Upon arrival, the day was focused on getting to know the Scion representatives and the busy city that is Santa Monica. For those that flew in early, the afternoon was filled with activities designed to appeal to the Scion demographic such as surfing and a short walk along Venice Beach. The relaxing afternoon was followed by a group dinner and product presentation session. This was the first chance we had at getting up close and personal with the new cars. Located in a community work center, brand and product details were delivered by a series of Scion employees ranging from marketers to engineers. This offered a very in-depth analysis of why and how the brand planned at capturing the younger, emotional buyers that were both environmentally and quality concise.

As Scion focused on attracting tech-savvy individuals, they made a strong effort at providing the most standard options in the segment. Without doubt, they’ve achieved a great deal for the price point. Features such as backup cameras and full media interfaces, these definitely make for a case against other entry levels vehicles in their segments. Complementing the available features and fixed price points made for easy buying, the styling was simple yet attractive. Though both the iA and iM are independently unique, I find the hatchback iM edging out the iA in the looks department. Reason being, the iA shares many characteristics and a platform with Mazda detracting from a true Scion design as seen in previous models.

As styling can be subjective, it’s important (and more entertaining) to detail the driving experience. Considering the small segment vehicles, both aren’t quick on paper, but that doesn’t necessarily define the overall driving experience. The combination of narrow tires, slightly stiffer suspension and surprisingly direct steering, this combination created a recipe for cars that are happy to attack corners. The pre-defined driving experience in the Malibu Canyons offered a multitude of varied corners and speeds. Aside from the occasional slow traffic, taking corners at exciting speeds became a test of confidence. Slowly building throughout the day, I became increasingly sure-footed as we sped along the tops of the deep ravines. Eventually, all of the excitement was brought to a slow journey along the ocean. Despite this seeming like a poorly planned route choice, it offered a chance to enjoy the cabin.

Inside both models, the dash and center console are wrapped in dark fabrics and piano-black plastics. Also, both models are considerably roomy for both driver and passengers, front and back. As expected in most vehicles targeted at a younger generation, the media experience was positive. The speakers were right on target when it was time to enjoy a few California themed songs. Considering the sub-$20K price points, Scion has created a truly comfortable place when crawling through traffic.

To my surprise, Scion has created a competitive car for both the hatchback and small sedan categories. They might not offer every option one might want in a vehicle, but it’s hard to argue against what is available for the price. It becomes an especially compelling argument when you get behind the wheel and enjoy these cars at speed. The driving experience, no doubt amplified by the great views and challenging roads, left me wanting a few more days full of driving. For anyone wanting a practical and efficient yet still full to drive small-scale car, it’s about time to consider Scion.

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Currently, I’m a family-less man, but I do have a girlfriend and a dog so I figured it a suitable pairing to test the efforts of a brand that’s typically known for their midsize cars. In all honesty, Toyota had gone slightly soft in the design department for a number of years and it was a mindset that had carried through until now. The Highlander immediately rewrote what I knew as a Toyota. It features practicality, an array of tech options, and a strong engine to match its smart looks. Simply stated, I was impressed.

Though no family adventures took place during the week long loan, plenty of family-esque activities had been planned. As a holiday weekend unfolded, several outings with friends became an effort at capturing the typical expectations of the traditional buyer. Upon entry, most passengers were impressed by the heated and cooled leather seats, a stylish center console featuring a wide array of media options as well as the overall comfort found in the cabin. I immediately became the weekend chauffeur. I wasn’t complaining. The fully adjustable passenger seats and quality audio certainly strengthened everyone’s argument. It’s easy to passively drive anything when occupied by conversation during a busy weekend, so I was looking forward to the chance of spending a few days commuting to work.

This is a brand that’s no stranger to off-road prowess and cues can be seen in the Highlander. Featuring locking differentials, hill descent control and various terrain settings, it’s capable of getting you where you want to go. Unsurprisingly, moving people between various locations is its primary purpose. The surprise was how quickly it was able to move. Not that larger SUVs can’t put down sporty acceleration (note the ridiculously quick Range Rover SVR), it’s just not commonly expected from Toyota. But, again, I wasn’t complaining. The V6 engine delivered a deep punch and a lengthy rev range making for swift city driving. However, this didn’t bode well for gas mileage. Over the course of a week, I only managed a notch over 18 mpg. This figure was helped by a brief stint on the highway, but factory figures aren’t much better anyway.

