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The 10 Best Bourbons Under $50 to Try in 2021

Next Luxury / Food And Drink — by Jono Elderton

The mid-tier category of bourbon ($25-$50) is arguably the best intersection between price and quality of any spirit classification. In this area, you will find a mix of recognizable flagship bourbon brands alongside smaller labels, small batch, and single barrel crafted expressions.

You won’t find a Pappy van Winkle rare bourbon, but you will find tremendous spirits you’ll happily experience and share with others, whether you drink your American whiskey neat, with mixers, or in a cocktail.

Whatever style of bourbon you enjoy or the purpose for its purchase, these 10 best bourbons under $50 offer value for money and quality. One (or more) of these bottles will no doubt make it into your liquor purchasing rotation.

Best Buy

1. Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

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Evan Williams Vintage is carefully handcrafted for 7-8 years in the barrel and is bottled at 43% ABV. It topped our list of the best single barrel bourbons to try in 2021.

This expression is vintage-dated, meaning each bottle is marked with the vintage date it was put into oak, along with the year it was bottled and the exact serial number of the single barrel the bourbon was drawn from.

It has notes of dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, and the barrel of sweet oak and charred wood. The palate is lush & spicy with notes of oak, honey, apple, and orange. The finish is long and laid back with a tremendously easy mouthfeel ideal for veteran bourbon geeks and newcomers to the spirit.

The much loved Evan Williams brand is distilled and produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the only remaining family-owned distillery in the Bluegrass State. Heaven Hill Distillery has the second-largest inventory of Bourbon whiskey in the world and is home to the bourbon production of Old Fitzgerald, Larceny, and Elijah Craig, amongst others.

2. Redemption Wheated Bourbon

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Redemption is a favored bourbon brand for any bourbon drinker. Their wheated bourbon is a quality sipping taste that sits a little out of the ordinary from a regular Kentucky bourbon.

The high wheat content in the mash bill (45% wheat, 51% corn, and 4% malted barley) is rare and helps make Redemption Wheated Bourbon super smooth even at 96 proof. The nose offers ginger candy, sage, pear, and lavender over layers of vanilla and cedar, transitioning to a palate of roasted coffee beans, smoked meat, and hazelnut.

This bourbon sits right at the top end of our $50 limit (depending on the retailer), but it’s a great bourbon expression that matches the power and smooth taste.

3. Old Forester Classic 86 Proof

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My go-to whiskey for pure drinking enjoyment (straight up with two ice cubes unlocks the flavor), Old Forester bourbon provides value and quality at an extremely inexpensive price. Classic 86 Proof Kentucky is marketed as America’s First Bottled Bourbon, having celebrated its 150th birthday in 2020.

A touch of oak and pine provides a strong underpinning of flavor alongside sweet corn and a gentle touch of rye spice. The flavor profile is sharp and sweet with a strong floral character that swirls around hints of mint, rich tobacco leaf, and vanilla. The finish is spicy from the rye influence with more soft vanilla, light citrus dried fruit, and caramel notes.

4. Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

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Bulleit is great for the bourbon drinker looking for a whiskey with a little heat in the ABV (45%) and on the tongue. Bulleit’s unique 175-year-old recipe makes for a distinctive taste: full-bodied and spicy with a long, smooth finish. Bulleit is aged six years minimum and provides a mature, complex flavor of an almost straight rye whiskey.

The nose is bright with orange zest, toasted oak, and vanilla that adds further notes of orange winter baking spice and a hint of tobacco leaf on the palate. A 750 ml bottle of Bulleit Bourbon is a great sipping bourbon. I recommend it over ice as it helps unleash the peppery spice and lengthens out some of the notes.

5. Buffalo Trace Bourbon

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Buffalo Trace is an amazing Kentucky straight bourbon from the distiller responsible for the classic Sazerac bourbon. It was our favorite bourbon on the list of best whiskies for Old Fashioned cocktails.

The tasting notes for Buffalo Trace are described as “a complex aroma of vanilla, mint, and molasses. Pleasantly sweet to the taste with notes of brown sugar and spice that give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit, and anise. This whiskey finishes long and smooth with serious depth.” Yummy.

It’s a smooth and refined tasting bourbon that can go into literally any bourbon cocktail recipe and work brilliantly, or as a straight-up sipping whiskey. Personally, I enjoy unlocking the flavor in Buffalo Trace by adding a couple of cubes of ice.

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6. Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky

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Created by Bill Samuels Snr., Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky is the original handmade premium bourbon. It’s an easy bottle to spot and admire with its distinctive red wax neck, simple labeling, and clean honey color.

Made with the customary corn, malted barley, and a large dose of red winter wheat (which smooths out the mash bill), Maker’s Mark is less spicy but smells of honey, cut fruit, and citrus peel. You can taste barley malt, butterscotch, and vanilla bean, while the medium-length finish tastes of caramel and dry oak spice.

Offering a smoother, less spicy finish than its competitors (that have a rye whiskey component), Maker’s Mark is the type of bourbon to drink neat, over ice, or as the anchor to quality cocktails with friends.

7. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

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Elijah Craig Small Batch is distilled from a traditional bourbon mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, and then aged for 8 to 12 years in #3 char new American oak barrels. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon is named after a Baptist reverend and master distiller known as the Father of Bourbon. Elijah Craig is credited with being the first to age whiskey inside a charred oak barrel, with old wives’ tales suggesting he found the secret by accidently burning his oak casks.

Each batch of Elijah Craig is selected from fewer than 100 of the finest barrels at the Heaven Hill Distillery in Louisville. If a small batch yet cheap bourbon is what you’re looking for, then the good reverend is a great place to start for the smoothest bourbon experience.

8. Wild Turkey Longbranch

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This great sipping bourbon is the first to feature Wild Turkey’s creative director Matthew McConaughey, who took on the job because he wanted to make bourbon as well as be an ambassador for the brand. McConaughey got involved in the company’s production by collaborating with Master Distiller Eddie Russell on Longbranch – which pairs white oak from Kentucky with Texas mesquite wood during the maturation process.

Longbranch is bottled at 43.5% ABV and offers the signature Wild Turkey balance of smooth vanilla notes and smoke, but without much of the fire that 101 and especially Rare Breed possesses on the finish. This is a beautifully complex single barrel bourbon whiskey made for sipping.

9. Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon

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This Knob Creek expression is strictly for the bourbon lover who enjoys whiskey syrupy sweet. If you’re after a more classic Kentucky straight bourbon, the Knob Creek 9-year-old also tastes great and comes in under $50.

The smoked maple used to naturally flavor this bourbon bleeds through every drop and works together to underpin a sweet yet still robust bourbon. Its sweetened, almost liqueur-like flavor and thickness limit it to drinking neat or in a well-crafted cocktail, but it’s unique and interesting, and well worth a try at the price point.

10. Woodford Reserve Bourbon

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Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey comprises 200+ flavor notes, from bold grain and wood to the sweetness of vanilla and caramel, spice, and fruit and floral notes. Woodford Reserve bourbon has a rich texture, with flavors well matched for use in classical cocktail recipes, mixed drinks, and food pairings.

Woodford Reserve is a deep and smoothly balanced bourbon that has no weaknesses and is worth keeping in your regular spirit rotation.

See more about - The 10 Best Bourbons Under $30 to Try in 2021

Bourbon Whiskey FAQs

Is bourbon a whiskey?

Yes, bourbon is a type of whiskey, but there are some rules to its production. At least a 51% corn mash bill stored in charred oaks for four years and distillation in the US is what makes bourbon, as opposed to other grain whiskeys such as rye.

Is all American whiskey the same?

In a word, NO. There are many different mash recipes used to create quality American whiskey. In addition to Kentucky Straight Bourbon, there’s the sweeter, smoother Tennessee Whiskey.

Many expressions utilize rye or wheat as the primary second grain after corn or tinker with their mash bills, the aging process, or types of barrel and char to create distinctive flavor variations.

What is a single barrel bourbon?

Single barrel bourbon and whiskies are exclusive expressions produced by bottling one selected barrel, leading to a more individually distinctive flavor. It differs from small batch bourbon and whiskey, which are also premium expressions but made by mixing small numbers of exclusive barrels.

Is all bourbon from Kentucky?

While Kentucky is responsible for 95% of the world’s straight bourbon, this figure is beginning to change rapidly, as other states in the USA pick up the distillation of American whiskey. These days you’re much more likely to find quality bourbon (and even single malt Scotch) in Texas, Colorado, Oregon, or even New York than in the past, and they taste great too.

Where To Buy Art Online: 16 Awesome Stores

Next Luxury / Lifestyle
by — Jason Collins

A home should represent a person’s personality. One of the very best ways to show off your personality is to have a home with some fantastic art. Even when you have the best furniture, lighting, and decor, no room is wholly complete without artwork. Before you can decide what artwork you want to buy, you need to identify your style.

Think carefully about what type of artwork you gravitate towards, as this will be an excellent indicator of your style preferences. Do you find yourself drawn to seaside watercolors, vintage caricatures, contemporary pieces, or abstract pieces? If you know what you like, you’ll have a better idea of what online art platform you should scope out.

The online art sites on our list are some of the best places you can buy art. We’ve rounded up 16 sites you should consider. At each of these sites, you’ll find unique pieces representing a broad range of artistic styles. Even those who have a smaller budget will likely find the perfect piece for their blank wall.

Additionally, you won’t have to leave your house as online art platforms make purchasing art more accessible than ever. Whether you’re interested in graphic paintings, pieces from up-and-coming artists, fan art, or vintage oil paintings, there’s something for everyone.

1. Artfinder

If you’re seeking authentic hand-crafted art pieces from little-known artists, you might want to have a look at the Artfinder online art website. Artfinder was founded in 2013 by a Swedish art enthusiast who had spent some time working in the prestigious New York art world.

