Latest news with #Steph
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Win a copy of Deadline by Steph McGovern in this week's Fabulous book competition
ENGAGING THRILLER Win a copy of Deadline by Steph McGovern in this week's Fabulous book competition TV presenter Steph's debut novel is thrillingly good! From hijackers to political cover-ups, this has it all. 1 10 lucky Fabulous readers will win a copy of this new novel in this week's book competition Reporter Rose is about to go live on TV with the biggest interview of her career when a strange voice in her earpiece tells her that her family have been kidnapped. . . 10 lucky Fabulous readers will win a copy of this new novel in this week's book competition. To win a copy, enter using the form below by 11:59pm on July 12, 2025. For full terms and conditions, click here.
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Win a copy of Deadline by Steph McGovern in this week's Fabulous book competition
TV presenter Steph's debut novel is thrillingly good! From hijackers to political cover-ups, this has it all. Reporter Rose is about to go live on TV with the biggest interview of her career when a strange voice in her earpiece tells her that her family have been kidnapped. . . 10 lucky Fabulous readers will win a copy of this new novel in this week's book competition. To win a copy, enter using the form below by 11:59pm on July 12, 2025. For full terms and conditions, click here.
Buzz Feed
15 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
27 Camping Products From REI That Have Rave Reviews
An REI Co-Op Siesta 20-degree sleeping bag that's oh-so-roomy, oh-so-cozy, and the perfect place for you to snuggle up on car camping trips where you can really make yourself at home. Reviewers especially love that you can unzip just the bottom for ventilation or even unzip it all the way into a quilt. Where are my "sticks one foot out of the blanket to sleep" friends at? This is the sleeping bag for you. Promising review: "I bought this bag for car camping, and it is my favorite bag. So far, one trip (two nights), and it only got down to the high 40s, so I stayed plenty warm. I did bring a flannel sheet, but I didn't really need it for warmth on this trip. The bag is roomy and comfortable. I love that the hood is big enough to accommodate my pillow, and I can turn easily in the bag. I also appreciate that in warmer weather, I can unzip the bottom of the bag to put a leg out (didn't need to on this trip). I usually sleep hot, but this bag did not feel confining like a mummy bag. Would recommend!" —StedmanbPrice: $149 (available in medium, medium wide, long, and long wide sizes) A Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler famous for keeping your food and drinks colder than you could ever imagine for days at a time. Especially if you pre-cool it before you load it up, everything from seltzers and beers for campfire time to bacon, eggs, and OJ for a special backcountry breakfast will be ready to rock. Promising review: "This is the first Yeti cooler I have ever purchased, and I am in love. We used this camping and the drinks were so cold they may have been in our refrigerator. We did prime the cooler to get it chilled before loading it up, which was simple and made a huge difference! There was ice in our cooler three days after camping, and the drinks were still cold after sitting in our house without AC for four days in 85- to 90-degree heat! (It's a bummer, I know.) That really says something about the quality! Love the king crab orange color 10/10 if you're considering a Yeti, get a Yeti." —Steph_keen_Price: $325 (available in five colors) A Kelty camp loveseat if snuggling up next to your boo watching the campfire is always your favorite part of the trip. Separate camp chairs are just tooooo far when you're in love! Promising review: "This chair is so easy to open and store as well. I love being able to sit side-by-side with my partner. The cup holder is nice as it can snugly hold a can, or the flap can move to the side and easily hold a camping mug with a handle. I like that it holds a variety of drinkware, so I am not stuck having to find somewhere to place the unique style cups that aren't cans or slim. Definitely my go-to camping chair when I am with friends or a partner! This is for two people sitting upright. You would not want to lie on this as there is a hard bar in the middle, but it is perfect for sitting close!" —LalaPrice: $129.95 (available in two colors) An under-$20 Black Diamond headlamp so you can light your path hands-free at camp and bring *just in case* on long hikes. It even has dimming and strobe settings. Huzzah! The headlamp requires three AAA review: "I needed a new headlamp as my other one just wore out. I looked at the super expensive ultra-bright ones, but took a chance on this good one as it was more reasonably priced. I'm glad I chanced it. This headlamp is comfortable, durable, and very bright. This is exactly what I was hoping for. I've never been disappointed by Black Diamond." —P HyattPrice: $24.95 (available in three colors) A tasty freeze-dried Mountain House meal like their Kung Pao Chicken or Pad Thai (both of which have rave reviews, as do most of their offerings) because outdoors, just like at home, sometimes you just don't feel like cooking! Just add some boiling water to these guys, let them sit while you get camp set up or light the campfire, and dig in. I looooove Mountain House Kung Pao