Every year technology continues to improve and the way a vehicle drives is becoming far more than just engine feel. Between downtown trips for food to congested commutes after work, the driver aides were features I quickly accepted. It’s one of those scenarios where the usefulness isn’t acknowledged until you discover it yourself. Overall, this was proving to be a fully competent and capable SUV targeted at younger families.

As for this being a dog friendly SUV, it’s a mark against the Highlander in this category. It may be a small complaint from my experience, but the third row of seats doesn’t fold flat. As a result, it creates an uneven, slightly canted floor causing a dog kennel to rock about when driving. On a few occasions, there were close calls that an unhappy puppy would be heard. Fortunately, the trips to and from the bark park were a success. Now, if you’ve chosen children over animals, it can also be assumed that the third row wouldn’t make for a complaint-free family trip for those past the age of six. Nevertheless, this isn’t a reason to discount this vehicle as the same knee-to-chest experience can be found in all SUVs offering third rows.

Initially, I was expecting an average looking SUV pushing average performance while providing average comfort and niceties. At the end of the week, I was left with a new found interest in Toyota, and in the Highlander suddenly being a viable choice as a next vehicle, on the condition that the pet situation is sorted. In a crowded market, this is one worth considering. It has the looks, the power, and modern amenities most would expect in a mid-range vehicle placing the Highlander a notch above the rest.

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As the cord-cutting culture continues to expand, the ability to connect to the Internet affords us the luxury to watch movies, stream music and connect with the greater reaches of the Internet without chaining ourselves to excessively high cable bills. Smart TVs deliver this experience in a more enjoyable form than a phone or tablet too, though the current trend in phone screen scaling seems to have other ideas. Considering Ethernet ports aren’t always readily available in every room (especially in older homes and apartments), establishing a connection via wifi is certainly welcomed. Despite the occasional buffering or blurry picture depending on delivered Internet speeds and connected users, it’s a rather sharp picture that will help you forget cable even faster. Additionally, the range of pre-loaded apps (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, YouTube, etc.) deliver cable-free viewing right out of the box. To aid with searching for that perfect late night movie, most remotes also act as a mouse. Though, in all honesty, an actual wireless keyboard or smartphone app would make searches far quicker than the point-and-click style issued now.

Regardless of the very few shortcomings with live sports being a primary let down for internet-only subscribers, the recent inclusion of a smart TV has made my media experience far more satisfying than was ever capable with cable. It’s given me the shows, movies and content that I want to see, when I want to see it. Currently, it’s one of the better available options delivering very limited commercial interruptions and a continually growing list of media offerings. As an added bonus, the smart TV actually pays for itself with the money saved when opting out of a contract that includes the 300+ channels you wouldn’t have watched anyway. It’s time to update your TV and movie viewing options.

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Whether it be class, capability or style, Land Rover aims to separate itself from the core group of competitors. This is a vehicle that delivers a heavy dose of character and presence. The LR4 maintains its strong, squared jaw-line and carries the boxy design through to the safari inspired windows wrapped around the rear. It’s a vehicle that rides high while floating over the road. The combination of air suspension and its excessive weight creates a smooth ride that further enhances the sense of a luxury appointed interior. The HSE option adds several interior niceties including a heated steering wheel and third row seating, among others. It’s apparent that this is an SUV built to excel, though gas mileage is one factor detracting from the overall package. As hinted at earlier, the weight – nearly tipping the scales at three tons – dramatically hinders range. Despite a smaller supercharged V6 replacing the older V8 rumble, it’s unlikely any LR4 will pass too many gas stations before refueling. However, lest you forget this isn’t an SUV designed for hypermiling but backcountry competence.

It’s not expected that off-road wonder would be lost with this model, but it may be hard to accept when presented with finely stitched leather and polished wood inserts. There are fairly notable performance cues seen in the Terrain Response system though. Ranging from normal driving conditions to snow, mud, and sand, it’s safe to assume that this $62K vehicle can overcome most challenges. Granted, I wasn’t about to stride beyond the bounds of safe off-roading, but I intended to see what was possible. It turns out it’s a lot more than you’d expect – especially on road tires.

