Author: altaidev

Keys. Wallet. Phone. For most of us, these three items are essential every time we leave home. We all know that feeling of momentary panic when one of these items is misplaced, causing our hearts to skip a beat. In these increasingly connected times, it can be unnerving when you cannot find your smartphone to communicate with others. As travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic are slowly lifted worldwide, we wanted to share some information about ways you can improve your everyday carry (EDC) regiment. With some simple additions and tweaks to your EDC, you can become more prepared to overcome the day to day challenges of life.

Wallet

Old school wallets are typically thick, leather behemoths containing everything from cash, credit cards, business cards, family photos, receipts, lists, etc. But since an increasing number of businesses are going cashless, and smartphone apps can help you organize receipts, lists, and even help you save/invest money, wallet designs have been revolutionized. There are now thinner, sleeker, and more advanced wallets, most with RFID-blocking technology to keep you safe. Check out this list of the best minimalist wallets currently available.

Watch

It is no secret that wristwatches have not escaped the technological advances of the modern-day. From smartwatches by tech giants like Apple and Samsung to GPS watches by Garmin, and fitness tracking capabilities across the board, these little devices do a whole lot more than just tell time. Find the best watch for your everyday carry, whether it is a smartwatch or an analog or digital that doesn’t require daily charging. Check out this watch buying guide to learn how to find something affordable.

Notes

Although smartphones typically include apps for note-taking, it can be highly useful to carry a pocket-size notebook and pen for notes and sketches on the go. In studies, handwriting notes can help you remember things more effectively than typing. While it is better to use typing for large amounts of information processing, having a notebook on you can be a great improvement to your everyday carry. We recommend this one. You may also consider getting a tactical pen, which can come in handy for some emergency situations.

Vehicle Optimization

A poll in 2016 found that 85.4% of Americans utilize personal cars, trucks, or vans for short-distance commutes. Since most of us spend such a large amount of time driving, it is important to keep supplies in the car in case of emergencies. Get a first aid kit—a real one, not just the little one the car dealership threw in for free. You will thank yourself for getting it if you ever need it. Check out this list of the best kits available. You will also want to keep water bottles, snacks (calorie-dense protein bars are a great space-saving option), flashlight, blankets/warm clothes, spare tire(s), tool kit, and duct tape for strong temporary fastening solutions.

 Bags

Since our smartphones, laptops, and tablets have made it easier for many of us to set up shop virtually anywhere in the world, it is important that we select the right bag to keep our belongings safe. You will need a comfortable fit and ease of use, whether you are looking for a backpack, messenger bag, duffle bag, or larger luggage for more extensive travel. Most of us will want to consider an understated bag design that does not draw too much attention—especially if there are thousands of dollars’ worth of electrics inside. So, when you are selecting your EDC bag, consider what you will be carrying most of the time. Consider your budget, and what style of bag will work best for you. Here is a guide to help you choose.

Footwear

As always, our goal at Team ALTAI® is to help our customers find the information and rugged footwear that they need. Nothing makes us happier than satisfying customer needs by supplying some of the toughest, lightest, and most comfortable tactical boots available. So, when considering what footwear to include in your everyday life, look no further than right here. Our boots are highly water and abrasion-resistant, breathable, and ready for any challenge life throws your way. Trusted by law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders around the world. Check out our full line of tactical, outdoor, and work boots today to discover the ALTAI® difference.

 

At ALTAI®, we are proud to make boots specifically designed to the specifications required by law enforcement officers and first responders. From the use of SuperFabric® to provide maximum protection, to Vibram® soles and optional polishable leather toe, our boots aim to outperform for the individuals who put their lives on the line every day to protect us. Our department-approved boots were even designed alongside officers in our home state of Minnesota to ensure top quality. To further express our gratitude to these brave men and women, we have partnered with our friend, Donut Boy, to launch the new Officer of the Month program.

Tyler Carach a.k.a. Donut Boy is an inspiring young man who has set out (with the help of his mom, Sheena) to thank every law enforcement officer in America by meeting with them personally and giving away thousands of donuts and cups of coffee. You can read more about our history with Donut Boy here. The Officer of the Month will be selected by Tyler each month on the 15th. Submit your officer stories to donutpoliceofficer@gmail.com and tell Tyler how your nominee went above and beyond, performed a random act of kindness, or is simply an amazing officer! Monthly winners will receive a free pair of ALTAI® MFT100 boots. All nominees should be currently active officers.

 

 

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Today’s blog post is brought to you by our fabulous blogger and outdoor guru, Katlyn Spade.

