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

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

Here’s the second in our 10 days of cool T-shirts:  this is the Basic R Dot 2 Tee by Rusty.  You can get it from Killer Dana, along with other handy summer stuff.

If you’re not into surfing you might not have heard of Killer Dana, the surf shop located in beautiful Dana Point, California (once known for its — guess what — point break; that was before the Army Corps of Engineers got hold of it).  But maybe you have heard of Killer Dana, because cool has a way of exuding beyond formal boundaries, and they have offered a cool place to shop since 1991.  In 1996 Killer Dana was one of the first surf shops to go online, and over the decades have expanded to become one of the largest online retailers of gear to accompany your favorite adrenaline-rush activities.  But by no means have they forgotten their roots in surfing, and they are justly famous for their extensive line of board shorts — the largest anywhere — and surfboards.  Dude, if you need a surfboard, you can definitely find one at Killer Dana (and they’ll ship it free).

Click for Rusty Basic R Dot 2 Tee from Killer Dana -- $20

But we’ll cover surfboards another day.  Today is about T-shirts, and the T-shirt at left is the Basic R Dot 2 Tee by Rusty.  (I know it says “Rot” on the Killer Dana page, but that’s a typo, dude.)  Rusty is a company started by a guy named — you might guess — Rusty.  He began in the US as a surfboard shaper and achieved some success in that endeavor.  In 1986, he added T-shirts to his line of boards and achieved some success in that endeavor as well.  Enough so that in 1989 he went international, and today Rusty is a world-wide brand, selling surfing gear from Argentina to New Zealand to Japan.  Oh yes, and through Killer Dana.  His T-shirt designs are balanced, artistic, and diverse.  I think the Basic R Dot 2 in that metallic color is one of his cooler efforts, subtle but dynamic.  With a blazer, it’ll handle casual Fridays, and with shorts and leather flip-flops it’ll cover scarfing mussels and beer with your friends at Bungalow 8 at King Street Wharf in Sydney.  If you want a more flamboyant tee, you can surf (heh) many more Rusty T-shirt designs at Killer Dana.  As well as T-shirts from other top-line manufacturers.

Also, since you’re reading this post, I’ll let you know that, as we head into summer, you can get free shipping on all orders of $75 or more at Killer Dana by using coupon code:  summerfreeship.  Just enter “summerfreeship”  during checkout.

Regarding Rusty, below is the trailer of a film they helped sponsor, Kerrazy Kronicles, due out soon.  This’ll help set the mood for summer and T-shirts:

Kerrazy Kronicles Preview from rustyintl on Vimeo.

Remember, I’m doing 10 days of T-shirts so you can stock up and avoid the price increases that are about to hit cotton clothing.  Regarding cotton, here’s a factoid:  China produces more cotton than any other country.  You might have thought it was the US, but no, the US is not even second.  That would be India.  The US is third.  China and India had a lot of inconvenient rain last year, which reduced the cotton yield.  Half of all the world’s clothing is made of cotton.  That’s one reason you’ll be paying more for T-shirts in coming months.  And jeans, socks, sweaters, handkerchiefs…  There, now you’ll have some conversational ammunition to fall back on after you arrive at a party wearing your R Dot 2 T-shirt and a cute girl eyes it with approval.  First, say hi to her.  Then, after the initial chit-chat lags — and it will — tell her, “I got a bunch of shirts at Killer Dana recently because, you know, of the rain in China…”  If this line of talk goes well — and it will — you can then say, “You’ll probably want to stock up on thongs.”  Then excuse yourself to get a beer.  (But, of course, you plan to catch up to her later.)

I believe you’ll find her receptive.

No, you don’t have to thank me.  Come back tomorrow and find another excellent tee for additional parties. And remember to scope the rest of Killer Dana’s inventory…

Related posts:

1. 10 Days of T-Shirts: Day 7 – The Most Inexpensive T-Shirts You Can Get Online
2. 10 Days of T-Shirts: Day 10 – Bamboo T-Shirts from ONNO

You may be wondering how to help the people of Japan cope with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that occurred March 11.  You can do it by buying goods from Japanese companies online.  This post tells you the best way to shop Japan via the Internet.

One idea for economic recovery that I have not seen mentioned is to shop directly with Japanese businesses online.  Americans and others around the world have donated millions of dollars through various relief organizations, such as the Red Cross, and many others have traveled to Japan to volunteer their services.  But, while donations of money satisfy the immediate need to get supplies to the people in the towns of the tsunami-ravaged Tohoku region, dollars can be infused into the Japanese economy long-term by shopping via the Internet from anywhere in the world at Rakuten.

Click to explore Rakuten's huge online mall

Many people outside Japan have not heard of Rakuten.  It is an online shopping company.  It is Japan’s equivalent of Amazon.  The Japanese name “Rakuten Ichiba” translates to “Rakuten Shopping Mall,” which is exactly what it is — an aggregation of 33,000 Japanese shops and businesses.  This huge online shopping site offers 60 million products.  Rakuten is the second most visited site in Japan, with over 50 million registered users.  In fact, this Internet shopping giant is the reason Amazon has not been able to make much headway into the Japanese market.  It is estimated that one-third of households in Japan shop at Rakuten.  And that says something:  Japanese consumers, particularly online, are known for being finicky and demanding.  Rakuten has met their needs to the point that it is now one of the top ten Internet companies in the world, and has an international presence.  In addition to products, it also has its own extensive travel services site, which anyone in the world can use.

