Getting a good discount at Perry Ellis online right now is pretty simple.  Just click the link below.  Perry Ellis is one of the most popular and stylish men’s clothing brands, known for well-made, innovative menswear.  It will fit your active lifestyle and help you look sharp.

Just use the link here to shop and save money…

=> Click here to shop the PerryEllis.com semi-annual suit sale; get suits starting at just $119.48, plus additional savings on shirts and ties. Ends March 27.

Click to get this Plaid Scarf from Perry Ellis at 50% off

At left is one of the men’s accessory items you can find at Perry Ellis — a Plaid Scarf in warm tones of black and brown.  This scarf normally goes for $40, but shop right now and you’ll get it for $19.99.

Perry Ellis’s “brother” brand, Original Penguin, is also offering good deals on men’s active-wear and casual clothing.   Get 30% off using code OPSALE30 at checkout at Original Penguin.  Shop shirts, ties, hats, shoes, and more.  This 30% discount is good online only and ends March 30, so click the link to check it.

Perry Ellis Men’s Shirts

Perry Ellis is known for quintessentially-American men’s shirts — dress shirts and casual shirts.  You can get an extra 40% off now on well-made Portfolio shirts for the office — 100% cotton in solid colors.  Most are priced at $50 – $60, so you’ll be getting them now for around $30 or less. This is a good chance to stock up!  Click the blue Perry Ellis text link above to get my special affiliate-only additional 40% off using code PRPE40AF.

Much More Than Shirts — Suits, Jeans, Shoes, Etc. — A Complete Men’s Clothing Store Online

Of course, Perry Ellis carries a complete line of all types of men’s clothing and accessories, so you can shop for coats and sweaters, stylish blazers, ties, jeans, dress pants, underwear, shoes, slippers, socks, belts, cufflinks, sunglasses, wallets, watches, suits, resort wear, and more.  (Check the video below to see examples of what’s new from Perry Ellis.)

Perry Ellis currently has savings of 30% off all watches when you use coupon code WATCHES30 at checkout.

Women’s Clothes at Perry Ellis, too (plus Rafaella)

But what’s more, Perry Ellis does not just sell men’s clothes and accessories on their site.  They also offer something for women:  swimwear!  Now, you may debate the merits of buying a swimsuit in winter — unless you’re traveling to Mexico or Hawaii, in which case it’s important — but I don’t think a guy would ever argue with the wisdom of a woman having plenty of bikinis and beachwear.  So, click here to get 50% off all Perry Ellis swimwear using code PESWIM50.

And if you’ve got a gal pal (or you are a gal) who wants to shop for additional women’s clothes at good prices, go to the site of Perry Ellis’s sister company, Rafaella Sportswear, where you can get everything on the site at 35% off for a limited time, no code needed.  Tell your fashionista buddies about this sale.

Or, if that 35% site-wide deal at Rafaella as expired, you can still get all dresses for $39.00 at Rafaella Sportswear using code DRESS39AF.

Anyway, back to men…

Shop now and save on well-made men’s attire and tons of accessories from Perry Ellis.  If you don’t need anything personally, does someone you know have a birthday coming up?  And don’t forget Easter and Father’s Day…

I figure you would regret it if you didn’t take advantage of this sale — after all, you have to wear clothes at some point, right?

Perry Ellis on Vimeo.

Related posts:

1. 10 Days of T-Shirts: Day 3 – Pat Perry Tee from Chrome
2. Father’s Day: Get Something Good for Your Dad (or Yourself)

Click here to see the full line of Kaskey Kids sports figures, such as Hockey Guys

Imaginative play is important for your kids’ mental and emotional development.  It helps improve their intelligence, fosters psychological resilience, and teaches them to handle diverse circumstances.

There aren’t too many high-quality, inexpensive toys that can help expand your kids’ ability to play imaginatively, while at the same time being fun over the long-term.  But that’s exactly what the sports figures from Kaskey Kids are able to do. 

Not only can these creative playthings encourage your children to put their imagination into play, they also teach kids the fundamentals of team sports and how to think strategically.  As a result, the Kaskey Kids Football Guys, Soccer Guys, Baseball Guys, and more have won awards and become a notable success story in the toy marketplace. 

=> Click here to check out the award-winning Kaskey Kids Football Guys, Hockey Guys, and other team sports action figures, along with their “Bop Bags” and Go!  Go! Sports Dolls.   And, since you’re going through my site, enter code “CJ10″ during checkout to get 10% off your order!

You remember the toy soldiers you played with as a kid?  That was a perfect example of the imagination at play as you made up elaborate scenarios and stories for your army of action figures. 

Well, Kaskey Kids is just like that, except instead of soldiers the figures are athletes — baseball players, hockey players, football players, and soccer players.   See the video below for an in-depth look at the fun kids can have with Kaskey Kids sports action figures available at Kaskeykids.com:

For kids in the age-range of 3 – 10 years old, the Kaskey Kids sports action figures can provide hours of fun, unstructured play — as well as giving you the opportunity to teach your son or daughter about a particular sport, the rules of the game, how a team works together on the field, and so on.  They make excellent instructional play sets for your budding soccer player, hockey player, football player, or baseball player.

In addition to free-form play, there are also several different structured games that the Kaskey Kids company has created that enable you (or their siblings or friends) to play with their football guys, soccer guys, and other action figures along with them in ways that encourage strategic thinking and planning (see the Kaskey Kids site for more details).  For parents and for kids, Kaskey Kids sports guys are a win-win toy!

Click to see all the styles of Kaskey Kids Football Guys

Kaskey Kids are the brainchild of Christy Kaskey, a mother of three who in 2002 was trying to find action figures that her sports-loving kids could play with. 

She couldn’t find anything on the market that fit the bill — action figures other than soldiers or superheroes that her kids could play with while also focusing on the sports they enjoyed — so she created sports figures herself.  The Kaskey Kids company was born; the first production run of the Football Guys sold out in a matter of weeks, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Kaskey Kids Sports Figures are Award Winners

Since they became available, Kaskey Kids’ sports-figure toys have received many accolades from the toy industry, including the Gold Seal “Best Toy Award” from Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, the 2011 Brilliance Award from Brilliant Sky Toys & Books (in the imaginative play category), the 2007 Best Toy Award from Learning Express (for the Kaskey Kids Football Guys), a “Four Star Certified” rating from WTS Toy Review, a National Parenting Center “Seal of Approval” in 2011 for the Hockey Guys… and the list goes on.  

Enthusiastic press reviews and articles have also appeared in national media — including, most recently, the Sports Illustrated for Kids 2011 “Gotta Get It Guide,” which is featured on the Kaskey Kids homepage.  In the “Gotta Get It Guide,” the Kaskey Kids NHL Hockey Guys, Rangers Vs. Bruins, are recommended.

The Kaskey Kids Football Guys come in both “pro” football and college football versions (with teams such as Auburn, Michigan, Ohio State, and Texas).  The Hockey Guys come in both generic (blue versus yellow) and NHL figures.  The Baseball Guys are classic red vs. blue action figures.  Each team of sports figures comes with a field (for the football guys and soccer guys — and there are also soccer girls), a rink (for the hockey guys), and a diamond (for the baseball guys), along with referee figures and other equipment that enable your kid(s) to play with their action figures on a surface that matches the sport.  The “outdoor” fields are made of sturdy felt — much more durable and satisfying to play with than a plastic sheet.

The Kaskey Kids sports figures are made of sturdy molded plastic and are in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.  They will stand up to years of play and are large enough for toddlers’ hands to easily grasp.

