BEST OVERALL

Sandqvist Bernt Backpack

Axvig says he uses his Bernt as both an everyday bike commuter and regular European backpacker. He’s quick to point out the design touches that make it a winner, starting with the zipper compartment on the back where one can safely stash and access a laptop without having to open the whole bag. Opening the whole bag, however, is simple, thanks to “the roll-top construction, [which] is both secure and easy to use” and the cinching on the sides, which makes it easy to compress an empty pack.

The materials are where this bag really stands out, as well. There are lots of leather bags and lots of Cordura bags, but not many that combine the luxurious natural material and the tough-as-nails synthetic fiber. The end result is a backpack that’s rugged and stylish with what Axvig calls “a sophistication that is as at home on the trail as it is in a corporate setting.”

BEST FOR BIKING

Manhattan Portgage Empire XXL

Made For: Cyclists who need to carry a lot. Veteran NYC bike messenger Kevin Bolger helped design this backpack to hold the increasingly larger loads that bike messengers ferry about town. “They didn’t have a big enough bag for what was going on currently in the industry, so I helped them design that extra-big bag,” he explains. “It has a lot of extra straps and stuff like that.” Those who don’t need that much space can opt for the non-XXL version of this bag.

Hot Take: Splitting a load between two shoulders instead of one makes backpacks better for cyclists than messenger bags — the only downside being that it’s hard to access cargo without taking it off.

BEST FOR COMMUTING

Peak Design Travel Backpack

Made For: Business-minded backpackers. “Its smart pocket layout and excellent accessories give it a sleek appearance while still being enormously practical,” Thomas says. There’s a layer of ultra-light padded foam around the bag that gives it more structure for a more polished look that also helps protect its contents. It’s one reason Thomas says this backpack is “a favorite among many of my business-traveler clients.” 

ROI: It’s compatible with an array of Peak Design accessories, including packing cubes, special bags for camera equipment, and a hip belt accessory (so it can easily transition from commuter backpack to travel backpack). Buying this bag means buying into an ecosystem that can make buying additional bags for additional purposes unnecessary.

BEST FOR BACKPACKING

Osprey Farpoint Travelpack

Why It Stands Out: It’s the best of both worlds. Hans Mast of Golden Rule Travel says that it’s “an exceptional choice for European travel due to its versatility, durability, and user-friendly design.” That’s a reflection of Osprey’s goal with these packs: incorporating serious technical features, like fine torso adjustments and breathable harnesses, into backpacks meant for use by people who won’t be relying upon them for long stretches in remote wilderness.

Coolest Feature: The detachable daypack, which makes it easy to explore on those days when backpackers can leave the main bag in the hotel. Mast calls it a “game-changer” that makes city exploration in particular much easier.

BEST LEATHER

m0851b BP 25

Why It Stands Out: The full-grain leather is great, but it’s the aniline that makes this bag stand out. Leather tanner and designer Tanner Leatherstein says that anilines are “very transparent dyes that accomplish color consistency on the surface but don’t cover up imperfections.” This allows for an unnaturally colored backpack to nevertheless show off the natural texture of its leather.

ROI: At $745, this bag is an investment, but it’s undoubtedly cool. And, because it’s minimally finished, it will develop a patina over years of use.

BEST SECURITY

Pacsafe Venturasafe EXP45

Made For: Those who need to keep valuables safe during transit. The Pacsafe Venturasafe has a slew of features meant to thwart pickpockets and identity thieves: self-locking zippers, a layer of steel mesh to prevent slashing, and a security clip that makes it easy to lock the bag to a secure object in, say, a hotel room. “While I was exploring the narrow alleys of Barcelona, the peace of mind this backpack provided was invaluable,” Thomas says.

Coolest Feature: There is a special pocket that is equipped with RFID-blocking technology, so any passports or credit cards aren’t at risk of being scanned and repurposed.

BEST OVERALL

Osprey Farpoint Travel Pack

By far the most common recommendation offered by the travel experts we spoke to was the Osprey Farpoint, which comes in 40-, 55-, 70- and 80-liter versions. Hans Mast of Golden Rule Travel says that it’s “an exceptional choice for European travel due to its versatility, durability, and user-friendly design.” That’s a reflection of Osprey’s goal with these packs — the brand incorporates serious technical features like fine torso adjustments and breathable harnesses into backpacks meant for use by people who won’t be relying upon them for long stretches in remote wilderness.

