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Latest by C. Batten

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This Couple Made a Thriving Van Outfitter Business Out of Their Own Van Life Experience

ZenVanz was born out of pure wanderlust: Bryan and Jen Danger kitted out a 1967 Volkswagen bus, quit their jobs, and headed south to see how far they could get in a year or two. Flash forward to the present, and they’re running a company others do the same.
heikinpaiva festival michigan keweenaw peninsula parade heikenpaiva

Heikinpaiva: Michigan’s Weird, Wonderful, Finnish Winter Festival

Midwinter in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula means one thing: Heikinpaiva. Originating from a traditional Finnish celebration, this month-long festival gives the typically stoic Yoopers a chance to enjoy outdoor games, community gatherings, and customs dredged up from the ancient past.
Hotel Das Central

5 Hotels That Would Suit James Bond Like a Well-Shaken Martini

If 007 marathons aren't doing it for you like they used to, maybe it's time to take the next step and book a trip to one of these five hotels worthy of James Bond.
Stormy Kromer Merrell collection

Midwestern Heritage Brands Stormy Kromer and Merrell Partner for the Ultimate Cold Weather Collection

Two iconic Midwestern brands, Stormy Kromer and Merrell, have teamed up to create a collaboration capsule that blends style with functionality for even the coldest of Midwestern winters.
california fires

How to Support Relief Efforts for the West Coast Wildfires

There have been about 3,754,729 acres burned, 28 human lives lost, and over 7,000 homes and structures damaged.
biolite sunlight solar powered lantern sun light lifestyle

Meet Your Next Camp Lantern: The Solar-Powered, Extremely Portable Biolite SunLight

After bringing outdoor enthusiasts a fire-powered camp kettle, USB charger, and pizza oven, BioLite has fixed its sights upon harnessing the power of the sun with its latest offering: the solar-powered Biolite SunLight.
fire lookout rentals

8 Breathtaking Fire Lookouts You’ll Want to Rent Right Now

Fire lookout towers were first used to spot wildfires. Now, these unique off-grid destinations can be booked as bucket-list-worthy rentals.
OWA Waterless Shampoo

You Should Make the Switch to Waterless Grooming Products

Most grooming products consist of about 80% water. Here are just a few of the ways that waterless grooming products have an edge over conventional versions.
wine decanter

How to Decant Wine in 7 Simple Steps

Simply pouring this wine out of the bottle can mean getting a mouthful of grit, which can sometimes even be bitter ... it can definitely kill the experience of enjoying a fine glass of red. Decanting allows you to filter the sediment out of the wine, leaving the appearance and taste clear and vibrant.
filson workwear

Which Workwear is Right For You? Comparing Carhartt, Patagonia, and Filson

Read on to hear about how Filson and Patagonia's workwear lines withstood several days of heavy-lifting, axe-swinging, and brow-wiping labor, and how they compared to the new, improved line from the gold standard of workwear makers, Carhartt.
sperry bionic collection news hero image

The New Sperry BIONIC Collection Is Partly Made from Recycled Plastic Trash

The new Sperry BIONIC Collection features Sperry’s most iconic designs—the Classic Boat Shoe, the Captain's CVO, and the Captain's Slip-On— all built in part from this innovative and sustainable fabric.
Khunu Yak Wool Sweater

Yak Wool Is All We Want to Wear This Winter

Beloved by Himalayan nomads for centuries, yak wool is enjoying a renaissance as a high-performance technical fabric for outdoor adventurers.
ASOS X Simpsons Streetwear

Don’t Have a Cow, Man, with the ASOS x The Simpsons Collection

With styles inspired by 90’s party culture and the longest-running prime-time scripted show in television history, the ASOS x The Simpsons collection features more than 30 pieces of streetwear styles available in menswear, womenswear, and unisex.
floyd bed

Celebrate Earth Day Indoors With an Environmentally-Friendly Home Makeover

High-quality, thoughtfully designed home goods made from sustainably sourced materials will save you money and preserve the integrity of our planet.
self-driving car

When Will We Finally Have Fully Autonomous Self-Driving Cars?

Proving safety is a sticky issue when it comes to self-driving vehicles. The only way to demonstrate the superior safety of self-driving cars is to get more of them on the road. And that's the tricky part. So when are will we finally have fully autonomous vehicles?
marijuana weed joint grinder

The Grown-Up’s Guide to Everyday Carry Essentials for Cannabis

Unless you’re trying to make a lifestyle shift (and we’re guessing you’re not), you shouldn’t spend more on your smoking accessories than you do on the stuff you smoke. A few everyday carry essentials are all you need to enjoy a nice, relaxing smoke and all the physical and mental benefits it brings.
bill murray with a golf ball in mouth

Spice Up Your Swing with Bill Murray’s New Golf Apparel Line

Bill Murray along with his five brothers launched golf apparel line William Murray Golf
Someone holding a vial of CBD oil and a leaf in the other hand.

