Cool tools

Some of my favorite tools:

For clothing and accessories, you cannot go wrong with Stance Socks; lots of miles of walking, they are my go-to for comfort and style. Since I switched to SAXX Underwear, I quit chaving in the heat. If you are not using Superfeet Insoles, you’ll be paying the price down the road. Thursday Leather Belts to keep your pants up. It’s a timeless look.

For technology, I use Claude by Anthropric for almost an hour daily to help solve problems and improve my writing. (And yes, I think for most people it is much better than ChatGPT.) GoodReads to keep track of books I want to read. Speaking of books, Libby is a library app that allows users to check out audiobooks. After years of listening to Spotify, I finally got on the train for Apple Music and Podcasts. Once you go Lossless, you can’t go back. I also enjoy having separate apps for music and podcasts. Apple Health is a game changer. I love how I can keep track of my steps, and every time I visit the doctor, it updates my results, creating trends. Stava, of course, “if it isn’t on Strava, it didn’t happen.” The FarOut app is an interesting idea (potentially game-changing) for trail users; it provides up-to-date information on trail sources, such as how fast the water is flowing for a resupply. The NPS and Recreation.gov app are essential for scheduling the next family vacation. For Wasatch locals, the Wasatch Backcountry Skiing app (even if you are hiking) is necessary. The new UAC app is usable now.

A reminder that when money is tight, it doesn’t necessarily mean no spending: eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and KSL are all great resources. One man’s trash is another’s treasure.

Finally, psyllium husk gets an uptake of fiber to stay regular and has some positive benefits on diabetes and cholesterol. Make sure to drink 10 oz of water with it.