Home » Camping » Cooking » Z Grills Flame Elite Review: Affordable Pellet Grill That Smokes and Sears
The company that used to manufacture smokers for Traeger and Grilla Grills also makes inexpensive smokers under its own name.
Nothing compares to the flavor of food smoked low and slow. I have large, medium, and small pellet-powered smoker grills that I use all year. While my smokers infuse food with delectable flavor, they don’t crisp the skin on a salmon filet without overcooking the fish, and they can’t sear a steak.
Years ago, Z Grills manufactured some of the smokers for Traeger, Grilla Grills, and other brands for more than 30 years (though it hasn’t manufactured with Traeger for many years). Z Grills’ new wood-pellet smoker grill, the Flame Elite ($439), offers grill temperatures up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit and has a rotating fire-access door under the cooking grate. This allowed me to change the smoker’s heat output from smoking mode to direct-flame searing.
It also costs half as much as its more famous and robust brethren.
(Photo/Berne Broudy)
Some Assembly Required
If the thought of assembling IKEA furniture gives you hives, this grill isn’t for you. The Flame Elite and all Z Grills arrive in a box with the tools and parts you need for assembly. The directions were easy to follow, parts were well-labeled, and after the first few steps (and getting the hang of the directions), the process went smoothly.
An hour later, I had a compact smoker grill ready to get cooking. A greasy film covered parts of the grill, but that burned off during seasoning. I followed Z Grills’ instructions for lighting the grill for the first time and for seasoning it, and all went well. Once I assembled the grill, I plugged it in and fired it right up.
Z Grills Flame Elite 600D3E: Performance
The Z Grills Flame Elite 600D3Eisn’t as heavy-duty as Traegers I’ve tested, but it works quite well. Z Grills says the 21.4 x 15.5-inch cooking surface holds 24 burgers, five rib racks, or four chickens.
This grill has eight functions: grill, smoke, sear, bake, BBQ, braise, roast, and char-grill. In all modes, it cooked evenly enough. Every meal I prepared on this grill was delicious.
I grilled zucchini and onions, smoked a locally sourced pork butt for pulled pork, seared Faroe Island Salmon, and high-heat cooked two Misty Knoll Farm chickens with a black trumpet mushroom rub I made from fungi I harvested.
(Photo/Berne Broudy)
The grill temperature is controlled with a digital PID control board and fan-forced convection. Z Grills says that gives precise temperature control when cooking.
After using the grill for a month, I’d say it doesn’t have the same temperature precision as other smokers I’ve used, but it does continuously correct to the temperature I select. And temperature swings never affected the outcome.
When I set a pork butt to 250 degrees F, the smoker temperature swung between 235 and 275 degrees F, but the pork was as delicious and tender as I could have hoped for.
The drippings pail, which lives in a cabinet under the smoker, had a few ashes in it. But, interestingly, it held no greasy, burned-off fat, which was a first.
(Photo/Berne Broudy)
Smoking on the Z Grills Flame Elite
The Flame Eliteused fewer pellets than a similar-sized Traeger grill, and even though it has a smaller hopper compared to similar-sized name-brand smoker grills, I could leave the lit smoker longer without fear of having to reload.
It doesn’t come with a built-in thermometer, so when I wanted to monitor my meat temperature from afar, I used an aftermarket meat thermometer to check the temp.
The smoker stand is a storage cabinet accessed by two handles that together form the shape of a wine glass. The cabinet is vented, not sealed. If you live somewhere dry, you can use it to store extra pellets.
In Vermont where I live, the summer humidity makes crackers, pretzels, and chips go stale in under 30 minutes once they’re open. So I opted to keep pellets in my house instead.
Grill tool hangers on the right-hand side table hold utensils on strings or with large holes in the handles. The bottle opener on the front of the grill is a fun touch (though in Vermont, most IPA comes in cans).
(Photo/Berne Broudy)
Most of the smoker is made from heavy-duty steel, and the grates are ceramic-coated. The pellet hopper cover was the only part that felt cheap. It’s made from stainless steel, but a thin gauge, and it never closed all the way, though it closed enough to keep the pellets inside dry.
The grill’s wheels weren’t the ruggedized rollers that come on name-brand competitor grills. They were much smaller, and I had to move the grill gently so they wouldn’t get stuck in the metal grate on my deck and snap off.
Z Grills vs. Traeger
The main difference from Z Grills’ competitors is the price. With 572 square inches of cooking space on the main grill surface and a half-depth upper rack, the Flame Elite 600D3E is similarly sized to theTraeger Pro 575. The Traeger grill sells for $800, and the Z Grills model costs just $439.
(Photo/Berne Broudy)
The Traeger has a bigger hopper, integrated WiFire meat thermometer, it uses heavier-gauge materials, and there’s a certain status to owning one. But its max temp is only 500 degrees F; the Flame Elite’s is 750.
It’s likely your dinner guests won’t know the Z Grills name, so they may not be impressed while you’re cooking. But they will when it’s time to eat.
Home » News » Dometic Acquires Igloo in $667 Million Deal
Swedish brand Dometic will acquire Igloo — America’s well-known cooler and drinkware brand — in a deal announced today.
