19 Best Men's Style & Gear Releases in April 2025

Guevel x 3sixteen, NANUK, Red Wing—these are my awards for every new release and product discovery this month.

May 03, 2025

LIVE A LITTLE is a style and lifestyle journal for the adventurous man—written from the pen of a full-time menswear copywriter.

Hey all, for those who are new here, I do a monthly edit of all the best men’s style and gear releases across the internet. (You can check out last month’s edition here.)

This month, you’ll find everything from my favorite new graphic tees, a heavy-duty rolling gear box, a $199 anniversary watch release, and more. Give it a read. Let me know your favorites + if I missed anything.

Last, but not least, thank you for being part of LIVE A LITTLE. Let’s keep doing the damn thing—togther.🤘

“Start where you are. Distant fields always look greener, but opportunity lies right where you are.” - Robert Collier

Best New Cooler Release: The North Face Base Camp Cooler

Designed after the famous Base Camp Duffel Bag, the Base Camp Cooler reps the iconic Summit Gold color and is designed to be tough as nails. Check out the specs here:

Patented TRU® Zip zipper is fully waterproof, dustproof, airtight, and submersible (IP67 rated)
15-quart capacity. Under 4 pounds in weight.
Internal zip pocket, external front pocket, and bungee top.

At $300, this bad boy costs a pretty penny, which is interesting because I’ve always viewed the Base Camp Duffel Bags as a solid mid-tier price.

Note: If you’re looking for a cheaper cooler, I recommend the brand RTIC.

Best New Tech Release: InstaMax Mini 41

The Instax Mini 41 is Fujifilm’s latest instant camera, picking up where the Mini 40 left off back in 2021.

It keeps the same retro looks, plus an easy-to-use auto exposure. My favorite feature is how the camera turns on by twisting the lens. Then, you can twist the lens further to enter “Close-Up Mode”—which makes a tighter crop of the subject and changes the focus range from 11.8 to 19.7"

Starts at $99. Cool gifting idea, especially for graduation season here coming up.

Best New Men’s Boot Release: Red Wing Weekender Collection

For 2025, Red Wing updated it’s iconic Weekender Chukka with a new model of last for the boot, swapping it’s No. 60 with a sleeker No. 64. What that means is the shoe has a more comfortable fit and better look.

As for colors, there’s Chocolate Muleskinner and White Sand Mohave roughout. Then, there’s the Huckberry exclusive we did called “Dusty Abilene Blue.”

Out of every item on this list, the boots are probably the most likely item I’ll buy. I’m torn between the Dusty Blue (really unique color) and the White Sand Mohave, which would likely look the best with my outfits in Austin during the summer. Priced at $270.

Best New Men’s Shirt Release: Huckberry Graphic Tees

I wouldn’t recommend you guys Huckberry gear if I didn’t believe in it. This collection of graphic tees is one of my favorite releases yet.

I think graphic tees are a great way to gauge the cool factor of a brand. The designers behind these HB tees put a ton of time into making sure they came out solid. I actually helped write the copy for the product descriptions, so you’re seeing some of my direct work here too.

There’s definitely room for improvement on some designs, but a few of these make me smile instantly. See the “Champagne of Gear.” Priced at $42 a tee.

Best New Men’s Shorts Release: Guevel x 3sixteen Drawstring Short

My favorite hometown menswear store Guevel just dropped these frogskin camo drawstring shorts, in partnership with 3sixteen.

The lore between these two brands is Guevel has been the only place to reliably get 3sixteen denim in Kansas City. I’ve loved watching the two brands continue to work together and create unique collaborations—these shorts being one of the handful they’d done.

These shorts are a deep cut. If they sell out online, sometimes Cam (the owner) has a few extras hanging in the actual store in downtown KC. Priced at $175.

Best New Gadget Release: Peak Design Passport Wallet

The only possible way to get the Peak Design Passport Wallet was to back their new Roller Pro Carry-On on Kickstarter.

Available for $69 as an add-on, the Passport Wallet stores up to 2–3 passports, 8 cards, 15 bills, a pen, and more—according to Peak Design. It’s made from a textured TerraShell™ Ultra fabric with a magnetic closure on the cover.

I read the Passport Wallet will probably cost $99, and that it’s only a matter of time before it releases solo on the brand’s site. Available in Black, Eclipse, and Sage colors.

Best New Travel Backpack Release: Matador GlobeRider 35

Based on the GlobeRider 45 bag, Matador’s new 35-liter version boasts a tighter and leaner design. Both bags are carry-on friendly, but the GlobeRider 35 will be a more familiar size.

420D nylon shell with waterproof PU coating and abrasion resistance
Tons of pocket space around top, sides, and a back panel “smuggler’s pocket”
Clamshell opening that fits Matador packing cubes

If I were choosing between the two bags, I would go with the GlobeRider 35. It’s lighter, more versatile, and $60 cheaper than the GloberRider 45 ($350 price).