Rakuten is now actively expanding its shopping services in other markets throughout the world, including Europe and the United States.  Amazon may be the largest online shopping company, but sheer size is no guarantee of quality (Microsoft sells more operating systems than any other company but no one thinks their OS is the best, and General Motors became the largest automaker in the world selling cars inferior to a number of other makes), so I would not be surprised if, in a few years, Rakuten has noticeably eroded Amazon’s market share.  You can think of Rakuten as the Honda of online retailing.

What does that mean with respect to helping the Japanese economy weather the aftermath of the earthquake?

We know that the world’s economic fortunes are subject to ripple effects that transcend national boundaries.  Mortgage foreclosures in the American mid-west affect the value of the Euro.  The price of labor in China impacts how much Walmart pays its US workers.  The Russian wheat harvest affects the price of food in Delhi and Des Moines.  With respect to the world economy, Japan is a titan, boasting the third largest economy after the US and China.  So any financial woes that Japan experiences as a result of the triple whammy of the earthquake, tsunami, and radiation contamination from damaged nuclear power plants will affect not only the Japanese people but people in the United States and around the world.  (Already, it is projected that demand for the Prius will not be able to be met, since there are parts suppliers for the car in the affected region.  And US beef exports to Japan may be hampered by damaged port facilities.)  In other words, the domino effect from an economic slowdown in Japan coupled with the need to re-build infrastructure could affect your personal financial situation.  So it behooves you to help your neighbor.

Thus, if you shop for Japanese goods, you can help not only Japanese businesses and consumers as they recover and re-build, but your own economy as well.  The easiest (and most enjoyable) way to shop in Japan from outside Japan is Rakuten. Spend a few bucks there, get yourself some interesting, well-made Japanese products, and you’ll be helping float everyone’s boat.  After all, just imagine what it would have meant to a local hardware or stationery store in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina if they had had a steady influx of customers…  If they had experienced damage or hardship from the hurricane, sure, packets of freeze-dried food and blankets would have met their immediate physical needs, but long-term, it’s customers buying from businesses that sustain an economy, whether in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi or Ofunato, Japan.

You can find just about any kind of product at Rakuten, from books to ice cream to motorcycle parts.  But why not get something interesting or unusual?  How about:

• Sake
• Momotaro Jeans (maybe the best jeans in the world)
• Japanese Sandals
• Tea Sets
• Samurai Clothes and Accessories
• Edible Seaweed from Ofunato (the northeast region)

You can also try using the search field on the Rakuten homepage to search for city names in the northeast region, such as Sendai, Kamaishi, Miyako, and Kuji, in order to find stores in those cities from which to buy.  Keep in mind that operations at those stores might be curtailed or slowed for awhile — but they will still appreciate the business!

Rakuten currently ships to over 50 countries (and the list is expanding) and their site has pages optimized for a number of countries, including the USA, Canada, China, France, and the UK.  If you’re outside Japan, when you place an order you’ll usually be put in touch via email with the shop that sells the item to arrange a shipping method and cost.  (Note that some shops offer special free international shipping promotions, or $1 international shipping.)  There is a weight restriction on items shipped to the US via certain carriers, but many shops can arrange a shipping method to the US that gets around this limit.

When you first explore the site, you may wonder where to go and how to approach it, but anyone familiar with online shopping can quickly figure it out.  Explore.  In addition, they have a handy instructional page here.

Think of it as an adventure, man.  As well as a good deed.

Here’s a testimonial from a customer in the US posted on the Rakuten site:

“I recently found Rakuten via Facebook, and boy I couldn’t be happier. As a person interested in Japanese culture, this website is great. I’ve found many things I had been looking for as well as new items that have caught my eye. The website is well laid out and very intuitive to navigate. And the search feature is one of the better ones I’ve encountered for a merchant website. And this is all from a website that isn’t set up for business in the USA. If the USA website is half as good, then it’ll be better than most merchants that I’ve purchased from.   by Nick M – NJ, USA”

Hey, if Nick can do it, you can, too.  And remember, you’ll be helping the cause.  It all adds up.

If you have found something interesting or useful here on Best Stuff for Men, please consider making a donation, so others can benefit, too.  Thanks!

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…when you buy any regularly-priced item that costs over $99 and use coupon code MYSTERY.

=> Update, December 16, 2011:  For the holidays, Moosejaw is having a 72-hour sale and FREE 2-day shipping on everything.  Use code TWODAY at checkout.  Click here to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to shop Moosejaw! Ends December 18.

Update, November, 2011:  They have renewed the $100 mystery gift offer, so shop now!  Click the links or banner below.  Limited time.

It’s March, which means that the folks up at Moosejaw are starting to act a little goofy again.  Maybe it’s the lingering winter and the almost uncontrollable urge to break into spring.  Whatever the reason, it’s the time of year when they will give you a free mystery gift worth $100 if you buy an item that costs over $99.  Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s either like getting a $99+ item for free or like getting $200 worth of merchandise for $99+.  (As I said, goofy.)  However you look at it, it’s a good deal, because the mystery gifts are nice.  That’s why this deal only lasts a limited time.  Click here to take advantage of it before the Moosejaw people come to their senses.  Enter code MYSTERY at checkout.

All the details of how this promo works are on their site.  All you have to do is specify whether it’s for a man or woman and enter the size.  They select the “mystery gift” but, knowing them, it’ll be something cool.

