#its totes a waterproof dog blanket

[emma-dennehy-presents]

Got a fuck blanket today. Someone please come rail me on it.

[adambstingus]

Review: Thule Accent Daypack 28L

I have a strong, and perhaps unfair, aversion to backpacks that unzip completely down the side. They open fully, like clamshells, which is a great feature if you’re a neatnik who likes to eyeball all the contents of your bag at a glance. But that’s not how I pack and use my everyday backpack. I don’t have the time and space to unzip my backpack completely, unless I crouch over it under my desk. And if the zippers aren’t positioned at the right spots, opening a full unzip can make all the clothes you’ve stuffed at the bottom spill out everywhere.

No, give me a good, old-fashioned half-zip that can sit upright. Better yet, give me a U-shaped opening, like on the Thule Accent daypack. I’ve been using the 28-liter size of this pack as my everyday backpack for weeks, carrying it while commuting, making grocery store runs, and going to the park with my family. You can undo the U-opening entirely to check out all of the bag’s contents, or you can unzip it partway to just shove things in the top, like a tote bag.

It’s durable, versatile, and minimalist. It’s also reasonably affordable, priced at $130 for the 28-liter size and under $100 for the 20-liter. Of all the bags I’ve tested, this is the first one that I might consider buying for myself.

On the Go

Thule

Founded in Sweden in 1942, Thule makes transportation gear. The company is best known for its roof racks, which carry cargo boxes, surfboards, and other sports equipment. They also make a line of bags, strollers, bike trailers, and even a hybrid stroller-trailer.

The Accent backpack is made from black, slightly glossy 1680-dernier polyester. The interior is a bright blue, the better for seeing all your little doodads tucked into various pockets. It measures 20.1 inches tall, which is just a little too tall for my 5'2" frame. A smaller size would fit better on someone who is as short as I am.

The laptop pocket can safely carry a typical 15.6-inch notebook computer. The bottom of the laptop pocket is padded and suspended over the bottom of the backpack, so that you can set it down abruptly on the floor without dinging up your MacBook. The main compartment also has a dedicated 10-inch tablet pocket which fit both my iPad mini and Kindle Paperwhite, and it has a side handle and side zip for grabbing your laptop quickly.

Mesh pockets in the main compartment fit my headphones and chargers, and a dedicated mesh pocket on the top of the main compartment was perfect for pens, hand sanitizer, and lip balms. If I were traveling, I would switch the contents of that compartment with my wallet and phone, which I kept in the easy-access top zip pocket.

The bag also has a hardshell SafeZone pocket for quickly stowing sunglasses or other fragile items, a mesh water bottle side pocket, and another side pocket for accessories. It zips shut, so you can stick in a battery pack or charger, but I found it worked equally well for an extra water bottle or coffee thermos.

The shoulder straps include a sternum strap set on adjustable sliding rails. The shoulder straps, back panel, and grab handle are padded with EVA and wrapped in mesh. The Accent also has webbing with buckles on the bottom for rolling up and carrying jackets or blankets, and a stretchy panel on the back so that you can slide it onto the handle of your rolling suitcase.

Can’t Stand the Rain

I used the backpack to tote my work stuff around town, including my laptop, chargers, planners, and jacket. I filled it up with groceries—loaves of bread, six-packs of beer, heads of broccoli—and shoved water bottles and diaper changing stations in it to take my kids to the park. I wore it walking with my dogs and kids, driving in the car, and skateboarding and biking around my neighborhood to my local cafe.

But it’s not a hiking daypack. It weighs 2.5 pounds empty, which means it’s not particularly light; my Topo Designs daypack weighs less by more than a pound. But the added weight makes sense, given the enormous amount of padding on the bag.

I also find Thule’s use of mesh on straps and back panels to be overly optimistic, if not outright misleading. Putting a colander on your head doesn’t make your scalp see-through, and putting mesh on the outside of foam doesn’t make it cooler, or more breathable. You might just have to deal with the fact that you’re going to get sweaty.