Customer (Parents’) reviews of Kaskey Kids Sports Guys

But what’s the bottom line?  What do parents have to say about how well their kids like the Kaskey Kids Football Guys, Baseball Guys, Hockey Guys, Soccer Guys and other toys?  Well, “5-star” reviews significantly outnumber any other rating for Kaskey Kids sports figures.  Here are excerpts from online customer reviews of Kaskey Kids creative playthings:

Kids of all ages can play with Kaskey Kids action figures in whatever ways they like (photo of an actual Kaskey Kids fan)

“So many toys advertise ‘hours of fun.’  This one should, because it is probably the most played-with toy my boys, ages 5 and 7, have.  We have the soccer guys, football guys, and baseball guys.  My boys play with them alone or together and have done so for several years.  This is one of our staple toys…”

“My nephew loves this [toy].  However, that being said, even without the [hockey rink] boards, he loved playing with the ice surface and players.  He would re-enact Bruins games and do the play by play.  As he grew, he wanted to have the side boards again and would often build them with blocks.  He plays with this toy so often that I wanted to give him a chance to have a new one now that he is older.  I love the fact that it is not an electronic [toy] but rather one that encourages his imagination…  He is now 7 and had the first one since he was 3 or 4 years old.”

“My boys use the field and baseball figures to track the the plays their ‘teams’ make on a baseball pinball game.  When used this way it brings the pinball game to life and adds the excitement of wondering what will happen next.”

“We’ve got three little boys, ages 8, 5, & 3, who love the hockey, soccer, football, and baseball guys.  For little ones who like ‘guys,’ these toys really encourage imaginative play.  For us, preferred over video games and movies.  Very fun to watch.”

“My 8-yr-old son has had the Baseball Guys for a couple of years, along with the Football Guys.  Great toys!  Very well designed and durable.  We love that one of the baseball teams is red (like our beloved Red Sox) and one blue (we pretend they are the Yankees).  The scoreboard that is included is so cute, you can adjust the score and it stands up.  Lots of imaginative fun with this toy!  Perfect for our little baseball fan.”

“My 5-year-old son absolutely loved [the Baseball Guys].  Although he received many other gifts for his birthday, many of which had pretty high ‘wow’ factor, this was far and away his favorite.  It won over Transformers, Star Wars figures, and Legos.  I’m still somewhat incredulous, but clearly he loves it.  One week later and he’s still happily playing and making up games.  In addition, it’s helped him understand some of the elements of the game that were beyond him.  He can position players and is starting to mimic the announcers he sees playing.  He’s even put #11 at short, since Jimmy Rollins is his favorite player.”

About the only critical comments reviewers made about the Kaskey Kids toys was that the carrying cases used to store the sets could be a little bigger — the size made it a bit hard for small kids (say, 3 years old) to put away.  Also, the play surface “fields” would sometimes tend to wrinkle, making it harder to stand the action figures up.  (However, those reviewers might not have followed the instructions from Kaskey Kids, which is to store the playing surfaces rolled up, and, when the new games are first opened and taken out of the box, let them sit flat for awhile to let the creases flatten out.  You can even iron the felt fields.)

Of course, Kaskey Kids sports figures not only encourage pretend play on the part of your kids, they’re also great for kids who have already developed a love of sports or an interest in a particular sport, such as football, hockey, or baseball.  Some kids — even 3-year-olds — take to such things early.  Just ask Christy Kaskey.  (Yes, 3-year-olds can understand the concept of a “body check.”) 

Click to see the Kaskey Kids Baseball Guys and accessories -- including field and scoreboard

And throughout the cold, short days and long nights of the winter months, letting your kids put their imagination to work with Football Guys or Soccer Guys will go a long way toward occupying their time when it’s hard for them to get outdoors and be active.

Further information on the benefits of imaginative or “pretend” play

Many studies have been performed on how kids develop both physically and mentally through play, as well as analyses of the types of play that foster healthy development.  With regard to pretend play specifically, much scholarly research is available and you can find this research summarized online, such as this article on pretend play entitled The Role of Pretend Play in Children’s Cognitive Development.

The bottom line, as summarized in the relatively brief article linked to above, is that high-quality pretend play fosters “cognitive competence” in kids.  A growing body of research suggests that pretend play, or imaginative play, plays an important role in cognitive, social, and academic development, that it may facilitate higher-level thinking and creativity, and that there is a clear link between pretend play and social and linguistic competence. 

Studies also suggest that children who lack opportunities to play imaginatively experience a diminished capacity for problem solving and social interaction, as well as a decline in the ability to handle academic subjects such as math, literacy, and science.  Complex skills and multidimensional abilities are most likely to be fully developed and thrive in an environment where high-quality pretend play is encouraged.

Kaskey Kids has also posted an article on their site written by Kara Bowman, an educator associated with the Museum Tour Catalog, entitled The Joys of Open-Ended Play.

You know, there’s a reason kids like to actively imagine things as they play:  it’s turning them into better all-around human beings.

Sports action figures are just a part of the creative, sports-oriented toys Kaskey Kids offers

As mentioned above, Kaskey Kids also has “Bop Bags,” which are 40-inch tall Tackle Buddies and Checking Buddies that your little guys can knock around and have bounce back for more.  Kaskey also has Mini Packs of action sports figures in different colors, so you can add new players and teams to your collection of Baseball Guys, Hockey Guys, or whatever teams you have.  And they also have the Sports Girls dolls, which are 14-inch plush, soft cotton dolls — girls doing various sports and other activities, such as Basketball Doll Taye, Dancer Doll M. C., and Tennis Doll Gracie — a collection of 9 Sport Girls dolls in all.

As with all the Kaskey Kids creative playthings, the Bop Bags and Sports Girls dolls are well-made and very reasonably priced.

There’s a big difference in how a kid is thinking, imagining, and interacting when he’s playing with something such as a Nintendo 3DS or with a truly 3-dimensional toy like the Kaskey Kids sports action guys.  

Not that there’s anything wrong with a Nintendo 3DS…  But your kid is not developing or expanding his imaginative powers in the same way when he’s pushing the controller of a video game as he is when he’s playing with a tactile, colorful, reality-based toy like the Kaskey Kids action figures — when he’s setting them up, imagining the plays the teams are running, doing the play-by-play like an announcer, and learning actual sports strategies.  Plus he can play along with his siblings and/or friends and expand the scenarios and action even more.

Give Kaskey Kids Football Guys, Soccer Guys, Hockey Guys, and other creative toys strong consideration for your young athletes-to-be (or whatever they want to imagine themselves being).  It’s hard to find a toy these days that offers so many positive benefits at such a reasonable price.  Plus offers your kids fun and satisfaction over the long term.

Related posts:

1. Paper Jamz Has Fun Musical Toys for Not Much Money
2. An Easy Place to Find Gifts for Guys Is at “Presents For Men”

Click here to get an authentic signed Tim Tebow Denver Broncos Jersey from Sports Memorabilia

Whether you enjoy the way Tim Tebow plays football, appreciate his clean-cut image, or even admire his devotion to his faith, one thing is for sure:  if you’re a Tim Tebow fan, there could be nothing more fun to get than a signed Tim Tebow Denver Broncos jersey.  And if you’re shopping for a Tim Tebow fan, what better gift to give him or her?

A signed Tim Tebow jersey might be the hottest sports memorabilia item in the world right now.  And you can get a Denver Broncos Tim Tebow jersey autographed by Tim from Sports Memorabilia by clicking here.

If you want a jersey signed by Tim Tebow, don’t wait, because these mementos of the Tim Tebow saga are going fast.  As you might imagine.

Tim Tebow and the Broncos versus the Patriots tomorrow

Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos are slated to play the New England Patriots tomorrow in a game that has implications not only for the upcoming NFL playoffs, but for the ever-expanding scope of “Tebowmania.”  (And if you want to attend, there are still tickets for this game available from TicketNetwork.)

Since taking over as the starting quarterback for the Broncos, Tebow has played a big part in engineering a 7-1 record, which has enabled the Broncos to climb atop the AFC West standings.  This winning record has included miraculous comeback wins against the Chargers and Bears, due in no small part to Tebow’s uncanny knack for raising his performance in the fourth quarter.

It must be added, though, that it’s been far from a Tebow-only show.  The team has come together in a big way, and stand-out performers such as kicker Matt Prater and pass-rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil are also driving the winning momentum.  But many of Tebow’s teammates credit his will to win and ability to lead for helping keep the Broncos’ confidence high — an attitude that leads to resilience and a will to work together even as the team falls behind (which they’ve done a lot).  The Broncos are almost making a Russian-roulette-style habit of  fourth-quarter comebacks.