If You Like CBD, You Need to Know About the New CBs

Industry experts are discovering that CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid with desirable properties.
Allbirds x JUST

Allbirds and Just Water Collaborate on Sneakers to Save the Amazon Rainforest

Every purchase of these new kicks supports Earth Alliance’s Amazon Forest Fund. And we’re not just talking a little off the top. Allbirds is sending 100% of the proceeds to rebuild the Brazilian rainforest decimated by recent wildfires.
a complete guide to meditation for men completeguidetomeditationformen

A Complete Guide to Meditation for Men

If your motivation for the new year has run out of steam, it’s time to scrap the resolutions and focus on making at least one change: learning how to meditate.
what are earthing shoes 2

Earthing Shoes are the Latest Natural Health Trend People are Obsessing Over

Earthing shoes are a soft-soled shoe that is claimed to connect the wearer to the earth’s electromagnetic field. This connection, known as “Earthing” or “grounding” is said to usher electrons from the ground into the body. Up to this point, most version have been hideous. Rahm Goods has changed that.

14 Scandinavian Clothing Brands You Need to Know

These great Scandinavian clothing brands feature the clean, minimalist aesthetic that makes Nordic style so hot right now, along with incredible durability, premium and often sustainable materials, and uncompromising functional design.
how to support your pregnant wife howtosupportyourpregnantwife

Here’s How to Support Your Pregnant Wife

Learn how best to support your pregnant wife from someone who knows what's up, an actual pregnant woman. With these surefire tips, your wife will be reassured.
gerber fastball pocket knife

The Gerber Fastball Knife Should Be Your New EDC Knife

There are those who carry a pocket knife and there are those who carry a Gerber. The brand's latest knife, the Fastball, boasts a few trend-forward features.
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Check Out the Bold and Beautiful New Watches from Adidas Originals

The new Adidas Originals watch collection seeks to declutter the over-technologized aspect of the modern watch. The bright colors and spare, nostalgic aesthetics free the mind, inspiring you with the ethos of a simpler time.
meditation

Why You Should Start Meditating in Quarantine

Meditation helps with weathering coronavirus for the same reason it helps with any type of stress: by giving your brain a chance to fix itself.
Alpacas

Why You Should Forget Cashmere and Opt for Alpaca Wool Instead

After a three year search for the perfect sweater material to withstand the frigid temperatures and active lifestyle of Michigan's upper peninsula, one writer has finally found it - and it's made from alpaca wool.
max out 401(k) retirement savings

Why You Should Definitely Max Out Your 401(k) Contribution Now

If you work on a full-time basis, you probably have the option of a 401(k) account included in your benefits package. If you’re like most millennials, you associate a 401(k) with retirement and you don’t put much thought or effort into maintaining it. That's a big mistake. Here's why.
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The Aer Go Collection Lets You Travel Light and Look Great While Doing It

The Aer Go Collection features a clean, minimalist profile and a tweedy, heather black colorway, making it a fittingly neutral, yet undeniably distinctive addition to any wardrobe. The bags also pack down to nearly nothing, making them perfect for spring travels ahead.
interview with hugo turner one half of modern day adventurers the twins profile image hero

Interview with Modern-Day Adventurer Hugo Turner, One-Half the Turner Twins

The Turner twins have made a name for themselves as “world first” adventurers, specializing in groundbreaking expeditions that raise awareness for medical research and environmental issues. We caught up with Hugo Turner to get a taste of the motivation that fuels them.

5 Practical Uses for Elon Musk’s Impractical Flamethrower

When Elon Musk's side hustle, The Boring Company, released its flamethrower, it garnered a lot of attention (and criticism). While impractical, the flamethrower can still be put to practical use. And we've highlighted our top five.
NOHrD SlimBeam Cable Machine

This Minimalist Cable Machine Will Elevate Your Home Gym Design

If you find yourself anticipating your workout but dreading the gym, it’s probably time to invest in a home fitness setup. For our money, there’s no better option in this regard than the NOHrD SlimBeam.
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Virunga National Park’s Reopening Calls for More Sustainable Tourism in Africa

Virunga National Park’s scheduled reopening has rejuvenated worldwide interest in visiting the incomparably rich region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most importantly, the Virunga Alliance will work to ensure that the park’s wealth of resources benefit more than just the tourist population.
Villa Orsula

Stay Where the Stars of Game of Thrones Stayed with this Sweet Discount Code

Online hotel booking hub Hotels.com is offering a special deal tailor-made for Game of Thrones superfans like you: a tidy discount for rooms where the likes of Arya Stark, Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and others have stayed.
tattoo loose clothing

