CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESIn my gear closet, above avalanche safety gear, below a jumble of ski goggles and sunglasses, there’s a section I’ve nicknamed the “The Stanley Shelf.”
You probably know Stanley, even if you think you don’t. That iconic green thermos grandpa filled with gritty black coffee every morning? More American than stars and stripes, Bob Dylan and apple pie?
Yup, that’s Stanley.
Inventor of the steel vacuum bottle (back in 1913), William Stanley Jr.’s patented creations have been responsible for over a century of hot coffees, icy H2Os and just-right whiskeys.
Today, Stanley’s latest drinkware stands in my gear closet like a row of forest green toy soldiers at attention; ready to come to life, to step off the shelf and into the world, whatever the mission requires—be it coffee and courage, bourbon and bluster.
#Stanleyness Definition: Though arguably indefinable, #Stanleyness encompasses the wild moments and rib-tickling idiosyncrasies of adventures fueled and/or finished with a sip from a Stanley.
Volume: 7oz
Adventure is the name and the game here. Forged from a durable, recycled plastic, eCycle is a match for sustainably minded sippers. Flip open the lid for easy pouring/cleaning; screw open for a nip on the summit.
Moment of #Stanleyness: Passing it around after a full moon backcountry mission in CO’s Eagle’s Nest Wilderness
Best For: Backpacking, bringing enough to share on a backcountry overnight
Volume: 16 ounces
Kick off your early AM drive with a podcast, then fade into your favorite road trippin’ album—with 16 ounces of piping hot coffee as your cup holder co-pilot. The Classic Pint is designed to hold a brew, too; if the word “pint” doesn’t give it away, the detachable bottle opener on the lid certainly does. Classic hammertone green styling and Stanley detailing pair with vacuum insulation for a stylish and handy Pint you’ll never want to leave home without.
Moment of #Stanleyness: Driving to pre-work dawn patrol powder days on Berthoud Pass, fueled by Led Zeppelin and black coffee
Best For: Pouring beers from a growler, coffee on road trips
Volume: 4 2-ounce glasses
Unbreakable stainless steel trumps glass on any adventure. This compact set of four is durable; throw it in your backpack, into your checked bag—heck, throw it against a rock. Celebrations back at basecamp, toasts at the top of mountains and everything in between are within reach with these stainless steel shot glasses. Not to mention, they look darn good at home, too.
Moment of #Stanleyness: Fresh caught trout sizzling in the coals and a couple shots of local whiskey in the shadow of a Colorado 14er.
Best For: Surprising friends with a treat in off-the-beaten-track locales
Volume: 12 ounces
From skinning Colorado 14ers to billygoating backcountry couloirs in Chile—Active Junky’s relied on the Trail Mug around the world. It’s become a team favorite due to the folding loop that easily links to carabineers and backpack straps. Hot tea maintained temperature in the sub-freezing Chilean backcountry for several hours, as did coffee in our Colorado backyard.
Moment of #Stanleyness: Pausing for a rest halfway up a Chilean couloir for a Honey Stingers Caramel Waffle and a sip of hot coffee.
Best For: Midwinter pick-me-ups, day trips in cold weather
