Latest news with #TheNorthFace
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
Over 10K Hikers, Travelers, and Commuters Have Given This North Face Backpack 5 Stars for Comfort and Durability
Not all carry-ons are suitable for use on a hiking trail, and not all hiking packs should be used as a carry-on. It takes serious versatility to be good for both, and one of the standout brands that meshes travel and outdoor functionality well is The North Face. The Jester backpack is a prime example. If you're looking for a backpack that does it all, reviewers call this one a 'comfortable companion' and 'everyday essential' for travel, commuting, hiking, camping, and more. It has more than 12,000 ratings at Amazon and nearly 4,000 more on The North Face's website, with a 4.7-star average and over 4,000 purchases in the past month. $75 at Amazon $75 at The North Face The Jester backpack measures about 17 inches by 11 inches and is roughly seven inches thick, depending on how much you fill it. That meets most airlines' underseat size requirements, so there's a good chance you can bring it on a plane as your personal item. One traveler who bought it to use as a carry-on called it 'the perfect size even for the strict airlines.' Another wrote that it's their 'go-to bag now for flights,' noting that 'it fits nicely under the airplane seat'—and believe them when they tell you it fits a lot. With a carrying capacity of 22 liters, the backpack can hold everything you'd need for a weekend trip, many say, including a laptop, which slots right into the 16-inch padded laptop sleeve inside the main compartment. The bag has lots of additional pockets and pouches inside the front compartment as well as a bungee system on the front for carrying an extra jacket or a pair of sandals, for example. Even when it's packed full, reviewers say it still looks slim. '[It's] more spacious than meets the eye,' one added. $75 at Amazon $75 at The North Face More than anything, though, the Jester backpack is highly rated for comfort and its 'top-tier' quality. 'The backpack is incredibly comfortable to wear, thanks to its ergonomic design and padded straps,' another shopper said. It's made with The North Face's trademarked, American Chiropractic Association-certified FlexVent suspension system, which includes a flexible yoke (the part that connects the straps to the top of the bag), padded mesh back panel, and breathable lumbar panel. This system also helps the backpack stand by itself, unsupported. Reviewers report carrying it around comfortably for several hours at a time. And they say the backpack has lasted them up to five years. Whether you need a new backpack for a big hike or a weekend trip, the Jester is a widely recommended option for $75. It comes in women's and men's fits and dozens of colors. Shop more travel-ready bags by The North Face at Amazon, below. At the time of publishing, the price started at $75. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
CNN
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- CNN
Winter jackets aren't top of mind, but The North Face's sale is too good to pass up
Temperatures may be inching toward triple digits as we slather on more SPF, but The North Face is thinking cooler thoughts. The off-peak season is one of the best times to score steep discounts on winter jackets like puffers and fleeces, and The North Face's latest sale is proving that. It just defrosted popular men's and women's apparel and put them on discount, so you can stock up for hundreds less. Snag these outdoor deals, stash them under your bed and let them hibernate until the weather dips. The North Face Men's Antora Triclimate Jacket In all sorts of inclement weather, this rain jacket comes in clutch with its waterproof outer layer, be it rain, snow or shine. Its handy drawstring cuffs and hood help keep water out, while its snap-in fleece liner keeps warmth in. It's 25% during today's sale. The North Face Men's Lightstride Shorts Stock up on all four colors of these men's shorts while they're as low as $26. No matter your preference, they come in both regular and long lengths. For hiking, walking and more, you'll appreciate its water-repellent finish combined with an elastic stretch waistband and deep pockets. The North Face Men's Glacier Fleece Jacket This high-collar fleece makes a great go-to during transitional seasons. It offers a streamlined silhouette for easy layering and comes in on-sale black and grey designs for seamless styling on unseasonably cold camping trips. The North Face Men's Cedar Trail Grid Fleece Full-Zip Jacket A stretchier option for those who want to take their fleeces on a hike, this mid-layer jacket can sub out sweaters during fall and springtime. They boast a lightweight feel that you can wear atop a simple tee. Snag the zip-up in a maroon and an evergreen hue for $68 each. The North Face Men's Terra Peak Jacket Well-known for its retro-inspired jackets, The North Face also does puffers well. If