Category: Health & Fitness

Chris Hemsworth is one of those guys who has managed to stay authentic through a meteoric rise to stardom. That probably has a lot to do with the fact that when the Australian actor isn’t portraying a Norse god for Marvel or doing hit action flicks like Extraction for Netflix, he is back home surrounded by family in Byron Bay.

“It’s all about staying true to yourself“ Hemsworth told Men’s Journal. “Trying to live a life of integrity and honesty. And pursuing your dreams with a real commitment and passion.”

That down-to-earth attitude plays into everything Hemsworth is involved in, from showbiz to his new BOSS Bottled campaign with Hugo Boss. Being the face of a fragrance is not for everyone, but he wears it well, because we know he doesn’t just sit pretty. Odds are that once the photo shoot is wrapped, he’s ditching the suit for gym gear or his surfing wetsuit.

We spoke to Hemsworth about Australia, his latest training methods, and what to expect from the next Thor.

Since you are someone that is constantly evolving with your training, what new methods and exercises are you excited about?

I’ve been training with Ross Edgley, who was the first person to swim around Great Britain, and the list goes on of incredible feats. He’s an absolute beast. But just a ball of positivity and knowledge. There’s not a subject in the field of health, wellness, training, repair, recovery, strength, speed, endurance, whatever, that he isn’t versed in. So, I’ve just been savagely stealing all of his knowledge as much as I can.

I’m shooting a documentary for National Geographic and Utopia, who also did One Strange Rock with Will Smith. And Darren Aronofsky’s overseeing the whole thing and directing a lot of it, and it’s all about longevity and health. And Ross has been quite central to a lot of those episodes, so he’s out here currently in Australia. And with Thor next year, we’re already doing a lot of strength work and power work and building muscle, but really concentrating on having it be functional too. So, incorporating swimming with it, incorporating functional movements.

I found that in the past, when I just lifted heavy weights, I put the mass on, but my joints were stiff, there was no functionality to it. And I’ve never seen anyone at his size or that size also have such athleticism, and that’s what’s impressive. He does not look like a swimmer, but if he didn’t have that muscle mass on the swim around Great Britain, his tendons would probably have torn off. So, he’s a very unique individual and it’s been fantastic to work so closely with him lately.

How have the workouts evolved since those interactions?

Just being really smart with the training. But to be honest, we’re training in less time, but with a greater intensity. So, big power movements, building up to them, and then mechanical drop sets, hitting it from different angles, one after another. Doing big, heavy chest and then holding an isolated half push-up position, so isolated holds after a big set.  But just explosive eccentric movement and then slow on the concentric.

The wheels are in motion for the next Thor, when did you start training for it?

I ruptured a couple of ligaments in my ankle, so we really had to alter the training. This was last month, so I’ve had to work around that and have it in a moonboot for a bit. But that’s actually starting to feel good now, so working with a great physio on directional change stuff and stressing the ankle in similar positions under a safe space, so that it can build up scar tissue in that movement. Not completely staying away from it, which I hadn’t worked with before.

Normally, in injury and tendon damage, you just stay right away and don’t touch it, which we did for a period of time, but he said it was just as important to get back and stress it in the same way just to build strength there again. We’ve been doing that, but again, I couldn’t swim properly, so I’d be swimming with a pool buoy, flotation device in between my knees. So, I could still do upper body and still get some sort of core movement workout.

Do you make it a point to recreate the physicality that you have in previous Thor movies? Or do you find yourself trying to adapt his look depending on the script?

Depending on what version of Thor we see, and we saw the different condition he was in in End Game. If I’m playing a healthy version of Thor, I want to step it up a notch and I’m definitely looking at evolving again. With all the muscle memory, you only look a certain way after years and years of doing it. There’s a different sort of density to your muscle mass.

This is something I say all the time, but I want to be able to have function to it. You can see people who just do strict body building, they move a certain way. There’s an impressive visual image there, but for me, it’s got to be agile and mobile and have flexibility to it. So, I like to think we’re all pretty excited that we’re ramping it up again and Ross is going to give me a hand with that. I’m in good hands.

I heard that you and director Taika Waititi have been having script meetings on the new one, Thor: Love and Thunder. Can we expect some big action?

For sure. Always! That is something that I said to Taika early on, because he’s so incredible with story, and character, and humor. And what was so amazing about Ragnarök was that it had all those elements, but I also heard from people that they loved the big action scenes. The opening with the Fire Giant, and the battle on the bridge. Those big cinematic, launch-off-the-screen experiences. So I really think it is about that fusion. The attention to all of the spaces. It is one of the funniest scripts I have read in years, and I have read a few. I haven’t been this excited for a long time.