The work week had finally come to a close allowing some wheel time in search of gentle “off-roading.” Full of empty expectations generated by a sprawling metro-Detroit, I stumbled across what appeared to be a forgotten park littered with aging pavilions and overgrown brush. Proving to be a most suitable location, largely being that it was tucked away from view, it presented a series of narrow, muddy trails and the occasional steep slope. My excitement had grown with anticipation of actually utilizing purpose built technology, albeit in a very limited fashion. Nevertheless I pushed forward.

As I continued crawling from trail to trail exploring the greater reaches of the park’s design, I encountered the first steep incline. This was an ideal situation to engage the low range gearbox and mud terrain setting. Without hesitation, the Land Rover crept closer to the messy summit where it eventually perched itself proudly atop the plateau. After scanning the horizon while plotting a rough course in search of more obstacles, I continued along the same route but relied on Hill Descent Control in this downward direction. There’s something unnerving about keeping your foot off the brake while rolling toward a crest, but the systems had it sorted and carried us to level ground in a controlled manner. This was a clear reminder that Land Rover, and more specifically the LR4, is still a very thorough and capable off-roader.

After a couple of hours roaming about the country-side, I drove back to town with mud caked wheel wells. Though most Land Rovers only experience the confines of parking lots and an accompanying clean image, a dirtied badge on the LR4 seemed just as natural. It looked accomplished against glass-faced buildings and jet-black SUVs. It’s fair to state that, despite the plush interior and a large departure from their original farm truck design, Land Rover is well deserving of the off-road crown. The brand, again, has bolstered unmatched levels of comfort while exceeding expectations when surrounded by rough terrain.

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Fortunately, selecting an appropriate blade that performs under the great stresses of opening over-engineered packaging isn’t an EDC baseline. In many instances, the most effective knife is not necessarily the most practical. A box cutter, utility knife, or 7″ KaBar might accomplish most challenges, but not frightening anyone glancing in your general direction can be difficult. The aesthetic designs may leave a bit to be desired too. Therefore, a balance is a justified importance.

The idea behind EDC urges minimalism and applying this approach to a knife can prove to be a beneficial decision. Most people seem to find that their job or lifestyle may define this choice. At this point it’s best to determine an acceptable price, blade length, optional external clips or safeties, and maybe even the composition of the steel. All of these factors can create the perfect knife for an individual. Though a blade should serve its utilitarian function, form should follow closely behind. Who doesn’t want a good looking knife in their pocket?

Regardless of defining characteristics, a knife is something you carry with you everywhere (except where prohibited, of course). As an EDC knife is something that finds refuge in daily outfit choices, it naturally becomes a tool that’s also used daily. It might seem over zealous to assume its aid in nearly all mundane chores of opening envelopes, packages and anything requiring a sharp edge, but, surprisingly, it’s used more than one would assume. The need for a small knife isn’t truly felt until you’re left without it. Adding this option to an everyday setup can offer range when tackling small tasks or more importantly, attempting to pry open that plastic packaging.

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The realization and further concentrated effort put into an EDC setup occurred in my early college years. As the stereotypical expectation proved true, a collection of new experiences, individuals and information were encountered regularly. Something not taught through years of expensive tuition and endless hours of lecture, the introduction to a rudimentary every day carry setup was born. The habit began simply enough with a small, spring-assisted SOG knife, keys, bi-fold wallet and phone. A backpack of items were added and subtracted daily as the required study materials followed the semester’s schedule. As undergrad neared completion and the lunge toward the “real world” slowly began, a few items rose to the forefront of necessity.

As an individual now consumed by the office-dwelling lifestyle, it became plain that a more business focused gathering was warranted. Despite the ‘ad man’ career title, my days (and nights) were not reminiscent of Mad Men. Most days are spent at my desk hunched over two monitors endlessly populated by excel spreadsheets – appealing, I know. Appropriately, my messenger bag is filled with a laptop, notebook, an assortment of pens, and that month’s preferred outdoor magazine. However generic this setup may seem to most, I still manage a few useful items. Tucked away in its leather carry case is an old Leatherman worn smooth by years of use that has since been passed down from my grandfather. A small grouping of metal tools proving both useful and sentimental. Additionally and most recently, a dual mode flashlight has found a daily resting place in the front pocket.