Moosejaw, in fact, is one of the cooler outdoor equipment and clothing retailers on the web.  Don’t let their sense of humor obscure the fact that they have good prices on a wide range of gear and some of the best customer service around.  And you can earn generous Moosejaw Rewards points with every dollar spent that enable you to get gear and apparel.

Now, if you’re wondering what you might want to spend your $99+ on (so you can get your mystery gift), there is no shortage of good things.  Following are some product ideas — some of their best items.  (Remember, this deal is good for a limited time, so shop now.  See complete details on the Moosejaw site.)  Click on the images or the “Buy” buttons below to read detailed spec’s, customer reviews, and to purchase.  Moosejaw has a ton of great new gear – such as the Garmin Forerunner 410 – as well as classic gear that has stood the test of time – including Native Dash SS Polarized Sunglasses and Mountain Hardwear Men’s Monkey Man Jacket (reviews average 5 out of 5 stars for the Monkey Man Jacket, so give it a look — see below).

Garmin Forerunner 410 HRM FEATURES of the Garmin Forerunner 410 HRM. GPS-enabled. Heart-rate-based calorie computation. Water resistant (IPX7). Heart rate monitor (some versions). Cadence sensor (optional). Foot Pod (optional). Automatic sync. Garmin Connect compatible. Garmin Training Center software. Virtual Partner Courses. Auto Pause. Auto Lap. Auto Scroll. Advanced workouts. Quick workouts. Pace alert (for advanced workouts only). Time/distance alert (for advanced workouts only). Interval training. Customizable screens. Unit to unit transfer. Sport Watch Additional Specs: Watch functions include dual time – date and alarm. The SPECS Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 1.88 in. x 2.78 in. x 0.646 in. / 4.8 x 7.1 x 1.6 cm Display Size (W x H): 1.06 in. / 2.7 cm Diameter Display Resolution (W x H): 124 x 95 pixels Weight: 2.11 oz / 60 g Battery: rechargeable lithium-ion Battery Life: 2 weeks in power save mode; 8 hours in training mode High-sensitivity receiver Lap History: 1000 laps

Mountain Hardwear Men’s Monkey Man Jacket FEATURES of the Men’s Monkey Man Jacket by Mountain Hardwear:  Micro Climate Zoning construction for built-in warmth – breathability and stretch. Extremely soft – extremely warm .Zip chest pocket to stash your stuff. Zip handwarmer pockets. Imported. SPECIFICATIONS: Usage: Backcountry / Climbing Avg Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz. / 514 g. (size large) Center Back Length: 28 in. / 71 cm. Materials: Body: Polartec ThermalPro Monkey Phur (100% polyester) Panel: Polartec Power Stretch (88% polyester – 12% elastane)

Native Dash SS Polarized Sunglasses FEATURES of the Dash SS Polarized Sunglasses by Native: Interchangeable lens system. Rhyno-Tuff Air Frames – which are extremely lightweight – yet durable enough to withstand high velocity collisions and temperature extremes. A venting system to eliminate fogging. Cushinol Nose Pads – which creates a non-slip comfortable fit. Mastoid Temple Grip – which ensures that the temple ends hug the mastoid bone (behind your ears) – which allows for a secure and comfortable fit without pinching. Anti-Ocular Intrusion System – which is designed to prevent your lenses from dangerously shooting towards your eyes in the event of a high velocity impact. Best fits a Small to Medium face. Comes with SportFlex and Optic Gear.

Related posts:

1. Here’s a Really Nice $100 Mystery Gift from Outdoor Gear Retailer Moosejaw
2. Take Advantage of the 72-Hour Sale at Moosejaw to Get the Outdoor Gear You’ve Been Waiting For

Cold hands? Click here for solutions.

So, if you’ve read my post on the best winter boots, your feet should be thanking you now.  But feet are only half the equation.  Don’t forget your hands.  That means you’ll want the best winter gloves, too.

When it comes to extremities (and we’ve got 5 of them or so), hands can be even more vulnerable than feet.  Personally, when I’m doing something outdoors and it’s below zero, it’s usually my hands that start giving up the battle against the cold first.  (Have your hands ever gotten so cold you couldn’t turn the key in your car’s door lock?  Inconvenient, you know.  And painful.)  So it might be even more important to have the right stuff to wear on your hands to keep them warm.  Warm hands = fun outdoors during the winter.  Cold hands = excruciating bummertude.

And hey, just because you’re shoveling snow off your driveway or walking your dog in the sleet doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the best cold-weather gloves (or mittens) you can get — gear designed for extreme cold weather comfort.  Because you know that if they will work for, say, ski mountaineering or ice climbing, they will work in Buffalo in the dead of winter when you’re walking to the train.  Following are the best gloves to protect your precious paws from winter’s frigid, damp days.

Arcteryx Alpha SV

I’ll start with the Cadillac of gloves:  Arc’teryx Alpha SV Gloves (after all, this site is not called Pretty Good Stuff for Men).  Let’s not beat around the bush — if your hands are cold and you want to keep them warm, this is what you put on.  (I could have said they are the BMW or Lamborghini of gloves, too.)  Yes, they’re rather expensive.  But worth it for the quality, durability, design, and workmanship.  Arc’teryx is known for making innovative, thoughtful, supremely functional outdoor gear.  When the testers at Backpacker magazine got hold of the Arc’teryx Alpha SV Gloves and took a look at the price, they thought there would be no way they could endorse them.  But then, as they would later write:  “We tried it during a dismal day of crevasse rescue training with Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.”  One of their testers described his experience with these gloves this way:  “Working a wet rope in wet snow in a steady downpour in 35°F weather is the perfect recipe for wooden finger tips — if not full-on hypothermia.  But my hands stayed dry and warm through 6 hours of mucking about.”  Bottom line?  Backpacker endorses them, price and all.  Another of their testers said, “Has better dexterity than any glove this warm I’ve ever worn.”

