Summer '16 #RoundUp

You gotta big Summer ahead of you.  Whether it's just the weekends you have or you're going to take some time off, consider the limitless fun of motorcycle riding.  Or bike riding!  Plop your favorite local latte into your PDW Bar-ista and take in the sites.  Still looking for the perfect bag?  I've been telling you about the Vandal from Mission Workshop for some time!  Grab an ice cream cone for the ultimate treat.  Wishing you the most adventurous summer yet!

1. Big Sur Jacket - Taylor Stitch
2. A Burglar's Guide to the City - Geoff Manaugh
3. Coffee Holder - PDW
4. Sunscreen - Alba
5. Enduro 300 EXC - KTM
6. The Vandal - Mission Workshop
(Check out my MW store visit, click link)
7. Gringo Helmet - Biltwell
8. Hopsecutioner Beer - Terrapin Brewing Co.
9. Fishing Lure - Bass Pro

End of Winter #RoundUp

The end is nigh!  Well, we're almost completely through this dreary and cold time of year.  What better way to welcome in the warmer weather, rain, and burst of plant life around you than with some new gear?  Or at the very least, try out the Gone Away IPA by Half Acre Beer Co.  Break in a crispy pair of Nudies or add a splash of color to your feet.  

Dreaming of warmer weather to get out on the motorcycle in?  In the meantime, check out some PBC adventures, here.  Need more inspiration on what to wear?  Head on over to Buckets & Spades for the latest kit.

Lot's happening this time of year, so stick around!


Nudie Jeans - Steady Eddie in Orange Crinkle
Mission Workshop - Transit Duffle
Taylor Stitch - The Yosemite Shirt
Stance Socks - Noir
Biltwell - Bantam Gloves
Cadbury Mini Eggs 
Gone Away - IPA
Cord Dolo - Corduroy Cap
Draft Matic Alvin Pencil
Monkey 47 Gin

Buck Products

I stumbled upon Buck Products earlier in the week and couldn't wait to share!  Actually, I may be a bit behind the times, but oh well!  The bags are made in Bozeman, Montana with an intent to be simple and durable.  The Flapsack, pictured on top and the Mini Knappsack are two of my favorite items on the lineup.  The are affordable and seem rugged enough for whatever the day throws at you.  This may be another good thing to add to the Yosemite packing list!

Check out Buck Products on Instagram, here.

What to take to Yosemite!

I'm going to Yosemite again!  In anticipation of my visit in August, I put together a little #RoundUp of things I'd like to have with me this time around.  Take a look at my pictures from last year, here!  You may ask, "Why Yosemite, again?"  Well, to be honest, two days in the park last year was not nearly long enough.  There is so much more to see and do!

Left to Right:

Jungmaven Tank Top
Swarovski Binoculars
Ballast Point Sculpin IPA here, here and here (Grapefruit Variety)
Mission Workshop Hauser Hydration Pack 14L
Black+Blum Thermo Pot
Olympus TG 860 Waterproof Camera
Maharishi Bucket Hat in Camo
Persol Sunglasses 9714s
Olight Tactical Flashlight
New Balance Minimus Shoes
Jcrew Chinos in Green
Suunto Core Watch

More #RoundUps

From All Around the Web, Part 2

Trying to get Muffin to sit still in front of the tree...

It's mid week and you've already found the bottom of the internet, I know the feeling!  So here are a few things to get you through the day and hopefully pique your interest.

1. Grownup Tomboys
2. Well Spent Holiday Gift Guide
3. Guggenheim: Six Finalists for Helsinki 
4. O'Harrows Button Downs (W and M) 
5. This house in Norway
6. Swedish Pepparkakor Recipe
7. Nike ACG
8. Peanut Butter Coast's Baja Post
9. My favorite Bike Riding/Camping Site
10. These photos by Talulaah
11. Current Obsession: Peaky Blinders
12. THE Military Duffel by Whipping Post

Mission Workshop in San Francisco

Inside Mission Workshop

Proper testing of the Vandal

Subtle Signage

The Vandal, 3 months in

At the beginning of May I wrote about a variety of bicycle commuting bags that would suit my needs in various ways.  I touched on the high and low points of each bag and the cost.  Recently I had the opportunity to visit the flagship Mission Workshop store in San Francisco (check out my vacation posts) and from that point forward was sold on the MW Vandal.