Client demands never materialize early in the day. Deadlines are never scheduled for the following day. Complex projects never progress without an element of struggle. As an unfortunate result, there’s the occasional late night walk to the parking lot. The ability to illuminate a clustered ring of keys or an ice covered sidewalk has proven its worth when clicking through low beam to high. When choosing a flashlight it’s important to consider use, price and expectations. Personally, I justified the dual mode SureFire P2X Fury wrapped in a strong aluminum housing that pours out a surprisingly bright amount of light when selected. Not only does it assist when searching for lost items in a dark car, but it also offers a sense of security in dimly lit locations. As a result, this flashlight has become an item I rarely leave at home. Though individual use will probably differ, my choice fits my carry ability and requirements.

Despite the mention of my personal flashlight choice, this isn’t a prompt toward one brand or another but a goal at introducing the idea of a flashlight to your EDC. The evaluation of realistic expectations encountered in a daily routine will help to mold the personal everyday carry setup. Start small and develop a useful pocket dump that fits a specific application. Remember, items can be added, removed and improved upon, but so long as it works for the individual then it’s an EDC worth carrying.

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Considering Jeep’s gradual departure from an off-roading focus toward expanding growth in city worthy vehicles, it felt like a good time to see how the brand was adapting courtesy of the newly released Cherokee. The most notable and immediately apparent change is the radical shark nose slotted grille design, which hasn’t been so apparent on a vehicle since mid-’80s BMWs. It’s proving to be a love or hate style generating mixed reviews, though I’m finding it to be different enough that it exudes a sliver of charm. As defining characteristics are proving a vague challenge when comparing segment competitors, I was drawn toward the masculine yet quirky design cues of this Jeep.

The pull to the FIAT based crossover grew ever stronger when testing the “trail rated” Trailhawk model. In all honesty, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect before driving a car-based platform engineered to tackle moderate off-road obstacles. The visual cues all pointed to a rough and tough SUV: skid plates, red tow hooks, aggressive all-terrain tires and a higher ground clearance. However, driving around town proved to be just as civilized as anything else in the segment, if not more so. At no point did I find complaint with road comfort or steering feel during my routine trips. As an added bonus, the engine delivered plenty of punch when merging onto highways. Unfortunately, the complete drivetrain experience wasn’t as sweet. The new 9-speed transmission seemed to occasionally shuffle between gears when navigating busier and varying levels of traffic. Despite early growing pains, this new, little Jeep adapted to the city lifestyle without fuss. But how did its temperament change when met with snow covered dirt trails?

It’s reassuring to announce that the Cherokee wasn’t fazed by the Michigan back trails found nearby. Admittedly, I didn’t and couldn’t push it through Moab levels of difficulty but I tried my best to roll through the biggest challenges scattered along the trails. Unsurprisingly, dedicated A/T tires helped to crawl over most muddy hills but the adaption of the four wheel drive worked as expected. Without upgrading to the Wrangler, the level of off-road capabilities offered by this Jeep will prove more than capable for those owners that seek mild weekend backwoods adventures. It’s certainly more trail worthy than its predecessors, the Patriot or Liberty. The farther I drove the Cherokee the more its inherent character shown through the mud covered exterior.

Overall, the Cherokee proved to be a surprisingly capable and enjoyable SUV. I chose to label it as such because the crossover descriptor didn’t seem to capture the true off-road nature of this vehicle. When pairing the driving impressions with the interior comforts and infotainment system quality we’ve come to expect in Chrysler products, it’s easier to see how the Cherokee is out-classing its competitors in most every category. Despite the largest departure from the iconic Jeep grille, I’ve grown to admire the Cherokee design and its bold approach at redefining the theme of crossovers and small-scale SUVs. It’s certainly a vehicle that deserves consideration by any individual interested in city and off-road driving.