Even if the Broncos lose to New England, they are very likely to make the playoffs, since they face only Kansas City and Buffalo in the remaining two games of the season.  How will Tim Tebow add to his legend when the Broncos appear in the playoffs for the first time since 2005?

It remains to be seen, obviously, and it should be entertaining.  But first there’s a significant game tomorrow that may be the most anticipated game of this NFL season — and all because Tebow’s fame has become a world-wide phenomenon.  People like a winner.  They like unusual characters.  They like athletes who defy the odds to win.  And for those reasons and more, they like Tim Tebow. (All except certain former NFL quarterbacks who just can’t seem to stop criticizing his play — and, you know, they might think about easing up on him; he’s getting better every week).

If you want a signed Tim Tebow Jersey for yourself, or to give as a gift, no time like the present…

You can get an authentic signed jersey with Tim Tebow’s autograph now and become a driver aboard the Tim Tebow bandwagon — or you can lose out on the opportunity because these pieces of sports lore are going fast.  Get the jersey and either keep it to enjoy one of your favorite players, hope that it appreciates as an investment as Tebow’s career unfolds, or give it as an amazing gift to a Tim Tebow fan.

This hand-signed, blue custom Denver Broncos number 15 Tim Tebow jersey is available right now from Sports Memorabilia — a trusted online purveyor of sports memorabilia and collectibles for 10 years, with a track record of reliable customer service in supplying the merchandise that rabid sports fans crave.  Click here to see Sports Memorabilia’s 100% guarantee of authenticity that applies to every piece of sports memorabilia they sell — a guarantee that means you can be confident that the signed Tim Tebow jersey you’re getting is authentic.

In other words, it’s guaranteed to carry the signature of the “Mile High Messiah” himself.

So, enjoy either getting or giving the Tim Tebow autographed Denver Broncos jersey this holiday season.

PS: If you want a piece of sports memorabilia from earlier in Tim Tebow’s career, you can also get a signed jersey from his Heisman-winning days as a player at the University of Florida — a college career than saw him lead the Gators to two national championships.

Also, Super Bowl XLVI deal at Sports Memorabilia…

Right now you can get $4.99 flat rate shipping on all Super Bowl XLVI orders over $50 at Sports Memorabilia (shop now; offer ends soon). 

In addition, get 10% off orders over $75 at SportsMemorabilia.com by using code AFFX10 (ends March 31).  Get the Tim Tebow jersey or any other piece of sports memorabilia you want and get it for less!  Enter code AFFX10 at checkout.

Related posts:

1. Hey Now! New Orleans Saints Win Super Bowl 44
2. A More Inspiring Gift — a Charitable Gift from Gifts In Action

Click to get The North Face Surge Backpack on sale during the Moosejaw 72-hour sale -- and get free 2-Day shipping using code TWODAY.

 Moosejaw is currently having an excellent sale on many categories of outdoor, adventure, camping, hiking, ski, snowboard, travel, and sports equipment for men (and women).  This sale is only happening for 72 hours. Plus, during the sale, you’ll get free 2-Day shipping on all purchases (not just sale items).  It’s a good time to shop for that outdoor gear you’ve been waiting for!

(Funny, it’s just about a week until Christmas.  Do you think Moosejaw noticed?  Do you think Moosejaw thinks men are shopping this weekend?)

=> Click here to shop the Moosejaw 72-hour sale now.  And get FREE 2-Day shipping on any order when you use code TWODAY at checkout

Maybe you’ve been waiting to get a Hyllus Jacket from Arc’teryx — Moosejaw has certain sizes and colors on sale.  Or a men’s Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket.

Or a Surge Backpack from The North Face (click here to see it, or on the photo above) — customers tend to rave about this pack.

Or a Yakima Raptor Bike Mount.

Or Smith sunglasses.

This is a BIG sale (that’s why there’s an end to it).  Moosejaw is offering a lot of the best stuff for good prices for 72 hours and you should shop now to take advantage of it.  Stock up on the things you’ll need for winter — and don’t forget spring and summer, which, you know, come after winter.  For example, how about Bridgedale Men’s Bamboo Hiker Socks?

Take a look at the extensive customer reviews for many products on the Moosejaw site to help hone your gear selections.  And even if the 72-hour sale is over, click here to see current promotions at Moosejaw — they’re always offering something.

Here’s a good one during the current sale:  Sorel Men’s Caribou Boots.  These are some of the better winter boots you can wear.  (They have the Sorel Women’s Caribou Boot on sale, too, because, you know, women like to keep their feet warm and dry in the winter, too.  If you’re interested in more about winter boots, you can click here to see my post reviewing some of the best winter boots.)

Even if you don’t find an item on sale, you can still get FREE 2-Day shipping on any purchase using code TWODAY.

Free 2-Day shipping itself is a good deal because when you order online you often don’t have to pay sales tax and, when you don’t have to pay for shipping either, it’s like getting the product for a discount anyway.  Better than shopping at the mall, man.

Don’t wait to take advantage of this sale, because colors and available sizes are going fast.  Moosejaw knows what they’re doing.  I wouldn’t recommend them otherwise.

Related posts:

1. Here’s a Really Nice $100 Mystery Gift from Outdoor Gear Retailer Moosejaw
2. A Big Gear Sale at Eastern Mountain Sports

Click here to get top-rated Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes from Big Sky Country

The best trail running shoes are a combination of toughness, versatility, comfort, protection, and traction.  When it comes to these criteria, the waterproof Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes from Vasque are superior.  This review will tell you why, if you’re into trail running, you should seriously consider these advanced foot tools from Vasque.

These shoes are for serious trail runners — someone who runs trails consistently in all seasons (especially winter) and wants to have a good experience every time, rain or shine (especially rain… and snow… and mud).

If you’re running the Western States 100 — or you want to run it — then the Vasque Mindbender GTX trail running shoes are some of the best friends your pedal extremities can have.  The same goes for winter trail running.

When I say that the Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes are like sport utility vehicles for your feet, I mean that, like a sport utility vehicle, they will handle a wide variety of conditions and performance demands. 

Running is challenging for the body — it stresses the feet, legs, joints, and cardiovascular system.  Trail running adds the further challenge of dealing with rocks, roots, gravel, mud, slush, rain, thorny plants, ice, cold, wind, snow, heat, and hills.  Therefore, trail running shoes must be built to adapt to all those conditions, protect your feet, cushion your stride, help keep your footing, and hold up over time.  (It wouldn’t do to have a trail running shoe that was good for a couple hundred miles and then fell apart.)

Click here to see and purchase the Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoe at Big Sky Country.

As a company, Vasque knows how to make the best trail running shoes

When it comes to shoes and boots, we all learn from experience that there are brands of footwear that we can count on to perform reliably.  For me, I’d say the two shoe brands I’ve found I can trust the most are Merrell and Vasque.  No product — shoe or boot — that I have bought from either of these companies has ever disappointed me.  In fact, they’ve exceeded expectations.

So I am confident in recommending the Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes to you and figure that you’re 95 percent likely to be pleased with them.  But don’t just take my word for it.  Here are other reviews of this shoe…

Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoe Reviews

Click to get the Vasque Mindbender GTX at Moosejaw -- they have a good selection of sizes

The testers at Outside magazine winnowed all the trail running shoes on the market down to 4 models that they recommend for winter running this year.  The Vasque Mindbender GTX is one of their top-rated shoes.  Their thumbnail description of the shoe is:  “A waterproof beast for technical trails.”  (And by “technical,” they mean steep, narrow, and rough.)

They said that the sturdy toe bumper and armored upper of the Mindbender GTX “brushed off softball-sized rocks.”  They praised the Gore-Tex liner’s water-proofness and said that the lugged sole gripped better than expected on both gravel and mud.  The only two caveats they offered were not to expect this shoe to perform like a fast trainer when running on easier surfaces, such as roads (and I will second that evaluation); it’s built to take punishment and protect your feet, so naturally it’s a bit heftier than your everyday training flat.  And narrow-footed testers tended to find the fit a bit “sloshy,” so if you have narrow feet, you may have to tighten them a lot, or consider another model.  (If you have narrow feet, take a look at the La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0 Trail Running Shoe, another top choice by Outside.  Read the customer reviews at Zappos at the preceding text link.)

