Skip to main content

Check Out These Colorful New Boots in the L.L. Bean Small Batch Lineup

L.L. Bean’s Bean Boots are the essence of old-school outdoor style. With more than 100 years of history as a company, the outfitters have really shaped the gear game with these rough-and-tumble pieces of footwear (and lest we forget they even styled a Subaru).

While we love the classis, L.L. Bean recently introduced a few new colorways via the Small Batch collection, as well as a smaller moccasin silhouette for lighter spring trekking

The Winter Batch consists of six-, eight-, and ten-inch models in handsome tones of dark red, green, blue, gray, and brown. They’re pretty easy to spot with a trademark chain-tread bottom and the same handmade-in-Maine quality that L.L. Bean has built its reputation on.

Recommended Videos

The Spring Batch, which will be introduce in march 2018, includes four different moccasins. The brand is brightening up the colors more with a “flint blue,” “green tea,” and “deep fuchsia” on tap, along with a standard black edition. They’re essentially low-cut version of their bigger brothers and sisters with moc-style lacing and the essential chain-tread.

Both “batches” carry on a proud tradition of U.S. craftsmanship that’s seen a bit of a resurgence in recent years (you can view some of our favorite American-made products here). The time and care taken with every step of the process is special (even down to the packaging, which is completed by hand). These are boots (and moccasins) that will last a long, long time — something you can wear into the ground for several seasons.

Geoff Nudelman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff is a former contributor to The Manual. He's a native Oregonian who’s always up for a good challenge and a great hike…
A long-awaited reopening in the Smoky Mountains is finally here
Great Smoky Mountains National Park repairs a culvert and more at this favorite hiking spot
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Ever since the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has slowly but surely been reopening sections of the park following reconstruction efforts. The Cosby Area, which is a popular place for visitors to hike, camp, and picnic, is next on the list. As of May 12, 2025, the Cosby Area has officially reopened following the completion of a culvert replacement under Cosby Entrance Road.

This is one of many rehabilitation projects in the area aimed at protecting aquatic species and managing water flow, since flood damage has been a major concern. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and recent debris buildup have heightened risks in the area.

Read more
Top attraction at Sequoia National Park finally reopens after 4 years
Sequoia National Forest opens the Crystal Caverns after 4 years of closure
Crystal Cave at Sequoia National Park

Crystal Cave, which is Sequoia National Park's most popular attraction since the park's opening in 1940, will finally reopen for guided tours on May 23 after four long years of closure. These closures were due to several consecutive natural disasters, including the 2021 KNP Complex wildfire, as well as 2022 and 2023 winter storms which brought heavy snow, flooding, and landslides.
“The opening of Crystal Cave is a big step forward in disaster recovery for Sequoia and Kings Canyon,” said Clay Jordan, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks superintendent. “We’re excited to be able to reopen this incredible attraction to visitors and encourage people to enjoy all of the beauty and wonder these parks have to offer.”

Restoration efforts have been extensive near the Giant Forest, where Crystal Cave resides. The Sequoia Parks Conservancy replaced several power lines, stabilized roads, and removed almost 3,000 hazardous trees, with 2,000 more to go.

Read more
Do golf balls go bad? Here’s how to know when it’s time to toss them
Sketchy golf ball? Here's how to see if it's still playable
Golf ball near the hole

Maybe you've found a box of old golf balls in your garage, or an unclaimed one out on the fairway. You might be wondering, do golf balls go bad? Modern golf balls are actually pretty robust, lasting as long as five or ten years or more without significant degradation, but it's always good to check. Golf balls can degrade over time, and the signs aren't always obvious. Here's everything you need to consider when teeing up with old golf balls.
How to tell if your golf balls are bad

Look for structural damage
The first thing to look for is structural damage. If your golf balls have visible scuffs, cuts, or cracks from play, they aren't going to serve you well out on the fairway. These deformities, even if they are small, can affect the aerodynamics during flight. You might be okay with very minor dings, but use your best judgment.
Checking the health of the core
If your golf ball has no structural damage, now it's time to check the health of the core. I like to give them a gentle squeeze to see if they are firm and consistent all the way around. A bad one will feel softer or even squishy in places. Then, gently bounce the golf ball on a hard surface and compare it to a new one. If it bounces almost as high, that means that it's likely still good.
The saltwater test
Epsom salt isn't just great for getting rid of sore muscles. A while ago, Bryson DeChambeau made some waves for his creative method for testing the balance of his golf balls. Golfers have been doing this for a while, but he went on to win the U.S. Open with this golfing hack.

Read more