I remember speaking to you when you first got the role of Thor, you were prepared to work, but did you ever see coming up on a decade of playing the character?

I couldn’t have seen this coming. I didn’t realize the health journey it was going to send me on. I wish I knew what I know now back then. I have learned how important those early years are for setting a foundation, and getting the mechanics right. Not stressing the parts of the body that people are usually stressing, the knees and the back. These days I feel healthier than I ever have and that has a lot to do with the abundance of people that I have interacted with. It is about staying open to new ideas, and not thinking you have all of the answers.

During that time, you became the face of BOSS Bottled, as their Man of Today, what did you like about the campaign?

They are timeless, and I believe that message of staying true to what you are really connected with me. That’s been the ethos for the brand since I first joined and, I think, for a long time. So, it’s great to be part of that kind of a positive message.

Being the face of a fragrance, what smells do you find yourself enjoying the most?

I have to say the smell of Australia. When I step off a plane having landed back home after traveling. The first thing that hits me is that Australian bush life, the eucalyptus and crackling plant life. There is also a frangipani tree that grows at our home, that just brings me peace. They grow in the places of course, like Hawaii and Indonesia. If I come across one of those out in the world, it just brings me back home. And then the beach and everything that comes with that. The ocean, and the smell of surfboard wax. Those scents are very grounding for me.

In the 1970s and 1980s, things weren’t looking so great for the tried-and-true mechanical watch. Compact, highly accurate quartz watches had flooded the market, and more and more people were taking a pass on the intricate craftsmanship of mechanical watches and opting for battery-powered options. But Swiss watchmaker Breitling wasn’t content to let the mechanical timepiece fall by the wayside. To celebrate its 100th anniversary in 1984, the brand launched the Chronomat, a mechanical watch that demonstrated a strong commitment to spring-powered watches, and it soon became an icon. Now the watchmaker has released the Chronomat B01 42, and it references everything we love about the original: It’s highly functional, offers refined styling, and brings some interesting history to your wrist.

The Chronomat name actually goes back even further than 1984. According to a press release, Breitling first attached the label to some of its watches in the 1940s, and the word was a portmanteau of “chronograph for mathematics” (this was long before the Casio calculator watch appeared). The 1984 Chronomat recycled the name, but this time it referred to the watch’s self-winding, or automatic, movement—a notable departure from the quartz watches that were so common at the time.

“It was the watch that boldly proclaimed Breitling was staying absolutely true to its roots,” Breitling CEO Georges Kern said in a statement.

The 1984 Chronomat took design cues from a timepiece Breitling had previously created to honor the Frecce Tricolori, the aerobatic demonstration team of the Italian Air Force. With its tachymeter for calculating speed and its rotating bezel, it quickly became popular with aviators, as well as Formula 1 drivers and boaters.

Today’s Chronomat comes in a dizzying number of versions to suit every taste, but all stay true to the design heritage of the ‘80s original—or “modern-retro,” as Breitling describes it. The watch features a 42-millimeter stainless-steel case with an integrated Rouleaux bracelet for a sleek look on the wrist (there’s also a rubber bracelet available for a sportier feel). Like the original, the Chronomat B01 42 comes with a rotating unidirectional bezel with rider tabs. Although a small detail at first glance, the tabs serve an important purpose: They protect the timepiece’s sapphire glass, and the tabs at three o’clock and nine o’clock are interchangeable, which allows you to utilize “count down” or “count up” functions.

We also love that the Chronomat comes in such a wide range of finishes, which makes it possible to nab a unique timepiece that also fits well with your wardrobe. For example, you can opt for a silver, copper, or blue dial with black contrasting chronograph counters, or a black dial with silver contrasting chronograph counters. There are also several options with striking red gold accents, and two eye-catching special editions: a Bentley edition honoring the famed British carmaker and a limited edition (only 250 available) honoring the Frecce Tricolori.

No matter which you choose, you’ll get a very well-designed watch. Breitling’s Manufacture Caliber 01 movement powers every Chronomat, and each timepiece boasts a 70-hour power reserve. Plus, they’re water resistant to 200 meters, which makes them more than ready for the rigors of daily wear.

Over three decades after the “quartz revolution,” we’re happy to see that mechanical watches—especially the Chronomat—are still going strong.

