Flipping through The Manual: California in 5 days, classy bags, an insane axe

By Digital Trends Staff August 1, 2015

Burned out on apps, keys and screens? Improve your analog life this weekend! Digital Trends’ brother site The Manual exists to give men straight-up advice, from unspoken suit rules you need to know, to the latest in fashion, food, drink, travel, grooming and culture. Here are a few of our favorite stories to appear on The Manual lately.

California’s wilderness: Enjoying the outdoors in less than a week

California's wilderness: Enjoying the outdoors in less than a week — (sergioboccardo/Shutterstock) Image used with permission by copyright holder

From the tallest peak in the Lower 48 (that’d be Mt. Whitney) to the lowest point in America (Death Valley, of course), the great state of California boasts a bounty of natural splendor.

Read the full story on The Manual

7 of the classiest laptop and tablet bags out there

7 of the classiest laptop and tablet bags out there — (ONA Designs) Image used with permission by copyright holder

Like many Manual men, you probably don’t like to completely forsake practicality for style. Why not have both? Here are a few classy laptop bags for you to consider.

Read the full story on The Manual

How to: Shop for trousers

How to: Shop for trousers — (Haspel) Image used with permission by copyright holder

Alex Wilcox helps us understand what to look for when buying a pair of trousers.

Read the full story on The Manual

Trekking: The Multi-Mission Axe is the only axe you’ll need

Trekking: The Multi-Mission Axe is the only axe you'll need — (Outland Equipmen) Image used with permission by copyright holder

The most resourceful axe should do more than simply chop wood. Thankfully, the Outland Equipment Multi-Mission Axe lives up to its name and then some, providing you with a blade, seatbelt cutter, hammer, and more.

Read the full story on The Manual

Micro Guide: Bar Harbor, Maine

Micro Guide: Bar Harbor Maine — (Alicia Dauksis/Shutterstock) Image used with permission by copyright holder

While it’s difficult to write an off-the-beaten-path travel guide to Bar Harbor, here are a few of our favorite places to play, eat and sleep.

Read the full story on The Manual

Polo experts Feldspar Brook launches SoHo flagship store

Polo experts Feldspar Brook launches SoHo flagship store — (Feldspar Brook) Image used with permission by copyright holder

“We aren’t about to sway someone to try chartreuse when all they wear is black or grey, unless they truly want to be swayed.”

Read the full story on The Manual

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Are robotic pool cleaners worth it?

The Airper Seagull SE robotic pool cleaner at the bottom of a swimming pool.

The worst part of owning a swimming pool is taking care of it From filter maintenance and skimming debris from the surface to managing chemicals and more, you'll likely find yourself hanging out around the water more often than you're actually in the water. Robotic pool cleaners are designed to alleviate this pinch point of pool ownership by giving you back your time and automating most of your tasks.

But are robotic pool cleaners worth it, or are they a gimmick that still require heaps of manual input? Here's a closer look to help you decide if one would be a good addition to your backyard.
Budget-friendly devices are often a hassle

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Best Buy cut this air fryer’s price in half, down to just $25

The Bella Pro Series 3 Quart Air Fryer near food.

If you want your food crispy all over without having to deal with draining a ton of oil, your best bet is to use an air fryer. They're never too expensive and there are always great air fryer deals going on, but you'll rarely find one with a price like this. Right now, the Bella Pro Series 3 Quart Analog Air Fryer is half off, moving its price from $50 to $25. To pick yours up today all you need to do is tap the button below. If you're interested in our take, however, be sure to keep reading.

Why you should buy the Bella Pro Series 3 Quart Air Fryer
The Bella Pro Series 3 Quart Air Fryer holds up to about 2.5 pounds of food, heats up to 400 degrees, and has easily-removable dishwasher-safe parts. If you notice it is "analog" that is because it has a 60 minute shut off timer to give you peace of mind and an easy way to time your cooking. Of course, this means there aren't a ton of digital options, buttons, and settings. However, this can be a plus for some and possibly you. Not every item in the home needs to be "smart" and less can certainly feel like more.

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Revolution Cooking’s high-speed smart toaster is $100 off today

Someone using the Revolution Cooking InstaGLO R180 smart toaster in the kitchen.

If you're thinking about getting a new toaster for your kitchen, why not go with a high-speed smart toaster? Best Buy is currently selling the Revolution Cooking InstaGLO R180 smart toaster with a $100 discount, slashing its price to $250 from $350 originally. There's no telling how much time is remaining before this offer expires though, so if you're interested, it's highly recommended that you proceed with the purchase right now in order to secure the savings.

Why you should buy the Revolution Cooking InstaGLO R180 smart toaster
Are smart kitchen gadgets worth it? The answer is a resounding yes, and the Revolution Cooking InstaGLO R180 smart toaster will show you why. With this kitchen device, you'll no longer suffer from burnt or uneven toasts as it's powered by the brand's InstaGLO heating system. The technology will start toasting your bread in just two seconds without any need for preheating. You'll get bread that's crunchy outside and moist inside every single time, which is a huge upgrade over the inconsistencies of traditional toasters.