Essentially this website is an online marketplace that advertises original and unique pieces of art from more than 10,000 international artists worldwide. The site conveniently sorts the more than 200,000 art pieces into categories of style and medium, making it easy to identify what you’re looking for.

Artfinder features abstract paintings, sculptures, photographic pieces, fine art prints, digital art, and collages. Additionally, art on this platform is quite affordable as pieces start at $25, but can go up to $65,000. Moreover, unlike other online art companies, Artfinder offers dedicated services for interior designers.

2. Fine Art America

The title for the world’s largest art marketplace and print-on-demand technology belongs to Fine Art America. This company was founded in 2006 in California and ever since has been providing an artistic avenue for illustrators, graphic designers, artists, and photographers.

Fine Art America specializes in print-on-demand art. They have 16 facilities capable of printing the artwork of more than 500,000 independent artists. When selecting artwork, potential clients can choose between wood prints, canvas prints, metal prints, framed prints, and many more.

One of the standout points for Fine Art America is that they also offer artwork that can be printed on pillows, tote bags, clothing, and tapestries. Additionally, unlike a few other online art marketplaces, Fine Art America allows artists to set their own prices for print-on-demand products.

3. Art.com

Art.com

One of the easiest websites to buy art online at is Art.com. When you’re looking for prints of famous works, or if you’re looking to discover new art styles, this website might be the perfect starting point. Art.com was founded in 1998 in California and is one of the longest-running art platforms.

On the Art.com website, you can search for a particular artist or browse by subject, and you can filter the art pieces by price. If you fancy yourself an artist, you can have your own artwork sent to Art.com, where they can print and frame the photos for you.

Handcrafted framed artwork starts at $79, while large canvas prints start at $129. Additionally, Art.com offers free returns with their zero risk gifting policy, and they offer free design advice seven days a week with one of their art specialists.

4. One Kings Lane

If you’re looking for a one-stop online shop where you can purchase antiques, furniture, decor, and art, you should consider One Kings Lane. Founded in 2009, this company is a home decor business that deals in luxury outfittings. On their online platform, you’ll find a range of up-market styles that include designer and vintage pieces.

One Kings Lane has many quick ship art pieces available and mixed media, vintage reproductions, drawings, paintings, posters, and photographic pieces. These categories comprise more than 5,000 art pieces, and prices range from $45 to $30,000.

5. Saatchi Art

Saatchi Art is not just an online art retailer. They’re also an online art gallery that lets you explore artistic pieces by price point. If you’re looking for more high-end or fine art options that include original paintings, you might want to look at Saatchi Art. However, this company does offer a large selection of affordable prints for those who have a smaller budget.

Interestingly, the Saatchi Art site runs a complimentary art advisory service. This service provides potential clients with a team of curators that can build an art collection based on specific tastes or interior and exterior spaces.

There are more than one million available art pieces from more than 90,000 artists advertised on the platform that include photographic works, canvas prints, oil paintings, sculptures, and collages. Cheaper prints start at $50, and limited edition prints at $95, while some pieces such as sculptures can have a price of $50,000.

6. Etsy

Etsy

One of the most popular places to buy awesome art online is Etsy. Etsy is a platform that offers not only incredible handmade and vintage art pieces but also thousands of home decor items. This site offers something for everyone, and art lovers can even commission pieces for their homes.

There are many framed and unframed print options, and they even have an instant download option with some art pieces depending on the vendor. The instant download option lets you print the art piece you are interested in as soon as you have purchased it.

Etsy has numerous style pieces that include black and white photographic images and bespoke oil paintings. There are thousands of independent artists and small businesses advertising their art wares at various price points, so it’s likely you’ll find an incredible piece for your home within your budget.

7. Society6

If you need to fill up large gallery walls or require numerous art pieces to give your home or office space character, you’ll want to look at the Society6 website. This online art platform offers an extensive range of affordable, quirky, colorful, and unique art pieces. Additionally, Society6 has a range of giant wall murals that are incredibly eye-catching and show-stopping.

The website features various art pieces from more than 300,000 independent artists and designers in more than 160 countries. At Society6, you can have prints supplanted on anything from clocks to pillows. The site has many categories, and you can find everything from minimalistic line drawings, cheeky sayings, abstracts, nature scenes, watercolor florals, prints, and tapestries.

Society6’s user interface is incredible. Customers can easily search by color, keyword, style, and artist. Additionally, most designs can be purchased unframed or framed. Prices start from as little as $20 for canvas prints, with the more expensive prints costing roughly $300.

8. Sotheby’s

One of the most popular go-to online consignment marketplaces for design enthusiasts eager to buy and sell antique art is Sotheby’s. Those with a mid-range budget will likely find a piece at this online store easily.

There’s a broad range of original art, sculptures, paintings, photographs, and vintage-related items such as posters and prints at Sotheby’s. The vintage-related items might not be one of a kind, but they’re definitely not easy to find elsewhere.

