Black Rucksack - The Gear, The Lifestyle and The Pastimes of Men » $0 to $30

Civilian Lab Pod – A Hard Case for Sunglasses

J. A. — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:24 +0000

Protection for your sunglasses...

Editor’s Note: This is post #50! It has been 174 days or 5 months and 23 days since the first Black Rucksack post and we’ve come a long way! Since the first post, we’ve posted regularly on Tuesday and Thursdays, added over 350 RSS, Twitter and Facebook followers, launched the Black Rucksack Life Hack and the Black Rucksack Polestar. We look forward to filling the gear needs of even more subscribers and readers!

The equation is simple: “something that breaks” + “something that protects things that break” = “protected something that breaks”. And despite that simple formula, I can’t seem to stop breaking sunglasses. The reason I would continually shatter, snap and horribly disfigure sunglasses is I couldn’t find the “something that protects things that break” or, a good hard case for sunglasses. Finally, at long last, I found one… the Civilian Lab Pod.

Civilian Lab is a company I only recently became familiar with. After using one of their gear harnesses I borrowed from a buddy, I must say, they produce some quality, gear ready packs and the Pod is no exception. It’s rugged, solid and capable of preventing my sunglasses from a thrashing.

The exterior of the Pod is rigid and durable and made of a ballistic Nylon while the interior of the Pod is made of a softer material to protect the glasses from being scratched. The interior dimensions of the Pod are 6 7/8″ Length x 2 3/8″ Width x 2″ Height; sufficient for most sunglasses. The Pod also has a snap hook for easy and fast attachment to the rest of your gear.

Civilian Lab Pod
$18

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Downtown Columbus, Ohio

J. A. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:00:42 +0000

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 – $$$
3.5 out of 5 Rucksacks
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Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar – $$
4 out of 5 Rucksacks
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Buca di Beppo – $$$
4 out of 5 Rucksacks

Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena
via StubHub
$50 to $250 per ticket

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
$12 per ticket

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James Bond: Quantum of Solace, DVD and Blu Ray

J. A. — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 05:00:20 +0000

Solace is sometimes hard to find...

He’s got the style, the gear, the women, the car, and the lifestyle that some envy and others just respect. Still, what we seldom realize about the James Bond character is how he transcends time and changes slightly each iteration. And this Bond, Daniel Craig’s Bond, is the perfect fit for our time.

Quantum of Solace is the chronicle of a man on a mission of revenge. His love was struck down in the previous movie, Casino Royale, and this movie picks up immediately after. What then unfolds is a tough, angry all-out action feast and of course, contains much of the necessary style, gear, (fast) women and (fast) cars.

It’s a jolt of adrenaline and highly kinetic from the start to the finish… and every bit the Bond we need.

4 out of 5 Rucksacks

James Bond: Quantum of Solace DVD
$17

James Bond: Quantum of Solace Blu-Ray
$25

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Cuff Links In a Crunch

J. A. — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:00:17 +0000

It’s almost time for your brothers wedding… you’re the best man and so far, the whole day has gone smooth. You’re at the church and ready to take your place in front of the church when suddenly… no cuff links! Thankfully, there are some emergency cuff links you can keep with you for just this scenario and many others.

Spunique Emergency Cuff Links
$17

Pack of six...

Wallet Essentials Emergency Cuff Links
$11

Cuff Links For Your Wallet

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The One Undershirt You’ll Need

J. A. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:00:27 +0000

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

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Forever Flame: The Zippo

J. A. — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:44 +0000

Got a light?

Much is familiar about the Zippo lighter: the “clink” they make when they open and shut, their windproof flame and the distinct shape. My Grandpa had one that he cherished and kept with him in his trouser pocket every single day. And like the few Zippo’s in my family, Zippo’s around the world hold the same two roles: lighter and heirloom.

There are few day-to-day items that carry as much history as a Zippo lighter. It was 2007 when a friend and I were driving through Pennsylvania on a road trip. We literally, accidentally drove past the Zippo Manufacturing Company in Bradford… and we then stopped. There we toured the part-store, part-museum visitors center and took in a lot of the history of Zippo. First produced in 1933, the lighter was popularized by many American soldiers of World War II and the tradition continues on; it remains one of the most popular brands to date.

In 2007, Zippo released a new line of lighter… the Zippo Blu. It’s a butane torch lighter and a must for the cigar smoker. The case design is slightly different than the standard Zippo case and thus a distinguishing feature.

