High Twist

We kick things off with the obligatory “what are you wearing?” and a little weather envy—rainy and gray in Boulder, humid and sauna-like in Austin. From there, we tumble into our usual rabbit hole of summer travel style, comparing notes on everything from rain jackets that refuse to age, to linen shirts that are better engineered than some spacecraft. We argue (passionately) about shorts, try to figure out why every technical piece looks too pristine out of the box, and share some trade secrets for scoring sales and coping with the wild world of international sizing. Along the way, we diagnose the retail experiences of every outdoor brand store we know (spoiler: if you’ve ever been lost in a Montbell, it’s not just you), share our grievances with Boulder’s Patagonia monoculture, and demonstrate proper Leica battery changes—because who doesn’t want to feel like John Wick on vacation? Naturally, we close it all out with hot takes on approach shoes, unsolicited life advice on field snorkeling, and a solemn promise to deliver more style, more rants, and more questionable summer shopping choices next week.   Apparel & Footwear: Levi’s 501 Jeans Triple Aught Design Overland Shirt (French twill) Filson Short Lined Tin Cloth Cruiser Vollebak Planet Earth Lightweight Jacket (discontinued) Amundsen Sports Ditch Hiker Collection Amundsen Traveler Collection – Linen Lady White & Co. T-Shirts Drake’s Chinos Patagonia Baggies Shorts Outlier New Way Shorts Outlier Injected Linen Pants Outlier Dreamweight T-shirt Outlier Ramie/Three Bar Cap Sunspel Riviera Polo Fjällräven Stiksen Hats Hard Graft Shoes Astroflex Penny Loafer Mocha Flex Crockett & Jones Harvard II Loafer Nike City 1 (C1TY) Nike Trail/ACG/Mountain Fly North Face Cliff Approach Shoe Danner x Huckberry N45 Vans Observer Collection (Hat) Fingers Crossed Socks ROTOTO Socks Disclaimer: Some links in our show notes and on our website are affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase—at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and brands we genuinely like and use.

In this episode of High Twist, Ben and Bruce tackle the paradoxes of “buy it for life” in an era where everything seems to be getting more expensive—and more complicated. From cast iron skillets that outlast generations to luxury watches and titanium mugs, the hosts dig into the appeal of owning things built to endure. But as their drawers fill with pocket knives and their closets rack up linen pants and Filson jackets, they ask: does buying for life really make sense, or just make for great stories and excellent patina? Mixing practical wisdom with personal anecdotes from Boulder to Austin, Ben and Bruce explore what it means to use and truly enjoy high-quality gear, from cameras that get brassed in the wild to sweatpants-disguised-as-trousers that push the limits of “easy” style. Along the way, they share favorite brands, discuss the art of repair, and remind us that a life well lived is better than a shelf well stocked. If you love great gear—or just want a fresh take on how to enjoy the things you have—this episode is for you. Brands & Product Mentions List Spear & McKay — Seersucker kit Sid Mashburn — Shirts, microcellulare/airtex Proper Cloth — Custom shirts Filson — Bags/jackets, repairs, legendary tin cloth Levi’s 501 — Jeans Crockett & Jones — Harvard 2 loafers Smithey Ironware — Cast iron & carbon steel cookware Wagner cast iron — Vintage cast iron Victorinox / Swiss Army Knife — Knives Chris Reeve Knives — EDC knives, fixed blades Rolex, Seiko 5, Casio G-Shock — Watches Leica Camera — Q2, special editions Snow Peak — Titanium mugs Patrick James — Linen drawstring pants Outlier — Injected linen pants, Ramie cloth shirts Gramicci — Ridge shorts and fatigue pants Disclaimer: Some links in our show notes and on our website are affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase—at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and brands we genuinely like and use.