One of the coolest features is the detachable daypack, which Mast calls a “game-changer” that “facilitates seamless exploration during city visits.” With so many great cities relatively close to each other in Europe, the daypack is a particularly useful item to have on-hand when backpacking across the continent. (Also, when flying, it can count as a personal item to accompany the carry-on-sized Farpoint, which helps travelers avoid the hassle and risk of checking the only piece of luggage they’re carrying.)

Internal compression straps, a sternum strap with safety whistle, and a stowable back panel, harness, and hip belt round out the thoughtful features on this pack, as beloved for its versatility as it is for its robust warranty. The $220 price tag for the 55-liter model is also utterly reasonable.

BEST AIRFLOW

Aircontact Core 65+10L

Made For: Summer backpacking. As its name suggests, the Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 is designed to maximize airflow and minimize sweating — a key feature in Europe where summers are hot and air conditioning is scarce. Food and travel writer Sarah-Jane Begonia says that, during a trip to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, its “ventilated back panel kept the sticky, sweaty feeling at bay on those hot Turkish summer days.”

Coolest Feature: Airflow is only one aspect of comfort, so this pack also has an ergonomic lumbar pad, moveable shoulder straps, and hip fins that help distribute weight evenly for a more comfortable carry experience.

BEST BIG BACKPACK

Gregory Soltoro 100 Pro Pack

Made For: Long-haulers traveling through remote regions. There’s no shortage of natural beauty in Europe that’s best enjoyed over an extended camping stay. The 100-liter version of the Gregory Soltoro is ideal for those types of trips because its expanded capacity doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Travel writer Ethan Williams says that its “ergonomically designed suspension system allowed me to carry heavy loads without feeling the strain” — a feature that’s even more valuable in a bigger bag.

ROI: Williams says he’s also a fan of how flexible his Soltoro is. “From hiking in the Swiss Alps to enjoying a romantic dinner in Rome, the backpack’s sleek design and functionality never felt out of place.”

BEST DAYPACK

Osprey Sportlite 30

Made For: Light packers. Experienced backpacker Rebecca Nicholson recently took hers on Scotland’s West Highland Way, a 96-mile trek through varied terrain. “It’s a minimalist,
lightweight pack that was big enough to carry my clothes and supplies while
remaining comfortable on my back, thanks to a suspension system and decent
ventilation,” she says. “This pack wouldn’t be big enough if you need to carry camping supplies, like a tent, but it’s perfect for backpacking around with just the essentials.”

Hot Take: Two backpacks are better than one. Having a smaller daypack makes it easy to carry the essentials for daily excursions while one’s main pack, a heavier and much more important item, stays safe in a hotel or vacation rental.

BEST SUITCASE REPLACEMENT

Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack

Why It Stands Out: Travel writer Kevin Groh says this backpack is “intelligently designed to optimize space without surpassing carry on-size limitations.” He says what makes the Tortuga stand out is “its front-loading design, which allows access to packed items without the need to search through from the top” — a valuable time-saver.

Coolest Feature: Unzip the long middle zipper and the bag falls open like a classic suitcase, exposing all of its contents at once and making it ultra-simple to pack and unpack. There’s even a mesh bag for dirty clothes — a standard feature in rolling suitcases that’s nicely repurposed here.

BEST SECURE BACKPACK

Pacsafe Venturasafe EXP45

Made For: Safety-first backpackers. The Pacsafe brand is built around, well, safe packs, and the Venturasafe is no exception, with a self-locking zipper, built-in steel mesh to prevent slashing, and a security clip that makes it easy to lock the bag to a secure object. Travel writer Christen Thomas says that, while he was exploring the narrow alleys of Barcelona, the peace of mind this backpack provided was “invaluable.”

Coolest Feature: A special pocket contains RFID-blocking technology, so any passports or credit cards aren’t at risk of being scanned as part of an identity theft scheme.

BEST FOR STAYING ORGANIZED

Cotopaxi Allpa 28

Coolest Feature: The inside of this pack is more compartmentalized than competing bags, making it easy to keep myriad items easy to find. Backpacker and rock climber Kevin Le Gall says that each compartment “acts like its own packing cube, so you can separate your clothes from your shoes, climbing gear, or electronics. That organization makes this bag incredibly versatile, and a must-have for lightweight traveling.”

Why It Stands Out: In a sea of bags in drab greys, blacks, and natural tones, the Cotopaxi Allpa’s bright and varied colorways (e.g. the one with sienna shell, blue logo, and purple zippers) mean this pack literally stands out.