The editors at Outside magazine were equally impressed.  They stated, “The folks up in Vancouver [meaning Arc'teryx -- which, by the way, is an abbreviation of Archaeopteryx, the first bird ever] have created an Armani suit for your hands…  Best full-gauntlet glove we’ve ever tested.”  And National Geographic Adventure named them “Gear of the Year” for 2010.

The guys at Adventure-Journal chimed in, too:  “May be the best gauntlet glove ever made.”  (See the video below.)

Arcteryx Gloves from Steve Casimiro on Vimeo.

Those are some good reviews.  Yes, the Alpha SV is pricier than most other gloves.  But then, how often can you buy a Lamborghini for around $275?  It’s the end of the winter retailing season, too, so you might find a discount (and there are all kinds of good deals being offered right now at the outfitters I mention in this post).  If the sunset-copper color doesn’t do it for you, you can get them in black.  Find Arc’teryx Alpha SV Gloves at:  Backcountry.com, Moosejaw, and Altrec.  Don’t wait, because inventory on these gloves is selling quickly.

Columbia Majik Wands

Columbia’s Omni-Heat® technology is really catching on in outdoor-equipment circles, and they’ve applied it in their Majik Wands Gloves.  Omni-Heat thermal insulation incorporates a metallic layer that reflects heat back to you.  In the Columbia Majik Wands, it’s combined with an Omni-Tech waterproof and breathable bladder and 100 grams of insulation.  Testers have found that Omni-Heat can increase the insulating properties of a garment by 20 percent — just what you want when it’s 5 below zero and windy.  As with most all their products, Columbia has included other thoughtful features, such as material on the thumb for wiping a drippy nose and shock-corded hem adjustment that can be operated one-handed.  Outside‘s testers said of these gloves:  “The Columbia Majik Wands are toastier than they look.  Breathability is so-so.  Great chairlift-riding gloves.”  But in their review, Snowshoe Magazine stated:  “I can confirm that the 50 percent recycled content Majik Wands is wicked warm in real-world use and doesn’t seem to get ‘too hot,’ as sometimes happens with backcountry gloves.  It breathes well, too.”  And, if cost is an object, you can get them for about a third of the cost (or less) of the Arc’teryx Alpha SV’s.  There are 4 color combinations available.  Find the Columbia Majik Wands Gloves — in many cases, for a discount right now – at:   Rocky Mountain Trail, Backcountry.com, Sun & Ski Sports, and DepartmentOfGoods.  See the descriptive video below…

Mountain Hardwear Minus One

As I mentioned earlier, if a glove is designed for ice climbing, it’ll probably handle most of your typical outdoor winter situations.  This year, Outside singled out the Mountain Hardwear Minus One Gloves as a recommended choice for not only ice climbing but a variety of activities, from backcountry skiing to cold-weather mountain biking.  Their editors state that Mountain Hardwear Minus One Gloves are “waterproof, light and supple, reinforced in all the right places, and surprisingly warm.”  They also note that they tend to fit snugly, so consider ordering a size up.  As you might expect from Mountain Hardwear, only the most up-to-date materials are incorporated in these gloves:  goatskin leather palms with Pittard’s Oil Tac reinforcements for excellent grip, OutDry® Waterproof Technology, mesh tricot lining to wick moisture and sweat away from your hands, corded nylon material for the body.  Dane, an alpine climber who blogs about equipment at Cold Thistle, put these gloves through their paces (both climbing and in everyday use) and found that they got the job done.  They’re tough, light, waterproof, and sort of cool-looking.  You can find Mountain Hardwear Minus One Gloves at:  Moosejaw and Altrec.

Hestra Seth Morrison Pro Model

Now, maybe you’d enjoy a glove with a bit of attitude — something inspired by the edgier things a guy can do.  Something that suggests aspects of shredding.  But of course will still keep your digits toasty.  Well, for that there’s Hestra:  specifically, the Seth Morrison Pro Model Gloves.  First of all, Hestra is a Swedish company.  As you’re probably aware, it gets pretty cold in Sweden.  Second, Hestra makes gloves for the Swedish Army.  In fact, they’ve been making gloves since 1936, and have developed a reputation for producing some of the best gloves in the world.  Case in point:  in the 1980s, Hestra began working with Lars Fält to design gloves.  Lars is an interesting guy.  He spent 5 years as a member of the Swedish Army’s Special Forces, then became a paratrooper.  In the 1970s, he created the first Swedish Armed Forces survival school.  Then he trained with the Special Forces in the United States, England, and Canada.  For fun, he adventured on the side.  And, though he is now retired from the military, he still spends each winter at Lappeasuoando Wilderness Camp, where he teaches courses on how to survive in the wilderness in the winter.   Lappeasuoando is one of those distinctive Swedish places where, in the winter, temperatures regularly dip to 40 below zero (a temperature at which pine trees will crack).  The Lappeasuoando Wilderness Camp cannot be reached by road.  It has no electricity or running water.  Participants in the courses learn how to bivouac overnight in the snow and how to make soup from lichens.  Fält likes to cite the camp’s motto:  “The prepared will survive.”

