A hundred bucks can disappear pretty quickly these days. A trip to the grocery store, dinner and drinks, or a few things you probably didn’t need from Amazon. But spend it wisely, and that same money can get you something you’ll actually enjoy owning for years.
Welcome back to The $100 Upgrade, our monthly collection of five worthwhile finds hovering around the hundred-dollar mark. This month’s lineup includes a capable multitool, a nearly indestructible gear case, ridiculously comfortable shorts, some handsome sunglasses, and a retro digital watch. Five very different products, all worthy of a spot on your wish list.
Leatherman Skeletool CX
Not everyone needs a multitool with 20 different functions, half of which they’ll probably never use. The Leatherman Skeletool CX takes a more practical approach, packing seven essential tools into a lightweight, five-ounce frame. Among them are needlenose pliers, wire cutters, a bit driver, and a premium 154CM stainless steel knife blade.
Its distinctive skeletonized construction keeps unnecessary weight to a minimum, while the integrated carabiner makes it easy to clip onto a backpack or belt loop. Built in Portland, Oregon, and backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty, the Skeletool CX is an excellent example of doing more with less.
Price: $100
Yeti Loadout GoBox 8 Gear Case
YETI makes plenty of products designed to keep things cold, but the LoadOut GoBox 8 is built to keep your valuables safe. This compact, nearly indestructible gear case features a rugged exterior, heavy-duty latches, a grab-and-go handle, and an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. Inside, there’s enough room for camera equipment, fishing tackle, electronics, emergency supplies, or whatever else you’d rather not leave exposed to the elements.
Tie-down slots, non-slip feet, and lock ports add even more versatility. Available in several colors, including the impossible-to-miss King Crab Orange, it’s a hundred-dollar insurance policy for your favorite gear.
Price: $100
Vuori Ponto Performance Shorts
There are comfortable shorts, and then there are shorts that make you reconsider wearing anything else. Vuori’s Ponto Performance Shorts fall firmly into the latter category. Made from the brand’s exceptionally soft DreamKnit fabric, they feature four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and a relaxed feel that’s equally suited to lounging around the house, traveling, or heading to the gym.
The seven-inch inseam provides a versatile fit, while an elastic waistband, adjustable drawcord, and zippered back pocket cover the practical details. Constructed using 89 percent recycled polyester, these might be the most comfortable $84 you’ll spend on clothing this year.
Price: $84
Shwood CAMP Glacier Sunglasses
Shwood’s CAMP Glacier Sunglasses have the kind of vintage-inspired styling that looks equally appropriate behind the wheel of an old Land Cruiser or sitting outside your favorite brewery. Their distinctive frames feature a bold double-bridge design, subtle walnut wood inlays, and polarized lenses that help reduce glare on bright days.
The lightweight construction makes them comfortable enough for everyday wear, while the earthy color combinations give them a little more personality than your typical pair of plastic sunglasses. At around $99, they’re a handsome alternative to the usual big-name eyewear brands without requiring a particularly painful investment.
Price: $99
Casio A130WEGG-1A Watch
Casio has a knack for making inexpensive digital watches that look considerably cooler than they have any right to. The A130WEGG-1A is another fine example, combining retro-futuristic styling with a distinctive multi-display dial that looks like something pulled straight from a 1980s science-fiction movie.
Its gray-toned case and black ion-plated stainless steel bracelet give it a stealthy, industrial appearance, while features include world time across 31 time zones, multiple alarms, a stopwatch, and an LED backlight. It’s lightweight, unmistakably retro, and refreshingly different from the oversized watches dominating so many wrists today.
Price: $100
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