Formidable Media
Formidable Media is a micro-agency that focuses on outstanding outdoor brands with a conscience. I have worked on a number of copywriting projects as a freelancer with Formidable. Primarily helping with brand and website copy, and ghostwriting editorial content for Aaron Bible, the agency’s Creative Director.
Vanish Today
Conscious Consumerism and the Origami Inspired Solar-Powered Solight Lanterns
The chaotic times we live in continually push us to use our purchasing power for good and seek out new ways of doing things.
From its inception, Solight has been focused on bringing light to the world in a clean and sustainable way. Alice Min Soo Chun, an inventor, entrepreneur and former professor of Architecture and Material Technology at Columbia University, saw the power of light — and the potential to harness and provide it to others in a conscious way.
She studied architecture at Penn State where she obtained her undergraduate and went on to earn her Masters in Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania. With emerging trends in material technology resulting in smarter, lighter, faster, sustainable fabrication, Alice started to sew solar panels to fabric as early experiments for harnessing solar energy with softer, malleable material. She became focused on solar technology and finding ways to create clean energy solutions. But the journey to developing Solight interestingly began in New York City, after her son was diagnosed with Asthma. As they visited many doctor’s offices around the city, she discovered that one-in-four New York City children has Asthma. The tragedy that is the toxic effect of the NYC air-quality struck her in a new way.
She became dedicated to making more eco-friendly and sustainable choices, not just for her child, but for children everywhere — from the Bahamas, to Nepal, Cambodia, Cameroon, Dominica, Ecuador, The Florida Keys, Ghana, Miami, Greece, Haiti, Mozambique, Puerto Rico, Senegal, Venezuela and more.
She created early prototypes of solar lights with a grant from the Brunner Foundation. Still not satisfied but fueled by her passion for helping the underserved, Alice invented the world’s only self-inflatable, portable solar light, eliminating the need for a mouth nozzle. This ensured a healthy, sanitary method to inflate. Alice named this invention the SolarPuff and conducted three years of field testing in Haiti. In 2015 she launched Solight Design and initiated a Kickstarter program with unprecedented results. She went on to win numerous awards including the US Patent Award for Humanity and her products have been exhibited at MOMA, the Modern Museum of Art in New York City. Alice was also recently featured as one of Hillary Rodham and Chelsea Clinton’s “Gutsy Women” in their recent book The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience.
Still reeling from her discovery that masses of people are affected by poor air quality, and on a mission to find sustainable solutions, another issue caught Alice’s attention. The 2010 Haiti Earthquake rocked an entire country, and left millions of people struggling for their most basic needs. Alice was moved by the catastrophe being faced by the Haitian people. As she dove into ways to help, she discovered how vital light and electricity are to the safety of so many.
According to the World Health Organization, there is a direct connection between loss of light after a natural disaster — and a rise in assault on women and children. Shockingly, just having light in refugee tent camps creates a 20 percent decrease in assault cases. It was this realization that inspired Min Soo Chun to focus on a sustainable product that provides light to those who truly need it. The WHO also reports roughly 3.8 million people a year die from toxic kerosene fumes; and 100,000 preventable dwelling fires in South Africa.
Throughout her upbringing in Seoul, South Korea, and in Upstate New York, her mother taught her Origami and how to sew. It was from her understanding of how a simple fold can create structure, her creative eye for architectural design, and experimentation with sewing solar panels onto fabric, that the SolarPuff was born. The SolarPuff was then field tested for three years in Haiti, followed by the 2015 launch of Solight Design.
Solight Design lanterns are self inflating, solar powered, light weight, waterproof, non-toxic, recyclable, durable, and charitable.
Effective in your home, backyard, on camping and backpacking trips, and emergencies, and every purchase contributes to giving light to the 1.6 billion people who live without electricity.
Solight now offers the Twilight Solar Lantern, Helix Solar Lantern, QWNN Solar Lantern and Mobile Charger, and the original SolarPuff LS Solar Lantern.
In addition to the 10 percent of all profit going to someone in need of light, the Solight Design website prominently offers a Give A Light option, where customers can purchase lights that go directly to Solight’s NGO partners who distribute them to the population currently most in need.
Alice has received a number of awards and much recognition for the humanitarian efforts behind Solight, and today Min Soo Chun and Solight Design are at the forefront of creating highly functional products that truly improve the world we live in and the lives of many.