Chicken! The sauce has a little kick, the veggies are chunky and substantial, the chicken is great, and it all rehydrates super well. I also love that Mountain House bags are short and squat, so you don't have to reach your hand wayyyy down into a bag to scoop, it's closer to eating out of a bowl. Love! Promising review: "This meal was fantastic! Great flavor with some spice. The rehydrated noodles stayed together instead of becoming mushy. Enough chunks of chicken and veg to provide good texture. I would suggest adding 1–2 minutes to the first mix and sit in boiling water (step 4) as well as 1–2 minutes to the mix and stand (step 5). This will give the chicken enough time to fully rehydrate. Overall grade: A+" —madtPrice: $12 for the Kung Pao Chicken, $12 for the Pad Thai, and check out all of their meals here An REI Co-Op Base Camp 4 Tent so you and your camping crew have the perfect place to lay your heads at night, safe from the elements and ready for anything. Two big doors provide excellent ventilation and ensure you don't need to crawl over sleeping friends to get in and out and big ol' vestibules give you the perfect place to put extra gear. A good rule of thumb for how many folks can fit in a tent is the number of people listed squished all together *or* that number minus one with room to spread out and for review: "Great tent! The first time I used it, it rained for 27 hours straight. Not a drop inside. Lots of pockets for storage. Set up is a little tricky the first time, but once you know how it goes, it's not bad. Vestibule is large enough to sit in a camp chair out of the rain, and I'm 6 feet and 220 pounds. It does get hot in the sun, but I'm never in it during the day anyway. I would recommend this tent to anyone." —Mike K"We recently were looking for a great car camping tent option. We've spent years using my old three-person backpacking tent, and we wanted something that we felt confident in bad weather, but comfortable to use as a living space when we're camping. The number one thing I really love about this tent is that it's watertight in rain, but you can sit inside and not suffocate because it has such amazing ventilation. The vestibule is so spacious, you can keep all of your gear here overnight and not worry about inclement weather. No, I can't stand straight up in this tent, but that isn't as important to me as knowing this tent is solid and won't blow over in a bad storm, which some of the taller tents I've seen are more prone to. We've only used this twice thus far, but we're already looking forward to using it more for car camping very comfortably, without having to upgrade to an overly huge tent since it's just me and my wife. Would recommend." —JeffPrice: $474 Or a North Face Wawona 6 Tent if you want something so roomy you can literally stand up in it and walk around — a wonderful quality, especially if you happen to find yourself rained in for the day. You could also set up a little seating area in there, or better yet, invite basically everyone you know to join you on your next adventure. The more the merrier! Promising review: "I recently picked up the Wawona 6 from REI and couldn't be happier. The build quality is excellent — everything feels premium — and the space is exactly what you'd hope for in a tent this size. Tons of room, smart layout, and it sets up solid. One thing to note: it's a bit breezy. For me, that's a huge plus — I sleep hot and live in the South, so the airflow is welcome. But if you're camping in colder climates or pushing into shoulder seasons, just know it's not a furnace. That said, I'm originally from the Colorado high country, and I'd still run this tent with the right bag and layers. 10/10 recommend for anyone looking to shift from ultralight or thru-hiking to more comfortable, stationary setups. As I've gotten older, I've moved away from minimal packs toward gear that adds a little luxury to the outdoors, and the Wawona nails it." —OrsoPrice: $550 (available in two colors) A pair of Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks that are a little bit of moolah up front but last forever and famously come with a lifetime guarantee — they're THAT confident they'll serve you well. I finally got my first pair of Darn Toughs this year, and I LOVE THEM! The heels and toes are perfectly cushioned, the merino wool blend isn't scratchy at all, and they're, well... darn tough! Look at me walkin' around on that campground gravel! Hot tip for my hiking girlies with muscular calves: My life changed the day I started just ordering socks in men's sizes! I'm a shoe size 8.5 and find that a men's M in these socks sits great. Not too big on the foot while leaving ample room for my legs as I FLEX UP THAT MOUNTAIN, BABYYYYYYY! Promising review: "Amazingly comfy and durable! These socks are like walking on clouds in comparison to cheaper options. The price, I feel, is justified not only by how comfy they are but also by the lifetime warranty. Just don't lose them!" —JakePrice: $26 (available in men's sizes M–XXL in nine colors and in women's sizes S–L in nine colors) A small medical kit because it's a good idea to have first aid supplies on hand when you're out in the wilderness, full stop. This one has everything you need and is quite well-organized, which is actually very important in a real emergency. This kit always comes with me on most longer hikes and definitely on all backpacking trips. It's small, light, and completely unobtrusive! It has many