Items of Want 023

Three Potato Four Message Board


"From your favorite old diner to your elementary school lobby, you'll be sure to find one of these classic message boards. Built for function, beautiful in its own design, these letter boards are just like the originals with traditional felt backing, aluminum frame and a plentiful set of interchangeable 3/4" Helvetica lettering. Measures 8" x 12" (landscape) - perfect for small spaces in your home or office. A super gift - comes nicely boxed."

Endor Park Service Patch


If you’re a fan of Star Wars and the outdoors, this patch from Dagobah Traders is right up your alley. I'd like to get a couple for myself so I could sew them onto a few pieces of gear.

Art of Manliness “Character is Power” Framed Poster


"The highest object of life is the possession of a good character. The foundations of civil security, the progress and civilization of nations depend upon individual character. Character is power in a much higher sense than that knowledge is power." Henry F. Kletzing

"This illustration served as the frontpiece to a book published in 1899: Traits of Character Illustrated in Bible Light by Henry F. Kletzing. Enlarged and sharpened to beautifully display the qualities of true character, this handsome and inspiring poster is ready to be hung on your wall and serve as a daily reminder to live a life of excellence."

Antiqued Cotton Flight Crew Cap


Sometimes you just need an inexpensive, plain and simple hat. I bet this gets great wear with use too. "Great for casual wear or worn in the cockpit, our hand-made Antiqued Cotton Flight Crew Cap is reminiscent of those issued to USAAF flight crews in WWII."

Truth be told, I really don't need another hat. How many hats does one need anyway?

The Potts' Factor Versus Murphy's Law


"We spent a night with Stan and his lovely wife Joy at the Potts family compound on the Salmon River, in Shoup Idaho. We left the next day in agreement there'd be few men we'd ever meet again who'd lived a life as full, adventurous, perilous, and big as Stan Potts. Perhaps the greatest outfitter and guide the American West has ever known, Stan has worn many hats over the years: some include pipe line welder, rancher, rodeo cowboy, miner, law enforcement officer, logger, butcher, bush pilot, real estate broker, sculptor, and last but not least, author."

— Check out past Items of Want —

Dispatch 122

  • At Home in the Natural World: Yellowstone in October » A Continuous Lean
  • Manvotional: Thoreau on Media and Information Consumption » Art of Manliness
  • 61 Things To Do, Watch, Hear, And Read This November » Fast Company
  • 10 Inspirational Quotes to Make You Feel Better About Not Getting Anything Done Today » Sarah Cooper
  • Rolf Potts on Travel Tactics, Creating Time Wealth, and Lateral Thinking » Tim Ferriss

Bush Smarts Bush Knife




I’ve had the Bush Knife from Bush Smarts for a little less than a year so far and while I haven’t truly beaten it up, I’ve enjoyed using it. It's a tough knife that includes a well-made leather sheath. The blade itself is forged from ultra high carbon steel and utilizes a Scandinavian grind for maintaining a long-lasting edge. This handmade in Finland knife is rounded out with a tuff burled birch handle that both looks good and feels comfortable in hand.

The price may be a bit steep for some and that's understandable. There are many knives out there that could cover your various bushcraft duties and this is one of them. If you feel moved or intrigued by this tool, jump on it. The Bush Knife has a very classic minimalist style and is fit for all tasks around the campsite or hunting cabin.

Check out more photos on Flickr.

Disclosure: The Bush Smarts link here and above is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing but if you make a purchase after clicking this link, I receive a small percentage of the sale. 

New Boots: Part One


My old boots have served me well. We’ve been all over the place including two peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation and nice and easy 42.5 mile one day hike. I’ve had my current boots, a pair of Lowa Renegades, for approximately four years now. While they’ve been great, They’re nearing their way out and I don’t think I’ll replace them with another pair of the same. I think I’m going to try something new.

At this point in time, my bet is on a pair of Danner Bull Run boots but I’ve yet to even try them on. I hope to find a pair and get a feel for them as soon as possible. I hate new shoes or boots; I want them good and well broken in.

My next boot will ideally be something that can be worn nearly 100% of the time and be both a quality work boot but not shy away from some duty on the trails as well. I have high hopes for Danner and think I’ll order a pair to test out.

In the end, I'm looking for well made boot that will last for years.

Side Note: I know the Bull Run boots are meant to be a warm weather work boot but I don't have a problem with cold feet and the price is right. I'd also like to stay away from GORE-TEX on my next boots if that's possible.