[$8,100; breitling.com]

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Spiked seltzers haven’t lost their traction. We love a juicy IPA as much as the next guy, but sometimes you want a lighter alternative. If you’re already experiencing White Claw fatigue, know that there’s a big, beautiful world of spiked seltzers, hard teas, and canned cocktails you’ve likely never tried.

Summer 2020 is as good a time as any to try some standouts. You’re spending more time at home, leaving plenty of time to crack open a cold one after yard work, lazing by the pool, or enjoying a day on the lake. Better yet, pick up some packs of spiked seltzers and other canned concoctions for your Fourth of July festivities. Whether you’re anticipating a leisurely or boisterous holiday weekend, it’ll surely benefit from these five.

Not one is a flavored malt beverage. Each of these boasts premium alcohol and natural ingredients for a buzz that can’t be beat. Think of them as cocktails you’d make for yourself—only canned and ready to be toted to your favorite local beach, mountain, or buddy’s backyard.

The Best Spiked Seltzers, Hard Teas, and Canned Cocktails

 

 

 

1. Volley Sharp Grapefruit Spiked Seltzer

This newly launched line of spiked seltzers doesn’t rely on malt alcohol, nay. Volley utilizes 100 percent blue agave tequila from Guadalajara, Mexico, in its easy-to-slug concoctions. But we urge you to savor every sip. Unlike other spiked seltzers that use sub-par tequila mixed with malt liquor and additives, Volley sources blue agave from the highlands of Jalisco, where the agave plant matures slowly, yielding sweet, floral, well-rounded tequila. Flavors include fan favorites like Sharp Grapefruit, Zesty Lime, and Tropical Mango, as well as a wild card: Spicy Ginger. And since they’re using premium tequila, they don’t muck it up with unnecessary ingredients. Volley uses natural fruit juice and sparkling water—and that’s it! There are no concentrates, added sugars, or “natural” flavors, aka synthetic, lab-made essences that taste artificial (think watermelon seltzers that mimic Jolly Ranchers). The Sharp Grapefruit is refreshing with the tang and sharpness you’d get from a paloma. Available in New York, New Jersey, and Florida markets; online shipping available nationwide in all 50 states. Find the closest third-party retailer near you, here.

• ABV: 5.25%
• Calories: 100-110
• Carbs: 1 g
• Sugar: 0 g

[$13.99, 4-pack; drinkvolley.com]

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2. LQD Hard Peach Green Tea

LQD (“liquid reimagined”) is a line of craft beverages that comes from Anheuser-Busch’s Brewer’s Collective. The sector’s lineup includes Hard Agave Limeade, Hard Hibiscus Lemonade, Hard Passionfruit Green Tea, and Hard Peach Green Tea—best enjoyed while playing a round of bocce ball or lolling about on a porch swing (just our humble opinion). The Hard Peach Green Tea has a soft, mellow fruitiness. The flavor isn’t overt—more like the musky fragrance of sun-ripened fruit. LQD brews decaffeinated green tea leaves with pure cane sugar (and a little yeast), which naturally ferments into alcohol (the same process as beer and wine), then they blend in more green tea and add whole peach puree. There are no artificial sugars or additives, and we love the lack of malt liquor. It’s incredibly smooth and a nice alternative to seltzer. Find the closest third-party retailer near you, here; also available on drizly.com.

• ABV: 5.2-5.9%
• Calories: 150-185
• Carbs: 11-18 g
• Sugar: 8-12 g

[$10.99, 6-pack; drinklqd.com]

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3. JuneShine Blood Orange Mint Hard Kombucha

For some, kombucha is the magical elixir that calms stomachs and delivers sweet, sweet salvation from the worst hangovers. You can thank the probiotics and antioxidants from its gut-friendly yeast and bacteria; they, along with organic acids, actually detoxify the liver, per research published in the CyTA Journal of Food. Some brilliant minds have used kombucha as a mixer in cocktails. It’s naturally effervescent and sour, after all. But Juneshine has done one better and created a lineup of hard kombuchas. Blood Orange Mint is one of their most popular, touting real blood oranges, green tea, cane sugar, a touch of honey, mint, and Jun kombucha (a variety of ‘booch, which is fermented with tea and honey instead of cane sugar, lending it a lighter, smoother taste). Grab one while barbecuing. Better yet, keep a cooler handy while you man the grill, ‘cus it’ll go down fast. Other notable flavors include Midnight Painkiller (coconut, pineapple, orange, turmeric, and nutmeg) and JuneShine’s new 100-calorie offering: Pineapple Orange and Hibiscus Lime. Find the closest third-party retailer near you, here; home delivery available in some states; also available on drizly.com.