The Zippo is sturdy and resilient but just in case, it also includes a lifetime guarantee. If there is a problem with your lighter the company will replace or fix it for free.

Zippo Windproof
~$18

Zippo Blu
~$38

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Honor to The Great Ones

J. A. — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 04:00:46 +0000

In Memoriam...

Merry Christmas!

Just two weeks ago, we posted an article on the Rocky Mountains, whose many peaks and valleys should be on every guys “to be conquered” list. Today, we have a national park that is another must for men… Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Let’s start with the men on this mountain of South Dakota… Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln, the 1st, 3rd, 26th and 16th Presidents of the United States. All four are consistently ranked by historians as the most successful, bad ass and effective presidents. Washington led the Continental Army against Britain, Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Roosevelt helped create the US Forest Service, negotiated for control of the Panama Canal and busted apart railroad monopolies and Lincoln preserved the Union and ended slavery. All four have a long list of achievements and deserve all of the honor and praise this monument enshrines.

The visit to the monument in honor of the men listed above is a full experience. En route to Mount Rushmore through Custer State Park in the Black Hills, you’ll enjoy rugged terrain and amazing scenery. There is wildlife abound including bison and bighorn sheep. And, if you plan on hiking… know that there are also mountain lions lurking about. Once you arrive at Mount Rushmore you’ll trek through the lower part of the monument featuring a tribute to the 50 states and then onto the viewing platform and the amphitheater. Once you’re on the viewing platform, you finally get a sense of the scale of the monument and its omnipresence. Take a deep breath and take your time once you arrive.

History, wildlife, rugged terrain and a monument honoring great leaders of men…

Mount Rushmore National Memorial
$10 (parking fee)

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Road Trip

J. A. — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 04:00:11 +0000

An American experience...

Among the necessary material in a guys library is On the Road by Jack Kerouac. This book follows the tales of a man across America in the 1940′s and the 1950′s. It characterizes the abandon of youth and the urge of a young man eager to experience life. It’s the American Dream, the college road trip and sex, drugs and jazz all rolled into a single affair… and an important lesson or two.

On the Road is a necessary read due to its personal study on approaching life. And while the explorations and adventures of the main characters are specific and occasionally reckless, their approach to experiencing life is applicable to all and an inspiration.

We don’t suggest using On the Road for a word-for-word template or guide. Rather, the story that Jack Kerouac weaves provides a captivating, nuanced adventure; one that will provide a platform and the motivation for your next road trip! If you’re looking to chronicle that road trip, check out the B[+]R article on Moleskine notebooks.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac
$17

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Anything That Interests…

J. A. — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:00:35 +0000

Be sure to write it down...

I have quite a few Moleskine notebooks. One diligently tracks my travels; one holds my thoughts, as random as they are. These journals are an absolutely necessary part of my personal life and are really quite handy. Moleskines were more commonly used in a bygone era which is why, I suppose, I use them.

Crafting journals is a bit of a lost art, I believe. Men like Hemingway did it; so did Chatwin. Van Gogh was an intense user of Moleskines as was Picasso.

While sitting in the hurry and fervor of downtown or at some little known house of beer and whisky, writing in a Moleskine proves to be a great getaway. I can be on a busy street on a park bench and not notice a single SUV roaring by … if I am writing in my Moleskine. While traveling, they provide the opposite; I can better focus on the world around me. Accurately translating my travels into a Moleskine is effortless.

Moleskine – Ruled Pocket Notebook
$10

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Formidable, Old Thoroughfare

J. A. — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:00:30 +0000

Regal Rockies

A man, in his necessary travels, should be sure to cross over and also through the Rocky Mountains. Their majesty and grandeur is only exceeded by their height.

And while traveling through, you’ll inevitably come to a hideaway or a pass in the interior that will stand-out. There, you’ll stop and breathe the fresh, chilled air of Colorado or perhaps Montana. This memory will be yours forever; below is an account of mine.

[ At an old saloon on a street of mud... ]
Written on: 2007.Nov.05

In southwestern Colorado lies Wolf Creek pass. It is a formidable old thoroughfare that has been traversed mostly by locals for a long, long time. In this great San Juan Mountain pass are snow-capped peaks, lush, green valleys and tranquility.

Story and I stood unhurriedly overlooking the southern edge of this pass. It was late April, mid-morning and our destination was Denver; we were just entering Wolf Creek pass and our heading was northeast.