Seth Morrison

That’s the kind of professional Hestra works with to design their high-performance gloves.  But not the only kind.  They worked with free-skier Seth Morrison to create a glove that would meet the needs of one of the most daring extreme skiers in the world.  Even before he was being paid by Hestra, Morrison wore their gloves.  Since 2005, he has been refining the Hestra Seth Morrison Pro Model.  Drawing on that outdoor-survival-and-Swedish-military tradition, the gloves also incorporate design elements from motocross gloves.  They are warm and tough.  Each year he refines them a bit more.  After spending part of a recent season skiing in the desolate mountains in Alaska’s Petersburg region, Morrison observed:  “Almost no one had skied there before us.  The hands were exposed to cold temperatures, as well as impacts.  Such environments require the best gloves you can get.”  The Seth Morrison Pro Model Gloves are made of Army Goat Leather and cowhide; Thermolite insulation; and an integrated windproof, waterproof, breathable CZone membrane.  They have a side zip for quick on/off, protection on the knuckles and fingers, and a handy nose wipe.  And some attitude.  Get them at:  Backcountry.com, DepartmentOfGoods, and Altrec.

POW Tanto

If you want a versatile cold-weather glove for not a lot of moolah (around $50, depending on discounts), check out the POW Tanto.  POW, based in the Pacific northwest, makes a broad range of gloves for everything from snowboarding to bicycling to golf.  The Tanto is one of their most popular models.  It’s comfort-rated from minus 10 to 32°F and is suitable for activities from skiing to snowmobiling to gripping the steering wheel of your car when it’s 5 below zero and you’re peering through a little hole in the frost on your windshield as you commute to your job on icy streets.  They incorporate goatskin leather, a waterproof/breathable Hipora insert (a 3-layer microporous coating structure), a microfleece lining, and Primaloft insulation, and offer style options from flamboyant to stealth.

The snowboarding gear review site The Good Ride said of the POW Tanto Gloves:

“The Tanto has a good all around feel and is one of the most comfortable gloves we have experienced…  The inside is very comfortable and doesn’t have that grippy feel that many micro-fleece liners have.  It’s ideal to get wet hands in and out without pulling the liner out.  The Tanto is reasonably priced and offers one of the best glove experiences out there for the $100 and under price range.  The Tanto doesn’t have Gore-Tex but it does have a 20,000 [mm] waterproof insert that is outstanding.  Yeah, the Pow isn’t any more reliable than Dakine or Burton but we feel you get a better glove for a lower price.  That being said, we were able to get a very long season out of this glove and it still has more left for next year.”

The Good Ride rates comfort, fit, and waterproofing for the Tanto as “Excellent,” and dexterity, warmth, and durability as “Good.”  Customer reviews for the POW Tanto at the retailers I mention here also tend to be almost uniformly positive.  Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate these gloves.  Miles Clark, professional free-skier, guide for Rainier Mountaineering, Inc., and all-around adventurer, uses POW gloves and is a member of the POW ski team.  Here’s a video of Miles Clark (and friends) showing some of the ways POW gloves can be used (his job might be a little more fun than yours):

POW is a company that stands behind their products (another criterion I look for in any product I recommend on Best Stuff for Men), and you can also find good customer support at all the online shops I mention here.  Here’s a video of the POW guys introducing some of their 2010-2011 gloves at a recent SIA (Snow Sports Industries America) Snow Show in my neck of the woods, Denver:

You can find POW Tanto Gloves (mostly for good discounts right now) at: Dogfunk,  Backcountry.com, DepartmentOfGoods, and Altrec.

As Maxx von Marbod said above, mittens (or mitts in the contemporary vernacular) are once again coming into vogue, but there are places where they’ve never been out of vogue:  places where you have to keep warm.  Since your fingers stay together all cozy-like, mittens are generally acknowledged as being warmer than gloves, and I would be remiss if I did not mention some of the best mittens available for those who are facing super-cold temps on a regular basis (say, telephone linemen in Minnesota).  If you only occasionally need additional warmth to reinforce your gloves, you can simply wear something like a Gore-Tex mitten over them.  But for the most challenging situations, dedicated mittens — i.e., a system – are best.  Check the following mitts to keep your digits dry and toasty.

Marmot Expedition Mitt

Termed “a sleeping bag for your hands,” the Marmot Expedition Mitt is the warmest handwear Marmot makes (which means they’re pretty damn warm).  They’re intended to complement Marmot’s 8000 Meter Suit.  Priced around $100, you get Marmot MemBrain® waterproof/breathable fabric, a bunch of Primaloft insulation (which is basically synthetic down that’s waterproof), DriClime Bi-component wicking lining, a reinforced palm, a quickdraw gauntlet cinch cord, a safety leash, a wrist strap, and a nose wipe.  The gents at UKClimbing did a bit of mountaineering in Alaska using the Marmot Expedition Mitts and were kind enough to write a review.  (They liked them.)  If these are good enough to take on Everest, they should be good enough to get you through your job as a newspaper deliverer in Caribou, Maine.  You can also find the Marmot Expedition Mitt at Rocky Mountain Trail.

One of the customer reviewers of the Marmot Expedition Mitt wrote:

“I bought a pair of these 7 years ago.  These were the first mitts that I found that I could be outside in sub-zero temps in Wisconsin and still have warm hands.  I find above freezing I end up taking them off every 15 minutes or so to let my hand cool off.  The best part is the wicking is so good, I never feel that I have sweaty hands.”

