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Brew an Awesome Cup of Coffee With the Canadiano
We’re big fans of interesting coffee makers here at The Manual, and we’ve found a new one that is pretty cool. It’s called the Canadiano. What makes this coffee maker so special? The Canadiano is a locally manufactured coffee maker that is crafted from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. All manufacturing is done […] -
First Drive: 2015 McLaren 650S
Standing in the courtyard of the hotel in Málaga, Spain, leaning against the fastest car I’ve ever driven, I glance over at my co-pilot. Slightly out of breath, he looks hypnotized by the orange supercar sitting before us. His eyes slowly wander from the car and onto my face. “Was I really going 275 kilometers […] -
Denali’s Stunning Live-Edge Wood Furniture
Now that the industrial era has come and gone, Portland’s central eastside industrial district has slowly been taken over by a wave of new entrepreneurial businesses — little artisan shops, studios, breweries, restaurants, and the like — but there are still few places where the oldschool industrial spirit lives on. Denali Furniture is one of […] -
V-Moda’s XS on-ear headphones
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading from earbuds to something a little more … serious, but you aren’t into a big, bulky set of over-ear headphones, then you owe it to yourself to look into V-Moda’s latest, the V-Moda XS on-ear headphone. On-ear headphones are naturally less cumbersome than a full-sized set of cans, but […] -
The Wood & Faulk Camp Stool
It has been brutal winter, but thankfully the season is over and spring is underway. Now that the calendar has turned to April, it’s time to start getting outdoors again. For a lot of us at The Manual, that means planning hiking day trips and overnight camping journeys. And we have the perfect addition to […] -
Just Jus It.
It’s almost summer and we are all hitting the gym and getting fit for those weekends in the water and vacations with the in-laws (sigh). Juicing seems to be getting more popular with guys partly from the hype but also because our lady friends are seeing results. But what are the risks vs. the benefits? […] -
Feel Good Friday – Dockers Wellthread Collection
Dudes can run through a rack of clothes quicker than Dale Earnhardt Jr. can zip around a track. So we are excited to hear that Dockers has launched a line of clothing called Wellthread. The Dockers Wellthread Collection was developed by Levis Strauss & Company’s Eureka Innovation Lab and everything is reinforced in the right places to increase […] -
New Music Monday: Kaiser Chiefs
Leeds based, Kaiser Chiefs are one of the most successful rock bands of the last decade. They have released 4 albums which have amassed millions of sales worldwide. Ricky Wilson, the band’s front-man, was recently chosen to be a coach on the UK’s version of the wildly popular, TV show The Voice, alongside Will.I.Am, Kylie […] -
Elegance and machismo merge in Klipsch’s 2.1 Stadium speaker system
There are a lot of ways to blow two grand on audio gear, but Klipsch’s new all-in-one wireless speaker system, the Stadium, might just be the coolest way we know. Years in the making, the Stadium is a 29 pound hunk of rigid machined aluminum, sculpted into a frame that blends the elegance of a luxury […] -
The all-new Bentley SUV is coming…
Streaking out of a sandstorm might seem like on odd setting for a bespoke British SUV. Consider, though, that Bentley likely plans to sell a ton of these things in the Middle East and the force-of-nature unveiling seems rather relevant. Digital Trends has been reporting on rumors of a Bentley SUV for a while now. […] -
Epperson Mountaineering: Modern Packs with Retro Style
If you’re looking for a rock-solid backpack with all the charm of the 1980’s, but the technology and materials of the modern day, look no further than Epperson Mountaineering. The company was founded back in 1973, and while the materials Epperson uses to make its packs has evolved over the years, the brand’s unique retro […] -
New Music Monday: Meet Ages & Ages
Portland’s Ages and Ages is a collective of like-minded souls that believe in the power of music to change the world and elevate the spirit. Their music is bright and uplifting, with lyrics, penned by Tim Perry, that deliver serious introspective messages full of insight and consideration for others. Divisionary, the band’s sophomore album, evolved […] -
Go Head to Head With Tool Chess
