Reviews
What do you do if the woods is so wet even birch bark is difficult to ignite? That’s when you strike the UCO Stormproof Match by Industrial Revolution. Even when soaked with snow, rain or spilled water, these matches easily ignite and then burn for a lengthy 15 seconds.
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Ever want to plant something in your garden, but were unsure if it will grow in our northern climate? This book can help you answer that question for garden perennials. The authors are experienced gardening professionals from the Twin Cities.
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“They were coming for him.” So begins this historical young adult novel by acclaimed novelist William Durbin. “The Darkest Evening” tells the story of an idealistic Finnish-American family whose 1934 move from Virginia to Soviet Russia quickly turns from a dream to a nightmare.
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First published in 2002, now revised, updated, and reissued in a handy paperback format, “Backroads of Minnesota” tempts visitors and residents alike. Northern Wilds publisher Shawn Perich and well-known Minnesota photographer Gary Alan Nelson reveal the state’s nooks and crannies with backroads driving adventures from the Iron Range to the St. Croix River Valley.
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In wry prose that skips seamlessly between topics, following the oral tradition, “Anishinaabe Syndicated” chronicles daily happenings and immense changes in the Anishinaabe community between 1989 and 2001 with equal parts humor, grace and fire—often in the same sentence.
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The most striking thing about the Raindrop Jacket—a waterproof, breathable rain jacket that doubles as a light windbreaker—is the smart styling. Tailored to lightly skim the waistline, yet roomy enough to layer fleece underneath, the Raindrop flatters while it functions. An inner zip pocket and four outer pockets give you plenty of room to stash your stuff. A light dotted pattern adds dimension to the solid color fabric. All the seams are taped. I wore a fleece underneath on a wet, blustery spring day and stayed warm and dry.
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Ever been up a creek without a paddle? How about in the camp without a cup? The H2Duo’s got you covered. This food-grade stainless steel bottle by Seattle Sports Company functions not only as a water bottle, but can be separated into one small and one large cup. This feature makes cleaning the bottle a snap.
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One of the biggest gripes about heart rate monitors is the inconvenience of wearing a chest strap. The ePulse2 by Impact Sports Technologies, changes that. The monitor is a simple, one-piece unit like an oversize wristwatch that straps onto your forearm—no chest strap required. And it’s quite simple to use.
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Looking for a comfortable day pack? Check out the RIBZ front pack. Designed by a former Navy SEAL, the RIBZ pack can be used as a counterweight for a traditional backpack, as a day pack or even as a fly-fishing vest. Made of rip stop nylon, the pack has large, roomy compartments and will comfortably carry up to 10 pounds. The nylon webbing is easy to adjust and comfortable to wear.
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The rubber or elastic bungee is an item most outdoor enthusiasts can’t do without, although we must put up with occasional failings when the bungees break or become stretched out. Enter the Perfect Bungee from Just Ducky Products. Made of polyethylene, the company says Perfect Bungee maintains its elasticity, doesn’t break and is impervious to the elements.
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The Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover is a phenomenal cold weather top with an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio. Although lightweight—tipping the scale at just over 8.5 ounces—it’s quite warm, making it the perfect layer to throw on when you take a ski break or during activity in colder temps. The synthetic insulation stays warm even if it gets wet (which is unlikely with its durable water repellent coating), and it’s great at cutting the wind.
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The Isis Bliss Vest stays true to the functional, feminine outdoor aesthetic of other Isis gear. Cut long to lock out drafts, the Bliss Vest features a contoured waist and a thick, fleecy interior that feels like comfy terrycloth. The nylon outer surface is treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish to repel moisture.
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Need to charge your cell phone, camera, GPS or another device when you are out in the wilds? Take the Fat Cat Charge Card™ along on your next outdoor excursion. Weighing only 2 ounces, ChargeCard™ is the lightest, slimmest portable charger available today.
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The Powermonkey eXplorer (MSRP about $100) is a compact yet versatile little charger that is perfect for a backpacking trip or car camping. When you need a boost, simply plug your electronic device into the Powermonkey for a charge. It works with everything from cell phones to iPods.
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Isis bills itself as “a brand for adventurous women,” and the brand puts its stamp on outdoor clothes by making them girlier and more stylish than their plain-Jane counterparts.
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The fur trade drove and shaped American history in surprising ways, as this lively volume by bestselling author Eric Jay Dolin shows.
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Each chapter in this delightful book comprises a collage of historical accounts from or relating to Minnesota children.
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Author John Caughlan of Superior Photography pursues his passion in all conditions, including raging blizzards like the ones that have claimed so many ships on Lake Superior.
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This gorgeously illustrated volume leads young readers on a journey through the ecosystem of a bog, revealing “bog secrets” page by page like breadcrumbs dropped in a trail. Even mature readers are bound to learn something from the captivating, oft-poetic text.
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The new line of fashionable women’s golf shirts by Donna Bonn Designs are made of a soft and stretchable combination of organic cotton, bamboo and spandex.
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