On the website, customers can easily find what they are looking for by filtering their search based on style, period of movement, and even condition. Starting prices for art at Sotheby’s are $150, but many pieces are upwards of $2,000.

9. 20×200

20×200

It’s often hard to come across affordable museum-quality art that is limited edition. Not everyone wants mass-produced art that can be found in thousands of people’s homes. Fortunately, there’s an online art company that offers limited edition art pieces that cannot be found anywhere else.

20×200 has an extensive range of modern photography pieces that are incredibly affordable. With more than 1,000 editions, you’re bound to find a photograph that catches your eye. Prices for the art on 20×200 start at $24 but can go as high as $10,000.

Interestingly, one of the most unique aspects of 20×200 is that they offer customers documentation on each piece that is bought. This documentation includes details about the artwork. Additionally, the website announces each launch with an informative description of the artist and project being exhibited.

10. 1st Dibs

The 1st Dibs online platform serves as a middleman and curator for artists and their amazing artwork. This platform is constantly seeking out and acquiring new art. Presently the site is a must-see and go-to destination for anyone looking for originals and copies.

1st Dibs is well known in the art world for hosting a large inventory of art from numerous reputable and established galleries. You’ll find art from contemporary specialists and old master dealers on this site. Most of the artwork displayed is available for purchase immediately, with prices varying between $50 and $2 million.

Additionally, 1st Dibs curated sales on their website is a great place to learn how different art forms can be mixed. It’s also a place where you can search for art by artists you may know.

11. Central & Grand

Should you want to fill your home or place of work with unique photographic pieces, you may want to consider buying artwork from Central & Grand. Each season the website adds new photographic art from 52 photographers. Currently, this website has print artwork from five seasons available for purchase framed or unframed.

Curiously, the photographic prints that are available come in two sizes. Customers can purchase 30 x 30 or 60 x 80 museum-quality prints. The photographers specifically mention that every image purchased is printed directly from the photographer’s master file. Additionally, each photograph is printed exclusively on Hahnemuhle 100% cotton photo rag Baryta paper. The pricing for the photo prints varies, but on average, a 30 x 30 image costs upwards of $2,000 depending on the canvassing and other design print options.

12. Poster Child Prints

Poster Child Prints is arguably one of the best places online to find limited edition and eccentric screen prints that are affordable. The company has a range of accessible artworks that are perfect for novice or seasoned collectors. Every piece the company sells is authenticated to guarantee its uniquely limited edition status.

Poster Child Prints doesn’t only offer limited edition prints. They also have photographic works, minimalistic line drawings, posters, tapestries, original artwork, and art pieces under $100. Unlike many other online art websites, Poster Child Prints have numerous interesting graffiti-style art pieces. Although most pieces featured are incredibly affordable, there are a few that are over $2,000.

13. Minted

Minted

Although Minted is well known for their photo gifts and holiday cards, they actually have a broad range of original artwork by many different artists. Much of the artwork featured on their website can be bought in many different sizing and framing options. Minted also offers a limited edition collection that only sells each artwork a few hundred times.

Minted offers customers a variety of different drawings, modern photographic pieces, and abstract watercolor prints. On the website, artists have their own landing pages with links and bios to all their art. Additionally, one of the best benefits for emerging artists on this site is that they can participate in a crowdsourcing system that will allow them to find a platform.

On this site, you can easily navigate it to find what you’re looking for. You can narrow your search by filtering by size, color, medium, style, and artist. Moreover, most pieces on offer are affordable, with the starting price for a print being $24, while most art is around the $100 mark.

14. Tappan Collective

Arguably the best online website where you can buy art from emerging artists is the Tappan Collective. The Tappan Collective was founded in 2012 by Jordan Klein and Chelsea Neman. This artistic platform aims to support and nurture emerging artists by connecting them with seasoned collectors.

The Tappan Collective features numerous different art forms such as ceramics, mixed media, sculptures, and large-scale paintings. Additionally, the Tappan Collective is not only an internet-based platform to sell artistic works. They are also curators that have curated many exhibitions in assorted spaces by different artists throughout Los Angeles.

The pricing for the artwork featured in the Tappan Collective varies greatly depending on the type you select. For example, some ceramic pieces are only $100, while large-scale prints can cost upwards of $10,000.

15. 1xRun

1xRun

If you’re seeking one-of-a-kind or rare graffiti and streetwear vibe art, you should consider 1xRun. This website is one of the premier online art dealers for this type of art, yet they don’t only sell this style, as customers can find some lovely traditional art and modern photographic prints.

1xRun was founded in 2010 and has since expanded to become a global platform that ships internationally. Many aspiring and seasoned artists have their work featured on this Detroit Michigan based company’s website. Most of the artwork sold by 1xRun is affordable, with prices starting at $100.

16. Buy Some Damn Art

Finding affordable, quirky abstract art can be immensely challenging. Fortunately, the online art gallery Buy Some Damn Art provides funky original artwork that will suit anyone with eccentric or creative tastes.

