Spanning the medieval Dark Ages to the blood soaked juggles of Vietnam, these five films set the standard for the genre. Saving Private Ryan, directed and released by Steven Spielberg in 1998, was rightly nominated for and took home numerous awards. Beginning with the invasion of Normandy during WWII, the film follows a US Army Rangers captain and his squad as they attempt to locate the last-surviving brother of four soldiers.

Apocalypse Now is the crowning achievement of writer, producer, and director Francis Ford Coppola’s career, not merely adapting Joseph Conrad’s novella “Heart of Darkness,” but transferring it to the Vietnam War. Despite its problematic production the film’s horror-laden tale of the pursuit of a madman continues to find new generations of fans.

Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket details the training of U.S. Marines Joker and Pyle as they struggle under the iron fist of their drill instructor, as well as the experiences of those in the Tet Offensive. A wild card of a film, Full Metal Jacket somehow managed to divide critics while unanimously garnering worldwide praise.

Platoon, Oliver Stone’s anti-war drama, introduces us to a platoon of young infantrymen as they brave the hellish jungles of South Vietnam. The cast famously underwent a rigorous regime, which included long marches, nighttime ambushes, minimal sleep routinely disturbed by the firing of blanks, and a severely limited diet. The result? An unforgettable “other side” perspective on the well-known war trope.

Braveheart was by no means a modern military account, nor an entirely accurate one, but it earned a folkloric place among the best war films ever made. A loose biopic of the life of 13th century Scottish rebel William Wallace, the movie’s epic cinematography, unforgettable score, and powerful performances won it the 1995 Academy Award for Best Picture.

Of course, those are just a few of the many Great War movies of all time out there. Below you’ll find my full guide to the top 54 best war movies of all time for men, featuring must watch military films.

From modern day movies like Hacksaw Ridge to classics like Patton, which came out over forty years ago, you’ll find a great mix of manly entertainment. Just keep in mind these are in no particular order, rather there are so many good films out there, it’s truly worth watching them all!

1. 13 Hours

When Islamist militants attacked the American diplomat compound in Libya in 2012, a single security team fought through in an attempt to rescue the people trapped within, including an American ambassador. Michael Bay’s trademark explosive effects take second place to the acts of self-sacrifice and bravery that make this story unforgettable.

2. 300

The legend of Thermopylae as seen through the eyes of comic genius, Frank Miller–cinematic violence combined with gorgeous cinematography highlights the warrior bond between the celebrated Spartans that stood against the Persian armies in 480 B.C. With a stellar cast and an incredible soundtrack, it became its own legend for graphic novels-turned-movie.

3. A Bridge Too Far

A classic World War II film, released in 1977, details the story of Operation Market Garden–an attempt to break through the German lines in the occupied Netherlands. Directed by the legendary Sir Richard Attenborough, the star-studded cast brilliantly depicts the intended strategy and the aftermath of the things that went wrong.

4. Act Of Valor

One of the most revered counterinsurgency forces in the military, the Navy SEALs are the stars in this film distributed by Relativity Media. When a CIA operative is captured in Costa Rica, SEAL Team Seven is dispatched to rescue her. With genuine Navy SEALs starring in the film and breath-taking action, it’s easy to see why this is a film that inspired many young men to enlist.

5. A Few Good Men

Originally a stage play, this military movie adaptation directed by Rob Reiner follows the dramatic prosecution of two U.S. Marines accused of killing one of their comrades. Untangling the story is the responsibility of Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, portrayed by Tom Cruise, and as the investigation and trial continue, more shocking details are discovered.

6. American Sniper

Directed by Clint Eastwood and based off of the celebrated memoir of Chris Kyle, this film follows the life of Chris Kyle as he became the deadliest marksman in the history of the United States military. The toll of the four tours he served in the Iraq War is shown with compelling honesty, and Bradley Cooper’s critically acclaimed portrayal makes this film a poignant reminder of the sacrifices of service.

7. Anthropoid

In 1942, exiled Czechoslovakian soldiers assassinated Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking SS officer stationed in Prague. Directed by Sean Ellis, starring Cillian Murphy and Jaime Dornan, this film pulls no punches in depicting the difficulties involved in assassinating the man who was one of the main architects of the Nazis’ “Final Solution.”

8. Apocalypse Now

Nominated for eight Academy Awards and lauded as one of the finest films on the Vietnam War, Francis Ford Coppola’s story–based off of Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”–about a Special Forces colonel gone mad and the captain assigned to assassinate him is truly a tense and masterfully enduring classic.

9. A Thin Red Line

Nominated for seven Academy Awards, Terrence Malick’s fictionalized battle in World War II’s Pacific Theater poignantly shows the sacrifice of front-line fighting. Facing not only the dangers of combat but the effects of war on their personal lives, the soldiers of C Company have more to overcome than simply surviving to the next day.

10. Battle Of The Bulge

A 1965 widescreen war epic, this film undertook the daunting task of condensing a month-long battle in World War II into three hours. Directed by Ken Annakin and starring Hollywood heavy-hitters such as Henry Fonda, it received mixed reviews for historical inaccuracies but endures for the cinematic depiction of the major events of the Ardennes Counteroffensive.

11. Beasts Of No Nation

One of the most unsettling aspects of war is the use of child soldiers, and Cary Koji Fukunaga brought to life the story of Agu, a child forced into combat by a rebel faction. Critically acclaimed and painfully honest about the price children pay in war zones, the Netflix film manages to end on a hopeful note while making no attempt to conceal the violence that preceded it.

12. Behind Enemy Lines

John Moore’s depiction of a soldier’s worst nightmare–being stranded amongst hostile forces with rescue days away–was loosely based off of an actual event in 1995. One of Owen Wilson’s rare serious roles, it’s a fast-paced tale of a man’s struggle to survive even when help is days (and miles) away.

13. Black Hawk Down

Untangling the truth from a multitude of conflicting, self-serving stories, Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Serling–depicted by Academy Award winner Denzel Washington–must face his own traumatic memories. Determining who took what action under fire in the Gulf War creates a tangled, emotional web that puts everyone involved to the test.

14. Courage Under Fire

In 1993, a hundred elite U.S. soldiers went into a marketplace in Mogadishu, Somalia. It was meant to be a quick mission, in and out in under an hour. Ridley Scott’s intense, action-packed film shows what happened when that mission went from a simple retrieval to a two day battle that killed 18 Americans and thousands of Somalis.

15. Crimson Tide

When tensions rise, commanders often make judgement call that must be defended or explained later. Is it possible for two men to be simultaneously right and wrong about the same issue? Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter–played by Denzel Washington–chooses mutiny over obeying his superior’s orders to fire missiles without knowing the entirety of an interrupted radio message.

16. Downfall

The last ten days of Adolf Hitler’s war rule were a tumultuous period for the people of Berlin. High-ranking members of the Nazi party committed suicide while German citizens suffered the results of the Soviet advance. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, this movie dares to look at what happened when those in power saw the writing on the wall.

17. Enemy At The Gates

From 1942 to 1943, the Battle of Stalingrad was the setting for a battle between two talented, lethal snipers. Vasily Zaytsev, a legendary Soviet sniper, played a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with Major Erwin. With dazzling cinematography and tension that increases, scene by scene, it’s a fascinating, terrifying war tale that can only end with one man standing.

18. Full Metal Jacket

Following a group of fresh U.S. Marine Corps recruits through basic training and into Vietnam takes a haunting turn when depicted by legendary director Stanley Kubrick. One of the classic films of the 1980s, widely praised for the acting, dialogue and tight plot, it is and has been a must-see since it was initially released.

19. Fury

While a tank may seem impregnable, the close quarters, heat, strain and danger of being consistently under fire leeches away any sense of safety that those who manned the tanks in World War II might have had. Led by Brad Pitt, the star-studded cast directed by David Ayer portrayed eloquently just what it meant to be one of the U.S. tank crews.

20. Gettysburg

The turning point of the Civil War, and one of the bloodiest battles in American history, is followed almost moment-by-moment in this epic 1993 film. Directed by Ronald F. Maxwell and based off of the novel “The Killer Angels,” this movie has been lavishly praised for dedication to historical accuracy and phenomenal acting. A must-see for anyone with an interest in the American Civil War.

21. Glory

The first military unit of the Union Army to consist entirely of African-American soldiers, the 1989 epic focuses on the individual characters and the development of the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The struggles of both commander and the soldiers under him are powerfully portrayed in this Academy Award-winning war movie.

22. Hacksaw Ridge

Desmond Doss believed killing was wrong. And yet he enlisted for service after the attack on Pearl Harbor and became the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. Not for enemy kills, but for courageously rescuing 75 wounded men by himself. Directed by Mel Gibson, this film shows just how the most courageous acts can come from the mildest of men.

23. Hamburger Hill

The battle to control “Hill 937” during the Vietnam War involved heavy casualties on both sides. On the American side, the casualties are depicted as more than just the death of fellow soldiers. Focusing on the wide-spread social effects of the Vietnam War, director John Irvin spared nothing in creating a powerful, compelling narrative.

24. Heartbreak Ridge

Passing wisdom from one generation to another is part of the tradition of experienced soldiers training new recruits. That’s brilliantly depicted by Clint Eastwood in the film set in the Korean War. Balancing the job of directing and acting, the Academy Award-winner creates a moving piece about the price that soldiers pay for devoting their lives to their country.