The store is tucked away in a little alley off of Valencia Street.  The big sliding barn doors open wide for a cool view of the inventory and space.  I fiddled around with just about every bag in the store, weighing my options. Admittedly, the price tag and shock took a moment to sink in.

Annually I commute approximately 2,500 miles on my bike.  Rain, cold, snow, sunshine, humidity, and all types of weather are common here in Pennsylvania. Having a piece of gear that could get me through each season was, at this point, not something I wanted to skimp on.  

So I decided to bite the bullet and go all in.  Three months down the road, I am still happy with my purchase and impressed at how it has performed so far.  I look forward to many, many years with this bag.  

Here are some of my favorite features of the Mission Workshop's Vandal bag:

- Lifetime guarantee

- Padded straps with padded back rest 

- Expands from a 22 Liter capacity to 44 Liters!!!

- Waterproof

- Chest straps that are horizontally and vertically adjustable

- Roll or flap top closing

- Tough as nails velcro

- Great buckles (and they now offer metal buckles that can be switched out)

- Craftsmanship

- Repairs for life

*AND I mentioned to the man helping me that a friend's MW bag had a zipper malfunction.  He said the bag can be shipped back for repairs and they will send out a bag for the friend to use while his is being repaired! 

Prepping for the Camping Trip - Year 2

Helles Lager - Sly Fox
Brew Free of Die IPA - 21st Amendment
Yella Pils
Mahabis Slippers
Petzl Head Lamp
Fishing Lure
Kershaw Knife
Flawless - Book
Coffee Dripper
LL Bean Fishing Bag
Kuksa
Field Notes
Oilcamp Water Boiler
Old Town Flat Back Canoe

Year 1 - Here

5 Bicycle Commuter Bags

Timbuk2 - Phoenix Cycling Backpack - looks like a good fit for a rider that carries a lot of stuff regularly.  U-lock can easily be slipped into the front pocket and all of the seams and bindings look really durable.  33L at $110.00

ReLoad - Charcoal Waxed Canvas Small Flight Pack - a Philly brand that I am very familiar with.  The quality and construction on these bags is top notch.  Not totally convinced on the straps on these (though they look a lot more durable than earlier releases) but the waxed canvas has me intrigued. 1110 cu in. for $240.00

Manhattan Portage - Hiker Backpack -  I threw this bag into the mix because it is simple, handsome and can easily go from a cycling bag to work bag to hike bag.  Features aren't too fancy, but it's simple and has some mega packing potential.  $165

Ortlieb - VARIO QL3 - Bang for your buck here.  Hi-vis color pattern and completely waterproof shell.  Oh, you forgot your clip on fender?  Sun shower catch you off guard?  This bag'll save your stuff.  $160!

Mission Workshop - The Vandal - The one I am considering most highly for my daily commute.  I need a lot of room and generally carry an extra outfit in my bag.  Plus school books, food, and work things.  4,000 cu in!  This bad boy is weatherproof with a lifetime guarantee. $295 though, ouch!

As you can see I'm on the hunt for a new bag for commuting on my bicycle.  If you have any suggestions, I am all ears!

Topo Designs X Doane Paper Mountain Briefcase

I've mentioned my affinity for Topo products in the past.  Now they've teamed up with Doane Paper and put a new spin on the Mountain Briefcase.  Two companies that are design and quality focused.  This may be my favorite color combo out there.  One hundred and seventy bones. Here

"The mountain briefcase features light blue pulls / interior combined with a dark brown CORDURA body / natural leather base panel. TOPO designs has engineered the mountain briefcase for a 3-way carry system which allows for a traditional two handle briefcase style, as a backpack with stowable straps, or over the shoulder with a removable shoulder strap." 

Best Made?

First, pardon my French, but sometimes complete craziness deserves some profanity here and there.   Every now and then I click open on one of those product campaigns that clog up my email.  I seriously keep meaning to taper the list down, but I couldn't help but click on Best Made this week and take a peek.  After all, I have promoted some of their stuff in the past.

