Global Aid

Almost 1K Sales!

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Top Knotch Gear

Top Knotch Gear has nearly 1,000 online sales! At just under a year and a half old, TKG has 996 sales from adventurers, survivalists and gear fanatics like YOU! We’re so grateful to have such an awesome following of explorers because each purchase through TKG helps fund our trip around the world! (Each purchase except our charity gear – those proceeds are donated).

Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping build Top Knotch Gear into a successful online shop for knotted survival gear and outdoor accessories. We couldn’t have made it this far without you!

As part of our appreciation for our customers, we’d like to extend a 20% off coupon to use at our store – just type in coupon code TATW2014 (Trip Around The World) at checkout!

Categories: Accessories, Adventure, American Red Cross, Backpacking, Benefit, Bracelet, Bright colors, Business, Circumnavigation, Donation, Explore, Global Aid, Globetrotting, Hiking, Knots, Mountains, Outdoors, Packing, Parachute Cord, Paracord, Paracord Dog Collar, Paracord Pet Gear, Paracord Pet Supplies, Paracord Watch, Pets, Random, Snorkeling, South America, Top Knotch Gear, Trails, Travel, Travel help, Travel Tips | Leave a comment

Our Travel Bucket List!

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Top Knotch Gear
  1. Visit the wonders of the world.
  2. Cross every longitudinal line and every major meridian.
  3. Step foot on all 7 continents.
  4. Hike some of the Annapurna circuit.
  5. See Mount Everest (bonus points for climbing to base camp).
  6. Hike some of Kilimanjaro.
  7. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.
  8. Kayak through the mangroves in Everglades National Park.
  9. Visit the Grand Canyon.
  10. Visit all National Parks in the United States.
  11. Become fluent in French and Spanish. (Bonus points for using it abroad).
  12. Become certified SCUBA divers.
  13. Teach English abroad.
  14. Volunteer with a children’s organization abroad.
  15. Install water filters in a 3rd world country.
  16. Experience a sunrise in the Serengheti.
  17. Party on top of a skyscraper in Hong Kong.
  18. Climb a mountain (the entire thing – height doesn’t matter).
  19. Star gaze in South America.
  20. Take a National Geographic Linblad tour.
  21. Spend an extended time at a Buddhist monastery.
  22. Take tango lessons in Argentina.
  23. Visit the Amazon rainforest.
  24. Hug a koala.
  25. See the fjords in Norway.
  26. Celebrate Oktoberfest in Germany.
  27. Learn wine appreciation – and become connoisseur.
  28. Visit a medicine man and/or a shaman.
  29. Get our fortunes read overseas.
  30. Sleep in a hammock on a beach.
  31. Take a roadtrip across the U.S.A.
  32. Hike the Appalachian Trail – the entire thing!
  33. Swim with dolphins.
  34. See a whale in the wild.
  35. Swim/slide off of a natural waterfall.
  36. Hike the trail to the Po Lin Monastery in Hong Kong.
  37. Go on a mediation retreat.
  38. Take a helicopter ride over a volcano.
  39. Hike a volcano.
  40. See the cherry blossoms in bloom in Japan.
  41. Visit the family castle in Scotland.
  42. Eat authentic Italian food – in Italy.
  43. See the Olympics in person.
  44. Have a romantic dinner in Paris.
  45. Visit the Holocost concentration camps & memorials.
  46. Celebrate New Years in different countries (specifically Sydney and Hong Kong)
  47. Visit Iceland.
  48. Experience the Iditarod in Alaska.
  49. Experience Holi Day (Festival of Colours) in India.
  50. See the dragon boat festival in China.
  51. Carnival in Rio.
  52. Visit the Mount Gay Rum distillery in Barbados.
  53. See the Tour de France.
  54. Smoke a real Cuban cigar – in Cuba. Whilst drinking Cuban daiquiris.
  55. See the Northern Lights. (Bonus points for getting crystal clear pictures of them.)
  56. Go on a bike tour of Vietnam.
  57. Take cooking classes in India and Thailand – learn to make authentic coconut curry!
  58. Eat fresh seafood (this is a big deal for us because we’re both long-term vegetarians)
  59. Rock climb at Joshua Tree and Red Rocks
  60. Photograph penguins in their natural habitats.
  61. Visit the Jane Goodall Sanctuary in South Africa.
  62. Witness a tea ceremony in Japan.
  63. Live out of a pack for an extended period of time (which we’re planning to do anyway!)
  64. Celebrate the Festival of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico
  65. Experience the Full Moon Party in Thailand.
Categories: Adventure, Africa, Airplanes, Alcohol, Animals, Asia, Asian Food, Australia, Backpacking, Beijing, Caves, Caving, China, Circumnavigation, Communication, Cuba, Disaster Relief, Donation, Drink, Explore, Family, Food, Fresh Food, Global Aid, Globetrotting, Hiking, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Latin America, Love, Mountains, National Geographic, Nature, Night Market, Outdoors, Parachute Cord, Paracord, Photography, Plants and Flowers, Random, Rock Climbing, Science, Seafood, Snorkeling, South America, Summer, Survival gear, Thailand, Tourist Site, Trails, Transportation, Travel, Uncategorized, Vietnam, Volunteer, Water | 2 Comments

