Helly Hansen continues to impress with the continuous improvement on all of their apparel. The proof is in the pudding when it comes to these guys. You can feel the quality as soon as you put anything on. From the zippers to the materials they use, it’s immediately apparent why they have been in business so long. This winter we were seriously loaded with Helly gear and took full advantage of it. From boots to base layers here are our thoughts on all that is Helly.



Framheim Boot -

Helly says it best, a stylish, comfortable and sturdy boot for winter. I can usually get by in the winter with some insulated hikers and it’s been years since I’ve purchased a new winter boot. This year has been especially wet for winter and these came in handy almost daily. Built with a vulcanized rubber midsole and a rubber base this boot can withstand almost anything. High enough to trudge through deep snow and with the rubber upper, almost no fear of water leaking in your boot. Seam sealing technology and waterproofing on the leather is just a backup to the unbridled protection offered by the rubber. With insulation to keep you warm and waterproofing to keep you dry this hybrid boot is a must have for winter exploration. Walking to my car in the morning is enough of an adventure to slip these on. Nothing worse then heading into work with wet socks. Buy It Now


Ullr Midlayer Jacket -

Here in Minnesota, as in many other places in the US, our weather is insanely variable.  In the last 7 days here we have had high temps ranging from 20 to 65.  It’s been a pleasant reprieve from the frigid temps, but we all know it’s just a tease.  With temps all over the board like this, I’ve gotten to see the Ullr midlayer work in an array of conditions.  Pair it with a shell and you have an unbeatable sub-freezing combo.  As temps climbed north of 32, I was able to ditch the shell and sport the Ullr as a stand alone jacket.  Here in MN, when we see 65 in February we have to fight the urge dig out our sandals.  Those days, having this Helly Hansen in the car was a lifesaver, once the sun went down.  Sporting Helly’s new Lifa Flow knit fleece, which is designed to better regulate temperature and moisture, a job it does exceptionally well.  This is a mid layer made to be active in. Go, get after it, just have the Ullr along for the ride.  MSRP: $175  Buy it Now


JR Stuben Jacket -

Once again, Helly Hansen proves that just because you’re a kid that doesn’t mean you gear should be a toy.  Based on the Ullr line of Freeride Ski wear for adults, this jacket is ready to get off grid.  Utilizing some of Helly Tech Performance material and PrimaLoft® Black insulation puts this jacket ahead of the pack when it comes to legit outerwear for the littles. Additional features like Hi-Vis accents, detachable hood, pit zips and a powder skirt, ensure that even if they get lost in the deep, they’ll stay warm and you can find them. MSRP: $220  Buy it Now


Womens Odin Flow Jacket -

Midwest winters can change at the tip of a hat. Last week it was below freezing and today it is 48 and sunny. If you live in a climate like this with dramatic weather changes the Helly Hansen’s Odin Flow Jacket is a necessity. The HH patented H2Flow insulation inside this coat allows you to control your own body temperature, the insulation allows your body heat to be trapped and surround your body with comfort and warmth. In contrast this coat has ventilation to cool you down when you are producing too much body heat. Not to mention the Polartec fleece fabric was so light making this coat perfect for traveling.

Now to see if this jacket can live up to all the hype...  We took this lightweight, stellar looking jacket to Arizona to really test its abilities… And it exceeded all expectations. We started hiking when it was a brisk 50 degrees and ended our hike basking in the sunshine at a balmy 70 degrees. This ventilation helped regulate my body temperature and was the perfect hiking companion. Like every other product we’ve tried from HH at TPJ, this coat totally lived up to it’s expecations. But It Now
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We first ran into the AVI-8 brand and, as their name would suggest, their line of aeronautically inspired watches, back at Outdoor Retailer.  They have a rather large collection, from a simple 3 hand field watch for about $150 to a full chronograph automatic movement with date for under $500. We opted to test drive something sort of in the middle.