In a $677 million deal announced today, Dometic — an RV appliance and electric cooler-maker— will acquire U.S.-based Igloo, the iconic manufacturer of coolers and drinkware.
“I am excited to welcome Igloo and its employees to Dometic,” Juan Vargues, president of Dometic, said in a statement. “This acquisition is in line with our strategy to position Dometic as a more consumer-driven, less cyclical company in the fast-growing outdoor business.”
Vargues cited Igloo’s brand recognition, American manufacturing capabilities, and the fact that the U.S. is “the largest market for cooling boxes and outdoor products” as drivers behind the acquisition and brand expansion.
This marks Dometic’s eighth acquisition in 2021, including Cadac, maker of vehicle-based barbecue products; German mobile power brand Buttner Elektronik; Zamp Solar; and, perhaps most notably, overland adventure brand Front Runner Outfitters.
According to today’s announcement, Igloo boasts $400 million in annual revenue — 92% of which is within the U.S. market.
The move is a bit of a surprise, as Igloo has become something of a heritage brand since its founding in 1947. And it recently garnered headlines for its push into more sustainable tech advances in the cooler industry.
GearJunkie awarded it Best in Show when it unveiled the first biodegradable alternative to disposable styrofoam coolers. And just a year later, Igloo upgraded its iconic Playmate hardside cooler with “bio-plastic.”
The deal is huge for Dometic. Since its launch in 2001, it’s now poised to become an even bigger player in the outdoor and RV industry. Its products will extend from appliances to coolers, to drinkware, accessories, and more.
Closing of the deal is expected in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Install This Cooler In Your F-150: Dometic CCF-T Console Refrigerator Review
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Home » Food / Hydration » Awoke to Voke: An ‘Energy Superfood’ Makes Early Rising Bearable
Voke Tabs are a night owl’s best friend for early mornings — especially in the field.
A few years ago, on a retreat for women in the outdoor industry, I was suffering badly from caffeine withdrawal. I mentioned something to my friend Barbara, and she handed me a little chewable tablet with a sly wink and a rave review.
After eating the small chewable tablet, I came to life. A new woman arose. Made into a Voke Tab enthusiast at that very moment, I pack the little suckers everywhere with me. And they’ve changed my hunting system significantly.
Voke Tabs are now a permanent part of my outdoor system. And I think they can add serious value to anyone who struggles with mornings or energy in the field during long days of exertion.
What Are Voke Tabs?
Small chewable tablets, Voke Tabs are essentially caffeine pills that you can feel good about. Company founder Kalen Caughey came up with the idea as a competitive skier in need of more energy throughout the day.
The tabs themselves are fruity-tasting, and a recent refresh really lightened up the flavor palate. More similar to a vitamin than candy, Voke Tabs incorporate green tea as the main source of the 77 mg of caffeine per tablet. The green tea is supported by guarana, a Brazilian superfood that also contains caffeine and is widely used in energy drinks and powders.
Acerola cherry — also Brazilian — adds your daily intake of Vitamin C in addition to the energy boost from the other ingredients. Red beetroot adds nitrates, folate, and betalain in addition to the tab’s pinkish color. Monk fruit is the main sweetener for the tab, making the tabs viable for all sorts of diets. Voke tabs are gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free.
They’re also certified as drug-free by the Banned Substances Control Group, so it’s cool for pro athletes that need to pay attention to such things.
Voke Tabs used to come in individual two-tablet packages. But I was happy to see the update that puts six tablets into a resealable satchel that measures about 3 x 4 inches and lies practically flat.
A box of Voke Tabs contains 60 tablets, and they’re not inexpensive. At $65 per box, it’s a bit of a commitment. But each tablet has a bit more caffeine than a cup of coffee. And if a coffee averages about $2 a pop (on the low end), you’re saving cash.
My Night Owl Problem
I’m a night owl. It’s an undisputed fact.
Since early childhood, my most comfortable sleep schedule began between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Eight hours of sleep is a must for me. Unsurprisingly, a DNA test from a company called InsideTracker confirmed that I have a “Long Sleep Gene” that mirrors much of what I just told you.
But I’m also an outdoorswoman. When fall hits, I know early mornings are a part of the deal. And early mornings for big-game hunting can range from 4 to 6 a.m. Even my early-rising friends can struggle with those times.
So, what to do? I’ve packed cold brew coffee into my truck camper or tent, there to chug as soon as I wake up. I’ve simply overslept through my alarm. I’ve relied on hunting partners to bang on the windows of my camper or peek in my tent for a reliable wake-up call. Unfortunately, hot coffee can sometimes make me feel sick in truly early mornings.
Options were few. The struggle was real.
Enter Voke Tabs. After my friend hyped them up and the hype was real, I purchased a box for myself. Last season, I used these in a way that brought my early-morning game to new levels.
My Early Morning Voke-to-Woke Routine
(Photo/Nicole Qualtieri)
The small package of tablets makes stashing Voke Tabs anywhere easy peasy lemon squeezy. Plus, the tabs are dry and easily packable, unlike gooey chews or an aluminum can of cold brew.
