How-To Guides

HOW TO DISASSEMBLE + REASSEMBLE YOUR NEVERLEAK™ LID Stanley 1913's NeverLeak™ Lid is true to its name. The rotating lid clicks open for easy sipping, and then locks tight for a leakproof seal—so you can safely toss your travel mug into your bag, backpack, or suitcase.What makes this three-piece lid so innovative can also make it tricky to take apart and put back together. We’re here to help. For complete instructions, check out the following video. TO DISASSEMBLE FOR EASY CLEANING Rotate the top piece counterclockwise, and then turn the lid upside down. To remove the bottom piece, press down on the handle while turning it counterclockwise. Twist the center piece slightly clockwise to unlock it from the top piece. TO REASSEMBLE Line up the bottom piece with the middle piece, making sure the larger tab lines up with the larger hole. Press down on the handle while turning it clockwise. The bottom piece will click into place. Sandwich the three pieces together, turning the top piece clockwise. THE NEVERLEAK™ COLLECTION

Green exercise, or outdoor exercise, has become popular and it's no surprise due to the many advantages of being surrounded by nature. From improving mental health to mood enhancement, outdoor fitness can spice up your workout routine and boost your overall well-being. It also offers a refreshing change of scenery and allows you to have a stronger connection with nature. Let's further explore the benefits and how you can achieve your health goals with green activities. Why Choose Outdoor Fitness? If you're like us, the thought of a daily workout routine can leave a bad taste in your mouth. The monotonous activities may become tiresome and boring. Fortunately, outdoor fitness offers a refreshing break from the daily grind and new scenery that will inspire you to stay active. These exercises also provide unique challenges due to environmental elements like wind, rain, and cold weather, which can give an extra push to help you break through unwanted plateaus. Tips for Optimal Outdoor Workouts Starting an outdoor workout regimen is easy if you are prepared for the challenges you may encounter. Here are a few strategies you can use to get the process started: Set Realistic Goals It is easy to lose sight of your goals when the excitement is at its peak. To avoid burnout, set realistic goals and understand your capabilities and limitations. Start with smaller milestones and slowly work your way up to more difficult challenges. For example, if you are a runner, aim to complete a 5K run before you enter a marathon. Or, if you're a weight-lifter, start with lighter weights and gradually work your way up to heavier sets. Smaller achievements will give you a boost of confidence to push further than before. Find A Workout Buddy While solo training can be a great way to practice mindfulness, finding a workout buddy is vital when staying consistent. They can give you a different perspective and share the highs and lows of the journey that will keep you both accountable. Having an accountability partner can also significantly impact your success since they can help you stay on track and make the process a fun experience instead of a dreadful chore. Consider asking a family member, friend, or coworker to join you during your workouts. If you’re traveling, or looking for a couple of different partners, you could consider using an app like Gym Buddy. Download A Fitness App There is no shortage of helpful fitness apps to help you track your progress. Choose one that is suitable to your needs and research all the features it has to offer. From self-timers, calorie counters to a comprehensive workout plan, it can be the perfect companion to help you check and reach your goals. Consider options like: Strava AllTrails myfitnesspal KOMPAN Outdoor Fitness PELOTON Mix It Up One reason health journeys are unsuccessful is the need for more excitement. Spicing things up can help lower boredom. Consider incorporating exercise routines if you are experiencing a lull in your current one, or try a new type of workout entirely. Add weights if you’ve been sticking to cardio, or add some yoga if you’ve been skipping out on stretching. Try activities like bicycling, hiking, and even rock climbing to challenge different muscle groups and keep your enthusiasm alive. This will also help you understand and work on your strengths and weaknesses. Fuel Your Body Right Outdoor workouts demand energy and concentration, so a healthy and balanced diet is necessary. Before setting off on your next outdoor adventure, pack your lunch box with nutritious snacks healthy carbs and fruits, and bring a tumbler or a water bottle to keep you hydrated. Fueling your body will energize you and prevent accidents due to nutrient deficiency and dehydration. The dangers of dehydration are significantly more common during long hikes or high-intensity workouts, where you burn more calories. Listen To Your Body It's easy to get carried away with the excitement of your new outdoor workouts. But it’s important to remember that your body needs rest, and you must respect its limitations. Pushing yourself past your boundaries can lead to injuries and significant setbacks. If you feel exhausted or in extreme discomfort, take a break and give yourself time to recover fully. Your body will thank you for it, and it will prevent long-term damage. Embrace The Seasons Mother nature has a lot to offer, and you can embrace the changing seasons by incorporating it into your exercise regimen. For example, enjoy the vibrant fall colors while hiking, ski snow-covered trails, welcome the spring flowers with yoga in the park, and bask in the summer sun with a relaxing swim in a lake. Each season brings unique opportunities, so take advantage of everything it offers. Don't Forget To Stretch Mother nature has a lot to offer, and you can embrace the changing seasons by incorporating it into your exercise regimen. For example, enjoy the Stretching before and after your exercise improves flexibility and promotes circulation throughout your body. Take a few moments before a workout to stretch and release any tension that may have built up from stress. After the activity, remember to cool down and help your body return to a relaxed state. This will also help reduce soreness in your muscles. You can also consider adding a yoga routine to your existing schedule to help naturally incorporate more intentional stretching. fall colors while hiking, ski snow-covered trails, welcome the spring flowers with yoga in the park, and bask in the summer sun with a relaxing swim in a lake. Each season brings unique opportunities, so take advantage of everything it offers. Engage Your Senses Spending time outdoors can help you engage all of your senses. You can do this by breathing in fresh mountain air, listening to crashing waves and rustling leaves, and feeling the earth beneath your feet. Not only will you feel more connected with nature, but it can also help relieve stress and anxiety. Stay Safe & Prepared Outdoor activities can be dangerous if you aren't prepared. Before heading out, remember to: Check the weather. Pack the appropriate fuel and gear. Download reliable map apps that will help you navigate trails even without an internet connection. Let someone know where you plan to explore and your expected return time, especially if you are venturing into remote areas. Reward Yourself All your hard work can often go unnoticed, especially if you are focused on reaching your goals. But remember that rewarding yourself for achieving even a tiny milestone is part of the journey. This can motivate you to continue without being discouraged. It can be as simple as getting a massage, a small sweet treat, or a movie night. These strategies should help you with your outdoor fitness journey. Remember, the key is to stay consistent, listen to your body's limits, and enjoy the simple moments. Set Your Fitness Goals and Track Progress Like any journey, setting specific goals is crucial to success. You can do this by outlining your goals and developing a realistic timeline. Clear objectives will also guide your routine and give you a sense of purpose. To stay on track, you can keep a workout journal or download a fitness app (like those mentioned above) to help you observe your progress and stay accountable. Keeping tabs on your activities can help you adjust your workout regimen and stay focused. Overcoming Challenges and Staying Consistent Achieving your fitness goals is challenging. That's why it's essential to stay consistent. Bad weather can disrupt your plans, grueling activities can be physically and mentally straining, and boredom can happen if you do the same daily routine. Stay motivated by switching up your exercises, finding a partner to train with you, or by entering competitions to help reduce boredom. Finally, challenge yourself by running a little faster, lifting heavier weights, or hiking a longer route. These small changes can lead to significant results over time.

