Skip to main content

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

Giveaway: $250 Mountain Standard Shopping Spree (Just in Time for Spring)

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Based out of Boulder, Colorado, one of the world’s epicenters for mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and generally just hanging around at elevation, Mountain Standard offers high-quality, durable outdoor gear and goods for lower prices than can be found most anywhere else. They are able to undercut bigger brands on pricing without skimping on craftsmanship by offering a direct to consumer sales model. There are no retail outlets for Mountain Standard, only the wild world of the web. And that’s the way they like it. With little overhead, Mountain Standard is able to fill the need for affordable outdoor gear that still has the functionality and performance of those larger outfitters.

With spring in full swing in most parts of the country, getting outdoors is going to become more and more of a priority for many of The Manual’s readers. But inevitably with each new outdoor season, new gear is required to replace the old, worn, and torn. We want to help you with that. And thanks to our friends at Mountain Standard, you now have the chance at winning a $250 shopping spree to prove that you don’t need a lot of money to get outdoors and experience nature. Sign up to win below and be part of Mountain Standard’s #RIMBY (Right In My Back Yard) spirit.

Here’s what $250 from MS can get you (with money to spare):

Down Vest – $59
Image used with permission by copyright holder

See It

Lightweight Pullover Hoodie – $27
Image used with permission by copyright holder

See It

Fun Hog Tee – $27
Image used with permission by copyright holder

See It

Standard Issue Insulator – $63
Image used with permission by copyright holder

See It

RIMBY Tee – $28
Image used with permission by copyright holder

See It

TM Giveaway: Mountain Standard
Chase McPeak
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Chase McPeak is the former Lifestyle Editor. Chase regularly appeared on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast where…
Dust off your gear, it’s time to hit the trail: The spring hiking tips you need
These tips will keep you safe and comfortable on the trail
A person hiking

I don't know about you, but I love the fact that spring is here, and I can hit the trail again. I went out the other day without having to load up in all of my outdoor layers and enjoyed a trail run along some snow-free tracks. It's that time of year when you can dust off your hiking boots, dig out your trekking poles, and start to make some hiking plans. But spring isn't all sunshine and dry tracks. A little like fall hiking, spring trails can be muddy, and some of the wettest, coldest days I've had on the trail have come in springtime. Maybe it's not quite a time to pack away all that warm gear after all.

Spring is changeable. That's what I'm getting at. It's perhaps the toughest time of the year to pack a hiking pack because, on any given day, you might need to change layers four times. The days are long enough to get a good hike done, but you can still find yourself caught out after dark if you're not careful, and once that sun drops, the temperature goes with it. In return, though, spring rewards us with those golden hours at sunrise and sunset — the outdoor photographer's dream — raging waterfalls as the snow melts off, and the sounds and sights of nature coming back to life after a winter's hibernation. It's great if you get it right, and if you follow our spring hiking tips, you won't go far off track.
Dress and pack accordingly

Read more
Campfire cooking: This is the absolute best way to make a pot hanger
Make the most of campfire cooking with this ingenious pot hanger guide
A campfire pot hanger holds a kettle over a stone circle

Campfire cooking is an art form. Sure, you can always just skewer a sausage or a s'more and roast it directly over the heat, but with a little camping cooking gear, you can elevate your camp cooking to new heights. With the cooler nights of fall just around the corner, camp cooking becomes even more important, as you'll need the extra calories to stay warm overnight. There are plenty of styles of campfire cooking to explore, and a suspended pot over your fire is one of the most versatile.

By hanging a pot or a kettle over your fire, you can keep your dish away from direct heat, but retain a rolling boil or a gentle simmer. This means you can always have hot water ready and waiting for a cup of coffee, heat yourself a cowboy casserole of beans and ground beef to pour over a biscuit, or simmer a stew for a substantial meal under the stars.

Read more
How to make nutritious and delicious trail snacks: Your DIY guide
DIY trail snacks are less expensive and better for the environment
Date and cashew bars

Knowing how to properly feed yourself to stay energized throughout the day is essential to success on the trail. Whether you're out hiking for the day or on a multi-day thru-hike, nutrition will make or break your trip. There are loads of trail snacks on the market that you can take in your pack, but if you hit the trail every day, these can be costly.

We all want to be a bit more environmentally conscious. As outdoor enthusiasts, we have a much closer connection with the natural environment than most. Even some of the more environmentally aware companies still wrap their snacks in plastic packaging, and many snacks come individually wrapped for convenience. Save yourself money and look out for your environmental footprint in one move by learning how to make your own trail snacks at home. Here are six of our favorites.
Raisin, cherry, and honey flapjacks

Read more