Buy Some Damn Art was founded by Kate Singleton in 2010. She started the website with the aim for it to be an affordable art platform where emerging artists could showcase their works. Presently most of the creative works on the platform fall into the modern and fine art categories.

Additionally, the artworks on the website are sourced primarily from independent artists from the US and UK. However, a smaller minority of the artists are from further abroad.

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The 12 Best Survival Food Kits For The Outdoor Man

Next Luxury / Gear — by Richard Corrigan

Are you ready to roll when things go sideways? Maybe you want your family to be prepared in case of an earthquake, hurricane, or blizzard. Maybe you don’t want to be caught with your pants down next time there’s a global pandemic or a zombie outbreak.

In any case, you need to be prepared. A survival food kit is a great way to ready yourself for any disaster – natural or otherwise – that may befall you. You’ll be able to focus on other important tasks knowing that nutrition is covered.

All that being said, survival food kits really do come in handy in a lot of real-world scenarios. You can take them hiking or camping, or stock your hunting cabin so you don’t have to worry about food when you get out there this fall. Throw one in your truck in case you break down and have to spend a night somewhere.

There is, of course, a pretty wide range of quality when it comes to survival food. Some could almost pass for a home-cooked meal, while others taste more like warmed-over cardboard. And ultimately you might favor sacrificing taste in the name of convenience. Survival food, after all, is about survival, not savoring every bite.

You’ll find a host of options on this list, from the basic to the luxurious. Here’s to eating well in the end times!

Best Buy

1. ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply

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This one will keep you going for a while! Containing 60 servings of meat with a 15-year shelf life, the ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply will have you well-stocked well into whatever apocalyptic scenario may come around.

In all seriousness, this is a great choice for anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency/survival scenario. The whole Emergency Food Supply weighs just over 5 pounds and comes in a sealed plastic bucket; the individual portions within are more easily portable, should the need arise.

This particular product is ReadyWise’s somewhat comically named (but accurately named, it must be said) Meat Bucket. They also make a Vegetable Bucket and a Fruit Bucket, and it’s a good idea to get all three for a balanced diet.

The Meat Bucket contains 60 total servings of four different entrees: savory roast beef, Teriyaki chicken, Southwest style chicken, and cheesy beef. Twenty bonus servings of long-grain instant white rice are also included.

2. NuManna Emergency Survival Kit

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For anyone in need of long-term emergency foodstuffs in larger quantities, the NuManna Emergency Survival Kit is a great option. While it isn’t cheap, it’s head-and-shoulders above many of its competitors when it comes to quality.

Inside this kit, you get a total of 20 pounds of freeze-dried rations. It includes several different dishes to cover every meal of the day, divided into 18 multi-serving individual packs.

The most surprising thing about it is that these meals are actually pretty tasty. Dishes include sweet habanero chili with pineapple, cheesy potato soup, rice pilaf, oatmeal with brown sugar, and others. The shelf life is at least 25 years.

The NuManna Emergency Survival Kit is something you can tuck away and rest assured that it will be there when you need it. NuManna also offers various other kits with different meal options.

3. Mountain House 3 Day Emergency Food Supply Kit

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The Mountain House 3-Day Emergency Food Supply Kit is just as it sounds. Inside you’ll find enough freeze-dried meals to keep one person well-fed for three days. They’re pretty good meals too!

The package contains three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners, with some surprisingly appetizing options (sausage gravy and biscuits, chicken fried rice, beef stroganoff with noodles). To make each one, all you do is add hot water and wait 10 minutes.

This is a great thing to tuck away in your cabin or RV. You can also pick and choose individual meals to take with you on hiking and backpacking trips. Net weight is just over 2 lb, 7 oz.

One small strike against the Mountain House 3-Day Emergency Food Supply is its packaging. Each meal is in its own foil/plastic pouch, but they arrive loose in a cardboard box. Storing them that way does leave them vulnerable to pests or accidental puncture.

4. Xmre Blue Line Meals

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Containing 12 complete meals, the XMRE Blue Line Meals case is made to feed you in any emergency. These are essentially military-style rations, each one already cooked and ready to eat right out of the package.

Each one of the XMRE Blue Line Meals provides 800 to 1,200 calories of balanced nutrition, including an entrée, two to three side items, and a beverage. No heating or refrigeration is needed; shelf life is three years with proper storage.

Spoons, napkins, a condiment kit, and an optional flameless ration heater (FRH) are also included. The whole kit and caboodle comes packed in a high-density water and tamper-proof outer bag, embossed with the pack date.

5. LaunchPro Emergency Survival Kit

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If bare-bones survival is your style, the LaunchPro Emergency Survival Kit might be for you. It’s designed to provide your essential needs (hydration, nutrition, warmth) and nothing more. And you know what? There’s nothing wrong with that if that’s what you’re looking for.

The Emergency Survival Kit from LaunchPro contains three days’ worth of food and water for one person, plus a thermal blanket that makes it a well-rounded survival kit. One can imagine it being useful in a shipwreck-type scenario.