Outside also noted that the Mindbender GTX is “tough enough for long mountain hauls and hefty enough to double as your light-hiking shoe.”  These waterproof shoes are especially good for winter running.

Krissy Moehl, a professional ultrarunner who was chosen by Ultrarunning Magazine as the 3rd-ranked female Ultrarunner of the Year in 2009, has worn the Mindbender to race both the Western States 100 (where she placed 2nd) and the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (where she set the women’s course record).

In her review of the Vasque Mindbender, Krissy wrote:

“I love to be a tester for new products, and and love when everything works from the first time you slip them on.  I knew when I ran a 15 mile road/trail run in these blue [Mindbender] beauties right out of the box that they would be my shoe for Western [States].  Start to finish in the crazy heat and through the river I never touched the laces till well after the finish.  Eight weeks later, in a brand new pair, I toed the line for Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc and thankfully didn’t have to worry about my feet for the next 25 hours. Give them a try.”

Another indication that the Vasque Mindbender GTX  are some of the best trail-running shoes is that they were selected by the editors of Outside China magazine as their 2011 “Gear of the Year.”

The shoe reviewers at Liberty Sports magazine stated:  “Rarely are shoe manufacturers able to find the right balance of stiffness and protection, but Vasque has done it with the Mindbender GTX.”

Several Mindbender GTX reviews noted that the shoe feels and performs like a lighter shoe when out on the trail.  (This is something I have noticed in my own experience with Vasque trail running shoes.)

Here’s a video review of the Vasque Mindbender GTX by Kevin Fonger of ActiveGearReview.com:

Spec’s and Design of the Vasque Mindbender GTX

Vasque builds the shoe on the “Perpetuum” last, which helps flat-footed runners due to its straight shape — the foot lies naturally in the footbed, thus minimizing pressure points and rubbing.  The  outsole, based on Vasque’s Blur model, combines a cushioned, supportive upper with lugs on the sole made of a slip-resistant compound for secure traction on rocky terrain and uneven surfaces.  The Mindbender GTX has a broad toebox, which allows toes to spread as needed during forefoot impact and long periods of running.  The shoe has an Extended Comfort Gore-Tex liner that provides waterproof, breathable protection for your feet.  It keeps feet dry while allowing perspiration to escape.  This is an important factor to get right in any waterproof trail-running shoe.

Click here to find Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes on sale right now for a good price at Backcountry.com. Don’t wait to take advantage of this sale because inventory is going fast.

My Evaluation of Vasque Trail Running Shoes

I have used an earlier incarnation of this Vasque trail-running shoe and been amazed by its durability and comfort.  I have had the shoes for 4 years and use them to run on Colorado’s punishing mountain trails.  I also use the shoe as a fall and winter running shoe in general.  Many times I’ve gone out for a run in the snow or rain.  The Gore-Tex-lined shoes have kept my feet warm and dry in all conditions, even when the rest of me ended up soaked and bedraggled.  I have run with these shoes at 3 below zero and 95 degrees Fahrenheit and they handled both temperatures comfortably.  I also use them to run on icy streets and sidewalks in the winter and have found them to be stable, with good traction (though you always have to watch your step on ice).  (For trail running shoes with excellent grip on slippery surfaces, check the previously-mentioned La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0.)

In addition (and as Outside noted), I frequently use these shoes for day hiking and just everyday wear — working in the yard, running errands, etc.  For the amount of use I have given them, the sole and uppers are still in excellent condition, with just the lugs of the sole wearing down at the heel — and this after 4 years of hard use.

If you’re shopping for excellent, heavy-duty waterproof trail-running shoes that can also double as light hiking and everyday shoes, you should seriously consider the Vasque Mindbender GTX.  You will more than get your money’s worth.  They really are SUVs for your feet.

Find Them at the Following Retailers…

You can find Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes at the following trustworthy retailers of outdoor gear online:  Big Sky Country, Backcountry.com (on sale right now), Moosejaw, Paragon Sports (on sale), and DepartmentOfGoods (also for a good sale price, as this is written).

Related posts:

1. Winter Boots to Keep Your Feet Warm and Dry in the Snow and Cold
2. Best Cold-Weather Gloves to Handle Winter’s Worst

You can find a complete selection of the best western saddles at Horse.com, which carries saddles made by the top saddlers in the business, such as Circle Y, American Saddlery, Billy Cook, Tex Tan, Martin Saddlery, and Wintec.  When it comes to the best western saddles, an American-made saddle is ideal, and all these brands offered by Horse.com are made in the USA.  Reviewed below are four of the best western saddles for general use.

I’ve saddled up this blog again and am riding into the sunrise — sunrise, because it’s a new day and I’m ramping up to deliver greater helpings of useful, entertaining, informative content going forward.  And when you’re in the west (like I am) and going forward, what better way to do it than on a horse?  (And of course with the right song — Back in the Saddle Again (see below).)

When you’re riding a working horse, you need a “stock” saddle (or western saddle) because cowboys get the job done — whatever the job is.  For western riding, the next best thing to riding bareback is to use a top-quality western saddle — a saddle that will be comfortable, fit your horse well, last for years of riding, look good, and perform reliably come rain or shine.

Why Buy a Saddle Online?

Why buy a saddle online?  First, you get access to the highest-quality saddles available — established, reputable brands, as opposed to the nameless, foreign-made knock-offs made with poorer-quality leather and materials that may be the only saddles available at your local feed store.  Second, you get expert customer service that will help you select the right saddle for you, plus warranties of quality and a convenient return policy.  Third, you get the best-made saddles for less — often much less than you’ll pay at retail stores — and you can also take advantage of periodic online discounts and sales that lower the prices even further.  Often, you’ll be able to get your saddle with free shipping, too.

When buying online, you should go with the most reputable company you can find — and Horse.com fits the bill when it comes to selection, service, price, a track record of satisfied customers, and free shipping on all saddle purchases.

Click here to shop for a complete selection of western saddles at Horse.com

Types of Western Saddles and How to Fit Them

There are more types of western saddles than you can shake a switch at:  trail saddles, reining saddles, show saddles, endurance saddles, cutting saddles, barrel-racing saddles, roping saddles, and more.  In addition to the type of use, saddles are categorized by the materials from which they’re made, the breed of horse for which they’re intended, the type of tree (which is the underlying “frame” of the saddle), the type of fork (the arched front part of the saddle, or pommel) and how they’re produced.  Horse.com carries a large selection of all types of western saddles.

Take a look at the video below that describes how a saddle fits a horse, provided by Martin Saddlery’s “Saddle Fit University”:

Click here for Horse.com’s page on “Common-sense Saddle Fitting.” Learn how to size your saddle for both yourself and your horse to ensure a safe, comfortable, secure ride.

High-quality Ranch Saddles

Ranch Cutter Saddle by Martin Saddlery at Horse.com

Now let’s take a look at a couple of the top ranch saddles, because they are the most versatile — they’ll handle many types of riding and work, are intended to be comfortable for riding all day, and are generally the most durable.

First, here’s the Ranch Cutter Saddle from Martin Saddlery (at left).  This is a beautiful (as all Martin saddles are), durable saddle with a narrow seat for comfort, a horn strong enough for roping, and freely-moving fenders for versatility and balance.  This is a great crossover saddle — sort of an SUV of saddles — suitable for everything from riding the plains for hours to performing in an arena.  Martin Saddles are American-made in Greenville, Texas.

Known for their style and versatility, Martin saddles help to optimize the body position of both the horse and rider during movement.  You can specify the size of the Ranch Cutter Saddle that will best fit you and your horse.

