by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
I used to think inflatable swim docks were more hassle then they were worth, but I was wrong: There is something awesome about having an inflatable platform right off your space on the beach. You have a great place for kids to play — and they will play for hours on and off a swim dock. Plus you have a great place to chill out, float and relax. So good. To discover the best floating docks for you, check out my in-depth inflatable swim dock guide at Man Makes...
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
While rain can certainly dampen the mood while camping, flying insects — like mosquitoes, yellow jackets, hornets, and flies — have the power to ruin a good camping trip. When conditions are perfectly wrong — when there are gobs of mosquitoes trying to suck your blood or yellow jackets crawling all over your food — a screened tent, a.k.a. screen house, keeps the bugs away and lets you enjoy the fresh outdoor air. Sure, some people can ignore bugs just fine, but some people are allergic and some freak out . . . a screen house gives you an oasis. Are they worth the investment? Definitely. To find the right screen house for you and your family, check out my guide to the best screen houses at Man Makes...
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
While many of the best gifts for outdoorsy women are also the same best gifts for outdoorsy men, sometimes you want to choose something more specific to the important woman in your life. Sure, this can be a bit harder, but isn’t she worth the effort? In this buying guide to the best outdoor gifts for her, I cover everything from the best can’t-go-wrong hiking pants to the one outdoor lantern that produces outstanding high-quality light . . . and some fun party colors, too. To learn more, check it out this guide to the best gifts for outdoorsy women at Man Makes...
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
The Vvolt Sirius ebike is an everyday pedal-assisted ebike that’s capable on rough roads and moderate trails. If you’re looking for an ebike that doesn’t look and ride like a boardwalk beach bike, the Sirius is a great option. I like the classic mountain bike style — which is similar to today’s modern flat-bar gravel bikes. Overall, Vvolt has done a great job of integrating quality components to create a sleek and competitive ebike. The Enviolo fully-enclosed hub shifts well while the MPF mid-drive motor delivers above average torque for the ebike’s class. But is it fun? Definitely. Read my full Sirius review at Man Makes Fire for more...
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
The great thing about shopping for an outdoor lover is that there are many different kinds of outdoor gear gifts you can buy that will help extend their experiences outside. In addition, certain kinds of clothes — like classic flannel shirts — have outdoor vibes that match outdoor enthusiasts’ identities. In my guide to the best outdoor gifts at Man Makes Fire, I highlight some of my favorite gift ideas — and try to give you a few extra budget or upgrade options to match the price points you need. Check it...
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
The best gift guides give shoppers both specific picks as well as inspire options — and that’s what I strive to do with any gift guides I work on. Some gifts are also unique, new, or targeted to a specific type of enthusiast or activity. In my guide to the best camping gifts for campers and outdoor fanatics, I call out some really cool camping gear as well as useful, inexpensive camping accessories. In this year’s updated camping gift guide, I lead with the BioLite AlpenGlow lantern — the quality of white light is amazing . . . and the playful color options are surprisingly nice when it’s too dry to have a campfire. To learn more, check out this year’s best camping gifts at Man Makes...