its status as a bestseller wasn't convincing enough, let its low price tag on three different colors inspire you to get your winter clothing in check ahead of time. The North Face Women's Huila Synthetic Vest Runners will appreciate this packable puffer vest once temps start to dip. It features clustered insulation down the torso and back to keep you warm from all angles. It also touts a water-repellent finish so light sprinkles won't weigh you down. The North Face Women's Evolution Full-Zip Refresh your airport attire with this cozy zip-up from The North Face. Complete with drop shoulders, a relaxed fit and ribbed hem, it's equal parts cozy and flattering. You can even choose from six on-sale colors to mix and match with sweats and biker shorts as you please. The North Face Women's Pioneer Peak Full-Zip Hoodie A more technical layer to be worn underneath heavy coats or alone on chilly days outdoors, this Pioneer Peak hoodie boasts an insulating mid-layer. Made with stretchy elastane and a sueded outer, it'll help keep you comfy and warm no matter the occasion. The North Face Women's Terra Peak Hoodie For $60 off, this Terra down jacket is worth taking on your outdoor trips when the forecast looks a little unpredictable. It packs down into its chest pocket after all. We also appreciate that it features underarm gussets to give you more stretch and breathability. The North Face Women's Glacier Fleece Jacket The regular fit of this fleece allows ample opportunity to layer it atop other clothing or use it for warmth beneath heavy-duty jackets. It adopts a brushed, low pile that feels soft to the touch. Plus, it's nearly 25% off during this sale. While we won't be trading in our swimsuits and dresses anytime soon, that doesn't mean we're not looking for the best opportunities to save — no matter the season. If you missed out on the winter clearouts to snag a warm coat and jacket for less, The North Face just granted a perfect window and without a mad dash and dwindling stock. Plenty of fleeces and water-repellent layers are discounted from the popular retailer, so strap on your hiking boots and hiking backpack, then take advantage of these clothing deals while they last. Our deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the best deals of the day each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups on the top products to shop, searching everything from coveted tech essentials to outdoors deals.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Advertiser
Why so gloomy? Maybe it's all the black clothes
This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to A cheerless winter morning in Sydney. Grey, cold and drab, muted further by the leaden sky above. And on the ground, the army of early morning walkers, wearing the oppressive winter uniform of black puffer jacket, black pants or leggings, black top, amplify the dreariness. It's a scene drained almost entirely of colour. Except, of course, for the bright, safety yellow parka I'm wearing. The stares it attracts suggest I've broken the city's strict winter dress code, which decrees only The North Face, Kathmandu and Helly Hansen may be worn between the months of May and October. In regulation black or, at a pinch, dark navy blue. It's as if the ghost of Henry Ford - "Any colour as long as it's black" - haunts the garment industry. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for practicality and staying warm in winter. I understand that while a puffer coat might make the wearer look like the Michelin man it will keep them toasty. But must it always be black or dark blue? What is it that compels folk in a liberal democracy to dress in the 21st century's version of the 1960s Mao suit? And why am I feeling momentarily self-conscious in my bright outerwear on this crushingly dreary morning? It all comes down to the very human urge to conform, which is both a blessing and a curse. Conformity helps build social cohesion. Psychologists believe humans are hardwired to fit in. This is generally a good thing. Conforming to social norms of behaviour binds a society. It's the glue that keeps it together. Conformity can also be a yoke, crushing individuality and justifying terrible behaviour. History is strewn with examples where fitting in has had terrible consequences. Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, North Korea, China come to mind. And when it comes to winter clothing, fitting in brings its own form of oppression. It always has. Revered Australian painter John Brack captured it in his iconic 1955 artwork, 'Collins St., 5pm'. It depicts an army of office workers, uniformly dressed, making their way home in grim determination. They look like automatons in a monotone cityscape. It could be Soviet Russia but it's Melbourne. Brack may have later apologised for the painting's condescending portrayal of the crowd but I think he nailed the drabness we impose on ourselves in winter. His overcoats and hats have been replaced by puffer jackets, hoodies and headphones but the sense of monotony is the same. When I first set eyes on my yellow parka, it didn't occur to me that wearing it would constitute a small act of rebellion. The kangaroos, magpies and occasional wombat I normally encounter on my walks at home certainly couldn't care less. I could don a clown suit and they'd take no notice. But here in the city, it was a different matter. Furtive glances, fixed stares, the occasional wry smile from the black clad people sharing the footpath made me question for just a moment my fashion choice. Then I twigged. Apologies to The Temptations, but I had sunshine on a cloudy day. Not only because of my girl, who was walking beside me, but thanks also to the bright yellow parka standing out in all the gloom. HAVE YOUR SAY: Has the black puffer jacket become the winter uniform where you live? Would brighter clothing bring a little cheer and warmth to the gloomy cold months? Are you comfortable standing out from the crowd or do you prefer to fit in? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - Former federal Labor leader Mark Latham has defended the exchange of thousands of sordid texts with his ex-lover Nathalie May Matthews who has accused him of a "sustained pattern" of abuse. - Investigators haven't given up hope that the body of a man slain in the Australian outback will be found, despite notorious killer Bradley John Murdoch taking the location's secret to the grave. - Australia has been warned against being too "heavy-handed" in the government's response to proposals for cracking down on anti-Semitism. THEY SAID IT: "Your attitude is like a box of crayons that colour your world. Constantly colour your picture grey, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colours to the picture by including humour, and your picture begins to lighten up." - Allen Klein YOU SAID IT: Solar power is having its moment in the sun, with the energy source adding the equivalent generation of one new coal-fired power station every 15 hours. Linda writes: "Interesting to read all those statistics on Australia and other countries using solar energy. We put 17 solar panels on our house a few years back and enjoyed lower electricity costs. Yesterday we signed up for a battery (with government rebate), and replacement of gas water heater and gas stove. We will then be fully electric, and we can sell excess solar energy directly back to the grid without the need for our current provider." "There is an imperative to go all out, stamping out emissions," writes Graeme. "The crushing issue, now raised, is whether civilisation is up to the recycling in being all electric, especially since the units, nuts and bolts, for renewable solar power, seem to have such short lives." Vernon has reservations about solar power: "While I support the use of renewable energy I find the quality of the debate poor and incomplete. We live in rural Victoria and our district is changed, mostly for the worse, by the constant arrival of more and more wind farms. The power lines are horrendous. Is it any wonder there is such resentment by so many? As for the domestic batteries, great idea till they burst into flames as happens to a number. Please install them safely and have a fireproof wall between them and your house at the very least." Michele writes: "We have solar and have updated it since our original installation. We also have a Tesla battery. During the summer we have no electricity account as our battery stores sufficient power for our usage not to require any from the grid. However, we are heavy users of electricity and during the winter we are paying for the supply from the grid. Compared to previous usage, it is still way lower than if we did not have the solar and battery connection." "We love our solar," writes Bill. "Like all in inland southern Australia, we have -7 degree frosts. Our heating is gas, encouraged by governments when gas was a much cheaper and safer alternative to wood, coal and oil. Now it is not, and you can't trust governments. Our cooling is evaporative, and to install A/C heating/cooling is now beyond us, so gas is it. Our earnings from solar reduce our gas costs by about 25 per cent, so yes, we love solar, with no charge for electricity. But that generous deal expires in seven years, and that creates financial stress if we want to stay in Canberra in our retirement." This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to A cheerless winter morning in Sydney. Grey, cold and drab, muted further by the leaden sky above. And on the ground, the army of early morning walkers, wearing the oppressive winter uniform of black puffer jacket, black pants or leggings, black top, amplify the dreariness. It's a scene drained almost entirely of colour. Except, of course, for the bright, safety yellow parka I'm wearing. The stares it attracts suggest I've broken the city's strict winter dress code, which decrees only The North Face, Kathmandu and Helly Hansen may be worn between the months of May and October. In regulation black or, at a pinch, dark navy blue. It's as if the ghost of Henry Ford - "Any colour as long as it's black" - haunts the garment industry. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for practicality and staying warm in winter. I understand that while a puffer coat might make the wearer look like the Michelin man it will keep them toasty. But must it always be black or dark blue? What is it that compels folk in a liberal democracy to dress in the 21st century's version of the 1960s Mao suit? And why am I feeling momentarily self-conscious in my bright outerwear on this crushingly dreary morning? It all comes down to the very human urge to conform, which is both a blessing and a curse. Conformity helps build social cohesion. Psychologists believe humans are hardwired to fit in. This is generally a good thing. Conforming to social norms of behaviour binds a society. It's the glue that keeps it together. Conformity can also be a yoke, crushing individuality and justifying terrible behaviour. History is strewn with examples where fitting in has had terrible consequences. Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, North Korea, China come to mind. And when it comes to winter clothing, fitting in brings its own form of oppression. It always has. Revered Australian painter John Brack captured it in his iconic 1955 artwork, 'Collins St., 5pm'. It depicts an army of office workers, uniformly dressed, making their way home in grim determination. They look like automatons in a monotone cityscape. It could be Soviet Russia but it's Melbourne. Brack may have later apologised for the painting's condescending portrayal of the crowd but I think he nailed the drabness we impose on ourselves in winter. His overcoats and hats have been replaced by puffer jackets, hoodies and headphones but the sense of monotony is the same. When I first set eyes on my yellow parka, it didn't occur to me that wearing it would constitute a small act of rebellion. The kangaroos, magpies and occasional wombat I normally encounter on my walks at home certainly couldn't care less. I could don a clown suit and they'd take no notice. But here in the city, it was a different matter. Furtive glances, fixed stares, the occasional wry smile from the black clad people sharing the footpath made me question for just a moment my fashion choice. Then I twigged. Apologies to The Temptations, but I had sunshine on a cloudy day. Not only because of my girl, who was walking beside me, but thanks also to the bright yellow parka standing out in all the gloom. HAVE YOUR SAY: Has the black puffer jacket become the winter uniform where you live? Would brighter clothing bring a little cheer and warmth to the gloomy cold months? Are you comfortable standing out from the crowd or do you prefer to fit in? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - Former federal Labor leader Mark Latham has defended the exchange of thousands of sordid texts with his ex-lover Nathalie May Matthews who has accused him of a "sustained pattern" of abuse. - Investigators haven't given up hope that the body of a man slain in the Australian outback will be found, despite notorious killer Bradley John Murdoch taking the location's secret to the grave. - Australia has been warned against being too "heavy-handed" in the government's response to proposals for cracking down on anti-Semitism. THEY SAID IT: "Your attitude is like a box of crayons that colour your world. Constantly colour your picture grey, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colours to the picture by including humour, and your picture begins to lighten up." - Allen Klein YOU SAID IT: Solar power is having its moment in the sun, with the energy source adding the equivalent generation of one new coal-fired power station every 15 hours. Linda writes: "Interesting to read all those statistics on Australia and other countries using solar energy. We put 17 solar panels on our house a few years back and enjoyed lower electricity costs. Yesterday we signed up for a battery (with government rebate), and replacement of gas water heater and gas stove. We will then be fully electric, and we can sell excess solar energy directly back to the grid without the need for our current provider." "There is an imperative to go all out, stamping out emissions," writes Graeme. "The crushing issue, now raised, is whether civilisation is up to the recycling in being all electric, especially since the units, nuts and bolts, for renewable solar power, seem to have such short lives." Vernon has reservations about solar power: "While I support the use of renewable energy I find the quality of the debate poor and incomplete. We live in rural Victoria and our district is changed, mostly for the worse, by the constant arrival of more and more wind farms. The power lines are horrendous. Is it any wonder there is such resentment by so many? As for the domestic