In the Field: Idaho (Part One), by Peter Buchanan-Smith
We made it back. For those who didn’t know a team from Best Made accompanied by photographer Nate Bressler embarked on horseback into the snowy mountains of Western Idaho last week to shoot new products and test new prototypes for Winter 2011. The Kendall brothers — Idaho natives, ranchers, horsemen, mountaineers, modern day cowboys, and beyond remarkable outdoorsmen — were our indispensable guides on the trip; it was with them, and their fearless string of pack mules and sure footed quarter horses that we had one of the most exhilarating, death defying, contemplative, and magical weeks of our collective lives.
A few people have asked: “what’s the take away” from the trip, and sifting through the pictures over the last few days I’d have to say that it is first the big, impermanent sky.
In the Field: Fall color in Southern Ontario, Peter Buchanan-Smith
Cliches be damned! Colors this time of year where I grew up are about as good as it gets. I just got back from a long weekend and Canadian Thanksgiving and took a trip to the McMichael to see Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven where I left so thoroughly inspired that I bolted out into the Canadian landscape, soaking up every last bit of daylight and color with my camera. This is just such a spectacular time of year to be outdoors up North, and every picture is a keeper.
Next stop: Western Idaho. In two weeks myself and a team from Best Made will be flying into Boise and heading out on horseback to the back country to put new products to the test, take pictures, and explore. Can’t wait.
In the Field: On foot in Dorset, by Nell Dodge
I have seen the light and the English countryside is where it’s at.
I have my dear friend in the UK to thank for this one. We have a “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours” exchange going between places we hold close to our hearts in England and, from my side, spots in New England. There is a bit of a theme though: the outdoors, cider, pubs (over there at least) and exploring on foot. This trip they brought me to Dorset along the Southern coast for a quick weekend of camping.
We managed to get the weather right and it was a fantastic time topped off by a run in with a bunch of participants from the local “English Civil War Garrison Weekend” in Corfe dressed in full regalia. One HUGE guy walked into the The Greyhound and looked at us and said “you look like an honest bunch, will you watch my sword for a minute?” - three foot sword on table for us all to test out. Was heavy!
Dorset is typically a two hour ride from the London area, but you feel like you’ve gone to another land. Starting the day in Knightsbridge and ending the day in Worth Matravers blew my mind! Or maybe it was the Hecks Kingston Black cider that did the trick…
To sum up - two things to share with Best Made: Durdle Door and the Square and Compass. Durble Door is a natural marvel forming a dragon dipping his nose in the sea along an impressive coastline of beautiful pebble beaches and cliffs. The second, the Square and Compass in Worth Matravers. A gem with local ales and ciders, low ceilings and fireplaces, a cheeky stuffed badger and a fossil museum you can peruse pint in hand!
One thing we were missing for making the campfire — YES — you guessed it! An axe! Better luck next time…
Nell Dodge has called New York City home since 2002 and it’s there she is Director of International Sales for a New York based design company. At home and on the road she enjoys exploring local delights and libations (by foot or bicycle), and her francophile tendencies mean you can usually spot her in stripes.
In the Field: Sun Valley, Idaho
In the coming months Best Made Projects will be running a series of updates from people around the world embarked on compelling journeys “in the field”. To start it off here is a small album of photos that I took on last week’s trip to Sun Valley Idaho to learn how to fly fish. It was sunny in Sun Valley, the fish were bitting, and the beer was cold. I hope you enjoy. -Peter Buchanan-Smith
We welcome you to submit your stories (be it words and or pictures) from the field.
Best Made Product Preview: The Sporting-Sail
Best Made Company will be offering an exciting new product known as The Sporting-Sail. In anticipation of its launch founder Billy Smith takes us on a 2000 km skateboard adventure across Morocco, and offers up some alternate uses for the sail.
Aside from slowing down or accelerating on various ski and board set-ups, the Sporting-Sail lends itself to other functions that serve as an essential part to the sporting life. During a recent long distance skateboarding adventure 2000km across Morocco, the Sporting-Sail found itself useful as a pack cover and rooster carrier! The Sporting-Sail weighs around 8 ounces and is highly adaptable which makes transport easy in stressful situations. The fabric of the Sporting-Sail is treated on both sides with a dual soar coat silicone formula that allows for a CFM rating of zero; ultimately stopping all wind and water that tries to penetrate through. Since the Sporting-Sail’s signature material is so versatile, there have been instances where it has been used to construct make-shift shelters and tent variations for “on the go” scenarios. The red and white color scheme of the Sporting-Sail works as an effective signaling device/flag for increased visibility. Being seen (or being found) is especially important in high risk areas. In the case of an emergency, the Sporting-Sail works as a water collector or wind proof blanket. In the event of injury, the sail can be made into an ultra-light escape sled, portable gurney or pressure tourniquet.-Billy Smith (founder, Sporting-Sails)