When father and son Charles and William Gallmeyer saw their family machine tool business in Grand Rapids, Michigan coming near an end, the elder Gallmeyer noticed that some of the employees used some pieces of hardware to be a fill-in for a missing chess piece, and the elder Gallmeyer’s father came up with the name […] -
These Polk headphones look as good as your wardrobe
If you haven’t already noticed, nearly every company in consumer electronics makes a headphone now, whether they have audio chops or not. From our experience, it’s best to stick with a company known for its audio gear. But when it comes to headphones, we know you need something with some swagger, too. You want something […] -
Feel Good Friday – Zady
As we go to Whole Foods (or our local Farmers’ Market!) to support brands and people we think are making the world a better place, Zady is doing this for the fashion world. Launched in August of last year, the site is a shopping destination where guests can find brands that have a backstory. Won […] -
SXSW 2014: Acts to Hear This Year
We just returned from South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, TX where we spent a glorious week listening to endless live music, dancing into the wee hours of the morning and, of course, eating our fill of delicious BBQ. As the music conference approaches it’s 30th year, there were around 2,200 national and international acts […] -
Body Dryer is like a Dyson Airblade for your whole body
You know that high-speed blowdryer from Dyson that dries your hands so fast that it eliminates the need for hand towels — the AirBlade? Yeah, well, somebody just took that same concept a step further and developed a device that blow dries your entire body, thereby eliminating the need to use bath towels at all. At […] -
Talking March Madness with Villanova’s Jay Wright
March Madness is already underway all over the country, so we at The Manual figured we had to get involved somehow. Luckily, we were able to grab some time with the long-time head coach of the Villanova Wildcats, Jay Wright, who was in New York as part of the Dove Men + Care “Easy Decisions” […] -
Forget Rudders,This Yacht Bends its Hull to Turn
We’ve seen some pretty flossy luxury yachts before, but this concept boat from designer Timon Sager is on a whole new level. In addition to it sleek, ultra-modern design, the vessel (dubbed Nimue 490) features a flexible nose that allows it to initiate turns without the help of a rudder. At first glance, the vessel’s […] -
Sexy, choice, and affordable: Meet Edifier’s E25 Luna Eclipse
When it comes to purchasing a new set of speakers to spiff up your desktop, office or study, it’s hard to find something that looks as good as it sounds (or vice versa) and won’t ransack your wallet. At least it was; then Edifier came along with a highly modern-looking set of speakers that should […] -
Bring It: 10 Lunch Kits to Take to Work
As much as we love running out of the office at lunchtime to grab a burrito bowl from Chipotle or a burger from Shake Shack, the cost adds up — and, it’s not too healthy for our waistlines. Bringing your lunch to work can save you around $2,500 a year, and we’re guessing a few […] -
A gentleman’s guide to keeping St. Patrick’s Day classy
Giant green top hats. Neon green wigs. Plastic shamrock-bead necklaces. Green beer binges. Celtic face paint. Anything to do with bagpipes. There are plenty of ways to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. But these gaudy clichés shouldn’t be on your list. Instead, keep this St. Patrick’s Day a classy affair with the […] -
Feel Good Friday – REVISIT
The depressing news of our broke down congress and their lack of getting much done is nothing new. Budget cuts keep happening and most of us go on with our daily routine (besides tweeting a little aggression!). But a former TOMS VP, Jillian DiIorio and Philadelphia Eagles Tight End, Brent Celek are taking matters into […] -
The 2015 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe
BMW has its M division, which makes its most mental models like the M3 and forthcoming M4. It also has an intertwined but decidedly independent tuning partner called Alpina. What started in the 1960s in a German man’s garage as a BMW carburetor modification has grown to a world-renowned BMW tuner. Although it’s a far […] -
This Sleeping Bag Fits in The Palm of Your Hand
If you’re anything like us, now that daylight savings time has come, you’re already daydreaming about summer — and more specifically, summer backpacking trips. Pretty soon all this snow will be gone, and once again you’ll be able to stuff a few provisions in a sack, sling it over your shoulder, and venture deep into […] -
Whiskey in a (Soap) Bottle: Dish Whiskey
