7 Super Cool Hobbies That Require Zero Skills

Coloring Pencils and Book

If you have ever wished you had a hobby but you know you’re too lazy to pursue one, this is your lucky day. While a two-week intensive course on beekeeping or private guitar lessons sound super fun (and you’d probably look amazing busting out the guitar solo from “Free Bird” in full protective bee gear), we’re betting those things are pretty pricey and require some natural ability, like, say, manual dexterity or a non-fear of bees (which is totes a skill). So let’s lower the bar just a tad and consider one of these easy and cheap hobbies. Ebates has everything you need to get into some majorly cool hobbies while you rack up some Cash Back.

Meditation and Relaxation

Meditation: If you can sit still and listen quietly to your own breath, you can meditate. Treat stress and get in touch with your body with only a few minutes of meditation a day. Up the ante by increasing your meditation time gradually and you’ll find your center in less time than you think. To help you get started, search for free meditation apps on your phone. Some provide calming sounds or voice direction to help you melt into your meditation practice.

Cat Coloring BookColoring: Coloring in adult coloring books, like this adorable one featuring calming cats, is another hobby for the overly stressed. All the hard work of illustrating is done for you, leaving you free to create with color and even tape it to the fridge if you do a gold-star job.

Podcasts on iPhonePodcasts: Now you can finally know what the heck all your friends have been talking about. Download podcasts for your car commute or morning train ride on any subject you choose. Go for popular podcasts like This American Life and Modern Love, or find top podcasts on special interests like history, pop culture, comedy and more.

REI Hiking BootsHiking: You don’t have to be an Eagle Scout to get into exploring local trails and landscapes. Hiking is for everyone, and all you need is a map and a good pair of boots like these Danner cascade boots from REI. REI also has a great blog and buyer’s guide so you can find the perfect footwear for your next trek.

Wooden Picture Frame

Upcycling: Even if you’ve never crafted or taken on a DIY project in your life, upcycling is as easy as it gets. Take the things you no longer use and give them new life with just a few supplies you can get at crafts stores like Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabric. To get you started, seek some inspiration from top blogs such as Upcycle That and ReFashionista.

Calligraphy Set

Calligraphy: In this digital age, you can easily stand apart from the pack by mastering the thank-you note and spiffing them up with some calligraphy. It’s easy to learn and incredibly calming. This starter kit from Etsy will provide everything you need to get scrawling in style.

Surfing the Internet

Blogging: Got some daily musings or rantings to share with the world? Build your own creative space while keeping your writing skills sharp by starting your own blog. WordPress has free blog templates, or you can create your own custom website with GoDaddy. Their site builder is easy to use, and web hosting is affordable for any budget.

Which of these hobbies piques your interest? Let us know with a comment below!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Gear and Gadgets for Men Who Love the Outdoors

gear and gadgets for menFather’s Day is right around the corner! Conveniently for you, it’s also the perfect time of year for sending dads or your other special guys out into the great outdoors with cool gadgets and outdoor gear from their favorite sporting goods stores. Whether you’re in search of electronic gadgets, outdoor gear or tech gifts for men, check out this handy list of awesome gift ideas that will help power outdoor adventures for years to come. Get ready to save a bundle with Cash Back from Ebates with any of these products. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for extra perks, like an early Father’s Day promo code, to stretch your tech and gadget gifts budget even further!

Asolo Men’s TPS 520 GV Anniversary Boot

Asolo Men's TPS 520 GV Anniversary BootThese 5-star hiking boots will have your favorite hiker heading off to the trail with top-of-the-line comfort and support for his feet.

SHADOW 40+10 Backpack

SHADOW 40+10 neon green backpackA versatile hiking backpack like this one from The North Face is an essential piece of outdoor gear for any backcountry-loving hiker.

Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Quadricopter

Parrot - AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Quadricopter

Shopping for cool gifts for your favorite guy? At the top of every man’s gadgets wish list right now is a drone. Add the ability to capture stunning aerial photos from mountaintops or waterfalls with a lightweight drone like this one.

Patagonia Men’s Piton Hybrid Hoodie

Patagonia Men's Piton Hybrid HoodyHaving the right outdoor clothing with you when you head off into the wilderness is a big part of what will make the trek a success. Check out this incredible wind blocking hoodie, available with Cash Back from Ebates online at Patagonia.

