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Find your wild side with ‘The Outsiders: New Outdoor Creativity’
The outdoor industry wasn't built on the back of one man alone. 'The Outsiders' offers a glimpse at the people—and passion—that make it possible. -
New Music Monday: Meshell Nedegeocello
Groove driven, infectiously melodic and lyrically meditative, Meshell’s latest album, Comet, Come To Me, finds her returning to the same well of creativity that launched her career. Her 11th release, it is possibly a culmination of all previous work: lush, vocal, seeking, wise, collaborative, and driven by the signature bounce and precise pocket of Ndegeocello […] -
Could this Android-powered 1080p webcam replace your Roku, Apple TV?
All the Haginas brothers wanted to do was create a device that would let health and wellness professionals work remotely with their clients; in their own living rooms, through video conferencing. But as the two Miami Beach, Florida fitness buffs soon learned, their brainchild was going to need more high-power hardware than either of them had originally […] -
Feel Good Friday – Cathead Vodka
While working on this article, I was shocked to discover that Mississippi didn’t repeal prohibition until 1966. That is 59 years of bootleg and moonshine! So when Richard Patrick started up the first legal still in 104 years it caused quite a stir. His company, Cathead Vodka, is more than just a spirit; it’s a […] -
New Music Monday: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Image used with permission by copyright holder It has been 10 years since Clap Your Hands Say Yeah started, and they’re about to release their fourth record, Only Run. Like the previous three, CYHSY will market and distribute the album independently. From the get go, this ethos struck a chord with fans, but it was merely an […] -
Oppo’s PM-1 headphones offer luxury for all your senses
Sometimes you just need to splurge on a badass piece of audio gear. If that time has come around for you, we highly recommend checking out Oppo’s PM-1 headphones, a set of cans as beautiful and luxurious in design as they are in performance. One might find it odd that Oppo, a company best known for […] -
The Five Things I Can’t Live Without: Multi-Hyphenate Amani Olu
Just call Amani Olu a . A Brooklynite who was born and raised in Philadelphia, Olu wears many hats. He’s an artist, who has done his lie-detector performance pieces a the Spring/Break art fair and Garis & Hahn; a publicist, an editor at M Daily and a curator. He does so many things, we can barely […] -
Feel Good Friday – ohw?
Tom’s started the trend in consumer consciousness in the shoe arena, and there are more and more brands going that route. One we happened on recently is ohw? (pronounced ‘Who’ as in ‘Who’s signature is in each shoe?’ More on that in a bit). The owners, Stephen Gill and Hiro Chen have a collective 40 […] -
The 2015 Volkswagen GTI looks very manly in plaid
One of my best friends is preparing to replace his BMW 335i sedan. It’s one of the first cars that rolled off the line, and he bought it for a song. Why was it so cheap? It’s a lemon. Despite the car’s shakes and shudders, he has loved his Bimmer. He’s loved it for its […] -
The Hudson Music Project
Just when you think there are enough music festivals to fill every summer weekend, a newcomer enters the scene. But you won’t find us complaining because The Hudson Music Project, celebrating it’s inaugural year this July, sounds awesome. With headliners like Kendrick Lamar, Modest Mouse and Flaming Lips, it’s bound to be one of the […] -
New Music Monday: Yann Tiersen
Image used with permission by copyright holder “A sunny, baroque pop track featuring Tiersen’s characteristic subjection of acoustic instruments such as bells and strings to digital processing, indicative of his approach to the whole album” – The Quietus on “A Midsummer Evening” “Orchestral pop that feels both capable of being stripped down to an acoustic […] -
Samsung’s sexy HU9000 series curved Ultra HD TV is a dazzler, on or off
This year’s hottest TVs are hitting store shelves now, and if you’re looking at getting in on the bleeding edge of the latest TV technology, you owe it to yourself to check out Samsung’s HU9000 curved Ultra HD TV. Why the curve? Samsung says the gentle concave curvature makes for a more immersive viewing experience and […] -
Give Your Kitchen European Sensibility With Flotsam + Fork