different kinds of bandages, a splinter and tick remover, bug bite relief wipes, aspirin, and more!Promising review: "It is exactly what I was looking for. It has everything expected. It is properly sized for backpacking or moto-camping with my dog." —Josh LPrice: $32.95 (available in three styles) A Sea to Summit Spark 15 sleeping bag if you want a bag you can add to your backpacking setup (and probably cut some pack weight while you're at it) or take for a ridiculously comfy night of car camping. Its 850+ fill goose-down packs down ridiculously small thanks to the included compression sack, and keeps you toasty warm. Its 15-degree rating means you can push into the shoulder seasons and more camping = more good days. The Sea to Summit Spark is game changing for cutting weight and volume in your backpacking setup while staying wildly comfortable, even in the cold. The down in this baby is so floofy and voluminous, and well-thought-out details like the draft collar both along the neckline *and* the entire zipper really keep heat in. I've used it cowboy camping where you REALLY see sleeping bags' weak points since you're exposed to so much wind, and I didn't notice any "cold spots," even along the seams. The hood is especially cozy, which is going to be even more of a delight once I get to use this baby in late fall. *Sigh* isn't the first year with a new piece of gear you love so exciting? I love that the compression stuff sack is included with the bag, and it helps soften the splurge, in my opinion, since lots of people buy additional compression sacks to store their bags anyway. It really does get the bag down unbelievably small. The power of down at work! If I have one complaint it's that the drawstring that pulls the hood taught is oddly hard to *undo* (unless I'm missing something) and the zipper can be a little catch-y (though never resulting in a rip or true snag), but those are small compared to the reasons to love this bag — just want to tell you everything I know since it's a hefty tag! But I really recommend this for anyone looking for a super light mummy bag to take them into the shoulder seasons. Price: $549+ (available in regular, long, and double sizes) A BioLite AspenGlow mini lantern that packs a whole lotta light into a teeny-tiny package. With a diameter of just three inches, it's a breeze to pop into any bag, and an integrated bungee makes it easy to hang almost anywhere. It's USB rechargeable and can run for 40 hours on its lowest setting, though it'll be hard to resist playing with the "party" setting, which cycles through its multicolor modes. Fun! This little lantern RULES. I'm just a huge fan of BioLite generally, but have been really impressed by how bright and reliable this little guy is. And at the end of the day, those are the two things you really want a lantern to be! The little bungee on the back really is useful for putting it up in your tent or somewhere unconventional, and the dimmer is so easy to dial in. Promising review: "Ordered this to have a light in our tent. It's small and compact — perfect for car camping. Also rechargeable. I also like that the lights can change color." —MLSPrice: $49.95 (available in two colors) A Cotopaxi bucket hat to keep that beautiful face of yours shielded from the sun, especially on hikes or at campsites where you're especially exposed. I never thought I was a Big Hat Person... and then I started camping in the desert! Now, it's rare to see me without one when I'm outside, and boy, am I happy about it. Promising review: "Used this nonstop when I was in California recently. It's comfortable – not too tight, and the drawstring thing was great when the wind picked up." —GabsPrice: $40 (available in five colors) A Soto Windmaster backpacking stove I've long heard amazing things about and can confirm TOTALLY rules. This thing boils water in a snap, has an built-in piezo lighter that lights super easily, and the temperature control is smooth as can be. And all weighing in at just 3.1 ounces. I thought all backpacking stoves were basically created equal, but that was before I encountered this beauty. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for getting this for me for Christmas this year! Holy shmo, I really was out here thinking that most stoves were the same, but was totally proven wrong when I finally got to take the Soto Windmaster for a spin. I was using a decade-plus-old backpacking stove. No shade. I loved that thing, and "use what you have" is a really important attitude to have and share around gear. You don't need every new gadget. BUT! I'm really happy to say that this stove is a distinct step up. It weighs a whisper, and even though the fold-out prongs and temperature dial are tiny, they feel relatively sturdy, especially when folded in. I was shocked at how quickly water boiled for me. I didn't time it, I was busy, uhhhh, enjoying my life, but it was noticeably faster than my old one. I love the built-in piezo igniter. Just so nice to know that if I forget a lighter, I'm not up a creek, and unlike my old stove, I really only had to click it once for it to ignite. Can't wait to put a decade on this stove! Promising review: "Such a great stove, I returned my daughter's MSR for another of these. No fuel leaks when you attach the fuel canister like the MSR. Also, the four prongs felt more stable boiling water. The quick ignite was like magic. Love this purchase!!!" —PatsyPrice: $69.95 An Exped Ultra 3R Sleeping Pad for a