by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Fall Jackets, Rugged New Boots & A Luxury Old Fashioned

Thanks for joining me, my friends, on another fine fall Friday. It’s the perfect time of year to gear up and hit the road with, say, one of the best duffel bags and perhaps, a rugged fall jacket from the good folks at Filson, as I’ve been talking about so frequently as of late. There are certain brands that are just uniquely well-suited to the demands of the season, and I’ve been testing out Filson menswear whenever I get the chance on brisk Brooklyn days. How about yourself? Be sure to let me know in the comments if you have any favorites from the famed retailer.

Now, onto business. In my neck of the woods, I’m actually deviating from the norm in terms of fall style and hitting the road for a family trip to the sunny confines of Turks and Caicos (keep up with all the fun on my Instagram!). From there, I’ll be preparing for Thanksgiving (crazily enough!) and taking some time off — how about yourself? Before we roll into the weekend, be sure to check out a few of my picks for the best fall menswear and some choice fall reads.

Best men's boots for fall.
  • Much like the best Filson menswear, there’s never been a better time to shop and save on some of the best men’s boots for fall. On that note, I’ve been a big fan as of late of Austin-based HELM Boots, which uses handsome, rugged leathers and the right mix of dressy design and durability in crafting some of the coolest boots for men. Give the brand a look the next tine you’re ready to score a pair of your new favorite boots.
  • Ready for fall layering with one of the best men’s sweaters? Not quite? If you still need a quick and easy wardrobe upgrade at a nice price, check out my latest blog post on one of the most affordable, stylish men’s sweaters out there this season (via Bespoke Post). Cheers!
  • If you, like me, enjoy a nice dram or cocktail during happy hour, my latest for Maxim is going to be of particular interest. I wrote about Sunday’s Finest, the Chicago company shaking up the “Ready-To-Enjoy” cocktail market with a luxe Old Fashioned in a bottle. Kick back, pour up a dram and read all about it.

That’ll bring the curtain down on my latest edition of the Friday Read — hopefully, you’re feeling just a bit more ready for the weekend and the rest of the season ahead. As always, cheers and thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Astorflex Bomaflex Boots are The Best New Boots to Shop Now

If you ask me, it’s high time you laced up a pair of the best men’s boots for fall, seeing as cold, crisp weather is bearing down upon much of the country in full force. Of course, if you read this blog on the regular, you know precisely where to shop for your new favorite pair of boots: That’d be Huckberry, a personal favorite of mine and a company known for outfitting stylish guys everywhere for adventures aplenty.

That goes for building looks from the ground up with the best leather boots for men, as with the Astorflex Bomaflex Boots — and it also holds true for other Huckberry Bestsellers like one of the best waxed trucker jackets (but I’d wager you knew that already, right?). But back to business and back to your new favorite pair of boots, yes?

Now, what precisely makes the Astorflex Bomaflex Boots so essential to your casually rugged fall and winter wardrobe? It could be the fact that the Astorflex Bomaflex Boots are crafted by the same family-owned factory that makes, for example, your go-to pair of chukka boots, for starters. Or maybe it’s the fact that these reliable boots are made from thick-yet-soft cowhide leather that’s been naturally soaked and dried, all the better to help these dependable boots mold to your feet over time.

Best moc-toe leather boots for men.

The Astorflex Bomaflex Boots only get better from there when you consider the full set of specs, be it calfskin-lined memory foam insoles for extreme comfort, or the lightweight EVA soles for springy cushioning. As luck would have it, the Astorflex Bomaflex Boots blend performance, style and classic looks in one reasonably priced pair of boots (they’ll run you under $350 at Huckberry). The moc toe construction is also durable and timeless, and the fact that the Astorflex Bomaflex Boots also feature boat shoe lacing and detailing is another nice touch.

It’s also worth calling out the wedge sole on the Astorflex Bomaflex Boots, which turns them in to casual boots to wear with blue jeans and a henley, or else with chinos and one of the best shirt jackets on a casual day at the office. They’re also available in goes-with-anything colors like Black or Brown leather, complete with eye-catching rawhide laces. When the occasion calls for modern, rugged style and yet all-day reliability, be sure you’re lacing up the Astorflex Bomaflex Boots ASAP.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Gear Up and Hit the Road with Filson’s Large Rugged Duffle

Fall is a prime season for many things, chief among them gearing up in rugged fashion to hit the road in style, and you should make sure you’re doing it the right way with one of the best duffle bags for men. Now, I’m a big fan of fall road trips through the Northeast and beyond, and if you happen to feel the same way, then I’ve got just the bag for you to shop on this crisp fall day.