The Hawker Harrier II (Model: AV-4051-03) is a large but not huge watch, coming in at 45 mm.   It has all the bells and whistles you could want on an every-day watch with a split timing chronograph and date display. It doesn't have an automatic movement, but the Japanese Quartz that it comes with is a proven workhorse.  The dials have an unmistakable aviation feel, taken to a whole new level when the 1/10 second dial at top of the watch rotates.  Two separate discs spin in opposite directions creating the effect of a spinning turbine.

It's ruggedly built watch with its case milled from stainless steel, a 5 ATM water resistance and a thick leather band. Yet, this watch is at home in the boardroom as it is on the hiking trail.  With it's highly polished surfaces, subtle color schemes and bold sharp design, it looks like a watch far more pricey than it is.  Coming in at only $270, you are getting a lot of watch for your money.

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It's officially Holiday shopping season.  With people trampling each other to get their hands on Black Friday deals and giant malls overrun with junk no one needs, we thought we'd share a few of our favorite gear gifts for your special someones.


Patagonia R3 Fleece Hoody:  The warmest of the Patagonia R3 fleece options, this reversible hoody delivers in all kinds of conditions.  Warm yet breathable thanks to a Polartec High-Loft fleece material, this jacket is a perfect layering piece, or a fully capable outer layer on days where temps stay above freezing. Highly packable and weighing only 18 ounces, this fleece will quickly become someone's go-to all weather option.
MSRP: $199


Motorola Talkabout MS350R Walkie-Talkies:  Staying in contact with your crew while on the trail or in the woods has never been easier.  These Motorola Walkies are rugged waterproof and even float should you happen to drop them in the lake.  With an on-water range of 6 miles, you'll be able to find your buddies from way off.  A built in flashlight and NOAA weather channel reception keep you safe when things get nasty.  The MS350R's come with built in rechargeable NiMH battery packs and charging station, but also operate on normal AA batteries as well.   MSRP: $99



Olympia RG850 Rechargeable Flashlight:  This flashlight has taken the rank of our favorite light in the woods.  It's a beast in a little package.  The CREE LED generates 850 lumens which lights up the dark like the sun and the beam carries for nearly 400 meters.  Waterproof down to 2 meters and rechargeable via a Micro USB, you have a perfect back country torch.  MSRP: $89


Helly Hanson Verglas Hooded Down Jacket: It's no secret we are fans of Helly Hanson gear, and the Vergals Down Jacket is further proof it's for a good reason.  The Pertex ripstop nylon shell provides wind and moisture protection while the 700+ European goose down fill is far warmer than you'd expect from this light weight puffy.  Compatible with the Helly CIS system, you can pair this down hoody with a variety of Helly shells and 3-in-1 systems.  Helly delivers the goods.  MSRP: $270



ENO Sub 7 Hammock and Helios Suspensions System:  Everyone should have a hammock in their gear arsenal, EVERYONE.  The new Sub 7 from ENO lets you do that, and barely notice a change in your pack.  At only 6.5 ounces, it's the lightest hammock we've found.  Add the Helios Suspension system and you have a turn-key hammock set-up that weighs in a a total of only 11 ounces.  From an afternoon at the park to a weekend on the trail, this is our favorite gear gift money can buy.  MSRP: Sub7 $69.95  Helios $34.95



Turcom AcustoShock Bluetooth Speaker:  Music on the trail need not be a chore.  This little bluetooth speaker is water, dust and shock proof and plays for up to 10 hours.  The 3 watt speaker delivers more than enough sound to fill camp and comes with a handle bar mount for mobile tunes on your bike.  The best part, it's only $37.99.  A steal for sure.



SOG Kiku Folding Knife:  Yet another collaboration knife from SOG, this folder was designed by legendary Japanese knifemaker Kiku Matsuda.  A substantial 4" AUS-8 Stainless steel blade with a tanto tip makes short work of just about any cutting task.  The removable linen micarta handle scales provide ample grip are easy to swap out should you want to customize this knife to be all you.  Not your father's pocket knife, this blade makes a statement. MSRP: $180.