Shop New Hydration Arrivals Featuring The IceFlow Water Bottles, Tumblers, & Jugs MAY 21, 2021 10 Best Camping Health & Wellness Tips & Tricks For many people, getting outdoors is a way to escape from everyday tasks and challenges — and this includes complex beauty routines and rituals. After all, a full face of makeup and perfectly styled hair aren’t necessarily compatible with outdoor activities, especially when you have limited (or no) access to water and electricity, let alone a mirror. That doesn’t mean you can’t take care of yourself and have to accept looking like a sweaty, dirty mess while you enjoy the great outdoors. With a few simple tricks, you can stay fresh and relatively clean and look great in the process. Hydrate Staying hydrated isn’t only important to your beauty routine. Every part of your body needs water to function properly. When you get dehydrated, your circulation, body temperature, joint mobility, and natural waste removal processes can all suffer. The result? You may feel dizzy or fatigued, have a headache, or in extreme cases, become ill or lose consciousness.Staying hydrated also benefits your skin. Drinking water helps the outer layer of your skin, the epidermis, stay hydrated and keeps it from feeling rough and looking dull. There’s also evidence that drinking water can help remove toxins and heavy metals from your body, keeping them from clogging pores and causing acne.The best way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of water. Although the standard recommendation is to sip at least 64 ounces of H2O every day, when you’re active outdoors, you may need some extra fluids to replace what’s lost by sweating. Carry a large water bottle or tumbler with you that can refill as needed. Snacking on fruits and veggies with high water content, like berries, melons, oranges, grapes, carrots, and leafy greens, can also give you some extra hydration. Wear Sunscreen Even if the sky looks overcast, wearing sunscreen is a must when you head outdoors. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s rays and helps reduce your risk of a painful sunburn, as well as skin cancer and sun damage that can contribute to signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots. Choose a water and sweat-resistant sunscreen that is at least SPF 30, and apply 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Reapply every 80 minutes or every 40 minutes if you are swimming or sweating. Be sure to protect all exposed skin; covering your entire body requires about a shot glass full of sunscreen. Don’t forget to protect delicate areas like the top of your ears and your scalp. Wash Up Staying clean while enjoying the outdoors isn’t always easy, but there are ways you can wash up to look and feel fresh. Not to mention, you want clean hands before you eat to avoid getting sick — hand sanitizer can kill germs, but it won’t remove dirt and grime. If you’re camping, don’t forget to pack some fresh water for washing up, especially if you won’t be staying near a freshwater source or at a campground with facilities. If a stream or lake is nearby, bring a portable jug to store some extra water at your campsite, so you can wash up without leaving the site. Don’t forget to bring some biodegradable soap as well to protect wildlife. Bringing along some disposable makeup remover wipes, baby wipes, or a no-rinse cleanser like micellar water can also help keep your face clean. Removing dirt, sweat, and other impurities keeps them from clogging pores and causing acne breakouts or blackheads. Moisturize Even if you tend to have oily skin, regular moisturizing is key to a healthy, hydrated complexion. If your skin is dehydrated, it’s likely to produce more pore-clogging oil to compensate, causing breakouts. Moisturizing is also vital to reducing the signs of aging, including fine lines. The right moisturizer keeps your skin’s moisture barrier intact, giving you a healthy appearance. When you’re on an outdoor adventure, moisturizing may not be at the top of your priority list, and you may not want to carry yet another beauty product in your pack. Simplify by choosing a multifunctional product like a BB or CC cream that combines sunscreen, moisturizer, and tint, that will blur imperfections while providing protection. For the best results, moisturizers should be applied to clean skin. After washing with clean water, smooth on some moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. Use an Appropriate Hair Style Outdoor activities, especially when it’s windy, can leave your hair a tangled mess. Carrying a small, high-quality hairbrush and running it through your hair every so often can keep it smooth and snarl-free, but choosing the right hairstyle is also helpful. Styling your tresses in a low braid, French braid, or even two braids helps keep them tangle-free and under control. Avoid messy buns or ponytails, which can quickly turn into tangled disasters while swimming, boating, and hiking. Consider a Hat A hat can be a lifesaver when enjoying the great outdoors. Not only does a cute baseball cap or sun hat cover up greasy or dirty hair and help reduce tangles, but they also provide extra shade from the bright sun and sun protection. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat when the sun’s rays are most intense is recommended to help reduce the risk of skin cancer.   Use Deodorant While a scented antiperspirant can cover your natural odors, it can also attract wildlife and pests. Instead, backpackers and campers recommend getting used to your natural aroma and just washing odor-prone areas with soap and water when you get to camp. Another option is to use an unscented, natural deodorant that kills odor-causing bacteria without perfumes or additives. A salt-based crystal stick only needs to be moistened with water and applied as usual to eliminate the stink. Keep Your Clothes Clean Clean clothes and outdoor adventures don’t always go together, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay in the same dirty, sweaty T-shirts. While you will undoubtedly have some dirty laundry to tackle, you can keep your clothes somewhat clean by: Choosing moisture-wicking clothing made from synthetic polyester and wool. Bringing a change of clothes and washing the dirty ones each night with fresh water and biodegradable soap. Bringing a dedicated set of sleeping clothes.Washing up by taking a dip in a stream or lake. Starting each day with clean socks and underwear. Staying cool during the heat of the day to reduce how much you sweat. Use Fewer Beauty Products Although you shouldn’t give up certain aspects of your beauty routine (like washing and moisturizing) while enjoying the outdoors, consider your activities a chance to simplify and reduce how many products you use. Not only is it better for your skin and hair to use fewer products, but it’s also better for the environment as well. Cutting out products that may not be adding to your well-being reduces the amount of waste you produce from packaging and empty bottles and tubes. Even switching to multi-function products can have a positive impact on the environment, and save you time. At the very least, adopting a clean and natural look while you’re enjoying the outdoors reduces how much you have to carry and gives you a break from the elaborate routine. You might even find that you prefer a more low-maintenance approach to beauty. Bring a First Aid Kit No outdoor adventure is complete without a first aid kit. From bug bites to cuts, scrapes, burns, and other injuries, there is always the potential to get hurt when you’re doing anything outside. Having a first aid kit handy allows you to treat minor injuries and prevent infection in the short term. In the long term, promptly caring for injuries can speed healing and lessen or even prevent scarring. Always pack a basic kit when you leave home, and be prepared to use it when necessary. Our IceFlow Flip Straw Tumblers and Jugs take sustainability to the next level. Utilizing @oceanworks’ recycling solutions, every 1,000 Classic IceFlow Jugs made removes nearly 100 pounds of plastic from the ocean to be used to form parts of the leak-proof lids. Oceanworks recovers discarded fishing nets and recycles them into sustainable, long-lasting products that help clean our planet.