25. Jarhead

Directed by Sam Mendes, this film–based off of Anthony Swofford’s memoir–follows a new U.S. Marine Corp recruit through basic training into his service during Operation Desert Shield in the Gulf War. Highlighting the indoctrination involved in military training and the way it affects civilian life after military service, the film became an instant classic.

26. Kelly’s Heroes

Not every military movie set in a war has to be a drama. This 1970 war comedy focuses on a group of American soldiers in World War II who abandon their mission to attempt robbing a bank located behind enemy lines. With iconic actors such as Clint Eastwood and Donald Sutherland, it’s no surprise that this film has been rated one of the best war movies of all time.

27. Lone Survivor

Although war forces many people to take sides, there are instances of people risking their lives in order to help anyone in need, regardless of who they fight for. Peter Berg’s fictionalized depiction of one such instance–Operation Red Wings during the Afghanistan War–shows the power of personal conviction in the face of overwhelming odds.

28. Mash

The 1970s were a decade filled with a wry view of the world, and this is poignantly clear in the hit black war comedy. Inspiring a comedy series that ran for eleven years, it has remained on numerous film lists as one of the 100 top American movies of all time since its release. Combining black humor with wartime wisdom and a few zany laughs, it is a classic that’s earned its place.

29. Patton

U.S. General George S. Patton was a legendary figure that inspires men and women today. Released in 1970 and winning seven Academy Awards, the biographical film pulls no punches in depicting the remarkable military mind that drove the Allied advance from Paris to the Rhine in World War II. From inspirational speeches to the man’s personal idiosyncrasies, Frankin J. Schaffner’s film is both true to form and cinematic.

30. Pearl Harbor

Michael Bay’s 2001 film looking at the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor focused on the people involved, not simply the historical event itself. The horror and impact of war is felt on an individual basis and here is all the valor, courage, fear and pain involved in every minute of a surprise attack that kicked off the U.S.’s entry into World War II.

31. Platoon

The first of Oliver Stone’s film trilogy about the Vietnam War, this 1986 classic starring Charlie Sheen and Willam Defoe has a distinctly different angle. Based on Oliver Stone’s experiences in the Vietnam War, this Academy Award-winning film looks at the traumatic effects that not only created a change in how Oliver Stone viewed the world, but an entire generation.

32. Sands Of Iwo Jima

A classic 1949 film directed by Allan Dwan, starring “the Duke” himself–the iconic flag raising that took place on February 23, 1945 has been immortalized in photography, sculpture and other forms of art. Including this soldier-focused film with John Wayne taking center stage as the grizzled Sergeant John M. Stryker.

33. Saving Private Ryan

The cost of warfare is powerfully shown in every frame of Steven Spielberg’s World War II epic focused on the rescue of Private James Francis Ryan. Renowned for gritty, realistic war scenes and one of the most intense military movie openings in history, this film was added to the National Film Registry less than twenty years after its release in 1998.

34. Stripes

1970 wasn’t the only year with war comedies. Released in 1981, this Ivan Reitman film starring Bill Murray focuses on a man that’s lost everything and takes refuge in the Army. His approach to life translates into a series of increasingly ridiculous events that culminates in an unlikely hero emerging.

35. Tae Guk Gi

Released in 2004, this South Korean film takes a different view of the Korean War. Following the experiences of two brothers forcibly drafted into the war and directed by Kang Je-gyu, it illustrates the losses that were felt on both sides of the war. Each brother is affected differently by their experiences, and the bond between them is tested to the limit as they’re forced to serve their country.

36. Tangerines

Thousands of wars have broken out throughout history and many of them are overlooked in favor of those that grab the media. Released in 2013, this focuses on the war in Abkhazia and one man struggling to keep the peace between two wounded soldiers from either side of the conflict that he’s given refuge beneath his roof.

37. Tears Of The Sun

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Bruce Willis as Lieutenant A.K. Waters, this 2003 film is another that highlights the dangerous situations and specific missions that Navy SEALs are sent into. With Monica Bellucci as a doctor captured by rebel soldiers and a musical score by Hans Zimmer, it has a phenomenal appeal for any viewer.

38. The Bridge On The River Kwai

A 1957 film by David Lean, this fictional story won seven Academy Awards. Focusing on POWs under Japanese control, the story takes a surprising turn. When the prisoners plot to sabotage a bridge they’re being forced to build, it’s entirely understandable from any view. But one man has a different idea and it stems from a source that the other POWs only realize much later.

39. The Desert Fox

Field Marshal Erwin Rommel has a legend today largely due to this 1951 film starring James Mason and Jessica Tandy. Directed by Henry Hathaway, the significance is far beyond the mastery of the film. Utilized as propaganda to repair relations between the British, the U.S. and West Germany after World War II, it took on entirely new importance.

40. The Dirty Dozen

Directed by Robert Aldrich, based off of a novel by the same name and inspired by real life events, this 1967 war movie follows the creation of the “Dirty Dozen.” A group of convicts recruited by British soldiers are selected to complete what is largely believed to be a suicide mission. With stars like Charles Bronson and Donald Sutherland, it’s no surprise that this film stands on several American Film Institute lists.

41. The Great Escape

A mass escape took place in 1944 from a German POW camp and became the inspiration for the 1963 film directed by John Sturges. With a historical basis and a stellar cast–Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson–it’s spread throughout pop culture and endures as a classic war movie.

42. The Green Berets

Set in Vietnam, this 1968 film directed by John Wayne–who also stars as Colonel Mike Kirby–is very much a piece of the times. With a strong pro-military flavor, filmed during the Vietnam War itself, this classical piece of American cinema is based on a book by Robin Moore. With an old-fashioned perspective on the honor and glory of soldiery and historical significance, it’s a must-see.

43. The Guns Of Navarone

An Allied unit of elite soldiers takes on a German fortress on the Aegean Sea–the simple plot of the 1961 film, directed by J. Lee Thompson, is brought to stellar life by actors like Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn. An Academy Award-winning movie, based on the book “The Guns of Navarone,” it highlights the turning point of 1943 in World War II through amazing special effects and acting.

44. The Hunt For Red October

Released in 1990, based off of the Tom Clancy novel of the same name, this thriller set in the late Cold War combines heart-pounding tension with incredible action. Starring Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin in lead roles, it plays out plot points in conjunction with stellar underwater combat and fascinating political maneuvering.

45. The Hurt Locker

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this 2008 film focused on an Explosive Ordance Disposal team in the Iraq War gives an insightful look into the effects of such a stressful situation. No two soldiers handle it alike, and with the fantastic acting of men such as Jeremy Renner and Guy Pearce, the full range of stress that military service causes is displayed as the plot unfolds.

46. The Longest Day

D-Day–June 6, 1944 was the day that Allied forces landed at Normandy. This 1962 film, winner of two Academy Awards, was designed to give audiences as accurate a view as they could of the operation that began liberating occupied Europe and helped bring about the Allied victory.

47. The Messenger

One of the most difficult jobs in the world is to bring someone the news of their loved one’s passing. This 2009 military film directed by Oren Moverman follows Will Montgomery as he takes on the duties of a casualty notification officer and struggles to balance his support of his alcoholic partner and his interest in a woman he saw through the worst moments of her life.

48. The Patriot

The American Revolution is the basis of the American mythology, but this is no dry history lesson. Follow Benjamin Martin, played by Mel Gibson, through the stealthy attacks on the British that culminate in a face-to-face showdown with the cruel Colonel Tavington, played by Jason Isaacs. An action-packed exploration of what life was like when America broke free of British rule.

49. They Were Expendable

Set during the Battle of the Philippines in World War II, this 1945 film directed by John Ford uses actual events and historical figures while creating a fictional storyline. Starring John Wayne and Robert Montgomery, it follows the defense of a stragetically important location with the most unlikely equipment.

50. Three Kings

Black comedy at its finest–this David O. Russell film, released in 1991, follows U.S. soldiers as they attempt to steal gold during the middle of the unrest in Iraq that followed the end of the Gulf War. With George Clooney heading the cast and sharp, witty dialogue to carry the characters through an intricately tangled plot, it has earned its critical acclaim.

51. Top Gun

One of the most widely known films from the 1980s, Tony Scott’s action film follows “Maverick” as he trains at the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School. Combining breathtaking aerial stunds with a killer soundtrack and stellar acting, this 1986 showpiece has made it onto five of the American Film Institute’s 100 lists.

52. Unbroken

Directed by Angelina Jolie, this 2014 film follows Louis Zamperini through his horrifying ordeal. After surviving for 47 days on a drifting raft after crashing into the ocean, he was captured and became a POW in World War II. Jack O’Connell’s masterful performance pulls no punches in depicting the horrors of war and the strength of will it took to survive.

53. We Were Soldiers

Released in 2002, this Randall Wallace film, starring Mel Gibson, focuses on the Battle of la Drang that took place in 1965. Another Vietnam War movie, this follows the events of the first major battle between the U.S. Army and the North Vietnamese Army. With realistic combat and amazing cinematography, it has taken its place amongst the classic Vietnam films.

