Blog

Ann Arbor is a foodie town across all strata. Biannual restaurant weeks showcase everything from gourmet food carts to Zagat-rated bistros, and even our local deli is internationally famous. “Bivouac Eats” is a new series where every week, we’ll explore a new Ann Arbor restaurant and run its delicious food through the paces. Our highly-trained, college-metabolism-fueled intern has graciously volunteered for this position with the promise that he tear up a few “man cards” along the way to photogr … read more

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of Michigan’s natural treasures, and in early May, I got to explore its many trails and campsites over a 5-day backpacking trip. For anyone who hasn’t been, pictures don’t do it justice: I had wanted to hike Pictured Rocks for so long and spent hours poring over trail maps and guide books, but even professional photos don’t capture how amazing it is. I looked over hundred foot sheer cliffs onto floating chunks of ice in Lake Superior. I hiked the p … read more

Last November, I took both the Sea to Summit UltraLight Sleeping Mat and the Sea to Summit ComfortLight Sleeping Mat on a trip to the Smoky Mountains for five days and four nights.Both mattresses are great technical pieces that take up very little space when packed and offer a great night’s sleep, but their differences are worth noting.The UltraLight Mat Weighing in at 12.5 oz this 2” air mattress is a great go-to piece for the weight conscious user more than someone who is concerned about … read more

The DeckhandJacket: Fjallraven High Coast Wind AnorakShirt: Original Penguin Blue Gingham Check OCBDPants: AG Lux KhakiShoes: Sperry Authentic Original 2-Eye in Brown LeatherBelt: Vineyard Vines Club Belt (in store only)Watch: Luminox Sea Anu 4221.CW “Navy Seal” (in store only)The Deckhand combines fashion with function to thwart even the worst sea sprays – and look good doing it. A Fjallraven anorak cuts wind and rain alike with a durable blend of polyamide and organic cotton. A Luminox “Author … read more

In honor of my sister’s high school graduation (congrats, sis!), I was lucky enough to venture home to celebrate her accomplishments. While my sister will misguidedly venture to East Lansing next year and enter Michigan State University, I still found myself extremely proud in a way that only a big sister can be! In my family, any big achievement means a meal out. After the ceremony, we had a delicious celebratory post-graduation meal at Mangiamo’s, an Italian restaurant in Grand Rapids. For … read more