
A lot of watchmakers try to strike a balance between rugged construction and refined style. Nixon nails it with the Ceramic 51-30, a classic-looking, big-faced watch that's waterproof to 300 meters.
Helly Hansen Spitsbergen Shirt
Just aobut every guy can use a new flannel shirt. (Welcome back, 1993!) So get him a nice one, like Helly Hansen's Spitsbergen, which is slim-fitting but not too snug.
G-Form Extreme Sleeve 2 iPad Case
How tough is G-Form's Extreme Sleeve 2 iPad case? The company's marketing campaign includes a YouTube of employees dropping a bowling ball on it from three feet up—with the device inside. Conclusion: You can take your iPad bowling (and also on your bike).
Nau Down Shirt Jacket
From its nod to sustainability (2 percent of its sales go to humanitarian and environmental causes) to its goal of using zero virgin petroleum prodcuts, Nau is as dedicated to doing things the right way as it is to creating stylish and functional outdoor apparel. To wit: this slim-fitting, DWR-coated, tough-enough-for-the-mountains Down Shirt jacket.