54. Windtalkers

The Navajo code talkers of World War II were vital to the Allies success, especially during the encounters with the Japanese in the Pacific Theater. This 2002 war film, directed by John Woo, follows Navajo code talker Private Been Yahzee and the Sergeant assigned to protect him. With a highlight on the never-broken Navajo code and a focus on a lesser-known aspect of World War II combat, this is a must-see for all war movie enthusiasts.

Your home should be a gentleman’s retreat that invites friends and family, or even better, your Saturday night date, to come in and bask in the depth of your fascinating personality thanks to your impressive home decor. Each piece in your apartment should be a unique conversation starter that showcases your love of your hobbies, your favorite books, or interesting facts that you love to discuss.

After all, your home is more than just a place to sleep, it’s a reflection of everything that makes you, well, you. Your choice of background pieces, interior design, and forefront displays almost say more about you than you can say about yourself.

This list of interesting apartment decorations for guys is tailored to cover a wide range of styles and tastes to give you the most inspiration possible to create a masculine vibe. You can use the guide to help you transform your humble and boring studio apartment or bachelor pad into a luxurious getaway that displays both your style and status. Choose between steampunk designs and simple wooden displays, functional furniture, whimsical art, or a modern coffee table.

Is your apartment missing out on macho? Are you needing a few tips for sleek and classy decor? Perhaps your apartment has all the warmth of a newly sterilized surgical suite? Whatever your need, we will help you find some of the most interesting accents available so you can share your personality with all who enter your home. Whether you’re a fan of nautical adventures, classic sci-fi, or 1940s cinema, this list will have something to suit your taste and style.

1. 48 Inch Wood Airplane Prop

Love the aviation look? Then you’ll like this cherry wood brown wood airplane prop by Deco 79. With an antique charm, faded red stripes, and raised black center bolts this propeller adds a touch of masculine decor to any guy’s apartment. Each arrives with a generous length of 48 inches and a width of 5 inches.

2. Abbott Collection Small Gold Twig Wall Hook

It’s hard to imagine a classier way to hang your keys or display your small trinkets. Measuring a little over half a foot, it would look stunning displayed above your Torre & Tagus Twisted Branch Antique Bronze Tree in a way that really ties the room together.

3. Abstract Canvas Wall Art

No guy’s apartment is complete without some cool abstract canvas art on the wall. Let’s face it though, it’s tough finding artwork that isn’t too feminine or too bizarre. And if you adult, things like posters of superheroes, cars, and half-naked models, like the ones used to have a college, just like a cut it.

Luckily a little class and fine art aren’t going to cost you too much. Take for instance the Giclee print by Wall 26, at 32” x 48” this piece is rather affordable when you consider it under a hundred dollars and comes with a generous size.

4. Aviation Aluminium Egg Chair

Add an iconic piece to your apartment interior with the aluminum chair by English Classics. Each arrives with a handsome aluminum aviation frame and supple leather finish. It’s perfect for any gentleman looking for a mix between modern and retro. And while the style swings back and forth in time, so does the chair itself. Each features a 360° rotating action alongside back-and-forth tilting.

5. Creative Co-Op Hand Carved Mango Wooden Dice

Do you like to gamble? Or perhaps you just want to show off your love of quantum physics by hinting that God really does play dice with the universe? Your friends will love these oversized brown and black solid wooden dice by Creative Co-Op for the Urban Homestead collection.

6. Metal Earth Brooklyn Bridge 3D Metal Model

Nothing says New York like the Brooklyn Bridge, and now you can bring New York home to you. At just 14 inches tall, the steel replica comes completely assembled, so you can set it up and enjoy it right away.

7. Eames Lounge Chair

When it comes to creating the ultimate bachelor pad, man cave, or apartment, there are a few items that can top the classic Eames lounge chair. The style is, quite simply put, unforgettable to all wondering eyes.

Each arrives with a beautiful wood grain finish alongside handsome soft leather for the ultimate comfort. Now, there are a lot of reproductions out there making it rather difficult to find one that’s really well-made. That’s why you can’t go past Herman Miller who delivers big on craftsmanship without costing you a pretty penny.

8. LEGO Empire State Building

Good things do come in small packages. This LEGO miniature of the Empire State Building stands at just over 23 inches but packs all the classy style of downtown New York into your living room. Comprising 1,993 pieces, this is a challenging LEGO set that will bring you much joy once complete.

9. Faux Fur Throw Blanket

Meet the throw blanket on steroids. This giant throw is absolutely no joke when it comes to manly decorations. In fact, it will most likely be one of the best purchases you ever make.

Not only does it look luxurious, but it’s also downright incredibly comfortable and comes in a wide range of colors, including Arctic Blue, Chocolate, Teal, and Dark Red. It makes for a great decoration for any sofa or bed.

10. Home Organizer Tech Art Half Face Statue

Partially inspired by Salvador Dali and partly by the Twilight Zone, you can sit and look at this piece from every different angle for hours and never get bored. There is something about this abstract sculpture that lovingly invites you to trip out on its weird outline while trying to figure out just what you are seeing. It makes for a great decoration in any man’s study or living room.

11. Hunter Retro Fan

Why just use any old fan to cool down on a hot day when you can use a retro room accent? Just one look at this matte black finish vintage fan will take you back to the days of the old-school detective agency. You can imagine you are Mike Hammer waiting for the dame in distress to walk through the door while you cool off in style. And if black isn’t your color, there are several other options available to fit your decor.

12. Decorative Armillary

This decorative armillary sphere gives tribute to the wonderful world of astronomy while showing your love of fine art. It is a beautifully crafted piece that is a unique replica of the tools that our ancient forefathers used to track the movement of the planets and sun across our sky.

13. Industrial Crate With Metal Frame

This tiny industrial crate with a metal frame wood planter box is an ideal way to display items you like, house candles or hold small plants while showing your rustic Grizzly Adams side. The light, barn-style wood looks great with any background while the metal frame adds a touch of modernity to keep things interesting.

14. NBA Poster Bundle

If there is one thing every modern man’s apartment needs, it’s some form of wall art. If you are a basketball fan then you can’t go wrong with this three-poster NBA bundle. The collection includes posters of NBA greats Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant along with their playing career statistics in a retro style that will look incredible in any room of the house.

Just note that the images are digital, so once you make the purchase you will be sent a JPG file which you can download and then frame yourself.

15. Customizable Wood Bar Sign

Home bar need sprucing up? Get yourself one of these customizable wood bar signs and let everyone know whose bar it is. Available in a wide range of styles and designs, you can get any sort of message you want carved into a sign and display it proudly above your home bar.

16. Marine Searchlight

Practical meets industrial chic with this classy floor lamp. This handmade replica of a 1940s marine searchlight is an affordable way to add a statement piece to any room. Choose two or three for a black and white movie set feel or one for your living room window so you can “keep the light on” to guide your friends to a safe harbor.

17. Black and Gold Iron Decorative Sphere

This sculpture is reminiscent of the sphere that Atlas holds in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Perhaps when he shrugged it landed in your living room? The black bands of this sphere are touched with gold where they intersect to add even more dimensional depth to this already visually engaging piece. A great statement piece for any living space.

18. Wall Hanging Lifebuoy

Sometimes you just have to jump ship and go nautical. This lifebuoy will showcase your love of sailing so beautifully that you can almost smell the salt spray on its natural rope and worn white and red finish. It fits beautifully on a bookcase right next to your antique hardback copy of Moby Dick or on a free wall over your sofa.

19. Forest Wall Tapestry

If you are training on your rock wall and counting the days till you can knock Mount Everest off your bucket list, this is the wall hanging for you. The picturesque tapestry will fill your vision with a breathtaking mountain vista while you enjoy your morning cup of coffee and dream of scaling your next peak.

20. Thinker Statue

Everyone should have a replica of “The Thinker.” Originally designed to be placed in front of a doorway surround called “The Gates of Hell,” Rodin’s classic sculpture is designed to be gazed at from below as it perches on an elevated surface.

Not only is this replica of the famous statue an amazing piece of art, but it shows your guests you are a deep thinker with an interest in art and culture.

21. Bang & Olufsen A9 Fourth Generation Stand Up Speaker

You need a good speaker in your living room and they don’t get much better than this beauty from Bang & Olufsen. This three-leg design speaker has Wi-Fi connectivity and customizable sound EQ and not only sounds great but looks fabulous in any corner of your room.

22. White Marble Bookends

Keep a collection of books organized with MyGift’s cool triangle white marble bookends. Each arrives with a polished, mirror-like finish and securely holds up to eight pounds of books. While this decorative item may be smaller in size, it is certainly big on luxurious style. Of course, if you’re not into the marble finish, you can always elect to go with a pair of agate bookends for a more natural look.

23. Blue Wooden Crates

These nesting wooden crates can be stacked away in a small space when you don’t need them, but they look just as beautiful on display. Whether empty or full of knick-knacks or fine fruit, the galvanized metal trim on these boxes brings out the natural luster of the wood to bring ambiance to your room.

24. Tree Stump Side Table

Straight from the design inspiration of pioneers from centuries past, this cedar wood and metal end table gives you points for style and recycling. Each table is beautiful and unique because the wooden top is made from reclaimed cedar stumps. Polished to perfection with a natural lacquer finish, your stylish table will last for years.

25. Warm Tabacco Pipe Candle

Living room smelling a little too manly? Bedroom starting to be on the nose? One way to solve this problem is by lighting a few candles and giving your home a welcoming aroma. This warm tobacco pipe candle will give your home a masculine scent and send the ladies wild.