Conscious consumerism begins with companies like this: making choices at every turn that protect the planet and the people who inhabit it.
Paddling Life
Must Have Gear for Warmer Days on the Water
With actual summer weather blessing much of the country by this point, you have to be sure you have the gear you need in order to enjoy your days on the water to the fullest as our minds turn to boats, boards, and anything that gets us in or on the water. We picked out a few of our current favorites…
Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack
Whether you’re an active kayaker, love canoeing, canyoneering, or simply enjoy a good remote riverside hangout, you need this Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack. We all love and need a good dry bag, but this piece of equipment goes above and beyond. The removable backpack straps are highly durable and deliver comfort even when carrying a heavy load. The straps are also compatible with other Sea to Summit dry bags. Lightweight and made of 600D TPU laminated waterproof fabric with a 35L to 120L carrying capacity, this pack is ready for any adventure. MSRP: $169.95 – $269.95
Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack
Available in sizes from 1L – 35L these are some of the best dry bags on the market. From your cell phone to all of your warm layers, you can keep everything you need on the water, out of the water, and highly organized. Lightweight 70D Nylon with fully taped seams, the interior coating is white to improve visibility when trying to find items inside. These bags are great for any adventure you’ve got planned…paddling the Snake, a day out on the boat with friends, or even just a day of paddle boarding on the pond. Whether you need to replace some old dry bags, or something for new adventures this summer, add some Lightweight Dry Sacks to your quiver. MRSP: $14.95 – $29.95
Jack Wolfskin Lakeside Roll-Up
Everyone needs that piece of summer clothing that transitions seamlessly from warm sunny day on the water to cool evening cookouts on shore. This lightweight, durable canvas shirt is made of densely woven cotton that offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. And importantly, this shirt is mosquito proof. The Lakeside Roll-Up is also available in both Men’s and Women’s sizing so the whole crew can get suited up and be comfortable and ready for anything. MSRP: $89.95
BioLite HeadLamp 200
You always need a headlamp. Always. Tucked in your glovebox, your camp kitchen, every backpack and duffle bag. Wherever you’re going no matter the time of day or time of year, they come in handy and can even save your life — you never know when you might need a little more light. The BioLite HeadLamp 200 is one of our favorites and is perfect for exactly that. Compact, lightweight, water-resistant, easy to recharge with any USB port, it provides 200 lumens of light. MSRP:$44.95
Paddling Life
The Best All-Around Accessories for Your Summer Adventures
Summer 2021 is shaping up to be a big one. But before the adventures are in full swing, you need to pick up all the fresh gear for your hot boy or girl summer. We’ve compiled some of the best all around accessories we love for your adventures this summer. And trust us, you’re going to want it all.
VSSL Camp Supply Kit and Mini First Aid
Nobody needs a first aid kit, until they do. Have one. Have this one. VSSL has developed an award winning design that helps you keep important tools and gear, organized, and by your side at all times. The Camp Supply Kit and Mini First Aid are incredible products that every outdoors person should have. Each item in both the Camp Supply Kit and the Mini First Aid were carefully selected using the advice of first responders. The Camp Supply Kit is packaged in a sleek, compact tube, fitting perfectly in any adventure pack. The compact design contains 70 pieces of essential outdoor gear. Neatly organized in this watertight aluminum vessel you’ll find, waterproof matches, a water purification kit, a compass, a wire saw, LED light, mini first aid pack, rope and a razor blade, fishing kit, and so much more. The Mini First Aid packed in the same indestructible, lightweight, watertight tube, contains three supply tins that have truly got your back when things go wrong. The contents of each tin have been carefully chosen by a panel of Search and Rescue Responders, and the author of the Wilderness First Aid Manual for the Canadian Red Cross. Like the Camp Supply Kit, the Mini First Aid is a cool, compact and an easy way to stay prepared. The sleek design of both kits is waterproof and nearly indestructible, ensuring that you have the supplies you need, when you really need them. These incredible compact adventure kits are a great way to ensure peace of mind on any adventure.
MSRP: $129 (Camp Supply Kit) $70 (Mini First Aid)
Amazon Link: Here
Product: CAMP SUPPLIES , First Aid Mini
VSSL Java + VSSL Flask
Whether you’re in need of libation for a caffeine boost, or something smooth to celebrate an adventure well had, VSSL has what you need. The VSSL Java is durable, compact, and stunningly designed. With 50 different grind settings the Java makes certain that your beans are prepared perfectly, whatever your preferred brewing method. Select your grind setting, and begin – your coffee will be perfectly ground in under a minute. Not only is the VSSL Java helpful for your perfect cup of joe on any adventure, but it weighs less than 1lb AND can withstand over 200lbs of pressure. You can clip this virtually indestructible gadget onto your backpack or slip it inside and not worry about damage.