batteries, great idea till they burst into flames as happens to a number. Please install them safely and have a fireproof wall between them and your house at the very least." Michele writes: "We have solar and have updated it since our original installation. We also have a Tesla battery. During the summer we have no electricity account as our battery stores sufficient power for our usage not to require any from the grid. However, we are heavy users of electricity and during the winter we are paying for the supply from the grid. Compared to previous usage, it is still way lower than if we did not have the solar and battery connection." "We love our solar," writes Bill. "Like all in inland southern Australia, we have -7 degree frosts. Our heating is gas, encouraged by governments when gas was a much cheaper and safer alternative to wood, coal and oil. Now it is not, and you can't trust governments. Our cooling is evaporative, and to install A/C heating/cooling is now beyond us, so gas is it. Our earnings from solar reduce our gas costs by about 25 per cent, so yes, we love solar, with no charge for electricity. But that generous deal expires in seven years, and that creates financial stress if we want to stay in Canberra in our retirement." This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to A cheerless winter morning in Sydney. Grey, cold and drab, muted further by the leaden sky above. And on the ground, the army of early morning walkers, wearing the oppressive winter uniform of black puffer jacket, black pants or leggings, black top, amplify the dreariness. It's a scene drained almost entirely of colour. Except, of course, for the bright, safety yellow parka I'm wearing. The stares it attracts suggest I've broken the city's strict winter dress code, which decrees only The North Face, Kathmandu and Helly Hansen may be worn between the months of May and October. In regulation black or, at a pinch, dark navy blue. It's as if the ghost of Henry Ford - "Any colour as long as it's black" - haunts the garment industry. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for practicality and staying warm in winter. I understand that while a puffer coat might make the wearer look like the Michelin man it will keep them toasty. But must it always be black or dark blue? What is it that compels folk in a liberal democracy to dress in the 21st century's version of the 1960s Mao suit? And why am I feeling momentarily self-conscious in my bright outerwear on this crushingly dreary morning? It all comes down to the very human urge to conform, which is both a blessing and a curse. Conformity helps build social cohesion. Psychologists believe humans are hardwired to fit in. This is generally a good thing. Conforming to social norms of behaviour binds a society. It's the glue that keeps it together. Conformity can also be a yoke, crushing individuality and justifying terrible behaviour. History is strewn with examples where fitting in has had terrible consequences. Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, North Korea, China come to mind. And when it comes to winter clothing, fitting in brings its own form of oppression. It always has. Revered Australian painter John Brack captured it in his iconic 1955 artwork, 'Collins St., 5pm'. It depicts an army of office workers, uniformly dressed, making their way home in grim determination. They look like automatons in a monotone cityscape. It could be Soviet Russia but it's Melbourne. Brack may have later apologised for the painting's condescending portrayal of the crowd but I think he nailed the drabness we impose on ourselves in winter. His overcoats and hats have been replaced by puffer jackets, hoodies and headphones but the sense of monotony is the same. When I first set eyes on my yellow parka, it didn't occur to me that wearing it would constitute a small act of rebellion. The kangaroos, magpies and occasional wombat I normally encounter on my walks at home certainly couldn't care less. I could don a clown suit and they'd take no notice. But here in the city, it was a different matter. Furtive glances, fixed stares, the occasional wry smile from the black clad people sharing the footpath made me question for just a moment my fashion choice. Then I twigged. Apologies to The Temptations, but I had sunshine on a cloudy day. Not only because of my girl, who was walking beside me, but thanks also to the bright yellow parka standing out in all the gloom. HAVE YOUR SAY: Has the black puffer jacket become the winter uniform where you live? Would brighter clothing bring a little cheer and warmth to the gloomy cold months? Are you comfortable standing out from the crowd or do you prefer to fit in? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - Former federal Labor leader Mark Latham has defended the exchange of thousands of sordid texts with his ex-lover Nathalie May Matthews who has accused him of a "sustained pattern" of abuse. - Investigators haven't given up hope that the body of a man slain in the Australian outback will be found, despite notorious killer Bradley John Murdoch taking the location's secret to the grave. - Australia has been warned against being too "heavy-handed" in the government's response to proposals for cracking down on anti-Semitism. THEY SAID IT: "Your attitude is like a box of crayons that colour your world. Constantly colour your picture grey, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colours to the picture by including humour, and your picture begins to lighten up." - Allen Klein YOU SAID IT: Solar power is having its moment in the sun, with the energy source adding the equivalent generation of one new coal-fired power station every 15 hours. Linda writes: "Interesting to read all those statistics on Australia and other countries using solar energy. We put 17 solar panels on our house a few years back and enjoyed lower electricity costs. Yesterday we signed up for a battery (with government rebate), and replacement of gas water heater and gas stove. We will then be fully electric, and we can sell excess solar energy directly back to the grid without the need for our current provider." "There is an imperative to go all out, stamping out emissions," writes Graeme. "The crushing issue, now raised, is whether civilisation is up to the recycling in being all electric, especially since the units, nuts and bolts, for renewable solar power, seem to have such short lives." Vernon has reservations about solar power: "While I support the use of renewable energy I find the quality of the debate poor and incomplete. We live in rural Victoria and our district is changed, mostly for the worse, by the constant arrival of more and more wind farms. The power lines are horrendous. Is it any wonder there is such resentment by so many? As for the domestic batteries, great idea till they burst into flames as happens to a number. Please install them safely and have a fireproof wall between them and your house at the very least." Michele writes: "We have solar and have updated it since our original installation. We also have a Tesla battery. During the summer we have no electricity account as our battery stores sufficient power for our usage not to require any from the grid. However, we are heavy users of electricity and during the winter we are paying for the supply from the grid. Compared to previous usage, it is still way lower than if we did not have the solar and battery connection." "We love our solar," writes Bill. "Like all in inland southern Australia, we have -7 degree frosts. Our heating is gas, encouraged by governments when gas was a much cheaper and safer alternative to wood, coal and oil. Now it is not, and you can't trust governments. Our cooling is evaporative, and to install A/C heating/cooling is now beyond us, so gas is it. Our earnings from solar reduce our gas costs by about 25 per cent, so yes, we love solar, with no charge for electricity. But that generous deal expires in seven years, and that creates financial stress if we want to stay in Canberra in our retirement." This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning. To sign up for FREE, go to A cheerless winter morning in Sydney. Grey, cold and drab, muted further by the leaden sky above. And on the ground, the army of early morning walkers, wearing the oppressive winter uniform of black puffer jacket, black pants or leggings, black top, amplify the dreariness. It's a scene drained almost entirely of colour. Except, of course, for the bright, safety yellow parka I'm wearing. The stares it attracts suggest I've broken the city's strict winter dress code, which decrees only The North Face, Kathmandu and Helly Hansen may be worn between the months of May and October. In regulation black or, at a pinch, dark navy blue. It's as if the ghost of Henry Ford - "Any colour as long as it's black" - haunts the garment industry. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for practicality and staying warm in winter. I understand that while a puffer coat might make the wearer look like the Michelin man it will keep them toasty. But must it always be black or dark blue? What is it that compels folk in a liberal democracy to dress in the 21st century's version of the 1960s Mao suit? And why am I feeling momentarily self-conscious in my bright outerwear on this crushingly dreary morning? It all comes down to the very human urge to conform, which is both a blessing and a curse. Conformity helps build social cohesion. Psychologists believe humans are hardwired to fit in. This is generally a good thing. Conforming to social norms of behaviour binds a society. It's the glue that keeps it together. Conformity can also be a yoke, crushing individuality and justifying terrible behaviour. History is strewn with examples where fitting in has had terrible consequences. Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, North Korea, China come to mind. And when it comes to winter clothing, fitting in brings its own form of oppression. It always has. Revered Australian painter John Brack captured it in his iconic 1955 artwork, 'Collins St., 5pm'. It depicts an army of office workers, uniformly dressed, making their way home in grim determination. They look like automatons in a monotone cityscape. It could be Soviet Russia but it's Melbourne. Brack may have later apologised for the painting's condescending portrayal of the crowd but I think he nailed the drabness we impose on ourselves in winter. His overcoats and hats have been replaced by puffer jackets, hoodies and headphones but the sense of monotony is the same. When I first set eyes on my yellow parka, it didn't occur to me that wearing it would constitute a small act of rebellion. The kangaroos, magpies and occasional wombat I normally encounter on my walks at home certainly couldn't care less. I could don a clown suit and they'd take no notice. But here in the city, it was a different matter. Furtive glances, fixed stares, the occasional wry smile from the black clad people sharing the footpath made me question for just a moment my fashion choice. Then I twigged. Apologies to The Temptations, but I had sunshine on a cloudy day. Not only because of my girl, who was walking beside me, but thanks also to the bright yellow parka standing out in all the gloom. HAVE YOUR SAY: Has the black puffer jacket become the winter uniform where you live? Would brighter clothing bring a little cheer and warmth to the gloomy cold months? Are you comfortable standing out from the crowd or do you prefer to fit in? Email us: echidna@ SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: - Former federal Labor leader Mark Latham has defended the exchange of thousands of sordid texts with his ex-lover Nathalie May Matthews who has accused him of a "sustained pattern" of abuse. - Investigators haven't given up hope that the body of a man slain in the Australian outback will be found, despite notorious killer Bradley John Murdoch taking the location's secret to the grave. - Australia has been warned against being too "heavy-handed" in the government's response to proposals for cracking down on anti-Semitism. THEY SAID IT: "Your attitude is like a box of crayons that colour your world. Constantly colour your picture grey, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colours to the picture by including humour, and your picture begins to lighten up." - Allen Klein YOU SAID IT: Solar power is having its moment in the sun, with the energy source adding the equivalent generation of one new coal-fired power station every 15 hours. Linda writes: "Interesting to read all those statistics on Australia and other countries using solar energy. We put 17 solar panels on our house a few years back and enjoyed lower electricity costs. Yesterday we signed up for a battery (with government rebate), and replacement of gas water heater and gas stove. We will then be fully electric, and we can sell excess solar energy directly back to the grid without the need for our current provider." "There is an imperative to go all out, stamping out emissions," writes Graeme. "The crushing issue, now raised, is whether civilisation is up to the recycling in being all electric, especially since the units, nuts and bolts, for renewable solar power, seem to have such short lives." Vernon has reservations about solar power: "While I support the use of renewable energy I find the quality of the debate poor and incomplete. We live in rural Victoria and our district is changed, mostly for the worse, by the constant arrival of more and more wind farms. The power lines are horrendous. Is it any wonder there is such resentment by so many? As for the domestic batteries, great idea till they burst into flames as happens to a number. Please install them safely and have a fireproof wall between them and your house at the very least." Michele writes: "We have solar and have updated it since our original installation. We also have a Tesla battery. During the summer we have no electricity account as our battery stores sufficient power for our usage not to require any from the grid. However, we are heavy users of electricity and during the winter we are paying for the supply from the grid. Compared to previous usage, it is still way lower than if we did not have the solar and battery connection." "We love our solar," writes Bill. "Like all in inland southern Australia, we have -7 degree frosts. Our heating is gas, encouraged by governments when gas was a much cheaper and safer alternative to wood, coal and oil. Now it is not, and you can't trust governments. Our cooling is evaporative, and to install A/C heating/cooling is now beyond us, so gas is it. Our earnings from solar reduce our gas costs by about 25 per cent, so yes, we love solar, with no charge for electricity. But that generous deal expires in seven years, and that creates financial stress if we want to stay in Canberra in our retirement."
