High Twist

Bruce and Ben plunge into the irresistible world of gear rabbit holes—where the quest for "just right" quickly morphs into "way too deep." From ultralight tent debates and cycling minimalism to high-end kitchen knives and slick blazers, they break down the obsessive, hilarious, and sometimes unnecessary lengths we go to research, buy, and justify our gear. Along the way, they dish hard-won truths: when to trust the hype, when to let go, and how to know when "good enough" really is. If you love sweating the details (or just want to know why your buddy suddenly cares about zipper pulls and moonlight modes on flashlights), this one's for you.

Brands & Products Mentioned (With Links)

• Nemo Dragonfly OSMO 2p Tent NEMO Equipment | REI

• Big Agnes 3-Person Tents Official Big Agnes | REI 3-person selection

• Sid Mashburn Ghost Blazer Shop Mashburn | Brooks Review Article

• Filson Tote Bags Filson Collection

• G-Shock Watches Best Sellers | Beginner Guide

• J.Crew Linen Blazer Men's Linen Blazers at J.Crew

• Global Chef's Knife Global Classic G-2 8" Chef's Knife | Amazon

• Bradford Knives MagnaCut Paring Knife Bradford Knives - Culinary Range | DLT Trading

• Montana Knife Company MagnaCut Knives MKC Official

• Spyderco Super Blue Chef Knife KnifeCenter

• Mykita Sunglasses MYKITA Sunglasses

• Roka Sunglasses Roka Official

• Zeal Optics Auto Sun Cycling Sunglasses Zeal Auto Sun

• JB Prince/Gray Kunz Spoons (Koons) JB Prince Gray Kunz Sauce Spoon

• Tojiro Gyuto (Japanese Chef Knife) Tojiro DP 8.25" Gyuto

• Surefire Flashlights Surefire Flashlights

• HDS Rotary Flashlights HDS Systems Rotary

• Chris Reeve Small Sebenza Chris Reeve Knives – Small Sebenza

• Vera (Wera) Tools / Allen Key Sets Amazon Wera Hex Key Sets

• Wiha Micro Bit Driver Set Wiha Micro Bit sets

• Kozy 2700K (Kelvin) Flashlights Kōsen finder

• Nikon L & Canon L (professional camera lenses) Nikon Lenses | Canon L Glass

Some links above may be affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, the hosts may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps keep the show running!

Bruce and Ben challenge each other to rebuild their entire wardrobes from scratch with a $3,000 budget, and the result has to handle both camping weekends and weddings. They get granular about every choice—from suiting and shirting to outerwear, shoes, and accessories—with price tags and web sources for every item. What do they splurge on? What gets cut to meet the budget? Which pieces create real happiness, and which ones simply fill a gap? Plus: sharp commentary on sales, resale, and when it actually makes sense to "pay up" for quality.

Episode highlights:

• Why Navy suits are the crossroad of formality and flexibility
• The relentless quest for the perfect chino (spoiler: Ben says RRL Officer's Chino or nothing)
• Debating "buy nice or buy twice" theories on everything from shirts to outerwear
• Bruce's unapologetic preference for outerwear, even in Texas
• The pain and logic of sacrificing footwear in favor of tailoring and jackets
• Real-world shopping strategies: sales, measurements, compromises!
• A deep dive into cult-favorite and underrated brands, with links and prices
• Secondhand buying: what's worth it and what's a minefield
• Reflections on what makes you genuinely happy wearing—and how quality versus quantity plays out over time

Listener Question: If you had to start over with $3,000 (or less), what's your non-negotiable wardrobe item?

Bruce's Picks

Tops:

• J Press Blue Zephyr OCBD ($98)
• J Press Blue Stripe Zephyr OCBD ($98)
• J Press White Oxford Spread Collar Shirt ($98)
• J Crew Broken In White T Shirt ($20 x2)
• Columbia Skien Valley LS Shirt ($67)

Bottoms:

• Levi's 501 Lightweight White ($98)
• J Crew Classic Chino Pant ($98)
• Uniqlo Linen Blend Easy Shorts 5" ($30)
• Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Active Shorts 5" ($20)

Outerwear:

• Mashburn Kincaid No. 2 Navy Plainweave Suit ($995)
• Wallace & Barnes Twill Chore Jacket Bill's Blue ($137)
• Barbour x J Crew Barn Jacket ($425)
• J Crew Navy Cashmere Crewneck ($158)

Shoes:

• Meermin Brown Softcalf Loafers ($215)
• Nike Juniper Trail 3 ($63)
• Converse Chuck 70 ($90)

Accessories:

• Mashburn White Linen Pocket Square ($30)
• Mashburn Silk Grosso Grenadine Tie ($135)
• Tory Leather Spur Belt ($53)
• LL Bean Boat & Tote Zip Top ($50)

Ben's Picks

• RRL Officer's Chino Khaki ($248)
• Buck Mason Graduate Blazer Navy 3-Season ($498)
• Buck Mason Graduate Pants Navy 3-Season ($248)
• Meermin Chelsea Snuff Waxy Kudu ($265)
• Meermin Brown Silkcalf Loafers ($230)
• Proper Cloth OCBD ($130 for MTM)
• Proper Cloth Upgrade Shirt ($130 for MTM)
• Nike Trail Runners ($140)
• Amundsen Linen Safari ($148)
• Levi 501s Selvedge ($80)
• Thrifted Silk Knit Tie, Navy ($50)
• Sid Mashburn White Linen Square ($50)
• Filson Dry Tin Cloth 5-Pockets Whiskey ($150)
• Filson Alaskan Guide Flannel ($140)
• Fjallraven Greenland Winter Jacket ($300)
• Shetland Wool Sweater ($150)
• 2x White T-Shirts ($40)

Other brands/items discussed

Running/Performance:

• Norda 001 Shoes
• Fingers Crossed Socks
• Outlier New Way 5 Five Shorts
• Patagonia Baggies Shorts
• Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Polo
• Observer Collection Hats

Rugged/Outdoors/Utility:

• GORUCK Rough Runners
• GORUCK MACV-1 Boots
• GORUCK Jungle Boots
• Nike Pegasus Trail Shoes

Socks/Underwear:

• Sunspel Underwear
• ROTOTO Socks

Some links above may be affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, the hosts may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps keep the show running!

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.