One of the best men’s duffle bags in question comes from Filson, the famed Pacific Northwest heritage outfitter we’ve been talking about quite a bit on the blog. It’s a legendary piece in its own right — that’d be the Filson Large Duffle — with the sort of pedigree and functionality that nearly speaks for itself (not unlike some of the best men’s wool coats from Filson, for instance).

The Filson Large Duffle carries forward the sort of utility and style you’d expect from a brand that’s been making nothing but the best outdoor gear for more than a century, with both the specs and style to live up to the name. The outfitter boasts that the Filson Large Duffle is made from industrial-strength fabric that’s been lightly waxed, all the better to stand up to rain, wind and more.

Best fall travel bag for men.

For good measure, the ridiculously well-made Filson Large Duffle features tough yet handsome bridle leather by way of reinforced handles and extra durability at key stress points. Of course, this duffle also boasts crucial carrying capacity for long weekends and well beyond, by way of 75 liters of volume to haul everything from Filson flannel shirts to your new favorite hiking boots.

And because it’s a famed brand we’re talking about here, the Filson Large Duffle doesn’t skimp on style points, either — note the Otter Green color, all the better to nicely complement any travel outfit, especially one featuring, say, Filson indigo denim. The next time you hit the road this fall and winter, make sure it’s the Filson Large Duffle you’re packing up.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Get This Stylish Men’s Sweater from Bespoke Post for 65 Percent Off

Best on-sale men's sweater

My friends, if you thought that headline above was too good to be true, you’re in luck. You really can get this stylish men’s sweater from Bespoke Post for 65 percent off right this very second, with a wide range of sizes to suit every guy. What a way to start off our Tuesday Steal entry this week, right? You’re telling me. The Line of Trade Jackson Fair Isle Sweater can be scooped up for a whale of a deal right now (under $50, compared to $128 at full price), and it’s definitely in your best interest to score one of the best men’s sweaters while saving some hard-earned cash heading into the holiday season.

Of course, Bespoke Post has long been a reliable way to shop and save, be it on one of the best men’s subscription boxes or on a full rotation of stylish menswear — like the Line of Trade Jackson Fair Isle Sweater — but this sort of deal is nearly unheard of these days. It certainly doesn’t hurt that this particular sweater is part of the Bespoke Post in-house brand Line of Trade itself, providing the right balance between quality, timeless style and fair pricing.

The Line of Trade Jackson Fair Isle Sweater of course features that classic, winter-friendly pattern, not to mention a blend of wool and nylon for comfort and even some stretch compared to traditional sweaters. Beyond that, the design found on the Line of Trade Jackson Fair Isle Sweater is exclusive to Bespoke Post, meaning you’ll stand out subtly and stylishly at many a holiday party this season. And remember, you’re saving a whopping 65 percent on this seriously cool men’s holiday sweater right now. Act early and often to upgrade your winter sweater rotation ASAP.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Filson’s Alaskan Guide Shirt is One of the Warmest Flannel Shirts to Wear Right Now

Best men's flannel shirt to buy now.

If you’ve been following the blog as of late, you might recall that it’s what I now like to refer to as, well, “Filson weather.” It’s an ideal time to take stock of your menswear essentials, and it’s that time of year where it’s ideal to wear one of the best men’s flannel shirts, one of the best men’s wool jackets, and plenty of other rugged gear designed to keep you warm in style.

Right now, there’s one category in particular that’s worth your time and hard-earned cash, and that’s the shirt on your back. Specifically, look to the legendary Pacific Northwest brand to get the Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt, one of the warmest flannel shirts to wear right now (and one of the most classic, at that).

The Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt checks all the right boxes as you look for reliable style and rugged performance, to say the least. As far as Filson flannel shirts are concerned, it strikes the right middle ground between the spring and summer-friendly Lightweight Alaskan Guide Shirt and the brand’s heavier shirt jackets.

Specifically, the Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt boasts an 8 oz. cotton flannel build made from brushed cotton twill for soft comfort right out of the box.

And I’d wager you’ll definitely want to wear the Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt right out of the box, even if you’re not in the Great White North. It’s sturdy but comfortable, and impossibly classic — but it only gets better from there.