Adrianna Fie was so fascinated by food that she pursued a master’s degree in food studies from New York University, and when she moved to Madison, Wisconsin, she worked at the Kitchen Gallery, where she learned about all the accessories one can use in one, as a cheese manager at Metcalfe’s Market, and then she […] -
Makers & Brothers Brings Artisinal Irish Goods to Your Home
Brothers Jonathan and Mark Legge grew up with hand crafted products made in Ireland, so when the two decided to launch a business together, they decided to create an e-commerce site that brings together a variety of artisanal products made in the Emerald Isle, aptly calling it Makers & Brothers. “We’re based out of Dublin and […] -
Feel Good Friday – Pack for a Purpose
Anyone who has traveled to a third world country has packed a pile of pencils, pens or slap bracelets to give out to the kids they meet. While those little trinkets are exciting for the youngsters, we are missing out on the bigger picture of what we can really do for these kids. Enter former […] -
Audi’s R8 LMX: Laser headlights and a 570-horsepower V10
German one-upmanship never ceases to amaze. In a mad scramble, Audi will be the first automaker to push a production car with laser headlights to the road, not BMW. Called the R8 LMX, the limited-run supercar will go on sale this summer. And although only 99 examples will ever be built, it will stand as […] -
The Manual Wind: The Forgotten Octo
The watch world is a small one. Given the wide range of offerings to it’s niche consumer, it is sometimes hard to believe that it is such a modest front of shared history and manufacturing incest. During this now booming industries resurgence, talent was quickly realized and extolled. There is no better example of dispersed […] -
The Best Everday Camping Gear: Ticla
If you’re a serious outdoorsman, you’ve probably got the gear for basecamp trip to Denali, or even a month or two trip down the Appalachian Trail. However, how many of us really have a hardcore camping trip planned where we’ll need that zero degree mummy bag or Gore-Tex tent? Most camping these days involves more […] -
New Music Monday: The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger (The GOASTT – Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl)
“The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger is Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl. Lennon, as you may know, is the only child of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Muhl is a successful fashion model and Lennon’s significant other of eight years … although it may have taken him thirty-eight years to do it, Sean Lennon […] -
Six Essentials for your Dog this Summer
With summer scratching at the door it’s not just time to think about how to update our wardrobe and gear but that of our favorite four legged friends too. We have dug up six great items that are sure to make the dog days of summer all the more fun for you and your buddy. […] -
From punk to polished, Bruns Acoustics’ new Timbre speakers are gorgeous
There’s an ocean of wireless speakers out there, with a myriad of design choices sufficient enough to make your head spin. But if you’re looking for something a little different in both style and performance, you’ll want to take a good look at a gorgeous new speaker from the folks down under at Bruns Acoustics, […] -
Cyclo: “The Ultimate Urban Bicycle”
Two French-American brothers, Eric and Antoine Duvauchelle grew up in a small town in France that embraced getting around by bicycle. When they reached adulthood the two lived in various cities around the globe — New York, London, Berlin, and Portland — continuing to use the bike as their preferred method of transportation. Eric became […] -
Feel Good Friday – PUBLICPAK
Backpacks are no longer relegated to kindergarteners and college brah’s. With the Filson tote explosion finally calming down, men are realizing how much function a backpack has as well as how much better it feels since it distributes weight evenly. So now you aren’t walking like you need a V-8 after a day of carrying […] -
The Manual’s Guide to Tech
Recently we have been posting tips from people in the know on various industries. Today we let tech have it’s turn with Drew Prindle. Our thoughts on the subject: It’s a fact, men love things. They love cars, gadgets, cufflinks, fishing poles and bike helmets. So we have a category on The Manual dedicated especially […] -
Tenkara Rod Co. | A Simpler Way To Fish