26. Pistol Whiskey Decanter Set

Every man needs a decanter set in their home, but if you want to stand out with something unique, then this is the item for you. Shaped like a pistol, it allows you to live like James Bond as you knock back a quiet tipple after a hard day at work.

27. Cantilever Arc Floor Lamp

Add a touch of charm to your living space with this cantilever arc floor lamp. This vintage overhanging lamp creates an air of ambience thanks to its natural light that provides a warm glow. Durable and stylish, this floor lamp from SURAIELEC is also easy to assemble and gives your abode a little extra character.

28. Triangle Billiard Wall Clock

Every man’s apartment should have a wall clock somewhere, and instead of your standard circular hanging clock, why not go for one that draws a bit of attention to the room it is in? That’s where the triangle billiard wall clock comes into play.

This creative clock is the shape of a triangle with each billiard positioned as a number of the clock. Made from a solid wood frame, this battery-powered clock will look good in a study, living room, or game room and is sure to get a lot of attention from visitors.

29. Yoobure Tree Bookshelf

Nobody wants a boring bookshelf to show off their collection of classic titles. Instead, get yourself an attractive centerpiece like this Yoobure tree bookshelf. This wooden bookshelf combines modern materials with a retro look and includes six shelves with a small base space for extra storage.

30. Full Length Mirror

Every home needs a full-length mirror so you can take the perfect selfie. This mirror has dimensions of 65″ x 22″ and can be positioned horizontally or vertically, is easy to install, and is very durable.

FAQs

How can I personalize my apartment without making it look cluttered?

Personalization can be achieved through strategic decor choices. Focus on incorporating meaningful items like framed photos, unique souvenirs, or hobby-related pieces. Utilize wall shelves or dedicated display areas to avoid clutter and maintain a clean aesthetic. Opt for multi-functional furniture to maximize space and minimize the need for excessive decorations.

How can I create a stylish entertainment area in my apartment?

To create a stylish entertainment area, start with a focal point like a sleek TV stand or media console. Arrange comfortable seating, such as a well-designed sofa or recliner, around it. Add ambiance with adjustable lighting through floor lamps or wall sconces. Consider displaying your media collection and gaming consoles with open shelving, keeping the space organized and visually appealing.

What are some masculine decor elements that can enhance my apartment’s atmosphere?

Incorporating masculine decor elements can enhance the apartment’s atmosphere. Industrial-style furniture, like metal and wood combinations, adds a rugged charm. Statement pieces like leather sofas or vintage maps contribute to a masculine vibe. Incorporate texture through materials like leather, exposed brick, and natural wood. Plants or succulents can introduce a touch of nature and balance to the space. Remember, a balanced mix of textures, materials, and personal touches creates a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Remember that personal style and preferences play a crucial role in apartment decorations. Tailor your choices to reflect your interests and lifestyle while maintaining a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.

More and more people are expressing themselves through tattoos, with a study in 2012 finding around 45 million people (21%) in America alone have one or more tattoos.

The results of the study also found that 15% of men and 13% of women in the US have tattoos, which is quite a large number.

So why the sudden increase in people getting tattoos? There are many different factors, but many tattooists point to celebrity tattoo culture as the reason behind modern tattoo culture taking off and integrating with the mainstream. 

The Rise of Celebrity Tattoos

Shows such as Miami Ink and Ink Master helped make tattoos acceptable while a mass of celebrities started getting tatts and making it a cool thing to do. The likes of David Beckham, Kat Von D, Rihanna, and Scarlett Johansson are all people who have shown off their tattoos and influenced others to get inked. 

The exposure these shows and famous people have created has helped tattooing become the 6th fastest growing American industry. There are an estimated 21,000 tattoo parlors in the US alone, with Las Vegas and Miami leading the way with over 100 tattoo shops combined. 

Americans spend a whopping $1.65 billion getting inked yearly. 36% of those are US citizens aged 18-29 who have at least one tattoo.

While tattoos are more of a fashion statement these days, they have their roots in ancient traditions dating back centuries. If you want to know more about the history of tattoos and how they have evolved over the years, read on.

Historic Roots

As an expressive art form, tattooing has a much longer history than many people realize. Originally intended as protection of the body, later it was used to mark people as belonging to specific groups, and only in the modern era has it become a form of self-expression.

Many cultures around the globe practiced the art of tattooing at one time or another. Most of them still do; well-known modern tattoo masters hail from as wide-ranging places as Japan, Egypt, Australia, and the United States.

Today’s ink colors and designs would not exist had it not been for the first symbolic markings made on another person’s body for whichever chosen purpose: ceremonial, identification, protection, or another spiritual reason.

Making the Marks

The first tattoos were made by scratching or pricking the first layer of skin and spreading ashes or oil onto the scratches. Eventually, as it became available, colored dyes and ink were used to bring new life to the symbols.

Tattooing instruments were rather crude as illustrated by some bronze instruments discovered in Egypt. These large, flat, needle-like tools date back to 1450 BCE and are the oldest known identifiable tattooing instruments known.

Europe

Permanent, inked-in designs are known from European mummies as old as 5,300 years. The frozen mummy now dubbed the “Iceman” was discovered in the Italian mountain permafrost in the early 1990s. Otzi, as he is better known, had more than 60 tattoos on his body; most of them are made up of sets of lines or even “x’s.”

Certainly far away from the complicated designs of today, it has been questioned as to what Otzi’s tats meant. In 2015, a team of Italian anthropologists studied these markings and have concluded that they were meant as therapy for arthritis in his spine and joints.

There is a great myth that tattooing did not catch on in England and Europe until after James Cook visited Tahiti in 1769. This is largely untrue, however, as many people sported them prior to that time, including people of “high society.” Men involved in dangerous lines of work, such as coal miners and sailors, often preferred tattoos believed to protect them from the elements. Anchors, sea birds, and dancing girls were all common designs for sailors. Pick-axes and skulls were commonly worn by miners.

The tattooing craze reached a high point in England in the 1860s after the Prince of Wales, later to be named King Edward VII, got his first tattoo in Cairo when on a royal tour of Egypt. It is said to have been a “Jerusalem cross” on his arm. He sent his sons to Japan in 1881 where they received their first arm tats from a Japanese master, Hori Chiyo.

Thanks to King Edward, tattoos became more acceptable and people beyond sailors and miners could sport their own artwork without being looked down upon as criminals or degenerates. Many well-to-do Britons traveled to Japan and Egypt in order to have their own tattoos done during this time because professional artists were few and far between at home.

One of the most famous of all British tattoo artists was Tom Riley. Born in 1870, it seemed that he would follow in his father’s footsteps and become a bricklayer. His destiny was laid out during his military career, however, when he had his first tattoo done. After his military career ended, he returned home and quietly began to hone his artistry with designs based on military symbolism and Japanese mastery of the craft.

Interestingly, Italy has the highest percentage of people who are tattooed. According to Dalia Research, 48% of Italians are inked. Sweden comes in second with 47% and the United States third with 46%.

Africa and the Middle East

A group of female mummies displaying unique patterns of dots on their abdomens was discovered in the ancient Egyptian city of Akhmim. These women were originally believed to have been “marked” as either consorts or priestesses; modern thinking, however, shows that they were attempting to protect their unborn children.

The dot pattern would change as the baby grew, making more than a symbolic net over the mother’s belly. Some of these women also displayed symbols of the god of Bes, the god of childbirth, on their thighs.

Other ancient cultures used tattoos to permanently mark members of various groups. The Libyans, Scythians, and the Thracians used tattoos as a way of setting the nobility apart from the commoners. At least one group of ancient Scotsmen were known to the Greeks and Romans as the “Picts,” because they allegedly adorned their bodies with blue tattoos.

Of course, the ancient Greeks and later the Romans were really into tattooing, as well. They generally used “stigmata” as identifiers for religious sect members; for example, if one worshiped the wine god Dionysus, that person would have a tattoo on their body of ivy leaves, the god’s symbol. In the AD 300s, tattoos became a way to mark slaves by their owners, and criminals for their crimes. Only after Emperor Constantine came into power did all forms of ritual or personal tattooing stop, as he believed it was against his newly-adopted religious views.

Asia

Before the Han Dynasty in China, tattooing or Wen Shen was not held in the highest esteem by the general populace. The art was looked down upon, as a defacement of the body. Some Chinese people, however, such as the Dai and Li people, practiced the art as a rite of passage. Both tribes used tattooing to accent their features; facial features for women and as a highlight to musculature for men. After the Han Dynasty, it was believed that only criminals wore tattoos.

Irezumi, or Japanese tattoo art, was always done as a full body suit or a full sleeve, always to be hidden under the clothing. It was traditionally held that only prisoners or criminals would get tattoos. Only after the opening of the 19th century were tattoos accepted in the mainstream population, though that is a tenuous acceptance because it is considered rude to show them off in public. Japanese tattoos were colorful and vibrant, practically tapestries on the skin. Their association with the Yakuza, or Japanese mafia, has held the art form back from mainstream acceptance for many years.

