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“Watches, Stories, and Gear” is a roundup of our favorite content, watch or otherwise, from around the internet. Here, we support other creators, explore interesting content that inspires us, and put a spotlight on causes we believe in. Oh, and any gear we happen to be digging on this week. We love gear.
A New Yeti Backpack: The Cayo
As summer rapidly approaches, Yeti has released a new family of backpacks they’ve named the “Cayo”. Made from a “Dry-Hide” shell with RF welded seams and PU coated zippers, the Cayo is designed to be highly water resistant, but not fully waterproof like their Panga line of bags. This new pack also features two quick access pockets, one horizontally at the top and an additional vertical pocket on the side that can be used to store a water bottle, along with a “Comfortcomb” mesh backpanel aimed to help breathability. This new line of bags is currently available in two sizes, 15 and 25 liters, with an additional 35 liter size coming later this summer. For those interested, more images along with full specs, are available on Yeti’s product page, here.
ThruDark Completes Mission:Everest
With traditional Everest expeditions lasting upwards of ten weeks, a team of four British military veterans set out to push the limits of what is possible in high-altitude mountaineering: Depart from London, Scale Mount Everest, and safely return home in under seven days. After months of training, crafting custom “summit suits” , and through support of some amazing sponsors (including our friends at Elliot Brown), Mission:Everest was a success. The team believes that their rapid ascent is “safer and increases the likelihood of success” while also having a “lighter environmental impact”, compared to traditional summit attempts, provided that proper training and preparation has taken place. Full details about the expedition, including background of the four are available on ThruDark’s website.
Ricoh Confirms the GR III’s Successor: The GR IV![]()
Since its release in 2019, the Ricoh GR III/ IIIX has gained a cult-like following for its compact size, image quality, and feature set, but many people have started inquiring about the next generation of pocketable cameras. On May 22nd, Ricoh officially announced that the successor, aptly named the GR IV, is in development with its release slated for “Autumn 2025”. The official press release stated that the “RICOH GR IV inherits the basic GR-series concept, while also incorporating totally new components, including a newly designed lens, a new image sensor and a new imaging engine”, all aimed to upgrade image quality. Designed to be the “ultimate snapshot camera”, Ricoh is boldly claiming that the “GR IV is a totally new breed of camera, one which will satisfy every photographer’s demands and expectations” a statement that many photographers will be sure to test once the camera officially releases. If you’d like to learn more about the upcoming model, the official press release along with full specifications is available here.
Blancpain’s USA Flagship Boutique Opens ![]()
In celebration of their newly opened, standalone flagship boutique in New York, Blancpain is hosting a weekend of exclusive opportunities. From May 30th to June 1st, the Blancpain team will be lifting the veil on their “in-house movements, handmade dials and exclusive new novelties”. As such, guests of the boutique will have the opportunity to assemble a movement, put their design skills to the test, and even be some of the first people to see new releases, all while sampling a selection of gourmet coffee and espresso events. Those interested in participating in the festivities are encouraged to register for a time slot on Blancpain’s website, here.