You can get your own pair of Marmot Expedition Mitts at:  Massey’s Outfitters, Rocky Mountain Trail, and Moosejaw.    Other retailers carry them, including Backcountry.com and Rock Creek, but they’re sold out of these mitts right now (click the text links and use their search function to check if they’re again in stock, or sign up to be emailed when they’re available).

An alternative to the Marmot Expedition Mitts would be the Mountain Hardwear Masherbrum Mitten – a technically-sophisticed mitt designed for high-altitude mountaineering.  They’re similar in price and performance to the Marmot Expedition Mitts.  Click here to see detailed specifications, customer reviews, and order from Backcountry.com.  You can also find them at DepartmentOfGoods.

Finally, if you want an economical mitten that still gets the job done (though I don’t think I’d necessarily take it to Everest), check out Dakine’s Fillmore Mittens, a good-looking mitt for $40 or less.  For that price you get good technical features and better-than-average performance from a mitten that Dakine guarantees for a lifetime.  They’re non-bulky, tough enough for a variety of outdoor activities, and pretty stylish.  And hey, you want to look good while keeping warm, right?   You can find Dakine Fillmore Mittens in a variety of colors at better outdoor retailers, including:  Altrec, Backcountry.com, Dogfunk, and DepartmentOfGoods.  Click the links here, check customer reviews, buy them, and keep warm.

And wipe your nose.

Related posts:

1. Winter Boots to Keep Your Feet Warm and Dry in the Snow and Cold
2. Hit the Slopes in Your Best Ski Jacket Ever

See winter boots to handle conditions like this

Winter sort of pussy-footed around until almost the end of 2010, but it’s come on with a vengeance in the last month or so.  These are the times that try men’s feet.  So get some top-rated boots to fend off winter’s chill, damp, ice, and slush.  Five of the best winter boot models are reviewed below, along with the best places to obtain them.

Be aware:  it’s snowing in places it’s never snowed before and there’s been record cold — something I had occasion to experience personally as I was working outdoors at the beginning of February and it was 20 below zero.  Frostbite weather.

Oklahoma saw a record low of minus 31 just last Thursday.  By all accounts, Chicagoans feel buried in snow –  to the extent that Rahm Emanuel, candidate for mayor, felt the need to issue a statement suggesting that those who are going outdoors should “keep your extremities covered,” and “…wear hats, gloves, winter boots, and warm socks.”  Gee, thanks, Rahm.  (I liked columnist Gail Collins’s response best:  “People, if someone was preparing to walk off into 2 feet of snow without socks and boots, do you think an e-mail from Rahm Emanuel would make that person think twice?  Let’s see a show of hands.”)

Meanwhile, easterners are literally buried in snow, with accumulated drifts topping 20 feet.  Drifting snow is causing Iowans’ furnaces to suddenly quit.  And Europe was brought to a standstill by widespread snow and freezing temperatures in late December.  Sweden experienced some of its coldest winter weather since the 1800s.

So, if you live in any of those places, you know by now how well your feet have been able to deal with the snow and cold — maybe you’re a commuter walking to the bus or train, maybe you have to work outdoors, maybe you’ve had to dig your car out a few times, or at least shovel your driveway.  Or maybe you just feel like going ice fishing.  In any event, Rahm Emanuel notwithstanding, you now know whether your footwear is up to the task of protecting your feet in these nasty conditions or whether you’ve risked incipient frozen toes (not to mention slipping on the ice) by wearing some uninsulated scraps of pitiful leather.

Well, you know what the Swedes say:  “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.”

There’s nothing fun about cold, wet feet (not to mention hypothermia when you’re tottering down the street and it’s 8 below and the wind is blowing 60 mph).  So I’m here to tell you about some of the best-reviewed winter boots you can get.  Boots with a track record of keeping feet warm and dry.  May as well take advantage of the technological advancements in footwear.  The boots here will get you through the rest of this serious winter and should serve you well in gnarly conditions for years to come.  Even if you just want to have a snowball fight with your kids or go snowshoeing in your town park.

I’m orienting this review of top-rated winter boots to those models appropriate to help you get around and function in the snow and cold in both the city and country — that is, these boots aren’t intended to enable you to go out and tackle the most extreme winter mountaineering challenges or polar crossings.  For that, you’d need more specialized footgear.  But the following boots will protect you and allow you to function comfortably in a wide range of winter conditions, and they won’t make you look dorky doing it.  In other words, these boots won’t just handle the cold, they’re also cool.

Patagonia Das Boot

We’ll start with a pair of boots that testers from both Outside magazine and Backpacker magazine strongly recommend:  the Patagonia Das Boot.  Outside stated:  ”After a week slogging through wet snow and mud with a fully loaded pack in New York’s High Peaks, one tester was sold.  ‘Impressive grip — and way more supportive than they look.’”  Backpacker summarized these boots by saying:  “Shockingly light, impressively warm, fabulously supportive — need we say more?”  One of the advancements the Patagonia Das Boot sports is heat-reflective foil sandwiched between two layers of polyester — and, according to testers, it works.  The boots also have PrimaLoft Eco insulation and a Polartec 200 lining, so there’s a lot keeping your feet warm.  Add to that waterproofness, Patagonia’s Air Cushion Plus for shock absorption, and a Vibram Trail outsole with Icetrek rubber, among other advanced features, and you’ve got the ideal go-anywhere, do-anything winter boot.  And they look pretty good.  You can get them for under $200 from Zappos.  There are a number of reliable places to get shoes on the web — most of them have learned how to succeed by studying Zappos.  Read the customer reviews, make your selection (order two different sizes and return one if you need to), and get free shipping both ways.