• ABV: 4.2%-6%
• Calories: 100-149
• Carbs:
• Sugar:

[$29.99, 12-pack; nyc.juneshine.com]

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4. Cutwater Lime Vodka Soda

Cutwater has over a dozen different canned cocktail options (Rum Mojito, Whiskey Mule, Tiki Rum Mai Thai, the list goes on…), so you’d be hard pressed to find something you don’t like. Their line of vodka sodas will definitely hit the spot on sweltering summer days. Choose from Lime, Grapefruit, or Cucumber—all are made with the brand’s very own Fugu vodka, which is distilled six times from corn-based grains, then filtered 15 times (precision is the name of the game) with either naturally flavored lime, cucumber, or grapefruit soda water. It’s crisp, light and everything we want to be drinking on a body of water (or a hot-as-hell fire escape in Brooklyn). Find the closest third-party retailer near you, here; also available on drizly.com.

• ABV: 5%
• Calories: 99
• Carbs: 0 g
• Sugar: 0 g

[$12.99, 4-pack; drizly.com]

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5. Southern Tier Distilling Vodka Madras

Seeking a canned cocktail with some artisanal flair? Southern Tier‘s got just the ticket. Their Vodka Madras has more depth and complexity than your average ready-to-drink varietal. Cardamom is steeped in chamomile tea, providing zest and warmth to counteract sweet orange juice and tart cranberry and lime juices. It all gets mixed with their Southern Tier Vodka, which is made from 100 percent New York State wheat and distilled multiple times (read: it goes down smooth). This little beauty was a 2019 SIP Award Best of Class Platinum winner to boot. Other notable canned cocktails include Bourbon Smash (straight bourbon whiskey, ginger, mint, and lemon), Gin & Tonic, and Vodka Soda. Find the closest third-party retailer near you, here; also available on drizly.com.

• ABV: 8%

[$12.49, 4-pack; southerntierdistilling.com]

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I was never what you’d call a talented cook, but since having Alfie my repertoire has dwindled to consist of approximately five dishes, Uber Eats, and calling my mother-in-law for an emergency delivery. So when I got the opportunity to land (ahem, that’s a fishing pun) 2kg of barramundi fillets from Humpty Doo Barramundi, I was excited but slightly nervous to try a fish curry. After all, 2kg is a lot of fish, and when you’re gifted that much fresh, sustainably-farmed seafood, you want to do it justice.

Barramundi isn’t my usual go-to in the land of fish (I’ve always been a salmon gal) so I had to do a little research. Did you know that Australian-farmed barramundi is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory), phosphorus (protects the blood’s acid balance and transports energy) and selenium (an anti-oxidant, for thyroid health and immune system)? Well you do now. Plus, as it turns out, it’s delicious AND really easy to cook with. From pan frying and oven-baking to fish cakes, fish pie and fish curry, the options are pretty well endless.

Paralysed by indecision, I called my afore-mentioned mother-in-law for help. Maddy is an excellent cook (and even more amazing MIL and support to us), and she offered to cook a Bengali-style light fish curry for us. It was A M A Z I N G, and even I can cook it, so I’m sharing the recipe with you. It takes a little prep work, but it’s worth the effort.

You’re welcome.

Maddy’s (non-Bengali) version of ‘macher jhol’ – a Bengali-style light fish curry

Ingredients

300g oily fish fillets cut into 2” pieces (I’ve used barramundi, but you could also use red snapper, salmon, pomfret, sea bass, tilapia…)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into narrow wedges
Mustard oil – 2T for frying, 1t for the five spice tempering and 1/2t to drizzle before serving
Sliced green chillis (to taste)
1T chopped fresh coriander
1T mustard and coconut paste*
1/2t turmeric
1/2t panch phoron**
Salt to taste

*Mustard and coconut paste
20g mustard seeds soaked in 200ml water for 2 hours
1 green chilli (optional)
20g moist coconut flakes
1/4t salt
Grind together to form a fine paste and freeze excess for later use.

**Panch phoron (Bengali five spice tempering)
1T fennel seeds
1T mustard seeds
1T cumin seeds
1T fenugreek seeds
1T nigella seeds
Mix and store excess in a jar for later use.

