The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

SXSW Packing Essentials

By Cator Sparks Published August 6, 2021

It’s about that time to head down to America’s favorite music throw down, SXSW. The event involves a lot of running around, food trucks and most likely a hot down and dirty dance-a-thon. To be sure you have what you need, The Manual has provided some essentials we bring to make the trip a breeze and of course make us look good.

Let us know what your favorite part of the festival is in the comment section below.

Wolverine’s Orville in Blue

Recommended Videos

Known for their superior work and outdoor boots, Wolverine has recently launched the No.1883 line. This desert boot is the perfect kick to run around Austin in since it is stylish yet has that Wolverine durability.

Prism Copenhagen Sunglasses

Prism has been the talk of every cool town for the last couple of seasons so it’s time to start the buzz in Austin. Hand crafted in Italy they feature graded brown lenses with 100% UV protection, much needed in the Texas sun.

Dockers Alpha Khaki in Dark Pebble

The Alpha is Dockers golden pant. The slim fit, 100% cotton pant has revived the brand and is a favorite nation wide. They are comfortable enough to wear for days at a time (we know this will happen at SXSW, party man) and dark enough to hide the dust, beer stains and general festival wear and tear.

Goorins Blues Straw Hat

There is most likely major sun and heat during your sojourn South so to avoid a harsh burn and possible overheating bring along this crushable ribbon straw Fedora. The wider brim is necessary for that Texas sun.

Amico Blue Alloy Mini LED Flashlight

There are countless reasons to bring a flashlight on any trip but especially a festival as busy as this one. You never know when you may need to ‘find a contact’ at a concert, read a karaoke list, sneak out of a hotel room or dig deep in your bag for an ID. Just bring it, you will thank us.

Platypus Platy Bottle

For various reasons we are not getting into, you will need mucho hydration from the flight to the drive to the nights out to the mornings after. This collapsable 100% BPA and taste free bottle can be rolled up into your duffle or even your coat pocket.

Fjällräven Duffle

Heavy zippers, reinforced bottom and outside pockets make this Swedish duffle the perfect carry on to bring along. The heavy waxed G-1000 fabric can standup to the elements and a wild road trip if such things ensue.

Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual

Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…

Fashion & Style

The fan-favorite New Balance 992 returns in Marsh Green for summer

New Balance releases a new 992 sneaker

new balance 992 marsh green

New Balance is home to many archival favorites, and the brand is not shy about bringing them back into the spotlight. This time around, New Balance is remixing its retro 992 model with a brand-new colorway for a fresh take, ready for summer. With new premium materials and high-quality craftsmanship, the newest 992 silhouette offers a sophisticated take that is ready for a new generation. With a clean base and hints of color throughout, this new sneaker is a refreshing and versatile option for those still looking for their summer sneaker. True to New Balance’s style, the sneaker seamlessly merges its traditional elements with modern details, creating a shoe that’s sure to become a new favorite for many.

Step into the New Balance 992 in “Marsh Green”

Fashion & Style

Saucony goes reptile mode with the new Progrid Omni 9 sneaker

Saucony announce a new bold sneaker

side of saucony progrid omni 9

As a faithful athletic brand, Saucony doesn’t often change up its design, even with its many collaborators. True to its traditional elements, Saucony’s overall look has remained relatively unchanged over the years, providing users with a consistent and reliable style and feel. While its latest launch isn’t entirely over-the-top, it does mix new elements that make it feel like an entirely different brand. Still included in this release are the many footwear performance features that users have come to know and love from Saucony. However, the design has decided to take a walk on the wild side with a new patterned print that’s sure to delight the bolder Saucony fans. For those yearning for a more style-forward sneaker from your favorite athletic brand, Saucony’s latest sneaker might be the shoe you’ve been waiting for.

Saucony gets bold with the new Progrid Omni 9 “Glowaconstrictor”

Fashion & Style

Casio brings back its impossibly small ring watch

Second chance: Casio's miniature ring watch returns to American market

Casio Ring Watch CRW001-1

Casio announced the US restock of its Ring Watch CRW001-1 on July 1st, bringing back the small timepiece that sold out quickly after it came out in America in late 2024. The restock follows successful lottery sales in the UK and Japan, showing that people around the world want this digital watch that goes on a finger.
The Ring Watch CRW001-1 shows Casio's bold way of looking at wearable technology—it shrinks standard digital watch functions into a ring that measures only 25.2mm across and weighs 16 grams. Even though it is small, the timepiece keeps necessary features, including support for two time zones, a stopwatch that measures 1/100th of a second, and hourly flash alerts.
Casio US confirmed the July 1st restock on Instagram, saying the watch would only be available through the brand's online store, not in physical shops. Compared to the lottery systems in other places, American customers will buy the watch in the order they arrive—this might cause a lot of competition among people who collect things and those who like technology.
The small digital screen has a backlight so you can see it in different light. The stainless steel build makes it sturdy, even though it is small. The ring fits size 22 fingers (US 10.5, EU U), and you can adjust it down to size 19 (19mm inner diameter) or size 16 (18mm inner diameter).
The engineering needed to put normal digital watch parts into a ring shape shows how well they made it. The 1/100th second stopwatch is as exact as bigger Casio watches. Travelers who want to check the time without others knowing will like the two-time zone feature.
Casio did not say the exact restock time but told interested customers to sign up for email notifications about when it would be ready. That way may help manage the internet traffic while making sure serious buyers learn about buying chances in time.
The Ring Watch's appeal shows more people are interested in other types of wearable devices, not just ones worn on the wrist. Casio's good result with this unusual approach shows that people want new watch designs that question common ideas about what a watch should look like.
The quick sellout after the US launch, along with international lottery systems, suggests that collectors are very interested and that the watch might sell for more later. Casio has not said anything about more restocks in other places after the July 1st US availability, keeping the watch special.
This restock gives American buyers a second chance to get one of the most noticeable wearable technology releases of the year, bringing together Casio's history with digital watches and its push to make things very small.