Posts Written by Vic Arkoff

For Hendrick’s Gin’s sixth limited “Cabinet of Curiosities” release, Oasium, Master Distiller Lesley Gracie experimented with green botanicals, delicate herbs, and a kiss of citrus to capture a sensory oasis in every sip. Using Hendrick’s Gin as a base, Gracie built on its infusions of rose and cucumber to bring a verdant twist to classic gin cocktails.

Recovering from a knee or elbow injury too big for your old Boo-Boo Bear ice pack? The KT Recovery+ Ice Sleeve helps reduce swelling and pain with cold therapy and a flexible compression sleeve for sore muscles and joints. Chill it in the freezer, and slip it on for comforting 360-degree cooling. Available in two sizes.

We double-dare you to let the Kraken’s tentacles hug you in an abyssal embrace by donning this wearable blanket with oversized sleeves. The extra roomy “Uggie” flannel hoodie is lined with berber fleece for supernatural coziness. Perfect for slouching on the couch while sipping a rum cocktail. One-size fits all (unless you have more than two arms).

Boutique fragrance brand Terminal B creates luxury candles with fragrance blends that evoke far-off destinations and the airports that get you there. NRT’s black fig and cedarwood scent is inspired by Tokyo, CDG’s rose blend pays homage to romantic Paris, while by EZE represents Buenos Aires with a beautifully dark and fruity musk.

TBH we haven’t had many RTD cocktails we’d drink again. Absolut’s tasty bottled Cosmopolitans and on-trend Espresso Martinis (made with real espresso and Kahlúa coffee liqueur) are an exception, especially because a $17 750ml RTD bottle blows $17 bar cocktails away. No mixology skills required. Simply shake or pour over ice.

Everyone needs extra earbuds for those frustrating times when you lose another dropped bud on an airplane or down a hungry storm drain. Skullcandy’s Dime Evo to the rescue. Not only is it a reliable spare pair at a reasonable price, but it clips securely to your whatever, and the cover on its charging case securely slides shut.

Competition for the best luxury SUV keeps intensifying. The 2025 Lexus LX comes in five grades: Premium, F Sport Handling, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and — new for this year — Overtrail. This makes the LX the only Lexus to offer both F SPORT and Overtrail, which is available exclusively on the new hybrid LX 700h with two or three-rows.

One of the world’s most popular super-premium sipping rums, award-winning Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is noted for its superlative smoothness and balance. It begins with sugar cane, locally sourced in Venezuela. A unique combo of batch kettle, pot still, and column distillations are at the heart of the refined Diplomatico style.

No self-respecting sneakerhead would dare miss reading A Pocket Guide to Adidas by Josh Sims. His deep dive into one of the world’s most iconic brands follows the company’s extraordinary rise from a small town in Germany to a three-striped symbol of high performance, design, and influence in the global cultural zeitgeist.

The tranquil Hobbit House in Sanger, California, near Fresno, is one of the most popular properties on Airbnb. The swoopy three-bedroom house is a fanciful 1980s design by architect Arthur Dyson. Set on six wooded acres with a creek, the vibe is great for LARPing. Don’t forget to pack your LOTR role-playing games.

For heavy-duty use, we’re impressed by Arcade’s Hardware Alu utility belt with superior strength and a low-profile buckle system made from aircraft-quality aluminum. The stiff performance stretch webbing is extra robust to support the weight of tools. It’s just the thing for all handymen suffering from butt-crack exposure.

Reclaim nostalgic joy with Radio Flyer’s thoroughly modern Flyer Flex utility e-bike for commuters, errands, and family fun. Made for reluctant grownups (5’-6’ tall, up to 330 lb.), the Class 2 e-bike travels 20 to 40+ miles per charge and is one of the most versatile, safe, stylish, and smooth-riding e-bikes on the market.

Fans of Combat Flip Flops’ Jungle and Desert Fox high tops can now stomp in the stealthy, all-black Shadowban. Tougher than before, its leather toe cap and integrated tongue make it more resilient than earlier models, and the beefed-up the nylon material is extra burly. Its maker is owned and operated by US Veterans.

Chefs know there’s nothing more versatile or rugged than quality cast-iron cookware. Smithey’s line of skillets are sourced, poured, and cast in the USA. For daily use, the 3.5-quart No. 11 Deep Skillet with Lid will quickly become your main workhorse for stovetop, oven, grill, and even over an open fire.

What does it take to become a legend in (arguably) the world’s toughest sport? The Art of Suffering: Capturing the Brutal Beauty of Road Cycling takes readers behind the agonizing scenes with riders in major tours. As seen through the lens of pro-cycling photographer Kristof Ramon, it’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.

Sure, you’ve had durable pants before, but none that were developed with and tested by elite members of U.S. Special Operations squads. The Tactical 5-Pocket Pant from Ten Thousand packs field-tested durability and functionality into a comfy, understated design that’s equally at home off the grid and on the town.