Tattoo Care Is Made Easier with Jack Black’s Ink Boost Kit

The same things that keep your skin looking fresh, vibrant, and ageless do the same for your tattoo: cleansing, sun protection, hydration, and general cell nourishment. Enter the Ink Boost Tattoo Care kit from men’s skincare experts Jack Black.
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Seth Rogen Proves Life Imitates Art with New Cannabis Company, Houseplant

Together with his longtime writing partner and BFFF, Evan Goldberg, and a venture partner called Canopy Growth Corporation, Seth Rogen launched Houseplant, a cannabis brand based out of Toronto.
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Juniper Ridge Founder Hall Newbegin Talks Sustainability in Men’s Grooming and the Search for Natural Scents

Hall Newbegin, founder of Juniper Ridge, talks sustainability, plants, and what it's like to source the scents his company has become famous for. Hint: It requires crawling around on the ground.
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Fender Custom Shop Unleashes Game of Thrones Guitars

Created in Fender’s “Dream Factory” Custom Shop by Master Builder Ron Thorn, the collection includes three deluxe electric Game of Thrones guitars, each embodying one of the great houses of Westeros (and the key players in the eponymous game).
parasole recovery socks fly kytin sock feat

Post-Workout Recovery Socks are a Thing and Parásole by Fly Kytin Is the Best of Them

Recovery socks are designed to soothe and restore your sore, swollen feet after a hard day’s workout. But, unlike standard compression socks, Parásole recovery socks feature a soft but supportive insole as well as the protection and traction of an outsole.
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Hold Utility in the Palm of Your Hand with the Leatherman Free Collection

This summer, after more than 35 years of customer feedback and insight, Leatherman is embarking on their most extensive product launch to date: The Leatherman FREE series, which features a first-of-its kind architecture built around integrated magnets.
what are hemorrhoids treatment man in pain bathroom getty images

What are Hemorrhoids and How Do You Treat Them? Welcome to the No Shame Zone

While you might think having a hemorrhoid is your own dirty secret, keeping it from your doctor might not be the best idea. Get the lowdown on hemorrhoids, how to treat them, and possible long-term implications from Dr. Mark Whiteford, director of colorectal surgery at The Oregon Clinic.
what is biohacking luke storey interview biohacker 3

What is Biohacking? An Interview with Biohacker and Podcaster Luke Storey

Biohacking, the latest craze in our attempt at perfecting the self, inspired Luke Storey to optimize his life. Now he's a biohacker with a podcast focused on that topic. Learn about what biohacking is and how you can easily start biohacking your own body.
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6 Natural Topical Pain Relief Products to Treat Your Aching Muscles

With the damaging side effects of over the counter pain medications becoming more widely known, coupled with the opiate addiction crisis, opt out of oral pain meds altogether and instead turn to these topical pain relief products that actually work without ruining your liver.
Nike Killshot

J. Crew and Nike Drop the Killshot 2 Sneaker and It’s Already Sold Out

The Killshot started life in 1979 as a “court shoe,” with a low profile and soft sole that kept racquetball players comfortable and nimble. Today's iteration is a modern take on that classic athleisure look.
krewe active eyewear sunglasses sunglases on model

The Krewe Active Eyewear Line Performs As Well as It Parties

Built for the dude who lives a life of constant motion, Krewe Active sunglasses feature handmade, athletic-focused construction, high-performing polarized lenses, and special coatings for maximum eye protection from the glare of sun, sand, water and asphalt.
Norway's Manshausen Island Resort

Norway’s Manshausen Island Resort is a Minimalist Retreat Founded by a Real-Life Explorer

Now that you're getting older, it's time to find a place where you can actually relax. Our choice? Manshausen Island resort in Norway. Founded by celebrated polar explorer Børge Ousland, the resort’s lodging is designed by Norwegian architect Snorre Stinessen.
backcountry spring summer 2019 climb

A Closer Look at the Inspiration Behind Backcountry’s In-House Apparel

Clicking through online retailer Backcountry's catalog of your favorite outdoor recreation brands, you may have not have noticed a new development: a collection of athletic apparel made by Backcountry itself. We got the low-down from Andy Fletcher, Head of Owned Brands.
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Sound of Lapland Captures the Pristine Beauty of Finland on a Mixtape

Everyone knows Finland is the happiest place on earth. Why? Some think it's the time they spend in nature. Now, House of Lapland has put together Sound of Lapland, an audio representation of that happiness.
rei rentals gear tent

REI’s Gear Rental Program Will Change How You Experience the Outdoors

Don't have the money or space to invest in great gear? Never fear! REI has expanded their outdoor gear rental program from coast to coast.
lucky brand tencel

The Future of Jeans is Here with these Alternative Fabrics to Cotton Denim

In a world where cotton manufacture consumes more resources than any other fiber, insisting on 100% cotton seems positively un-American. Today’s most forward-thinking fashion brands are focusing on jeans made from sustainable fabrics. It’s time for a jeans revolution.