So, one cold-ass night on a hunt, I got the bright idea to stash a packet in my sleeping bag before hitting the hay. When my alarm went off 15 minutes before I had to get up, I slammed a Voke Tab and waited for it to kick in.
Wide awake before my next alarm went off, no one needed to tap on my topper shell. With a clear mind, I got ready and jumped the gun on an early morning in the field.
The other bonus? I didn’t have to take the extra time to boil water for coffee in the blackness of the morning or pay $4 for a can of cold brew that I’d have to dig out of an ice-filled cooler.
Early days can also mean long days in the field, especially if processing an animal is at hand. Voke worked for me here too. I simply kept a package in my pack, and when I felt my mind and body dipping with exhaustion, I’d add another Voke into the mix.
I’ll add that I’m more sensitive than most to caffeine, and I’ll often crack a Voke in half if the afternoon is growing long. But if this isn’t an issue for you, tab on.
A Practical Application for an Outdoorsperson
(Photo/Nicole Qualtieri)
I’ll admit that I’m married to my daily coffee ritual. I don’t think I could trade in that beloved morning sip for slamming a chewable tablet every morning and powering through life so efficiently.
For the uber-pragmatic, perhaps that’s a great way to cut time and add increased efficacy to your everyday schedule. And Voke offers a subscription option that cuts a significant bit of the price off for daily devotees.
But I really do appreciate the jitterless, high-energy, deep-focus effect of Voke Tabs. And they’ve offered me the perfect, packable solution to my early-morning failures and energy dips in the field, where efficiency really does pay off.
A box of Voke tends to last me a long time, at least a few months. So for me, the price is well worth it. And friends have been converted similarly to the way I was: a complaint of exhaustion, a wink and a smile, and a tablet handed over that bears all the clean, energetic fruit you could wish for.
Nothing beats a steamy hot drink on a chilly winter day. If you want your favorite liquids to stay piping hot all day long, check out our roundup of the best thermoses of 2021.
Whether you’re heading out for a day of hunting, ice fishing, or enjoying the solitude of a winter trail, a warm cup of coffee or a hot lunch can make even the coldest of days feel enjoyable. In 2021, high-quality insulative food and drink containers can reliably maintain the temperature of their contents for hours on end. The perfect thermos will vary from person to person, but they all have overlapping qualities that make them the ideal piece of outdoor gear.
We narrowed down the best thermoses according to durability, leakproof-ness, heat retention, features, and overall capacity. If you’re looking for a water bottle, check out our lineup of the best insulated water bottles.
Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for:
You can’t quite beat a classic when it comes to a good thermos. The Stanley Classic ($40) has it in the name, and it’s been a top contender for thermoses since its release in 1913. There have been updates to the design since then, but one thing holds true: The vacuum insulation can keep liquids hot or cold for up to 32 hours and keep ice for 160 hours.
It’s a tad heavier than some of its counterparts on the market, but there are numerous reasons Stanley has been used for generations.
The handle on the side makes it easy to carry and pour, even while wearing gloves. The lid doubles as a cup, so if contents are too hot to drink directly from the thermos, pour the contents into the lid to cool faster.
This classic Hammertone green thermos holds about 2 L of liquid. No matter the size of the Stanley Classic you choose, it’s durable, won’t rust, and is BPA-free. Not only that, but if you close the lid correctly, you can guarantee this thermos will be leakproof. That means no worries about tossing this bad boy into a pack on a hike.
Another widely known and trusted brand in the thermos world is Thermos. With a name like that, it would be hard to imagine anything but quality. The Thermos Stainless King ($30) is designed to function as a holder for hot or cold liquids. The brand has food-specific thermoses as well, but this 40-ounce thermos is the best coffee thermos in its line.
Thermos’s patented vacuum insulation keeps liquids hot or cold for 24 hours, and bottles are designed to keep the exterior temperature lower, making it easy to hold. This also prevents the bottle from sweating when holding cold liquids in the summer months.
As with other brands of thermoses, the Thermos King’s lid doubles as a cup. To make pouring easier and to maintain liquid temperature longer, Thermos integrated a clever twist and pour spout that lets you pour out the liquid without removing the stopper.
This stainless steel thermos is easy to use, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe. It may not have the highest heat retention, but it’s a top-quality pick, especially because of the additional functionality.
Capacity: 1.2 L (40 oz.)
Weight: 0.75 lb.
Best For: Enjoying coffee all day long
Pros: Dishwasher-safe, easy-pour function, good heat retention
Cons: Lid cup and seal may need to be replaced after a few years
CamelBak upped the ante with its MultiBev ($48) thermos design. This two-in-one thermos is both a thermos-style water bottle and an insulated travel cup. Unlike many other thermos cups that double as the lid, this thermos’s travel cup portion is the base, and it comes with a roll-up silicone lid.
The bottle lid of the CamelBack MultiBev does have a small compartment underneath the handle to hold the travel cup’s foldable silicone lid. If you don’t plan to use the travel cup’s lid, that compartment is big enough to hold a tea bag or a handful of nuts. This unique design seems to be most applicable for working people looking for travel coffee mugs that can also function as water bottles.