great night's sleep while backpacking *or* if you want a pad you can roll up super-duper small at the end of your car camping trip for easy carrying and storage back home. Inflatable pads are especially beloved for side sleepers (including myself) since your hips are nice and suspended above the ground. ^Look at me lovin' my Exped sleeping pad! I've long been an inflatable sleeping pad convert, but had yet to find my "holy moly this is the best" model... until recently when I tried this baby. Other pads I've liked, but not loved, felt too narrow and, because of the kind of insulation they used, were SUPER noisy with every move I made in my sleep. It was like sleeping on a Mylar balloon! But this pad is quiet as can be. Thank goodness! I also opted for the medium wide version, which gives me a little more room to spread out — no more feeling like I'm teetering. That extra room and a 3-inch height keep me super comfy as a side sleeper. The wide version is a little heavier (obviously), but even as a backpacker who can be really picky about base weight, I find the extra ounces totally worth it for getting a better night's sleep. The MW weight is about 1 pound and 7 ounces. Not too shabby!An R-value of 2.9 makes this perfect for three-season backpacking, but especially warmer months. On a recent camping and surf weekend near Santa Barbara, it kept me perfectly comfortable during the cool summer nights. It was seriously the best night of sleep I've gotten outdoors in quite some time. ILY, Exped! Promising review: "I used it for 500 miles on the AT last year and plan to use it again this year. I'm going to pair it with a lightweight foam pad to protect it from punctures, which I have had before, and increase the overall R value. I don't recall noise issues, and the pad was comfortable for a big guy who's a side sleeper. If money and/or comfort are no issue, you can find lighter pads." —MikePrice: $140 (available in three sizes) A Leatherman Signal multitool that slams a whopping 19 tools and functions into one little package so you're prepared for anything that comes your way in the backcountry. Okay, and in regular life, when you just need a bottle opener. The tools on this Leatherman include a stainless-steel blade, needle-nose/regular pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, saw, awl, can/bottle opener, carabiner, safety whistle, and a fire-starting ferro review: "I'm amazed at how many useful tools are crammed into this Leatherman. It took me a good hour to read through all the instructions to discover all there was. Very comfortable and easy to grip and use. Truly an amazing tool." —JoeMPrice: $139.95 A BearVault Bear Canister — the most trusted way to keep your food away from bears, for your safety and theirs. These are popular in the western US where in some areas with grizzlys they're required, but they're useful almost anywhere if you want a surefire way to keep food untouched by all kinds of critters. Pictured is the smallest model, which is great for solo adventurers and quick trips, but it also comes in larger sizes for longer trips or for people sharing one can. To lock, simply twist to close and to open it back up, just press on the black nubs on the lid whenever they get to the stopper. When I moved to the West Coast, I was sooooo excited that I finally had to get a bear canister! They may be heavy and tough to put in a pack, but hey, they're iconic! This small can fits into a pack relatively easily and holds a lot, especially if you're keeping volume in mind while shopping. And they really are useful beyond just for bears. I brought mine to Joshua Tree this past weekend because the last time I was there, there were a ton of mice, and there's just no good place to hang a food bag. Enter: the can! And hey, don't forget to put your trash and any other scented items like toothpaste in there for the night, too. Promising review: "I love this thing. It fits easily into my pack, and can fit electrolytes, snacks, a collapsible mug, matches and fuel, and six to eight freeze-dried meals. Even witnessed an inquisitive deer who accidentally rolled it down a rocky hill and not a scratch or crack on it!" —stacePrice: $76.95 (also available in larger sizes) A cute little camp table so you have a place to rest your drinks, play cards, you name it! You'll never be mad to have a spare surface around that's not uhhhh the cold, hard ground (no offense to the cold, hard ground). Promising review: "We had one of these tables, liked it so much, we bought a second. Extend the legs, then flip it out to set up. Takes 15 seconds. It's very stable and great for a side table or a table for two. Very nice quality." —Camp4smorePrice: $40 A Black Diamond sun hoodie that's a personal fave for camping, sunny hikes, climbing, and backpacking trips. Basically, if I'm outside, I'm wearing this. I've started to take sun protection super seriously, so a long-sleeve UPF 50+ option is a must. And even as the sweatiest person alive who refuses to pack deodorant when backpacking (extra weight? No thanks), it keeps me dry no matter how many miles I trek. Other things I love? It has washed and dried super well in the two years I've had it, and there's a little zippered pocket on the side, which stores important little doo-dads like keys and headphones securely. Promising review: "I bought this shirt over a year ago, and since then have worn it hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and mountain biking. I