The food rations are essentially lemon-flavored energy bars, each delivering 400 calories. You get nine of them. The water is packaged in six pre-measured 4 oz airtight, sterilized packets. Shelf life: five years.

6. The Survival Tabs Emergency Food Supply

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These are chocolate-flavored tablets packed with vitamins, and the Survival Tabs company has been making this Emergency Food Supply product since the 70s. You get five pouches, each containing 24 tablets with 20 calories each.

The big advantage here is portability. You can easily store packages of Survival Tabs wherever you want so they’re ready when you need them. They’re relatively lightweight, and ideal when you need to stay mobile.

It’s worth noting that these are not really meant to be your sole source of nutrition in the long term. Eating them for a day or two in an emergency will keep you going, but Survival Tabs are really best used to supplement another food source.

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7. NorthWest Fork Gluten-Free 30 Day Emergency Food

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So, right off the bat, the NorthWest Fork 30 Day Emergency Food Supply is both gluten-free and entirely vegan. Some of you will love that. Others will have already moved on to the next item on our list. That’s totally fine.

This kit gives you 30 days’ worth of freeze-dried meals, all of which contain complete nutrition including plant-based protein. The 30 Day Emergency Food Supply includes 90 total meals, including strawberry oatmeal, green pea soup, and black bean chipotle stew.

The individual meal packets are great for backpacking. They stand on their own, making it easy to add hot water and eat straight out of the pouch. They’re also really nutritious and flavorful and have a 10-year shelf life.

8. AlpineAire Foods Ready Meal Kit

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AlpineAire products tend to be marketed more toward campers and hikers than to the prepper and survivalist crowd. Even so, they’re really perfect for anyone who wants lightweight, easily portable freeze-dried meals with a long shelf life.

First and foremost, these are some of the best-tasting freeze-dried meals you can get. With the AlpineAire Foods Ready Meal Kit, you get options like three-cheese lasagna and chicken gumbo that are genuinely tasty.

The AlpineAire Foods Ready Meal Kit contains “28 servings” which could be a little misleading. It includes 14 meal packages, each of which is made up of two servings. Realistically, a person with a reasonable appetite is not going to want to make two meals out of each package.

9. S.O.S. Food Labs Ration Kit

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The S.O.S. Food Labs Ration Kit is a well-rounded option that includes 12 portions of purified water, eight S.O.S Food Ration Bars, eight Millennium Energy Food Bars, and a book of survival tips. Each ration is bagged in a polymer-foil sachet with a five-year shelf life.

These tend to get put into a lot of people’s disaster-preparedness kits, and they’re great to have in the event of an earthquake or hurricane. That being said, if you’re looking for nutritious rations for camping or hiking, these fit the bill pretty well.

The S.O.S. Rations also taste surprisingly good, although the flavors get tiresome after a while. These are essentially 16 energy bars, and they’re quite sweet. It’s hard to imagine wanting to eat them for long periods of time.

10. Augason Farms 30 Day 1 Person Emergency Food Supply

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A great option for long-term emergency sustenance, the Augason Farms 30 Day 1 Person Emergency Food Supply delivers on its promise to keep one person fed for a month. The meals are nutritious, and pretty tasty too.

This Emergency Food Supply includes freeze-dried entrees like macaroni and cheese and creamy potato soup, along with a powdered milk alternative beverage and banana chips for snacking. It all comes in a handy, watertight 8.5-gallon pail.

It’s Quality Survival Standards (QSS) certified and contains 307 Servings that provide an average of 1,854 calories per day. And with a shelf life of 25 years, the Augason Farms Emergency Food Supply can be safely stored until needed.

11. Patagonia Provisions Kit

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Designed to feed two people for two days in the backcountry, the Patagonia Provisions Kit is made with weekend backpackers in mind. But this kit can come in handy in an emergency too.

One of the great advantages of the Patagonia Provisions Kit is that by only including enough food for a relatively short time, they’re able to put more into the quality. These are some genuinely delicious meals, with a healthy assortment of snacks thrown in.

Each meal can be made in 10 minutes or less by adding just hot water, and a cookbook is included with instructions on combining ingredients to create dishes like banana pancakes, or seafood paella. You will need a stove of some sort.

12. Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Bag

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The Premium Emergency Survival Bag from Sustain Supply Co. is a handy kit containing a wide range of survival essentials in one convenient backpack. Just stow it somewhere safe, grab it when you need it, and you’re ready to roll.

This kit is meant to sustain two people for 72 hours following a disaster. To that end, it has potable water and food (in the form of freeze-dried meals) and a fully functioning backpacker’s stove with fuel for cooking.

What really makes this kit from Sustain Supply Co. stand out is that it also includes first aid supplies, a survival knife, lantern, fire starters, emergency blankets, signal whistles, sanitary wipes, and a water purification system. You’re basically all set.

See more about - Camping Essentials – Complete Guide To The Basics

Survival Food Kit FAQs

What is a survival food kit?