BEST OVERALL

Von Baer Essential

This briefcase is all about the material. Carbone says that Von Baer only uses leather that meet’s the brand’s strict standards. “They literally could track it back to the farm where the cow came from,” he says. “Every aspect of it is controlled and environmentally sound.” While you might find this level of quality control at a bespoke bag maker, getting it from a company of this size is unusual. 

Aesthetically, there aren’t a ton of ornamentations to distract from the gorgeous leather — just YKK zippers on two compartments, a sewn-on strap, and hardware that the detachable shoulder strap latches onto. Nick Valentino, a VP at Bellhop, says after a year and a half of using the case, he thinks it’s the “perfect combination of durable and classy,” adding that he appreciates “how flexible the simple, durable design is.”

BEST ATTACHé

Globe Trotter Oxblood Attaché Case

Made For: The high-powered professional. This is the classic attaché briefcase — one that attorney Dan Xie calls an indispensable tool for his international travels. “Not only does it provide ample space to store and organize my essential documents and laptop, but its timeless design exudes professionalism and sophistication,” he says.

Coolest Feature: Globe-Trotter says it takes five days to make the leather corners on this briefcase, adding durability to the most easily-worn part of the case and creating a timeless look.

BEST FABRIC

Filson Rugged Twill Original Briefcase

Hot Take: Not every briefcase has to be a leather-forward affair. This classic from Filson is predominantly made of a waxed cotton twill, with the cowhide reserved for the handles. It all adds up to a briefcase that travel blogger Yulia Saf says is “unrivaled if you prefer blending style with a rugged appeal.”

ROI: Using less premium leather and more cotton means a briefcase that’s less expensive, but because the cotton in question is industrial-strength twill, no durability is sacrificed.

BEST ROLLING

Alpine Swiss Rolling 17 Laptop Briefcase

Made For: Carrying more. Tech expert Andhi Ermawan says that this roller is “a lifesaver when you’re carrying a heavier load.” It’s hard to argue with that logic.

Coolest Feature: Lots of locks. There are two combination locks at the main closure and a separate key lock at the front pocket. Those traveling with sensitive or valuable materials will appreciate the additional peace of mind these locks provide.

BEST POCKETS

Samsonite Classic Leather Toploader

Why It Stands Out: Christen Costa, CEO of Gadget Review, says this briefcase “includes a padded laptop pocket, open pockets for a laptop charger and accessories, a main compartment for documents, and organizer pockets for pens and other small items.” For those who like to keep everything in its place, this is the bag.

Made For: The spacious capacity of the Toploader means it’s great for those who live out of their briefcases, figuratively or literally.

BEST SLENDER

Montblanc Meisterstück Leather Briefcase

Made For: Those who travel light. The upside of a briefcase that can fit a whole lot is obvious, but so is the downside of a bulky, lumpy bag. The delightfully named Meisterstück is a great choice for those who travel light (or want to push themselves to travel light) at less than two inches thick. Clay Cary, lead analyst at CouponFollow, has another Meisterstück that he calls “unrivaled for a sleek, stylish option” with Italian full-grain cowhide that “adds a layer of sophistication.”

Hot Take: Like most soft briefcases, this one comes with a shoulder strap. However, traveling light means it doesn’t require much more effort to carry it by hand.

BEST OLD-SCHOOL

Bosca Flapover Briefcase

Coolest Feature: The hand-stained Italian leather has a glossy finish that wears nicely with time, but it’s the flapover closure and nickel hardware that give this briefcase its classic appeal. It’s the briefcase Rice, the attorney, received from his parents when he began practicing law in 2006 — one that he says “still has the classic leather smell when you open it.”

ROI: This bag works as a gift for a young lawyer because they can use it until they’re an old lawyer.

BEST OVERALL

Tom Beckbe Leather Weekender Duffel Bag

Leatherstein says that when it comes to leather, people tend to fall into one of two camps. There are those who want their leather goods to be uniform and unchanging, and then there are those who “enjoy leather with natural characteristics and don’t mind the varying nature of the grain — the color changes and reactions of minimally finished leathers that age into dark or shinier shades, called a patina.” This bag’s full-grain leather, vegetable-tanned to accentuate the natural high and low notes of the material, is ideal for the latter group, who will appreciate how it ages over time. (Along with its high-quality leather comes high-quality brass hardware, which is heavy enough for a bag of this caliber.)