took a fall while mountain biking and ended up getting a small hole the size of a needle... but when I took the shirt off, I was surprised to find the elbow pad I was wearing underneath was ripped, and my arm was all scraped, but the shirt was fine! I've hiked with it in 70/80-degree weather and haven't been sunburnt. I sweat a lot, and this shirt dries pretty quickly, so I stay pretty dry. I'm really happy with this shirt. The only thing I wish was that it had a thumb hole and a pocket on the other side as well to balance it out." —Pei FPrice: $109 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and two colors) A Hest Foamy Sleeping Pad for anyone who refuses to be any less comfortable sleeping outdoors than they would in their comfy bed back home. More power to ya! This rollable pad has two layers of memory foam, a waterproof bottom in case your tent gets wet, and has a compression harness that doubles as a welcome mat. Aw, home sweet home. Promising review: "If you are looking for a mattress for car camping or extra bed in a hotel, this is it. So much more comfortable than any air mattress or sleeping pad. I'm 6'3" and 230 pounds, and this mattress is better than half of the hotel beds I have slept on. It's incredible." —JlendoPrice: $279+ (available in short, regular, and wide sizes) An Osprey Aura AG 65-liter pack so you can hit the ol' dusty trail with everything you need in a supportive, cushioned pack that has all the special features you need, but not so many that it weighs you down. With a suspended mesh back, plenty of pockets, and a comfortable hip belt, there's nothing I don't adore about this pack. I call it my "Cadillac." ^That's me with the slightly older model on my first backpacking trip!Osprey is known for making exceptional packs for all kinds of journeys, and the Aura is no exception. It has a separated sleeping bag compartment, a huge mesh pocket on the outside for camp shoes and immediate needs, snack pockets on the hip belt, a whistle on the chest strap, large water bottle holders on each side, loops for trekking poles or an ice axe, sleeping pad straps, and compression straps to get your weight distributed *just* so. But best of all, a ton of these features are unclippable/removable if you're not using them and don't want the extra weight — because it adds up! I took the "brain" off my pack — a separate large compartment that goes over the pack's top — but it's included if you want it. I find that this pack's weight distributes very comfortably — at least as comfortably as it can be — and the cushions on the waist strap really did the trick. No bruising or even chafing, even on my first trip! Picking a pack is personal, especially since everyone has different intentions, needs, and bodies, but with how customizable this pack is, I'd recommend it to almost anyone. This was my first ever pack and it really helped me ease into the idea of ummm carrying everything I need, which is daunting! This is an extremely comfortable intro. I found the 65 to be a good size for starting out with larger/heavier beginner gear, but if you're going for a shorter trip, a summer trip where you have less bulk, or are already a lightweight packing pro, it also comes in a 50-liter review: "I bought this last year and am still very happy with my purchase. It has all the room I need, even when I carry a bear canister. It sits nicely on my hips, so I have no sore back at the end of the day. I couldn't ask for a better pack." —BobbiePrice: $340 (available in sizes XS–L and three colors; the Aura is technically a "women's" pack, but you can check out the "men's" version called the Atmos here) A Garmin inReach Mini 2 to help you stay in touch with loved ones or in case of emergency when you're out in the backwoods with no cellphone service. A huge relief to have for hikers of all kinds, especially if you love nothing more than a good solo trip. To use the Garmin on your trip, the device requires a monthly service fee of $14.95+ (or $11.95+ if you opt for an annual contract). But don't worry, if you're just planning on one trip, the monthly plan only requires a 30-day commitment, so you can bail after your hike and reactivate the next time you go on an adventure. Promising review: "Recently used the Garmin inReach Mini 2 on a seven-day backpacking trek in the northern Yosemite wilderness. I kept it on during the day, sent two to three preset check-in messages per day, and turned it off overnight (and kept it in my sleeping bag). After six nights/seven days like this, I still had 40% battery life left. Messages usually took about a minute to send with no/minimal tree cover, and the Bluetooth-connected phone app makes typing messages from your phone very easy. I'm so glad I had it with me to get info about the Washburn fire that started while I was on the trail. Overall, I (and my loved ones back home!) am very happy with how the Garmin performed." —ElysePrice: $400 (available in two colors) A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil roll-top dry sack because keeping your camp clothes and electronics dry is absolutely essential for any fun, safe camping trip. My love for these lightweight waterproof bags can't be stifled. On my camping trips, I always bring two of these bags that each work double time. One serves as my clothes bag, and the other is my food bag since it's easy to hang as a bear bag as well. Sometimes I bring another for my electronics, but sometimes they just go in with my