If you really want to, you can easily drop thousands of dollars on fishing equipment without breaking a sweat. If you spring for all the top-of-the-line gear –high-tension graphite rods, anodized aluminum reels, invisible flourocarbon lines, and a different lure for every day of the year– it’s fairly easy to sink an entire paycheck into […] -
New Music Monday: Wye Oak
Image used with permission by copyright holder “The band, featuring Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack, has built its reputation on massive walls of guitar noise. But on Wye Oak’s new record, Shriek, the band trades its guitars in for synths.” – NPR “Billed as the group’s most personal album yet … Shriek boasts intensely layered sounds, as well […] -
Noisehush’s i7 ANC Headphones Cost Less Than Your Airport Bar Tab
There are plenty of people for whom travel is a near-constant part of daily life, whether it’s for work, or for a lucky few, pure pleasure. However, many of us only step on a plane a couple of times a year, and don’t necessarily want to spend big bucks on a pair of active noise […] -
Check Out This Story
While working as a brand consultant for brands like TOMS, Kraft and Lincoln, Rachel Shechtman came up with a clever idea: Why not create a space where brands and consumers could come together? Shechtman viewed herself as a matchmaker of sorts, so she found a 2,000-square-foot spot on 10th Avenue and 19th Street in Manhattan’s […] -
Feel Good Friday: Song Saa Foundation
Nine years ago, Aussie couple Rory and Melita Hunter embarked on a trip that would change their lives. A two week exploration of the remote Koh Rong Archipelago in southwest Cambodia led them to the twin islands known as Song Saa – Khmer, translation for the Sweethearts. The pair fell head over heels for the […] -
German Autobahn ‘No Speed Limit’ signs from Roundabout Signs
The Manual recently moved into some new offices. And as you might imagine, they are quite manly and stylish. They lacked, though, a certain automotive touch. As the automotive editor for the site, I was keen to make my mark on the new space. Accordingly, I began digging through the Internet’s series of tubes for […] -
CiloGear Packs: Minimalism Meets Versatility
Ever since “ultralight” ethos started to gain favor amongst backpackers and people stared demanding lighter, stronger packs; designers have been struggling to find the optimal balance between minimalism and utility. A pack that’s too stripped down might be light as a feather, but lack durability and certain features that make it easy and convenient to […] -
New Music Monday: Sonny Knight and the Lakers
Image used with permission by copyright holder On April 29th, 2014, the debut album from Sonny Knight & The Lakers, I’m Still Here, will be released in the US by Secret Stash Records on LP, CD, and digitally. For Sonny Knight, the making of his debut album nearly 50 years after recording his first single […] -
Add premium performance to your commute with NuForce’s Primo 8
In-ear headphones have undergone something of an evolution in recent years. That means you no longer have to put up with compromises when it comes to the tiny buds that bring solace to your daily trek to the office. A flashy new example of this elevation of design and performance can be found in the latest […] -
The 5 Things I Can’t Live Without: Photographer Kareem Black
Leonardo Di Caprio. Russell Westbrook. Kanye West. Charlotte Rampling. Those are just a few of the bold names that New York-based photographer Kareem Black has shot in his career. Despite shooting some of the biggest celebrities around, Black maintains a laid-back attitude that also helps him capture his subjects when they’re relaxed. Hailing from Philadelphia, […] -
Feel Good Friday: Freewaters
Summer is quickly approaching (and if the old Farmer’s Almanac is reliable, we’re in for some brutal heat). With that in mind, it’s time to pick up a pair of decent summer flip flops. Our new favorites? The spring line-up at footwear brand Freewaters are not only super comfortable, but their connections with clean water […] -
2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe | New York Auto Show
There are few men who exemplify cool, calm masculinity pared with effortless style and panache than Jon Hamm’s character on Mad Men, Don Draper. It’s not surprising, then, that Mercedes-Benz asked Mr. Hamm to help them unveil the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe at the New York Auto Show. If you’re not familiar with […] -
Patagonia’s Simple Fly Fishing Kit Takes You to the river
Japanese fly fishing may not seem like the easiest sport to master on a tight budget, but thankfully, Patagonia's Yvon Chouinard thinks otherwise. -