Method

1. Coat the fish fillets with 1/4t turmeric and a pinch of salt and set aside.
2. Coat the potato wedges with 1/4t turmeric and a pinch of salt and set aside.
3. Heat 2T of mustard oil in a wok till it begins to smoke lightly. Add the potatoes and ‘fry’ until light brown. Set aside.
4. Add the fish pieces to wok on medium-high heat and delicately sear – approximately one minute each side. Set aside.
5. Add 1t mustard oil to the wok on medium heat and wait until it begins to smoke lightly. Add the sliced chilli (if using) and panch phoran tempering. Stir and then immediately add the mustard and coconut paste plus 2T of water (to prevent the tempering from burning). Stir continuously.
6. Once simmering, add the fish and potatoes, cover with water and stir gently to combine. Simmer covered for approximately 5mins or till fish and potatoes are cooked.
7. Season to taste.
8. Drizzle 1/2t raw mustard oil in a serving bowl and top with fish curry. Sprinkle with chopped fresh coriander. Enjoy with hot rice.

What is tempering?
Tempering is a method widely used in Indian cuisine, where whole or ground spices are heated in hot oil or ghee and then added to a dish. This process extracts and retains the essence, aroma and flavour of the spices, adding a whole new dimension to a dish.

Humpty Doo Barramundi

I was lucky enough to be gifted 2kg of beautiful barramundi from Humpty Doo Barramundi. Humpty Doo is a privately owned and operated family business set halfway between Darwin and Kakadu National Park, surrounded by lush mangroves and virgin tropical savannah. For them, sustainability is more than an operating practice; it’s an ethos that runs through the DNA of the business. Humpty Doo Barramundi maintains a holistic approach to sustainability, considering the health of the environment, the barramundi and the consumer, and I feel like you can taste that in the fish itself.

Many consumers don’t realise that 60% of Barramundi consumed in Australia is imported. Without labelling in restaurants, many assume that if it’s Barramundi, it’s Australian. I’d urge you to ask the question, read the labelling, and support Australian businesses like Humpty Doo Barramundi.

The post Bengali-style light fish curry recipe appeared first on Lazy Girl Fitness.

“The treasure has been found,” wrote Forrest Fenn, in a June 6 post on a popular site dedicated to the ever-widening search for the eccentric collector’s storied cache. A brief 100 words offered an anticlimactic ending to a controversial hunt that spanned the Rocky Mountains across four states.

In 2009, the retired Santa Fe, NM, antiquities collector claimed he hid a treasure worth around $2 million. Fenn published a book with a poem containing nine clues leading to the spot. Over the next decade, thousands of amateur sleuths joined an increasingly chaotic chase, which led to dozens of rescues and five known deaths.

In a Santa Fe New Mexican article on June 7, Fenn stated the successful searcher was a man from “back East” who wished to remain anonymous. He’d confirmed the discovery by sending a photo to Fenn, who declined to share the photo for the article.

Meanwhile, skeptical observers wondered about a hoax. Perhaps Fenn retrieved the treasure himself or there never was a treasure in the first place? Under scrutiny for years, which was magnified due to the coronavirus pandemic, Fenn had been asked by regional authorities to end the hunt. Fenn consistently declined, explaining it would be unfair to responsible searchers, many of whom had invested thousands of dollars and hours.

On June 16, Fenn posted a cryptic update to his original post, explaining the finder did not want the location disclosed. Three photos were included with captions. One photo (pictured above) shows a dirt-encrusted bronze chest, resting in pine needles and grass, “taken not long after it was discovered.” Inside were gold coins and other jewels. A second photo shows Fenn in a conference room wearing a tarnished silver and turquoise bracelet, stating, “the bracelet on my arm was wet when found.” A third photo (below) shows Fenn unpacking the chest contents on a table.

Reactions to the limited information have been varied, with some enthusiasts defending Fenn for protecting the alleged finder’s anonymity, possibly to avoid federal confiscation. Others pointed out the massive tax burden the finder now faces. Disappointed commenters criticized Fenn or expressed distress at not learning the mysterious location they’d sought for years.

Before Fenn became internationally famous for creating the treasure hunt, he owned a Santa Fe art gallery that was popular among wealthy collectors and celebrities. In 1988, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer and given a 20 percent chance of survival. To preserve his legacy, Fenn sat down to write a memoir about his life, which included 328 combat missions as a fighter pilot in Vietnam before retiring and searching the Southwest for artworks to fill a gallery.

