Our Favorite Books, Movies and Lifehacks

Hey, everyone. Andy, Huckberry co-founder here. We're mixing it up today with an email we're calling The Rundown, because A) many of you have been asking for recommendations beyond gear, and B) variety is the spice of life. If you enjoy the format, give us a shout on [Twitter], or, even better, Tweet us a rundown of your own recommendations. We'd love to hear from you. NETFLIX: Chef's Table. The [Francis Mallmann] episode (Season 1, Episode 3) in Patagonia is pure bliss. QUOTES: I recently got back into running, so when I saw this quote in a Tracksmith lookbook it really struck a chord: "If you want to change your body, exercise. If you want to change your life, become a runner." Another favorite is, "There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it." Alfred Hitchcock was talking about creating suspense in movies, but I also think that idea applies to making life's big decisions. BOOKS: Recent favorites include Phil Knight's (Nike founder) memoir, [Shoe Dog], and [Sapiens]: A Brief History of Humankind, which I listened to with my wife while driving Iceland's [Ring Road] (which is pretty much the perfect way to experience that book). MUSIC: When I want to focus at work, I'll often play one of Pitchfork's [Best Ambient Albums of All-Time]. HB PURCHASES: I never hop on a plane without my Flint and Tinder [10-Year Hoodie], and Red Oxx [Air Boss], which is hands down the best travel bag I've ever owned. I'm also loving my Myles [Everyday Shorts in Spruce] — the new color looks even better in person. PODCASTS: Dan Carlin's 4-part series on Hitler's invasion of Russia, "[Ghosts Of The Ostfront]," was absolutely gripping and fundamentally changed my perspective on WWII. For lighter listening, [Tim Ferriss' podcast] is a go-to, and he has a killer weekly recommendation email of his own. CURIOSITY: Speaking of Mr. Ferriss, I just picked up some [mushroom coffee] on his recommendation. Here goes nothing. LIFEHACK: The [Scottish Shower]. Best wake-up there is. Always followed by a hot coffee, of course. ADVICE: "You are who you hang with." Mom's advice still holds true even today in my 30's — from love to business. DOCUMENTARY: [Knuckleball!] Growing up and playing baseball in New England, knuckleballer Tim Wakefield was a legend. It's such a rare, fascinating pitch, and he's an equally interesting character. HB PURCHASES: The [Edgevale North Coast Shirt Jacket 2.0]. The original North Coast was my very first Huckberry purchase, and it's become such a favorite that I doubled down and grabbed version 2.0, which has new hidden side pockets. Also, the [Tanner Universal Zip Wallet] — haven't lost my debit card since I made the switch. BOOK: [Hooked]: Pirates, Poaching, and the Perfect Fish. Part modern-day pirate adventure, part case study on the power of marketing and food — I never could've imagined the history of Chilean Sea Bass could be so interesting. PODCAST: [The Way I Heard It] with Mike Rowe, who's one of the best storytellers out there. Each episode is less than 15 minutes long, so "I don't have the attention span" isn't a valid excuse. BOOK: [Just Kids] by Patti Smith. This is required reading as far as I'm concerned. Deep but fun. HB PURCHASES: Our Ambassador Nick LeVecchia's ["Maine Study" print] in a maple frame. I hung it above my bed and the room instantly became a zen-like retreat. The [Big Sur Candle] didn't hurt either. MUSIC: [Arthur Verocai], self-titled. This Brazilian record is incredible, and is appropriate for every occasion – from dinner parties to rainy mornings. It's kind of like those jeans that magically fit all the girls from that movie, Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. GUILTY PLEASURE: Clay facials. After a trip to the mud baths of [Ojo Caliente] in New Mexico (highly recommend btw), I searched for a DIY clay facial that would be as fun to apply as it is effective. Holy smokes! I found this [Aztec Secret] and it's the real deal – 100% Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay. I dare you to try and keep it on for 10 minutes. No frills or flowery scents so my husband will let me put it on him, too. He might not admit it but he loves it because it works. LONGFORM ARTICLE: [The Tail End] by Wait But Why. I read this anytime I need to recalibrate my priorities. It puts everything back into perspective. ADVICE: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” — Picasso PODCAST: [99 Percent Invisible] is about “all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about,” and covers fascinating architecture and design stories in easily digestible, 20-ish minute episodes, which are produced just a few blocks from my house in Oakland. HB PURCHASE: [Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt]. This thing fits perfectly, can be gussied up or dressed down, and is comfortable as hell. I’ll be in mine all season. MUSIC: “[Lovers],” the latest release from Nels Cline has this really warm sound that will go perfectly with a stiff drink as the temperatures drop. APP:[ Digit] is a money-saving app managed by chatting via text message. Surprisingly fun once you start seeing your funds stack up — and this is coming from a guy who grew up on punk music and used to idolize reckless artists. Clearly, I’m getting old. INSTAGRAM: [Work By Land's] designs manage to make old-timey influences look fresh and relevant. I got to see their work firsthand at the Chicago Athletic Association when I visited for our [Field Guide to Chicago with Jeff Tweedy]. [SYOT] "I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth." - Steve McQueen • Conceptual [cabin candy] designed by German architect Matthias Arndt ©2016 Huckberry Inc | 290 Utah St. San Francisco, CA 94103 [Web Version] | [Manage Preferences] | [Remove From List]