The Coolest Pieces of Gear We Tested This Week
Here at Men's Journal, our team of editors and writers are constantly testing the latest gear to find the best new products. This is the newest and best stuff out there that you should know about to take on your next adventure, use during a workout, add to your wardrobe, or simply enhance every other part of your life. That includes everything from the best new adventure gear and outdoor gadgets to the absolutely coolest home tech along with the latest and greatest in tools, electronics, and cookware.
Here, check out our editors' favorite picks for Gear of the Week. Come back each week to see an updated list of our favorite new products, along with all the previous weeks' gear picks.
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
![<p>Backcountry’s new <span>Empire mountain biking pants</span> are made to last, while still being comfortable in and out of the saddle. The four-way-stretch construction provides a slim yet non-restrictive fit, while the outside fabric feels rugged to the touch and is ready to take on abrasions from sticks or shrubs. As you’d expect in a pant like this, it has a DWR coating for repelling water, dirt, mud, or anything else you encounter on the trail. And Backcountry has gone the extra mile by adding additional panels of reinforced materials in areas of high abuse to further extend its life.</p><p>Another great feature for mountain bikers is its ability to put your knee pads on without having to take your pants off thanks to long side zippers on each leg. To help increase airflow, they also laser cut ventilation holes in the back of the knee area as well as the inner thigh. These pants are so comfortable I found myself wearing them while biking but also on days spent fishing on a boat and I’ll definitely be packing them on upcoming camping trips.<em>—Peter Matlashewski, contributor</em></p><p>[$125; <span>backcountry.com</span>]</p><p>Courtesy Image</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1vhIc4uqVFO4JeoH4agLmQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/35a0f7296c3f66d55ec62fcbddbf6810)
Backcountry’s new Empire mountain biking pants are made to last, while still being comfortable in and out of the saddle. The four-way-stretch construction provides a slim yet non-restrictive fit, while the outside fabric feels rugged to the touch and is ready to take on abrasions from sticks or shrubs. As you’d expect in a pant like this, it has a DWR coating for repelling water, dirt, mud, or anything else you encounter on the trail. And Backcountry has gone the extra mile by adding additional panels of reinforced materials in areas of high abuse to further extend its life.
Another great feature for mountain bikers is its ability to put your knee pads on without having to take your pants off thanks to long side zippers on each leg. To help increase airflow, they also laser cut ventilation holes in the back of the knee area as well as the inner thigh. These pants are so comfortable I found myself wearing them while biking but also on days spent fishing on a boat and I’ll definitely be packing them on upcoming camping trips.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor
[$125; backcountry.com]
Courtesy Image
View the 1280 images of this gallery on the original article