Columbia Bugatrek Omni-Heat

In Outside’s recent Winter Gear Guide, the Columbia Bugatrek Omni-Heat bootswere designated a “Killer Value.” Like the Patagonia Das Boot and the Sorel Alpha Pac (below), they have a metallic lining to reflect heat back to your foot.  The aluminum lining reportedly enhances warmth by about 20 percent.  While they’re suitable for winter activities like hiking and snowshoeing — nimble and flexible – they won’t degrade your street cred if you wear them around town.   Columbia claims a comfort rating for these boots of minus 25 degrees.  They have a removable, contoured EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) footbed that adds cushioning, support, and includes built-in AgION odor control (so your boots won’t gross out the cute girl you met while snowshoeing and invited to inspect your snow cave for an evening).  Like most Columbia products, everything in this boot is thoughtfully designed and well-constructed using the latest materials.  Yet they’re no more expensive than a good pair of running shoes.  That’s why they’re a “Killer Value.”  Get ‘em while they’re, uh, hot at:  Shoes.com, Altrec, and Campmor.  (By the way, if you’re going to be slogging through a lot of deep snow, gaiterswould a helpful addition to these boots.)

Sorel Alpha Pac

You really can’t have a list of the best winter boots without including something from Sorel.  Those experienced in dealing with the worst winter has to offer generally swear by Sorel and often have a favorite model.  This year, the testers at Outside selected the Sorel Alpha Pac as their model of choice.  This is a winter boot made without compromise, intended to keep your feet warm and happy at 60 below zero.  Yet the boots aren’t too heavy and, with their built-in gaiter, will allow you to comfortably pursue a variety of outdoor activities, from ice fishing to shoveling snow to spectating at World Cup ski races to snowmobiling to tramping through your back 40 feeding cattle.  The removable felt liners have a heat-reflective layer to reinforce the insulating properties of the boot’s EVA midsole and frost plug.  The Pac-style design allows for good maneuverability, easier on-off (and can be worn with thicker socks), and lighter weight if you’re packing them.  Outside’s testers commented that the Alpha Pac boots had slightly less ankle support than some of Sorel’s more traditional models.  However, a tester for Backpacker magazine stated, after a 7-mile hike through snow and mud on a stormy day in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains:  “Support is adequate for carrying 30 pounds or pulling a heavy sled.  The sole’s deep, W-shaped ridges held well on steep terrain, and the rubber upper kept my feet bone dry.  They weren’t even clammy, thanks to a felt liner that draws moisture from the foot and channels it up and out the top.”  When it comes to winter footgear, Sorel is hard to beat.  Get the Sorel Alpha Pac boots at Altrec and Moosejaw.  Don’t wait; inventory is selling out.

Update, January, 2012:  Right now, click here to get 20% off ALL boots at PlanetShoes when you use the code “boot20″ at checkout.  This deal ends soon.

Ugg Butte

For boots that were originally embraced and made popular by the surfing community — both in Australia and the USA — it’s almost ironic that Ugg now makes some of the best winter boots you can buy.  While their sheepskin boots have always kept your feet warm, the Ugg Butte winter boots add an extra dimension of waterproofness and windproofness, courtesy of leather uppers that incorporate eVent fabric (which vents moisture from inside the boot, keeping your feet dry).  These are some of the more stylish winter boots you can find (and that is ironic, because the Australian word “ugg” derives from “ugly,” which is how sheepskin boots were originally described).  Of course, American women have embraced Ugg boots bigtime, but they have yet to catch on quite so dramatically with the male population.  Not sure why that is — the boots work well and look distinctive.  It could be that their very popularity among women has put some guys off (though not in Australia).  If Ugg boots were a car, they might be more akin to a Corvette than a Ferrari in the American cultural hierarchy — i.e., a somewhat polarizing product.  The fact remains, however, that a Corvette is a hell of a high-performance car, and Ugg boots wouldn’t have been embraced by the outdoor crowd if they didn’t work.  The Ugg Butte features full-grain leather uppers, a removable sheepskin liner, antique nickel and brass eyelets, and a Vibram outsole designed specially for Ugg Australia that utilizes a TC1 wet/snow rubber compound and a repeating lug pattern that maximizes surface contact and provides flexibility at the foot’s natural flex points (meaning you can move comfortably and securely in them).  You can find the Ugg Butte winter boot at Zappos in three color choices — and check the customer reviews; they tend to be glowing.  Just like your feet will be when wearing these boots in the rain, snow, wind, and slush.  You can wear them cuffed (7-inches high in that configuration) or not (9 inches high without a cuff).  You can also find them at Shoes.com and Eastbay.

See the opinion of a New Yorker on these boots in the following video (yeah, he mispronounces the name, but otherwise knows what he’s talking about — by the way, “Butte” is pronounced like “beaut”).  Then order them through one of the links above (the stores I recommend have better customer service).