To share his love for treasure seeking, Fenn conceived the search. He filled a bronze chest with gold and other items—including coins, nuggets, figurines, and jewelry—valued at several million dollars. Author Doug Preston claimed to have seen it in Fenn’s vault. After chemotherapy, Fenn fortunately survived his prognosis and tabled his plan for years. During 2009, the FBI raided the homes of four Santa Fe collectors, including Fenn, during a crackdown on illegal collecting in the Four Corners region, but none of the four were charged.

The following year, an 80-year-old Fenn recalled his original intent and took the chest to a favorite spot in the mountains north of Santa Fe. He self-published his memoir, The Thrill of the Chase, with a poem containing nine clues that led to the treasure. Interest began slowly. The only shop carrying the book, Collected Works in Santa Fe, sold about 25 copies per month. Then, in 2012, Fenn appeared on NBC’s Today show to discuss the hunt. Soon, the bookstore had backorders for thousands of copies.

Since then, an estimated 350,000 people have scoured the Rockies, from northern New Mexico to Montana. For many years, Fenn communicated with searchers, occasionally offering further clues that narrowed their searches. The chest was unburied, resting on open ground. It was easy to reach if the clues were deciphered properly.

Most searchers came away safely, but others got into serious trouble. The first death happened in 2016 when a Colorado man’s body was found in the Rio Grande. Three deaths occurred during summer 2017. An Illinois man fell 500 feet down a cliff in Yellowstone National Park. A third victim was found in the Rio Grande, and a fourth was found in Colorado’s Arkansas River, an area popular among searchers. In October 2018, a Pennsylvania man was arrested for breaking into Forest Fenn’s home and stealing a chest filled with linens and towels.

Already, 2020 had seen several high-profile incidents. In January, an Indiana man was rescued from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Rappelling in during a snowstorm, his rope didn’t reach the canyon floor. So, he released and shimmied down until trapped.

“You might call me a lunatic, whatever, but I feel wholeheartedly I solved that Fenn treasure thing,” he told the federal magistrate judge who sentenced him to seven days in jail, reimbursement costs for the rescue, and a five-year ban from Yellowstone National Park.

In mid-March, two Colorado men took rental snowmobiles into the backcountry near Dinosaur National Monument. When they hadn’t returned several days later, the outfitter called authorities. A search and rescue team found one man dead from exposure and the other man alive, only five miles from the spot where the team had rescued the same two searchers less than a month before.

For now, criminal charges against illegal searchers and lawsuits against Fenn linger. Only time will tell if the location that searchers desperately sought will be revealed. After 10 years, the search for Forest Fenn’s treasure has finally come to a mysterious and possibly suspicious end.

 

Buying a hammock is kind of like going on a date: You’re a little nervous, worried you can’t afford it and wondering how this new addition will fit into your life. After the first-date jitters vanish, you’re suspended in a brief stage of comfort and bliss.

Then reality sets in: What the heck are you supposed to do next?

Alright, we might be reaching. But here’s the good news: With a little creativity, a hammock can become a multi-purpose gear hero that you’ll never leave home without.

Here are seven ways to stretch your hammock’s potential beyond two trees.

A Hammock

The humble hammock actually has a pretty interesting history: More than 1,000 years ago, Central Americans slept in suspended tree-bark slings to prevent contact with the dirty ground and protect themselves from snakes and rodents.

Modern-day hammocks come in every iteration you can think of, from ultra-light backpacking hammocks to luxe two-man nests with bug nets and rain flies.

A Gear Bag

When you run out of space in your backpack, you can easily carry extra supplies over shorter distances by wrapping them inside of your hammock, then tying the ends of the hammock together to secure your gear.

It’s a great way to keep your hands free until you get down to the beach, up to the cabin or back to the climbing spot.

A Multi-Purpose Tarp

The less you bring on a camping trip, the better. You’ll save packing space and weight by using your hammock as a multi-purpose tarp.

While some hammocks aren’t waterproof, most are highly durable and easy to clean, so they can double as a tablecloth, a seat for damp ground, an outdoor shower curtain and a welcome mat to keep dirt and grime out of your tent.

A Beach Blanket

Why use a heavy blanket at the beach when you can use a lightweight hammock instead? Most are wide enough to comfortably fit one or two people with regular-sized towels, and they can be weighed down easily with sandals or a beach bag.

A hammock is quick to dry, plus much lighter to carry and easier to shake sand out of than a blanket.

A Climbing-Rope Mat

A climbing rope is literally your lifeline, so common sense says that you want to take the utmost care of it.

To give your rope a longer lifespan, use a hammock to keep your rope clean while climbing. You can also stand on the hammock to give your feet a break from tight climbing shoes while you’re belaying.

