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Man of Many’s Staff Favourites – 18 March 2023


How about that La Niña, right? Finally decides to pack up and go, and before you know it, it’s good mate El Niño jumps right in its place. With Sydney expected to have another sweltering week or two ahead, we can think of no better reason to sit back, crack a cold one and get on with getting on. Here’s Man of Many’s Staff Favourites for this week.

Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket | Image: UNIQLO
Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket | Image: UNIQLO

UNIQLO Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket

Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief

This might be one of the last Staff Favourites for a while. I’m heading off to the UK and Europe on a bit of a holiday for the next few weeks and checking the temperatures, I could be in for a bit of a shock. It’s currently snowing in London and Paris is averaging about 8 degrees during the day, so my staple uniform of running shorts and singlets isn’t going to get me far. Remarkably, the team at UNIQLO read my mind and sent me a Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket this week, which is as almost as fun to wear as it is to say

The brown coat looks exactly like a skinned Fozzy Bear and feels incredibly warm and comfortable on the inside. It comes from the essentials brand’s Life-Wear collection and is constructed from 100 per cent recycled polyester, which is genuinely surprising considering how soft it is. I really like the full zip and I can confirm this new jacket will cop a flogging while I am overseas.

Visit UNIQLO

Favourite Article of the Week:Stupid Sexy Ryan Reynolds Just Sold His Mobile Business for $2 Billion

The Original Australian Single Malt Whisky | Image: Cape Byron Distillery
The Original Australian Single Malt Whisky | Image: Cape Byron Distillery

Cape Byron Distillery – The Original Australian Single Malt Whisky

Scott Purcell – Co-Founder

Nick dropped this one on my desk this morning. A small bottle of Cape Byron Australian Single Malt Whisky, aptly named ‘The Original’. At 47% it packs a punch but also comes with the standard marketing jargon you’d expect that the lighter colour of the whisky represents the Byron Bay sunset. Elaborations aside, when I opened this bottle to take a whiff, it smelt absolutely amazing. If I could bottle this up as a cologne I would. On the nose it’s the perfect balance of vanilla and caramel and on the palate you’ll notice a slight spiciness biscotti character. Other notes they mention are pear, coconut and buttery macadamia. I’m forever enjoying the quality of spirits that are coming out of Australia and proud we can support them!

Visit Cape Byron Distillery

Favourite Article of the Week: Seiko’s All-Purpose Prospex is the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Watch

Image: IKKARI Skincare
Image: IKKARI Skincare

IKKARI Skincare

Frank Arthur – Co-Founder

According to the brand, IKKARI “is a modern day apocethery”. If you have no idea what that means, you’re not alone. When reading about this brand I had to Google the word “apothecary”, which is a term derived from ancient Greek origin for someone who prepares and sells medicines. IKKARI is a health and wellness brand with a range of supplements, aroma therapy and skincare products.

In addition to the slick branding packaging, all of their products are made with natural ingredients, claiming to harness plant intelligence. I have tried their Skin Saviour Balm, it hydrates and soothes the skin and I’m now a big fan. Next, I think think it’s time to get adventurous and try out the aura mists, tonics and super blend powders.

Visit IKKARI Skincare

Favourite Article of the Week: Experience the Most Realistic Racing Simulator with Playseat Trophy-Logitech G Edition

Arepa copy
Image: Ārepa

Ārepa – The Brain Drink For Performance

Head of Branded Content – Denise Barnes

Formulated by a neuroscientist based on decades of clinical research, Ārepa’s ‘The Brain Drink For Performance’ is designed to keep the brain fog away meaning less stress, mental blocks, and procrastination. Thanks to its key ingredient of Neuroberry Blackcurrant, Pine Bark Extract and L-theanine, the primary benefits listed are promoting mental clarity and calmness, improving focus, and supporting normal neurological function.

Additionally, you’ll benefit from reduced mental fatigue and because it’s jam-packed with vitamin C, it also supports your immune system. It tastes great too which is just the cherry on top. I love the packaging as it kind of looks like a bottled science experiment in a way that suits the brand so well. You can buy it directly from their website, but it’s also available in over 1,200 Australian retailers including Woolies, Coles, Harris Farm and IGA.

Visit Ārepa

Favourite Article of the Week:‘GPT-4’ Unleashed: OpenAI’s ‘Most Advanced’ AI Chatbot System Explained

ZAGG Pro Stylus | Image: ZAGG
ZAGG Pro Stylus | Image: ZAGG

ZAGG Pro Stylus

John Guanzon – Head of Social

Okay, so if you’ve ever seen my handwriting in real life, you’ll know why I hardly ever pick up a pen. But this week we’ve been using a ZAGG Pro Stylus in our household to use with our family iPad and it’s been a rather surprising game changer. If you don’t want to pay AUD$219 for an Apple Pencil, the ZAGG Pro Stylus is priced at around $109.95 at JB HI-FI and proves to be a worthy alternative. By no means, you don’t have to be a digital artist or anything to use a stylus.

I’ve been using it to navigate the screen instead of my fingertips, and it’s been super handy when it comes to writing quick notes, ideas, and sketches. The ZAGG Pro Stylus may not cost as much as an Apple Pencil, but it still feels sturdy and gives off a premium feel when using it. The only major functional difference is that the ZAGG Pro Stylus cannot charge wirelessly like the Apple Pencil 2.