You'll never look back once you've throw out the tangerine-scented dish soap and replaced it with this whiskey-based cleaning solution, just don't drink it! -
Pump it up (and protect) with Heimplanet’s inflatable tents
Whether talking Japanese bullet trains or Velcro, there’s no doubt nature inspires us to think beyond what we once deemed possible. Likewise, German-bred company Heimplanet’s lined of geodesic-inspired tents take a cue from one of the most stable natural structures in existence: the diamond. Each of the company’s three tents was designed based on the […] -
Feel Good Friday – Carhartt WIP X Ikku
You know we love it when a beautifully designed, ethically sound collab comes together. Our latest fave is this awesome four-piece collection of technology sleeves, the totally legitimate love child of Carhartt Work In Progress and Amsterdam-based accessory brand Ikku. A trio of buddies, Daniel Archutowski, Frank Bleker and Janneke Grootings, established Ikku in 2012. […] -
Rolls-Royce’s Ghost II exudes opulence, down to the monogrammed fuel cap
If you’ve spent more than $275,000 on a car, you probably have a Rolls-Royce Ghost in your driveway. And you’re in good company, as the big-body Rolly is the best-selling car in its class. It’s time to put your Rolls dealer on speed-dial; there’s a new Ghost. And it’s called the Ghost II. Effortless and […] -
Turn your Dirt Bike into a Snow Bike
If a snowmobile and a motorcycle ever bumped uglies somehow, the illegitimate child that would be born nine months later would probably look a lot like this. Actually, that’s a crappy analogy. We take it back. On second thought, it’s more like a motorsport Frankenstein than the offspring of two horny recreational vehicles, because it […] -
NYC Velo at the Gotham West Market
NYC Velo is one of New York’s premiere bike shops. Located in the heart of the East Village on Second Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets, the store provides true biking connoisseurs with a selection of bicycles that range from industry standard brands to bikes that are nothing short of works of art. For nine […] -
5 Custom Motorcycles That Will Make You Sweat: March 2022
The birds have begun to sing. The snow has begun to melt. And before you know it, we’ll have escaped this god-forsaken tundra and be on to warmer pastures – and that means it’s nearly time to get back on two wheels, and out on some delicious twisties. To get you fired up about the […] -
Skijoring is the strangest thing you’ll see this winter
It’s negative four degrees outside, and feels even colder, yet somehow the line at the ticket booth is backed up with people eagerly awaiting admission into an outdoor stadium. Steamy pillars of breath erupt from mouths hidden behind scarves, and hands only dare to leave the warmth of their pockets when it comes time to […] -
Laugh With the House of Cards Against Humanity Deck
If you don’t know about Cards Against Humanity, you better get with it. We promise that this game will be the life of your next party. It’s hilarious, and you’re going to laugh so hard you won’t know what hit you. It’s basically like Madlibs on crack. Pick a Card Czar, and he/she then picks […] -
Have a Simultaneous Sound Experience With Sonos
Have you ever dreamed of being able to hear music in all of the rooms in your home at once? The Sonos Wireless HiFi system allows you to do that. “Sonos allows for music to be a social experience again,” said Sonos senior PR manager Eric Nielsen. Choose from a number of wireless speakers and […] -
Feel Good Friday – DIBI Ties
When Daniel Bruce heard from a friend in the Philippines that such basic necessities such as bags, pencils and sharpeners were hard to find at the local schools, it had him thinking. Inspired by the Tom’s shoes business model, Daniel launched DIBI ties in 2009 after spending time as a model in the fashion retail […] -
VW’s Golf GTE is a plug-in hybrid that handles like a GTI
Volkswagen has a version of its Golf for everyone. It has the standard Golf, which is perhaps the most sensible car on the planet; the GTI, the sporty version of the Golf; and the GTD, which takes the GTI idea and adds diesel. Now there’s this: the GTE, which combines plug-in hybrid efficiency and turbocharged […] -
Kickstart your heart (and bicycle) with the Copenhagen Wheel
We all know how tough it is to reinvent the wheel in this day and age. Between touch-capacity, lambskin gloves and voice-controlled grills, it seems the market for new products and sheer innovation is quickly dwindling with each passing passing year and sultry shot of whiskey. However, venture-backed company Superpedestrian is doing just that with its […] -