Hydroflask Bottles and Pint Glasses:  Not just for water anymore, Hydroflask brings a whole line of vessels for the beers fans on your list.  From the giant 64 ounce growler that keeps your IPA's cold for 24 hours, to the True Pint that make camp beers a pleasure.  Never get to the bottom of a pint and have to suffer thru room temp suds again.  Elevate someone's camp beer game to a whole new level.  MSRP: Growler $54.99, 32 ounce Wide Mouth $33.99, True Pint $21.99


HanWag Rotpunkt Approach Shoes:  One shoe to rule them all.  These technical approach shoes can handle everything from light bouldering to the trail hike in.  Stylish and a bit retro, they play as well with jeans around town as they do out on the trail.  Gnarly Vibram soles provide superglue like grip in all kinds of conditions.  MSRP: $180




Snowpeak Ti-Double 450 Mug:  The last camp mug you'll ever buy.  Titanium, double walled, folding handles and big enough to use for coffee or oatmeal, what more could you ever need?  Super light and nearly indestructible, it has everything your old beat up mug doesn't.  This is one piece of gear your grand kids will end up using.  MSRP: $49.95



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Winter seems to have it's death grip on us and has no signs of letting up. Yeah yeah yeah its been above zero for the last few days, but I have a feeling cold weather will be upon us for the next few months. We all know what that means, boots. Even when the weather lets up, slushy sidewalks and deep puddles is what we get to look forward to. Having yourself the right set of boots is a necessity. From high quality dress boots to heavy duty hikers we have you taken care of.


Timberland Britton Hill - Timberland promised new and exciting things this upcoming year when we met with them earlier this year at Outdoor Retailer. They delivered and we can all reap the benefits. The Britton Hill Waterproof boot fits great, looks amazing and goes with almost any outfit. Black leather boots are a necessity in my work environment and these are amazing. If you get the chance, put a pair of these in your closet this year.  MSRP: $190



Adidas Outdoor Urban Hiker - Being a fan of Adidas I was pumped to try these out. Lightweight at only 17.3 oz (size 9) with a comfy sole and an epic continental grip, these are the perfect urban hiker. With a sneaker style they go perfect in the office, straight to the torrent of melt water from the roof of the office building. If you value walking anywhere without slipping on your ass, hook yourself up with a pair of these bad boys.  MSRP: $180


Wolverine & Stormy Kromer Collaboration Peninsula Boots - We received a test pair of these boots the day before we flew to Salt Lake City and I put 20 plus miles on them and my feet were still happy.  They are a marriage of two historic brands, plus they are sharp as hell. I definitely recommend snagging a pair of these boots. Combining timeless tradition with looks to match is something you need in the closet.  MSRP: $400

Palladium Pampa Waterproof LUX: Urban style with off-road capabilities; yes please.  Whether hitting up the local pub or the snowy trail on the way home, the Palladiums are happy to play along.  Fully waterproof with a gnarly traction pattern, we've put these boots thru a torture chamber of tests and they far exceeded our expectations.  Looking more like a sneaker and less like a boot makes these a casual winter option for just about anyone.  MSRP: $140





Timberland 6 inch Lineman Boots:  My go-to boots thus far this winter.  Supple Horween leather and memory foam footbeds stitched to a Vibram outsole, these boots scream quality, Built to be refurbished after being well loved, they will be handed down to my son some day.  A great blend of form and function.  MSRP: $475 $350



Hanwag Grunten Hikers:  Some of the most well built trad hikers we have ever had our hands on.  Hanwag just gets it.  Building their boots from the ground up, they don't miss a thing.  They need a little breaking in, but these will also last forever.  Classic hiker looks but so well done they laugh at your old man's fancy loafers in style. Hiking a gnarly trail, no problem they were made for that sh!t.  MSRP: $370

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A couple weeks before I headed out to Denver for the 4th of July weekend I found a sick hat on my Facebook feed and shared it on this page. I really thought nothing more of it and went about my normal day. Upon arrival in Denver I met a very nice kid by the name of Nick Hammond and proceeded to tell him about this hat I found on the internet. He then surprised me and told me that he designed the bill for that hat and works with the company that makes them. I couldn't of been happier at this discovery. Findlay hats makes some of the sickest designs out there and with excellent quality, a one of a kind strap system with these hats you will be ready for anything.