At $700, this bag is an investment, but it’s more affordable than many other options where the markup comes from the brand or the design and not the materials that determine its quality and durability.

BEST BRIEFCASE

Von Baer Essential Modern Briefcase

Why It Stands Out: As a brand, Von Baer is a stickler for high-quality leather up and down the supply chain. “They literally could track it back to the farm where the cow came from,” Carbone says of this boardroom staple. “They know every aspect of it and every aspect is controlled and environmentally sound.”

Made For: A professional who wants the best of both worlds. The minimal design of this bag makes it feel sleek and clean while the leather will look and feel more and more textured over time, accumulating evidence of long days at the office.

BEST ROLLING

Ghurka Kilburn RS No. 252

Why It Stands Out: Mesquita is reticent to name specific brands, but he did say that Ghurka is known for choosing “the best pieces [of leather] to ensure there’s no lines, or what you would call imperfections, in the tannery.” The end result is leather that retains its natural color and finish but looks as smooth as any pigmented bag.

Coolest Feature: Rolling backpacks might not have been cool in middle school, but a leather duffel bag (with wheels and handle concealed until you need them) make this bag more comfortable to take on a trip than a standard duffel.

BEST MESSENGER

WP Standard The Meridian Messenger Bag

ROI: The full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather and solid brass hardware feel like they belong on a bag with a much higher price tag. As an introduction to the world of really nice leather things, this handsome messenger bag is tough to beat at the price.

Why It Stands Out: “Vegetable tanning is a slightly more nuanced way of tanning leather,” says Leatherstein. “At the end of the day, it’s a little more natural and gives more characteristics to the leather that age really well.” Translation: This vegetable-tanned bag will look even better with time.

BEST TOTE

Ralph Lauren Wellington Calfskin Tote

Why It Stands Out: Leatherstein says that calfskins are “naturally more beautiful and clean, and that’s why it’s usually a good sign that you’re getting a better kind of leather.” This calfskin Ralph Lauren tote proves him right.

Coolest Feature: The shoulder strap turns this humble tote into something of a messenger bag, so it’s really two bags in one. That means it’s a good deal, right?

BEST DOPP KIT

Pegai Lee Dopp Kit

Why It Stands Out: It can class up any hotel bathroom. This dopp kit, from Leatherstein’s own brand, has antique brass hardware and a suede lining — nice touches on a nice bag that’s a definite upgrade from other similar options.

Good to Know: “You don’t necessarily need leather to have protective pigment finishes for it to have the water protection you’d want in a dopp kit,” Leatherstein says. “You can have very minimal, almost non-finished leathers that are waterproof.” In other words, there’s no need to worry about your new kit getting waterlogged.

The Grateful Dead Movie, DVD

“Jerry [Garcia] spent most of his time on the Grateful Dead movie when he wasn’t touring with his own band, or after that with the Grateful Dead. To me, I find that to be the ultimate, the absolute perfect, and the most important Grateful Dead audio-visual document. I find the movie captures what a Grateful Dead concert, and a particular time, which was 1974, meant.”

Europe '72 Complete Recordings Box

“Twenty-two shows over the course of April and May, 1972. The band’s first big European tour, and every night was magnificent. They produced an album — a triple album — in 1972 called Europe ’72. Thankfully, they also recorded to multi-track tape the entire tour. It’s probably the most consistently great tour in the Grateful Dead’s history. Every night is spectacular.”

30 Trips Around the Sun box

“In 2013, we started talking about what we’d do that was going to be very special for the Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary in 2015. I came up with this grand idea of doing a box set that would even surpass Europe ’72 and ’73 CDs. It would be a complete Grateful Dead show from every year they toured: 1966 to 1995. It’s an 80-CD box.”

Sunshine Daydream

“To me, it’s the quintessential Grateful Dead experience. It’s almost like an acid test, but it’s outdoors in a field with 20,000 hippies outside of Eugene, Oregon, which is the Grateful Dead’s home away from home. It’s one of the few shows from that era for which there is film, footage of most of the show, plus audio.”

Pacific Northwest 1973-74 box

“All of these box sets always start with the music — it’s never a gimmick to do a region or a series of shows from a city. This was when we decided we can do something that thematically holds together with just the Pacific Northwest, but spread it over a couple of years. As a Deadhead, they’re just wild.”

