by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
The REI Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 is a great trail-ready mountain bike for beginners and intermediate riders. It’s a fantastic value, and frankly, the bike is stronger and better than most riders will be able to push. Still, who is the DRT 1.2 for? Recreational mountain bikers who want to be able to make it through some difficult single track at modest speeds. It’s not for guys who want to bomb down mountains and hammer big jumps, which means it’s more than enough bike for 80 percent of us. To learn more, check out my full review at Man Makes...
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
The previous generation of Redington Prowler wading boots were very good boots — and they were a top-ten wading boot in the Man Makes Fire guide to the best wading boots. I was a fan because they were lightweight, fit well, and offered an excellent blend of support and agility. Redington has now upgraded the Prowler to the “PROWLER-PRO.” Now they’re even better than before. The fit is nearly exactly the same, but the new lacing design lets you more easily adjust the forefoot and ankle as desired. The new PROWLER-PRO boots are also lighter and drain faster. The best new feature, though, might be the simplest — a new heel-kick ledge that makes it easy to use one foot to shove off the other boot after a long day of fishing. So cool. To read more, check out my full Redington PROWLER-PRO review at Man Makes...
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
The Triple F.A.T. Goose Norden Hooded Bomber Jacket is a super warm down coat. It’s aimed at an urban style sensibility, but the timeless bomber-style design goes well anywhere. Better yet, the Norden includes features that make it capable in truly bad weather: Triple F.A.T. Goose packed a lot of 700-fill-power down into the baffles and then protects it with a DWR coating on the shell. The awesome internal sleeve cuffs fend off drafts and blowing snow. The hood is super warm, and if you don’t want the fur or the hood itself, you can zip off either one. I didn’t expect to like the Norden nearly as much as I do. If you’re looking for a timeless classic down coat, the Norden is pretty great. Read my full Triple F.A.T. Goose Norden Hooded Bomber Jacket review...
by Chris Maxcer | Uncategorized
One of my favorite gift guides is our best gift ideas for fly fishing fanatics. These fly fishing gifts have evolved over time from multiple separate guides into a massive 45-gift idea post. You can find something that will likely make your fly fisher smile. The newest cool product I’ve seen in years is the O’Pros 3rd Hand Rod Holder. It works great, and because it’s new, your fly fisher likely doesn’t have one yet. It’s this year’s first fly fishing gift pick. It even edged out the awesome Measure Net this...
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
The internet is littered with bad content, which is why I take pride in the gift guides I write for Man Makes Fire. Not only do we pick good gifts and gift ideas, we tell you why they’re cool, too. Chances are, if you’re searching for a great gift — in this case, the best gift ideas for hunters — you might not be a hunter yourself. In our guide, 45 Best Gifts for Hunters, I share dozens of specific hunting gifts at multiple price points. In case you’re looking for stocking stuffers only, check out our guide to the best stocking stuffers for hunters,...