The overall capacity isn’t that large, and it’s heavy for holding just over 20 ounces, so it’s not the best option for snowshoeing or hiking. Still, it’s a durable design that keeps liquids hot or cold for extended periods and is perfect for sharing.
Capacity: 0.65 L (22 oz.)
Weight: 1 lb. 4.8 oz.
Best For: Carrying multiple beverages in one unit
Pros: Well-insulated, versatile design, easy for sharing
The best coffee thermos on our list is a low-profile mug that can do just as well on a hiking trail as it can day to day during your commute. Unlike the standard travel coffee mug, the Contigo Travel Mug ($19) is designed with a SnapSeal lid to make the seal leakproof and keep coffee hot longer.
The most popular size for the Contigo Travel Mug may seem small, but Contigo makes 16-, 20-, and 24-ounce size options. To further add to consumer design choices, Contigo gives you the option to have a handle, grip, or neither.
The high-quality stainless steel body is BPA-free and insulated well enough to keep liquids warm for up to 7 hours and cold for 18 hours. The lid is plastic, so be aware that sometimes the flavors may overlap if you drink tea and coffee in the same mug.
Capacity: 0.5-0.7 L (16-24 oz.)
Weight: 0.32 lb.
Best For: Drinking hot coffee all day long
Pros: Fits in most cupholders, multiple design options, decent heat retention
Cons: Should not put in a bag because the lid could open
The YETI Rambler Mug ($30) took all the benefits of a classic thermos and put them into a trusty coffee mug. This Rambler Mug gives cabin retreats and backcountry camping ventures the perfect morning start by ensuring your coffee stays hot and your tea is a continuously warm treat each night.
The 14-ounce mug is made from stainless steel with a DuraCoat finish, adding to the durability and preventing sweating when holding cold beverages. Because YETI designed this as a mug, the lid doesn’t provide a completely leakproof seal. However, the lid is perfect for fireside sipping and tight enough to help liquids maintain temperature for 6 to 7 hours.
Capacity: 0.41 L (14 oz.)
Weight: 0.81 lb.
Best For: Fireside sipping, commuting
Pros: Sweat-free, easy to use/clean, durable camp mug
Nothing beats a hot lunch on a cold day out in the backcountry. But if you’re not lugging in a huge thermos, how will you get your soup out there? The Hydro Flask Food Jar ($35) solved that problem as a functional, compact container made specifically for food.
The TempShield double insulation keeps your soups or stews hot for hours. It isn’t just ideal for cold weather, though. The container is a perfect size for a fresh fruit salad in the summer. It’s fully leakproof when closed correctly, making it a packable container for any trek.
Unlike a standard thermos, the Hydro Flask Food Jar is designed more like a bowl to provide a wide-mouth opening for ease while eating. With the stainless steel materials, you don’t have to worry about flavor transfer into the container.
Maxso insulated thermoses ($46) are the perfect lunch companions for soup on and off the trail. The size and functionality of each can give you the confidence to store these anywhere in your pack or lunchbox.
They’re vacuum-insulated to keep food hot for up to 12 hours and cold for 24 hours. The top lid doubles as a bowl for eating, and the air-pressure-sealing lid secures the food within the thermos. With an updated design, a foldable spoon fits into the sealing lid.
There’s one larger and one smaller thermos in the two-pack, and it comes with one foldable spoon. The containers are designed with a nonslip bottom and an easy-open air-pressure system even your kids could get used to. For the price, these are excellent thermoses for soups and drinks alike.
Capacity: 17 oz. and 24 oz.
Weight: 2.1 lb.
Best For: Enjoying hot soup up to 12 hours after storing
Pros: Integrated spoon, nonslip design, good heat retention
If you bring your kids along for outdoor adventures or if they need a new thermos for school, the Takeya Insulated Water Bottle ($25) is an extremely functional design. This durable bottle comes in both 14- and 16-ounce versions and is small enough for kids to easily handle and carry themselves.
It’s useful for holding cold liquids for hours, and your kids won’t have to worry about opening and closing the top because it has a built-in straw. The straw makes it easy for kids to drink with no tilting necessary. It’s leakproof when the straw nozzle is in the closed position, so be sure it’s closed all the way before putting it in a pack. Plus, this bottle comes with a sturdy attachment point that can be easily clipped to a backpack.
The only downside to this insulated bottle is it’s only meant for drinking cold beverages; it’s not designed for hot liquids. Because of the straw design, heat causes pressure that could make the bottle leak or spill.
Capacity: 14 oz., 16 oz.
Weight: Varies by size
Best for: Keeping kids’ drinks cold all day
Pros: Straw nozzle, handle on lid, multiple size options
Utilizing the classic Thermos design in a smaller package, the Funtainer is perfect for kids. The Funtainer($17-28) is a 10-ounce food jar for kids to pack in a lunch and is available in multiple designs and patterns. It will keep food cold for up to 7 hours or hot for 5 hours while the container’s exterior remains cool enough for your kids to handle.