Japanese tattoo designs are massively popular with people today. It’s the most used language when looking for tattoo inspiration, with Japanese-inspired tattoos, such as Koi fish, dragons, samurais, and geishas, some of the most popular. Statistics reveal that 46% of 18-29-year-olds have a Japanese tattoo, while 39% of 30-59-year-olds also have some Japanese ink.

Australian and Polynesia

The people of Polynesia and New Zealand are credited with taking tattooing out of the spiritual realm and into the realm of body art. From geometric designs to a person’s genealogy, Polynesian tattooing has been honed into an amazing form of art over thousands of years. Designs that were placed on the front of the body were symbolic of the future. If the design, or “moko,” was placed on the back of the body, this was a commemoration or celebration of an event or a person from the past.

Polynesian people are also credited with naming the craft with the word “tatu,” which means “to mark something.” Other variations from the late 1700s onward have been “tatatau” and “tattau.”

The Aborigines of Australia crafted intricate and richly symbolic tattoos of animals and abstract designs. Tattoos were used to aid in healing, celebrate a person’s heritage, and honor man’s ties with nature. Colors of black, red, and white have always been popular for tattoos in this part of the world.

North and South America 

The ancient peoples of Chile and Peru marked themselves with stylized animals, especially birds and jaguars. They tattooed their torsos, limbs, hands, fingers, and even their faces with designs very similar to the ones they used in their clothing and blankets. Similar designs are also found on their pottery.

North American tribes often used tattoo designs that had been passed down through the generations for thousands of years. Sometimes it was only the shaman or warriors who wore certain designs; others were reserved for women or personal expression.

Animal paw prints, such as bears or wolves, were common designs. Arrows, animal heads, and even feathers were all symbols that meant something to the wearer as well as their society at large. Brown, black, red, blue, yellow, and white tattoos could be seen; though the most common designs were either black or red.

Tattoos in the United States

Tattooing has waxed and waned in popularity throughout human history and the US is no exception. It was originally believed to be something that only sailors, criminals, and circus “freaks” did.

Today, it is widely accepted as a form of self-expression and talented tattoo artists are as highly sought after as some clothing designers. It’s no surprise that millennials (18-35) are the most likely to sport tattoos, with another Harris Poll finding that 37% of them have a minimum of two, and 15% have more than five.

It’s also a billion-dollar industry, with a net worth of over $3 billion. Over the next ​​ten years, it’s expected to grow by about 8% annually making it one of the most profitable industries in the world.

Today, it is widely accepted as a form of self-expression and talented tattoo artists are as highly sought after as some clothing designers. People around the world sport ink, for almost as many reasons as there are people. Interestingly, those reasons haven’t varied much from the first time a person chose to make a permanent mark upon himself or herself. Memories of loved ones lost, to mark military service, to make themselves stand out from others, all perhaps with a dash of rebellion, serve to make tattooing something that defines the desires of the human condition.

The art of tattooing in the US has as rich and colorful a history as that in many other countries. Beyond the ceremonial and personal tattooing done by the Native Americans, most of the population knew very little about the art. Prior to the 1920s, tattoos were thought to be something for “sailors,” such as common in Europe at the time. Many people grew up without ever seeing a tattoo.

With the booming popularity of circuses and sideshows, this was soon to change. Pioneers like Betty Broadbent and Lewis Alberts would soon introduce the art to entirely new audiences from Coney Island to Clearwater.

19the Century New Tork 

Martin Hildebrandt, a professional tattoo artist from Germany, moved to Boston in 1846. He is credited with opening the first American tattoo studio in New York, thereby making tattoos accessible to anyone who desired the art. Prior to his studio opening, most people who had ink had traveled overseas to get it. Martin was famous for his art on both sides of the Civil War; Union and Confederate soldiers alike sported his designs.

Martin’s daughter, Nora, was fully covered in her father’s artwork and displayed herself as one of the earliest American Tattooed Lady exhibits. She traveled with Barnum and Bailey circus throughout the 1890s, showing off her father’s work with pride.

New York was home to another famous tattoo artist of the time: Samuel O’Reilly. His famous Chatham Square studio was called the Bowery. Tattooing ran in his family: his cousin was well-known British tattoo artist, Tom Riley. In 1891, Samuel patented the first electric tattoo machine, based on the design of an electric pen by none other than Thomas Edison. This revolutionized the art by speeding up the process; prior to the electric machine, most artists plied their trade via needles attached to a wooden handle.

Samuel is credited with tattooing thousands of people at the Bowery, including many circus folks. At least 50 of the most well-known fully tattooed exhibits of the time were sporting Samuel’s designs. One of his most famous duos was Emma and Frank DeBurgh. Both of them sported full-body artwork that included detailed copies of famous paintings, such as DaVinci’s Last Supper, with plenty of flowers and animals. The loving couple also had their own names inked onto their bodies.

Lewis Alberts, born in New York in 1880, got his first tattoo when he was in the US Army in the early 1900s. During his tour of duty, he was stationed in the Philippines where he fell in love with the quality and artistry of their tattoo designs. Unsatisfied with some of the work being produced in the US he set up his own shop in Brooklyn where he worked to redesign other artist’s “flash” and quickly became famous for the quality of these new designs. He moved his shop to New Jersey in the 1920s and continued to practice the art until he passed away in 1954.

Into the 20th Century

Upon Samuel Riley’s death in 1908, his apprentice, Charles Wagner, took over the Bowery. Charles would soon make a name for himself as a premier tattoo artist. One of his most famous clients was the lovely Betty Broadbent, the first person to be honored by the Tattoo Hall of Fame.

Betty was covered with more than 560 individual tattoos and she was a hit wherever she went. Only her face and lower arms were uncovered. She began touring with Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1927 and traveled the world for the next 40 years, showing off her artwork not only in the US but also Australia and New Zealand. Betty was known as a go-getter and not afraid to speak her mind. In 1939 she entered a beauty pageant at the New York World’s Fair simply to challenge traditional ideas of “beauty.” She became a popular tattoo artist herself when she retired to Florida in the late 1960s.

Charles Wagner was the first artist to offer “cosmetic tattooing,” or permanent make-up applied to the eyes and lips. He was also one of the first to tattoo animals, such as dogs and horses, for identification purposes. Sadly, when he died in 1953, his studio was empty directly into the city dump. It is believed that thousands of original drawings and photographs were destroyed. Regardless, he is still named as one of the premier Tattoo artists of America.

The 21st Century and Beyond

Thanks largely to the pioneering American tattoo artisans of the 19th and 20th centuries, Americans have accepted the art of tattoo into mainstream culture. Since the 1970s and 1980s, there are more professionally trained tattoo artists in almost every city in the US than ever before. Since the 1990s, tattoo design exhibits take place right beside those of painting artists and sculptors.

Not only has the artwork been widely accepted, but collecting tattooing memorabilia has expanded to include the flash of famous artists as well as their tools. “Flash” is the name given to the sketches and paintings used by artists to show their skills to their clients. Flash generally adorns the walls of their studios. People can choose a flash design for a tattoo or have the artist design something new for them.

When it comes to where people like getting tattooed, there is a wide range of body parts. A 2019 study by Statista discovered that 27% of women get a tattoo on their ankle compared to 34% of men who prefer a tattoo on their upper back or shoulder. 

In general, the study also found that 40% of Americans have tattoos on their forearm, making this the most popular spot to get a tattoo. This was followed by the back (39%), hand or wrist (34%), upper arms (33%), shoulder (28%) and chest (28%), lower leg (23%), and foot and ankle (22%).

Well-known modern tattoo artists in America include Kat Von D, Hannah Aitchison, and her brother Guy, Filip Leu, Paul Tinman, and Paul Booth. They are all famous for their unique designs and in some cases, startlingly life-like portraits inked from photographs.

Artistic Self Expression 

More people are sporting ink in the 21st century than ever before. Many of the designs are like those done by artists in the previous centuries, with lots of stereotypical images of patriotism, nostalgia, and homesickness; yet these have been widely improved upon by artists adding their unique perspectives.

Clients have an almost unimaginable choice in designs and colors, from simple black and white to glow-in-the-dark ink, tattooing as a modern and increasingly artistic form of self-expression is here to stay.

Initially serving the armed forces and law enforcement circles by creating the best equipment available they would gain a solid global reputation. New designs and developments would be received well by the market as the business would grow.

Over the next 15 years, Maxpedition would expand its reach and capabilities. The creation of the AGR (Advanced Gear Research) line and Entity Series in recent years would be a significant asset for the company. The Entity Series is Maxpedition’s foray into the concealed carry market, producing low-profile gear for which there is high demand.

Aside from superior design, factors like manufacturing, quality control, material selection, etc. differentiate Maxpedition. Since the customers are who keep them in business, the company has always had a strong connection with them.

Always taking into account their needs, users have the chance to influence what is made directly. Since customers can provide direct feedback and quality advice, Maxpedition can produce pieces that are more of what the end users need.

In the market for a new EDC bag but want to make sure it is quality? If the mission statement of Maxpedition has any bearing, you would be looking at high-quality gear based on in-house designs by a company which strives to provide customers with world-class service and support while being ethically and socially responsible.

Our experience with Maxpedition products has been extremely positive, and we enjoy what we have seen. Take a look below for more on what we thought of Maxpedition.