Bruce (in Austin) and Ben (in Boulder) return after a hiatus prompted by weather (and, realistically, life and work). They catch up on significant changes in their wardrobes and deep-dive into recent menswear acquisitions, focusing on denim, chinos, outerwear, and bags. They dive into how climate and lifestyle changes have nudged both toward new clothing staples—from denim and workwear to tailored pieces and innovative summer fabrics—and compare notes on quality, value, and design across contemporary menswear. The episode also explores their ever-expanding bag collections and favorite new accessories as they prep for spring and summer. Product List Filson: Dry Tin 5 Pocket Pants, Mackinaw Cruiser, Medium Field Bag, Small Carry On "The 240", Forestry Cloth Cruiser, 24 Hour/72 Hour Briefcase Levi’s: 501, premium and selvege lines Gustin: 75 Okayama Standard Fjällräven: Skog flannel, Singi 28 backpack Taylor Stitch: Suede Chelsea boots Drake’s: Plain flat front chinos, rugbys The Armory: City Hunter II jacket, spread collar polo Frizmworks: Back satin fatigue pants O’Connells: Flat front pants RRL** Officer Chinos Sid Mashburn: Ghost Blazer, Ghost Trousers Margaret Howell: Sweatshirt Stock Tank Supply: HD Work Shirt Barbour: White Mountaineering collaboration jacket J. Mueser: Waverly Suit Bleu de Chauffe: Business Musette, reflective strap (discontinued) **Canoe Club (store):** Mentioned as source for Frizmworks and Gramicci [Gramicci: Packable Tote](https://gramicci.com/collections/bags/products/nylon-packable-explorer-tote), Ridge Shorts Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Daybreak pack Epperson Mountaineering: Large Climb Pack Pioneer Carry: Savant backpack Alpha One Niner: Evade 1.0/2.0, Whitley En Passant: EP3 Reader’s Jacket Proper Cloth: Jackson Slub Twill shirts Outlier: Injected Linen Pants, New Way 55 shorts Hard Graft: Taupe roughout/leather sneaker The North Face: Clyffe Approach shoe Danner: N45 sneaker/hiking shoe, Mountain 600s GORUCK: MACV-1 boots, Rucker Nike: SFB Diemme: Cornaro Due Gomma, Roccia Vets Salomon: XT6 (referenced), other trail runners Viberg: Mentioned in connection with Aaron Levine collaboration boots Tracksmith: Run polos and Twilight tees Disclaimer: Some links in our show notes and on our website are affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase—at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and brands we genuinely like and use.

In this episode of High Twist, Ben and Bruce dive deep into the world of everyday carry (EDC), discussing the essential items they always have on hand. They explore the practicality and personal preferences behind carrying items like knives, flashlights, and various accessories, sharing insights on their favorite brands and products. The hosts debate the merits of different EDC choices, from the unexpected usefulness of breath strips to the timeless elegance of calling cards. Throughout the conversation, they offer listeners valuable tips on optimizing their own EDC setups, balancing functionality with style in today's ever-changing landscape.   Items Mentioned:  Coggins on Carrying Cash Filson Zip Tote Matador Flatpack Bottle Peak Design Packable Tote Shemagh Victorinox Travel Nail Card Amazon Umbrella Nerdwax Secretly Nerdy Collection Nerdwax Jinkies Gondek Hanks Observer Whisky Wallet Listerine Breath Strips Corter Leather Wallet Chris Reeves Knives Small Sebenza 31 Rovyvon E5 Angel Eyes Dawson Machinecraft Montana Knife Company Blackfoot 2.0 Hoban Cards Snow Peak Chop Sticks Snow Peak Aurora Bottle Snow Peak Sake Bottle Snow Peak Foon Bruce Layman is the author of A Well Worn Dispatch, a newsletter about giving a damn and feeling good in the clothes you’re wearing. Ben Brooks has been writing about bags, gear, clothes and more on The Brooks Review since 2010. Note: This podcast makes use of affiliate links where and when possible. These links may earn this site money when utilized.

