A rugged jacket for adventuring...

You know that spring or summer rainstorm/monsoon/torrent that we all inevitably end up in at the most unexpected and inopportune time?   Say, when you need to fill the gas tank or just as you arrive at the campsite but haven’t yet setup?  ”Infrequent” may describe how often these scenarios occur, still, they happen. Good news… there is a jacket that you can rough up and will still keep your top half dry. The Craghoppers Bandero Jacket…

There is something you should know about the Craghoppers company before getting to the details of the Bandero Jacket.  Simply, they have a passion for gear.  For 45 years they’ve been producing quality outdoor gear in the United Kingdom, all started by a dream to summit Mt. Everest.  Craghoppers is a company based on a quintessential adventure and because of that, they succeed perfectly in creating worthy gear.

Craghoppers also works with Bear Grylls to create clothing specifically for the extreme conditions Bear will encounter.  While we don’t know for sure whether or not the Craghoppers Bandero Jacket was influenced by Bear, we are pretty sure it would qualify for one of his adventures.

The jacket itself is a thing of beauty… stylish, et al.  Even if Craghoppers didn’t already have a great reputation for creating quality gear, I would recommend this jacket solely on its reliability.  It’s comfortable and the fit is perfect. I am 5′ 10″ with broad shoulders and the large jacket fits like a glove.  All the pockets, flaps, zippers, seams and buttons are NOT flimsy like they can be on many other jackets.  This jacket keeps the bulk down but truly feels rugged.   A side benefit of the Craghoppers Bandero Jacket is that it could be worn in a variety of conditions: hiking, fishing, hunting, a night on the town, urban, rural, treasure hunting, fall, winter, spring and possibly even in the summer.

Specifications:
-23oz. (660g)
-Roll-away hood
-2 zipped hand pockets and inner pocket plus concealed map pocket
-Chin guard and waterproof storm flap
-AquaDry polyester fabric with water-repellent finish
-Lifetime Guarantee!

Bottom Line:
One of the best multi-use jackets at an absolutely great price.

Stand-up to the wind...

Editor’s Note: Welcome back to Black Rucksack! We took a hiatus and we’re back now; we’re moving on down the trail.

Attention adventurers!  Attention hikers!  Attention trail runners!  Attention bikers! Remember that hot, muggy summer day that suddenly turned into a cool (almost cold), muggy summer night?  Remember starting your dune climb in a blistering heat at the bottom and then upon arrival at an overlook for the ocean or a Great Lake, getting hit with a cool from-the-water wind?  Well, say goodbye to not having an easily packable piece of wind gear to protect from cool nights and lake or ocean breezes.  Meet the GoLite Dakota Wind Shirt…

This shirt has three stand-out features.  First off, this “GoLite” product really is lite; it’s only 4 ounces (103 grams) and packs down into its own (apple sized) pouch.  That makes it convenient for bringing along on any outdoor exploit or stowing in the car with other emergency gear.  Second, the stretch nylon side panels allow for maximum mobility; you’ll be able to climb, paddle and adventure with ease.  Third, the Dakota Wind Shirt’s fabric perfectly blends durability and breathability.  It’s tough enough to be worn through a trail ride spill and it won’t cause you to overheat even when you’re at 110%.  That is a rare combination, indeed.

Really, there is only one slight con to this jacket, and it’s based on a personal preference… the 3/4 zip should simply be a full zip.  A full zip would improve mobility and allow for quick, hassle-less on and off.  All in all though, we recommend this jacket.

Bottom Line:
Worthy of howling back at the wind!

Specifications:
-4 oz. (103 grams)
-3/4 Zip
-Recycled, anti-static fabric
-Stretch Nylon side panels for improved fit
-Self-stowing lower back pocket
-Reflective logos

Get the GoLite Dakota Wind Shirt:
-at Amazon.com

A requirement for any adventure...