Quick Highlights:

Riftblade CCW-Enabled Backpack 30L

• Forward-cinching, padded and load-bearing waist for comfort
• Laser cut AT.achement LA.ttice S.ystem (ATLAS) surfaces for modular additions
• Mid-sized zippered frameless pack
• Quick release yoke-style straps
• Top shoulder strap compression load lifter
• Adjustable sternum strap
• Quadruple side and bottom adjustable compression straps
• Loop-lined middle compartment
• Lockable main interior compartment
• Numerous internal organization compartments
• Hydration reservoir also fits up to 15” laptop
• Protective front foam padded valuable pocket
• Two-way access fully loop-lined rear CCW compartment
• Double-sided hook security lockout strip
• 30L volume (1831 cu. In.)
• 11” x 11” x 19” dimensions
• 1000-Denier water and abrasion resistant ballistic nylon fabric
• 500-Denier Hex Ripstop water and abrasion resistant ballistic nylon fabric
• Triple polyurethane coated construction
• High tensile strength nylon webbing and composite thread
• #AS-100 high grade closed cell foam padding
• Internal seams taped and finished
• Double stitched, bar tacked and circular bar tacked (or Box-and-X) stress points
• YKK high strength zippers and tracks
• UTX-Duraflex nylon buckles with minimal sound
• Teflon fabric protection

Entity 19 CCW-Enabled Backpack 19L

• Dual expandable bottle holders
• Smallest backpack of the Entity series
• YKK zippers with positive grip pulls
• Dedicated CCW compartment with Security Lockout Strip
• 500-Denier nylon hybrid heather fabric
• Water-resistant and grime-resistant triple polyurethane coating
• Quick closure magnetic wings on exterior
• Reinforced MOLLE/PALS attachment points
• Shapeshift webbing
• Concealable and detachable drawbridge straps
• UTX-Duraflex nylon buckles
• Fray-resistant Gossamer mesh
• 420-Denier nylon liner with greyscale interior
• Comfortable nylon seatbelt webbing
• Dedicated 13” laptop sleeve
• Double stitched, bar tacked and circular bar tacked (or Box-and-X) stress points
• Numerous organizational compartments
• Loop-lined interior wall for additional modular accessories
• 19L Volume (1160 Cu. In.)
• 11” x 9” x 17” dimensions
• AS-100 high grade closed-cell foam padding
• Finished and taped internal seams

Maxpedition Riftblade CCW-Enabled Backpack 30L Review

Are you looking for a backpack that you can use when you travel? The 30L Riftblade from Maxpedition is a very versatile option that will be large enough for all of your needs. It is a tactical backpack that is designed with a much larger size, and it is actually about 30 percent larger than its predecessors. To create this top of the line backpack, heavy-duty materials and high-quality parts were used in the construction of the bag.

The straps are reinforced so that they can hold a heavier load. The zippers are designed with YKK grips to help you use them whenever you need. The bag is also made out of a durable nylon material and for extra support when carrying the backpack; there is even a waist cinch that you can easily adjust.

The compression straps of the backpack are designed to be adjusted so that they are always secure when you need them to be. If you do not need the waist belt on, it can easily be removed and stored in your luggage. There is also a hydration reservoir that can be used to store water when you need it, or it can be used as a laptop sleeve because it can fit a laptop that is up to 15 inches.

Depending on the amount of space you need for your trip, there should be quite enough space to use in all of the pockets. In fact, the main pocket in the backpack is designed to be locked so that everything remains secure.

In addition, there is ample padding in the system that you can use to secure your items without an issue. This bag comes in grey, tan, and black, so if you are unsure of the color that you want, there are ample options to choose from.

Maxpedition Entity 19 CCW-Enabled Backpack 19L Review

Looking for a backpack that looks great on your back and is also large enough to carry a laptop that is 13 inches in size? Well, if you are in search of such a backpack, then this Entity 19 is a great option to consider. It has very ergonomic straps that are comfortable to use, and they have quick-release buckles that make them easier to adjust when you need.

The main compartment is big enough to hold a 13-inch laptop with ease, and it is even designed with a drawbridge strap for additional security. There is also a magnetic wing on the outside that can easily be tucked away instead of fully closing the compartment.

On both sides of the backpack, there is a water bottle holder that comes with a zipper garage to keep your bottle secure. These pockets can easily be expanded to make room for larger bottles, which can be useful when you need to take the bag for a long walk.

Inside the bag, there are a bevy of additional pockets that will be useful to you, especially if you are interested in carrying some of your personal belongings in the bags. The mesh is also designed to be extra durable with fray-resistant gossamer, and the webbing on the handle at the top is even made using shape-shift webbing that is easy on your hands.

This backpack is a soft grey color that is made out of a nylon and polyester combination that is designed to last for quite a while. The material has been coated for water resistance, and internally, the pockets are foam padded to prevent damage to a laptop or another device in the bag. Available in both ash and charcoal, this is a great option for any student who needs a place to carry their things.

Since 1892, Thorogood has been making excellent footwear that does what it’s demands dictate with durability. Through many decades of trial, error and success, Thorogood Shoes has stuck around through wars, industry hurdles and eventually became an employee owned operation in 2000.

There are over 125 styles of Thorogood Shoes to choose from. From styles that are specifically made in the USA, designed to work professionally or recreationally. Even versions built for military and defense use are covered with style. Need a steel toe, fire resistance, or even a lifestyle look? Thorogood has your back.

In fact, Thorogood has had American backs since 1917 when they became a producer of boots for the US Army for the first world war. Taking it a step further while they reach a 50 year mile-stone, the company completed transitioned to full military production in 1942. World War II would no go without seeing Thorogood Shoes on the battlefield as they earned a patriotic reputation for quality.

From workers to soldiers, hikers to fashion models- Thorogood Shoes makes something for everyone that is high quality, stylish and will stand the test of time. Union labor goes into every pair that is made with care and designed to be comfortable. If you are in the market for a new pair of boots, do not overlook Thorogood for your next addition.

Quick Highlights:

Thorogood 1957 Series Flyway USA Waterproof 8″ Briar Pitstop Boots

• Made in the USA (Union made)
• Breathable X-Stream Waterproof membrane
• Antique Goodyear welt construction
• Cushioned removable footbed (Ultimate Shock Absorption)
• Indy 6 Outsole
• Composite shank
• 8″ Height

Thorogood Logger Series 9″ Brown Crazyhorse Waterproof Boots

• Studhorse Medium Brown
• Steel Safety Toe
• Vibram Rubber Midsole
• Removable Ultra Shock Absorption Footbed
• Steel Shank
• Waterproof Membrane with Aztec Lining
• Vibram Outsole with Re-Inforced Tip Stitch
• Goodyear Storm Welt Construction
• Made in the USA (Union made)
• 9″ Height

Men’s Thorogood Logger Series 9″ Brown Crazyhorse Waterproof Boots With Vibram Outsole Review

When it comes to rugged work boots, Thorgood’s latest Logger Series boots are as rock-solid as it gets. To soften up the sturdy leather construction, I roamed the floors of Outdoor Retailer hoping to put a good amount of mileage on them. With the boots broken in a bit, I decided to give them a try on outdoors across Colorado’s rocky mountain terrain.

With my STIHL chainsaw in hand and hundreds of pine trees to clear through for wildfire mitigation, I spent a few days with these 9” waterproof boots on my feet. The result? Nothing short of top-notch performance. While processing logs, liming branches, and running the chipper, Thorgood’s Logger Series boots felt remarkable to wear.

The Vibram outsole offered plenty of grip across mud, scatter pine, wood chips, loose dirt, large boulders, and so on. Regardless of where I put my feet, they felt planted firmly. Aside from the exceptional level of contact on the ground, I found the reinforced tip stitch to be another nice durable touch. The steel safety toe added some peace of mind, while the waterproof membrane with Aztec lining lived up my expectations.

Now, if you’ve ever lived in the mountainous areas of Colorado you’ll know one thing is true: It’s hard to predict the weather. Not to mention, rain can come out of nowhere and last for an hour before it’s magically gone. Even though a few downpours, these boots managed to keep my feet plenty dry and comfortable.

Speaking of comfort, the removable, Ultra Shock Absorption Footbed performed like a dream. Let’s face it, walking over jagged rocks and branches isn’t like stepping over a field of clouds regardless of what you wear.

However, the unique Thorogood footbed did make the process of doing so far more enjoyable. After being on my feet for hours on end, my legs and feet felt terrific. Of course, my arms were fatigued considerably from lugging around the chainsaw all day.

In terms of construction, the American Heritage Logger in Brown Crazyhorse (804-3555), features the type of durability and ruggedness you’d expect from a boot that’s made in the USA. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of testing countless pieces of footwear, but few ever match the remarkable build quality of anything American made. Factor in the Storm Welt construction, electrical hazard resistance, waterproof nature, steel toe, Vibram Tacoma outsole, and timeless leather detail among many other features, and you’ve got one bad to the bone work boot.

Men’s Thorogood 1957 Series Flyway USA Waterproof 8″ Briar Pitstop Boots Review

Meet one of my favorite hunting boots: The 1957 Series Flyway USA Waterproof 8” Briar Pitstop from Thorogood. While on the hunt for the perfect bird this year, I had a chance to give these boots a tryout.

And with turkeys migrating across my land by the near hundreds every year, I have some prime opportunities to take advantage of. After throwing on my hunting gear, grabbing my compound bow, and putting a pair of these boots on, I made my way into the dense pine trees.