24 Lesson’s I’ve Learned in 24 Years

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Top Knotch Gear
Today is my (Morgan’s) 24th birthday! And instead of writing a post about my favorite birthday memories (like the time when I turned 4 and I rejected my grandparents’ birthday presents because I ‘didn’t order them’ or the time when I turned 21, bar-hopped all evening and failed my chemistry final exam the next morning, having to retake chem in summer school), I made a list of 24 lessons I have learned in my 24 years of life. It’s quite a fun and rather insightful exercise if you’ve never done it before! So here goes:
  1. Things happen for a reason. These reasons may not become apparent for years but there are always reasons for everything.
  2. The human body is the most amazing machine in the world. The things it can do are absolutely incredible.
  3. Enjoy the first snow – even though it usually means 6 more months of winter in Michigan, the first snow is without a doubt, beautiful.
  4. Sometimes our best just isn’t good enough but it makes us stronger and more courageous when we have tried our hardest.
  5. Travel changes your world perspective forever and it continues to evolve during each trip you take.
  6. Having a pet gives an energy to a space that nothing else can fill.
  7. Drink water.
  8. Explore unfamiliar places.
  9. Karma really does exist – in my experience.
  10. Sunshine makes everything in life better and happier.
  11. Go snorkeling. The world under the water’s surface is exquisite and everyone should see it in their lifetimes.
  12. Being in love ROCKS.
  13. Every family is quirky and dysfunctional in their own way but that’s what makes them so special.
  14. Photographs are great ways to capture moments – never hesitate to snap the shutter.
  15. Don’t force your system of beliefs onto other people. The world is so unique because everything believes different things. Plus, it makes for more interesting conversations with others.
  16. Recycle everything.
  17. Stand up for what you believe in – even if you’re standing alone.
  18. Love unconditionally.
  19. “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t.” (Words of wisdom from my dad.)
  20. Communication makes life easier, less confusing and all around more enjoyable.
  21. Volunteer. Helping others in any capacity is awesome!
  22. Thai curry is one of the best foods on the planet.
  23. Travel light.
  24. There’s always next time…

Break dancing on a pier in Michigan. That's Lake Huron in the background.

Me (Morgan) at a football game my senior year in college - American football that is, not soccer.

Categories: Adventure, Animals, Asia, Backpacking, Circumnavigation, Communication, Disaster Relief, Donation, Family, Food, Global Aid, Globetrotting, Green Living, Hiking, Love, Nature, Outdoors, Packing, Pets, Photography, Random, Snorkeling, Sustainability, Thailand, Trails, Transportation, Travel, Uncategorized, Volunteer, Water | 2 Comments

New TKG Prayer Flag Bracelet

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Top Knotch Gear

Alex Lowe was an incredible mountaineer who was known for his stamina, humility and passion for adventure. He made numerous skiing and climbing first ascents on mountains around the around and even lead a rescue team up Mt. Denali to save a group of stranded climbers. In 1999, Alex was climbing in the Himalayas when he and his climbing buddies were caught in a massive, deadly avalanche.

The Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation (ALCF) was erected in Lowe’s honor to promote humanitarian programs in Nepal. The Khumbu Climbing School is an instructional program designed to teach Nepali climbers and high-altitude workers about safe climbing practices, wilderness first aid, proper knotting techniques and rope management.

Top Knotch Gear’s Prayer Flag bracelet was inspired by the Tibetan and Nepali prayer flags hung throughout the mountains that together, symbolize health and harmony. Similar to an Asian wish bracelet, when you receive your bracelet, you make a wish – if the knots unravel, your wish will come true. Each bracelet has adjustable paracord ‘beads’ and a one-size-fits-most adjustable knot/loop closure.

$2 from each Prayer Flag bracelet sale will be donated to the Khumbu Climbing School in Nepal. Help others safely enjoy the spirit of adventure as much as we do!

For more information about the Khumbu Climbing School and the ALCF, see the resources below:
http://www.alexlowe.org/index.shtml

Our new Prayer Flag bracelet for the Khumbu Climbing School in Nepal!

Each color symbolizes the different elements and together they make harmony.

The paracord 'beads' are adjustable so you can keep them pushed together or spread them out as you like.

$2 USD from every Prayer Flag bracelet sale goes to the Khumbu Climbing School. Buy a bracelet and help a sherpa learn safe climbing practices!

For those who have never seen Tibetan Prayer Flags before

Categories: Adventure, Asia, Backpacking, Benefit, Donation, Global Aid, Globetrotting, Hiking, Mountains, Nature, Outdoors, Parachute Cord, Paracord, Random, Rock Climbing, Survival gear, Trails, Travel | Leave a comment

Help Support Japan Today!

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Top Knotch Gear

Click the image to be taken directly to the TKG online store where you will find the Japan Disaster Relief gear. Remember, ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE JAPAN GEAR ARE DONATED. Thank you for supporting Japan!

