Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Iceland


Iceland. The mystic land of Walter Mitty and Of Monsters and Men. No one really knows much more about this still vastly under-visited country than what fame that pop culture has brought it in recent years. That being said, Iceland is has been ramping up it's tourism marketing in the last few years, and tourism is growing almost exponentially. As always, the off season is prime time to go, but now is the time to experience this absolutely stunning island, before the masses begin to ascend upon it. 



From Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss (Iceland's most famous waterfall, pictured above), Iceland is full of beautiful destinations. One thing to keep in mind when packing for travel here is that it isn't exactly the warmest place in the world. Tempatures in the summer range from 50 to 75 °F. That being said, in the winter, the average temperatures only fall to just below the freezing point due to the island climate. 



While not a densely populated island, Reykjavik is the cultural hub, with the main of the island's international airports being just outside the city. This means that while there are many great treks in the interior, there is still a need to look fashionable when you arrive. This is no mean feat, as it is sometimes difficult to both look good and stay lightweight and functional. The first thing on this list is going to be your most important asset, your jacket. 



This award winning jacket has the style to take you from the town to the mountains without even sweating that. And I mean that literally. This 800 fill jacket will keep you warm when its cool and cool when it's warm, and look great doing it. It packs into it's own pocket for days when you don't need it, and it's total weight is 7.7 oz. It is also treaded with MH's patented Q-Shield down, which keeps it water resistant for those days when it's drizzling, eliminating the need to carry a shell with it. 



This shirt is stylish and warm, but won't break the bank. From Land's End, it's not your traditional outdoor brand, but the minimalist style helps it to stand out among the others. Besides the tailored fit, this shirt comes in tall sizes for guys who are tired of the standard fit.




As seen above, I've had many friends that can attest to both the stylish fit of these jeans and their absolute functionality on the trail. Both tough and stretchable, these pants are perfect for both the town and the top of a volcano. 



These durable boots can outlast even you in the timeless style and wearablity. While on the more pricier side of the backpacking boot style, these boots make up for it in looks alone. You can take these boots anywhere, and they will deliver.


With this outfit, you can take the town and the mountains of Iceland, and feel great doing it. From the pure functionally and packability of it, the added style will have you catching eyes everywhere you go. 



Thursday, April 23, 2015

Zion, Utah



One of the quintessential adventure destinations in the united states, Zion holds wonder deep within its depths. Filled with some of the most breathtaking views that you will ever witness, Zion is the perfect mix of beauty and danger. From Angels Landing to the Narrows, there is something for every adventurous soul here. 



Located in southern Utah, Zion is one of the many phenomenal national parks in the state. There are many hikes that you can do, the popular ones including Angels Landing and Hidden Canyon. If adventuring is more of your thing, there is plenty of places to leave the beaten path, such as hiking to the top of Hidden Canyon via slot canyons. 



With one of the most diverse ecologies that I've seen, Zion can go from forrest to dessert in a few miles, with all types of creatures chilling in both ecosystems. With these things in mind, it's time to see what can keep you both stylish and ready for anything. 




With great lightweight property, this fly shirt has 30 UPF protection so that you'll stay cool under pressure, and look good doing it. 




These slimmed out climbing shorts are tough enough to stop a bullet, but also look good cruising the streets. 




The perfect adventure sandal, built for anything that nature can throw at you. Extremly popular in adventure circles, these durable, relabel sandals will having you leaving your friends in the dirt. 





Even though Utah is a warm climate, it's still the dessert, and that means it gets freezing at night. This jacket will keep you warm, while also attracting visitors from nearby campsites.