In this episode of High Twist Show, Ben and Bruce dive into a series of fashion "hot takes," starting with a critique of disgraced former congressman George Santos' controversial layering technique. They discuss their opinions on various clothing items and styles, including the merits of blue jeans, the futility of "nice" t-shirts, the impracticality of all-black outfits, and the questionable appeal of "fun" socks. The hosts also debate the pros and cons of boat shoes, Apple Watches, leather jackets, and creative dress codes for events. The episode concludes with a reminder that while clothing choices can influence initial perceptions, they should not be used to judge a person's character or worth.   George Santos’s Fashion Crime Derek Guy on the King of Spain's Suit Fitting Derek Guy on the Carlos Fitz-James Stuart 19th Duke of Alba (scroll about halfway down the thread) From goldmines to sex appeal: The evolution of denim Bruce Layman is the author of [A Well Worn Dispatch](https://wellworndispatch.substack.com/, a newsletter about giving a damn and feeling good in the clothes you’re wearing. Ben Brooks has been writing about bags, gear, clothes and more on The Brooks Review since 2010. Note: This podcast makes use of affiliate links where and when possible. These links may earn this site money when utilized.

In this episode of High Twist, Ben and Bruce discuss hiking attire, focusing on the balance between performance and style for day hikes and short overnight trips. They explore various clothing options, from pants and shirts to shoes and hats, sharing their personal preferences and experiences. The hosts dive into the pros and cons of different materials, particularly comparing cotton to synthetic fabrics, and discuss the importance of fit and functionality in outdoor gear. They also touch on the challenges of finding stylish yet practical hiking clothes and offer suggestions for brands and items that have worked well for them. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of comfort and versatility in hiking wear, while also considering aesthetics for those who want to look good on the trail.   Items: Drake’s Tropical Wool Trouser Mashburn MTM Shirt Mashburn Ghost Blazer Vollebak Off Grid Lightweight Pants Vollebak Off Grid Shirt Wearing Hair - Articles of Interest American Space Cowboys - Die! Workwear Arc’teryx Hiking Pants Fjällräven Hiking Pants Kuiu Sun Hoodie Triple Aught Design Atlas Hoodie Filson Washed Feather Cloth Shirt Mountain Hardware Canyon Shirt Nike Zegama Nike SFB Carbon Diemme Roccia Vet Paraboot Avioraz Danner Jag Tilly Hat Filson Summer Packet Hat Filson Insulated Packet Hat Filson Tin Cloth Bush Hat     Bruce Layman is the author of A Well Worn Dispatch, a newsletter about giving a damn and feeling good in the clothes you’re wearing. Ben Brooks has been writing about bags, gear, clothes and more on The Brooks Review since 2010. Note: This podcast makes use of affiliate links where and when possible. These links may earn this site money when utilized.

In this episode of High Twist, Ben and Bruce are feeling’ autumnal discuss their excitement for fall fashion and the layers it brings. They cover a wide range of autumn-appropriate clothing items, from boots and sweaters to flannel shirts and corduroy. They explore the versatility of fall clothing, touching on topics like the iconic Barbour jacket, the charm of Shetland sweaters, and the practicality of accessories like gloves and scarves.   Items: Proper Cloth OCBD RRL Officer Chinos American Trench Crew Socks J. Mueser Campania Suit Drake's OCBD Sid Mashburn Knit Tie Drake’s Pocket Square Alden Indy 403 Boot Barbour Waxed Jackets North Face Crewneck Sweatshirt Wythe New York Crewneck Sweatshirt J Crew Crewneck Todd Snyder x Champion Reigning Champ Northwest Knitting Company The Real McCoys Loopwheel Crewneck Todd Snyder x Danner Mountain Light White's Boots Main Street White’s Boots Perry Red Wing Iron Rangers Red Wing Weekender Chelsea Blundstone #510 R.M. Williams Chelsea Boots Observer Collection Denim J. Press Shaggy Dog Sweaters O'Connell's Buck Mason Herringbone Twill Pants Quaker Marine Pinwale Cord Shirt Harley of Scotland Shetland Sweaters Campbell's of Beauly Yellow 108 Stetson Open Road Hestra Gloves End Clothing Vollebak Lumberjeans Filson Fairisle Crewneck All the Filson Flannel Types - Ben recommends the Alaskan Guide and the Lightweight Alaskan Guide   Bruce Layman is the author of A Well Worn Dispatch, a newsletter about giving a damn and feeling good in the clothes you’re wearing. Ben Brooks has been writing about bags, gear, clothes and more on The Brooks Review since 2010. Note: This podcast makes use of affiliate links where and when possible. These links may earn this site money when utilized.

