Dapper Scout – A lifestyle web magazine for men

Standing outside this morning waiting for the crosstown bus, we realized it’s time for a much-needed escapade to significantly warmer climes.  Though it won’t be happening for us anytime soon, if you were smart enough to make plans that take you over international waters in the near future, show a little pride for the red, white and blue with the Valextra U.S.A. Passport Holder (available at Barneys for $295).  This passport holder comes in a grained, royal blue leather accented with red stitching and a contrasting cut-out image of the United States—a visually striking reminder of where you’re departing from before you head off to wherever you’re going (to get away from it all). 

And while we recognize the inherent perils of white leather (and just how few of us can pull it off), for those with the properly rakish demeanor and style quotient, the Valextra 6 Credit Card Wallet (available at Barneys for $370) is the ideal leather accessory (editor’s choice: white) to house all your important plastic and foreign currency as you work on little more than getting intimately reacquainted with that thing called sleep as you take in some sun, and thoughts of that thing called work, slowly start to dissipate.

Accessories, DS Recommends, Leather Goods, Leisure, Style, Travel

As much as the editors at DS enjoy traveling, with our busy schedules, even something as simple as packing can become a stressful chore, especially because we like to keep our travel bags as efficiently packed and uncluttered as possible.  The OHSO Marko Travel Toothbrush (available at OHSO for $15) is our favorite new travel accessory as it combines three separate toiletry components (i.e. toothbrush, holder and toothpaste) into one compact and polished item.  Toothpaste is drawn and stored in the handle using vacuum technology and can be easily refilled with any toothpaste brand using a universal adapter, if necessary.  And with a simple twist of the handle knob, toothpaste is directly dispensed to the bristle head, which also comes off for cleaning and replacing.  The Marko Travel Toothbrush even comes with both a watertight and vented cap to provide air circulation for drying the bristle head (because the last thing you want is something growing in there).

Gear, Leisure, Travel

Being the most meticulous of planners, the editors at DS pride themselves on generally being prepared for things, but even we realize there’s no way to be ready for everything that comes our way.  And having lived through some rather dicey experiences, we can say with the utmost certainty, that generally what can go wrong, will often go wrong—so it’s never a bad idea to prepare for the moments when everything decides to go spectacularly awry.  Here are two ways to make sure you’re better equipped to deal with the unexpected, regardless of whether you’re at home or traveling.

Home

The Ice-Qube Essential Preparedness Kit (available at Ice-Qube for $575) is one of the most complete home emergency survival kits we’ve ever seen. The signature “Qube” conveniently rolls on wheels and has a retractable handle for simple mobility and storage, and it comes packed with over 100 items, including (but not limited to) food, water, and rescue/survival supplies such as an Eton AM/FM FR150 Emergency Radio with built-in cell phone charger/hand crank & solar panel, waterproof matches, collapsible shovel, multi-tool, first aid kit, can opener, dried fruit, toilet paper, sunscreen, socks, and a plethora of other items you’d want in the event of a true emergency.  This collection of items should amply get one individual through three days of just about any situation while in the safety of their own home.

Travel

The Survival Kit in a Sardine Can (available at Restoration Hardware for $14) is an airtight, waterproof, and crushproof metal container that comes stocked with the following essential items to ensure that any survival situation becomes more manageable: non-aspirin pain reliever, adhesive bandage, alcohol prep pad, antibiotic ointment, book of matches, compass, gum, sugar, salt, energy nugget, duct tape, fire starter cube, first aid instructions, fishing hook & line, note paper, pencil, razor blade, safety pin, reflective signal surface, tea bag, waterproof bag, whistle, and wire clip.  While the concept of a sardine can as a container may appear like a gimmick, this survival kit is a serious one, with even the container being buoyant, just in case you happen to find yourself in a water situation (never a good thing).

DS Recommends, Gear, Leisure, Loft, Outdoors, Security, Travel

With an impressive stable of super cars including Chevrolet Corvette Z06s, Ferrari 360 Spiders, Aston Martin DB9s, and Ford GTs available for your driving pleasure, Western Road Adventures at the Gateway Canyons Resort in Colorado is the ultimate road trip adventure.  The all-inclusive adventure packages are based on three-day itineraries starting at $3,000 or five-day itineraries starting at $5,000 (both for two people), all of which include ground transportation to and from the Gateway Canyons Resort, priority access to Resort amenities, concierge services, costs associated with driving the cars and all meals.  You’ll receive an orientation to each car prior to driving along outstandingly windy roads to locations such as Aspen, Telluride and Moab before returning to the Gateway Canyons Resort each day where you’ll have access to activities such as guided hiking, mountain biking, ATV rides as well as equestrian trail rides.  And whether you opt for the three or five-day itinerary, our favorite part of this entire adventure package is that each one ends with off-road driving along the Dolores River in the Land Rover Defender, one of the most badass off-roading SUVs ever.

Adventure, Automobiles, Leisure, Sports Cars, Travel, Trucks

Summer is here and that means weekend road trips, single day excursions, and out of town travel in general.  And a commonly overlooked essential is your choice of luggage.  A smart looking duffel bag offers nearly limitless utility while complementing your style with tailored precision.  Take a look at our favorite duffel bags this season, highly versatile travel gear with an unpretentious but stylish demeanor. [Shown above—bags by Porter] [Read the full story]

Accessories, Bags, Best of, Gear, Luggage, Style, Travel

If you’ve reached the point where a vacation with lazy days lounging on a beach with a fruity frozen drink in hand just doesn’t get you going anymore, then it’s time to trade in the flip flops and strap on some skis, among other things, and head to Anchorage, Alaska to check out the ultimate adventure vacation with the Kings & Corn Adventure Trip ($8,650).  With five days of non-stop corn snow heli-skiing, white water rafting, and some serious King salmon fishing, the Kings & Corn Adventure Trip will quickly remind you that an adventure vacation without the fear of death by avalanche or grizzly bear just isn’t one worth having at all.

Adventure, Outdoors, Travel

Have you ever wanted to own your own personal yacht and explore the outermost reaches of the world?  Though it may be wishful thinking for most people, Offshore Odysseys believes it should be a reality for anybody who’s as passionate as they are about exploring the few remaining untouched areas of the world.  Offshore Odysseys offers like-minded individuals the opportunity to yacht share on the basis of sharing both the expenses and hence, the benefits of such a unique arrangement.  While on board a Lagoon 570 Catamaran, you’ll go kitesurfing, surfing, paragliding, diving and spearfishing, all in some of the most remote regions of the planet.  Each season will have a mix of 10 day “Adventures” or 14 day “Epics”—each one unique and focused on serious exploration.  Approximately $300 per person, per day covers share costs and annual operating expenses.  Needless to say, this isn’t for the faint of heart, or light in wallet, but for those with an abundance of both, it’s a little slice of nirvana that can only be found on a yacht in the middle of nowhere.

Adventure, Leisure, Travel

If the words “yoga adventure” seem like an oxymoron to you, then it’s time you take a closer look at Body & Soul Adventures, the ideal means to de-stress and detoxify.  Your adventure takes place near the Colonial old town of Paraty, situated perfectly between the Bocaino Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean within the picturesque Costa Verde region of Brazil.  Full board and six nights accommodation will run you $1,800 (however, you’ll have to take care of the flight there) which includes five full body massages, twelve yoga classes, access to hiking, kayaking and the local Brazilian cultural entertainment.  Between the fresh local cuisine, the yoga sessions and the outdoor activities, you’ll come away refreshed and invigorated, and you may even leave Brazil without the gut you’ve been quietly building over the past few years.

Adventure, Leisure, Travel