And finally, the bag isn’t waterproof. The top zips for the easy access compartment and the main compartment are both exposed to rain on the top of the bag, without zipper guards or garages to prevent water from entering the pack. I stuffed towels in the easy access zip compartment and main compartment and ran the shower on it for three minutes. Water beaded up on the front panel, but the bag’s interior got pretty soaked.

Even if it’s not waterproof, it has other basic features that more expensive bags lack, like a suspended laptop compartment, and the organization is great. For commuting and running errands, the easy-access pocket was a fine place to put my wallet and phone. I especially liked the SafeZone pocket, since I have both sunglasses and eyeglasses that I’m always on the verge of crushing. I also liked being able to store running shoes and clothes in the front pocket, although someone with bigger shoes might have more of a problem.

It’s durable, too. For weeks, I kicked it around on the floors of cars, and its black polyester exterior brushed clean quickly and easily.

The straps also curved to fit my narrow shoulders. With many unisex bags, I have to clip the sternum strap in order to keep the straps from sliding off. I didn’t have a reason to attach it to a roller suitcase, but the stretchy back panel fit neatly over the handle of my indomitable stroller/wagon for outings. Despite its height, it also fits well within the allowable dimensions for personal items on planes, so I wouldn’t worry about it drawing flight attendant ire.

For a capacity of 28 liters, the Accent daypack offers terrific bang for your buck. That value goes up even more if you, like me, would downsize from the 28-liter size to a 23- or even 20-liter size. Imagine that: a good-looking, durable work and travel backpack for $90!

Correction appended: 4/25/2017, 9:30 am PDT: A previous version of this story misidentified the country of Thule’s founding. It is Sweden, not Switzerland.

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/review-thule-accent-daypack-28l/ from All of Beer https://allofbeercom.tumblr.com/post/173974289017

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18 things for people who are always, always cold

New Post has been published on https://nexcraft.co/18-things-for-people-who-are-always-always-cold/

18 things for people who are always, always cold

Dreams of spring are not enough to keep you warm in February. I can see my breath on my walk to work, and there is still snow on the ground. If you’re looking to stay cozy through a long, rainy thaw (or even a chilly night in summer or fall), I’ve got you covered. Note: this story was originally published in February 2017. It’s been updated with the latest and greatest products.

Ember’s ceramic mug—and its travel mug—is my favorite product of 2017. It’s ability to keep your beverages hot for extended periods makes it especially great for people who need help staying warm over these next cold winter months.

If winter turns your ears into icicles, meet Sprigs Earwigs. They are like hats for your ears and come in small, medium, and large. Unlike traditional muffs, these fleece-lined warmers fit around your ears. There’s no band, so you can put them in your pocket. Plus, they won’t give you a headache. $17.

KOVOT Ceramic Soup And Sandwich Tray Set

This soup and sandwich tray will give you a place to rest your hot fluids. It looks pretty chic, too. $20.

Stranger Things holiday sweater

Cozying up to watch Stranger Things has made me feel all sorts of warm on the inside. This acrylic knit holiday sweater will make you the life of your office holiday party—or it will at least garner a loud “She’s our friend and she’s crazy!” $42.

Be as hot as the God of Thunder with this polyester trapper hat. It has the symbol of Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer) on the front and wings on the side. $25.

These natural sheepskin insoles make any shoes warmer. Built with shock-absorbing foam on the bottom and low level arch support, you will be standing up straight and walking on a pillowy path all winter long. Amazon; $38.

Agloves Touchscreen Gloves

Don’t run from the cold. Take it by the hand. Agloves touchscreen gloves are made with a soft, acrylic fiber that keep your hands warm and keep you connected to your phone. It doesn’t matter if you text with your pinky or your thumb, these gloves have silver-coated, nylon conductive fiber knitted into all 10 fingers. The silver also acts as a thermoregulator and traps the heat inside of the glove. Amazon; $12.

Or, if you’re crafty, you can turn any pair of gloves into a touchscreen-enabled pair. Full instructions, this way.

If gloves alone won’t do it, this multi-purpose rechargeable power bank and hand warmer made by EnergyFlux will add the extra heat you need. It comes with two temperature settings—107F and 118F—and can charge USB devices. The device is small enough to fit in your palm and is heated on both sides. Amazon; $35.