Many people are re-discovering the positives of being outdoors. Health professionals have found that being outside for just two hours a week is beneficial for a person’s health and wellbeing. Other outdoor benefits include: Improving short-term memory; Reducing stress; Increasing vitamin D levels; Improving sleep; Strengthening the immune system; Increasing happiness; Improving vision; Inspiring creativity; Restoring mental health. While there are many pros to being outdoors, recreational activities can also pose a threat to the environment and frequent recreational adventurers. Whether you are camping, hiking, or visiting a park, it is crucial to maintain certain best practices to help ensure the safety of you, your family, other outdoorsmen, and the integrity of the environment.  1. Plan Ahead To make the most of your outdoor time, it’s important to plan before leaving for your destination. Preparing for different scenarios can help you and your family have a successful outing while staying safe. Before leaving for your destination, consider the following preparation best practices: Check the accessibility of your destination. This includes looking up the hours of operations to ensure the trail or campground is open, as well as directions if you are planning to take more than one car.  Look at the weather in advance. Different weather patterns may cause trails or campgrounds to become impassable. Knowing the weather beforehand can help you be prepared for any type of scenario.  Get advice from experienced outdoorsmen. If you are going to a destination for the first time, it can be helpful to get advice from people who have already been there. This advice can include which campgrounds to go to, activities to participate in, and safety precautions. Go during the safest time of day. If you are participating in outdoor activities for the first time and have never been to the destination, it’s important to go during a safe time of the day. Make sure you have enough daylight to see where you are going and to ensure you won’t get stuck in an unknown location at nighttime. 2. Communicate Many hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves lost during an excursion. This situation can become instantly overwhelming and may push back your expected arrival time. Outdoor recreation can come with risks, and it’s important to let friends and family know your plans in case something happens. Consider telling a few friends and family this pertinent information: A basic timeframe of your arrival; An itinerary with numbers you can be reached at; Phone numbers of the people you are going to be with; Updates to your location when you have cell service; Specific trails and campgrounds that you will be using.  By sharing this information with friends and family, they will be able to alert authorities faster in worst-case scenarios.  3. Bring the Right Gear Bringing the right equipment or gear can help ensure you have a successful outdoor adventure. Many outdoor activities need special gear. Additionally, you should take weather and climate into consideration so you can stay comfortable. For instance, hikers will need the following gear: Backpack; Hiking boots or shoes; Moisture-wicking pants and jacket; Food and water; Navigation tools; First-aid kit; Extra clothes; A knife.  Additionally, campers will need the following gear: Tent; Sleeping bags, pads, and pillows; Headlamps and flashlights; Camping chairs and tables; Camping cutlery, plates, and mugs; Lanterns; Firewood; Cooler with drinks and food; Trash bags. While this is not an exhaustive list, it is a good starting point. It is also important to consider buying durable gear that lasts since you are likely to use it again and don’t want to buy new items every year.  4. Don’t Go Alone While many people enjoy camping or hiking alone, it can be overwhelming for outdoor beginners. Some dangers of camping or hiking alone include: Medical emergencies; Getting lost; Encountering predators; Being unfamiliar with your surroundings; Encountering strangers that make you uncomfortable; Forgetting essential gear; Overestimating your abilities. Bringing a friend or two with you when you camp or hike can be helpful if you encounter any of the above problems. Additionally, bringing experienced campers or hikers can help you learn the essential skills you need to successfully do these activities alone. Even if you can’t bring another human with you, you might still enjoy camping with your dog. 5. Practice Leave No Trace Leave No Trace is a set of seven principles that helps outdoor enthusiasts maintain the integrity of the outdoors. While Leave No Trace was created to maintain backcountry areas, it has adapted to fit a variety of outdoor settings and recreational activities. The seven principles are as follows: Plan Ahead and Prepare: Poor planning can lead to damage to natural resources. By planning, outdoor adventurists can minimize their impact on the land while staying safe. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Campers and hikers must stick to trails and campgrounds to lessen the risk of soil erosions and undesirable trails. Dispose of Waste Properly: Outdoor enthusiasts should be cognizant of the impact of the waste left in the wilderness. This includes proper disposal of human waste, trash, spilled foods, cigarette butts, plastic, and fishing line. Leave What You Find: This principle minimizes site alterations and avoids damaging live trees and plants. Additionally, campers and hikers should leave cultural objects where they stand on public lands.  Minimize Campfire Impacts: Campfires can degrade the natural appearance of many areas due to smoke and the increasing demand for firewood. Use existing fire rings or bring your firewood to help maintain the natural appearance of camp areas.  Respect Wildlife: Wildlife and plants should not be disturbed. Campers and hikers should travel quietly to avoid stressing the animals. Never touch, feed, or get close to wild animals.  Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Maintaining courtesy toward other outdoor enthusiasts can ensure that everyone enjoys the outdoor experience. Excessive noise, uncontrolled pets, and damaged areas can lessen other people’s experiences. 6. Stay in Designated Areas Camping or hiking in designated areas can help lessen the impact you have on the outdoors. According to the Leave No Trace travel principle, the goal of outdoor travel is to move through natural areas while avoiding damage to land and waterways.  Hikers should try to stay on constructed trails to avoid making multiple routes that scar the landscape. Additionally, these trails have already been vetted for safety. If there are no constructed trails, hikers must be considerate of the surface durability, vegetation, and the size of the hiking group. Stick to rock, sand, or gravel surfaces, and try to limit trampling on vegetation.  Campers generally have two options when it comes to choosing campsites: front-country camping or backcountry camping. Frontcountry refers to campgrounds that have designated camping spots. These spots consist of a firepit, a parking space for car camping, a picnic table, and sometimes take a reservation to hold them. These spots can help campers limit their impact on the environment by setting up the boundaries of their campsite.  Backcountry campsites are typically first-come, first-serve. Campers should look for flat, durable ground that can withstand a lot of walking and storage. Avoid camping on fragile vegetation, like flowers or grass, and do not set up tents near water. 7. Leave Wildlife Alone While seeing animals in the wild can be inspiring, it is best to leave them alone. Loud noises and quick movements can cause the animal stress and affect its ability to live in rigorous environments. If the animal becomes dependent on campers feeding it, it could lose its ability to hunt or forage.  It is also important not to feed or touch the animal to avoid potentially transferring diseases like rabies. Additionally, if animals feel trapped or cornered, they could attack by biting, scratching, or pecking. Dealing with a medical emergency in the wilderness can be stressful and overwhelming. If you see an animal that is hurt or sick, leave it be and notify a park ranger as soon as possible.  8. Hydrate Campers and hikers may engage in physical activity during the warm-weather season, which can easily lead to dehydration. Signs of dehydration include: Feeling very thirsty; Dry mouth; Urinating and sweating less than usual; Dark-colored urine; Dry skin; Fatigue; Dizziness.  To combat these symptoms while outdoors, consider these tips to help keep you hydrated: Use insulated bottles to keep water cold; Drink often rather than chugging a lot of water at once; Replace electrolytes if you sweat a lot; Drink more water at higher altitudes; Hydrate before you go on hikes; Wear sunscreen to avoid sunburns, which can speed up dehydration. 9. Bring a First Aid Kit Although campers and hikers may not expect to get hurt, it’s important to bring a first aid kit just in case. However, first aid kits for the outdoors may look different than typical first aid kits you see at home or in school. For instance, because you have limited space, outdoor first aid kits generally only have the bare essentials. It should carry items that will address common outdoor maladies and pertain to your health situation. A common outdoor first aid kit should include the following: Prescription medication labeled in a bag; Single-use packs of ibuprofen, Imodium, and an antihistamine; Moleskin or athletic tape; Bandages in multiple sizes; Sterile gauze; Latex gloves; Sanitizer; Tweezers; A small knife or scissors; Antiseptic ointment. 10. Be Mindful of Your Group If you are camping or hiking with a large group, it’s important to be mindful of everyone’s comfort level and abilities. For instance, if you are including new campers, it may be difficult for them to camp in the backcountry for the first time. Additionally, inexperienced hikers may find ten-mile hikes uncomfortable and dissatisfying. For everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely, get the group’s perspective on what is and is not attainable for your outdoor adventure. Lastly, assign roles for people so that no one person is left doing all the work. For example, someone can be in charge of cleaning up the campsite while another is in charge of cooking food. This way, everyone will get to contribute to the excursion.  Outdoor adventures can be fun, however, there are some risks associated with them. By adhering to the safety tips above, you can ensure that your outdoor recreation adventure is safe and successful. 

