FIELD JOURNAL 32: Listen to Your Gut, Micromilspec Black Badger, On Roger ADV Z5

Plus, life-changing advice from 50 interesting people, how the CEO of WHOOP stays fit, a first look at the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar, and more...

May 28, 2025

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

THIS PAST WEEK I was in Washington D.C. for my cousin’s college graduation. I got to spend time with family I hadn’t seen in a while, including my parents. I’m grateful for the memories I got to make made on this trip.

While in D.C., I made time to run each morning through the National Mall. I found this routine very therapeutic—an opportunity to reflect where I’m at in life.

Just a few years ago, I had an offer to move to this city for a position at National Geographic. It was a holy grail job, but when it came time to make a decision I listened to my gut, and my gut told me the opportunity wasn’t the right fit at that time.

It’s funny how small decisions can alter a life trajectory. If I did take that job, I wouldn’t be in Austin right now. I probably wouldn’t be writing on Substack. (Because, let’s face it, a full-time journalism job makes it incredibly difficult to find time to write for fun.)

A butterfly flaps it’s wings… as they say.

Listen to your gut. Stick to your guns. Travel across the country to spend time with the people you love every chance you get.

If I continue to do all that, life will work out just fine in the end.

LIVE A LITTLE

STYLE & GEAR NEWS

On Running Roger ADV Z5

The latest design between Roger Federer and On has led to this wicked-cool ADV Z5 model. According to On, the Z5 is an indicator the shoe is part of an experimental design series, which makes it limited edition.

There are two colors with the Roger ADV Z5: a country club white and a rugged almond. (I love the almond color.)

And while the Roger ADV Z5 might look like an everyday shoe, it does pack significant features so you can actually wear them playing racket sports. The notable features include: a Helion™ superfoam midsole, TPU reinforcements for support and gripping, a CloudTec® interior to boost cushioning, and a Speedboard® rocker for better stability and pivoting.

These might become my go-to shoes for summer here in Austin. Priced at $170.

Micromilspec Black Badger - Project Sabotage

Micromilspec is a Norwegian watch brand known for making heavy-duty military watches. They’ve supplied watches to special forces and select military groups across Europe.

Recently, the brand collaborated with the artist Black Badger, who’s real name is James Thompson, to create this Project Sabotage titanium GMT. The case is Grade 5 Titanium, the glass is sapphire crystal, and the hands have an X1-grade Super-LumiNova lume that glows ultramarine color in the dark. It’s also water resistant to 100 meters and outfitted with a Swiss-made LJP L121 movement.

Limited to 75 watches. Priced at $3,850.

Marshall Heston 120 Soundbar

Marshall portable speakers have always been a little more expensive than I’d like to spend, but I’ve come to realize the combination of style and quality is worth the investment.

That includes the new Heston 120 Soundbar. It starts at $999, but you get a long soundbar packed with Dolby Atmos and Marshall’s reliable audio tech for what I’d expect to be a solid listening experience.

The Heston 120 has several modes to adjust to different use cases:

“Try Movie Mode for the ultimate goosebump generator, Voice Mode to hear every word, or Music Mode for blasting out your playlists. To minimise loud effects and improve dialogue, adjust to Night Mode.”

The last cool detail to point out is the heritage amp knobs that let you customize bass, treble, change source, and access presets.

Marshall has definitely carved itself a unique spot in the soundbar space here. Looking forward to reading more reviews of it over the next couple months.

OUTFIT

Garrett Leight Kinney J Sun ($495)
Outerknown The Slow Down Shirt ($148)
Flint and Tinder 265 Chino Short ($68)
Shinola Duck Watch ($550)
OluKai Tradewind Sneaker ($100)
Rugged Road Ultralight Cooler 25 Cans ($250)

INROADS

Life-Changing Advice from 50 of the Most Interesting People We Know

There’s a ton of epic wisdom in this story. Here’s one of my favorites: “Keep your phone in your pocket. Or better yet, keep cab fare and your hotel’s business card in your pocket and leave your phone in your room,” says Robert Spangle, journalist, designer of Observer Collection. [Esquire]

How WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed Stays Fit

I enjoy reading about the wellness routines of CEOs. This interview from MH is with Will Ahmed of WHOOP, who follows a strict routine of hit (racket sports), lift, chill (literally), and repeat. If you like this read check out the interview with RJ Scaringe, the CEO of Rivian. [Men’s Health]

A Tale of Dive Bars and Dive Watches

My friend

Matthew Medendorp

is a damn good writer and marketing guru. He recently published this travel story for Huckberry Journal, where he spent 48-hours in Asheville, NC with the new the Shinola Duck Watch. Matt just recently started his own Substack,

the discard pile

. Go give him a follow! [Huckberry Journal]