MSRP: $145
Link: VSSL JAVA
Come the end of the day, when coffee has worn off, celebrating a summit, an epic trek, or maybe you’re looking to make a toast, whatever it may be the VSSL Flask is a must have addition to your pack. The Flask holds 9oz of your go-to adventure spirit and comes with two collapsible shot glasses. The compact design also comes equipped with an LED flashlight and a compass, just in case you need a little help finding your way home. You never have to worry about spilling or leaking inside of your pack as this pristine design seals tight and strong enough to withstand whatever your adventure throws at it. Lightweight, durable way to bring your spirits with you on any adventure, without compromising space in your pack.
MSRP: $95
Link: VSSL FLASK
Black Diamond Equipment Volt Lantern
Some try to find the light, others bring it. A level up from the Zip Lantern comes the Volt. 250 lumens to light your campsite after dark. Putting up a tent after sundown, or cooking dinner under the stars, this lantern casts light to help you get it done. The Volt lantern has an adaptable power source, accepting either a rechargeable lithium battery, or three AAA’s. This lantern also boasts a USB port to help you charge other devices when you’re in a bind. Packable and space efficient, this lantern can stand on it’s own or hang, be it from a tree, or inside your tent. The Volt is a lantern with the power to provide the light you need on any adventure.
MSRP: $39.95
Product: Volt Lantern
Midland Radio T290
As much as we like to get away, to remove ourselves from the rat race, sometimes we still need a line of contact. Staying connected when you’re in the outdoors can be a real challenge. Not only is it important to keep your whole crew together, but it’s incredibly helpful when it comes to your safety. The T290 has 22 GMRS channels, a 40 mile range, privacy codes, and the signature Midland weather alert radio. The range of this radio makes it a great choice to keep everyone together in the stickiest of situations. If keeping the group linked up isn’t a worry, what about the unpredictability of mother nature? The weather alert radio automatically let’s you know when severe weather is near you. Be it skiing in the backcountry, hunting, hiking, or overlanding you can be sure you’re safe from extreme weather that could compromise your safety. The Midland T290 Radio will keep you and your favorite adventure buddies together and out of harm’s way.
MSRP: $89.99
Amazon link: Here
Product: T290
Thermacell Backpacker Mosquito Repeller
Does anybody like mosquitos? Better question, does anyone not hate mosquitos? This innovative mosquito repellent protects you for 15 feet in every direction. Powered by the gas canisters you’re likely already carrying for a backpacking stove, the Thermacell Backpacker Mosquito Repeller fits easily into your packing list. On buggy adventures, or even just in the backyard this is an essential piece of gear. Mess, spracy, scent, and DEET free this repellent is a safe way to protect yourself from our nasty, buzzing, ever present outdoor companions. The Thermacell Backpacker Mosquito Repeller is lightweight, and takes up less room than any alternatives. You won’t regret adding one of these to your pack the next time you head out into the wild.
MSRP: $39.00
Amazon Link: Here
onX Offroad
I remember hopping in my friends 4runner and having no plans for the day until we opened up onX Offroad. This app is any outdoor enthusiasts’ best friend. Over four million people have already downloaded this incredible mapping technology. When you and your crew are trying to get out there, I mean really out there, wouldn’t it be awesome to have a map that could show you 240,000+ miles of roads and trails over 985 million acres of public lands? onX Offroad has got you covered. Never run into an “Area Closed” sign preventing you from fulfilling your adventure dreams ever again! onX Offroad provides you open-close dates and any road restrictions you might face along the way. You’ll never find yourself at a dead end, 20 miles from anywhere, with only an hour of daylight left. You can mark and track your favorite roads and spots so you can always make it back. This app has the most trusted and accurate GPS satellite and topo trail mapping you can find. Using your phone’s GPS onX Offroad can show you full detailed satellite imagery of anywhere you’re trying to go, including remote trails, and campsites. When you’re off-grid, and out of range you can depend on this incredible app to make sure you discover your next favorite place!
Brand/Product: onX Offroad
Amazon Link: here
MSRP: $29.99