How to Find the Best Down Jacket for You

How to Find the Best Down Jacket for You

If you haven’t discovered the pure bliss of an ultralight and ultrawarm down jacket yet, you need to. At least if you ever get cold or hang outside in cold weather. The thing is, many down jackets weigh less than a pound. They are incredibly light. Start with a versatile lightweight down jacket — you’ll likely get the most use out of it as you tool around town. Works great when a coat is too warm to be outside and in and back outside again. Plus, you can layer down jacket under a rain jacket or shell and turn it into a system that’s great for skiing or backpacking. Read more about down jackets at Man Makes...
The Best Wading Boots

The Best Wading Boots

Remember that post about getting in the water with the fish? Well, you need a pair of wading boots to use with stockingfoot waders. Of course, there’s one more great thing about a good pair of wading boots: You can wear them without your waders in the summer. Read more about wading boots at Man Makes...
A Fantastic Little EDC Knife: Spyderco Dragonfly 2

A Fantastic Little EDC Knife: Spyderco Dragonfly 2

Before I started carrying a knife everyday — a.k.a. an everyday carry knife — I wasn’t sure what a guy needed a knife for all the time. Now, though, I use it everyday. There is always something that could be trimmed, some product packaging that needs cut open, or some little something that needs pried or scraped. I’ve even removed slivers with the handy little Spyderco Dragonfly 2. It’s pretty cool, too, when your wife just assumes that you have a knife on you and asks for it to cut up cheese and an apple while you drive through Montana. Read more about the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 at Man Makes...
Get Yourself a Set of Waders and Get in the Water with the Fish

Get Yourself a Set of Waders and Get in the Water with the Fish

There is something cool about getting in the water with the fish. You get a feel for the movement of the water, the rocks underneath, the changes in depth. On a hot day, the cold water is just perfect. The fish are the best thing, of course, coming up hidden from below. But there’s something more: When you’re wading, you’re not thinking about anything else. This year, get in the water with the fish and have a heckuva lot more fun. Read 10 Best Fly Fishing Waders for the Money from Man Makes...
Getting Started Fly Fishing Is Easier Than You Think

Getting Started Fly Fishing Is Easier Than You Think

I have never met anyone who did not experience a flash of thrill the first time they hooked a fish. What about the catching? Another thrill. Lots of smiles, too. There is something profoundly exciting and satisfying about fishing and catching fish. Maybe it’s pulling something up from the hidden, mysterious depths that causes the spark. Maybe it’s the direct connection to the fish on the other end of your line. Plenty of books have been written trying to describe the joy (and occasional pain) of a fishing addiction. Meanwhile, I can think of no form of fishing more challenging and satisfying than fly fishing. Sure, it takes a little practice and it takes a bit of specialized gear . . . but it’s worth it. Learn how to get started fly fishing at ManMakesFire.com. . ....