As I made my way across the mountainous terrain, these boots handled everything I could throw at them with ease. Mud, rock, loose dirt, you name it; the 813-4141 boot model was truly made to tackle the harsh outdoors. One step into the removable ultimate shock absorption footbed alongside one look of at the Indy 6 outsole and Antique Goodyear Welt construction, and you’ll instantly know these boots are made for years and years of durability and comfort.

In terms of how they felt, blister-free, dry, and remarkable sum it up pretty well in three words or less. The X-Stream Waterproof membrane worked its magic, while still offering a plenty breathable level of performance.

All said and done, if you are looking for an ultimate upland boot, well, you’ve found it. With feet that feel great at the end of the day, a rugged build quality, and plenty of features to make the hunting experience more enjoyable, I love venturing out into the woods with a pair of the 1957 series boots on!

Looking for different Shoes? Check out these top Shoes Style ideas.

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The location is north of Norrkoping, Sweden. Over time the company would be owned by different people such as wealthy silent owners and families for almost half its life. Traditional manufacturing methods were utilized until the 1870’s. American production methods became recognized as the best of the best and Hults Bruk transitioned to this new modern method.

Even though Hults Bruk produces some of the best quality hand tools and axes available today, this is done by hand and through the labor of just over 20 people. These select few professionals are the ones who create over 100,000 forgings a year. That is some serious work.

Even on the Hults Bruk website there are tutorials on how to care for and maintain user’s tools. It should be noted that with proper care, use and storage these may be family heirlooms that are able to be passed down. This longevity can be attributed to excellent manufacturing and production standards.

Today, you can even rehandle an axe that is past it’s former prime. These tools can be completely refinished and reconditioned so they can be used to complete tasks. If you are looking for a great quality tool that will stand the test of time, look no further than Hults Bruk and get to work.

Quick Highlights:

The Sarek

• 4.5 lbs. Overall weight
• 3.5 lbs. Head weight
• Long and straight 30″ handle length
• Solid Swedish steel head
• Solid American Hickory handle
• Named after the Sarek National Park
• Hand forged construction

The American Felling Axe by Dave Canterbury

• Montreal pattern axe head
• Hand forged construction
• 5 lbs. Overall weight
• 3.5 lbs Head weight
• 32″ Handle length redcuses wrist pivoting on the swing
• Solid Swedish steel head
• Handsanded linseed oil treated solid American Hickory handle
• Tempered zone designed head holds edge after numerous sharpenings
• Includes traditional leather sheath

Hults Bruk American Felling Axe by Dave Canterbury Review

When it comes to long-lasting brands, it doesn’t get much more long-lasting than Hults Bruk. Founded in eastern Sweden in 1697, this Swedish company is older than most major American cities, and has been forging high-quality axes for longer than most modern countries have even been in existence. Since the 1930’s, Hults Bruk has been using the same tried-and-true methods to create axes that are as durable and dependable as the company that built them.

The American Felling Axe by Dave Canterbury is made of hand-forged  Swedish steel and American hickory wood, and is perfect for felling trees or clearing a trail. During the forging process, the head is struck repeatedly to give it a distinctive dense design, so that, despite its lightweight construction, it can easily clear even fully grown trees and logs.

The Montreal pattern head of the ax is carefully designed to retain its sharp edge even without being sharpened, so that you can rely on your ax without having to constantly sharpen its blade. Sharpening the blade will restore it almost immediately to a factory-level edge, even after multiple sharpenings, without wearing down or dulling out.

The handle of the axe is made of lightweight hickory wood, treated with linseed oil and longer than the standard axe grip. This longer grip keeps the wrist from pivoting on each swing, and provides a clean, cutting stroke with each blow.

The axe comes with a full user’s manual, and is stored in a traditional leather sheath, with Swedish embellishments and carefully embossed details. The total weight of the axe is only five pounds (the head weighs 3.5 pounds) , which means that this axe is light enough to carry with you into even the toughest terrains, and more than ready to pull its weight in each new situation.

Hults Bruk Sarek Splitting Axe Review

Founded more than three hundred years ago, the Hults Bruk axe company uses the same hand forging process as it has done since the late 1800’s, all as a way of providing old world quality construction while using the best components that modern technology can provide. The Sarek Splitting Axe is an example of this commitment to quality, and the time spent on each axe guarantees a high-quality tool that will provide a key part of your kit for years to come.

The head of the axe is made of hand forged Swedish steel, and weighs 3.5 pounds, which provides a lightweight tool that is still carefully designed to split logs with ease. The Montreal Pattern head features wider cheeks and a long, tempered blade edge that is struck repeatedly during the forging process in order to develop a dense, durable head that will retain its characteristic sharp edge for years to come.

The Sarek axe takes its name from one of the many national parks in Sweden, the Sarek National Park in northern Sweden, which is one of the oldest national parks in all of Europe. The unique history of the Hults Bruk company makes this name the perfect tribute to the history of the brand, and the hard working, long lasting design of the axe itself provides the perfect example of that company’s dedication to quality production.

The perfect combination of old world, hand forged Swedish axe-making and modern American technological advancements, the Hults Bruk company has made its name through its long history of professional grade tools. The Sarek Splitting axe provides a perfect example as to why this company will surely be a major name in the outdoor lifestyle community for another three hundred years to come.

Gaining quick recognition and fame, Leatherman is now a household name in the outdoor industry. There is nothing that could be reasonably confused with the name as it is ubiquitously known. After over 1 million units sold in the first decade, it becomes easier to understand why this company gained so much popularity so quickly.

The Pocket Survival Tool was the first model. This had 13 tools in it which all folded up in an excellent, durable package. Demand for Leatherman tools was overwhelming at times.

Forged from the factory in Portland, OR, the instruments Leatherman produces are tested in the elements first hand. Leatherman tools perform in all environments including- cold weather/winter, hot weather/dessert, or tropical locations.

There are times where a Leatherman tool has helped to save lives, perform essential repairs in the field, or remove a hot cooking pot. Uses for a daily carry multitool are unlimited.

Carry one for a day, and you will likely be surprised at how many times it is used. Definitely useful to have in any car or emergency kit, a Leatherman is an awesome gift for those you care for. Well worth it carries weight, a Leatherman tool may save your life or at the very least your day.

Quick Highlights:

• American made (Portland, Oregon)
• 420HC Stainless Steel construction
• One-hand operable features
• All locking features
• Magnetic opening and closing
• Frustration-free tool access
• Removeable pocket clip
• 4.25 in Closed length
• 7.6 oz (215.46 g) Weight
• 2.76 in Blade length

Included tools: Needlenose Pliers, Regular Pliers, Replaceable Wire Cutters, Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters, Electrical Crimper, Wire Stripper, 420HC Combo Knife, Spring-action Scissors, Package Opener, Awl, Can Opener, Bottle Opener, Wood/Metal File, Phillips Screwdriver, Medium Screwdriver, Small Screwdriver, Extra-small Screwdriver, and Pry Tool, Ruler (1.41 in)

Leatherman Free P2 Multi-Tool Review

When it comes to multi-tools, the Leatherman FREE P2 is in a class of its own. Beyond the Leatherman name which comes with a long-standing history of quality and craftsmanship, you’ll find remarkably top-notch modern functionality. It’s the result of years and years of testing, engineering, and customer feedback.

After getting my hands on their new FREE P2 multi-tool, I was beyond impressed. With a 420HC stainless steel construction, the FREE P2 feels incredibly rock solid, yet, surprisingly lightweight at just 7.6 oz. Given the 19 tools packed inside of this multi-tool and the versatility of having each on hand, the size/weight to tool ratio works wonderfully well when it comes to ease of carrying.

In terms of operation, the P2 is simply put, out of this world. The FREE technology is buttery smooth and feels exceptionally well refined and engineered. While out in the field, I have no problems at all operating the P2 with just a single hand. Not to mention, the “click into place” tools all snapped precisely and securely with barely any effort on my end.

Personally, I found the design of how each tool operated to be as frustration-free as it gets. In return, the FREE in the FREE P2 is a rather fitting name when you think about it.

For tools, you’ll find need nose and regular pliers, which I’ve come to demand in virtually any multi-tool I own. If you’re wondering why well, the answer is simple: When cooking outdoors with titanium pots over either wood-burning or fuel fires, things get hot. Of course, the integrated handles on most pots are just not up to the task when handling more substantial meals; hence, why I can appreciate built-in pliers so much.

In addition to the above, you’ll also find a really nice set of regular and hard-wire cutters, a 420HC combo blade with some serious cutting action, spring-action scissors with plenty of bite, screwdrivers (Philips, medium, small and extra small), a package opener for those insanely annoying plastic cases, a mini pry tool which makes opening things like paint cans a breeze, an awl, wire stripper, electrical crimper, and more. Of course, you’ll also find the essentials too like a can opener and bottle opener.

Paired with this American made multi-tool, Leatherman has also included a really sharp gray ballistic nylon sheath for ease of carrying. A high-grade metal rivet snap closure offers plenty of peace of mind for secure storage.

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After Seals’ time at the helm, the Cresswells would drive Klean Kanteen into the future from 2005 to the present. Making great vessels for carrying essential fluids has been what they do best.