In this episode, Ben and Bruce discuss linen fabric, its properties, and how to wear it. They cover different types of linen (Irish vs Italian), linen weights, care and maintenance, and how to style linen garments. The hosts share their personal experiences with various linen pieces and offer recommendations for brands that make quality linen clothing. They also touch on linen-adjacent fabrics like hemp and ramie, discussing their unique properties compared to linen.   Items: Superdry Linen Shirt Sid Mashburn Canapa Pants MUJI House Slippers Alden Suede Tassel Loafers Todd Snyder Linen Gurkha Trousers The Armoury Model 7 Suit separate jacket Drake’s Pocket Square Baird McNutt Irish Linen Outlier Injected Linen Pants Stag Provisions Examples Sid Mashburn CotoLino Shirts Canapa Ramie J. Mueser Campania Alex Crane J. Crew Abercrombie & Fitch Banana Republic   Bruce Layman is the author of A Well Worn Dispatch, a newsletter about giving a damn and feeling good in the clothes you’re wearing. Ben Brooks has been writing about bags, gear, clothes and more on The Brooks Review since 2010. Note: This podcast makes use of affiliate links where and when possible. These links may earn this site money when utilized.

Ben and Bruce discuss their preferences for various carry solutions, discussing the pros and cons of different bag types for daily use and travel. They also share insights on organizing bag contents using pouches and accessories. They talk about balancing style with practicality, the importance of versatility in everyday carry items, and how their choices reflect their personal styles and needs.   Show Notes Ralph Lauren Team USA Collection Team USA Rowing Blazer Team USA NASCAR Jacket Team USA White Shorts Team USA Belt Filson Winter Hat Masters Hat Observer Collection Team Hat Doing Things Hat Fucking Around Hat The Armoury Model 7 Linen Suit Ascot Chang for The Armoury Shirt Drake’s Silk Tie White Linen Pocket Square Suede Alden Tassel Loafers Proper Cloth Wide Bengal Stripe Shirt Buck Mason Carry-On Pants Muji House Shoes Rototo Comfy Room Sock Filson x Magnum Harvey Messenger Filson Zip Tote Observer Collection Tango Filson Medium Field Bag Filson Messenger Tote Hardgraft Content Cable Case Super Glue Gaff Tape Snow Peak Wabuki Chopsticks Shemagh Packable Tote Lecia Sofort 2 Aohi Magcube USB C Charger Anker USB C Cable Live The Creed Pocket Trauma Kit Nitecore NB10000 Gen II Power Bank Snow Peak Ti Foon Toaks Ti Polished Bowl Spork Exotac Nanostriker Exotac Ripspool Victornox Swiss Nail Card Observer Collection Papa Filson Journeyman Backpack Hardgraft Leather Backpack Hardgraft Dopp kit Brothers Duo Aloksak Waterproof Dry Bag Kifaru Possibles Pouch LBT Inc Pouches Loop Experience 2 Earplugs Rickshaw Bags Pen Pouch

In this episode, Bruce and Ben dive into the world of wardrobe transitions and experimenting with new styles. They discuss their personal experiences with trying out new clothing items, from blazers to white denim, and offer advice on how to approach these transitions without breaking the bank. The hosts emphasize the importance of starting with lower-cost options or buying secondhand before investing in high-end pieces. They also share insights on how to know when a new style has "stuck" and when it might be time to upgrade. Throughout the conversation, they touch on the challenges of finding the right fit, the value of patience when adapting to new styles, and the pros and cons of various secondhand shopping platforms. Riviera Polo Alex Mill Proper Cloth Buck Mason Carry-On Pant Levi’s 501 Jeans Astorflex Loafers Sid Mashburn Ghost Blazer Relwen Trap Blazer The odd-sale J Crew Ludlow Barbour Beacon Jacket Barracuta G9 Harrington Rogue Territory Supply Jacket Kapital Katsuragi Ring Coat Grailed Poshmark Mercari Gem App Bruce Layman is the author of A Well Worn Dispatch, a newsletter about giving a damn and feeling good in the clothes you’re wearing. Ben Brooks has been writing about bags, gear, clothes and more on The Brooks Review since 2010. Note: This podcast makes use of affiliate links where and when possible. These links may earn this site money when utilized.