For the past two months, people all over the world have been forced to stay inside their homes as a way to stop the spread of coronavirus. As such, all outdoor activities have come to a halt, leaving camping and hiking enthusiasts to wonder when they can be out in nature again. While the rest of the world is still under lockdown as they deal with rising coronavirus cases, some countries have already started reopening their public places due to low or zero new Covid-19 cases. In China, it has been reported that more than 3,000 designated scenic tourist destinations have been opened, while in Sydney, surfers and swimmers flocked to Bondi Beach shortly after it reopened earlier in April. In the US, it remains to be seen when travel restrictions will be lifted, so outdoor adventurers may have to spend more time finding ways to stay productive at home. But once the lockdown ends, it’s certain that camping and hiking holidays won’t be the same as the global pandemic has changed how we live our everyday lives. 

More people will be heading to nature sites

The lockdown has caused people to crave wide open spaces, so don’t be surprised if there’s a sudden surge in the number of campers at your favorite nature park or camping grounds. It was previously reported that 77 million Americans go camping on a regular basis, and this number is expected to increase once the current situation improves. If you suddenly find yourself in a crowded campground, take measures to stay well while vacationing by making sure there’s a good amount of space between you and the next tent or campervan. While camping, make an effort to eat healthy vegetables and fruits to boost your immunity. You may also want to take sanitizer and hand soap on your camping trip so you can protect yourself against illnesses.

Shorter camping and hiking trips

The average person spends four days on a camping or hiking trip, but after the Covid-19 health crisis, it’s expected that outdoor trips will be shorter as most people may still want to exercise caution after the lockdown. Going on an overnight camping trip is possibly one of the best ways to be out in nature after the quarantine, but those who are planning to do so should find a nearby campground for their mini holiday. Camping at a nearby area is more convenient if you suddenly want to extend your trip as it will only take you a few minutes or so to head home to get additional supplies if you need them. 

Fewer group hikes, more solo hikes

Coronavirus has made people wary about being around other individuals, so it’s expected that more people will be going on short solo hikes to avoid the crowds. However, those who’ve been longing for the company of their hiking friends during the quarantine may result in the creation of group hikes wherein social distancing guidelines will still be followed. As hikers will be advised to maintain a healthy distance from one another, everyone may also be required to wear a GPS device to avoid getting lost during the hike. 

Being back in nature can be a welcome change after months of being cooped up indoors. Though it’s uncertain when outdoor activities will be allowed again, campers and hikers can look forward to these changes in outdoor adventure holidays after the worst of the coronavirus crisis has passed.  

 

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For the entirety of April, we at Team ALTAI® had the pleasure of running the Altai Photo Contest in collaboration with our friends at INDY Guide. The photo contest challenged participants to share their best photos of the Altai Mountain Range. The vast number of incredible photos that came our way was staggering. There was no way we could have selected the winners ourselves. So together with INDY Guide, we narrowed down 10 finalists, and the rest was left to the public. The polls were open for two weeks, and our two winners were finally selected. These two winners will be receiving a free pair of ALTAI® boots of their choice. You can check out our champions’ work on Instagram: their usernames are akhbupyemizan and tileukhan.gula. Congratulations to them both and thank you so much to all participants!

You can check out the rest of the amazing #ALTAIPhotoContest submissions here. 

 

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In these unprecedented times with so many businesses closed and millions of people around the world spending more time at home than ever before, it can be easy to feel uncertain, frustrated, or just plain bored. While it may seem tempting to watch TV all day, getting creative and/or productive might just be your ticket to getting out of a quarantine funk. Team ALTAI™ has put together another list of things that can help make your life at home as pleasant as possible. From creative projects, activities for kids, and tips to improve your home, we are here to help you thrive during this difficult time.

Start a Journal or Blog

While many of us are spending less time socializing than we are used to, writing can be a great way to get your thoughts out. Research shows that writing can improve mental health, curb depression, and even help improve sleep. Got big ideas or expertise in an area that you want to share? Launch your own blog to connect with people online. Whether you keep a journal or share your work publicly, writing can be immensely helpful while you are staying at home.

Go Through Your Favorite Photos

Most of us have a large backlog of photos on cameras, computers, or most likely, smartphones. Take this time at home to go through your photos and find your favorites. You can improve your living space by having prints of your photos delivered to your house. Check out services such as Shutterfly to fulfill these orders.

Bring the Outdoors In

If you are like us, then you love the outdoors. While you are spending more time inside, there are many things you can do to meet your outdoor needs.