As I stomped through a canyon outside of Moab, Utah I stumbled upon an oddly shaped outcrop of red rock. I was intrigued and immediately started examining the surrounding area. As I moved to the sunlit side of the outcrop, my eye caught a glint coming from an object on the ground. I knelt to take a closer look at the object and as I did, I smashed my knee on a piece of glass that I didn’t see because it was covered by dirt. I found that just barely underneath the topsoil there were a number of antique bottles and such. I dug deeper and found no less than six separate bottles, mostly whole. Since I was 3.5 miles into this canyon and had to climb in numerous areas, carrying a bunch of glass out was not going to be possible. Due to this experience back in 2003, I started carrying either a rucksack or some sort of bag almost everywhere I traveled and regardless of whether or not an adventure may ensue. My absolute favorite bag is the Mark VII…

In the early years of the Second World War the British military adopted the Mk.VII bag to carry the standard service gas mask; it’s also the bag that Indiana Jones always carried with him. This bag is rugged and worthy of carrying more than just gas masks. In fact, I can think of no other bag that would be better suited to carry trinkets out of a canyon in Moab. A canvas sack with a leather shoulder strap is one of the most simple yet essential carry-all devices. Measuring roughly 11″ tall, 10″ wide and 3″ thick, the Mk. VII neatly separates gear you’ve carried in and finds that you’re going to want to carry out.

The Mk. VII has utility for a variety of hobbies and adventures. If you’re a hunter, it’s perfect to use as a shell bag in addition to carrying your knife, flashlight and a Snickers. If you’re a fisherman, you’ll find the bag good for use as a creel or to carry all of your misc. fishing gear, ie. pliers, knife, tackle, repellents, etc. And if you’re an adventurer well, it’s good for your many adventures.

I’ve ordered three replica Mk. VII’s (one for myself and two as gifts) from What Price Glory (onlinemilitaria.net) and they’ve all been very high quality.

For getting that cold one open ASAP...

Gone are the days of treating your home bar as if it were yours and yours only. No, these in-house-drink-serving-places-of-relaxation can be more than just an extra room to kick back and play pool; they can be shared and enjoyed by many.

For example, the home bar can be the focal point of a night of entertaining guests, family or otherwise. If you’re stuck with the neighbors who you didn’t really want to invite over but had to, at least you have liquor.  Or, it can be the place to getaway from it all and play five card stud or the ‘ol Army game with your five closest buddies, surrounded by cigar smoke and fine whisky.  Regardless of how you enjoy your home bar it always needs a few bold, powerful drinking tools.

Enter the ZACK Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener. It’s bold, it’s tough as hell and it’ll fit in seamlessly onto a wall in your bar. Made of 18/10 stainless steel, it has that perfect shine that’ll blend with all the rest of your stainless steel bar tools. It’s not the classic cast iron bottle opener, then again, it’s not snobby either.  It mounts easily with the included screws and adds more bottle opening power to your bar.

The ZACK Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener is a welcome addition to the world of bar tools. Get one for your home bar or as an early Christmas gift for a friend today! It’s simple, effective and faultless for cracking open pilseners, lagers and ales for all.

Get the ZACK Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener:
-at Amazon.com

A stunning entry into the wallet world...

Verbosity has its time and its place. For instance, when I’m checking for hockey scores and highlights in the morning, I don’t want to read an entire article to get to marrow of the game. I want to keep verbosity out of that morning pleasantry. However, when I am roving for information on new gear or getting ready to purchase said gear, verbosity is welcome; thank you J. Peterman and Braithwaite Wallets, Inc.

Before you read the rest of this article on Braithwaite Wallets, take a moment to visit the Braithwaite Wallets, Inc. website… I’ll wait. … … The elegance of the site speaks to the elegance and creative eyes that influence every wallet design. The verbosity of the writing tells us that details are cared for. The design of the five wallets, Cypress, Orpheus, Raptured, The Sunrise and The Vagabond, is impeccable, flavorful and rich with fervor.

The Vagabond is described as being “designed for the man for whom wanderlust isn’t an affliction, but a choice.” Brilliant. If the name “The Vagabond” is enough to capture your attention then that description will sell you on the wallet without an iota more information. The Vagabond is large enough to hold a passport, currency (both plastic and paper) and even a Moleskine notebook. Its measurements are a hearty 7 1/8″ x 4 1/4″ and it’s made from dependable leather. Check our previous article on Moleskine notebooks entitled, Anything That Interests.

There is a true difference in the Braithwaite Wallet. Comparatively, many other wallets are shameful in design and aren’t nearly as durable. The Braithwaite style is unique and well-tailored while not being overzealous. The Vagabond is stunning. Trust us… your inner jacket pocket or your back pants pocket will thank you for filling it with a Braithwaite Wallet.

Stay dry... stay warm...

I’ve been in two violent thunderstorms while driving across Nebraska on Interstate 80 (I-80) between California and Michigan, the first was in February of 2007. Days earlier I installed new windshield wipers on my Escape, and of that I was thankful. During that storm, even though many cars and trucks pulled off the road, my Dad and I were able to keep heading toward California.