Finn Utility: Fly With Style
You might not be an avid-fly fisher, yet – but after checking out the products at Finn Utility – you’ll start contemplating why you never picked up such a hobby. Finn Utility is dedicated to respecting the tradition of fly-fishing, using high quality materials and hand-making their products in the good ol’ U.S. of A. Across the line, […] -
Sutterheim teamed up with Volvo to make this sexy car cover
Holy Swedish collab, Batman! Sutterheim, purveyor of some of the finest raincoats on the planet, has teamed up with automaker Volvo to produce a high-quality, handmade cover for three of its new concept cars. Following the premiere of Volvo’s Concept Coupe and Concept XC, the upcoming long-body coupe (dubbed the Concept Estate) further proves the […] -
Get Better Sleep With Sleep Shield
Melatonin. It’s that naturally occurring hormone that regulates our sleep pattern but that doesn’t always seem to work. The science on melatonin is varied—you can boost your levels if you take it in pill form, and some voluntary lifestyle changes like slowing down on booze and coffee can help too. But one thing that decreases […] -
Smallfoot Inflatable Snowshoes
If snowshoeing is your thing, these probably won’t be of interest to you. But if you’re anything like me and snowshoeing is simply a means to an end – a way t0 get out to some backcountry terrain that nobody’s touched all season – then you’ll want to check this out. Rather than being made […] -
Burn This: Baxter of California Ash Series Candles
Former advertising executive Baxter Finley founded his eponymous grooming brand Baxter of California in 1965 after moving to Los Angeles from New York, receiving a beating on his skin from the harsh sunlight, and discovering that there were no products specifically targeted towards men. He aimed Baxter of California towards “men with an interest in […] -
Feel Good Friday – Elkarti
This column has really shown us a broad range of incredible companies making the world a better place. Some donate to charities and work remotely with local workers while others, like Elkarti work hands-on with people in need to better their lives. Image used with permission by copyright holder Based in Portland, Oregon, Ahmed Abidine is […] -
Audi’s 300-horsepower S3 Cabriolet is all class
The standard four-door Audi S3 is a very exciting car indeed. It offers 300 horsepower, permanent all wheel drive, a compact yet extremely handsome body, and an interior that ought to make Bentley jealous. Now, though, there’s a new version: The S3 Cabriolet. Unbelievably, Audi has gone and outdone its S3 sedan – and it […] -
A Sleeping Bag for Knocking Boots in Nature
We’ve all been there – you’re out in the middle of nowhere with your significant other, far away from roommates, thin walls, and complaining neighbors. After the fire dies down, there’s only one logical way to stay warm: crazy wilderness sex that rips the tent stakes from the Earth and wakes up all the woodland […] -
Blood, sweat, and style: Q&A with the ‘Motorbike Mondays’ crew
Any man who spends most of his days behind a desk, basking in the harsh glow of a computer screen has dreamt of abandoning it all for something a bit more hands-on – like, say, building custom motorcycles. But the guys behind Motorbike Mondays, an excellent weekly podcast that helps average Joes build their dream bikes, are already living that […] -
Feel Good Friday – Veja
We have to say – every time we profile another sustainable, eco friendly brand, we learn something new. Here is what we learned when researching the French brand Veja (which means ‘look’ in Portuguese) after digging their shoes, bags and accessories over the past couple of seasons: Seringueiros: What you call people who tap rubber trees. Veja […] -
Mercedes’ S-Class Coupe loves corners so much, it actively leans into them
When I think of Mercedes-Benz, I don’t think of stately SUVs or small sports cars, though it has great expertise in making both. No, the cars that truly represent Mercedes-Benz – in my mind – are its hulking coupes. The breed’s lineage reaches back to the 1952 300 S Coupe. Over the years, the full-size […] -
The Voice-Controlled Grill of the Future
Now that sensors and radios have become so ridiculously small and cheap, just about everything is becoming “smarter.”And now, thanks to a company called Lynx, that includes grills. Giving you more time to focus on drinking and destroying your friends at Polish horseshoes at your next cookout, the Lynx SmartGrill is an automated gas grill […]