Circle Y Brushy Creek Ranch Saddle at Horse.com

Another all-purpose ranch saddle you should consider is the Brushy Creek Ranch Saddle made by Circle Y.  For over 50 years, Circle Y has been making top-of-the-line western saddles in Yoakum, Texas.  The Brushy Creek Ranch Saddle is a handsome, hand-crafted western saddle made to meet the demands of daily ranch work — so you know it’s likely to meet your needs for years to come.  It’s got a fiberglass-reinforced wooden tree, which makes it sturdy enough for roping, a “cowboy round” skirt, a latigo horn wrap, pre-twisted fenders for increased comfort in knees and ankles, and brass hardware (which resists rust) — plus it’s got that cool, hand-tooled barb-wire border carved into its regular-oil leather. Dan Byrd, Kenny Harlow, and Martha Josey (Olympic gold medal barrel racer) ride Circle Y saddles, among a number of other champion riders and trainers.  Circle Y saddles are the official saddles of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and PacWest Barrel Racing.  Circle Y knows how to make a good saddle.

High-grade Trail Saddles

A trail (or pleasure-riding) saddle is also an adaptable type of saddle if your goal is mainly to ride your horse for fun, to explore the landscape, or for transportation.  Trail saddles are lighter in weight and have a smaller horn than a ranch saddle.  In other words, when you just want to get on your horse and go somewhere, a trail saddle will provide comfort for both you and your horse.

American Saddlery Trails Edge Saddle Package from Horse.com

The first trail saddle I’ll recommend is the American Saddlery Trails Edge Saddle Package — actually a saddle and several matching tack pieces (at left).  This is an economical saddle package from Horse.com, consisting of the Trails Edge Saddle, a full brow band headstall, a western curb bit, split reins with latigo ties, a neoprene cinch, and leather breast collar.  The American Saddlery Trails Edge Saddle is a versatile pleasure and trail-riding saddle.

Customer reviews for the Trails Edge Saddle at Horse.com state:

“This is the best value in a full package I’ve ever seen on the market!”

“I’ve just moved, but I’m writing this review from my old ranch. In April, I had a small camp with 5 kids. This saddle set can respond to anything. Two of my horses got uncontrollable, and this saddle survived it all.  Thank you!”

“This is the best product Ive ever bought. It’s really convenient having the saddle and bridle come in a package, it makes it so much easier. Plus, the saddle is sooo comfortable, and durable. I barrel race so I need a strong saddle, this one fits that. Everything fits my horse nice and comfortably, and my horse really seems to like it.”

Wintec Semi-Quarter Western Trail Saddle from Horse.com

This next trail saddle is actually a good saddle for all-around use — you could probably use it for non-professional barrel-racing.  It’s light in weight, durable, and easy to care for — the Wintec Semi-Quarter Western Trail Saddle.  This is a synthetic saddle (not leather) that will fit a number of different breeds:  thoroughbreds, half-Arabians, quarter horses, and more.  Since it’s light, it’ll be comfortable for your horse on extended rides.  Wintec is known for the durability of its saddles.  And the price can’t be beat.  This would make an excellent first saddle, but it is not “cheap.”  It should last for years.  (Read the customer reviews of this saddle at Horse.com.)

The Wintec Semi-Quarter Western Trail Saddle has a solid barrel-racing tree made of high-impact plastic and a seat that features microfiber suede for a secure grip and comfort.  It’s got silver conchos, quick-change stirrup buckles, and is available in two different colors.  Wintec is the number one maker of synthetic saddles in the world.

Additional Resources Offered by Horse.com

You may be wondering: how easy is it to buy a saddle online?  As mentioned above, Horse.com has a page with extensive guidelines on how to fit your saddle to yourself and to your horse.  They also offer online chat functionality on their website so you can ask as many questions as you need to.  Their site is extensive, easy to navigate, and the products are pictured and described clearly.

Get a Western Rider Poster

Dozens and dozens of satisfied customers have bought saddles, tack, and other equipment from Horse.com.  How do I know?  Check the customer reviews on their site.  They also have a Facebook page with over 5,000 knowledgeable fans — people who know and work with horses.  And Bizrate gives Horse.com its highest rating for an online store based on customer feedback.

One recent customer review on Bizrate is typical of what many customers say:

“Always the items I want are in stock, shipped right away, price is great, and I love the free shipping if a certain amount is spent….”

Horse.com carries much more than western saddles and tack.  They also carry an extensive selection of English saddles, apparel for western and English riding, Australian tack, driving carts, blankets, medications and equine first aid products, nutritional supplements, saddlebags, ropes, fencing supplies, arena equipment, de-worming kits, chaps, farrier tools, gifts — even dog blankets and beds.  They’re not called “Horse.com” for nothing — if it has to do with horses and riding, Horse.com probably carries it.

Horse.com also administers a large community forum where many topics related to horses and riding are discussed.  Even if you don’t purchase tack or equipment from them, you should check their forum to learn about and discuss many riding-related topics.

More Western Apparel:  RCC Western Stores

Getting back to our overall theme for this post — western riding — if the extensive selection of western riding apparel and clothing at Horse.com doesn’t include what you want, click here to check RCC Western Stores.  Since its founding in Rapid City, South Dakota in 1948, RCC Western Stores has expanded to become one of the best online sources for western wear and boots.  Men can find Cinch shirts, Lucchese and Tony Lama boots, jeans by Carhartt and Wrangler, Rodeo King and Resistol hats, a big selection of belt buckles, and a lot more, including gifts and decor.  And you can shop with confidence, since RCC Western Stores make customer service a priority.  They offer free shipping promotions, free returns, no time limit on returns (almost unheard of), free gift-wrapping, and online chat to answer your questions.  You can outfit yourself with any western apparel you need at RCC Western Stores.

Back in the Saddle Again

It’s good to be back in the saddle again with respect to blogging here.  After an extended summer vacation, I took a few months to work on tweaking this blog “under the hood”  to optimize its functionality, to better serve its readers.  If you’ve come by in the last few months and have noticed a lack of posts (other than the almost daily updates I do on the Good Deals and Outlets Page), I apologize for the shortage of posts since May.  I’ll be posting much more often going forward.  (Maybe you thought I got caught up in the Rapture, eh?  Well, no such luck.)

So in honor of our western riding theme here, I’ll include a video of Gene Autry’s famous song, Back in the Saddle Again, a quintessential piece of American music.  (Gene Autry is the only entertainer in history to have 5 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — one each for Film, Radio, Television, Music, and Live Performance/Theater.)

You can get the album of Gene Autry singing Back in the Saddle Again by clicking here (The Very Best of Gene Autry at CD Universe).

Happy trails, buckaroos.  Y’all come back now!

Related posts:

1. A Little Limb Action: Denver Nuggets Will Win the Western Conference Finals
2. Father’s Day: Get Something Good for Your Dad (or Yourself)

As a basketball fan, I’m concerned about how many players will be left behind to complete the NBA Eastern Conference Finals after the Rapture occurs tomorrow.

As many of you have heard, Harold Camping, founder of a Christian radio station and an engineer, has predicted that the Rapture will occur on May 21, 2011  — an event in which Christians who believe in Harold Camping and Family Radio and who are non-evil, humble, and God-fearing will be levitated into the clouds.  These Raptured folks will never return.  Since Harold Camping has a degree in civil engineering, we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he’s right about that.  So what does that mean for the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls, their fans, and the outcome of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals?

After the Rapture, how many players will be left behind on earth to experience the tribulation and play the remaining 5 games*?  And, more importantly, who is likely to win the Series?   (It is currently tied 1-1.)

Well, as to that first question, I’m pretty sure there will be some players left.  I don’t know who specifically of the players on the Heat or the Bulls believe in Harold Camping’s prediction, which makes predicting who will be around for Game 3 on Sunday tricky — about as hard as predicting the winner of this series — but, while not many NBA players can be considered totally non-evil, humble, and God-fearing, there must be at least some who are.  Or who are at least self-professed Christians.

Will Lebron remain and Rose rise?

