Looking to close out your summer in musical style?  Well, we are about 10 days away from one of the most eclectic music festivals ever.  The Summerset Music Festival is descending upon Summerset Amphitheater August 24, 25 & 26th.  With everything from Jam Bands to DJs spinning dance music, there is sure to be something for everyone.   Having incredibly impressive acts closing out the 3 night event makes me very excited.  I am a HUGE fan of Big Gigantic and Umphrey's McGee, and Pretty Lights will be sure to draw an enormous crowd.

Summerset Music Festival Headliners

Looking for tickets or camping passes?  HERE is where you need to be.  Clubtix has it all...  Expect more coverage as we get a little closer to the show, knowing me I'll have plenty more to say before it's here.

Here is a quick promotional video they put together...  Kinda sums up the whole deal if you ask me...

It may be my inner hippy, or simply my love for being outside, but I love to throw around a Frisbee.  My accuracy may leave a little to be desired and finding space in my pack to bring one along on a back-country trip is often easier said than done.  I met a couple really cool guys at the Outdoor Retailer trade show that had a product that changed all that.  The Pocket Disc is a crocheted cotton disc that flies incredibly well and if your throw finds an unintended target, no worries, nothing is going to break.  Even better, it folds, rolls or stuffs into nearly any space.  Headed to a music festival?  Just stuff this in your pocket...


Available in dozens of colors and patterns, there is a design that is perfectly your style.  Made by Mayan artisans, these are not cranked out on some huge machine in a warehouse in china.  Every single Pocket Disc is hand made and a fair trade product helping enrich the lives of the artists that create them.

They are fun on so many levels... My daughter can't decide if she likes it better as a toy or a beret...

The crew at Pocket Disc are not done here either.  Check out their latest innovation, the LunaDisc.  They have incorporated pliable LED lights for nighttime fun.  Just because the sun called it quits for the day, doesn't mean you have to.  Check out their Kickstarter project for full details and how to get your hands on one.


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Living in Minnesota you learn to enjoy the summer quickly, because it is over quickly.  We have had a number of adventures already this summer and I have found a few pieces of gear that flat out rock.  No matter what you are into, there is a little bit for everyone on this list.

Sanuk Anthem Waxed Canvas Sneakers:  I know Sanuk says "they're not shoes, they're sandals" but this one may be a stretch.  Taking ques from the now extinct Simple brand, the anthems are a throw-back to my youth.  The waxed canvas upper begs to be abused, just like the rugged packs that made the material famous.  Just slip these on your feet and you are ready for a day at the park or a night in the town.  MSRP:$70.00

Injinji Performance Toe-Socks:  They may take a little getting used to but these gloves for your feet will forever change how you look at socks.  No pinched toes, almost zero friction between toes and moisture management unlike any sock you have ever slid your foot into.  Now with a wide range of lengths and weights, the Injinji toe-socks are available for everything from distance running to yoga.  For you yogis out there, there are versions available with either rubber grippers on the bottom or a toe-less version, both to provide a little extra traction in those extreme poses. MSRP: $10 - $16



Avon Bug Guard Plus:   Memories of summers at my grandparent's house were unavoidable when I got the first whiff of the new generation of Avon's skin-so-soft Bug Guard Plus spray.  This stuff is brilliant for back-country protection.   A true 2-for-1, surprisingly effective bug protection with SPF 30 built in.  It comes in pump and aerosol sprays, as well as pocket friendly wipes for easy application.  They're pretty waterproof, so you don't have to reapply every time you get a little splash of water in your face.  MSRP:  $14 to $16



Black Diamond Equipment Storm Headlamp:  I have never been a headlamp guy, but this one changed that for me.  Completely waterproof so you won't get stuck in a storm flying blind.  100 lumens of light fill camp, but a quick press of a button switches it over to a night vision saving red light, so my camp buddies can stop yelling at me for leaving the light on and blinding everyone.  A handy lock feature keeps me from killing the batteries by lighting the inside of my pack while in transit.  MSRP: $49.95




Granite Gear's Zippditty Bags:  Sometimes, it's the little things that make life easier.  In this case, it's keeping the little things organized.  These little zipper bags offer countless options for keeping your pack tidy.  Built from ultra-light 30D CORDURA fabric and outfitted with Granite Gear's waterproof zippers, these little bags will keep your goodies clean and dry inside.  Being semi-trasparent also helps find what you are looking for without rummaging through every one.  MSRP: $14.95 - $29.95




GSI Outdoors 14" Aluminum Dutch Oven:  Cooking over an open fire makes everything taste good.  But have you ever had calzones or banana nut bread at camp? If not, it is time to invest in a dutch oven.  This aluminum model from GSI shaves serious weight off of the enderour and performs as well as any we have used.  On our last BWCA trip this little wonder was the center of our cooking marathons kicking out some of the camp favorites.  MSRP: $109.00

With one of the better line-ups to come to the BBP in a few years, we were quite excited to make our way over to Minneapolis and the grounds of the Basilica.  With Train, The Head and The Heart and Cake all playing Friday night only Mother Nature could put a damper on the festivities.  The skies opened up with about 30 minutes to go in the Train set, sending people running for their cars in a torrential downpour.




As one of the better Basilica Block Parties in recent memory, I was impressed.  From the way it was organized to the local food and beverages available.  Barrio had their truck there dishing out super yummy tacos and guacamole, just wish I could have gotten one of their famous tequilas to wash it down...

RFID enabled wristbands

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