If you enjoy outdoor activities, if you’re a thrill-seeker, or if you’re simply looking for something new, then cultivating an outdoor adventure group could be a great option for you. An outdoor adventure group is a group of like-minded people who meet up to do outdoor activities together. These groups can be a great way to make new friends, start an exercise routine, explore new parts of your area, or pick up a new hobby. They can also be as extreme or laid back as you want — the key, in either joining or forming a new group, is consensus and communication about what kind of experience you all want. It can take time and patience to build a network of adventurous friends from scratch, but the fun and rich experiences that you can achieve can be well worth the effort.   Enjoy the Outdoors The first step in meeting people who enjoy the same outdoor activities as you is to start doing those activities. There are several benefits to getting outside, and you don’t have to wait to have a group to get started. For example, if you’re interested in a new skill like skiing, signing up for beginner lessons is a great way to meet people of your same skill level. These lessons could be an easy jump-off point for creating a group that gets together to practice and hone their skills.  Alternatively, simply showing up routinely for your favorite outdoor spots, whether this is hiking trails, fishing spots, or even your local park, is a great way to start recognizing other people who run in your same circles. Know What You Want Before you start trying to coordinate a group, you should think about what kind of experience you want. This will help determine the atmosphere of your group, and draw the right kind of people. If you want to improve your skill or athleticism, then a smaller, dedicated group with a structured routine could be best for you.  If you’re looking to make friends or start a new hobby, a more relaxed group with a wide variety of members is a great option. Being on the same page about the goals of your group is the first step to maximizing your and your group’s enjoyment of your meetings. Get Online The internet can be a great tool for connection. Between social media and online forums, there are countless ways to connect with other people online and create a group that works with your interests and goals.  Social media can also be used as a scheduling and communication tool once your group is established. Having a group page where you can share things like events, updates, and equipment essentials or safety precautions for outings is a great way to keep meetups consistent, and stay in contact with group members.  Join a Meetup You may find that there is already a meetup, group, or local organization in your area. This may include: Intramural sports teams; Local classes; Public groups or forums; Community meetup events. You can seek out a group for your desired activity, or use this as a chance to try something new. Joining a pre-existing group is a great way to make new friends, try a new activity, and meet people who may be interested in joining a new group. Determine Logistics Arguably one of the harder things about gathering or joining a new outdoor adventure group is determining logistics. This is difficult because it depends on a lot of factors, such as your group size, location — you may have group members in other cities or time zones — and each person’s individual schedule.  Seasonal weather in your area can also influence how and when your group can meet. Make sure to prioritize safety and health when planning meetings, and be sure to pack enough water to stay hydrated, and bring the right gear for the weather. Establishing a consistent mode of communication is key to staying organized. You should also discuss with group members the frequency of when you want to meet before you set up your first meeting, as well as making note of any particular weather concerns to be aware of in the area/s. This way, group members can clear time in advance for meetups going forward.  Try New Things It can take some time to find the right group or plan that works well. During this time, you may find it worthwhile to try new things in an effort to find something that works for you. This could be going on different hiking or biking trails, trying different types of camping (independently or with a group), or trying different sports. Experimenting in this way can help you find exactly what you like, or bring the group together over an unexpected, but enjoyable adventure.  Be Careful & Patient Many outdoor activities and sports come with a risk of injury or accident. These risks can be amplified when going out with strangers, because communication and trust may not be well-established. This can increase the likelihood of accidents with equipment, sports injuries, and miscommunications. When you’re doing outdoor activities, it is crucial that you can trust and communicate with your group to reduce the possibility of these accidents.  You can build trust by having a casual meet before an outing — meeting outside for an early morning cup of coffee out by a local lake or jumping on a group call and establishing boundaries and expectations for all parties. No matter what your goal is for your adventure group, you should prioritize group safety, both physically and interpersonally, for everyone involved. 

Studies and research over the last century on human-nature relationships show that spending time in nature can benefit a person’s physical health, mental health, and even social health. In addition to the personal benefit of the human-nature relationship, humans may foster greater care for environmental initiatives that seek to protect natural places and resources to preserve them for future use. How Humans Can Positively Impact the Environment A connection with nature is associated with pro-environmental behaviors as well as personal health and wellbeing. Studies on types of nature contact, such as visiting or spending time in nature once-a-week, were positively associated with overall health. Contact with nature also influences pro-environmental household behaviors that may include:  Reusing items to reduce plastic waste. Making sustainable purchases for gear and items that can be reused. Increased recycling. Participating in greener transportation.  Additionally, people who watched or listened to nature documentaries reported higher levels of pro-environmental behaviors.  Research on pro-environmental behavior and neighborhood nature shows that there are positive associations between pro-environmental behaviors and neighborhood greenspaces that were present in households on both ends of the socioeconomic spectrum. This research indicates that improving access and contact with nature through urban planning could be a viable approach to meet vital sustainability targets that seek to protect global ecosystems and maintain planetary life-support systems. How Nature Can Positively Impact Human Health A large body of research that has been conducted over the last century reinforces connections between nature and human health. Amongst these studies, the term biopilia — meaning “love of nature” was — coined to describe how humans are hard-wired evolution to feel an emotional tie to other living organisms such as plants and animals. Spending time in nature or around natural spaces such as neighborhood parks and green spaces has shown positive impacts on physical health as well as mental and emotional health. These positive effects may, in turn, promote the desire to protect and preserve natural environments for future use. Physical HealthPhysical health benefits from spending time in nature may include: Benefits specific to outdoor exercise. Exercising outdoors is associated with greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and engagement, and decreases in tension, confusion, anger, or depression.   Lowered blood pressure. Studies have shown that immersion in nature can lower blood pressure by reducing stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Sun exposure can also lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by dilating blood vessels. Immune system support. Studies on nature and the immune system show that the many psychological benefits of spending time in nature may play a role in supporting the immune system. Exposure to nature may help the body to a state of “rest and digest,” the opposite of the “fight or flight” mode. The feelings of uplifted mood, or feeling calm can help to relax the body, instigating a reallocation of bodily resources to support the immune system. Improved sleep. Spending time outdoors may improve sleep by helping to regulate a person’s internal circadian rhythm. Nature may also improve sleep quality by increased physical activity and bringing about lowered feelings of depression.  Improved recovery. Studies on patients in a hospital setting show that the ability to view nature through a window after surgery reduced the length of the hospital stay, improved patient’s mood, and reduced the need for analgesic doses, or lowered their need for stronger pain medications. Hospital gardens may help patients heal by reducing anger, anxiety, and pain, blood pressure, and muscle tension and improving relaxation. Reduced allergy sensitivity. Studies show that the great outdoors is good for allergies. Contact with nature and the biodiversity of the natural environment largely affects the development of the immune system. The bodies of those that regularly encountered allergens such as microbes, mold, and plant material were more adept at recognizing and responding to allergens in what is called the farm effect. Mental HealthMental and emotional health benefits of spending time in nature may include: Reduced stress. Research shows that spending time in nature reduces stress. The study by Cornell University found that as little as ten minutes in a natural setting helped participants feel happier and lessen the effects of both physical and mental stress. Elevated mood and lowered depression. A study on how natural experiences may affect the mind showed that participants in the study showed improved mental wellbeing. Participants of the study engaged in 90-minute walks in either rural or urban environments. Those who participated that walked in natural environments reported a decrease in rumination — repetitive thoughts focused on negative aspects of the self, decreased feelings of depression, and reduced neural activity in the area of the brain linked to risk for mental illness. Time in nature can also be an important part of wilderness therapy for military veterans. Increased short term memory. A study by the University of Michigan found that nature walks can improve short-term memory. The results found that the types of attention used by a person were directly impacted by their environment. People in natural environments may utilize direct attention which may produce a more restorative effect on the mind. Improved vision. Natural daylight may benefit eyesight by reducing the risk of developing myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness. Dopamine is released by the stimulus of bright outdoor light, helping the eye to maintain a healthy shape. Electronic screens may also pose a risk to vision, so taking time to enjoy a natural environment without screens may also have positive implications for computer vision syndrome.  