A survival food kit contains non-perishable, easy to prepare food to be eaten in case of an emergency. They are usually (but not always) packaged in an easily portable container, and individual portions may also be packaged separately.

What are they used for?

The intended use of most survival food kits is emergency preparedness. You might get one to include in your go-bag in the event of a tornado, earthquake, or similar disaster, or you may carry emergency rations while traveling in case you get lost or have an accident. Some outdoorsmen may also take survival foods with them while camping or backpacking.

What types of food do they include?

The actual contents of survival food kits vary widely. Freeze-dried meals are common, requiring only the addition of hot water to prepare. Some kits contain more complex meals, while some contain ready-to-eat military rations that need no cooking at all. Others may simply be nutrition-packed energy bars.

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The 12 Best Pairs of Dress Pants for Men in 2021

Next Luxury / Style — by Olivia Jakiel

While you may think all dress pants are one and the same, we’re here to tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth – especially nowadays, as there’s a wide variety of styles, fits, cuts, and more when it comes to dress pants. From cotton-blend chinos and linen pants to cropped wool trousers and slim-fit khakis, there’s truly something for everyone in today’s day and age.

So whether you’re looking for a pair of dress pants that can take you from the office to happy hour, or a pair of trousers that will make you look like you stepped out of a business meeting straight onto the runway at fashion week, we’ve got you covered with the 12 best pair of dress pants for men.

Best Buy

1. Oliver Spencer Linen-Blend Canvas Trouser

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There’s truly nothing better than a linen-blend trouser, and the Oliver Spencer Linen-Blend Canvas Trouser is the perfect lightweight pair of dress pants for warmer weather. These dress pants boast mismatched pockets for a unique, eye-catching detail from the back, have an elasticized mid-rise waist for all-day wear, and a relaxed fit for ultimate comfort.

Pair them with a white button down – short or long sleeve, depending on the occasion – and throw on a pair of loafers or Oxfords for a casual yet dressy look that’s perfect for attending a beach wedding, going to the office (if your dress code in on the casual side), or any event that requires smart casual attire.

2. Thom Browne Four-Bar Cotton Chino

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The best thing about chinos is that they’re dress pants that are incredibly versatile, can be dressed up or down, and come in a variety of colors and styles. If you’re looking for an interesting spin on a classic pair of chinos, the Thom Browne Four-Bar Cotton Chinos should most definitely be on your radar.

Featuring four white bars across the left leg of the pants just above the knee, a design that “derives from the graphic patterns used on the sports uniforms of America’s Ivy League institutions,” these dress pants are sure to set you apart from the rest. Just be sure to check the dress code for whatever occasion you plan on wearing these bad boys too, as they err on the casual side.

3. UNIQLO Smart Ankle Pants

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You can always count on UNIQLO for stylish clothes that don’t cost a fortune, and the UNIQLO Smart Ankle Pants are the perfect pair of dress pants that won’t break the bank, all while looking like you spent a pretty penny on your formal wear or business casual look.

These dress pants boast a hidden elastic waist for easy wear, hit right at the ankles as the name suggests, and come in three different colors – navy, black, and grey – so you can stock up on these dressy essentials for half the cost of some of the other dress pants on the market.

4. Bonobos Tailored Fit Stretch Washed Cotton Chinos

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Slim fit dress pants are perfect for smart casual settings, so if you’re looking for a pair of dress pants that fit like a glove, the Bonobos Tailored Fit Stretch Washed Cotton Chinos will be a great addition to your wardrobe. These babies are fitted through the hip and thigh and slightly taper to the ankle, feature slant pockets and back welt pockets, and are made of 98% cotton and 2% spandex for ultra-comfortable, all-day wear that’ll take you from the office to happy hour in style.

Toss on a printed short sleeve button down for a laidback look. Roll these pants up at the ankle and pair them with suede Oxfords or boat shoes to polish off the entire outfit.

5. Lululemon ABC Pant Classic 34” Warpstreme

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If you’re looking for a pair of dress pants that are comfortable and move with you, then the Lululemon ABC Pants Classic 34” Warpstreme is a wonderful option. Some of the highlights of these dress pants include four-way stretch and shape retention, and you won’t ever have to worry about creasing if you’re sitting in an office chair all day since they’re wrinkle-resistant.

These pants are also breathable and quick-drying, making them perfect for warmer temperatures. The best part? They come in a whopping 14 colors and are available in sizes 26-44, so you’re guaranteed to find your perfect pair of pants.

6. Polo Ralph Lauren Slim-Fit Stretch Cotton Trousers

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There’s nothing more classic than a pair of khaki trousers, and the Polo Ralph Lauren Slim-Fit Stretch Cotton Trousers are an essential pair of dress pants that should already be hanging in your closet, so if you don’t have a pair, now’s the time to grab one!

Made from a mid-cotton blend with a hint of stretch to hold the shape and to optimize all-day comfort, these neutral trousers are a building block for any smart casual wardrobe. Dress them up with a classic, crisp white button down, a navy blazer or sport coat, and leather brogues, or wear ‘em with a plain white t-shirt and some loafers for a more casual vibe.