Dave's Picks series

“Dave’s Picks is a complete Grateful Dead show on three CDs with gorgeous artwork. We get a different artist in residence to do an entire year’s worth of Dave’s Picks, with four releases a year. The next year we get another artist, and then we have some great photos and liner notes inside. They’re really fun to do.”

Truckin' Up to Buffalo DVD/CD

“Trucking Up to Buffalo [is] a truly spectacular show from late Brent Mydland’s tenure with the Grateful Dead. Unfortunately, he would pass away about a year later, but this show really captures it all. You get these incredible crowd shots of Rich Stadium packed with 50,000 people swaying to the music on a beautiful day on July 4, 1989.”

Giants Stadium 1987-91 box

“When they played New York City or the Metropolitan area, there was a special energy that New York gave the Dead. The music is outstanding, but in addition to that, [the box set] covers two iterations of the band.”

K2 skis

“There are a lot of Deadhead skiers. K2 is the perfect company for the Grateful Dead because they get it. They’re the Pacific Northwest company, they’re cool, and they’re open to design collaboration. I’ve skied on some pretty bad skis, a lot of really good skis, and these ones are the most, I think, effortless.”

Section 119 Clothing

“It’s nice to have a tiny element of Grateful Dead without screaming Grateful Dead tie-dye and a huge lightning bolt zero across the front. Section 119 does the most tasteful, subtle, beautiful clothing. Mark [Pincus, the president of Rhino Entertainment] and I, who take a look at this stuff and approve it, are just constantly blown away by the quality.”

686 Outdoor + Ski Clothing

“The quality of 686’s ski wear is top-notch. It’s durable, it’s warm, and everything about it is perfect. But the designs! I skied in that stuff all of last winter and people stopped me on the slopes to take a picture when I had [on] Grateful Dead goggles and 686 head-to-foot — a tie-dye ski outfit, with big Grateful Dead logos. It’s loud but cool.” 

BRONAX Pillow Slippers for Women and Men

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

These glasses actually come as a set of two, meaning they’re only $3 each. They have UV400 protection, which can block a huge amount of the blue light that’s projected by an average computer monitor, they are made of light but sturdy materials for long-lasting use and comfort, and they look good too. They’re not prescription though, so keep that in mind.

Zenni

Zenni Optical is the eyewear brand when shopping for cheap glasses online. Here, eyeglasses start at just $6.95. Yes, $6.95. And, they’re absolutely stylish. Zenni was founded by two scientists back in 2003 who wondered why eyeglasses were so expensive when manufacturing costs show otherwise. The brand’s mission was to provide stylish pairs to folks who didn’t want to sell an organ to purchase a good-looking pair of eyeglasses. 
Everything is custom-ordered per specific prescription and will be created with total control of buyers. Frames are made with lightweight acetate that is molded into, flexible frames that are.
All of that with a starting price of just $6? Try getting that from any other cheap eyewear brand.

EyeBuyDirect

Why It Stands Out: With a 14-day return policy, frame styles of all sizes and colors, and a buy-one-give-one policy that provides a pair of eyeglasses for someone in need, EyeBuyDirect is an obvious choice to buy glasses from. The brand offers additional coatings to repel water and lessen smudges and dust, thinner lenses for higher prescriptions, multifocal lenses, blue light filters, and polarized and tinted lenses for sunglasses.
Made For: These are made for smart savers interested in a stylish pair of glasses from a brand that maximizes its deals. 
Price Range: $6 to $303
Hot Take: It’s safe to say that even the $6 pairs are kind of sexy, too.

BEST DEALS

GlassesUSA

Why It Stands Out: GlassesUSA is a supplier that has glasses of every shape, size, and price point. This brand is constantly having sales with a number of buy-one, get-one options
Made For: If GlassesUSA is made for cheap shoppers, it’s also made for unafraid buyers interested in spending extra money on designer brands if a deal is involved. Which, a lot of the time, there will be.
Price Range: $39 to $891 
Hot Take: Compared to some of the other brands that sell cheap glasses online, these cheap glasses are pricey. Like, $39? Better take out a loan.

BEST TRY-ONS

Liingo

Why It Stands Out: Liingo offers a “try before you buy” option that allows shoppers to try styles from home
Made For: People who want to ‘try on’ 100 pairs without having to leave home. It’s a convenient way to try on what it is one might be looking for without fully committing.
Price Range: $49 to $129
Hot Take: Don’t worry, the extra lazy can try on with a selfie.