Greater creativity. Studies on the impact of nature on creativity show that nature can enhance creative ways of thinking, especially in the preparation phase and the incubation phase of the creative process. Increased sense of spirituality. Spending time in nature can benefit spirituality and wellbeing. The often reported feelings of restoration, healing, and spirituality from those that have experienced nature may help people to embrace the journey of self-discovery and help to create a feeling of connectedness, shared purpose, rhythm, and balance.  How to Spend More Time Outdoors There are many ways to enjoy time outdoors and in natural environments. Though some may enjoy excursions to the wilderness, others might enjoy easy access such as a walk in urban green spaces. The health benefits from nature depend on the dose, preference, preservation, and inclusion of green and natural spaces for the future.  A few ideas and option to enjoy the benefits of nature may include: Take your insulated and reusable coffee mug to enjoy your beverage outside in the morning, afternoon, or on a work break. Choose to eat a meal outside. Go on a walk around your neighborhood or explore a local park. Invite your friends to happy hour or drinks outside, or go on a hike with a reusable growler or flask. Pack up the car and take a car camping trip. Go on a backpacking trip. Exercise outdoors rather than at the gym. Participate on a community team for an outdoor sport. Try a new outdoor sport like hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing, outdoor yoga or tai chi, or a snow sport such as snowshoeing, skiing, or snowmobiling. Plan a family or friend camping trip. Learn a new hobby such as birdwatching, identifying native plants, or landscape photography. Grow a garden.  Walk or ride a bike as alternative transportation. Go outside and watch the sunrise or sunset. Swim or float in a river or lake.  Visit the ocean. Start a nature journal. Have a picnic. With any outdoor activity, remember to put safety first, so that you can keep yourself and your environment healthy.

Sure, Stanley 1913 coffee brewing gear is made for adventure. But why save it for camping, skiing or backpacking trips? In fact, you don’t even need to be the outdoorsy type to love our Classic Stay-Hot French Press, Classic Perfect-Brew Pour Over or Adventure Cool Grip Camp Percolator. Thanks to durable, stainless-steel construction, you’ll never have to worry about glass breaking or ceramic chipping. So, if you’re a coffee lover or know someone who is, check out our three favorite methods for brewing awesome joe — whether indoors or out. FRENCH PRESS Invented in 1929, the French Press is designed to extract the coffee’s natural oils and full flavors to make a strong, thick, full-bodied cup. Keep in mind that it’s common for some grinds to slip through the filter. (Some coffee drinkers consider this a plus!) To start your French Press journey – or gift one to the coffee aficionado in your life — take a look at our vacuum-insulated Classic Stay-Hot French Press | 48 oz. This beauty features an easy-clean, stainless-steel filter, makes 6–8 cups, and keeps things nice and hot for 4 hours.   And don’t miss these 7 Steps to Perfect French Press Coffee. POUR OVER For a smooth, flavorful cup, nothing beats this no-tech version of an automatic drip coffee maker. The process involves slowly adding water to the grinds, and then waiting a few minutes for the pour over to work its magic. Our Classic Perfect-Brew Pour Over is a rugged, handsome choice, and comes with a stainless-steel filter. Another cool feature: it’s made to work with most Stanley 1913 mugs and vacuum bottles, so you can brew right into your vessel of choice. In search of an all-in-one gift? Go for the Classic Perfect-Brew Pour Over Set, which includes a matching Classic Camp Mug. For a demo on using our Classic Perfect-Brew Pour Over, see this Stanley 1913 video. PERCOLATOR Using steam pressure to circulate hot water through the grounds, this old-school brewing method is such a simple way to make bold, rich coffee with a touch of nostalgia. Our Adventure Cool Grip Camp Percolator | 1.1 qt. is a stainless-steel wonder that not only looks great sitting on the stove, it’s designed to brew up to 6 cups in less than 10 minutes. There’s also a removable, silicone grip so you can safely take the percolator off the heat. BUILT FOR GIFTING, BUILT FOR TOGETHERNESS For extra inspiration, browse our complete Holiday Gift Guide, including Gifts for Coffee & Tea Lovers.

When you have a reputation for being the “Toughest of the Tough,” people put you through the paces. It kinda puts a target on your back. But at Stanley 1913, we don’t mind getting a little brash that way. We make cool stuff, what can we say? At Stanley 1913, every product we make is designed with this in mind. We make bottles, mugs, lunchboxes, cook sets, flasks, growlers, coolers, and more - all based on the classic, time-tested yet state-of-the-art designs that were blowing your grandad’s mind before you were a glint in his eye. More than just sturdy, our products are made for real life. Whether it’s getting tossed around on the worksite, popped open and passed around at the campsite, or just sipped from leisurely on your commute to work, these are the constant companions: The best friends that never let you down, are always there with hot coffee or a cold brew when you need it, and never forget to text when they’re having a party. That said, as cool as our products are, they don’t clean themselves. Things can still get a little funky if you don’t take care of your little buddy. I mean, who wants to taste yesterday’s skunky old creamer as you’re downing hot coffee from your Vacuum Insulated Bottle in the morning? Or get a whiff of that chicken soup your mom made when you were home for the holidays every time you crack open your Food Jar.  Wanna spare yourself the public ridicule and scorn that comes from being the owner of a Certified Nasty Stanley 1913 product? Here’s what you need to know about keeping your Stanley 1913 clean as a whistle and ready for action. Before Your First Use Stanley 1913's are technically good to go straight off the shelf, but it still pays to wash all the parts of your new Stanley 1913 product thoroughly before you fill ’er up for the first time. Think of it this way: Everyone loves that “new car” smell, but it’s not always the most appetizing taste, y’know? Clean Out Between Each Use And Don’t Keep Food Past Its Prime This should be a no brainer, but you’d be surprised. Since quite a few of our products are known for their industry-leading superior thermal retention technology (translation from science-speak: they keep whatever’s in it real cold or really hot for real long time), people sometimes think that you can just throw your favorite food or drink in one of our products and leave it there indefinitely. Newsflash: Stuff still goes bad, even if it’s tightly sealed. Check the specs on your specific Stanley 1913 product and avoid keeping food or drink past its recommended lifespan.  Once you’ve had enough, dump the remainder and clean your Stanley 1913 out thoroughly before your next use. Clean With Non-Abrasive Cleaners And Sponges A good Stanley 1913 product should feel like a member of the family, and you wouldn’t scrub your poor grandpa down with steel wool, would you? Jeeze, we hope not (for a variety of reasons). A dishrag, soft sponge, or small brush for hard to reach places should do the trick, paired with gentle dish soap. Keep it natural and crunchy, man. How To Clean The “Hard To Reach” Stanley 1913 Products (Master Flask, Classic Flask, And Thermoses)  Some of our products are a little trickier to clean but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. To keep your Stanley 1913 sparkling, use simple, use this simple cleaning concoction and routine: You’ll need: ¼ cup uncooked rice 3oz distilled white vinegar Instructions: Pour ¼ cup of uncooked rice into the flask. Fill the flask with 3oz of distilled white vinegar. Seal flask. Shake vigorously for 1 minute. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.* Shake vigorously again for 1-2 minutes. Empty flask. Bonus points for composting the rice. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Leave open until dry. Whatever You Do, Don’t Use Bleach We’re hardcore, but not that hardcore. Even though most Stanley 1913 products are designed to take a lickin’, harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine could degrade some of the sealing parts on some products. Bad news for things like leaks and keeping things hot. First, consult your care & use or base artwork, but many Stanley 1913's are dishwasher safe. If your product is dishwasher safe, and if you’re not feeling ambitious, simply separate the different parts of your Stanley 1913 and pop it in the dishwasher. It’s that easy. Sure, if your Stanley 1913 has a narrow opening or you want to keep the finish or paint looking its best, hand-washing is still your best bet, but sometimes it’s nice to know you can let the dishwasher do the heavy lifting. That’s it, folks. Nothing too tricky. That’s because our goal is to make sure that our Stanley 1913 products are built strong, built simple, and built for life. That’s why we include a lifetime warranty on every product we sell. If you ever have an issue with your Stanley 1913, it stops working or something breaks, or just have questions, we want to hear from you: Reach out to our customer service team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’ll make it right, no matter when or where you bought your Stanley 1913.     Bottom’s up.     ABOUT STANLEY 1913 The Stanley 1913 brand has a rich 100+ year history. Born from inventor William Stanley 1913 Jr. who forever changed the way hot drinks were consumed, in 1913 he fused vacuum insulation and the strength of steel in one portable bottle, inventing the all-steel vacuum bottle we know and love today.