A Sail

Nope, we’re not kidding. If you’re kayaking in windy conditions and want a quick lift back to shore, hold each end of your hammock with your hands, or join up with another kayaker, tie each side of the hammock to your paddle shafts and try to catch the breeze.

We’ve witnessed this work firsthand. We couldn’t make this up if we tried.

A Sun Shelter

By now, everyone knows the less time you spend in direct sunlight, the better.

Protect your skin from the sun by draping your hammock over some driftwood or a nearby tree branch, or simply cover your body with it. Its lightweight, breathable build will prevent you from getting too hot while offering some additional shade for your skin.

For four seasons, Beyond the Bib presented by Toyota has followed athletes on their respective journeys. This year, Team Toyota athletes snowboarders Chloe Kim, Red Gerard, and adaptive snowboarder Amy Purdy took center stage for the fourth season of the series. Each athlete had two original episodes this year, which were exclusively featured on DewTour.com and its social network. Since its inception, the series has been directed by Jeremy Pettit of Northside Productions in Los Angeles.  See the winning campaign series at DewTour.com.

About the Telly Awards:

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards annually showcases the best work created within television and across video, for all screens. Receiving over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents, Telly Award winners represent work from some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies, and publishers from around the world. The Telly Awards recognizes work that has been created on the behalf of a client, for a specific brand and/or company or self-directed as a creative endeavor.

Watch Episodes of ‘Beyond the Bib’ Here

This article originally appeared on DewTour.com and was republished with permission.

The term “Traditional” rock climbing (or as many often refer to as “Trad”), wasn’t really used until the ’80s when there needed to be distinction between trad and sport climbing (e.g. bolting of rock routes). Up until then, everything was what we call now call “Trad” climbing.

Trad, which is the practice of placing “gear” in rock features, cracks or other nooks for protection, and then removing the pieces after the climb is finished, is often seen as a more pure way to climb.

Although sport climbing has grown worldwide and has allowed climbers to attempt climbs that were previously inaccessible, there are still more areas that can be climbed traditionally—and knowing how to climb trad always give climbers more options.

We spoke with a two of the world’s top climbers and guides at the Arc’teryx Climbing Academy to get tips on trad.

Arc’teryx athlete and International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) guide Mark Smiley started his climbing career in the gym at a young age, but now spends much of his time using his trad skills when he guides, especially for bigger objectives. Arc’teryx athlete and professional climber Vikki Weldon is a multiple Canadian Youth National Champion who started as a sport climber. By the time she was 15, she was already climbing 5.13s, but she only started to climb trad when she moved to Squamish. She had to start over, though, now she can lead grade 5.13 on trad.

Why is it important for climbers to know trad and why is crack climbing an important skill?

VW: Traditional climbing can take you to some incredible places, up in the alpine, up new routes. I don’t think that it is necessary for all climbers to become trad climbers, but if you’re keen on adventure and getting up high, being able to place gear and climb cracks is essential.

MS: Crack climbing technique is another tool to get you to cool places. The first time you look at El Capitan, and you think, “I need to climb that!” Well, there aren’t any sport routes up it. Crack climbing opens the doors to so many cool adventures and remote places. So, when you are ready to leave the dog barking, speaker bumping, shoulder-to-shoulder belaying, that the sport crag can be, crack climbing is the answer to take you places.

What are some tips for those just starting out trad climbing?

VW: Start easy. If you’re a 5.10 sport climber, that doesn’t mean that it translates to 5.10 trad. They are very different. Give yourself the opportunity to have a good time, and take the grade level down a few notches. It is not a race, and the more time you spend learning how to place gear, the more you will enjoy it.

I think it is good to go with someone who is keen to teach, or hire a guide for a day, or even sign up for a clinic such as these offered at the Arc’teryx Climbing Academy. Trad can seem overwhelming, especially if you come from a different style of climbing, such as sport or bouldering. Learning the different sizes of cams, their colors and what order to rack them in, is a great start. Following a pitch and analyzing how your partner placed gear can be really helpful.

MS: Grabbing the wrong piece of gear is super frustrating and can be dangerous, especially when you’re trying to place it, hanging from one arm. I think it’s best to literally feel the crack, and associate that size feeling with the appropriate cam. For example, I know that if I stick my hand in and the crack is a tight hand jam, that that relates to a Black Diamond #1 red cam. If it is a snug finger lock then that’s a Black Diamond #0.4 grey cam. This makes it much easier then simply looking at a crack and knowing the size. Which is ultimately the next step in learning, but it takes time to develop your eye.