The Funtainer has an extra-wide opening for food to make it easy for kids to eat directly from the container. They’re vacuum-insulated and use BPA-free materials, making them leakproof and easy to clean. Plus, this kid-friendly thermos comes with a packable folding spoon.
If you pack a school lunch for your kids every day, this thermos is the perfect size for a lunchbox. Just note it won’t regulate hot food temperature well if put in a lunchbox with an ice pack.
Determining your thermos capacity need comes down to two factors: the intended activity and if you’re sharing.
If you’re heading out for a day of ice fishing, lugging out a Stanley classic will be no issue, but if you’re embarking on an ultralight backpacking trek, a heavy metal thermos may not even make the cut.
Consider how much you usually drink or eat and if it will fit inside of the thermos container. Then decide if it’s just for you or if you’re packing lunch or coffee for you and your partner. If you have multiple people sharing a thermos, then a larger capacity is ideal. However, if one cup of coffee is all you need, something closer to the CamelBak MultiBev will suffice.
Insulation
The insulating capabilities of a thermos are what makes them so useful. Most on the market today will utilize vacuum insulation, but some may also use foam insulation. Vacuum insulation tends to work better than foam, making it the standard for quality thermos brands.
Vacuum insulation uses a double layer of material to create a space between the walls. This gap of air (the vacuum) is what prevents heat from escaping or entering. While vacuum insulation has become the gold standard in thermos technology, the nature of the double-walled construction creates extra weight.
Though this may not be an issue for fishing or casual hiking, vacuum-insulated thermoses are not very practical for backpacking, climbing, or other activities that require prolonged carrying.
Durability
Most of us bring our thermoses into the outdoors, so they need to be able to take a beating. Top-quality thermoses are constructed using stainless steel of some kind for the body. A stainless steel body is harder to break, especially in cold conditions.
Many thermoses also have an additional coating to ensure they’re well-protected. Be mindful of the handle and lid when considering durability as well. Many thermos lids have stainless steel exteriors, and the air-pressure lid is plastic because it isn’t directly exposed unless opened.
Some other designs have all-plastic lids, and this is usually the first part of the thermos to fail. If it does come with a plastic lid, double-check the warranty or if replacement parts are available if something breaks.
Lid Construction
Another aspect of the lid to consider is the seal and how you drink out of the thermos. If you have a food-specific thermos, consider how easy it is to pour from the opening as well.
Traditional thermos designs, like the Stanley Classic, have two lids: one air-locking lid on the inside and an exterior lid that doubles as a cup. These dual-lid designs are almost always leakproof, especially because both lids have a rubber seal of some kind. Having a secure lid design is necessary when carrying around a thermos of hot water or coffee — not only to prevent spilling in a bag but also for your safety.
Other thermos lids, like that of the Contigo Travel Mug, are more like a travel coffee container lid. They should have a rubber seal and a variation of Contigo’s SnapSeal to cover the drinking spout. These lids will vary from company to company, but be sure to pay special attention to how well the lid seals, especially if you intend to use it backpacking.
If you’re only using the thermos as a food container, look at the opening of the lid or top of the thermos to see how easy it will be to pour. The wider the mouth, the harder it will be to precisely pour. However, a wide mouth can make it easier to eat directly from the thermos.
When a thermos is meant for drinking, the lid construction determines how easy it is not to spill on yourself with every sip. Silicone lids usually create a decent seal but can be challenging to drink from. Plastic lids with a sipping hole or straw are usually the go-to for most nontraditional thermos lids.
Extra Features & Accessories
Extra features like a lid that doubles as a cup, an optimized handle design and grip, or a built-in spoon add a bit of versatility to a thermos. These aren’t necessary aspects of the thermos that make or break its functionality, but they can add that little extra piece that makes your life easier or a little more comfortable when enjoying coffee on a cold winter morning.
FAQ
What Are the Best Thermos Cups?
As far as temperature control goes, the best thermos cups are designed by YETI or Hydro Flask. Both companies have mugs and cups that don’t utilize the traditional thermos air-pressure seal and instead have an insulated cup with a sipping lid. These aren’t spill-proof, but they afford the consumer the insulation of a thermos in cup form.
How Can I Best Clean a Thermos Flask?
Some thermos flasks can be cleaned in a dishwasher, but not all are dishwasher-safe. This is disclosed by the manufacturer of the thermos.
If it’s not dishwasher-safe, be sure to take the thermos apart completely and handwash after every use. Don’t forget to remove the rubber seal within the lid to ensure that no food or liquid is trapped underneath.
Which Thermos Stays Hot Longest?
Stanley thermoses have the best heat retention compared to any other brand. This is due to their quality materials, vacuum insulation, and tight lid seal. However, to create a thermos with the best heat retention, it did have to be bulkier and heavier than the others.
What Is the Best Thermos for Kids?
When sending your child off to school, it’s great to know they’ll feel well taken care of with cold water and a hot lunch. On this list, we’ve included high-quality kid-friendly thermoses designed for both liquids and food.