Batch Nashville’s Carefully Curated Bundles
Batch Nashville cultivates some of the finest confections and ingredients, organizing them into thoughtful, useful collections that are sure to impress. -
Recap: The Manual Meet Up Portland
On April 9th, we had our second Manual Meet Up, this time in our Portland, Oregon HQ. From 6-9 pm we welcomed 40 guys and gals into our brand new entertaining space on the 10th floor of the ‘Big Pink’ in downtown Portland. As the sun set, the guests witnessed spectacular views of the city […] -
The Manual’s Guide for Controlling Clutter
Where’s your weak spot for clutter? Is it your desk? Your garage where you stock more tools than Home Depot? Or maybe your closet where you stash a little of everything? Everyone has clutter—that doesn’t mean everyone is a hoarder like those featured on some TV shows where they suffer the thought of discarding just […] -
New Music Monday: Edward David Anderson
Edward David Anderson is an artist as ancient as he is modern. In a time when the music business desperately flails about, grasping at any new trend that will save its sinking ship, he exists far outside its confines. Best known for his work with the revered Midwestern rock band Backyard Tire Fire who released […] -
Keepin’ it Cool with IZOLA
In 2005, Neil Rasmus (one of the men behind New York City’s biggest full service photo companies – Billy Farrell Agency) and Richard Brandt decided to bring some life to otherwise mundane objects by incorporating good quality with great design – thus began IZOLA. In 2010, the company started collaborating with Aesthetic Movement’s design team […] -
This slick wireless speaker catches eyes and ears wherever you take it
There are certainly no lack of options to choose from as you shop for a wireless speaker, but it can be tough to find a portable sonic companion that both catches the eye, and offers the power and performance your ears crave. For an intriguing and attractive new take on old design, we suggest checking […] -
Electronic Music Cranks Up At Moogfest
Lovers of electronic music are headed to Asheville, N.C. for the annual Moogfest. a five-day festival featuring such artists as Kraftwerk, Zed’s Dead, Pet Shop Boys, M.I.A., Flying Lotus, Moderat, Riff Raff and dozens of others. It runs April 23 to April 27, 2014. View the full schedule here. Why Asheville? Well it’s the place […] -
Feel Good Friday – Mission Belts
Micro Lending. It is something of a buzz word these days; and for good reason. Take Mission Belt Company’s micro lending story for example: Brothers Nate and Zac Holzapfel and old friend Jeff Jensen had a friend in Panama named Luis who got hurt on the job. He was sent walking (rude) and needed a […] -
Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept
Land Rover has long been the off-road standard of the world. And even though its most famous model, the Defender, wildly lacks in tech, the British carmaker just might lead the world in automotive tech – from this moment forward. The Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept is perhaps one of the most important and impressive […] -
Write Au Naturale with Field Notes’ Shelterwood Notebook
An idea isn't worth much if you can't capture it. Field Notes' notebooks pose a solution — one reveling in American Cherry and 70-pound stock paper. -
New Music Monday: Free Sampler from ATO Records
This week on New Music Monday we are excited to offer up a free sampler from ATO Records. ATO is one of the most eclectic independent record labels in the world today and features an outstanding and diverse roster which includes several of this year’s breakthrough artists. The compilation will appeal to fans of many […] -
Talking Shop with Six & Sons Founder Alexander Six
We love an awesome concept store, but we especially love happening upon one while on a European mini break. Strolling the streets of Amsterdam early one Sunday morning in March, we came across Six & Sons, which quickly became the find of the trip. The two-storey store houses a coffee house upstairs and all kinds […] -
Tubecore’s Duo warms up your digital media with the glow of vacuum tubes
Here’s a little nugget of knowledge professional musicians, recording engineers and audiofiles have known for decades: When it comes to amazing sound, nothing beats tubes. Sure, modern technology has lead to amazing advancements in digital amplification, but nothing sounds smoother and richer than tube-based audio gear. Now, a brand-new company out of Maryland is marrying […]
