Let me be honest – I’m not a guy that buys a lot of personal care products. In fact, most of the time I use whatever shampoo happens to be in the shower, my old standard shaving cream and frankly that’s about the end of it. That all changed 3 weeks ago when Truman’s Gentlemen Groomers sent me their complete men’s grooming line.
It can be hard to think of what gear you need for the next season when you’re still enjoying the one you’re in. When the weather’s nice and the winter chill hasn’t yet hit, it may be a challenge to think about waterproof jackets that keep you warm. But there are two reasons to do it: preparation and sales.
If you haven’t shopped for trekking poles in a while, you may not have noticed, but they’re getting expensive! What was once basically a glorified pair of walking sticks has turned into engineering marvels of carbon. For several years, I’ve stuck solidly with Kelty, one of my favorite outdoor gear brands that tends to keep things affordable while still cranking out quality equipment.
I’m always looking for the most comfortable and versatile travel shoes. You know the ones: You can wear them on the street and in the restaurant, they’re easy and quick to take off and on (for those TSA checks and on the plane), you can wear them all day without feeling like you wore them all day, and they look good.
I have been using a women’s Osprey Aura 50 liter backpack for overnight camping and backpacking since about 2013. I will probably never use another brand again, and feel no need to upgrade my Osprey pack to the newest Aura version, either: I am simply that satisfied with its performance.
Even though summer is coming to a close, it doesn’t mean that travel to beach or pool destinations will slow down completely. That’s why I was excited to check out the newest shoe design from SWIMS, which is known for its stylish shoes meant for pool, beach, or outdoor activity. The SWIMS loafer shoes can get wet and be easily washed, but they also show fashionable, preppy design that makes them perfect for regular wear.
One of my favorites to pack on my adventurous trips is the Black Diamond Liquid Point Shell. There’s both a women’s version and a men’s version, so everyone is happy. Most recently, I used mine on a rock-climbing trip to Grand Teton National Park.
I have a serious love for Cotopaxi gear. This grand is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, one of the epicenters for outdoor recreation and exploration, in my opinion. Their apparel and gear is always extremely well made, fun, and colorful. The most recent item I checked out from Cotopaxi is their Fuego LT down jacket.
If you travel often with your cell phone, it can be easily subjected to varying temperatures and climates. For example, sitting on the beach on a hot, sunny day (especially if it has a black case) can help to heat up the case. The same goes for leaving your phone on a snowy day in your car.
Whether you’re at home or traveling, riding a bike in the rain and wind isn’t necessarily the top of ideal excursions. Weather happens, and if you’re active, you’re out in it regardless. But why not have gear for the elements…