The post Is the Cherokee a Two-Faced Jeep? appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

As a brand that has been perfecting their designs for well over a hundred years, Carhartt has ensured their specific lines of outerwear continually improve. The company does many things well, but keeping you dry and warm while wrapped in a highly durable fabric is why they’re regarded so highly amongst tough working individuals. Carhartt has become a brand synonymous with work sites similar to the idea that truck manufacturers attempt to execute in their commercials. In my experience, if you want something that will perform without fail in rugged conditions, reference the attire of the professionals working in those conditions every day rain or shine.

As someone that genuinely enjoys getting my hands dirty, be it yard work or hunting, finding the right jacket for the right season is a difficult decision considering the expansive list of options. Oddly enough, my first Carhartt jacket – the Washed Duck Active – was a rather impulsive purchase driven by the faded memories of adverts while flipping through my grandfather’s monthly hunting magazines that had formed a leaning heap in his barbershop. It’s a brand I trusted without reason, but it’s a brand that has proven its worth. Designed to accommodate additional layers, this quilt-lined jacket works well in varying temperatures aided by elastic knitted cuffs that keep cold out. Season after wintery season, this jacket hasn’t disappointed. It’s become a default choice when heading outdoors. However, Carhartt now has some better options if rain is on the horizon than my Washed Duck Active.

After reading a few positive reviews I had decided that the Carhartt Shoreline would be an ideal lightweight yet waterproof springtime jacket for northern Michigan. More often than not, spring is an inconsistent season requiring the need for a jacket that adapts to all conditions. Several rainstorms have confirmed that the Shoreline jacket easily copes with any level of rain, while keeping your base layer dry for an entire day’s work. Not only does it keep water out, it also allows the body to breathe by letting moisture escape. It’s a combination that works well and looks the part.

There’s a saying that “form follows function,” but in this case, Carhartt has unexpectedly achieved both goals. Not that a work jacket designed to shrug off snow, rain, or rough machinery should be a dull assortment of fabric, but it is inviting when style compliments durability. Carhartt doesn’t replace everyday brands like Patagonia, but it wasn’t intended that way. The role of a dedicated work jacket ready for any assignment is still very much present in the brand. Though the Active Duck and Shoreline jackets fill different roles depending on the season or outdoor task, both perform as years of experience from thousands of hard working individuals have come to expect.

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Pelican Products, for good reason, is one of the biggest names in the business with regards to equipment case protection and safety. Not only is gear protected from drops and knocks, it’s also aided by a waterproof seal and an altitude pressure valve. This assistance can assure you the uninterrupted continuation of a carefully planned trip.

This past winter I made a trip to Arizona for a short vacation and hunting venture. My travels took me by air from Detroit to Phoenix. Not knowing the first-hand quality of Pelican, I was a little uneasy when my window seat yielded an upfront show to a baggage handler grabbing the two oversized handles and tossing, literally throwing, my case on to the conveyor belt. As the plane began its pre-flight checks before take-off, I settled in for a long flight hoping the high dollar value of molded hard plastic would perform as stated.

Upon arrival, I anxiously awaited the deposit of my gear. Much to my surprise, the long black case looked the same as it had before the flight, save for a slight chip in the raised plastic structure. No worries. After settling in at my week-long accommodations, a more thorough inspection revealed that there wasn’t any damage to the foam-cushioned contents either. I was relieved and ready to begin my vacation.

Though I mention a vacation, it wasn’t traditional and didn’t involve pool-side relaxation. This trip would feature camping, hunting and a few road trips traversing highways and rutted trails. A stop at a nearby outdoor shooting range was the preface to a deep woods hunting trek located two hours away in a colder, more northern city, Flagstaff. If you’re unaware, this city, at least the surrounding area, is much more rugged than Phoenix. Sagebrush and pine trees define the vegetation. Red jagged rocks litter every trail. Dusty, uneven conditions make for challenging commutes by foot. I had every expectation that the small case wheels would grind to a halt after a few days of casing/un-casing but as you can guess – they survived.

After getting dropped off at Sky Harbor International airport, I secured the case with keyed locks and began the (rather quick, actually) ‘check-in with a firearm’ process. These are the types of instances that create brand loyalty. A product performing as advertised while delivering its contents to and from without harm creates a happy, worry-free customer.

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