BEST DESIGNER-LOOKING

Warby Parker

Why It Stands Out: While they’re not the best glasses out there, if you’re looking for a cheap pair to leave on the nightstand with a book or to keep in the car, Warby Parker glasses look good without the burden of cost that their designer counterparts like Moscot and Oliver Peoples require. 
Made For: People wanting to look like they wear designer eyeglasses while saving a few bucks in the process. Like Liingo, buyers can also try these on at home before purchasing to make life easier. 
Price Range: Prescription glasses start at $95.
Hot Take: Okay, they’re not the cheapest, but for quality glasses, they’re cheap.

BEST OVERALL

Janji Transit Tech Cap

Why It Stands Out: With a deep 5-panel design, Durable water repellent (DWR) finish, UPF 50 rating, wind-resistant soft shell, and adjustable back strap, it doesn’t get much better. But Janjji takes it three steps further, offering a five-year warranty, recycled polyester construction, and a 2% donation of their sales to clean water projects. 

Hot Take: This cap truly takes the cake as the best running hat in our eyes. It does everything right — it has all of the specs and features a runner could possibly want and then some, and it has more personality than just about every other hat on the market. Just look at the color — this hat screams “I’m a runner, and I’m proud!” It also screams “please don’t hit me with your car,” with the reflective logo on the back for visibility in low-light running situations. In cities like Los Angeles, that goes a long way, no cap.

MOST BREATHABLE

Rnnr Distance Hat: Unicorn

Made For: The runners who are fed up with feeling like there’s an actual oven atop of their head while running that’s slowly baking their brains. Runners who have decided they need a breathable, lightweight hat that will let the breeze sift right through their gorgeous locks, freeing them from that wretched sweaty trap.

Hot Take: With mesh liners running across the entire length of the hat on both the left and right sides, this hat will ensure that runners stay cool even on the hottest of days. If the design doesn’t do it, Rnnr promises “your legs will give out before your hat will.”

BEST RAIN PROTECTION

Gore Wear Unisex Cap

Coolest Feature: Their rad neon yellow Unisex cap adds an extra layer of visibility on top of their reflective side paneling for those late-night runs. This running hat quite literally has people covered for whatever mother nature might throw at them.

Hot Take: Mother nature? Yes. This is a hat made by Gore-TEX — the same Gore-TEX that makes the impenetrable winter jackets that wicks water as if it were allergic to it. This cap is made from 100% polyester, and despite its microscopic pores that are about 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water, the cap is still extremely breathable.

MOST REFLECTIVE

Headsweats Performance Reflective Race Hat

Made For: The runner who fancies a nice late evening jog, or sprint for that matter. An extremely reflective hat is an essential piece of clothing for such a hobby and one that could even save a life. For the most reflective running hat, look no further than Headsweats Performance Reflective Race Hat.

Coolest Features: This bad boy is lit up with an extreme dose of vibrant orange and features a reflective brim that wraps around the head for extra visibility. If Thor Odinson was a runner, he’d love this hat thanks to the large gap in the back that’s perfect for weaving hair through with no issues.

MOST HEAD COVERAGE

Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

Why It Stands Out: The Sun Runner Cap features a nifty little snap-on and off cover that shades the neck and face for an added level of protection that a regular brim cap just can’t provide. Thankfully, this doesn’t sacrifice breathability for coverage because hidden behind that little cape are two panels of breathable mesh to keep runners from roasting on toasty days.

Hot Take: Every year it feels like it gets hotter and hotter which means protective gear becomes just as important as sunscreen. To not turn into a lobster after every run, Outdoor Research has it covered. They’ve made the best running hat for sun coverage without compromising on other stuff runners want. 

MOST STYLISH

The North Face Class V Camp Hat

Why It Stands Out: Similar to the Janji Transit Tech Cap, this running hat is simply cool, and better yet, affordable. It’s a statement piece to add to anybody’s outdoor getup but also a very capable and functional running hat. Made with 68% recycled nylon and flash-dry materials for moisture management this hat will keep runners cool while also making them look super cool.

Hot Take: If running is supposed to usher in a sense of personality and identity, as Wilson mentioned, consider North Face’s Class V Camp Hat ready for any kind of mood. Aside from this cool colorway, there are eight other colors to choose from to pair back with the running shorts or moisture-wicking t-shirt of the day.