The second storm was in April of 2007 and of course, mid-storm one of those wipers decided to partially detach, leaving me looking through an opaque windshield. I immediately pulled over on the right side of the road and started to think, “do I have a poncho in here?”

The answer was no, I did not have a poncho. Thankfully, I had the next best thing, a Marmot jacket. And during the time it took to fix the wiper, I was kept remarkably dry. For spring 2009, Marmot has another weatherproof jacket… the Marmot Aegis Jacket.

This jacket is well-designed from top to bottom, from collar to zipper. The Marmot material known as MemBrain Strata serves as the main material for the jacket and is incredibly lightweight, breathable and of course, waterproof. Zippers on the jacket are water resistant and the seams are taped. In addition to that, there are useful pockets including hand warmer pockets and a sleeve pocket. The jacket also as a hood that rolls into the collar.

All in all, this is one good jacket. Buy one now and you’ll have it for the next decade.

It's grillin' time!

It’s officially grilling season here in Michigan and grilling at the park, on the road or at the beach has never been easier than this. Coleman has a grill, the Coleman RoadTrip Grill LXE, that is perfect for throwing in the truck or SUV and hitting the road.

This grill is propane fed, has two 10,000 BTU burners and has 285 square inches of cooking surface area. That’s a little more than 1/2 the space on an average size deck grill and good size for grilling for two to four people.  The grill also has two side tables that attach easily for extra food preparation space (or a place to set down your favorite beer).

Fully expanded, the Coleman RoadTrip Grill LXE measures 46″L x 18″D x 35″H. Collapsed, the grill measures 36″L x 18″D x 13″H and weighs about 44 lbs (without extras).

There are several additional add-ons including optional grill surfaces and a grill bag available from Coleman. And, if you need tools for this grill, check out the Black Rucksack article Grill Tools for Grilling Right.

EDIT: After posting this article a good friend of mine (Brad) e-mailed me to tell me that his experience with this grill was less than good.  Brad pointed out that the grill is definitely not “manproof”.  That said, from my usage of this grill I believe it is road trip suitable but I think Brad has a damn good point… it’s not tough enough for everyday use or for two-trackin’ deep into the Michigan woods.

Get the Coleman RoadTrip Grill LXE:
-at Cabela’s
-at Amazon

Doc Martens… they’re like a vacation for your feet. I don’t consider Doc Martens the quintessential footwear but they do make a lot of choice gear. And one such piece of gear that is perfect for this summer season is their Robson Ringo Open Toe Sandal.

Every single pair of Docs I’ve owned have been durable beyond that of any other brand. These open toe sandals are no exception to that rule. The stitching is tough, the footbed is very comfortable and the fit is ideal.

A constant problem that I’ve had with sandals is that they are unwearable for an entire day, especially if there was a lot walking or hiking to do. On the rock, these sandals perform better than expected. On sand, cement and underwater they perform well enough to be worn every day.

I have a water dog (1/2 Labrador Retriever, 1/2 Rhodesian Ridgeback) and these shoes are perfect for taking her into the nearby Bear Lake for a swim.

Wall-mounted and out of the way!

Editor’s Note: Happy Birthday to the youngest Swider, William!  He’s four!

In a world of IPAs, lagers and whisky it’s easy for a guy to ignore wine. That said, we want to make something clear… do… not… ignore… wine. We won’t go into all of the merits of wine here.  Just remember, there is a lot of good damn wine out there, perfect for just about every social occasion. Note: There is no acceptable wine to drink while watching a hockey game or while fishing. For those activities, you’ll be best served by something brewed or distilled and from Canada.

In a future post we’ll get into what wines are for what occasions. For now, buy a bunch, find what you like and rack it in the Blomus Wall-Mounted Wine Rack.

The biggest problem with most wine racks is that they tend to be obtrusive and inconveniently occupy some needed area. Since this wine rack is wall-mounted it takes up very little space and is perfect for those of us in small houses, condos or apartments.

This rack is made of stainless steel and is incredibly solid and durable.

Rivals...

Downtown Columbus, Ohio has a lot to offer for the guy who just loves to travel or the guy who is looking for a simple vacation with the big city feel but without the big city hassle.