Aside from human health benefits, there is also a more substantial reduction in single-use containers to be considered. Americans are estimated to use over 100 disposable containers a year for drinking water. A single person would avoid wasting tens of thousands through the use of a Klean Kanteen over a lifetime.

Klean Kanteen holds a membership in 1% For The Planet as well and is a Certified B Corporation. With genuine authenticity and style, Klean Kanteen walks the walk, and they talk the talk.

If you are involved or have been inside any aspect of the outdoors industry in the last 10-20 years, then you have probably seen them somewhere. Klean Kanteen offers more than water bottles.

Growlers, tumblers, single-wall, double-wall, insulated bottles, and cups can be found available in many colors and capacities. We had the opportunity to try some of these excellent containers for ourselves and really enjoyed them. Built to last, these are the type of container that with care will last indefinitely.

Quick Highlights:

Insulated Food Canisters

• 18/8 Stainless steel construction won’t rust or shatter
• BPA and toxin-free
• Electropolished stainless steel interior doesn’t impart flavors
• Climate Lock double-wall vacuum insulation
• Leak-proof lids made of eco-friendly insulated recycled corrugated cardboard
• Lids hermetically sealed to keep out moisture
• Tare It Up bulk ready and grease pencil friendly
• Rounded interior corners make clean up an easy task
• Available in 8oz and 16oz variations plus insulated and non-insulated
• Keeps contents hot for 8 hours and cold for 22 hours (16oz)
• Keeps contents hot for 5 hours and cold for 10 hours (8oz)

Klean Kanteen Insulated Food Canisters Review

Beyond the attractive 18/8 food-grade stainless steel construction, Klean Kanteen’s insulated food canisters feature a brilliant eco-friendly design. If you were to cut one of the lids in half, you’d find recycled corrugated cardboard inside being used as insulation. Not only is it comparable performance wise to traditional foam, but it’s also hermetically sealed to keep out moisture.

Packed with recycled insulation, these leak-proof canisters manage to keep your frozen and hot meals at the ideal temperature for hours and hours. My first experience using one was after a long hike here in Boulder, Colorado. I had packed the smaller 8oz canister with some piping hot beef stew and left it in the car.

After hiking for a few hours and returning hungry, I twisted off the lid to the food canister, and my meal was still plenty warm to eat. Since then, I’ve managed to cook and store all sorts of meals and snacks in these rock-solid food canisters.

Each Klean Kanteen insulated food canister features their unique Tare It Up bulk ready and grease pencil friendly design element. Of course, their also BPA free, and feature rounded inner corners which make cleaning them out an absolute breeze.

Paired with the Climate Lock double-wall vacuum insulation, the leak-proof lids performed up to my standards; offering a 100% leak-proof design. And while I’m one to appreciate no leaks, what I really came to love was the durable 18/8 stainless steel construction.

These food canisters are quite simply put, bomb-proof. In other words, they were made for the harsher conditions of the great outdoors. I love knowing that won’t crack or shatter if I drop them against a hard boulder or jagged-edged rock. With 8 and 16 oz. variations, not to mention, insulated and non-insulated versions, Klean Kanteen has definitely won my heart over when it comes to their top-notch outdoor and travel gear.

If you have ever seen a picture of the Great Northwest, you know this is a very wet region of the world. As a logger, Darling understood the value in a weather-resistant paper for use in the logging industry. In his home with his wife, they would begin hand making all-weather paper.

Rite in the Rain paper is recyclable, shell materials are recyclable, and the wire ring used in some of their products can be separated and recycled. In addition to recyclability, the paper sourced is SFI certified to ensure environmental friendliness.

Not only are these products environmentally friendly, but they are also of high grade. ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 (R2002) specifications are some of the standards used to grade archival paper. Rite in the Rain qualifies as archival quality paper and will endure several hundred years spanning multiple generations. It will outlive you under regular conditions and circumstances.

As products with high durability are attractive to us, we had to test a few of Rite in the Rain’s latest. Predictably we were impressed, and everything held up in the field. If you need or want to retain information on paper you need to look at Rite in the Rain for the best.

Quick Highlights:

Maxi Field Planner Starter Kit

• Available with MultiCam, tan or black Cordura fabric covers
• Ring binder
• Writing Guard
• Ruler
• 8.5” x 11” dimensions
• Zippered interior mesh pocket
• Multiple internal pen slot compartments
• Exterior carry handle
• Zippered exterior compartment on front
• Hook and loop Velcro strip on the front

Large Bound Book

• 6 3/8” x 8 ½” sheet dimensions (perforated)
• 6 ¾” x 8 ¾” overall dimensions
• Fabrikoid cover material
• Sewn bound binding
• 160 pages total with 32# grey colored papers
• 80 sheets total (perforated)
• Glue designed to survive Mother Nature’s elements

Trekker Pen

• Pressured black ink cartridge
• Writes on wet paper
• Writes upside down
• Performs in temperatures from -30F to 250F
• 4-inches long
• Lanyard attachment ring
• Comfortable rubber grips
• Removable top cap

Pocket Top Spiral Kit

• Cover color offered in tan, MultiCam and black Cordura fabrics
• Top spiral binding
• 100 pages (Top spiral notebook, 50 sheets)
• Tan paper color
• Kit includes No. 97 All-Weather Tactical Clicker Pen, No. C935 Cordura fabric cover, and No. 935T Tactical Pocket Notebook (3” x 5”)
• Universal Pattern for notes to scaled drawings
• All-Weather pens function in temperatures from -30F to 250F, on wet paper and while upside down.
• Cordura fabric cover feature rugged zipper closure and hold four writing utensils

Rite in the Rain Maxi Field Planner Starter Kit Review

Do you need a ringed binder that you can use to plan your schedule for the day, the week, or the month? Keeping track of your schedule can be very difficult, especially when you work in a very busy industry that requires you to have several appointments or meetings in a given day to keep track of.

This Maxi planner starter kit is ideal for this type of situation because it is a considerable option that gives you plenty of space to write your appointments down as well as any notes that you need to keep track of.

If disorganization is a flaw of yours this binder has plenty of pockets that you can use for your other things as well. Inside the binder, there is space for your pens, pencils, notes, and more. There is even a ruler that is attached to the binder so that you can easily keep track of it. This can be unattached and used at any time, but it is secured in the binder so that you do not misplace it easily.

The binder is designed to fit standard 8 ½- by 11-inch paper, so if you need to add more to the binder than comes with it, you will have that option. There is also a handle on the spine of the binder that is designed to make it easier for you to carry without a backpack.

The material that the binder is crafted from is very durable so that it is safe from the rain and does not get damaged when it is dropped. It is a zippable binder that will keep all of your work papers safe and secure. There is also a mesh zipper on the inside that you can use to secure your belongings if you prefer.

Rite in the Rain Large Bound Book Review

Hikers, campers, researchers working outdoors, and journalists benefit from Rite in the Rain’s All-Weather large bound blank book. The roomy 6 3/8″ x 8 1/2″ perforated pages provide plenty of notetaking space. This blank book easily fits in a backpack or messenger bag and weighs just under one pound.

The cover of Fabrikoid provides stain resistance and water resistance. Its thick spine provides room for labeling each book by subject or dates used.

Each blank book contains 80 sheets of gray archival quality paper for a total of 160 pages with a sewn binding. It provides a functional way to take notes in the rain or near water spray. Use it when on a boat or by the ocean, to keep writing despite the water.

Rite in the Rain Trekker Pen Review

When you need a pen that writes in the rain, the Rite in the Rain trekker pen gives a lightweight writing instrument that stands up to rough weather. Its pressurized ink cartridge lets you put black ink on wet, greasy or muddy paper without smears or clumps.

It also writes upside down and under water up to a 35 foot depth. It even writes in extreme temperatures from -30F to 250F. When you need a pencil instead of a pen, this all-weather metal pen does the trick. To achieve this, you do have to use the Rite in the Rain proprietary ink for refills.

Its ink will not evaporate, leak or explode in your purse, knapsack or pocket. Unlike the mini pens that accompany small, handheld notebooks, this full-size, four inch pen includes an attachment ring to conveniently clip it to a lanyard or keychain. Its rubber grips let you write for long periods in comfort.

Rite in the Rain Pocket Top Spiral Kit Review

The Pocket Top-Spiral Kit provides you with three important pieces of equipment: a tough 3″ x 5″ spiral bound notebook for making field notes, a multi-colored camo design CORDURA fabric cover and an all-weather tactical black clicker pen. This tan memo pad lets you slip it in the pocket of your camos or jeans for easy travel.

Its color blends with beach, desert or forest camouflage so you can take notes on your hunting ground or operations while staying out of sight. Its paper matches the cover, also tan. The long-lasting cover of MultiCam CORDURA fabric protects your notes and drawings. Each blank book contains 50 sheets of tan archival quality paper for a total of 100 pages providing plenty of room for notes.

Pages use the Universal Pattern you can use this text for notes and scaled drawings. Useful reference material is also printed on the back and inside cover. The flat black metal barrel pen in the kit writes on wet paper and upside down. It even writes in extreme temperatures from -30F to 250F. Take notes in black ink that is easy to read in most lighting conditions.

The CORDURA fabric cover fits over the notebook and zips shut with a rugged zipper that withstands the elements. The cover provides extra space for up to four writing utensils.