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WRITER, WORLD TRAVELER, AND marketing veteran Colin Nagy knows a thing or two about good gear. By day, he leads global brand strategy for Instagram and Threads at Meta. Outside of office hours, he’s exploring the world and documenting what he learns along the way.
For six years now, Colin co-writes and edits a near-daily newsletter called Why Is This Interesting. I admire he and his team’s commitment to regular posting. Their range knows no bounds—yet the common theme is you always come away feeling smarter and more informed. Their weekly interview series, “The Monday Media Diet” is one of my favorite reads on Substack.
At the same time as writing for WITI, Colin also pens travel stories for publications like Skift, Monocle, and Financial Times.
Like I touched on in the intro, Colin sees the world through a curious lens. When he finds something that catches his attention, he pulls on the thread and goes deep. He’s gone diving and skiing all over the world, visited Japan over 40 times, and field-tested hundreds of pieces of gear and apparel in efforts to find the very best and apply it to his kit.
All of these qualities are what makes Colin a certified LIVE A LITTLE guy. In many ways, he’s living a lifestyle I myself am striving to achieve. Winter sports in Colorado. Slow hangs in Bali. Trekking the Sahara Desert in Oman. I mean, c’mon, that’s a pretty awesome life.
Above all, Colin’s a man that sticks to his principles and never settles, which is why I tapped him for my last Gear Check interview of 2025. Ahead, you’ll discover the art of collecting rare hotel ashtrays, the ultimate travel blazer, and the dive watch he wears in and out of the water.
These are the things Colin Nagy can’t live without.
Colin Nagy’s Gear Check
Rare Hotel Ashtrays
His Words On…
The Knife-for-Life: Chris Reeves Knives Sebenza 31 Plain Drop Point
Founded in South Africa in 1984, and then moved to Idaho in 1989, Chris Reeves Knives has been churning out what many regard as the gold standard for high-end blades. Each knife is made in the USA, and reps a clean, sharp, and utilitarian profile—I like to call them the INEOS Grenadier of knives.
Colin keeps a short blade version of the Sebenza 31. “Chris Reeves Knives can be notoriously hard to find, but my folder has proven to be pretty spectacular over the years. It’s an EDC favorite.”
Respected in the Community: Doxa Orange 300t
One of Colin’s favorite hobbies is diving. He’s a certified rescue diver, and approaches the sport with a high level of focus. That kind of commitment requires expert-level tools, which includes his DOXA 300T.
“DOXA has deep credibility and authenticity in the dive world,” he says. “My 300[T] is very light on the wrist, and I love how different it looks from other watches.”
Gear That Goes the Distance: Observer Collection Corbet Ruck
A longtime Observer Collection collector, Colin swears by the premium goods made by Robert Spangle. “I could highlight so many products, but for now I’ll shout out the ruck,” he says.
“It’s like a modern interpretation of an old Alice Pack. That bag [along with the Seabag] are really fastidious, cool examples that show Robert’s talent.”
The Versatile Travel Blazer: Sid Mashburn Ghost Blazer in Navy
“Sid Mashburn’s Ghost Blazer is so versatile and comfortable that I’ve worn it everywhere from Dubai in the summer to New York City in the winter.”
Gotta Collect ‘Em All (Sort of): Rare Hotel Ashtrays
Some world travelers collect pins. Others collect matchbooks or postcards. But Colin’s favorite finds are rare ashtrays from prestigious hotels.
“I’ve got a few ashtrays from places like the Phoenicia in Beirut, the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, and the Claridge’s Hotel in London," he says. “I’ve had to restrain myself from buying ones that are $250 and up. You can definitely go deep on the hobby.”
The Go-To Scent: Frederick Malle Monsieur Perfume
“I enjoy Frederick Malle’s scents, and I choose which ones to wear based on the seasons,” he says.
“Malle does ouds and classic vetivers really well. Right now, I’m liking their Monsieur, which has a woody scent that pairs well with the cold weather.”
Good Stepping: Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots
No stranger to desert boots, Colin’s worn many pairs on his travels. “I find Astorflex to be pretty damn good; they’re reliable, and not too expensive,” he says.
“I’ve seen many guides in Africa wearing them too. I think that’s an impressive co-sign.”
Swiss-Made Skis: Stöckli Skis Montero AR
“I’m kind of obsessed with the Swiss brand Stöckli. My current skis from them are fantastic. The most interesting pair I’ve ever owned.”
Stay Hydrated: Reusable Water Bottle from Potato Head Hotel in Bali
Colin’s water bottle of choice is one he picked up from the Potato Head Hotel in Bali.
“Every guest gets one of these, and I bring it home with me every time. They’re made out of metal, but then the caps are made from recycled ocean plastic,” he says.
“For a hotel to go this far on such a small product shows extreme quality and intention. The careful thought that goes into that water bottle is the same thought that makes their hotel world-class.”
Gets Better with Age: Rimowa Pre-LVMH Pilot Case
Whether its the UK, Oman, or Japan, Colin takes his Rimowa Pilot Case everywhere. It’s a pre-LVMH acquisition model, with the old logo and font.
“I’ve had it rebuilt and fixed up over the years,” he says. “The quality of the pre-LVMH Rimowa suitcases is outstanding. I’m convinced the newer models have slightly dipped in quality.”
Live a Little
Find More From Colin
Follow Colin on Instagram, then subscribe to Why Is This Interesting.
In his latest story in the Financial Times, Colin covered Mahalo Experience surf expeditions and profiled their cool owner.
The Maldives are no easy place to get around. I enjoyed this story Colin wrote for Monocle about taking a seaplane via Trans Maldivian Airways.
Read More Gear Check Interviews
Thanks for Reading
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Damn. NOICE kit here.