Also, fail quickly! If you grab the wrong size cam, which happens all the time, don’t waste your energy trying to make it work. Simply fail quickly, grab the right size and place it well. Your future self will be thankful when you climb above a solid piece versus a piece that you “made work.”

What is some of your favorite trad gear?

VW: I learned on Black Diamond Camalots and they are still my favorite cams. I also recently started climbing in La Sportiva TC Pros climbing shoes. I have pretty weak ankles and I found they have made a huge different in supporting my ankles when I’m torquing them inside a crack.

MS: Black Diamond cams are, in most peoples’ opinions, the industry standard. They work great, get stuck less than “single-axle” cams.  Most importantly, once you learn the sizes and corresponding colors, you will be able to use your friends’ cams and you won’t have to relearn a different brand’s sizes and colors.

CAMP nano 22 wiregate carabiners are the best wiregate on the market. They are super light, the gate action is perfect, and you can get a ton of them on your harness gear loops without feeling crowded, plus they come in colors to help you organize your gear.

People with huge hands, go with the bigger Photon wiregate, but for everyone else, the Nano 22 is the jam. Having a really lightweight wind jacket that can be worn on your harness (stuffed in its own pocket) is really nice. The Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody is the boss. It’s really light, and super durable, will cut the wind and even shed a light rain. It’s the piece I always have with me on a multi-pitch rock route if the weather looks iffy at all.

Captured during the 2019-2020 season, this Henry Banfield (AKA Hondro) film takes us on a ride through Revelstoke’s playful and serious terrain. His crew builds big kickers, dines on pillow lines, and has a great time while they’re at it.

Hondro shot this short on a small mirrorless camera, with some drone and iPhone footage to boot, but the edit is tight and the sends are big, loose, and wildly entertaining. Here’s one to keep an eye on, we see big things and bigger airs in his future.

Grab your tails and spin—this will put you right back in a midwinter mood where the cliffs are big but the landings are soft. Immerse yourself, for just a few minutes, in some deep, dry snow.

This article originally appeared on Powder.com and was republished with permission.

Here we go again.

As of Monday, due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases throughout Florida, officials have announced that various beaches will be closed and off-limits to ocean-goers and surfers in the following counties for the July 4th weekend: Miami-Dade, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Monroe County and Collier County. The move comes as an effort to curb further spread of the virus and to prevent a potential influx of visitors and unnecessary gatherings during a normally busy holiday. According to Florida Today, The Florida Department of Health reported 5,266 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, the sixth consecutive day in which at least 5,000 new cases have been announced, and 28 more deaths.

Last Friday, state officials also put a ban on alcohol consumption at bars after the recent surge in cases after the state’s reopening. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis noted in a press conference that in such businesses there was “widespread noncompliance” and the tossing aside of safety guidelines.

“It has invariably been because they packed so many people in and created a type of environment that we are trying to avoid,” DeSantis said. “Caution was thrown to the wind and so we are where we are.”

Some beaches in the aforementioned counties will be closed effective Friday, July 3, through Monday night, July 6 (although be sure to check here as each county will have different rules). There will also be a ban on gatherings over 50 people (specifically in Miami-Dade county), which includes parades and protests.

In Broward County, violators who attempt to access the beach could be subject to a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail—or more. A quick look at the forecast for the area will hopefully deter those tempted to violate any orders.

On the west coast in Los Angeles, beach access will be banned in a similar attempt to slow the spread of the virus. Beginning Friday, July 3rd at 12:01 a.m, all beaches, piers, parking lots and beach access points in LA County will be off-limits to residents and visitors. Firework displays will also be forbidden.

The order in Los Angeles came on the heels of a sharp spike in COVID cases on Monday, with another 2,903 people testing positive—the highest ever reported in the county—alongside 22 new deaths.

“Closing the beaches and prohibiting fireworks displays during this important summer holiday weekend was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but it’s the responsible decision to protect public health and protect our residents from a deadly virus. The Fourth of July holiday weekend typically means large crowds and gatherings to celebrate, a recipe for increased transmission of COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health in a press release. “We all need to take this virus more seriously and residents and business owners must do their part. Physical distancing isn’t optional, wearing a face covering isn’t optional, spending time only with those you live with isn’t optional—these are requirements in the Health Officer Order and are the tools we have to protect each other, our families and those most vulnerable in our communities.”

This article originally appeared on Surfer.com and was republished with permission.