Most kids’ thermoses made to hold liquids feature an easy-to-use built-in straw. While straw tops are great and are generally preferred by kids, they’re usually not compatible with hot liquids. Always read the manufacturer’s recommendations before putting hot liquid into your child’s drinking thermos. The combination of a straw lid and hot liquids can be dangerous.
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This week, Patagonia added wines to its Provisions line and announced that cider and sake are on the way.
The release constitutes the second wave of alcoholic inclusions in the brand’s food line, which already features beer and various trail staples. Multiple reds and whites are on the table, sourced from vineyards all over the world that appear to embody Patagonia’s planet-first principles.
(Photo/Shutterstock)
The sake (made with organic rice) and the hard cider (from the brand’s namesake region in the Chilean Andes) are due in November.
Unlike much of the food sold through Provisions and all the flagship gear, the new vino lineup does not carry the Patagonia monicker. Instead, the brand sourced existing natural wines to sell alongside its other Provisions offerings — similar to the coffee and some of the snacks sold there.
But Patagonia, as per usual, makes sure to back up its decision with pithy, down-to-earth rhetoric. Starting with “connection to place,” the brand waxes poetic about how naturally produced alcohol “captures” and transmits a physical location’s essence through its flora and fauna.
The brand says it searched far and wide for the spirits it now purveys. Along with the eponymous Patagonia region itself, sources include a vineyard on the face of a Sicilian volcano and a biodynamic farm (holistic farming that involves spirituality) in Austria.
Aconcagua vineyard and volcano, Argentina; (photo/Ksenia Ragozina)
Bona fide “natural” wines bypass common processing techniques like filtration, additive inclusion, and chemical treatment. Whether or not each Patagonia wine meets the (murky) criteria looks like a matter of niche conjecture.
For instance, “biodynamic” does not necessarily mean “natural” — only that the process of growing and harvesting the grapes involved mysticism.
If weird wine is your thing, head to Patagonia Provisions. Most bottles are almost cheap enough to make us spring for them, and there’s even a canned entry for occasions bound to get rowdy.
There is a catch. As of this writing, it only ships to 13 U.S. states, plus Washington, D.C.: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana (wine & cider only), North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Home » News » Honor America’s Veterans With YETI Limited-Edition Tumblers
Show your support on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) with a patriotic, limited-edition YETI Rambler. A portion of the proceeds from each classic 30-ounce tumbler goes to a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to families of fallen soldiers.
YETI’s formidable product line can always help you celebrate the occasion. Now, it can also help you honor America’s veterans.
In recognition of Veterans Day, the brand released limited-edition, copper-coated Rambler mugs in three commemorative colors on Nov. 2.
Get the Rambler in brick red, navy blue, or white, with a copper PVD finish and an etched American flag incorporated into the YETI brand label.
Of course, it’s dishwasher-safe and comes with the signature splash- and shatter-resistant MagSlider lid.
Each Veterans Day Rambler sold results in a $5 donation to Folds of Honor, which helps families of disabled or fallen veterans afford education, from kindergarten to college.
Regardless of units sold, YETI has pledged to donate $150,000 to the nonprofit.
The Rambler is built with double-wall insulated kitchen-grade stainless steel and backed by the brand’s 5-year warranty. Show your respect for America’s veterans with any of the three Veterans Day editions, and add a distinctive piece to your existing YETI kit.
The 30-ounce Rambler is the only YETI product included in the limited run. With the holiday approaching, they’ll likely go fast — get yours while supplies lastfor MSRP $35.
Home » Endurance » Quick Bites: Our Favorite Protein Bars for Endurance Athletes
Getting enough calories and protein can be a challenge during endurance training. Here are some of our favorite options for refilling your tank.
As an endurance athlete, packing in enough protein and calories to keep up with my training has always been a challenge. Constantly on the move, I’m all about quick snacks that will sustain me throughout my longest and toughest workouts.
Over my years as a competitive runner, I’ve experimented with a number of different nutrition plans over the years and regularly consult my doctor about the healthiest ways to stay fueled as a distance runner.
Protein bars have always been my go-to because they’re a quick snack I can eat before, during, or after a workout for an energy boost. Like many athletes, I’m careful about what I put into my body and want to make sure I’m setting myself up for success with food that is energizing and nutritious. With so many bars to choose from, it can be difficult to find what’s right for you.
I’m currently training for a marathon and have taste-tested a number of different protein bars — here are seven of my favorites.
During training, I’m hyperaware of the foods that I put in my body. Where many protein bars are packed with sugar and artificial ingredients, RX Bars are made from clean, plant-based ingredients I know and recognize. Common ingredients include nuts, dates, egg whites, and chocolate, and the bars are flavored with oils, essences, and extracts from natural sources.
Packing 12 g of protein, RX Bars don’t offer as much protein as a traditional protein bar, but they are made with clean ingredients, so you’ll have to weigh which is most important to you. I’ve found that RX Bars are good straight from the cupboard but when you pack them along for a long run or an adventure, they tend to melt and don’t taste quite as good.
RX bars have become my go-to for a healthy snack. But when I’m looking for a protein boost before, during, or after a long workout, I tend to look elsewhere.