clothes. But enough of my packing specifics — the point is, they're incredibly reliable, actually waterproof, and being able to pack them down nice and small as you take things out of them is amazing out in the wilderness and for storing at home. Promising review: "Bought this last minute for a three-day backpacking trip (3L size) to stuff my day food in the outside mesh pocket of my pack, so I wouldn't have to go inside my pack to find my food while on the trail. It's a great size for various items and fits easily in the outside pocket. Stayed dry during the rain, and it is easy to fold over and keep secure. Love this little bag. Might get more for other items." —JenniPrice: $22.95+ (available in six sizes and four colors) A Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system that blows any other system out of the — say it with me — water. It's adaptable and easy to use in almost any situation, planned or not. I've encountered some pretty sad excuses for water sources and have still been able to get liquid into the bag to be filtered and safely consumed. The set comes with one squeeze screw-on water filter, two 32-ounce collapsible pouches, one replaceable pop-up drinking spout, and one syringe filter cleaner. It weighs three ounces. It removes bacteria such as Salmonella, cholera, and E. coli, and protozoa such as Giardia and If you're immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it's safe for you.I adore this water filter for its ease of use, adaptability, small size, and zero wait time. Just fill the bag, screw on the filter, and roll the bag to squeeze the filtered water into your bottle. You don't need to wait for it to be done like with water treatment pills or gravity systems, and there's no funky taste — just fresh, clean, crisp water. If even the bag-filling situation sounds like it would take too much time, you can also screw the filter DIRECTLY ONTO A WATER BOTTLE and drink straight from it. Game-changing. Either way, it's a quick, lightweight system that I completely recommend. Promising review: "I've taken this on a couple of backcountry/backpacking trips and it's so handy and easy to use. I find I prefer to carry two Smartwater bottles with me (one for dirty water, one for filtered water), screw the filter to the top of one, and squeeze clean water into the second bottle. I also love that it's small and lightweight. It's perfect for backcountry trips." —sarah279Price: $45.95 A mini multi-towel you'll find basically endless uses for while you're out on the trail or at your site. Trust me. And after you're done using it as a sweat rag, for cleaning your dishes, or drying your hands, it folds up super tiny in its stuff sack ready to get machine washed when you get home. Promising review: "Great sweat towel. I clip this on the strap of my backpack. Lightweight and easy to carry. If you get a little sweaty, just pull it out. After wiping the sweat off my face, it just hangs and the breeze dries it off, ready for the next time." —LeePrice: $9.95 (available in three colors) A wide-mouth Nalgene because once you make the switch to this lightweight, affordable bottle it's hard to go back to bulky metal ones, especially for outdoor adventures. My love for Nalgenes is well documented. They're everything you need and nothing you don't, and indestructible to boot. Promising review: "These things are practically indestructible (cap attachment excluded, but I have a solution for this). I have to repurchase these because I lose them, not because they break. I've tried knock-off brands and have experienced them breaking in some bad places — a few miles into a hike, etc. My Nalgene? Rolled off a cliff ledge and was still intact when I hiked down to get it. I recently purchased a stainless steel ring separately that fits on the Nalgene with a carabiner loop. This should hopefully fix the reason I lose them: I clip it to my bag by its lid, and after a few years, the lid strap breaks, no longer able to do this, *then* I leave it places. I will purchase these again and again! Love this purple color!" —NNYOutdoorsPrice: $17 (available in four colors) A Kula Cloth, aka the most amazing reusable pee rag money can buy. It has a waterproof external layer (that's the pretty printed one), an antimicrobial ~wiping~ side, and snaps that keep the cloth closed when you're not using it. If you're tired of doing a weird pee dance or having straight-up damp underwear after going in the woods, here is the long-awaited solution! If you didn't know, now you know. Yeah, the Kula Cloth is life-changing if peeing in the woods gets you down. It's also super useful for general travel if you're traveling anywhere with an unreliable TP situation. There's also a little loop on the corner so you can just carabiner it to the outside of your pack if you're backpacking. Ya know how people who drive Jeeps nod at each other on the road. People with Kula Cloths on their packs nod to each other on the trail. It's a thing. Promising review: "I've had one for years now and it has been such a game changer from backpacking, camping, or just hiking. We take them everywhere outdoors, and I consider this one of the best outdoor inventions ever. If you don't want wet panties or have to be packing toilet paper into a baggie to pack out, this is the ticket! I wouldn't be without one outdoors!" —outdrgrlPrice: $20 (available in seven patterns) A Rumpl Camp Pillow if you don't want to sacrifice your home pillow to the wilderness gods