FIELD JOURNAL 29: RRL Summer Catalog, Fellow Espresso Series 1, Free Fly Swim Line

Plus, Robert Earl Keen's Opry debut, the best way to catch ideas when we run, 10 tips on being the perfect dinner guest, and more...

Apr 23, 2025

Welcome to FIELD JOURNAL, the place to get style & gear news, outfits, & inroads for the adventure-seeking man.

This past Sunday, I found myself flipping through Louis L’Amour’s memoir, Education of a Wandering Man.

I read this book for the first time in the fall, and it had a profound impact on how much I believed one could accomplish in a life. L’Amour wasn’t properly educated. He didn’t even finish high school. Yet, by the end of his life, he became one of the most iconic writers of the 20th century.

There wasn’t any logic when I decided to re-read the memoir. I probably read 10 pages max. But the takeaway I got was that L’Amour’s life calling was to be a storyteller, and writing was his vehicle.

Some people tell stories through art, food, music. In the INROADS section of this issue, you’ll find a clip of Robert Earl Keen performing at the Grand Ol’ Opry for the first time in his career. He’s another example of a storyteller.

I’ve always told people I’m a writer. Lately, I think I might be in the early (early) stages of what I’d describe as a storyteller. And writing is one of the vehicles I’m using at this point in time.

STYLE & GEAR NEWS

RRL Summer ‘25 Catalog

Ralph is more than just buying clothes. You’re buying a lifestyle. I’m a firm believer that if you want to create an incredible brand, build it around a way of life. The new catalogue for RRL Summer ‘25 illustrates exactly that.

I’m amazed at how talented the Ralph team is when it comes to world building. Sailing, backyard football matches, time spent on the beach: the collection is full of nostalgia and high-class Americana. It’s aspirational, yet humble at the same time.

As a marketer, I’m taking notes on how to position images together, the choice of color vs. b&w, and how to place models in active positions. Two photos I especially love from the catalog include the landscape shot of the guy tilted sideways on the sailboat, and the vertical shot of the man pointing an old school camera out towards the ocean.

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.

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.

OUTFIT

Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Jersey Polo ($128)
Baracuta G9 Ripstop Jacket ($349)
7 for All Mankind Airweft Straight ($248)
Todd Snyder x New Balance 574 Legacy ($120)
Lucky Brand Triple Needle Stitch Leather Belt ($30)
’47 Brand MLB Los Angeles Dodgers Clean Up Hat ($29)
Q Timex® 1982 Ana-Digi Reissue ($189)

INROADS

When Ideas Arrive on the Run

I’m always getting novel ideas when I’m out running. It goes like this: I get excited, then I start mapping out further thoughts, and then I forget about it all within like 20 minutes after my run. I love how Mike Hahn put this experience into words, and how he offers solutions to capture the creative fireflies that are ever so fleeting. [Running Lightly]

Robert Earl Keen Opry Debut - “Feelin’ Good Again”

I hadn’t known much about Robert Earl Keen until I moved to Austin. He’s lived in the city for nearly 50 years now. One of those local music legends. This video above features Keen making his debut at the Grand Ol’ Opry about a month ago, which is crazy considering how long he’s been a figure in country music. (Tyler Childers introduces Keen in the video before the performance.) I wouldn’t say I’m a huge Robert Earl Keen fan, but I continue to find greater appreciate his music more and more. He’s a true storyteller, and country music is the vehicle. [Robert Earl Keen Official]

How to Be the Perfect Dinner Party Guest

As I get older, I realize how much I enjoy dinner parties. The share-style eating and the opportunity to have deep conversations are fulfilling to the soul. If you’re like myself and want to get invited to more dinner parties, then refer to these 10 tips. One of them includes actually hosting a dinner yourself. [Gentleman’s Journal]

LIVE A LITTLE

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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