First off, most of the downtown area and especially the “Arena District” is well organized, easy to navigate and densely populated with quality restaurants and bars. We ventured to Gordon Biersch Brewery, Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar and Buca di Beppo’s. Of those three restaurants Buca di Beppo, a family Italian eatery, had the best food, Gordon Biersch Brewery had the best drinks and Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar had the best atmosphere and was the perfect place to close out a night. All were quality establishments and are worth a visit.

The Arena District is so named for Nationwide Arena, home of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets have been in Columbus since 2000 and by the looks of it, they’ll make the playoffs this year for the first time in franchise history. Personally, I’m a Detroit Red Wings fan but, it’s always fun to catch a game in another city; especially if you can get tickets like we had… one row off the glass. Sitting that close you’ll better understand the speed and the grit that is the NHL. See the previous Black Rucksack article on the NHL experience and get tickets from StubHub!

More rivals...

Another feature in Columbus a few miles outside of downtown is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; one of the best zoos in the country. It’s a good place to relax and enjoy a sunny Spring afternoon. A zoo typically isn’t the place for a hardcore adventure (unless something escapes) but, a lot of the kids, girlfriends and wives you guys have will enjoy it.

This is just a taste of what downtown Columbus, Ohio offers… find a hotel and book it now!

Gordon Biersch Brewery – $$$
3.5 out of 5 Rucksacks
-

Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar – $$
4 out of 5 Rucksacks
-

Buca di Beppo – $$$
4 out of 5 Rucksacks

Ducati is a prominent brand of high performance motorcycles and likewise, they hock quality apparel and gear. As an Italian manufacturer typically associated with racing bikes, they’ve also achieved notoriety for their sport/street bikes.

The Ducati Meccanica Hooded Sweatshirt is one of the many faultless ways to show your affinity for the brand. It’s one of the nine items in the Meccanica apparel line and is embroidered with the Ducati logo and  Ducati Meccanica in writing.

The sweatshirt is stylish and the perfect weight for an outside layer in cool and warm weather or an insider layer in cold weather.

You can find this hooded sweatshirt and the rest of the Ducati offered gear at the Ducati website.  And if you have time, be sure to check out the bikes too… not just the apparel.

Ducati Meccanica Hooded Sweatshirt
$114

Staying afloat...

One of the most refreshing experiences I can think of is spending an afternoon on the dock throwing a stick out into the water so my dog can fetch it. She gets a running start and flies yards off the end of the dock landing SPLASH into the water. It’s obvious she enjoys it and she is an excellent swimmer. In fact, all dogs have a strong innate ability to swim. Still, there are some times on boats, canoes or fast rivers when even the best swimming dogs need a little extra protection… enter the Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat.

This coat is made from a durable ballistic nylon and has buoyancy cells that are variably sized for added fit. It also features luminescence reflective trim so it is easier to find the dog in low light. The Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat is well designed and a must have for the water-bound dog owner; it’ll keep man’s best friend alive if an accident happens on the water.

Available in colors yellow and red and sizes XS through XL.

Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat
$56

Rugged... resilient...

The Filson company has a long, reputable history among “hunters and fishermen, engineers and explorers, mariners and miners” alike. Their gear is well-known as being among the toughest gear for the outdoorsman; the Filson Shelter Cloth Packer Coat is no exception.

This coat has several features that make it ideal for most day-to-day outdoor work and travel. It is made of a ’shelter cloth’ which is named after military shelter tents due to its durability. The oil finish and is paraffin treated to aid in repelling water. There are pockets-a-plenty on this jacket as well; perfect for tools, knives, or any impromptu item you may need to carry.

Critical to any jackets performance is its hardware. The zipper, grommets and snaps on this coat are damn high quality and will themselves last longer than the coat. With all of the above features and a moleskin-lined collar, this coat will always keep you well-protected and comfortable!

Filson Shelter Cloth Packer Coat
$275

No. VI Chophouse > Volare

Dinner at an upscale restaurant can set a perfect tone for a Valentine’s Day evening. Just a few days ago I had a very difficult, albeit truncated, experience at a restaurant called Volare Ristorante in Wixom, MI, near Novi. Thankfully, my wonderful, hot girlfriend was gracious enough to not let Volare’s failure effect our evening.

Our reservation was for 9pm. I made the reservation about 10 days before Valentine’s Day and expected to have a great dining experience. To my surprise, we didn’t even make it to our booth. We arrived about two minutes before 9pm to a packed vestibule… not a good sign. I talked to the frantic hostess at the hostess stand and she said it would only be a few minutes until a table was cleared. Now, in my opinion and I think in common practice, it is not too much to expect to be immediately seated when one has a reservation. But, I was OK though not pleased with waiting a few minutes.

