Hello, I’m Ryan
Not the Average Bear was created for those of us who don’t fit into things made for normal people. Big and Tall comes in many different forms and finding something that is one size fit all for us is a complete joke. Enjoy
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Choosing a Bicycle
Riding a bicycle is a great way to get some exercise, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money on transportation. But in order to get the most out of your cycling experience, it’s important to have a bicycle that fits properly. A poorly fitting bike can lead to discomfort, injury, and even accidents, making it less likely that you’ll want to continue riding. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why having a properly fitting bicycle is so important, and what you can do to ensure that your bike is the right size for you.
Comfort is Key
One of the most obvious reasons to have a properly fitting bike is that it will be more comfortable to ride. If your bike is too small or too large, you may experience pain or discomfort in your hands, feet, back, or other parts of your body. This can make cycling a less enjoyable experience, and may even discourage you from continuing to ride. A bike that is the right size for you, on the other hand, will be more comfortable to ride, allowing you to enjoy the experience and stay motivated.
Safety First
Another important reason to have a properly fitting bike is that it will be easier to control. If your bike is too small or too large, you may have difficulty reaching the handlebars or pedals, which can make it harder to steer or brake. This can increase the risk of accidents or falls, making cycling less safe. A properly fitting bike, on the other hand, will be easier to control, reducing the risk of accidents and making cycling a safer activity.
Efficiency is the key
A bike that fits well will also allow you to use your muscles more efficiently. If your bike is too small or too large, you may have to work harder to maintain your balance or pedal, which can lead to fatigue. A properly fitting bike, on the other hand, will allow you to use your muscles more efficiently, resulting in less fatigue and greater power and speed. This can make cycling a more enjoyable experience and can also help you to improve your fitness level over time.
Injury Prevention
A bike that is too small or too large can also lead to improper riding posture, which can result in injuries such as knee pain or back problems. A properly fitting bike will allow you to maintain a more natural riding position, reducing the risk of injury and helping you to stay healthy and active.
Enjoyment
Lastly, a bike that fits well will be more enjoyable to ride, making it more likely that you’ll continue to cycle in the long term. If your bike is uncomfortable or difficult to control, you may be less likely to want to ride, which can make it harder to maintain your fitness level or achieve your cycling goals. A properly fitting bike, on the other hand, will be more enjoyable to ride, making it more likely that you’ll continue to cycle for years to come.
In conclusion, it is important to have a bike that fits properly to ensure that you are comfortable, safe, efficient, injury-free and enjoy your cycling experience. Properly fitting bike will make you more likely to continue cycling in the long term and achieve your goals. So, when you’re looking to buy a new bike, make sure you take the time to find one that fits you properly.
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Kayaks for Big People
Kayaks for big people, also known as heavy-duty or oversized kayaks, are designed to accommodate individuals who are larger or heavier than the average person. These kayaks typically have a higher weight capacity and a larger cockpit to provide added comfort and support.
Some features that are often found in kayaks for big people include:
- A wider and longer cockpit that can accommodate larger individuals
- A higher weight capacity that can support more weight
- A more stable design to provide better balance and support
- A thicker and more durable material that can withstand more weight
- Adjustable footrests and seat to accommodate different body sizes
- A larger storage area for extra gear
It’s important to consider the weight capacity of the kayak, the width and length of the cockpit, and the materials used when looking for a kayak for big people. Some manufacturers may also have specific “big and tall” or “heavy-duty” lines of kayaks that are specifically designed to accommodate larger individuals.
It’s also important to check the product reviews and ratings before making a purchase to ensure that the kayak you’re considering can support your weight and size comfortably. It’s also a good idea to try different models and types of kayaks, such as sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks, to see which one is more comfortable for you.
It’s also important to note that your skill level and the type of water you’ll be paddling in will also play a role in the kayak you choose. A professional guidance and a test paddling before buying can help you to make the best decision, but sometimes those can be tough to get so we have listed below some of the best kayaks for big people.
The A.T.A.K. 140 by Wilderness Systems is a high-performance kayak that is designed for anglers and adventurers. It is 14 feet long and has a maximum capacity of 550 pounds, making it a great option for larger individuals or those who need to carry a lot of gear. The kayak is made with a durable, high-density polyethylene material that is both strong and lightweight.
One of the standout features of the A.T.A.K. 140 is its unique design, which includes a wide, stable platform and a low-profile deck. This makes it easy to maneuver and gives the kayaker a great deal of control. Additionally, the kayak has a number of built-in features such as rod holders, a large hatch for storage, and a comfortable seat that can be adjusted for different body types.
Overall, the A.T.A.K. 140 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance kayak that is perfect for fishing and adventure. It is built to last and provides the perfect combination of stability, maneuverability, and storage space. Highly recommend it.
Specifications:
- Length: 14’1″ / 430 CM
- Width: 34″ / 86 CM
- Weight: 86 LBS / 39 KG
- Max Capacity: 550 LBS / 250 KG
- Deck Height: 15.5″ / 39 CM
The BKC RA220 11.5-foot Solo Sit on Top Angler Fishing Kayak is a great option for bigger and taller individuals who are looking for a comfortable and stable fishing kayak. At 11.5 feet long, it is large enough to provide ample room for bigger and taller people and it has a maximum weight capacity of 550 pounds.
