Healthy happy you.
A few weeks ago Starbucks sent us a sample of VIA, its new instant coffee. Being a bit of a coffee snob I was kind of grossed out but decided to try it on my upcoming climbing trip anyway. The best thing VIA has going for it is its size — it's small. Normally when I pack for camping I bring the works: coffee beans, portable grinder, and a french press. I was so happy to have more space in my Read more
If you are going to be near water, either backpacking, camping, swimming, going to the beach, boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, or kayaking, you've got to protect all your stuff from getting wet. You know - the stuff that absolutely can't get wet like your camera, cell phone, wallet, and dry undies. Check out this very practical dry bag (it means it's waterproof) made by Sealine. Read more
I have a lot of wonderful memories of camping with my family as a kid. There was nothing like the feeling of snuggling into your sleeping bag inside your tent after a night of roasting marshmallows by the campfire. Back then I had this huge, thick sleeping bag made out of flannel and a whole lot of stuffing - it was like a comforter with a zipper. Camping gear has come a long way since then, Read more
If you love to camp, you'll love backpacking. Basically instead of packing all your stuff in your car and driving to your campsite, and enjoying nature with people all around you, you pack all your gear into a backpack and hike to a remote and way more private location. No neighboring campers playing acoustic versions of their favorite Metallica tunes until the wee hours of the morning. I would Read more
Even if you have been working out using the treadmill mountain hike, when you actually tackle the mountain you should be aware of the dangers of altitude sickness. If you are planning on scaling some peaks this summer, plan on progressing slowly up the mountain to avoid such symptoms as: nausea, headache, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping. Symptoms usually occur above 8,000 feet. Read more
For today's generation of teenagers, high school's almost out for Summer. And for seniors graduating this month and the next, this is a big time of transition as they enter the collegiate world and beyond. We've long said our goodbyes to our high school days, but during this graduation season we can't help but reminisce about our past. So if you graduated from high school any year from 1990 to Read more
The Internet is all aflutter over Ralph Lauren's new RLX Solar Panel Backpack ($795). I've seen this baby grace a number of websites over the weekend, and all seem to have the same sentiment: it's an overpriced yet stylish way to charge your gadgets on the go. While I wouldn't necessarily describe this backpack as "stylish" (it looks like a laser-tag vest!), I suppose if you were a dude with a Read more
The interesting materials and bold colors of InCase's new Alloy collection might please some, but for a broader appeal, check out another new line of bags for Spring. The new Nylon Collection features three great designs to tote your 15-inch MacBook Pro. The Compact Backpack and Nylon Sling Pack (both $80) and the Campus Pack ($60) each feature fur-lined interior pockets to protect your laptop. Read more
That fact that it's National Bike Month and the warmer Spring days may mean you have cycling on the brain. Whether you're participating in your city's Bike to Work program or you're starting a commuting routine, here are some solutions to your newbie concerns. I don't know my route: Finding a bike-friendly route is especially crucial if you're a cycling newbie, so before your actual commute, Read more
Is that a dinosaur on your back, or are you just happy to see me? Lil one's backpacks go through some rough times. Tossed into cubbies, thrown into the car, and ditched in the mudroom, it's a wonder they hold up throughout the school year. Whether your tot's bag is standing on its last legs or you're already searching for next year's bag, the Spiketus Rex ($60) may be the last one you'll ever Read more