but still want somewhere soft to lay your head. I *love* this pillow for its double-sided fabric (one cooling, one soft), perfectly plush feel, and ability to fold in half into this little stuff sack. I thought I was done with outdoor pillows for good until this one from Rumpl walked into my life. Wanting something outdoor-specific but disappointed by inflatable models, my backpacking brain transitioned me fully to just using my clothes bag, even when car camping! But thank goodness I've finally found an outdoor pillow I dig so I can get a good night's sleep when on trips with a little more gear! It really is so plush and comfy, and at the end of the day, that's all I really want from a pillow! I use the fleece side because I tend to sleep cold, but it's nice to know the cooling side is around for the next time I'm on a humid trip. Is the pillowcase machine-washable? You bet! That's the Rumpl $49
Canada Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Canada Standard
CDPQ Boosts Climate Investments While Other Pensions Maintain Fossil Industry Ties
One of Canada's leading pension funds has pledged to dramatically increase its "climate action" investments to $400 billion by 2030, while a watchdog group warns that many other funds are unduly influenced by fossil fuel-affiliated directors on their boards. The $400-billion target showed up in a five-year climate strategy released last week by the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ). The Caisse had already surpassed its previous goal, established in 2021, to invest $54 billion in low-carbon assets and another $10 billion in "industrial decarbonization" by 2025, ESG Today reports. At the end of last year, CDPQ reported total assets of $473 billion. "In 2025, we are entering a new phase in our climate strategy with the ambition to accelerate the decarbonization of companies and the economy," the eight-page strategy states [ pdf ]. "This is the best approach for long-term performance for our depositors." "We are reaffirming our sustainable investing convictions because they are at the heart of our fiduciary responsibility," said CDPQ President and CEO Charles Emond. "We are demonstrating even greater ambition by going beyond calculating our portfolio's carbon emissions to work even harder on transitioning the real economy across all sectors by encouraging the companies we invest in to adopt clear and credible decarbonization plans. We do this with a view to long-term value creation and sound risk management for our depositors." View our latest digests The strategy includes: Helping companies "seize business opportunities and set decarbonization goals"; Select companies that have set climate transition plans and can explain how they intend to meet them; Invest in less "climate-mature" industries or companies "to help them reduce their carbon footprints"; Rely on international best practices to assess the quality of companies' transition plans. The strategy "reveals a credible, comprehensive and clear-eyed plan to protect Quebec pensions by achieving net-zero by 2050 and investing in a safe climate future," Toronto-based Shift Action for Pension Wealth and Planet Health said in a release. "The strategy further positions CDPQ as a global climate leader among institutional investors and exposes yawning shortcomings in the climate strategies of many other Canadian pension managers, particularly the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board." This week, Shift released an analysis of fossil fuel influence on Canadian pension boards, an update of a report the organization first produced in 2022. The original report concluded that seven of the country's 10 biggest pension funds had at least one fossil executive on their boards. This year's research determined that: CPPIB, which abandoned is 2050 net-zero commitment last month, has three fossil directors, accounting for 30% of its board seats. Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), where the Alberta government recently purged the previous board, has two, including former prime minister Stephen Harper as chair. The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan has two directors who "sit on the boards of fossil fuel companies pushing to expand pipelines, build [liquefied natural gas] terminals, and dismantle key climate policies." The Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP) and Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) have one each. The report lays out the systemic risks pension funds face as a result of climate change and the transition off carbon, warning that management decisions in response "may be compromised when those at the helm have ties to the fossil fuel industry." It lays out a scenario in which a pension fund board member who's also a director of an oil and gas company must weigh their duty to the fund against the legal imperative to maximize their company's profit. "When the pension fund evaluates whether to continue investing in oil and gas, does that director advocate for the sector's short-term interests-or for the long-term financial security of a 30-year-old plan member who won't retire for decades?" the report asks. "This reflects a deep structural conflict: how can a director reconcile their legal obligation to maximize shareholder value for a fossil fuel company with their fiduciary duty to act in the best long-term interests of pension beneficiaries facing escalating climate risk?" Shift adds that, "critically, pension funds do not disclose whether conflicted directors recuse themselves from such decisions. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to determine how-or whether-conflicts of interest are managed. It is also unclear whether pension trustees, directors, and sponsors have the climate expertise to understand how these overlapping roles can create potential conflicts which could negatively impact long-term returns for beneficiaries." Source: The Energy Mix