Color options like Bottle Green or the timeless Red-and-Black design of the Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt work in any style situation, especially more casual winter affairs when worn with Filson indigo denim or tan chinos (yes, Filson makes some of the best jeans for men, too). Plus, the oversized front flap chest pockets on the Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt, along with its classic fit, make it easy to layer as an overshirt with room for your everyday carry in extreme conditions.

Style the Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt as a mid-layer underneath a Filson waxed jacket for good measure, or wear it as a comfortable shirt jacket to grab some toasty winter beers. The possibilities are nearly endless with a shirt as well-made as the Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt — make sure you add one to your wardrobe ASAP.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Get a Deal on the Duke Cannon Big Bourbon Beard Box, the Best Beard Grooming Kit for Men

Best beard oil for men.

There’s never a bad time to pay special attention to the best beard grooming products for men, if you ask your bearded Brooklyn style writer, and if you can get a deal on the best men’s beard products, that’s all the better, right? It’s especially true during the brisk fall months (in my neck of the woods), when beard and skin care is of the essence in the cold weather. To all of this, I say: What better way to upgrade your beard care than by saving on a bundle like the Duke Cannon Big Bourbon Beard Box, which just so happens to be jam-packed with, of course, the best beard grooming products for men? It’s an ideal Sunday Sale entry, and you’ll have your mane looking tip-top in no time.

What exactly makes up the Duke Cannon Big Bourbon Beard Box? It’s a humble yet hard-working trio packed with the kind of functional products every guy needs, and you’re getting a nearly 20 percent discount from its full retail price of $60. To soften and tame your facial hair, use both the Duke Cannon Beard Oil and Beard Balm, both in handsome scents featuring — truly — a hint of Buffalo Trace Bourbon for good measure.

How cool is that, ehh? And for a deep, rich cleaning lather that softens your beard and skin, use the Duke Cannon Beard Wash, of course. And before you go on your way to enjoy the rest of your Sunday, keep in mind the 20 percent discount up for grabs right now on the Duke Cannon Big Bourbon Beard Box, featuring some of the best beard care for men. Cheers, my bearded brethren!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson x Danner Trail 2650 Hiker Boots – The Best Fall Hiking Boots for Men

Best hiking boots for men

Sometimes, it takes the perfect menswear partnership between two of your favorite menswear brands to make you think differently about a certain category. Take the best men’s hiking boots, for instance. Hiking boots are certainly functional, but they’re not often all that sleek, stylish or rugged, and not often all three of those things at once — until the advent of the Filson x Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Boots, that is.

Think of them like your new favorite pair of hiking boots, and an ideal partnership between Portland-based Danner and legendary Pacific Northwest heritage retailer Filson. Does it get much better than that? Certainly not in my book.

After all, the good folks at Filson definitely know how to outfit guys with the best rugged gear for men, from warm wool jackets to dependable denim and of course, A-plus footwear (not limited to just the Filson x Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Boots, of course).

The two brands have, of course, teamed up on the best early fall boots, and this partnership returns just in time for you to get off-trail — or at least get to a cabin getaway — for brisk seasonal adventures. Let’s look more at what makes ’em tick, shall we?

Best fall hiking boots for men.

The Filson x Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Boots are reliable in all the right ways from the ground up, starting with the flexible, lightweight-yet-grippy Vibram outsole for springy comfort on muddy, slick trails. Plus, the Filson x Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Boots are fully waterproof and inspired by the spirit of the great outdoors connecting the two brands — think of them like the perfect blend of throwback Filson style and modern Danner footwear performance.

The end result? Easily some of the best hiking boots for men.

Leather and textile GORE-TEX uppers are blended with mesh for breathability while still keeping that crucial waterproof performance intact. They’re the ideal hybrid design to meet the demands of the trail and the town (the Filson x Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Boots are certainly more like sneaker boots than traditional hikers, for starters).