GlobeRider 35 is priced at $290. Available in 3 colors.

Best New Watch Release: Timex 1995 Intrepid Reissue

I’m a huge JFK Jr. fan. He’s not only one of my favorite style icons, but also one of my favorite guys of all time. This 30th anniversary reissue of the Timex 1995 Intrepid is based on the exact model JFK Jr. wore.

The Intrepid sticks out at a massive 46mm size. It’s totally 90s in its design, especially when you consider the teal button on the side. This news makes me want to do a deep dive on other watches JFK Jr. wore through the 90s.

Shoutout to Worn & Wound covering this release. If not for them, I probably would’ve missed the Intrepid Reissue’s release. Priced at $199.

Best New Gear Release: NANUK Trail 30

Made for “campers, hunters, anglers, and everyday adventurers,” this new gear box from NANUK can be configured for all sorts of organizational purposes.

Exterior Size: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in. Interior Size: 20.5 in x 11.3 in x 7.5 in
IP67 waterproof and dustproof. PowerClaw latches make it bearproof.
Floatable design made from eco-friendly resin. Weight is under 12 pounds and capacity is 28.5 liter.

I love the rolling wheels the most. They seem sturdy enough to actually go over dirt and gravel. Priced at $280-$300.

Most Unique Men’s Style Release: One of These Days SS25

Matt McCormick’s brand, One of These Days, just dropped a bunch of new arrivals. I’ve always liked how he mixes the high-low of graphics and crewnecks with unique pieces like embroidered camp collar shirts and mohair cardigans. Links to some of my favorites below (not all are pictured).

If you’re interested in the brand further, they make a lot of cool small goods and accessories too.

Best New Men’s Pant Release: Vuori Barren Explorer Pant

Recently, I played a round of golf in my Vuori jogger tech pants. They handled like a champ, and I was reminded how good the brand’s pants can be.

The Barren Explorer Pant is a newly released pant that I find unique. For starters, they use a stretch cotton canvas that appears less slick and more textured. You can see this fabric difference most notably on the blue pair—these pants can almost look like blue jeans from afar.

Then there’s the built-in pocket on the quad there. It’s not anything crazy, but it's a fun feature. Maybe if I’m biking, I use that zippered pocket there to hold my cardholder or apartment key? Priced at $128.

Best New Men’s Jacket Release: Wm Brown x Chesapeake's Co Navy Tropical Jacket

Matt Hranek of The Wm Brown Weekly just announced the release of a Navy Blue Tropical Jacket he’s made in collaboration with Cheasapeake’s. The summer jacket is inspired by US Army patterns used during Vietnam.

For those unfamiliar with Chesapeake’s, they’re an Italian brand that specializes in blending traditional military apparel with casual styling. Their story begins in 1987, when the founders visited the East Coast of the U.S. and decided to name the brand after Chesapeake Bay.

I like this jacket because of its unique navy color. There’s an abundance of vintage green military apparel out there (probably in this same jacket style too), but there’s only ever a handful of navy; which makes the jacket less hardcore on the military styling, and easier to pair with casual and formal looks.

Available for pre-order at $220.

Best New Gym Restock: KNKG Conquer Duffel

I’ve seen a ton of these KNKG (pronounced “King Kong “) bags around Austin lately. They look damn cool in person. The brand’s most popular Conquer Duffel just got a timely restock.

What’s nice about this bag is it features a divider system to break up all your workout gear. So, in one divider, you can keep a water bottle, while in the others you can keep your pre-workout powder, a weight belt, jump rope.

This bag is a pretty penny. Priced at $300. In a world where all gym bags are the same, KNKG is at least doing something unique (and doing it well). Excited to see this brand continue to grow.

Most Hyped Style Release: L.L. Bean Japan Comes to the U.S.

There’s over 30 years of lore behind L.L. Bean Japan exclusives. The brand opened their first store in Tokyo in 1992. Today, they have over 25 locations across the country.

Similiar to The North Face Purple Lable, L.L. Bean Japan is only available in the Japanese marketplace. You literally couldn’t get any of the cool throwback styles and colors in America—until this past month.

L.L. Bean broke its rules and held pop-up events in New York and Los Angeles to sell some of its exclusive styles. The events were a huge hit, and while I’m telling this news to you after-the-fact, I have a feeling this won’t be the last chance to buy Japanese L.L. Bean in America.

What makes the clothes so special? Take a look at the baby blue Field Coat and the red nylon anorak and shorts set. It’s damn good.

More Photos Here

Best New “Heck Yeah” Release: SOG Throwing Death Cards

Have you ever wanted to act like Gambit from X-Men in real life? It’s now easier than ever. For just the low price of $30, you can now buy these 2.8mm-thick, stainless steel throwing cards from SOG.