A few minutes turned into ten minutes at which point, I was riled. I asked the hostess when we were going to be seated and what the holdup was and all that was said was, “there are about five groups in front of you”. At the twenty! minute mark, I decided to call another fine restaurant in Novi, the No. VI Chop House. Luckily, they had immediate seating and thus our decision was made. Once I informed the hostess that their service was shameful, we headed out to get the car from the valet. Long story short, I waited ten minutes for the valet and finally ended up having to help them find my keys. By 9:35pm we were on the road to No. VI Chop House.

We had a very nice dinner at the No. VI Chop House. The only negative was the smell of cigar smoke wafting in from another nearby room. The service was amiable and fast. The filet mignon was perfectly seared and the bleu cheese scalloped potatoes were ambrosia. Additionally, the dining experience served to perfectly accent the evening and the weekend.

No. VI Chop House Review – 4 out of 5 Rucksacks – $$$$
Absolutely worth experiencing!

Volare Ristorante Review – 0 out of 5 Rucksacks – $$$$
DO NOT DINE!

On time...

Swiss mechanical watches have the power to transform the wearer from average to exclusive.  They accent give definition to any mens style.  Since 1904, Swiss-company Oris has been producing quality time keeping pieces such as the Oris Classic Date. The emblematic high-quality craftsmanship of an Oris will suit any dress-to-impress affair.

The Oris brand includes four distinct collections: Motor Sport, Aviation, Culture and Diving. Each collection features many different styles each with unqiue, defining characteristics. The Classic Date, the Black Rucksack favorite, is a part of the Culture collection.

To find an Oris, either check out their store locator or a reputable supplier online.  If you do decide to order online, at least checkout the watch at a brick-and-mortar store before you buy!

Oris Classic Date
$695

Spunique Emergency Cuff Links
$17

Pack of six...

Wallet Essentials Emergency Cuff Links
$11

Cuff Links For Your Wallet

Black hooded...

As we described in a previous article, Armani Exchange (A|X) is the trendy, accessible off-the-peg brand from Armani. A|X features stylish, branded gear such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans and jackets. One sweatshirt that is really emblematic of the uniqueness of A|X is the Zip Neck Hoody.

In jet black, the Zip Neck Hoody features a hood that folds easily into the collar. Although, you may find, like I did, that you like the hood out a whole lot better.

The sweatshirt is a medium weight and perfect for an outdoor rock concert in a Midwestern state during spring or fall.  Or, it’s good for that early fall tailgate and football game.

Armani Exchange Zip Neck Hoody
$115

Scotch... Kahlua... Bliss

Almost every combination of alcohol has probably been named and spoken for; we understand that. And, the reason for this post isn’t to claim, but to share. Often times when the next article we’re working on is being talked about at Black Rucksack, we like to drink what our founding members originally called a “Nightwatch”. Now, we either refer to it as either a Rucksack or a Black Rucksack… whatever you call it, it is smooth and delicious.

1.5oz scotch whisky
.75oz coffee-flavored liqueur
.75oz soda water
garnish with a lime

In an old-fashioned glass (rocks glass), add the scotch and the coffee-flavored liqueur. Stir well. Then, add the soda water, serve it on the rocks and garnish with a lime. For the scotch, we suggest a mid-grade blended scotch whisky such as Dewar’s. For the coffee-flavored liqueur we suggest Kahlua. Also note, for those of your who are mixing novices, 1.5 oz is a standard size shot glass.

Yam sing! (that’s the “cheers” equivalent in Chinese interpreted as “Dry your cup!”)

Photo by: jpeterman.com

The first item I ever owned by The J. Peterman Company was a t-shirt. I didn’t know much about the brand… only that it was well regarded by a few friends of mine. A t-shirt seemed to me the perfect way to test that notion. I went with the aptly named Father of All T-Shirts and to this day it provides the best comfort and fit of any undershirt I own.

I opted for the original navy blue mostly due to the first sentence in the shirts description within the J. Peterman Owner’s Manual: “The T-shirt first appears on American radar just before WWI, when the U.S. Navy introduced it as an undershirt.” Navy blue just seemed to be the obvious choice. When the t-shirt finally arrived I threw it on and was immediately pleased with the fit. It’s perfect for guys with an average or athletic physique.

