Items of Want 033

Ystudio - Brassing Sketching Pencil


Based on how you carry and use this pencil, the paint over the brass wears uniquely. I like to see things get worn from use but still hold up over time and this pencil would perfectly scratch that itch.

[Acquired] Doane Paper Moon Camera Idea Journal Large



I’m a huge fan of old NASA Apollo mission photos not just because the subject itself is incredibly interesting but honestly for the look of the photos themselves. The cross-hair pattern left by the 70mm Hasselblad cameras to be specific has just always grabbed my attention and Doane Paper has created a notebook line with this cross-hair pattern.

Filson Scout Dual Time Watch


From the bezel to the strap, this watch seems to be custom made for my taste. Built by Shinola, this is a classic pilot style watch I’d be sure to wear daily.

Photo by Uncrate

[Acquired] Huckberry Sam Larson Sticker Pack


While I’m a bit of a sticker nerd and I have a growing collection of interesting stickers, I also have a touch of “sticker anxiety” and don’t often know what to do with them. But as soon as this pack arrived from Huckberry, I proudly added that one in the upper right to my laptop lid. These have a fantastically classic design and you won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for a little inspiration to get out and explore.

Sign up for Huckberry through my link and get $10 credit. I get $20 after your first purchase of $25 of more.

[Semi-Acquired] Uncrate Magazine (subscription)


Anyone that knew me in my teens knows that I love magazines. I hate how that rhymed by the way but it’s true. Magazines these days seem to be all the same i.e. mostly boring ads. But magazines still hold a soft spot in my heart and I’m extremely excited to see a resurgence of curated magazines that are built more for coffee tables than bathrooms.

I labeled this as "semi-acquired" because I was able to get a great deal on the first two issues. So I'm all set for this year but looking forward to what they put out next.

— Check out past Items of Want —

Items of Want 032

Silver Reed, Silverette S Manual Typewriter - Orange


After receiving a postcard that was typed on a typewriter from a good friend of mine, I immediately went to my parents basement to hunt for my old typewriter. I believe I got it from a yard sale but it could just have easily been found in the trash too. Either way, the keys are almost all sticky and the ribbon is about out of ink which means I'm on the hunt for a used manual typewriter in good condition. This orange model would be a dream but sold before I could make up my mind.

Hannah - US Schooner 1775 - Ship in a Bottle Kit


Building a ship in a bottle has long been a dream of mine. I used to build a lot of model cars and while they weren't always perfect, I found it incredibly relaxing to do. I have a feeling that this ship in a bottle will grace my bookshelf for years to come.

Roadkill Magazine


I've been a huge fan of the Roadkill YouTube channel over the past couple years and if you're into cars at all, you'll dig it too. "Ride along with HOT ROD's David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan as they continue their love/hate relationship with hot rods, street machines and other highly strung performance vehicles. In Roadkill, Freiburger and Finnegan hit the road in everything from a 1968 Ford Ranchero to a 1500 horsepower Camaro called the F-Bomb. Just getting to their destination is an adventure."

Click here to also check out their newly launched website.

Snow Peak Red Folding Chair


"It’s a unique design that doesn’t leave you feeling cramped like the common styles available right now, which force all your limbs to be touching. Also thanks to the all aluminum tubing and zinc cast components it’s extremely strong and lightweight. The chairs nest together for stacking and transportation. Another great feature is the foam pads on the arms, seems like a small thing but after a 125 mile day on a bike every bit of padding helps. It’s an investment at $89 but I can tell you from personal experience that you can either keep buying cheap chairs and have them break after a season, or buy the last camp chair you’ll ever need."

Words and photo by Wilderness Collective

[Acquired] Shinola Large Paper Journal - Orange


Orange is one of my favorite colors and since I was in need of a new notebook, this was a near instant buy. Actually, at the time of publishing, the set I ordered should already be in my possession. "Essential American-made journal featuring smyth sewn binding—a superior binding technique that greatly improves overall durability and extends the lifespan of the journal, while enabling the pages to lie perfectly flat. Handcrafted in Ann Arbor, MI, from all US-sourced components, including acid-free paper from sustainably-managed American forests."

— Check out past Items of Want —

In Search of a 2 Man Tent

I’ve been looking for a new tent and think I’ve found one that I’m ready to try.

Criteria:

  • 2 man capacity
  • $200-$400 (ideally, cost includes footprint)
  • 3 - 4.9 lbs (as close to 3 as possible)
  • 2 doors (and 2 vestibules)
  • Bath tub floor
  • Sold by REI (love their guarantee and I get a dividend back)
  • Great bang for the buck


Planned Use:

I’d be lying if I said this tent would be mostly used for true backpacking but in reality, my near future holds mostly car camping with the occasional overnight backpacking trip.


 My Style:

I prefer to buy things once and don’t mind paying a little more if it’s a better value in the long run. “Some things cost more because they’re worth more.” [The trick is finding out which things are worth their cost.]


 My Current Top Picks:

I’ve been debating mostly between the Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL 2 mtnGLO ($349) and the REI Half Dome 2 ($199) and have all but settled on the Half Dome 2 because of my current (and near future) needs as well as its low impact to my wallet. While I think the interior lights idea of the Big Agnes tent is neat, it's not a deal breaker for me at all. In fact, I could buy the Half Dome 2 and the Big Agnes mtnGLO Light Accessory Kit and still have $110 left over when compared to the Rattlesnake SL 2.


Final Decision:

The main problem is that I'm having to make a decision in the next day or two because I'm going on a camping trip this weekend. I wasn't planning on upgrading so soon but they're calling for rain and my current tent won't be able to handle the constant downpour without me getting wet and uncomfortable. A quick decision is hardly ever ideal but I've been weighing my options pretty hard over the last few days and just now decided to write about it.

As of the publishing of this post, I'm leaning heavily towards the Half Dome 2. It seems to be the best compromise of features and cost for my needs.


Your Recommendation?

I'd love to hear your recommendations but keep in mind my criteria listed above.

UPDATE: I settled on the REI Half Dome 2. On the few camping trips I've taken it on, it's proven itself to be a great buy and I highly recommend it.