I’m not sure how easy it is to throw these (probably difficult), but the fact that SOG chose to make them is worth highlighting.

Chuck these cards at some wood, or maybe you can chuck ‘em at an unopened can of beer, and if it hits it, your buddy has to chug. Cheers.

Most Underrated Men’s Release: Seevees Acorn Trainer

According to Seevees, the Acorn Trainer is delayed due to high demand. That doesn’t help my case for it being the “Most Underrated,” but, to be fair, you don’t hear about Seevees a ton in the men’s style space.

Which is crazy, because the brand has been around forever. The Acorn Trainer is their latest proof that they can do simple footwear, really good.

The new shoe channels classic 90s-sport trainer and brings in a modern cushioned stack. I love the all-black color. Bordeaux (maroon) is my second favorite. Priced at $130.

Best Everyday Release: MiiR Everyday Collection

I’m a fan of Miir mugs and tumblers. Their new Everyday Collection is technically just plastic tumblers and bottles, but I like the minimalism of the design.

Yes, I’m aware it’s not the best to drink anything plastic. Carrying around metal bottles can be so cumbersome and heavy. That’s why I use my YETI Yonder so much.

This coffee tumbler with the straw (pictured above) is the coolest of the collection. The 16-ounce is just $20. I can see myself using this for work to try and limit buying coffee shop coffee all the dang time.

Best New Limited Edition Release: Todd Snyder x New Balance 574 Legacy

Sometimes an exclusive colorway is all it takes to make a classic sneaker even more covetable. This 574 collaboration between New Balance and Todd Snyder features a limited-edition “Shiro” (white) color.

What’s cool about the shoe’s color is it’s inspired by the Japanese book “Take Ivy,” a book I’d count as part of the men’s style book canon. (Yes, there’s a men’s style book canon. Should I make a list someday about it?).

Priced at $120

Best New Collaboration: Sperry x J.Crew Original Boat Shoe in Roughout Suede

Similar playbook to the Todd Snyder x New Balance, right? Sperry and J.Crew came together and outfitted it’s original boat shoe with a very of-the-moment roughout suede.

Instead of using roughout suede in a Western application (like a boot or belt), J.Crew applied it to a classic ivy shoe. It’s one of those men’s style releases that tastefully brings two different worlds together.

Priced at $120.

Best New Coffee Release: Fellow Espresso Series 1

Fellow seems to just level up every time they release a new product. Recently, they announced their first-ever espresso machine. The design is beautiful, and the features are badass.

Rapid heat-up thanks to a boosted boiler system
Customizable brewing profiles from beginner to advanced
Steam wand with a built-in thermistor to read milk temperature

If you want to learn more, Bon Appétit put out a hands-on review with some cool imagery and videos. The Espresso Series 1 is currently available for pre-order, starting at $1,200 for early access pricing.

Best New Men’s Swimsuit Release: Free Fly’s New Swim Line

I’m a big fan of the brand Free Fly. Their materials are great. Designs are simple. Based on how much they identify with fishing and coastal lifestyle, it’s crazy to think Free Fly doesn’t have a top seller in the swim category.

Enter Free Fly’s new swim line: the Palmera Trunks and the Dawn Patrol Boardshorts. These suits look super comfortable, and with plenty of colors and patterns available. I especially love the Bluestone color and the clay printed variations.

Each style of short is no more than $75. Not the cheapest, but also not crazy expensive. Feels like a solid investment if you’re spending a ton of time on the water.

Rundown: The Best Men’s Style & Gear Releases in April 2025

Best Cooler Release: The North Face Base Camp Cooler
Best New Tech Release: Instamax Mini 41
Best New Boot Release: Red Wing Weekender Collection
Best New Men’s Shirt Release: Huckberry Graphic Tees
Best New Shorts Release: Guevel x 3sixteen Drawstring Short
Best New Travel Backpack Release: Matador GlobeRider 35
Best Watch Release: Timex 1995 Intrepid Reissue
Best New Gear Release: NANUK Trail 30
Most Fun Release: One of These Days SS25
Best New Men’s Pant Release: Vuori Barren Explorer Pant
Best New Mens’ Jacket Release: Wm Brown x Chesapeake's Co Navy Tropical Jacket
Best Gym Release: KNKG Conquer Duffel
Most Hyped Release: L.L. Bean Japan Comes to the U.S.
Most Underrated Release: Seevees Acorn Trainer
Best Everyday Release: MiiR Everyday Collection
Best New Limited Edition Release: Todd Snyder x New Balance 574 Legacy
Best New Collaboration: Sperry x J.Crew Roughout Suede
Best New Coffee Release: Fellow Espresso Series 1
Best New Swim Release: Free Fly’s New Swim Line

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Comment your favorites + let me know if I missed anything!