Staff Picks September 8th

Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of what our editors are digging recently.

Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Headphones
Durable, foldable and a little easier on the wallet than the wireless headphones a certain doctor prescribes, these Bluetooth-enabled over-ear cans will keep the music playing for more than 24 hours when fully charged. Using the controllable bass boost is also worth making your teeth ache. — Evan Bleier, News Editor

Native Mercury LiteKnit Sneaker
The line between being a socially conscious consumer and looking like you shop for clothes at Whole Foods is finally starting to diappear, as evidenced by these natty sneakers from Native. The rubber sole makes them ideal for folks who spend a lot of time on their feet. And the lightweight fabric weave is breathable and washable, an added benefit for packing on short trips. I like them in Jiffy Black. — Reuben Brody, Los Angeles Editor

Paul Kingsnorth’s Beast and The Wake
Beast is the much-anticipated second installment in Kingsnorth’s fascinating — and linguistically complex — trilogy. Part one, The Wake, is written in a modernized version of Old English the author calls “a shadow tongue.” It’s a daunting read (took me a year to crack the first 20 pages), but a huge payoff. Get both and hunker down on fall weekends with a strong pot of French press. — Alex Lauer, Associate Editor

Smith Forefront Off-Road Cycling Helmet
You’re not gonna not wear a bike helmet. You probably are gonna wear an ugly bike helmet, though, because most of them are. Leave it to an optics company to flip the paradigm with this mercifully vented, super lightweight noggin cradle. It sports a removable visor and camera/light mount, and it’s guaranteed for life. —Walker Loetscher, Editor-in-Chief

Aer Travel Pack
We’ve talked at length about the fine line an adult walks when it comes to incorporating a backpack into everyday wear. Time and again, yours truly thanks my lucky fruits for my Aer bags (plural … a habit may be forming), which have space for everything I need for a week of travel — dedicated laptop and shoe storage included. I honestly get excited every time I go to pack. —Athena Wisotsky, Senior Editor

Marmot Men’s Minimalist Jacket
After a considerable amount of research, this is my pick for surviving rainy fall hikes in style: the hood is extensive without being claustrophobic, and the rest of the expected bells ‘n’ whistles are there (Gore-Tex, taped seams, etc. etc.), even at this budget price point. — Diane Vadino, San Francisco Editor

Highland Park Magnus
I love their 12-year, but HP may have intro’d me to a new favorite (and affordable!) Scotch: a no-age statement single malt ensconced in Sherry-seasoned American oak casks. Not too smoky, a bit sweet, and makes for a mean “Bold Fashioned.” Which, yes, I am currently drinking. Recipe below. #itsfiveoclocksomewhere — Kirk Miller, Managing Editor/Nation Editor

Bold Fashioned
Created by Tonia Guffey, Highland Park Brand Ambassador

2 oz. Highland Park Magnus
¼ oz. Honey
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
2 dashes Chocolate Bitters

Stir until honey is diluted. Add ice and stir until cold. Strain over a large cube or cubes. Garnish with a twist of lemon and flamed twist of orange, serve in a rocks glass.