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It’s not actually known when the kola (yes, kola with a “k”) nut was first discovered nor when humans first started using it, as the origins date back to well before recorded history. However, the story of how the kola nut came to be used in western civilization is an easier line to trace. You see, for centuries the people of West Africa consumed the kola nut for its stimulative properties, as the nuts are naturally caffeinated, and even used it in medicine for a variety of purposes including aiding in digestion and coughs. In the 1880s, a pharmacist by the name of John Pemberton extracted the caffeine from the kola nut, combined it with cocaine from coca plants, and marketed it as an all-purpose, all-ailment tonic. However, people were repulsed by its bitter flavor. So, Pemberton added lots of sugar and, after realizing how much people enjoyed it, pivoted his business and marketed the beverage not as a medicine, but rather as a drink intended for pleasurable, leisurely consumption. Thus, Coca-Cola was born and quickly became one of the world’s most popular soft drinks. The rest, as they say, is history. For this week’s everyday carry pocket dump, we’ve taken inspiration from the soft drink brand’s iconic red-and-black colorway and have gathered a set of gear utilizing the same inspirational and recognizable colorway.
Huckberry x Timex “Cola” Limited Edition Sport Watch
The 2nd entry in the Huckberry x Timex collaboration, this beautiful Limited Edition Sport Watch was inspired directly by one of Timex’s most iconic timepieces from the 1970s. On top of its striking appearance and “Cola” colorway, the watch also boasts an integrated stainless steel band, a day/date window at the 3 o’clock position, a rotating dive timer bezel, and a reliable quartz movement keeping it ticking along from the inside.
Dango D01 R-SPEC Wallet
Inspired directly by the world of performance automotive racing, Dango’s R-SPEC Wallet — which is made entirely in the USA — boasts a construction of aerospace-grade aluminum, premium leather, and carbon fiber. It can also hold up to 12 cards and a wad of cash, has built-in RFID-blocking tech, and is TSA-compliant (but can be equipped with the brand’s MT02 one-piece multi-tool). And the built-in bottle opener is a nice touch.
WESN Allman Knife
With its stout and sturdy silhouette, the WESN Allman knife is uniquely suited to long-term everyday carry usage. That’s bolstered by its 2.8″ S35VN steel blade, your choice of either titanium or G10 handle scales, a solid frame or liner lock (depending on the handle material), and — perhaps most importantly — a lifetime warranty.
Smith Optics Roam ChromaPop Sunglasses
Handsome, classic, timeless, and useful — even if the Smith Optics Roam ChromaPop Sunglasses were the only pair you owned, that would be enough. They’re also specially designed for all-day comfort and the proprietary ChromaPop lens technology ensures that what you see of the world is as clear and natural as possible, while still keeping the glare of the sun out of your eyes.