For more disposable warmers, check out HotHands for your toes, hands, or body. Or make your own.

SMOKO Burnt Toast Hand Warmer

Adorable toast-shaped hand-warming pillows will keep your hands, well, you know. The burnt toast faces are USB-powered, have adjustable Velcro wrist straps, and temperature control. Built-in batteries last for 2-3 hours, so stroll around with hands of toast or stay plugged in at your desk. The warmers do not cover your fingers, so you’ll be able to type, play the trumpet, whatever. Amazon; $36.

Also, don’t forget your feet. Oh my gosh! Look at these USB connected furry yeti feet.

Columbia Heat-Tech Jacket

This Columbia zip-up jacket has two layers. Wear the outer jacket in the rain; it’s protected by a proprietary waterproof material. When winter comes, combine that with the warmer inner layer for insulation. It’s got a waterproof zipper, removable hood, and underarm venting. It’s all lined with a fabric that reflects body heat. And bonus: it’s super lightweight. Amazon; $150-245.

Torch Coast Jacket Heating System

There are plenty of jackets with built-in heating systems, but there is one problem with all of them: They aren’t already built into your favorite jacket. The Torch Coat Heating System solves that problem. A charged battery pack can fit inside any coat and keep you warm for five hours. The system is basically three thin heating pads, all of which can reach up to 135 degrees. The system has four different heat settings and is pretty thin, so you won’t feel like you’re lugging around a space heater, either. Amazon; $80.

This tear-resistant nylon blanket by Rumpl will keep you warm both inside and out. It’s like a puffy jacket for your bed! It’s stain-resistant, odor-resistant, and waterproof. It’s washer-friendly and comes with a small sack, making it easy take with you wherever you go. Amazon; $229.

Hot Logic Mini Personal Oven

Make some chicken parmigiana while you’re waiting for New Year’s fireworks or eat warm cookies on a Valentine’s Day outing. The Hot Logic Mini Personal Portable Oven lets you cook or reheat meals anywhere you have an outlet. The walls of the insulated tote carrying case are lined with aluminum to trap heat. Using low-slow conduction heat, the Hot Logic oven will evenly cook your food and keep it at a safe serving temperature. Amazon; $40.

Tea and coffee keep your body warm—and not just because of the temperature. The caffeine speeds up your metabolism, and that fuel-burning heats you up. For those who want a constant flow of warm H2O, this BonaVita 1-liter kettle has a real-time temperature display and built in timer. The kettle lets you keep your hot water at your precise specifications for up to 60 minutes.The gooseneck spout allows for a slower and more controlled pour, too. Amazon; $79.

If you put in the effort to make a hot beverage, don’t limit your consumption to the home. An insulated coffee mug will let you take that warm goodness wherever you need to go. Pop Sci editors have been geeking out over the stainless steel, 16-ounce Zojirushi travel mug. Amazon; $25.

BedJet Bed Heater and Cooler

If your one of those people who is very sensitive about the temperature of your bed, meet the Bedjet. The Bedjet, which is controlled through an app on your phone, warms the bed quicker than an electric blanket and uses a biorhythm temperature technology to help you sleep longer and better. It even includes a night sweat mode to help remove moisture from your sleeping area, keeping you dry throughout the night. Amazon; $359.

I wouldn’t let my dog Charlie freeze into a pupsicle! If you have the outdoor space and want to let your pets roam free while you run to the store, this pet house plugs into a standard wall outlet and is controlled by a preset thermostat to make sure your pet stays safe and warm. The house is made of water-resistant fine 600D polyester and the walls are insulated to help protect your pet from winter weather. While this house is made for cats, small dogs will fit just fine. Amazon; $56.

Put down the hot cocoa and pick up the ghost pepper. Or, if you’re caring for children, do the opposite. Anyway, the Caged Heat cocktail syrup is made with cane sugar, tamarind, ghost pepper, and cardamom. Amazon; $15.

Interested in talking about deals and gadgets? Request to join our exclusive Facebook group. With all our product stories, the goal is simple: more information about the stuff you’re thinking about buying. We may sometimes get a cut from a purchase, but if something shows up on one of our pages, it’s because we like it. Period.

Written By Billy Cadden