Tom's Guide
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
Epic The North Face sale takes up to 50% off summer apparel — 11 deals I'd shop now
When you think of The North Face, winter apparel is typically the first thing that comes to mind. But the truth is, the outdoor brand offers tons of must-haves for warmer months too — especially if you're planning to hit the trails or explore the great outdoors. In fact, REI is currently slashing the prices on some of the best North Face apparel right now. You can snag shorts, t-shirts, lightweight jackets, backpacks and fleeces starting at just $33. To take advantage of these incredible summer deals, keep on reading for all my favorite picks from The North Face. And for even more ways to save, check out our The North Face discount codes page. Being sunburnt is never cool, but you know what is? This North Face brimmer hat. It features a sweat-wicking interior, an adjustable shock cord chin strap and UPF 40 sun protection. From hiking to running (and everything in between), this women's shirt is ready to put in the miles with its odor-resistant fabric and moisture-wicking technology. It will keep you dry and comfortable during just about any activity. It also includes a reflective heat-transfer logo on the chest and graphic on the lower back. The name of these shorts says it all! The Wander Shorts allow you to stay cool, comfortable and dry while exploring thanks to their sweat-wicking and water-repellent properties. They're also built with added stretch and tons of performance features. Whether you're running on the track or running errands, The North Face Sunriser Shorts will keep you comfy. They feature a secure-zip pocket on the center-back of the waistband, as well as moisture-managing technology to keep you dry. This versatile sweatshirt is ready for anything — pair it with shorts and head to the gym, throw on some joggers and wear it on the trails or even sport it with a pair of jeans around town. It's super comfortable and works as a great top layer on a cool day. Whether you're hiking, playing golf or just hanging out, this polo shirt is built with stretchy, moisture-managing fabric for comfort when you're on the move. Plus, its anti-odor technology will help you stay confident on and off the course or trail. The shirt also features a soft feel and stand up collar. This backpack features tons of compartments — including a laptop sleeve — and can even stand up on its own. Its padded shoulder straps offer comfort and it also has two grab handles on top making it convenient to open and provide a balanced carry. It's also endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association thanks to its comfortable FlexVent suspension system. Named after a Peruvian peak, this ¼-zip, acts as a light yet warm barrier to the elements on chilly hikes. It's lightweight, meaning it's ideal for backpacking, climbing and other activities where weight saving is important. Plus, its bright blue hue is perfect for summer. If you're a runner, you need this ¼-zip for the colder months. Not only does it help regulate body temperature with its innovative insulating fabric, it also actively moves moisture away from the body. You can snag this deal in five different colors right now. I'm a sucker for a cozy hoody and the Canyonlands from The North Face fits the bill nicely. Constructed of soft, midweight fleece, it features numerous zippered pockets for all your valuables and lowkey branding. The Willow Stretch Jacket is a practical jacket that moves with you. The stretchy material handles light rain and wind, making it useful for unpredictable weather. Easy to layer or tie around your waist when the sun comes out — the kind of jacket that's great for everyday use.
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Moment man is attacked by thug armed with a 'crossbow': Ring doorbell footage shows victim begging for help 'after being shot in street'
This is the moment a man was shot with a crossbow in a brutal attack caught on doorbell camera. Disturbing video shows the terrified victim - who has a bloodied face - running towards a house before frantically ringing the bell in an attempt to escape. A masked shooter dressed in black appears and raises a crossbow - prompting the man to surge forward in an attempt to grab it. He then runs back towards the front door and bangs on it several before the shooter pulls the trigger, leaving him screaming in agony. The attacker is seen ripping the arrow out of the victim's leg before the footage cuts away. Police are now investigating the horrific incident, which took place on Downway Lane in St Helens, Merseyside at around 10pm on Sunday. They said the attack involved five men, who were all wearing dark clothing and face coverings. The victim was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition. In the footage, the attacker is dressed in a navy and grey The North Face jacket, grey tracksuit trousers and black trainers. He has his hood up and is wearing sunglasses. Police believe the attack was targeted and are asking for the public's help to track down the five suspects. Det Insp Steve Byrom said: 'We are in the very early stages of the investigation and we are determined to find the people responsible. 'I understand that the community will rightly be concerned by this incident but please be assured that we are determined to find the suspects involved. 'We believe that five males fled the area on foot and enquiries are ongoing to locate them and find any weapons used in this incident. 'We are also keen to speak to anyone who was in the general area who saw or heard anything suspicious or believes they captured something significant on their dashcam, CCTV or doorbell camera. 'We know that violence and weapons causes misery on our streets and we would ask for the public's help in coming forward with any bit of information they have so we can find the people responsible.' There is currently no registration system for owning a crossbow and no requirement for a licence. But it is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy or own one, with anyone carrying a crossbow in public without a reasonable excuse facing up to four years behind bars. Last year, a convicted stalker was shot dead by police in London after he broke into a house wielding two of the weapons. Bryce Hodgson had been convicted of a five-year court restraining order after he entered a woman's bedroom without consent, sent text messages demanding that she open her door and described his sick sexual fantasies. Earlier this year, Kyle Clifford, 26, was sentenced to a whole life term after using a crossbow to murder BBC racing commentator John Hunt's wife and two daughters. Anyone with information about the St Helens attack can contact Merseyside Police's social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre'. You can also report information via 101 quoting incident reference 25000577410.