Findlay hooked it up when they sent us a little care package of goods. Three stellar hats, some gum and a boat load of stickers. Everyone knows how much we love stickers. I have continuously worn a different Findlay hat since I've received them. I was partial to the five panel design but the one I received from Findlay is fantastic. They have so many designs that I couldn't choose which ones I wanted, I let Nick do the picking and he didn't disappoint.




 I love hats and I couldn't be happier to be working with Findlay. In the words of an employee Findlay brand is  "built for good times" in relation to being the perfect hat for any situation. We do target specific niche's but we love being known for providing the perfect hat for any person based on how they can customize their setup.

Snowboarding in July

He looks thrilled :)

Be sure to keep an eye out on these guys. They constantly upgrade their stock and continue to come out with stellar design after stellar design, Be sure to sign up for their hat of the month club for 40% off msrp and new hats sent to your door monthly. Be sure to stay tuned and get yourself a couple of these hats.


MSRP: 34.99










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Sunglasses are sunglasses right? Well technically speaking, yes but there are some serious differences between and the old cheapo's you buy at the gas station and a pair that are designed and manufactured for that specific purpose. Don't get me wrong, in a pinch any pair will do for the day but you definitely want a quality pair of shades.





All of the sunglasses in this buyers guide are in my opinion are quality shades. The biggest difference between quality and cheapo shades are the lenses. Buying my first pair of "quality" shades I got ridiculed constantly from the significant other on why would I spend that much until she tried them on, instantly it all stopped.

There are so many styles, colors and accessories that it's hard to determine the best pair for you, hopefully this will help. For me it's less about style and more about the quality of the lens and having the correct shade for the environment.

The first pair I got my hands on were a pair of Hoven shades, the Monix, the newest line from the Argonaut series. We met these guys out at the trade show in Salt Lake City and we couldn't be happier to work together. With the wrap around design and their ability to float, 100% UV protection and impact resistant polycarbonate lenses these are the perfect shades for any outdoor activity.  I began to wear them as a necklace on almost any occasion which allowed for easy access to an amazing pair of shades. The polarized lens was perfect for almost any occasion. I did find them a little dark when it began to get cloudy outside but that's to be expected. My lenses took a beating over time but they still kick some serious ass.


I also got my hands on a couple pair of Breath Of Life Apparel solid zebra wood shades called the Contrast. These shades weighed almost nothing and with the amber colored UV protection lenses they are perfect for any day. I did however find my self wearing them on the way home when it was overcast and raining out. It allowed for an almost enhanced view of the road ahead of me. With a laser engraved logo on the side it's nice to let people know where the shades came from. I recently found these guys through some friends that I went to college with. Located in the Chippewa Valley it;s nice to support local business and with a tree planted for every order it's nice to know people care about the world and how they leave it.



















Over the years we have gotten our fair share of Maui Jim sunglasses. These have almost never disappointed. With so many styles to chose from it's hard to pick out a favorite. If I had to pick one I would choose the aviators style over all others. With the PolarizedPlus2 lens technology the glasses allow for some of the most vibrant viewing experience on the market. They say Maui is one of the most colorful places on earth and with the right shades you can see the colors hidden by the intense sun. I couldn't agree more.


And now that fall is setting in, it's never to late to pick yourself up a nice pair of shades. Don't be afraid to change it up and get a couple pair because it makes a perfect accessory to your killer new fall outfit. Thanks to Hoven and Breath of Life for really hooking up this summer and if you get the chance, snag a pair of shades. You will not be disappointed.


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