See more about - The 10 Best Smart Casual Dress Shoes For Men In 2021

7. A.P.C. Massimo Cotton Twill Chino Trousers

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If you’re on the hunt for a pair of dress pants that will make you stand out from the crowd in a subtle, cool way, then the A.P.C. Massimo Cotton Twill Chino Trousers, which come in a slate grey color, should be right up your alley.

Featuring a straight leg for a more relaxed fit, these trousers are perfect for those days when you want to be stylish and look put together, but also want to be as comfortable as you possibly can be. Wear them with a black button down shirt and black sneakers for a mysterious, edgy, and casual look.

8. Stone Island Logo-Patch Cotton Blend Cargo Trousers

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When you think of cargo pants or shorts, the first thing that comes to mind is probably 20-something-year-old frat boys chugging beer bongs on Spring Break. However, if styled correctly, you can totally get away with wearing cargo pants in casual or smart casual settings.

The Stone Island Logo-Patch Cotton Blend Cargo Trousers are cargo pants that don’t necessarily scream “check out my extra pockets” thanks to the monotone dark grey color. Made from a stretch cotton blend, these trousers are perfect for all-day wear and look best when paired with similar dark grey colors for a totally minimalist and streamlined look.

9. Orlebar Brown Brewer Drawstring-Waist Cotton Trousers

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If you’re on the hunt for a pair of dress pants that are perfect for a day on the boat or at brunch, then you’re gonna flip when you see the Orlebar Brown Brewer Drawstring-Waist Cotton Trousers, which come in a crisp white and give off maximum sun and summertime vibes.

These resort-style cotton trousers feature a drawstring waist for maximum comfort and have a straight-leg relaxed fit, and will look amazing with a funky printed Hawaiian shirt, boat shoes, and a Mai Tai.

10. Rag & Bone Flynt Nylon-Blend Trousers

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While some dress pants may have a reputation for being stuffy and uncomfortable, you don’t have to worry about that with the Rag & Bone Flynt Nylon-Based Trousers, thanks to their cotton and nylon blend, which makes them ultra-breathable, as well as water-resistant.

These trousers are also some of the most comfortable around, as they boast an elasticized waistband for maximum comfort, along with relaxed legs that taper toward adjustable cuffs – perfect for warmer temperatures and smart casual, outdoor settings. Throw on a plain tee and some leather or suede desert boots for a cool and casual vibe, and top with a bomber jacket if the temperatures dip.

11. Acne Studios Cropped Wool-Blend Trousers

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If you’re in the market for a pair of trousers that are more on the dressy side, the Acne Studio Cropped Wool-Blend Trousers should be in your online shopping cart, like, now. Featuring a high waist and cropped leg that hits above the ankle, these trousers are the perfect way to give your formalwear a bit of an edge.

Wear with leather boots and a cashmere sweater with a button down underneath for a fashionable twist on formalwear, and make sure you don’t throw these pants in the wash – get them dry cleaned (you’ll thank us later).

12. Sunspel Neut Tapered-Leg Trousers

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You can never have too many pairs of khaki dress pants to choose from in your closet, and the Sunspel Neut Tapered-Leg Trousers are the perfect staple to add to your wardrobe. Made from lightweight, comfortable stretch cotton, these dress pants have dart detailing at the waist, two side pockets and back welt pockets, and are tapered at the leg for a fitted, yet comfortable and relaxed feel. Wear a printed button down in a fun pattern to liven up the khaki color, or stay neutral and go with a crisp white button down.

See more about - Smart Casual Dress Code For Men – The Ultimate Guide

Dress Pants FAQs

What constitutes a dress pants?

Dress pants come in a wide variety of styles, but essentially, dress pants are pants that can be worn in semi-formal, smart casual, business casual, or formal occasions, depending on the cut, fabric, and style of the pants.

What materials are they made from?

Dress pants can be made from a plethora of materials, including cotton, wool, linen, twill, and more. Typically, dress pants that are considered on the formal side are made from wool or a wool blend, while more casual dress pants, like chinos, are typically made from cotton, linen, or a cotton blend.

What should you look for in dress pants?

What you should look for in dress pants depends on the style you’re going for, the occasion you’re dressing for, and more. If you’re looking for a pair of dress pants that you can wear to casual events or occasions, then stick to light, breathable materials with a little bit of stretch. You can also play around with color and fit in more casual settings, so you have a bit more freedom when it comes to choosing the right pair of dress pants for a casual occasion.

If you’re on the hunt for a pair of dress pants that are suited for more formal occasions, you want to make sure they’re fitted properly (i.e. not too tight) and are made from wool, linen, or some type of wool blend.

Can you only wear dress pants for formal occasions?

While dress pants can be worn for a variety of smart casual, semi-formal, and formal occasions, there’s really no need to wear dress pants to places like the gym, around the house, running errands, etc. – save your casual wear, like jeans, joggers, athletic shorts, and cotton shorts for those tasks.