It doesn’t get much more classic than a Clif Bar. Clif Bar was founded in 1992 to satisfy a need for tasty, nutrient-rich trail snacks, and it’s been a leading protein bar ever since.
At Clif Bar, they’re dedicated to sustaining the planet and as a result, 82% of all ingredients used are organic and/or certified sustainable. Also, 90% of their waste is diverted from landfills and incinerators from their bakeries, and they use 100% green power for electricity at their facilities.
Their bars are also designed to sustain athletes on the go and are packed with energizing carbohydrates, functional fats, 9 g of plant-powered protein, and authentic flavor. While 9 g of protein isn’t a ton, these bars are one of the more filling options and taste amazing, making them easy to get down.
They are flavored with traditional sugars, which means they’re not as healthy as some other options, but when you’re packing on the miles, sugar isn’t the worst thing. Readily available and offered in a wide variety of flavors, Clif Bar is a solid option for everyone.
Keto, vegan, and paleo-friendly, IQ Bars are plant-based protein bars that are good for both your brain and your body. As the name suggests, IQ Bars contain six nutrients that are scientifically shown to support cognitive energy, performance, and health: omega-3s, MCTs, lion’s mane, flavonoids, vitamin E, and choline.
Additionally, they contain 12 g of protein with just 3 g net carbs and 1-2 g of sugar. I’ve never heard of a protein bar that was created to support brain health, but I think it’s a great concept and makes a lot of sense.
Running and endurance sports are largely mental, so making sure your brain is in top shape is a great way to set yourself up for success. IQ Bars contain a lot of nuts and coconut, so they’re not particularly allergen-friendly, but they are good for anyone that’s trying to stick to a keto-type diet. Not only do IQ Bars taste good, but they also provide long-lasting energy while remaining low in sugar and carbs.
Claiming to be “perfect” is a pretty bold statement, but Perfect Bar is one of the best protein bars I’ve come across to date. Perfect Bars are certified USDA Organic and non-GMO. They contain organic honey, whole food protein, and over 20 superfoods. The original refrigerated protein bar, Perfect Bars contain no artificial preservatives, so you know they’re clean.
Besides the fact that they taste amazing, my favorite thing about Perfect Bars is that they are calorie-heavy and contain 15 g of protein, meaning they can serve as a pre-workout meal or a calorie reload after a long run.
As a refrigerated bar, Perfect Barsare one of the freshest in the game, but keeping them cool can be challenging during or race or long training sessions. I’ve let mine go unrefrigerated for the day and haven’t had any issues, but Perfect Bars are best suited for snacks at home or when you have access to a cooler.
Boasting 17 g of protein, Built Bars are macro-balanced protein bars that offer essential nutrients without being loaded with sugar or artificial ingredients. Made from whey protein, gelatin, erythritol, glycerin, chocolate, and maltodextrin, these bars are available in a wide range of delicious flavors.
Each bar is coated in 100% real chocolate, giving it a candy bar taste and feel. As someone who doesn’t eat a lot of nuts or meat, I really appreciate that these bars are a quick and easy way for me to get a solid dose of protein.
However, Built Bars aren’t made with as clean ingredients as some other bars out there, so I tend to only reach for them on days when I really need a protein boost. Fun fact: If you order online, you can order a case of your favorite flavor or mix and match to your heart’s content.
With a whopping 21 g of protein and less than a gram of sugar, Quest Nutrition Protein Bars are a staple of the fitness community. Made from a blend of milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate, soluble corn fiber, erythritol, palm kernel oil, almonds, and sodium caseinate, these bars come in a wide range of tasty flavors like Peppermint Bark and Mint Chocolate Chunk.
Our favorite is the Birthday Cake, with its sweet but not too sweet flavor and oddly festive vibe, but Cookie Dough and Pumpkin Pie are close seconds. If you’re looking for natural ingredients, this won’t be the bar for you. But if you’re looking for a tasty protein boost right after a long run, you could do a lot worse.
Crafted Energy believes there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to training. This is why its bars for athletes are sport-specific, tailored to climbers, runners, and cyclists.
Crafted’s bars are made with plant-based, whole ingredients, and we love the boost they give after a workout — no matter how you are working out, these bars are great fuel. Flavors include cherry walnut, blueberry cashew, and ginger berry nut.
Better yet, each ingredient serves a function specific to a certain type of athlete. Crafted notes ingredients like oats, cashews, and pumpkin seeds are slow-burning energy; dates, coconut, and berries serve for quick-burning energy; and a variety of other fruits and nuts serve to deliver antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and more.
Bottom line: If you are looking for a clean-ingredient, plant-based bar that can deliver a nice kick, Crafted should be on your list.
Home » Deals » Sale: Hydro Flask Water Bottles Are Up to 50% Off Right Now
Hydro Flask is a household name when it comes to hydration. You can score some great deals on bottles and accessories while supplies last.
If you’ve owned a bottle from this brand, you probably know how great Hydro Flask’s water bottles, tumblers, metal pint glasses, and growlers are. They consistently perform well, as validated by our testing and the rave reviews online.