I did not stumble on this pass. It was my father who urged me to take my time driving through Colorado and to avoid highways and freeways when possible. During a summer in the early ’70′s he travelled this pass on his way to beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona; home of Northern Arizona University, one of his Alma maters. Though he wasn’t on my road trip back from California, my dad did ride with me out to California and thus I learned of Wolf Creek pass.

As I looked over the valley it was still glazed with a thin layer of fog. I tried to picture my dad leaning against his ’66 Impala just as I was leaning against my Ford Escape… it was easy to do. I took in the wonder of the mountains and enjoyed the feeling of the cool, brisk and clean air against my face. “This place,” I thought to myself, “just became a bridge between generations.”

Rocky Mountain National Park
$20 (Park Entrance Fee)

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In This “Day & Age”…

J. A. — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:00:22 +0000

A dustland fairytale...

The new, third studio album by Las Vegas quartet The Killers has something for just about everyone. In a follow-up to their highly regarded second album, Sam’s Town, The Killers take a few bold steps into funk dubs and spacey grooves while maintaining their rock roots. “Human”, the first single from the band’s third album Day & Age, starts in the realm of electronica and ends up on the edge of alternative rock. The second single, “Spaceman”, is pure alternative rock and one of the best singles of 2008; definitely a song for future jukebox heroes.

“A Dustland Fairytale” is an ever-building rock yarn with a dash of ballad and is by far my favorite on the album. The lyrics, by The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, were written specifically about the young romance of his mom and dad when they first met in their teens. Flowers describes his dad as “some kind of slick, chrome American prince.” This song ends with an orchestral flurry that leaves you screaming “ENCORE! ENCORE!”

A few other notable songs: The even groove “This Is Your Life”, the bold reverie “Neon Tiger” and the unbashful “Tidalwave”.

4.5 out of 5 Rucksacks

The Killers – Day & Age
$11

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Writing Well – The Waterman Hemisphere Pen

J. A. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:00:21 +0000

The Waterman Hemisphere

The Waterman Hemisphere pen is simple, elegant and contemporary. It is the perfect pocket partner for day-to-day use and is a peerless projection of professionalism and confidence when signing large contracts. We dare you not to look sophisticated when you use this pen.

The Waterman company has been producing pens since 1884 when it was established by Lewis Edson Waterman. The Waterman I’ve owned have been very well crafted and high quality. For the Hemisphere, I suggest a roller ball over a fountain pen.

You can find the Waterman Hemisphere starting at about $25 and run up to about $100 depending on the style one chooses. If you’re new to the Waterman brand or the Hemisphere then we suggest starting with the Starlight or the standard stainless steel version.

Waterman Hemisphere Pen
$25 to $100

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The Quintessential Swiss Army Knife

J. A. — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:00:57 +0000

The Climber by Victorinox

The Explorer, Ranger, Rucksack, Mountaineer, Climber or the Handyman? My personal favorite of all the Victorinox Swiss Army knives is without a doubt the Climber, followed closely by the Rucksack. There aren’t many pieces of gear as simple and as useful as a Swiss Army knife. I carry mine in my front pocket just about every day.

It’s easy to see how the Swiss Army knife has become the quintessential piece of gear. The knives flexibility and diverse set of tools lend favorably to its usability. Compared to many other multi-tools it is far less cumbersome and the bold red shell is pretty tough. While the Swiss Army knife is a good friend for a cautious fellow, it is also the embodiment of resourcefulness. Choose this knife and you’ve chosen brains and versatility over unsteady, oft detrimental brawn.

Take a look at the rich history of these knives and you’ll catch a glimpse of World War I and World War II. Since the birth of the knife in 1891 it has been a stand-by for many soldiers. And, now in 2008 there is a new soldier’s knife that has been re-invented for this era.

The Climber and the Rucksack represent two different types of Victorinox knife. The Climber is a traditional Swiss Army knife with the following 14 tools: large blade, small blade, corkscrew, can opener with small screwdriver 3 mm (also for Phillips screws), cap lifter with screwdriver 6 mm and wire stripper, reamer, punch, key ring, tweezers, toothpick, scissors and multi-purpose hook.

The Rucksack is a more ergonomic knife with a locking blade and contains the following 12 tools: large lock blade, corkscrew, can opener with screwdriver 3 mm, cap lifter with screwdriver with automatic locking and wire stripper, reamer, punch, key ring, tweezers, toothpick and wood saw.

Both are fine companions for hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, and most any other outdoor activity you can think of, as well day-to-day use even in the office.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
$15 to $38

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