Packing a cooler is about so much more than storage. Filled right, it’s an ice bucket for your sodas, a portable fridge for your perishables, and the secret sauce to a successful trip.  Here, we explain how to pack a cooler like a pro and outline all the simple tricks to keep everything cold, dry, and ready when you are, whether you’re heading to the beach, the campsite, or a backyard cookout. How to Pack a Cooler (Quick Guide) Welcome to “how to pack a cooler 101.” There’s a whole lot of advice below (we really get into it), but the best way to pack a cooler honestly just comes down to these basic principles: Pre-chill your cooler before packing. The colder it is when you start packing, the longer it will stay cold. Use a mix of ice. You want blocks for longevity and cubes for quick chill. Pack in layers. Remember, ice and frozen items on the bottom, meals in the middle, and drinks on top. Keep your cooler full. It’ll hold temperature so much longer, trust us. Open it less than you think you need to. Every time you open it, hot air gets in, and cold air comes out. Store items by priority. Place the things you need to reach often at the top, so you’re not having to dig around. Now let’s cover the full deets. Step 1: Pre-Chill Your Cooler Before You Pack Starting with a cold cooler is half the battle. Whether you’re heading out for a full-day outing or a weekend-long camping trip, pre-chilling your cooler is key to helping everything hold temperature, right from the get-go. How to Pre-Chill a Cooler Properly To properly pre-chill a cooler, simply add ice or ice packs a few hours before packing. Just remember to dump any excess water before loading in your food and drinks. Step 2: Use the Right Ice Strategy Pro tip: Not all ice works the same. The best way to pack a cooler starts with choosing the right mix of ice blocks, cubed ice, and ice packs. Block Ice vs. Ice Packs vs. Cubed Ice Okay, so how do you pack a cooler with the right ice? Here’s the lowdown. Block ice lasts longer for camping trips.  Cubed ice chills quickly for short outings.  Ice packs help control moisture when you want to keep food dry. How to Keep Ice from Melting in a Cooler It’s not rocket science, just good practices. The easiest way to keep ice from melting in your cooler is to keep it in the shade, open it as infrequently as possible and for as short a time as possible, and pack it full.  These small moves make a bigger difference on hot beach days or multi-day trips. Scouts honor. Step 3: Pack Your Cooler in Layers How do you pack a cooler that stays cold? Layers. It’s the secret to keeping frozen food solid, drinks cold, and meals organized, whether you’re out for a few hours or a few days. Bottom Layer: Ice & Frozen Items We won’t get too sciency here, but placing ice and frozen items at the bottom of the cooler works for two reasons. Heat rises, so placing ice at the top of the cooler would only make it melt faster.  Ice is a great insulator, keeping the food above it colder. It kinda works like an igloo. When packing a cooler, place ice and anything you want to keep fully frozen, like meats or popsicles, at the bottom. This is especially important for camping or longer trips. Middle Layer: Perishables and Meals Next, you want to add your dairy products, prepped meals, and anything you’ll need later in the day or trip.  Top Layer: Drinks and Quick-Grab Items Remember the priority layers we talked about earlier? Keep all snacks and drinks that you’ll want easy access to right at the top. No one wants to be digging through a cooler on a sandy beach. How to Pack a Cooler with Drinks Without Wasting Space Let’s be real. Drinks take up room. Fast. Whether it’s a few cans for the afternoon or enough for a group, packing them right avoids wasting space in your cooler. And it keeps everything colder for longer. Best Way to Pack a Cooler with Cans Honestly, you just want to stack your cans as tightly as possible, then fill any gaps with ice. Less air = better insulation and colder drinks. Separate Food and Drinks When You Can Wanna keep your food colder on longer trips? Pack two coolers: one for bevs and one for food. That way, you won’t have to open the food cooler until you’re ready to eat, keeping it colder.  Alternatively, if you’re packing for shorter outings, pour your drinks into insulated drinkware that keeps drinks cold out of the cooler. Then, you only need to keep a few spare cans in your cooler, so you won’t need to open it as often. How to Keep Food Frozen in a Cooler Not sure how to use a cooler to keep things frozen. Well, this is where it gets a little tricky. Keeping food frozen takes planning, especially if you want it to last more than a day. Freeze Food Before Packing In short, the colder it starts, the longer it lasts. Make sure your food is fully frozen before packing, particularly if you’re camping or heading out on an extended trip. Keep it Packed Tight The less air in a cooler, the colder it stays. That’s why a full cooler holds temperature better than a half-empty one. If you’re wondering how to keep popsicles frozen in a cooler, make sure you pack your cooler tightly to keep things frozen for longer. Limit Opening Time We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Layers matter. You need to plan where you place food and drinks so you can quickly grab what you need and close the cooler ASAP.  Remember, every time you open your cooler, cold air gets out — and if you’re somewhere hot, like the beach, that cooler won’t stay cool long if you keep it open. How to Pack a Cooler with Dry Ice Safely If you’ve researched how to pack a cooler, you’ve probably seen recommendations around using dry ice. And, honestly, it’s a strong option when you need serious cold for longer periods. You just need to use it safely. Place Dry Ice Strategically As with any ice, where you place it matters. Dump some dry ice at the bottom for freezing, then place some on top for overall cooling. Don’t Seal It Airtight So you know what we said about the less air the better in coolers? Ignore that advice if you’re learning how to pack a cooler with dry ice.  Dry ice needs air flow as it releases gas, so make sure your cooler isn’t sealed airtight. Don’t Let Food Touch Dry Ice Directly A word of warning: Dry ice is much colder than regular ice. It can freeze food too hard or damage the texture, so you never want your food to directly touch the dry ice.  