Late-Summer Fairmount Park Visit

It must be the chill in the air or the breweries changing out their seasonal offerings, but I'm ready for late-Summer and pre-Fall festivities and all signs are pointing to the change in the air.  Nostalgic reminiscing about Summer escapades and laying on the cool, soft earth in the park is what August is made for.

1. Beloved Bicycles - Imperial Works Morton
2. Millican - Les The Cooler Bag
3. Etsy Seller - Repurposed Skateboard Deck Bottle Opener
4. Faribault Woolen Mills Co. - Box Weave Throw
5. Southern Tier - Imperial Pumking
6. L.L. Bean - Rubber Mocs
7. Into the Abyss: An Extraordinary True Story
8. Libbey - Dimple Stein Beer Mug
9. Filson - Cruiser Shirt
10. Badminton Set

Topo Designs x Breckenridge Brewery Urban Outdoor Pack

You're consolidating the gear and realize you need the perfect pack to bring a six-pack and some gear for the trek.  Look no further than the collaboration between Breckenridge Brewery and Topo Designs.  Together they've created the Urban Outdoor Pack that'll keep your beer cold and your stuff dry.  $140 bones, buy here.

Gearing Up For April Showers

We're halfway into April here and the rainy season has begun.  I underestimated the rain on Friday morning and ended up sopping wet from my early morning bicycle commute.  The rainy weather can get you down, especially if you are like me and you've been waiting for nice weekend weather to mountain bike in.  Cheer up, here's a list of gear that'll get you through the day and keep you (for the most part) dry!


1. LL Bean Classic Anorak
2. Swiss Army Bike Tool
3. Rapha Short Trousers
4. Otter Wax Waterproofer
5. Velo-Orange Hammered Fenders
6. Mission Workshop Waxed Canvas Rucksack
7. Asos FlyFish Embroidery
8. Five Ten Impact II Grippy Shoe
9. Sweet Action Cream Ale - Post Ride Brew

Topo Designs Hip Pack

Worth every penny.  Get the Topo Designs Hip Pack here

Getting Out There: Spring

Memo Pad - Waterproofn'
Hip Pac Bag - Topo Designs
Allegheny Nat'l Forest Hiking Guide
Swarovski Binoculars
Ranger Mocs Shores - LLBean
Lemon Scones - Gotta have a tasty breakfast
Woolrich Hiking Blazer

Top Christmas Gift Ideas Under $50

From Top, L to R:

Bulleit Whiskey
LL Bean Zipper Tote
The Pacific HBO Mini Series on DVD
Blythe King iPhone Case
UO Key Rack
Pointer Brand Stocking
San Fran Handmade Topo and Paper Maps
Carhartt Gloves
Kaweco Classic Pen
Kershaw Leek Knife in Aluminum Blue
Whole Larder Love Book
Fair Isle Socks
Harris Tweed Bag
Poler Stuff Camera/Cooler Bag

[Post #700!!]

L.L.Bean x Woolrich Woolen Mills

You guys, this happened! 

Levi's x Filson Workwear

 

 

Love the Levi's blanket wool liner detailing the henley shirts and bags.  It's made with heavy-duty cotton denim that is soaked in their oil finish for water-repellency.  Take a look at their complete collection here.

Jack Spade x Barbour Lookbook

Barbour x Jack Spade walk into a bar...kidding!  Together they've created a few pieces well beyond the range of my pocket book, but nice to look at nonetheless.  Some interesting shots in the lookbook here (some shown above as well).  Both the outerwear and bags feature Barbour’s legendary waxed canvas as well as Barbour tartan for the lining.  I would suggest navigating your way over to Jack Spade and have a look at the goods.  Also, is there some sort of fall dance we can do to hurry the weather along?

Late For Work: Monday

Brick Flip Clock  |  Mission Workshop Bag  |  Outlier Short-Sleeve Oxford  |  Eastland Buck Shoes  |  2007 Bianchi Bicycle  |  Dockers Slim Khaki  |  Lazer Helmet  |