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My kid’s drawing

It uses USB-C, with the port hidden at the top, but that’s not really a major issue since it’s not that out of the ordinary to be charging devices with a cable. Overall, it works remarkably well and feels like a natural pen or pencil in my hand. The tip is precise for accurate note-taking and sketching, and the best part is, no need to sharpen any pencils or worry about your pen ink ever running out. My kids also love it and have been using it to make cute doodles and sketches, like the one below.

Buy it at JB Hi-Fi

Favourite Article of the Week:Stupid Sexy Ryan Reynolds Just Sold His Mobile Business for $2 Billion

Step One Underwear | Image: Step One
Step One Underwear | Image: Step One

Step One Underwear

Harry Parsons – Branded Content Manager

During my younger years I relied on Birthday and Christmas gifts to provide me with my yearly stock of underwear, and no offence to santa.. but sometimes these can be lacking in comfort for the nether regions. Not to mention the unbearable chafing turning your normal strides into a waddle that looks like something unfortunate has happened.

Now as a somewhat adult venturing the realms of the underwear aisle, I’m spoilt for choice. I have recently treated myself to Step One’s underwear and boy are these a game changer. These aren’t your standard pair of underwear as they are made from two key materials. The first one is a bike short-like material Step One calls “UltraGlyde”, which is placed where the legs rub to stop waddle-inducing chafing, and secondly, certified organic bamboo, which is breathable, anti-bacterial and wicks away sweat. Oh, and there is also a 3D patch to keep your crown jewels supported, it’s a win win win.

Honestly, I think if you try one pair, you’ll be replacing your entire drawer with Step One.

Visit Step One

Favourite Article of the Week: $186,000 Red Bull F1 Racing Simulator Will Have You Fighting for Pole

Sonos Era 300 and Era 100 | Image: Sonos
Sonos Era 300 and Era 100 | Image: Sonos

Sonos Era 300 and Era 100

Rob Edwards – Branded Content Writer

Long the master of high-end home audio, Sonos has just launched a pair of impressive new speakers in the form of the Era 300 (watch this space for our in-depth review) and Era 100. I was fortunate enough to attend a recent live demonstration of everything these speakers are capable of and despite my healthy cynicism when it comes to potentially hyperbolic explanations of new speaker technology, I walked away very impressed.

When it comes to music, the Era 300 offers up a wonderfully full and complex sound that far exceeded my expectations, particularly when looking at its modest footprint. For your home theatre, a pair of Era 300s can also be used as a substitute for traditional rear speakers, delivering a sophisticated multi-channel surround sound experience. While smaller in stature, the Era 100 offers up rich stereo sound via two angled tweeters, while a larger midwoofer rounds out the experience, and the 100 can similarly be deployed as rear speakers to accompany and enhance your soundbar.

For many apartment dwellers looking for premium audio experience without taking up valuable space – and anyone else, for that matter – the stylish and compact Sonos’ Era 300 and Era 100 are more than worthy of further investigation.

Visit Sonos

Favourite Article of the Week: 2023 AC Cobra GT Roadster is a V8 Love Letter to the ’60s Original

Scotch & Soda Checked Cotton Jacket | Image: Scotch & Soda
Scotch & Soda Checked Cotton Jacket | Image: Scotch & Soda

Scotch & Soda Checked Cotton Jacket

Ben McKimm – Journalist – Automotive & Tech

This isn’t the first time I’ve featured a Scotch & Soda piece in my staff favourites and I’m sure it won’t be the last. As someone who has more shirt jackets than there are days in the week, I was looking for something that blended the style of a ‘shacket’ with the warmth of a traditional piece (not that you need it in Sydney right now). Made with 100% cotton, I love the full-length zip closure that separates it from most options I’ve come across. You’ll notice the patch on the left arm sleeve, well I just pulled it off as I prefer the non-branded look these days. The same goes for the branded pin. I’ve only had the chance to wear it once with this weather, but I love the overall fit and cotton comfort!

Visit Scotch & Soda

Favourite Article of the Week: Two of the Fastest SUVs in the World Through the Lens of the FUJIFILM X-T5

Oakley x Brain Dead Capsule Collection | Image: Oakley
Oakley x Brain Dead Capsule Collection | Image: Oakley

Oakley x Brain Dead Capsule Collection

Geena Valos – Branded Content Manager

As a huge Oakley fan, I am always curious about what the brand will release next and can officially say I am stocked about this new collaboration. Oakley Factory Team and freeskier Sean Pettit’s Brain Dead have teamed up to create a capsule collection of four exclusive sunglasses, featuring the Radar EV Path and Plazma models, in two different colour schemes, green and orange.

The collection aims to expand the mind and bring to life Oakley’s futuristic concepts with Brain Dead’s art, design, and experimentation… absolutely epic! The rich colours are achieved through the injection of fire-like O-Matter material into the chassis of the sunglasses, giving them a stunning hue.

All sunglasses are also equipped with Prizm Lens Technology to enhance the details of the world around you. The legendary freeskier Sean Pettit joined the Oakley Factory Team and Brain Dead on the mission of bringing to life the new collection. Oakley has unmistakably shown us again, that it is able to consistently re-define performance with another god-like piece of eyewear leaving you to feel like Sean himself during every workout.

Visit Oakley

Favourite Article of the Week: Seiko’s All-Purpose Prospex is the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Watch

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