The writing in the J. Peterman Owner’s Manual is one of its differentiating and defining features. Often, you’ll be transported to another world in another time through the descriptions of their products. Take this bit:

“The idea seemed laughable to most people back in ancient 1964, but not to Swiss archaeologist Charles Bonnet.

He packed his steamer trunks, headed for Nubia in the Sudan, uncovered an entire culture including larger-than-life statues of the Black Pharaohs who once ruled Egypt up north.

The man is astute about where to dig; and he’s also astute (to get to the immediate point) about what to wear when he’s digging.”

Every single product is written about in such an evocative way. We at Black Rucksack suggest you first look over the J. Peterman website… take your time… read and enjoy the experience. Then, start looking for the few pieces of clothing or unique items from J. Peterman that will transform you.

The J. Peterman Company – Father of All T-Shirts
$29

A necessary addition...

When you have to look your best it is relatively easy to take care of the major items: shirt, pants and jacket. It’s even pretty easy to take care of medial importance items: hair, shoes, belt, etc. But, there are a few minor details that are often overlooked that can make or break your style. And if you’re going to put all that effort into dressing well to attract that one stunning woman you’ve been working on, you’ll need just one more thing… the collar stay.

A collar stay isn’t universally required; there are many shirts and collars that are best worn slightly unkempt. On the other hand, when you’re wearing a suit or shirt and tie a collar stay is most likely necessary.

One the best quality collar stays is produced by Stayclip. They are made out of metal, come in many different finishes and provide that durable, lasting perfect collar. In addition, you can have them engraved for a personalized touch. Included with purchase is, in essence, a keyring to keep all of your Stayclip collar stays together and that keyring can be wall mounted right near the rest of your wardrobe. And if you’re wearing them through a metal detector, according to the Stayclip site, no worries.

Stayclip Collar Stays
$35 to $130

Photo by: merchco-online.com

Pnatrul… sure, they spell it strange… but they can get away with it because they of the quality gear they hock. Worn by drummers, rockers and thrashers everywhere, Pnatrul is based in southern California. The Pnatrul logo is based on a crescent-shaped pendant worn by Navajo and other Native American tribes called a “naja”, the Navajo word for crescent. The brand also casts themselves as “eco-friendly”.

They carry a range of t-shirts, hoodies and other gear. The shirt we suggest is the most unique in their online store… the Blizzard.

Pnatrul Blizzard
$66

Smooth as silk...

Whisky. Delicious, golden bourbon whisky.

A while back, I was with my Dad, my brother and some of my uncles drinking beer. It was our occasional gathering for shootin’ the breeze, eating chili dogs and tellin’ tales. This particular night I was introduced to a smooth ’small batch’ Kentucky bourbon… Basil Hayden’s.

The taste of Basil Hayden’s has a slight spice, no bite and a very clean finish. It is aged for eight years and the mash contains a larger-than-normal amount of rye. You can expect a smooth, buttery texture from this light, enjoyable whisky.

Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Bourbon Whisky
$36

Unique, bold and stylish.

Editor’s Note: This is Black Rucksack post 10. We’ve brought you a diverse set of gear thus far and we have a lot more lined up! Onward and upward…

While Armani is best known for their made-to-measure designer suits, they also dabble in prêt-à-porter. The brand ‘Armani Exchange‘ (A|X) is their answer for getting men into branded, off-the-peg t-shirts, polos, jeans and jackets.

The A|X logo’d gear is undeniably choice. The style of Armani is noticeable; it’ll attract (wanted) attention almost anywhere.

The Colorblock Track Jacket is an affordable, unique alternative to the generic track jackets seen on university campuses everywhere come Spring. This jacket will keep you warm and lookin’ relaxed.

Armani Exchange – Colorblock Track Jacket
$98

Photo by: cabelas.com

Adventure… a guy must have it. It may be the thrill of a hunt or perhaps just setting out on a drive or hike without a specific landing-place. Or maybe, it’s traveling around the world with a black rucksack and letting the locals in each new destination discovery guide you to the next. However you define it, you’ll need a shirt for it. For my adventuring, I choose the Cabela’s Serengeti Safari Shirt.

This shirt has five pockets, epaulets, features 6-ounce-per-square-yard 100% cotton canvas and is highly durable and comfortable. It’ll outlast your boots, your pants and probably a lot of your other gear.

As you button this shirt up you begin to transform… you become not just an adventurer but the adventurer… the man of many talents.