Lebron will definitely still be around.  His religious affiliation appears to be Roman Catholic, so he should be left behind based on that criterion alone, according to Rapture experts (who take a dim view of Catholics).  Additionally, he is not humble, since he speaks of himself in the third person.  So that’s a relief, eh, Heat fans?  And also a blessing for the Heat’s owner, Micky Arison, who is paying Lebron $110 million.  (Micky will be also be at AmericanAirlines Arena on Sunday, too, so Lebron can count on a continuing paycheck.)  Also, apparently Lebron James is a member of the Illuminati, so that lets him right out.

With Lebron available for Miami, one’s mind immediately jumps to the fate of Chicago’s Derrick Rose.  Will the Bulls still have their lone superstar?  It’s hard to tell what religion Derrick is.  The youngest-ever MVP worships basketball, obviously.  However, the first tattoo he ever got was a cross with the words “Only God Can Judge Me.”  This may put him on shaky ground, Rapture-wise, because it would have been better for him if the tattoo stated, “Only Harold Camping Can Judge Me.”  But I think the real deal-breaker, Rapture-wise, is his “Poohdini” tattoo, which shows an image of a wizard holding a staff and a basketball.  We know from their many pronouncements on the subject that Christians think wizards are in league with the Devil — after all, Christians are the ones who tried to have Harry Potter books banned from school libraries.  So, I think the wizard inked on the shoulder should disqualify Derrick Rose from being Raptured.  Sorry, Derrick, no clouds for you.  Whew… close one, Bulls fans!

Okay, so we’ve got at least two guys staying on earth.  What about Dwyane Wade?  We know he’s Christian.  We know he wears number 3 because of the Holy Trinity.  And he tithes 10% of his salary to his Chicago church.  If that weren’t bad enough (from a basketball fan’s point of view), his mother is an ordained Baptist minister.  So, Dwyane is gone.  Dwyane might as well already be walking through the pearly gates.  He will not be available to start on Sunday.  Or ever again.  In other words, he’ll be a first-round draft pick by God.

The remainder of Miami’s roster

What about Chris Bosh?  Well, he’s an intelligent guy — good student, went to Georgia Tech — so we can infer from that that he’s not one of Harold Camping’s followers.  On the other hand, he was dumb enough to get involved with his “Basketball Wife” ex-girlfriend, so maybe, you know, he could have some religious tendencies.  But not enough, I’d guess.  Bosh should be around.

So now we’ve got Lebron James and Chris Bosh against Derrick Rose.  Will Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer still be on Rose’s team?  Well, when he commented on religion for an interview once, Joakim said, “I believe in God, but I don’t have a particular God…  I definitely want to learn about different religions. The more people know about religion and other people’s culture, the less ignorance and conflict there will be.”  That pretty much excuses Noah from Rapture-hood.  Christians do have a particular God and they do not want to learn about other peoples’ religions and they are not opposed to ignorance and conflict (I mean, look at Galileo, and the Crusades, and evolution, and that whole witch-burning episode, and the Inquisition), so yeah, the Bulls’ premier defensive stopper will be available for Game 3.  And Carlos Boozer?  He once commented that Mormons are “not bad at all.”  That statement right there ensures that he’ll be missing the Rapture express.  Sorry, Carlos.  Plus, he has his own shoe with Nike, who, as we know, is a Greek goddess.  That should put the kabosh on any remaining doubts about his post-Rapture status.  In other words, Boozer will still be around to post up the non-righteous Chris Bosh.

Unfortunately, Mike Bibby won’t be shooting any more 3′s for Miami.  He states that he’s a Christian on his MySpace page and he has said that he’s a religious person.  And who are we to doubt Mike?  MySpace is almost certainly good enough for God, so it’s floaty-uppy for Mike.

Miami center Joel Anthony will also not be around.  He went to a Christian school.  Plus, he’s Canadian, which almost automatically makes him humble.  But Mario Chalmers should still be on Miami’s roster.  It’s not clear what his religion is, but he lost a stare-down to Blake Griffin once, so there’s some evidence that he’s more intimidated by Blake Griffin than he is by God.  Rapture is for the God-fearing, not the Blake-fearing.  We’ll assume Mario will not be joining the faithful in the firmament.  What about Erick Dampier and Zydrunas Ilgauskas?  Will Miami have any height remaining at center?  Doesn’t look good regarding Dampier.  Erick attended church every Sunday as a kid and now he does things like work with the Boys and Girls Club of Mississippi every off-season.  I’m pretty sure Erick will be hoovered up.  Regarding Ilgauskas, prospects appear a little better.  79% of Lithuanians profess to be Roman Catholic and, according to many Christian Fundamentalists, Catholics just don’t make the grade with God.  Moreover, in a 2005 poll, only 49% of Lithuanians believe there is a God (though that doesn’t quite square with the preceding stat on Roman Catholicism).  In any event, if Zydrunas has a religion, it’s most likely Roman Catholic, and if he doesn’t, he probably doesn’t believe in God.  Either way, it’s ixnay on the apture-Ray for ydrunas-Zay.  Finally — and this is probably the most significant — Zydrunas Ilgauskas professes to enjoy reading books. So, though Ilgauskas hasn’t exactly been a force of biblical proportions in the playoffs up until now, he’ll at least look intimidating sitting on the bench.  Jamaal Magloire?  Another Canadian.  He’ll be gone…  He operates several charitable foundations and runs clinics for underprivileged children.  If that isn’t enough, in high school he played for the Saints.

How about Udonis Haslem, who has made important contributions to the Heat since the Conference Finals began?  I think he’ll be around.  He wants to be the mayor of Miami when he’s done playing.  No politician is genuinely humble, non-evil, and God-fearing.  Juwan Howard?  In the first two games, he’s 0-1.  Who cares?

What remaining heathen will Chicago have?

Chicago-wise, we have to take a look at Luol Deng.  He grew up in a Christian family in Sudan but, after moving to Egypt, he respectfully helped his Muslim friends celebrate Ramadan.  Whoa, Bulls fans — you dodged a Rapture-bullet there, and should be able to count on some continued scoring punch from Deng, with his Muslim-respecting feet remaining firmly on the ground.  Except, of course, when he’s dunking on Lebron.

Solid Chicago sub Taj Gibson is a bit more of an unsure thing.  Though he attended Calvary Christian School in San Fernando, CA, where he received a “Christ-centered education,” he states that his favorite basketball players are Jamaal Tinsley and Lamar Odom.  See, I’m pretty sure that’s the kind of humor God doesn’t appreciate.  Even worse, Taj posterized Dwyane Wade with a dunk in Game 1 of the series.  We already know how much God likes Dwyane Wade.  I think heaven won’t be able to use Taj.  Fortunately, Chicago will be able to use his defense and rebounding.

How about Kyle Korver?  Kyle is like, what, -2 for 18 so far in this series?  But soon his shooting slump will not matter, one way or another, because Kyle has been described as a “great young Christian man,” and his father is an evangelical pastor with his own church.  Tomorrow, Kyle will be going to that big gym in the sky, along with his father and Harold Camping.

And what of the rest of the bench-sitters on both teams?  Brian Scalabrine and Kurt Thomas for the Bulls?  Eddie House and Dexter Pittman for the Heat?  Well, let’s look at it statistically.  According to Harold Camping, about 200 million people will be Raptured up on May 21.  That’s 200 million out of a population of 6 billion.  So that means that each of the remaining players has a 1 in 30 chance of being sucked into the sky.  The thing is, each of those players has shown himself to be capable of beating the odds — first by becoming NBA players, which only a few hundred people get to be, and second by still being in the playoffs while 26 other NBA teams are sitting at home on their butts on their Elite home theater loungers.  Just by those very facts, we must assume that these exceptional men will once again defy the odds and be taken into God’s bosom tomorrow, along with the other lucky 200 million humble, non-evil, God-fearing,  Harold Camping-believing Christians.

Which is fine, because, even though they’re NBA scrubs, they’re still scrubs.