The key to the premium quality lies in the double-walled vacuum insulation, which keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks piping hot for up to 12 hours.
As if the quality of its products wasn’t enough reason to love this company, Hydro Flask also funds nonprofit organizations that handle maintenance, improvement, and access to parks across the country with its Parks For All program. So far, $1.9 million have been donated to help ensure public access to beautiful outdoor spaces that inspire peace and joy.
Shop the full sale or check out a few of our favorite deals below.
This bottle falls in the middle of the wide-mouth bottle range, making it big enough for you to stay hydrated on longer adventures without being super bulky. The various colors are selling out fast, so be sure to grab your favorite while you can.
This versatile little thing functions as a bottle sleeve for your cans and bottles and as a 12-ounce cup all in one, so whatever you’re drinking, whether it’s your morning coffee or an evening beer, you can keep it nice and cool and drink in style.
The Hydro Flask Skyline Wine Tumbleris an insulated, stainless steel tumbler designed for picnics, outdoor happy hours, and any other time you want to keep your wine at the perfect temperature.
Keep your vino chilled and perfectly portable with this handy bottle. It holds a full bottle of wine and, like all Hydro Flask bottles, will keep it chilled for hours on end.
There are plenty of places to score deals on your favorite drinkware. If you’re scouring the web, be sure to check the current Hydro Flask deals from some of our favorite retailers.
Home » Food / Hydration » Trail Fuel: Snowboarder Jeremy Jones Shares Recipe for Homemade Adventure Snack
Haven’t found your favorite trail mix yet? Want to mix it up and make your own? Jeremy Jones shares the recipe for a snack mix that he swears by.
If anyone knows what it takes to stay fueled and energized all day, it’s pro snowboarder and backcountry enthusiast Jeremy Jones. Of course, trail mix isn’t like a super technical piece of gear — there are dozens on market.
But, as many of us on staff know, sometimes it’s better (and cheaper) to make your own.
Quick Bites: Our Favorite Protein Bars for Endurance Athletes
Protein bars have always been my go-to because they’re a quick snack I can eat before, during, or after a workout. Here’s our list of the best ones! Read more…
How did Jones pick this mix? “I pick stuff that’s going to sustain me all day,” he said. “It varies, but pistachios are a constant in there because of the good [complete] protein, potassium, and antioxidants. When it comes to ingredients for snack mixes, I just go into the store and pick out superfoods, and just try to mix up these different flavors that I know I can eat all day.”
Of course, as Jones noted, the science isn’t exact — you can measure by hand, and amounts can vary.
Jeremy Jones’ advice for making your own snack mixes? “My general approach to nutrition in the backcountry is [a] mix of antioxidants, mix of protein, and a mix of different flavors. I mix sweetness with salt and change it up quite a bit. If you’re up there for huge days, you want these different palates.”
And the nut, berry, fruit, cacao blend is a great (read: yummy) place to start. “It’s just a perfect combination that tastes good and keeps me going all day every day,” said Jones.
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Jeremy Jones and Elena Hight trek deep into the John Muir Wilderness for untracked snowboarding lines. The film, ‘Ode to Muir,’ has us stoked to explore the backcountry this winter! Read more…
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Home » Deals » Spring Forward: Save Up to 30% on Stanley Drinkware and Other Gear
Stock up on Stanley drinkware, coolers, and camping cookware during the brand’s Spring Sale.
Stanley has made insulated bottles for more than a century. However, it now makes a lot more than the iconic green Hammershell bottle.
Stanley’s Spring Sale runs through March 13, the start of daylight saving time. Daylight is lasting longer, and our thoughts turn to the warmer spring and summer adventures ahead.
This sale is your chance to save up to 30% on new drinkware, coolers, and camp cookware. (Some exclusions apply, and discount codes can’t be used on sale prices.)
Whether you’re trying to stay hydrated on a hike or back at the campsite, Stanley makes several bottles and tumblers that can keep your cold drinks cold.
For instance, the IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler can keep 30 ounces iced for 2 days or cold for 12 hours. The lid is leakproof when the straw is down. It also comes with a handle for carrying with you and fits in a cupholder in your car or on the treadmill.
(Photo/Stanley)
Coolers & Jugs
Stanley knows that sometimes you want a lot of water, and it makes several sizes to meet the hydration needs of groups and long camping trips. Its coolers and jugs will help you carry food and water wherever you need them.
You can make the Adventure Fast Flow 2-Gallon Water Jug the home base for quenching thirst on a soccer field, at a campsite, or from the back of a truck.
(Photo/Stanley)
Camp Cookware
Let’s not forget that Stanley makes a variety of camp cooking gear. The most complete set is the Adventure Base Camp Cookset, a 21-piece set with pans, bowls, and utensils that pack down into the largest pot thanks to its nesting design.
There’s even a pour-over brew set for a morning (or après) caffeine jolt.
Save Up to 30%
You get the idea — Stanley makes a variety of insulated goods to keep your refreshments cool this summer. This sale helps you save and get a jumpstart on the coming camping season.