You can wear these stylish, reliable hikers with Filson’s Tin Cloth Pants or with stretch jeans, and of course, the Filson x Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Boots wear nicely with Filson flannel shirting or your favorite henley. The right mix of performance and style is yours for under $220 with this exceptional pair of collaborative boots.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New Filson Fall Gear, Wolverine’s New Fall Boots & The Perfect Fall Pants

Best fall gear from Filson

If you read the blog yesterday, and if you’ve checked the weather forecast in your neck of the woods as we roll into another lovely late fall weekend, then you know it’s high time for one thing: Shopping the best Filson menswear, of course. It seems like there are certain brands that are just uniquely well-suited for rugged cold-weather adventures — as I talked about yesterday in my guide to Filson’s classic wool jackets — and that shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. I’d wager if you want a cozy thermal henley, a durable piece of outerwear or some classic indigo denim (to name but a few staples), Filson will sort you out on this fine Friday.

Shop Filson gear ASAP

Now, onto the rest of today’s Friday Read. If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you know I’ve been staying plenty busy as of late, namely with another trip across the pond! Yes, believe it or not, I just returned from another trek to London — and Scotland, for good measure — my third time in the U.K. since the end of June. This time around, I visited the iconic Balvenie Distillery as part of an upcoming story on an epic new Scotch launch for Maxim.com, where I’ve been keeping plenty busy with daily stories.

Wolverine

You should stay tuned for my full rundown on the legendary distillery’s latest and greatest release very soon, but for now, here’s the rest of the best fall menswear and gear to read about and buy now.

Best fall adventure gear
  • Perhaps you’ve been making the most of fall, going off-trail and getting off the grid. You’ve still got plenty of time to do so in the weeks ahead though, provided you’re outfitted properly — that’s where Colorado-based Western Rise comes into play. I’d hope you’re familiar with the brand for making performance menswear like the best men’s shirts and comfortable stretch, moisture-wicking pants, the kind you can wear out on a hike and back into town without missing a beat. Consider this your reminder to pick up some new fall adventure gear ASAP.
Wolverine x Pappy Van Winkle Boots

That brings today’s Friday Read to a close, folks. Will you be picking up – -and lacing up — a pair of boots from Wolverine and Old Rip Van Winkle, or else shopping one of the the best Filson wool jackets? Be sure to let me know in the comments, and stick around for Saturday’s Style Pick of the Week. Cheers to fall, my friends!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: Filson’s Lineup of Rugged Wool Jackets Are As Classic and Warm As It Gets

Alright, my friends. I’m going to keep today’s post brief, functional, stylish and highly rugged, particularly if you want one of the best jackets for men. That means I’m going to recommend you shop the impossibly cool, classic and dependable lineup of Filson wool jackets to layer up for fall and winter.

Learn more now at Filson

The Pacific Northwest gear purveyor has quite the pedigree when it comes to the best cold-weather gear, as you know if you read the blog, and that includes a whole lineup of durable wool jackets, from the Lined Mackinaw Wool Jac-Shirt to the Filson Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Jacket.

These jackets are burly, dependable, super-warm and even a touch stylish for days off the grid and back in town. Prices start at under $300 for the collection, so give these heirloom pieces a look ASAP.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Upgrade Your Everyday Carry with Buck Mason’s Handsome Leather Wallets

Best men's leather wallets

My friends, thanks for joining us today as we switch things up ever-so-slightly from a rundown of the best fall menswear to something just as important as part of your daily routine: Carrying the best leather goods with you from 9-to-5 (and beyond). And as luck would have it, one of your favorite menswear brands — that’d be Buck Mason — continues to make an impressive foray into the best men’s accessories aside from just, say, one of the best corduroy shirts or your new favorite fall jacket.

Yes, that’s right: Upgrading your everyday carry is every bit as essential as dressing with style and intention on the daily, and Buck Mason leather goods are also every bit as well-crafted as the brand’s rugged men’s henleys and stylish men’s jackets. Believe me: I’ve been able to try out pieces like the Buck Mason Countryman Full-Grain Leather Wallet, and it’s the sort of everyday carry essential you’ll look forward to using day in and day out.

Best leather wallet for men.

The handsome and stylish collection is rounded out by pieces like a leather key ring and a card case, but if it’s more space you need for credit cards and even light bills, the Buck Mason Countryman Full-Grain Leather Wallet is your best bet. It still maintains a low profile (crucial for carrying in the front pocket of your Buck Mason men’s jeans, for instance), but delivers the crucial utility you need in one of the best men’s wallets.

While similar leather goods might run you more than $100, the Buck Mason Countryman Full-Grain Leather Wallet sets you back just $75. It’s an investment that’ll pay dividends every single time you use it, so upgrade your EDC with one of the best men’s wallets today.