So where does that leave things with regard to the Eastern Conference Finals?  It’ll be Lebron, Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers, Ilgauskas, and Haslem versus Rose, Joakim Noah, Boozer, Deng, and Taj Gibson.  A permanently elevated Wade will be too much of a liability for Miami to overcome.  I pick Chicago in 6.

* If necessary

Related posts:

1. A Little Limb Action: Denver Nuggets Will Win the Western Conference Finals
2. The Most Entertaining Potential Match-up for the 2011 NBA Finals

So, you’ve been thinking that this is the year you want to learn how to kayak.  You want to get out on the river, run some rapids, see some impressive scenery in ways that no one else gets to see it, learn how to surf waves and do other cool maneuvers.  Or maybe you just want to explore some lakes with your friends and family.  Or you could be wanting to head out to the ocean for some sea kayaking.  Whatever your ambition with respect to kayaking, now’s an excellent time to get started.  Especially because Groupon is offering this deal:  a full-day kayaking lesson from Renaissance Adventure Guides.  Get started kayaking for only $67.

Kayaking is a multi-faceted outdoor sport that offers something for just about anyone, but especially those who love water.  Whether the water is moving or still — river, ocean, lake, canal — kayaking is an excellent way to enjoy the wet stuff and a fun way to play (not to mention travel).

Kayaking is for everyone, from those who want to float around a quiet pond to athletes who not only want to do acrobatic maneuvers on waves and other “hydraulics,” but run raging rivers and huck waterfalls (in other words, full-on adrenaline junkies).  Kayaking is an activity that combines grace and strength, creativity and outdoor beauty, fun and adventure, solitude and camaraderie.  The upcoming season promises to be epic, with plenty of runoff in streams and rivers, and good conditions well into the beginning of summer.  I’ve been planning to do a post on how to get started in kayaking, and I found a great incentive today:  Groupon’s current deal for a discounted full-day kayaking lesson from Renaissance Adventure Guides.

So, I’m calling this post:  So You Want to Learn to Kayak, Part 1.  Primarily, I wanted to get info about this deal out to those of you in Colorado (or those willing to travel to Colorado).  Renaissance Adventure Guides is an excellent place to learn how to kayak and a full-day lesson for $67 is a great deal (the regular price is $129).  The Groupon price includes all the equipment you’ll need, too.

No excuse not to get started now!  Click here to take advantage of this deal while it lasts.

The day-long lesson from Renaissance Adventure Guides (your get your choice of Introduction to Kayaking, Fundamentals of Kayaking, River Kayaking, or Whitewater Kayaking) will take place in a location of your choosing, such as Boulder Reservoir, the Colorado River or, for a more “immersive” experience, a Whitewater Kayaking Adventure on the Roaring Fork River.  See the Denver Groupon site for details.  You can get up to 4, and you can buy it as a gift for up to 3 other people.

Kayaking is a fun sport, good exercise, and a unique way to access country you wouldn’t otherwise get to see.

Kayak playpark, Buena Vista, CO

Kayaking has a bit of a learning curve, which is why it’s good to begin by taking lessons from a professional, ACA-certified instructor, such as at Renaissance Adventure Guides.  (ACA is the American Canoe Association.)  Once you’ve got a taste for kayaking and have caught the “bug”, which can take anywhere from your first time on the water to a month or so to get the feel of it, you can find excellent kayaking gear to expand your adventures at Colorado Kayak Supply, the largest kayak and paddle-sport specialty store in the Rockies (they have kayaks, kayak accessories, clothing, footwear, transport and storage, books and DVDs, etc.).  Colorado is one of the best places on earth for kayaking.

Which is convenient for those who can take advantage of this excellent Groupon deal now.

Related posts:

1. Where is Your Grad Going? Get Him a GPS Unit and He’ll Know
2. Winter Boots to Keep Your Feet Warm and Dry in the Snow and Cold

Sometimes you just want a basic T-shirt.  Whether it’s to wear under a dress shirt, or to wear when you change the oil or mow the lawn, a T-shirt is one of the most functional, versatile, and cost-effective parts of your wardrobe.  It doesn’t always have to be fashion-forward and attention-getting.  Here I’ll list places to buy the most inexpensive T-shirts online.

First, some criteria…  One is that, in keeping with the rest of this series of posts, these T-shirts are made of cotton.  You might find cheaper T-shirts made of polyester, but who wants a substandard polyester T-shirt when you can enjoy cotton?  Two is that they are well-made — you might be able to find 100% cotton T-shirts for less at the flea market, but they will probably fall apart after you wear and wash them a couple times (and they will not be comfortable or good-looking in the meantime).  Three is that I’ve tried to find the cheapest, best-quality T-shirts available in a complete range of sizes.  It won’t do you much good if a store is having a closeout on T-shirts and you’re a size Medium and they only have one shirt in Small or XXXL.  The idea here is to provide a useful selection and consistent choice for all of you.

That said, there are a number of excellent deals you can find online for basic, inexpensive T-shirts from reliable retailers.  These are places you can find tees that are useful for layering, for wearing to the gym (playing hoops, pumping iron), to walk your dog, or just to lounge around watching a game.  And when they finally wear out, they’ll make great rags.

Cotton BVD T-Shirt from Freshpair - $13.99 for 4

So, how about a 4-pack of 100% cotton BVD T-shirts for $13.99?  That comes out to just $3.50 per shirt.  These are white, tagless, rib-neck T-shirts from BVD, which has been making underwear for men since 1876.  You can’t get much more basic — or better — than that.  When it comes to buying underwear, Freshpair offers the whole enchilada.  They usually have these 4-packs of BVD T-shirts on sale for 30% off, and they also offer free shipping on all US orders.  Get these T-shirts now, because, as I said in my first post, cotton clothing will be going up in price soon (though, if anyone can hold the line, it will be Freshpair, due to their high volume and huge inventory).  Another handy thing is that Freshpair generally has a lot of customer reviews.  These BVD Crew T-shirts average 4.5 out of 5 stars in reviews.  About them, customers said:

“After a few washings they kept their shape around the collar.  I use these for work and they are comfortable and keep my torso cool.”

“Great shirts.  First time you wear them, [they're] on the big side; once you wash them, great fit.  These are the only undershirts I will wear!”

But that’s not all the outstanding deals Freshpair offers when it comes to T-shirts.  You can also get a 3-pack of Hanes Crew Neck T-shirts (white, pre-shrunk cotton) for $12.60 (average 4.5 stars), and a 3-pack of Fruit of the Loom White Crew Neck T-shirts for $15.39, and Fruit of the Loom White V-neck T-shirts for $15.39.  Both the Fruit of the Loom Crew Neck and V-neck T-shirts average 4.5 stars in reviews.

Those are some of the best prices you can find at Freshpair — or online anywhere.  Explore the rest of their inventory for men to see other good deals or to find high-quality options from many other companies.  You won’t find a better underwear selection online.  And remember, they provide free shipping on US orders.

Desert Wash Vivid-Dyed Football Jersey T-Shirt from Buy.com

This next deal might have been number one, but you do have to pay for shipping.  Still, how about $2.47 per shirt, with a choice of 8 colors and 5 sizes?  That’s what you’ll find at Buy.com:  the Desert Wash Short-Sleeve Men’s Vivid-Dyed Football Jersey T-shirt.  These are well-made, 5.2-ounce cotton T-shirts, with ribbed collars, double-needle stitching, and taped seams.  The colors are unusual (as you might expect) and interesting.  You can’t beat a T-shirt for under $2.50.  Plus, when you shop at Buy.com, you earn Rakuten Super Points, which you can redeem for Buy.com merchandise.  The shipping cost is reasonable and, since you’re buying online, you can usually avoid sales tax.