LIGHTEST RUNNING HAT

On Running Lightweight Cap

Coolest Feature: On Running’s Lightweight Cap satisfies the need for speed without making runners feel top-heavy. With three cool blue options and laser-cut ventilation, this hat truly feels like it was made with marathoners in mind.

Hot Take: This is the best running hat for that “naked” feel Wilson described. But for such a light hat, it’s also performance-ready, made from a tear-proof, moisture-wicking fabric with dual sweatbands.

BEST DESIGN

Soar Running Cap

Why It Stands Out: With a wraparound five-panel design and easy pull drawstring, this hat is sure to stay snug to a head. Also featuring laser-cut ventilation holes, this hat keeps a runner’s mind on the road instead of on the sun. Given that it’s machine washable, breathable, moisture-wicking, and super cool in yellow, the only other question is does it come in black? (The answer is yes).

Hot Take: When Tim Soar set out to create a running apparel brand in 2015, he did it with three things in mind. Innovation, functionality, and style. SOAR is now on its third iteration of the Running Cap, and this one is its best yet. With Soar himself testing out all of the products, rest assured that this cap is the cremé de la crop of running hats.

BEST VALUE

Gadiemkensd Reflective Outdoor Hat

ROI: While some of the best running hats for men can deliver on performance, they can get kind of pricey, sometimes upward of $60. It’s kind of a lot. But Gadiemkensd offers a running hat with a ton of the features seen among the top brands but at a fraction of the price.

Hot Take: There are six color options to choose from, including a pretty unmissable orange and it has a reflective brim, UPF 50+ protection, and breathable mesh sides. Even for a  low-budget option, over 5,000 people on Amazon said it’s a great hat for running.

BEST OVERALL

The Ridge Burnt Titanium Wallet

The Ridge Titanium Wallet is the ultimate RFID-blocking wallet for wireless theft. If not unconventional already with its pseudo-sandwich design, its sleek, utilitarian aesthetic is completed with a sand-blasted gradient that adds luster and intrigue — it’s a cool-looking wallet.

Aside from great form is the Ridge Titanium Wallet’s Inspector Gadget-like functionality. Adding to the utility of the top and bottom titanium plates are a steel money clip and an elastic cash strap to secure the cards. This RFID wallet holds up to 12 cards, is scratch-resistant, and comes with a lifetime warranty in the rare case that somebody decides to revert to their old receipt-hoarding ways.

Fossil RFID-Blocking Flip ID Wallet

Fossil blends clean sophistication and modern-day style for their men’s accessories. This speaks to their RFID-blocking wallet made with 100% cowhide leather and a special lining to curb unwarranted scanning. Other interior details include two ID windows, two slide pockets, and eight credit card slots.

Bellroy Flip Case Wallet

Dual magnetic trapdoors. Hardshell design. RFID-protection. Storage section for as many as eight cards. Yes, it’s safe to say Bellroy’s flip case wallet has a lot to offer. But most importantly, personal information and folded bills will be secured from potential thieves, near and far.

Read More: Bellroy Wallet Review: Gimmick or Great?

Anovus AirTag Wallet

Anovus AirTag Wallet is perfect for slim storage and quick card access. Made for Apple Airtag, there’s no need to worry about losing it. Not only does it have RFID-blocking technology to prevent your information from being compromised by electronic pickpockets, but it has enough capacity for your cards and cash.

ROYCE New York RFID Blocking Vaccine Card Travel Wallet

Royce New York offers a slim RFID-blocking wallet specifically designed for a post-pandemic era. They’re designed to be an all-purpose travel companion holding a vaccination card, passport, and payment. It’s a sign of hope ushering in a new excitement to travel without fear of ailment or getting ripped off.

Herschel Charlie Wallet

The Charlie Wallet from Herschel is compact and unobtrusive in a pocket. Constructed with a matte coating and recycled materials including two post-consumer water bottles, the RFID-blocking cardholder features multiple card slots and a storage sleeve. This is simplicity and minimalism at its finest for those who travel light. For those who keep every receipt in true Costanzian fashion, this won’t have enough space.

TRAVANDO RFID Blocking Slim Wallet

Travando wallets are one of a kind and carefully made with precision for long-lasting durability. This RFID-blocking wallet has a remarkable 11 card pockets, a stainless steel money clip, a classy metal emblem, and RFID protection. In other words, it serves the dual purpose of being stylish and functional.

Some reviews mention the wallet not blocking proximity (building access) cards. Based on Augustinowicz’s advice, those cards could have a lower-frequency chip.