Along the road you may find your transformed-self becoming permanent… that’s perfect. That is what you wanted… the true adventurer to come through for a good, long time.

Perhaps a fedora is in order…?

Cabela’s Serengeti Safari Shirt
$32

Power and Style

Power, performance, intensity and presence… enter the 2009 Infiniti G37. Your friends will be jealous, your date will beg for another ride and valets will be stumbling over one another to take your keys. The G Coupe is a fine-tuned luxury sport coupe ready for hard acceleration and nimble maneuvering using all 330 horses. One of Car and Driver’s 10Best for 2009, the G37 sports fluid and distinct styling on the outside which is complemented by an attention to detail and refinement on the inside.

The G37 is stiff competition for the BMW 3-Series, the Lexus ES and the Cadillac CTS. While the BMW 3-Series is slightly faster off the line, it won’t handle tight corners or high speeds nearly as nice. The G37 also tames both the Lexus and the Caddy in performance and handling without even breaking a sweat.

Infiniti G37
-Starts at $35,900
-Nicely equipped for $44,900

Photo by: thenorthface.com

Picture this… it’s the weekend… it’s calm and cool… you’re grilling… and suddenly your dog is at your side begging. At first, you thought the pup wanted something off of the grill; it turns out she wants to go for a long walk.

On this not particularly sunny day you decide that since it may storm later, it’s best to get the walk in now. It’s about 55 degrees F and the calm day may suddenly change to windy and brisk as a cold front moves in. Knowing this, you grab for the perfect jacket…
the Apex Bionic Jacket by The North Face.

This jacket is windproof and just about waterproof. With it’s breathability it’s ideal for hiking into a cold wind with your dog, while staying warm and dry. It’s made out of a stretchy material that provides the ultimate comfort. I’ll go so far as to say you could play some pond hockey in this jacket and still be well protected!

The North Face Men’s Apex Bionic Jacket (Spring 2009)
$129

Photo by: oakley.com

If you need a hooded jacket for heading downtown (or your next intelligence op) then reach for the Oakley Disestablishment Jacket.  Oakley gear is tough as nails and stylish; good for any high impact night you might have in mind.  Whether you’re walking into the club wearing this jacket or running out of it to meet a contact, you’ll be comfortable.

The hood is removable if need be and this jacket comes in three colors: New Olive, Black and New Khaki.  We here at the Black Rucksack would opt for the black Disestablishment Jacket over the new olive or new khaki.  After all, black is the only color in which one can stand out or blend in.  This jacket runs for $125.00 and is found online and at brick and mortar stores that carry Oakley apparel.

Oakley Disestablishment Jacket
$125

A watch above watches... the Suunto Vector.

Suunto labels their watches as “wristop computers” and while this description is accurate, I don’t think it captures the how damn nice these watches are. After some research on Suunto watches I decided that the Suunto Vector best suited my needs. I’m in the woods a lot so, knowing the temperature, barometric pressure and fluctuations, altitude and having a compass is not only convenient but often times necessary. Most frequently and on a daily basis I use the compass and the thermometer. I will use bearing tracking when hiking and the barometer to detect weather patterns. The standard time features such as the stopwatch, countdown timer, calendar and three daily alarms all function as expected. Oh, and I love the 24hr time setting.

Photo By: stormykromer.com

All of us here at the Black Rucksack are experienced travelers. One thing that every traveler and more specifically every hiker knows is that when the weather changes, the gear you carry needs to still be suitable. A Fall day in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula can easily start in the 70’s and end up in the 20’s. For those days we have the perfect solution for your head: The Stormy Kromer.

I can’t even count the number of times that I have pulled down the flaps on my Kromer. Yes, a few times it may have been just for the impression it gives at a local bar, but in most cases I’ve wanted to keep my ears from freezing! I also have to thank my brother, D. W., for giving me one of these hats as a gift.  It has certainly served it purpose!  Keep in mind, that the Stormy Kromer is not just a baseball cap, it’s a legend. On a cold morning in 1903 the warmth of ear flaps and the functionality of a baseball cap combined to give us the perfect hat to handle the fluctuations of nature.

The creativity, focus on fit and quality craftsmanship behind this hat are well-known to hunters and woodsmen alike. One thing is for sure, if you’re out catching some big Brook Trout and the wind picks up… you’ll be happy we told you about the Stormy Kromer.

Stormy Kromer Cap
$30