by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
A lot of people love to camp in cushy camp trailers, but there’s something special about camping in a tent. Why? Tents get you closer to something primal — closer to nature, really. There is something magical about it, and if you don’t feel that way about camping tents, well, it’s possible that you’re an alien from outer space and you just don’t know it. But don’t worry. Try camping again in a tent — just get a cushy sleeping pad or even a good cot. To learn more, check out my latest guide to the best camping tents over at Man Makes...
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 | 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,...
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
The new Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is astoundingly lightweight. The regular weighs a scant 8.8 ounces while the large — which is what I always use — is just 12 ounces. The fabric is definitely lighter than most other air mattresses that weigh a pound or more, but the NeoAir UberLite doesn’t strike me as fragile for sleeping on it inside of a tent. However, I wouldn’t toss this mattress down on sharp rocks and lounge around. With an insulation R-Value of 2.0, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is aimed at summer backpackers. Read my full UberLite review at Man Makes...