Merrell Whiteout 8

The final pair of boots I want to recommend are Merrell’s Whiteout 8 Waterproof Boots.  I have found every pair of Merrell footwear I’ve ever bought to be of high quality and good design.  The Whiteout 8 Waterproof Boots have proven themselves to the extent that they are included on Outside’s 2010 Life List of Gear they “can’t live without.”  Customers tend to rave about these boots; this model has been around long enough that you can see a definite positive trend in how owners tend to rate them.  The Whiteout 8 Waterproof Boots are built for serious winter activity (they even have a snowshoe strap ridge).  Like some of the other boots here, they have a heat-reflective insole that contains a silver film to direct heat back to your foot.  In conjunction with a synthetic fur lining, 400 grams of Merrell Opti-Warm insulation, and a padded collar, it allows these boots to be comfort-rated to 40 degrees below zero.  Waterproofing and snowproofing features include a full grain leather upper, a TPU waterproof half shell, and a breathable waterproof membrane.  The Merrell Whiteout sole provides enhanced traction on ice.  They even tend to be comfortable right out of the box.  These are serious winter tools for your feet.  For such a hella functional boot, they aren’t bad-looking either.  You can find Merrell Whiteout 8 Waterproof Boots at:  Zappos, Shoes.com, and Altrec.

And hey — if you’d like a little inspiration when it comes to appreciating the performance of your modern winter footwear (or a bit more of a nudge to look into buying some) read the following short story:  To Build a Fire.  It’s by Jack London and it’s a classic.

A note on shopping for shoes and boots online

The best online shoe companies realize that it’s a bit of a challenge to shop for shoes online since you can’t try them on before you buy.  That’s why the best have liberal return policies and free shipping.  They realize you might have to try a couple before you find the perfect fit.  The service-oriented companies also offer detailed sizing info so you can make an informed choice when you order.  So take advantage of those capabilities from companies such as Zappos, Shoes.com, PlanetShoes, Shoe Metro, and the others mentioned here.

If you’re still feeling somewhat hesitant about it, you can take an alternative approach:  go to a local store and try on the shoe in which you’re interested (if you can even find it in stock in your size).  If it fits, make a note of the size.  Then order that model and size online, where you can often get a better price than you can at the store (especially when there’s free shipping and you don’t have to pay sales tax).  If you feel guilty about that, well, you don’t have to do it — or you could buy something else at that store.  Remember, the maker of the shoe still benefits, and you want to support those companies that make the best gear.  Happy slogging through the rest of winter!

If you have found something interesting or useful here on Best Stuff for Men, please consider making a donation so we can continue to benefit others, too.  Thanks!

Related posts:

1. Best Cold-Weather Gloves to Handle Winter’s Worst
2. Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes Are Like SUVs for Your Feet

Now you can get a high-quality water bottle that is both functional and cool.  And it benefits other folks!  Check out  MiiR Bottles here.  MiiR is a relatively new company that combines practicality, attractive aesthetics, and a social conscience.  These are some of the best water bottles you will find — they work well, you can express yourself with their creative options, and you’re helping a good cause when you buy them.

First, the function:  MiiR Bottles are, of course, BPA-free (see my previous post on healthy, BPA-free water bottles).  They’re made of recyclable 18/8 stainless steel and are also phthalate-free and lead-free.  Even the lids, which are made of #5 polypropylene, have no BPA.   They come in 800 ml (27 oz.), 600 ml (20 oz.), and 400 ml (13.5 oz.) sizes.  The mouth is a good diameter for drinking, pouring, and adding ice cubes.  The bottles’ corners are rounded to eliminate bacteria buildup in the seam.  They’re also dishwasher-safe.

Second, the aesthetics:  MiiR Bottles currently come in 252 different configurations of color, cap-design, and cap-color, with more on the way.  On top of that, you can customize your bottle with a huge selection of “skins” that add an artistic pattern or image to the exterior (which has an inlay panel to accommodate them).  You can even design your own skin based on your personal photos or artwork (and, when you submit your design on the MiiR Community site, you’ll be eligible to win $200).  The skins are easy to place and remove.  And you get a coupon code for a free skin with every bottle you purchase.

Third, your purchase benefits others:  MiiR’s special mission is to make sure that every person in the world has access to safe, clean drinking water.  Currently, over 1 billion people throughout the world do not have healthy drinking water.  Water-borne diseases are a significant killer of children — 4,500 a day.  MiiR, along with charitywater.org, has set out to change that.  For every bottle MiiR sells, one dollar goes to support projects to provide clean drinking water to those who need it.  One dollar provides one person with good drinking water for a year. (See the video at the bottom of this post.)

Imagine that:  buy a cool water bottle and benefit someone significantly for a year.  And when you buy any of the one4one design skins, 100% of the purchase goes to charitywater.org, which uses 100% of its donations to fund clean water projects.

Check MiiR’s website — it’s pretty extensive and creatively web-2.0-ish.  All of the above is described more fully there.  Read their blog to see info on current projects and success stories.

By the way, if you need some additional corroboration regarding their products… Backpacker Magazine chose MiiR Bottles as one of their recommended holiday gifts.

MiiR currently offers free shipping on orders over $40.

If you’d like to see additional water bottle options — such as for lightweight backpacking, or something larger for all-day use, or something collapsible, like the Platypus bottle — see my post on healthy, BPA-free water bottles.

MiiR // Digital Short 001 from MiiR on Vimeo.

If you have found something interesting or useful here on Best Stuff for Men, please consider making a donation, so others can benefit, too.  Thanks!

Related posts:

1. A Collection of Healthy, BPA-Free Water Bottles
2. Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoes Are Like SUVs for Your Feet