Canada News.Net
2 days ago
- Business
- Canada News.Net
CDPQ Boosts Climate Investments While Other Pensions Maintain Fossil Industry Ties
One of Canada's leading pension funds has pledged to dramatically increase its "climate action" investments to $400 billion by 2030, while a watchdog group warns that many other funds are unduly influenced by fossil fuel-affiliated directors on their boards. The $400-billion target showed up in a five-year climate strategy released last week by the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ). The Caisse had already surpassed its previous goal, established in 2021, to invest $54 billion in low-carbon assets and another $10 billion in "industrial decarbonization" by 2025, ESG Today reports. At the end of last year, CDPQ reported total assets of $473 billion. "In 2025, we are entering a new phase in our climate strategy with the ambition to accelerate the decarbonization of companies and the economy," the eight-page strategy states [ pdf ]. "This is the best approach for long-term performance for our depositors." "We are reaffirming our sustainable investing convictions because they are at the heart of our fiduciary responsibility," said CDPQ President and CEO Charles Emond. "We are demonstrating even greater ambition by going beyond calculating our portfolio's carbon emissions to work even harder on transitioning the real economy across all sectors by encouraging the companies we invest in to adopt clear and credible decarbonization plans. We do this with a view to long-term value creation and sound risk management for our depositors." View our latest digests The strategy includes: Helping companies "seize business opportunities and set decarbonization goals"; Select companies that have set climate transition plans and can explain how they intend to meet them; Invest in less "climate-mature" industries or companies "to help them reduce their carbon footprints"; Rely on international best practices to assess the quality of companies' transition plans. The strategy "reveals a credible, comprehensive and clear-eyed plan to protect Quebec pensions by achieving net-zero by 2050 and investing in a safe climate future," Toronto-based Shift Action for Pension Wealth and Planet Health said in a release. "The strategy further positions CDPQ as a global climate leader among institutional investors and exposes yawning shortcomings in the climate strategies of many other Canadian pension managers, particularly the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board." This week, Shift released an analysis of fossil fuel influence on Canadian pension boards, an update of a report the organization first produced in 2022. The original report concluded that seven of the country's 10 biggest pension funds had at least one fossil executive on their boards. This year's research determined that: CPPIB, which abandoned is 2050 net-zero commitment last month, has three fossil directors, accounting for 30% of its board seats. Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), where the Alberta government recently purged the previous board, has two, including former prime minister Stephen Harper as chair. The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan has two directors who "sit on the boards of fossil fuel companies pushing to expand pipelines, build [liquefied natural gas] terminals, and dismantle key climate policies." The Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP) and Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) have one each. The report lays out the systemic risks pension funds face as a result of climate change and the transition off carbon, warning that management decisions in response "may be compromised when those at the helm have ties to the fossil fuel industry." It lays out a scenario in which a pension fund board member who's also a director of an oil and gas company must weigh their duty to the fund against the legal imperative to maximize their company's profit. "When the pension fund evaluates whether to continue investing in oil and gas, does that director advocate for the sector's short-term interests-or for the long-term financial security of a 30-year-old plan member who won't retire for decades?" the report asks. "This reflects a deep structural conflict: how can a director reconcile their legal obligation to maximize shareholder value for a fossil fuel company with their fiduciary duty to act in the best long-term interests of pension beneficiaries facing escalating climate risk?" Shift adds that, "critically, pension funds do not disclose whether conflicted directors recuse themselves from such decisions. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to determine how-or whether-conflicts of interest are managed. It is also unclear whether pension trustees, directors, and sponsors have the climate expertise to understand how these overlapping roles can create potential conflicts which could negatively impact long-term returns for beneficiaries."