Instead, create a barrier with cardboard, newspaper, or a towel to keep food close to the ice without touching it. Handle With Care Dry ice is extremely cold. We’re talking -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit. So, Handle. It. With. Care. You’ll want to wear gloves when packing a cooler with dry ice to keep it simple and safe. How to Keep Food Dry in a Cooler When you place ice directly into a cooler, there’s always a chance that it will melt. And water in a cooler = soggy food. Luckily, this is preventable. Use Leakproof Food Storage The easiest way to keep your food dry is to place it in Stanley 1913 food jars and storage containers, rather than loose in the cooler. It’s also a great way to keep food organized or portioned. Separate Ice from Food When Possible A simple barrier between your ice and food keeps things cold and dry. Use layers (think plastic ice packs or a rack) and waterproof containers to keep the food away from any potential ice melt. Why Having a Method for Packing a Cooler Matters Here’s the truth. Coolers don’t fail. Packing does.  The way you layer, prep, and organize your cooler determines how long ice lasts and how fresh your food stays. For longer trips like camping, knowing how to pack a cooler really well can make all the difference. Now that you’re a certified pro at packing a cooler, shop Stanley 1913 coolers!  Cooler Packing FAQs ❓Do you put ice on the top or bottom of a cooler?  For best results, you actually want to place ice on both the top and bottom of a cooler. The ice on the bottom creates a solid, cold base, preventing warm air from reaching your food and drink, while the top ice keeps items cold as the cold air sinks. Win-win. ❓How do you pack a cooler for a long road trip?  When packing a cooler for a long road trip, make sure you pre-chill it first, then insulate it with a mix of ice before filling. Store items by priority (with snacks and drinks on top) and pack them as tightly as possible. You could also use dry ice to keep the cooler as cold as possible for as long as possible. ❓How do you store a cooler when it is not in use?  You’ll want to store your cooler in a cool, dark, and dry place (think pantry, basement, or closet) with the lid slightly ajar. First, though, make sure you clean it thoroughly with soap and water (no mold or odors here!) and let it dry completely.

Calling all Weekend Warriors, Automotive Adventurers, and Practical Pioneers - nothing helps you shake off those big city blues like a little jaunt into the wilderness. At the same time, not everyone is quite ready to embrace the full scale “living off the land” aspect of straight camping. You have to be back at the office bright and early on Monday, and the last thing you need is to show up to that board meeting looking like you slept on rocks and ate berries. Those looking for a quick and easy escape from the mundane without having to go full Wildman of Borneo need look no further than your trusty car. We’re talking about car camping, people. Think of it as the happy medium between full roughing it and glamping: Car camping means you don’t have to pack light and you can load in and out just as fast as your horsepower can carry you. More than that, car camping is about being able to experience the great outdoors and be comfortable.  CAR CAMPING ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR FIRST ADVENTURE ON WHEELS For all you first-timers looking to dip a toe into car camping, whether it's with your partner, your buds, or your trusty pooch, here are your car camping essentials: The Car (duh) and Some Extra Space Doesn’t matter if you have a sedan, SUV, RV, van, or a two-door hunk ‘o junk, the car is going to be your main means of conveyance and cargo hold. Even so, it pays to streamline: take out anything that might be cluttering up your trunk or backseat (not including kids, though feel free to spook ‘em into being good by saying that). If you can, think about borrowing or renting roof rack storage or a small trailer to hold some of your bulkier items. It’s also a good idea to have your vehicle maintained before you hit the road. Regardless of the conditions of your vehicle, it’s always smart to have the following: Spare tire Jumper cables Automotive tools that you would use if you run into any trouble  Safety First: First Aid Kit, Car Phone Charger, and Lighting Even camping in comfort and style can be a little dangerous. That’s part of the excitement, but to keep everything on the “fun” side, be sure to have the following: Emergency first aid kit Plenty of flashlights Car phone charger or power pack (in case you need to call for help) Creature Comforts: Tent, Camp Chair, and Sleeping Bag Don’t let the name fool you: Car camping is still more camping than a car. You won’t be sleeping in your car most likely, so bring along whatever you’d need to set up camp. This includes: A tent Camping chair Sleeping pads Sleeping bag Extra blankets This is where that extra space can come in handy: Feel free to bring a larger, more roomy tent and more cushy sleeping paraphernalia, even an air mattress and pump. Food, Water, and a Little Extra Ya need ‘em to live, what can we say? Food and especially water is a camping essential, so bring plenty. Luckily, you aren’t one of those poor saps who have to worry about “only pack what you can carry.” Fill an Adventure Fast Flowing Water Jug for easy sharing, and refill it with water (or margaritas for a crowd) as needed. Feel free to pack along some of your favorite treats alongside the staples in your Stanley 1913 Adventure Cooler. Heck, you can even prep your meals ahead of time and bring them along, keeping them warm for hours on end in an Adventure Stay Hot Camp Crock or cookware. If you’re a first-timer heading out for a car camping adventure, make sure you know how to properly pack a cooler to ensure you’re set up for success.  The space afforded you by your car means that you can bring along some of the luxuries of home as well: Is this is a ladies and gents trip with some of your closest besties, the last thing you want is to realize you left the adult beverages at home. Fill up a Classic Easy-Pour Growler with your favorite brew and you’re good to go. And if you overindulge the night before, be sure to bring along ground coffee that you can make the next morning in your Classic Stay Hot French Press and sip from a camp mug. Kitchen and Cookware Camp cooking can be a blast, especially if you have all the best toys. A simple Cook Set can give you everything you need to throw your own version of Chopped: Car Camping Edition. Before you head out, make sure you have an idea of the meals you’re going to prepare, so you won’t have to spend your time doing any guessing or realizing you don’t have the right ingredients. Need some ideas? You can’t go wrong with chipotle egg skillet for breakfast or easy camp tacos for lunch or dinner. Did we miss anything in our car camping essentials? Have a wild tale of adventure and excitement while car camping with your trusty Stanley 1913? Tag #Stanley1913ness to share it with the world!   ABOUT STANLEY 1913 The Stanley 1913 brand has a rich 100+ year history. Born from inventor William Stanley Jr. who forever changed the way hot drinks were consumed, in 1913 he fused vacuum insulation and the strength of steel in one portable bottle, inventing the all-steel vacuum bottle we know and love today.