• Weigh all your gear and make comparisons so that you can optimize your next backpacking trip
• Learn to edit photos and then edit the images from your most recent adventures
• Research the trip you will take when travel restrictions are lifted
• Use Google Earth to travel digitally
• Do exercises to stay fit for the next time you hit the trail

Support Local Businesses

Most restaurants are closed to dine-in patrons, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy your favorite local food fare. Order delivery to make your meals a little more interesting. To help businesses such as movie theaters that are entirely closed for now, you can purchase gift cards so that you and your family and friends can enjoy the latest movies when theaters reopen. Check online or call local businesses to check out gift card options.

Scavenger Hunt

If you have kids who are getting a little too much screen time these days with remote schooling and iPad games, shake things up by setting up a scavenger hunt. Check out this article for tons of amazing and creative ideas for scavenger hunts indoors and outdoors. This can be a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Send an Actual Letter

Internet use has increased dramatically around the world. We connect with people via social media, FaceTime, and Zoom more than any other time. While face to face interactions and in-person socialization is vastly limited for now, writing an old school letter to somebody you care about can be a special way to connect. Sending and receiving hand-written letters just has a personal touch that electronic means of communication cannot beat. If you have kids, you might also consider including notes or artwork from them with your letters.

Declutter

Perhaps the most effective and cheapest way to improve your living space is to get rid of the things you no longer use or care about. It may seem like a big task, but decluttering your clothes, papers, and other belongings can improve your happiness and bring a greater sense of calm to your home. Check out Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix to learn how you can make this happen!

Rearrange Furniture

After throwing out or donating things you no longer need, it may be time to refresh your home by rearranging your furniture. This can be a great way to improve your new stay-at-home lifestyle. Although it can seem daunting, there are simple rules you can follow for your interior design. Check out this guide to learn more!

At Home Movie Nights

There are more ways to watch movies and TV than ever before, but this can also make it difficult to choose what to watch. Finding the right movie for you and your family can take more time than it does to actually watch it! If this sounds like you, this guide includes 100 movie suggestions that make it easy to find exactly what you are looking for.

 

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Today’s blog post is brought to you by our fabulous blogger and outdoor guru, Katlyn Spade.

Sleeping under the stars can boost your mood, improve your health, and even helps develop critical social skills. Those who love camping know the joys of breathing in fresh air around the clock and eating deliciously grilled meals. Many also appreciate getting up close and personal with local wildlife. Just as you would prepare your sleeping and cooking gear, you might consider packing the right equipment to record the sounds of the forest and the wildlife that’s all around you.

Do Your Research

If you enjoy roughing it, you also understand that camping can provide a whole host of new activities in the great outdoors. From reading books in a hammock to taking a long hike, the options are endless. Recording wildlife sounds is an activity suited for all ages and interest levels. Whether you get your family involved or you prefer to record alone, keeping an ear out for a coyote howl or a rare bird’s mating call can be a real thrill. Catching it on recording makes it even more special, so you can relive the sounds later on. Spend some time ahead of your trip researching the wildlife that will be out and about in your area. Consider purchasing a local wildlife guidebook to learn more about the rituals and schedules of the animals. For example, some might be best to record at night, and others might not yet be out of hibernation. 

Packing the Right Gear

When checking marshmallows and bug repellant off your packing list, don’t forget to include the equipment you will need to record wildlife. From wind protection to headphones, you’ll need a variety of items to catch the sounds you want. Do your research and find out exactly what you need and how you need to pack the gear to keep it safe. There are many perks to recording outdoors, and today’s technology ensures that you never have to sacrifice quality to get the wildlife recording of your dreams. You can even record on your smartphone, utilizing specific apps to improve sound quality.  

Respect the Wildlife

Recording the sounds of wildlife to enjoy after your camping trip doesn’t mean intruding on their space. From deer to bears, birds, and rodents, all animals have a right to safely enjoy their homes in the woods and mountains before you arrive, during your camping trip and after you leave the scene. Remember you are entering their home, so it’s important to show respect. It’s also important to keep your safety top of mind when spending time outdoors near wildlife. Never sacrifice your well-being or that of another camper to get a recording. Also, don’t venture into unmarked, unsafe territory to capture a sound. Follow all campsite rules and regulations, regardless of what might be rustling over yonder.

We share our planet with many species of crawling, climbing, flying creatures. To spend a day or night near animals under an open sky is a gift. Recording their sounds can be quite an adventure, and you’ll be transported back to the experience every time you listen to their calls, grunts, and squeaks.