Eureka K2 XT Tent

SHADOW 40+10 yellow tentPerfect for both summer and winter camping, this top-rated high-tech tent, made by Eureka will seriously up anyone’s camping game.

MSR Miniworks EX Water Filter

MSR Miniworks EX Water FilterBringing along a water filter is a great way to both cut back on the weight of your pack and make sure you can get clean water if you run out. This water filter makes a perfect outdoor gear gift for any guy.

Therm-a-Rest Self-Inflating Mattress

Therm-a-Rest Self-Inflating MattressA great sleeping pad can make a big difference in how much one enjoys an overnight camping trip. This lightweight sleeping mat from self-inflates and is an all around awesome outdoor gear gift.

Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Watch

Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS WatchLooking for outdoorsy geek toys or cool tech gifts for men? This Garmin GPS wearable comes from a family of durable tech that specializes in building cool gadgets for men that will help any dude track his steps, elevation and activity levels on and off the trail.

 

 

The Essential Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

Traveler looks at the sea bay. VietnamSpring is here and it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the great outdoors. Packing for hiking and camping is a great way to get excited about the adventure ahead, but there’s definitely a delicate balance between making sure you have all the essentials and not weighing yourself down. Learning how to pack light is a combination of know-how and having the right gear. So before you hit the trails, take a peek at this ultimate ultralight backpacking checklist from your friends at Ebates. Whether you are a veteran hiker or new to the trails, here’s a useful checklist that will help save your back and some money when it comes to packing for your next hiking adventure.

Get the Right Pack for Your Body and Your Trip

GREGORY Z55 INTERNAL FRAME PACKAt the top of our backpacking list is the perfect pack. Having the right pack can make or break your hike before you even hit the trail. If your backpack doesn’t fit well, packing ultralight won’t matter because you’ll be struggling to get a comfortable fit with your pack the whole hike. Finding the right pack size is easy if you shop online at stores like Campmor where you’ll get Cash Back at Ebates. Check out awesome brands like Gregory for a variety of sizes to find your perfect fit in the ultralight backpack of your dreams, like this one featured above.

Picking and Packing Your Home Away From HomeVaude Hogan Ultralight 2 Person Tent

When it comes to deciding which tent to bring along on your ultralight backpacking trip, less is more. Long gone are the days of heavy tents and poles. The era of ultralight protection from the elements is here! Big tents have their time and place, but you’ll seriously regret lugging them along for an extended hike. Check online and in-store at Moosejaw for their stellar selection of ultralight tents like this one from Vaude and don’t forget to head to Ebates first to look for a lightweight tent promo code.

NRS Ultralight Wing Shelter for campingNeed more space? Consider skipping the poles and take shelter in a wing like this one from NRS (found at Eastern Mountain Sports) weighing in at only 368 ounces and providing 130 square feet of cover!

Camping Cuisine

Woman camping and cooking with portable gas stoveThe trail mix of yesteryear has gotten a serious upgrade thanks to the modern day interest in ultralight backpacking. Packing a full range of tasty meals for your hiking trip has never been so easy or so lightweight! Want to stock up or prep for a longer trip? REI offers a freeze-dried foods promo code if you buy eight or more, which means you can get the food you need to travel light while saving some dough. Make sure you pack at least one full extra day of food in case of an emergency and you’re good to go!

Water Filters & Purification Tools

Sawyer Complete Water Filter SystemIf you plan on a long hike off the beaten path, having access to clean water is going to be critical. While the babbling brooks out in nature are beautiful, the water isn’t necessarily safe to drink. Packing water filters or some means of purification can extend the length and range of your hiking adventure. REI has a number of incredible options that are great for keeping your pack ultralight, like this Sawyer Water System.

Pack Clothing That Can Layer

Nordic walking couple with jackets and polesThis one may seem like a no brainer, but put some serious thought into both the clothes you pack and those you’re wearing when you set off on your trek. Trying to strike the right balance between over-packing and not being well prepared can be tough but it’s essential for ultralight backpacking. Try packing layers that will wick away sweat but still keep you protected from the rain and sun. Looking for the perfect lightweight layers? Columbia’s online shop has an awesome selection of ultralight hiking clothing layers for both men and women, plus you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates. Make sure to keep an eye out for a lightweight hiking apparel promo code and your pack will be lighter and your wallet a little fatter!