Written By: Karla Tafra Proper hydration is important for optimal health and well-being, and since our bodies are mainly made of water, it should not come as a surprise. Still, we’re all severely dehydrated on a daily basis, which begs the question of what changes need to be made in our daily routines to prevent its negative side effects. Here are some of the surprising lifestyle habits that can leave you dehydrated and you might need to pay more attention to. WHAT IS DEHYDRATION? Before we dive into the topic of lifestyle causes for dehydration, it’s important to define this common physical state and explain its severity. Dehydration occurs when there’s an insufficient amount of water in your body, most importantly in your cells and blood vessels. It can range from mild to severe, and it can cause everything from dry mouth and dizziness to problems with digestion and even heatstroke. Adequate water levels in your body ensure everything runs smoothly, from your digestive tract and sweat glands to your body temperature and saliva production. When these levels dry up, your entire body enters a state of panic and stress, ceasing certain functions in favor of more important ones, and increasing the risk of endangering your general health.   WHY IS DEHYDRATION DANGEROUS? Most cases of dehydration fall in the mild to moderate range, and they show up as increased thirst, occasional headaches, post-workout muscle cramps, and some digestive issues, but over time, they can lead to more severe problems. Many of us are often so used to these symptoms, we tend to brush them off and go on with our day or continue working on a task without even stopping for a bathroom break. Unfortunately, if left untreated, dehydration can lead to a variety of life-threatening complications, from kidney failure and heat exhaustion to seizures and even coma. And even though these severe symtpoms are rare, they’re surprisingly easy to occur, and even easier to prevent.   Everyone has different water intake needs, and that number can depend on everything from a person’s age and gender to activity level, sweat rate, diet preferences, and daily lifestyle habits. Still, it’s always better to drink more than less, even if that means you need to empty out your bladder a bit more frequently. MOST COMMON CAUSES FOR DEHYDRATION Any condition that disrupts the water levels in your body can cause dehydration if the fluid lost hasn’t been replenished. This includes all of your basic biological needs like sweating, urinating, defecating, and even breathing. Other causes of fluid loss that are commonly considered to be more prominent than just basic human actions include any form of fitness and increased activity, illness (especially coupled with a fever or vomiting), gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, and sodium-rich foods which tend to increase your body’s need for water. LIFESTLYE FACTORS THAT CAN GREATLY CONTRIBUTE TO DEHYDRATION In addition to the most common causes of dehydration, there are some lifestyle habits that can greatly contribute to this state, whether you’re aware of them or not. Here are some of the most common ones and if you find any (or all of them) to be familiar, you’re most likely at great risk of being dehydrated on a daily basis. NOT DRINKING BECAUSE IT'S NOT HOT OUTSIDE Warmer weather causes you to sweat more which in turn has you reach for your water bottle a bit more than usual. However, many people tend to under-hydrate during the colder months of the year as they sweat less and thus don’t feel the urge to drink plenty of fluids. This can easily lead to dehydration, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors and breathing in the cold air. NOT DRINKING FIRST THING WHEN YOU WAKE UP Whether you believe in lemon water first thing in the morning or not, there’s no doubt that drinking a glass of water helps jumpstart your metabolism. It also sets a good tone for adequate hydration as you lose fluids during sleep and this is your first chance to replenish them. If you have the tendency to go straight for the coffee machine when you wake up, take a detour and fill your water bottle first. NOT DRINKING BEFORE/DURING/AFTER YOUR WORKOUT Getting into your workout dehydrated is not a good way to start, but not doing anything about it throughout it is even worse. Dehydration can have a serious effect on your athletic abilities, energy levels, and even your attitude towards exercise. Couple that with perspiration and you’ve overworked your body even if the workout itself wasn’t that challenging. Make sure you’re always properly hydrated before you even start exercising and make a mental note to sip throughout. And don’t forget to replenish lost fluids afterward. NOT TAKING YOUR WATER BOTTLE WITH YOU It’s hard to stay on top of your hydration game if you always have to rely on store-bought water or keep forgetting to take yours with you. Find your favorite water bottle and make it a habit to take it with you wherever you go. From your office to the car to the gym, and even on you walking meetings - keep it close by so you never forget to sip throughout the day. Such a simple thing and yet it can make a huge difference. UNDEREATING AND OVEREXERCISING When you’re body is stressed, it increases its need for fluids. Being in a constant caloric deficit, sweating it out in the gym too often, or doing both at the same time can be a true recipe for disaster. Not only does this increase the risk of severe dehydration, but it also leaves you depleted of important electrolytes. Electrolyte deficiency can lead to a variety of conditions, from seizures and vomiting to kidney failure and arrhythmia. Pay attention to your fluid intake even if you’re on a weight loss journey, especially if your activity level has gone up. STRESS AND BEING SWAMPED WITH WORK How many times have you been so caught up in work you forgot to lift your head from the computer screen, let alone grab your water bottle and take a sip. Hectic work tasks, hundreds of emails, and back to back meetings can make it painfully easy to forget to take a break or even go to the bathroom. Over time, this results in many dehydrated hours during the day when your brain is struggling to comprehend everything it needs to finish its to-do list with insufficient fluid levels within its cells. This is where keeping a 30 or 40-oz water bottle right at your office desk is the best possible idea to stay on top of your hydration goals. Just don’t forget to refill it once you drink the whole thing! DIGESTIVE ISSUES AND BLOATING Many people who often have digestive issues and experience bloating fail to drink sufficient amounts of water as adding more fluids into their stomachs feels too much. However, in order to tackle these digestive issues, they should be doing exactly that - drinking more water to help flush everything out. As a matter of fact, dehydration can even be the cause of bloating, as the lack of fluid paired with an electrolyte imbalance tends to halt digestion in the first place. So, next time you feel like your jeans are a bit too snug, and there’s the familiar “I-look-five-months-pregnant” feel, drink up and feel your symptoms improve. EATING SUGARY AND ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS We all know by now that a diet consisting of fast food and sugar-filled drinks is a health hazard, but it can also easily leave you dehydrated. These ultra-processed foods tend to cause plenty of water retention in the body by taking it from your cells, all while providing little to no water content themselves. They also tend to decrease your natural intake of fresh fruit and veggies that are a great source of water themselves. Most of them are extremely rich in water and help you increase your water intake even without your eight-cups-a-day. Even moreso, fresh fruits and veggies add a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and other powerful plant micronutrients to your diet, improving your body’s ability to hydrate each cell and blood vessel. So, even though it’s not surprising to recommend staying away from fast foods, whenever you do reach for a Mcdonald's burger or a Chick File combo, at least opt for some water instead of a sugar-filled Coke. DAY DRINKING Alcohol, in general, doesn’t contribute to hydration goals for the day, and it’s known for its diuretic properties, meaning it stimulates the production of urine and makes you run for the bathroom more often. If you tend to partake in brunch mimosas and after-work cocktails, you might pay more attention to your water intake and increase it to at least equal the number of drinks you have weekly. It’s all about balance. OVER-CAFFEINATING Coffee is another substance that tends to stimulate your production of urine and make you potentially dehydrated throughout the day. With almost every one of us unable to imagine our days without a cup or two (or three, or four), it’s even more important to increase our water intake. When dreary days are upon us, getting over-caffeinated is more common than you’d think, so drink up! CERTAIN MEDICATIONS If you’re suffering from a health condition or take certain medications on a regular basis, it might be worth checking out whether or not they contain compounds that can act as a diuretic. Just taking them might already contribute to dehydration without you even knowing! Talk to your doctor and make sure you’re not adding dehydration on top of another medical condition your body is already fighting. FLYING IN A PLANE Although this doesn’t fit into the lifestyle habit category, it’s still worth mentioning. Plane cabins are usually very low in humidity which can have a strong impact on your fluid and hydration levels. That’s why it’s essential to drink as much as possible before your trip as well as while you’re up in the air. It will improve your digestion, reduce the possibility of experiencing a headache, and even help you prevent uncomfortable post-flight water retention. FINAL THOUGHTS Dehydration is a serious condition, no matter how mild it can get. Even the slightest loss of water can wreak havoc on your system and cause major electrolyte and hormonal imbalances in your body, endangering your health and well-being. Focus on preventing dehydration by staying on top of your water intake, keeping a water bottle with you at all times, and changing the lifestyle habits that lead to it, one day at a time.