Urban Pipeline Basic Tee from Kohl's - $7.99

This next T-shirt is from Kohl’s:  the Urban Pipeline Basic Tee, $7.99 each, on sale.  Kohl’s is the new Gap.  Remember in their early years how you could count on the Gap for attractively-designed, well-made, basic clothing for reasonable prices?  That’s what Kohl’s is now.  Unfortunately, the Gap no longer offers products that have the best value, but for shoppers who’ve discovered Kohl’s, that’s not a problem.  Their in-store brands — such as Urban Pipeline, Sonoma, and Apt. 9 — are better quality than you might expect while still having good prices.  For basic T-shirts, the Urban Pipeline Basic Tee comes in 7 colors (the color pictured at left is “Reindeer”) and 5 sizes.  Buy several online — spend at last $75 — and you’ll get free shipping.  Or browse more of their basic T-shirts.  Of course, Kohl’s is a full-on department store, so they carry more clothing and other products than the Gap ever did.  Nothing against the Gap — I shopped there a lot in the 90s — but things change.  Fortunately, innovative companies, such as Kohl’s, step in to fill the gap.  Click here to see all their men’s clothing.

Cotton Military T-Shirt in Olive Drab

If you read my very first post on T-shirts, then you know that they had their origin — as much of men’s clothing has — as a utilitarian garment worn by soldiers.  So it’s only fitting that I include military-grade cotton T-shirts in this collection of inexpensive T-shirts:  the 100% Cotton Military T-shirt in Olive Drab.  $8.55 from the Army Navy Shop online.  Since we live in more modern times than WWII, you can also get it in black and brown.  And really, what man needs a T-shirt in any other color than olive drab, black, or brown?  The description is “100% cotton tee” and that’s what you get.  Hang something around your neck on a chain or leather thong when you wear this shirt.  It also might help if you chomp a cigar.  No shirt is more masculine.  Except maybe one of those rough linen pirate shirts.

Cabela's Combed Cotton Short-Sleeve Tee - $7.99

Now for one of the highest-quality basic T-shirts you can get:  the Cabela’s Combed Short-Sleeve Tee.  This is a comfortable, 100% combed cotton T-shirt and it’s only $7.99, on sale.  You can also get it in “Tall” sizes for $9.99.  That is not much money, especially when you consider that you’re getting it from Cabela’s, which is known for the quality of their products.  Not only that, they have some of the best customer service anywhere, and they back their products.  This T-shirt comes in 6 useful colors and 8 (count ‘em, eight) different sizes.  When you consider Cabela’s quality, this deal is hard to beat.  Pick up several, because this price probably won’t last long.

Structure Men's Strech T-shirt from Sears - $7.90

Of course, as you might expect, Sears offers a pretty good basic T-shirt for a reasonable price:  the Structure Men’s Stretch T-shirt.  Unlike all the other T-shirts here, this tee contains a substance that is not cotton — it’s got 3% Spandex, which actually adds an extra measure of comfort and fit.  It conforms well to your body, which is handy if you’re in good shape, and works well under other shirts.  (And why not look good even when you’re wearing just a basic T-shirt?)  It’s only $7.90.  It comes in 4 colors. Customer reviews for these T-shirts are almost uniformly positive.  Such as:

“In cold weather, I need an ‘athletic type’ t-shirt to wear under my judo gi.  I’ve tried the all-nylon and all-polyester shirts.  They’re OK but look too 21st-century.  (Judo and Karate gi’s are nothing but ancient-design kimonos.)  This shirt is not polar white, so it matches the slightly off-white color of the gi.  It is about the same color of a regular t-shirt, but fits a lot neater.  Occasionally, I’ve worn one with a dressier street shirt.  If bought at sale price, an excellent value.  Seems ‘fanatical’ to shop for an undershirt for a judo gi, I suppose.  So be it!  The shirts will shrink a little.  If you have a long trunk, keep that in mind.”

“I wear these as an undershirt every day and have for nearly 2 years now.  They are without doubt the best undershirt or stand alone t-shirt I’ve ever owned.  Durable, keep their shape and very comfortable.”

“How can you beat this great price for a Structure shirt that wears well, fits great, and washes with ease.”

One handy option is to buy this shirt for the low online price and pick it up in a nearby Sears store.  That way, you don’t have to pay for shipping.  See the Sears site for details.

Celtek Bird T-Shirt from Dogfunk - $9.98

Finally, when it comes to low prices, you don’t have to consider only plain T-shirts.  You can get a pretty hip graphic tee from Dogfunk that’s only $9.98, on sale:  the Celtek Bird T-shirt.  This is a 100% cotton T-shirt that has a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.  It comes in 2 primary colors — black and white — with 3 different “bird” design options.  You can wear it solo, or it will work under a dress shirt.  Double duty for one low price!  Just another useful, cutting-edge product from Dogfunk.  Again, take advantage of this price while it lasts.

Celtek Bird T-Shirt in black and orange

I mentioned that I wouldn’t be featuring T-shirts for low prices that only offered a few of one size.  However, I don’t want you to miss out on deals like that.  So I will recommend two online retailers where you can find a wide variety of good T-shirts at closeout prices.  You’ll just have to check their inventory for your size.  If they’ve got it, great.  If not… well, just check the shirts and stores listed above; you’ll still be able to find inexpensive T-shirts there.  The first online store I’ll mention is Sierra Trading Post.  They have T-shirts clearance-priced for as low as $2.50.  The other online retailer is Eastbay, a store that carries a huge selection of sports equipment, shoes, and apparel.  They have a good selection of T-shirts (including graphic tees) for as low as $4.99.  Both of these companies are known for good customer service and large selection.  Plus they each have frequent sales.  Both are good places to shop.

Get yourself some cheap, basic T-shirts.  It’ll be satisfying to know you’ve got that wardrobe staple covered and you can reach in your drawer and pull out a good tee whenever you need one.

Related posts:

1. 10 Days of T-Shirts: Day 10 – Bamboo T-Shirts from ONNO
2. 10 Days of T-Shirts: Day 1 – Take Advantage of Less Expensive Cotton Now

Sometimes you need to channel your inner rock musician.  Or be an actual outer musician.  In either case, you’ll want a T-shirt to fit the vibe.   Something cool, not highly unsubtle.  Here it is:  the Vox Logo T-shirt.  From Musician’s Friend.

Vox is the English company that helped pioneer electric guitar amps, adding technical power to the British Invasion (musically) of the US.  Their AC30 amp is legendary, having been used by rockers such as Keith Richards and Pete Townshend.  Plus a successful little group called The Beatles.

The Vox Logo T-shirt expresses the right blend of brand cachet, musical cool, and laid-back hipster detachment.  Those who know music will know Vox.  But even chicks who don’t know the difference between tube reverb and solid state sustain will dig the stylized Vox crown.  Like earlier T-shirts in this series, this shirt will handle diverse sartorial applications, from auditioning a new electronica group at an underground club to starring in your buddy’s skateboard movie.  Of course, if you’re a guitar player, you can wear it everywhere.

It’s black, heavyweight 100% cotton, and only 18 bucks.  Musician’s Friend carries this shirt and dozens of other musically-themed T-shirts — enough to strain a roadie’s back.  If the Vox Logo Tee doesn’t do it for you (or you already own one), check out their Paiste Alpha Thorn T-shirt, their Vic Firth Goth T-shirt, and Dean Wings Logo Custom T-shirt.  The prices are low, too.

Get the Vox shirt, wear it, and wash it, because it’s only going to get softer and better-looking with age.  Cotton was cheaper when they priced this shirt, so grab it now — or two or three — and save.  Put it on when you start feeling like head-banging.  Or finger-popping.  Whatever.  Bands from U2 to Radiohead have relied on Vox.  Not a bad legacy.

Jazz guitarist Vinny Valentino is one of those discerning guys who plays a Vox guitar.  In the video below, he performs with drummer Steve Smith and the group Vital Information.  A harmonically simple yet rhythmically-sophisticated fusion jam borrowing from Indian konnakol.  Let it remind you:  nothing is cooler than music.  And, by extension, musicians.  Capiche?

Get your shirt from Musician’s Friend.  And you can search for more musical essentials below using the Musician’s Friend search bar.

	Power Search!

Related posts:

1. 10 Days of T-Shirts: Day 9 – Panda Armed and Dangerous T-Shirt from Cafe Press
2. 10 Days of T-Shirts: Day 8 – Orange Lantern Avarice T-Shirt from Entertainment Earth