Categories: Adventure, American Red Cross, Asia, Backpacking, Benefit, Circumnavigation, Disaster Relief, Donation, Earthquake, Global Aid, Globetrotting, Japan, Mountains, Nature, Outdoors, Random, Travel, Tsunami | Leave a comment

Japan Gear Available Through April! 100% Proceeds Donated!

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Top Knotch Gear

In light of yesterday’s 7.1 magnitude earthquake/aftershock in northeast Japan, we will resume our Japan Disaster Relief gear fundraiser, making another donation to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami disaster relief efforts at the end of April. Please check out our Etsy store to purchase gear. 100% OF THE PROCEEDS ARE DONATED!!! It’ll be tough to beat the $3,717 we raised in two weeks last month, but we’re willing to give it a shot and we’d love your help. Custom orders are welcome!

Thank you for supporting Japan!

 

Safe travels,

September & Morgan – Top Knotch Gear

Japan Disaster Relief bracelet (paracord)

Japan Disaster Relief key chain set (paracord)

Categories: Adventure, American Red Cross, Asia, Backpacking, Benefit, Circumnavigation, Disaster Relief, Donation, Earthquake, Global Aid, Globetrotting, Hiking, Japan, Mountains, Nature, Outdoors, Random, Travel, Tsunami | Leave a comment

The Donations are Totaled!

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Top Knotch Gear

Top Knotch Gear has raised $3,717 (USD) in our Japan Disaster Relief gear to donate to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami disaster relief efforts!

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has supported Japan through TKG! Thank you for your generous support of our paracord bracelets and key chain sets. The people of Japan desperately need our help during this devastating time, so we are thrilled that everyone around the world has come together to support them. We’re truly overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

 

Much love,

September & Morgan

Categories: Adventure, American Red Cross, Backpacking, Benefit, Circumnavigation, Disaster Relief, Donation, Earthquake, Global Aid, Globetrotting, Hiking, Japan, Mountains, Nature, Outdoors, Random, Travel, Tsunami | Leave a comment

POOF! 1,000 Feet of Paracord GONE!

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Top Knotch Gear

Remember that 1,000ft spool of white paracord we posted pictures of a week ago? WE FINISHED IT! We used all 1,000 feet (and then some) to make hundreds of orders for our Japan Disaster Relief gear – bracelets and key chains! We haven’t totaled the numbers yet but we’re guessing that our donation to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami disaster relief efforts will be close to $3,500 dollars – all from the last 2 weeks!

Don’t forget to place your orders SOON! The last day to order your Japan gear is TOMORROW – MARCH 31ST – AT MIDNIGHT! If you haven’t done so already, please consider purchasing one of our disaster relief paracord bracelets or key chain sets because ALL SALES, 100%, go to the American Red Cross to help Japan during this devastating time of need. Be part of something greater than yourself!

Thanks for your support!
Morgan & September – Top Knotch Gear

What used to be a 1,000-foot spool of white paracord. ALL GONE!

Lots of orders for our Japan Disaster Relief paracord bracelets!

Categories: Adventure, American Red Cross, Backpacking, Benefit, Circumnavigation, Disaster Relief, Donation, Earthquake, Global Aid, Globetrotting, Hiking, Japan, Mountains, Nature, Outdoors, Travel, Tsunami | Leave a comment

Orders from 44 of the 50 States!

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Top Knotch Gear

TKG has received orders from 44 of the 50 U.S. States for the Japan Disaster Relief gear. And many orders from Canada too!

For those of you in Montana, Wyoming, Kentucky, Vermont, Delaware and South Dakota, check out our store for your very own Japan Disaster Relief Gear! http://www.topknotch.etsy.com – all proceeds from the Japan gear is donated to the American Red Cross for disaster relief efforts!

Categories: Adventure, American Red Cross, Backpacking, Benefit, Circumnavigation, Disaster Relief, Donation, Earthquake, Global Aid, Globetrotting, Hiking, Japan, Nature, Outdoors, Trails, Travel, Tsunami | 1 Comment

The Michigan Difference

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Top Knotch Gear

I just love this school – my alma mater.

If you’re unfamiliar with the University of Michigan, this is the Rock. A huge rock at the corner of Hill and Washtenaw, covered in layers and layers of paint from students over the years. It’s a UM tradition that every student paints at least once during his or her undergraduate career. The University of Michigan is known for its dedication to service around the world – be in in health, technology, the Peace Corps, everything. Painting the rock with ‘Pray for Japan’ serves as a reminder that we are in this together, that even from afar, people of all countries can come together to support each other, and Japan, during times of need.

The Rock - Photo courtesy of the University of Michigan

This is the Michigan difference. GO BLUE!

Categories: Adventure, American Red Cross, Backpacking, Benefit, Circumnavigation, Disaster Relief, Donation, Earthquake, Global Aid, Globetrotting, Japan, Mountains, Nature, Outdoors, Travel, Tsunami | 1 Comment

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