One of the standout features of this kayak is its upright aluminum seat, which provides a comfortable and secure seating position for bigger and taller people. The kayak also comes with a paddle and foot-controlled rudder which makes it easy to maneuver and control.
The kayak’s design is well-suited for fishing, with a number of built-in features such as rod holders, multiple storage compartments, and a large hatch for storing gear. Additionally, the kayak is made with durable and UV-resistant material that is built to last.
Overall, the BKC RA220 11.5-foot Solo Sit on Top Angler Fishing Kayak is an excellent option for bigger and taller individuals who are looking for a comfortable, stable, and well-equipped fishing kayak. It is built to last and provides the perfect combination of stability, maneuverability, and storage space, providing a comfortable and secure experience on the water for bigger and taller people. It also comes with a paddle and rudder which is a great addition.
Specifications:
- Length: 11 feet 6 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Height: 14.25 inches
- Dry weight: 68 pounds
- Weight capacity: 550 pounds
- Seating capacity: one person
- Construction Type/Hull Material: Roto Molded single piece/High Density Polyethylene HDPE
- Warranty: 5 Year Hull 1 Year parts
- Includes: 1 seat, 1 paddle, foot powered rudder system, 4 handles, 3 hatches, 3 rod holders, 8 scupper plugs, 1 drain plug, 1 bungee tie down
Specification:
Color Photic Activity Recreation Style Sit-Inside Number of Paddlers 1 Propulsion Paddle Material Three Layer Polyethylene Seat Type Active Comfort System 2.0 (ACS2) Total Weight 450 lb | 204.12 kg Usable Weight 391 lb | 177.36 kg Assembled Boat 59 lb | 26.7624 kg Length 12 ft 6 in | 3.8 m Width 31 in | 78.7 cm Cockpit 56 in x 23 in | 142.2 cm x 58.4 cm 
Specifications:
LENGTH: 13′ 6″
WIDTH: 34″
WEIGHT: 107 lbs (seat not included)
CAPACITY: 500 lbs
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Safety Vest Big and Tall Workers
Winter is fast approaching and here in Texas, it is time to start looking for good winter gear. I have picked out what I think are the best safety jackets to have to keep you warm during the winter.
Pioneer Hi-Vis Waterproof 2-in-1 Safety Bomber Jacket – Class 3 StarTech Reflective Tape – Removable Inner Fleece Liner – Detachable Hood (5209U)
This is a 2-in-1 jacket that is waterproof for those cold rainy days where staying warm AND dry is essential. This jacket has a detachable hood that can be removed to stay out of the way when you don’t need it. It is also rated as a Class 3 safety vest so you are covered for almost all job sites (residential, commercial, and civil).
- Designed to keep you safe, dry, and warm in the toughest job conditions. StarTech reflective tape and high-viz yellow/green shell provide excellent visibility. The jacket has a polyurethane-coated oxford polyester shell making it 100% waterproof and windproof
- Used in rain or snow conditions; Dangerous settings where visibility is the highest priority, including EMS, construction, and traffic control
- Heavy-duty jacket has a detachable snap hood with conceal pouch, and a removable inner fleece liner for flexible layering options; Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, featuring a fleece-lined collar, elastic-ribbed wrist cuffs, and waist, black bottom to conceal soiling, 2 radiophone clip straps, inner embroidery access zipper, full front zipper, as well as 4 pockets – 2 large front zipper pockets, 1 cell phone pocket, and 1 inside chest pocket
- Meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 3 Type P and R requirements
Ergodyne Mens Hi-vis – Class 3 Hi Vis Thermal Parka Quilted, Lime, 4X-Large US
This jacket is great for a really cold day. I personally own this jacket and have worn it on highway projects where it is cold and windy. This jacket kept me very, very warm. It is a 3/4 length jacket so it gives you some extra length which comes in handy for us big guys who get tired of jackets riding up when we bend over. It has a waist cord to pull the jacket tight on really cold days and it is thermal quilted. The hood does not detach but there is a pocket to hide the hood when you don’t need it. Also, it is Class 3 rated. Great jacket for those really cold days.
- 100% Polyester
- WIND + WATER RESISTANT – 300D oxford outer shell + PU coating resists wind and water to keep you dry
- 160g INSULATION – Body and sleeves are lined with 160g thermal quilted insulation for warmth without the extra bulk
- TYPE R, CLASS 3 – 2″ ANSI-compliant reflective material for night-time conspicuity
- INTERNAL WAIST CORD – Cinches tight to keep out the cold
- POCKETS + ACCESSORIES – Cell phone chest pocket, dual-slot pen pocket on arm, and dual-mic tabs for clipping radios
- DIRT HIDING PANELS – Black panels on the sleeves and front of the jacket to hide dirt and wear
- INSET HOOD – With drawstring and stoppers
VENDACE Hi Vis Safety Reflective Sweatshirt for Men ANSI Class 3 High Visibility Fleece 1/4 Zipper Jacket No Hood (Yellow,4XL)
For your cooler day, the reflective fleece pullover is just enough to take the chill out of those cold days outside or in a chili new building. It is 100% polyester with a fleece lining. It is only a quarter zip up to don’t get this as a replacement for a light jacket. It has 2-inch reflective stamping with enough reflective covering to quantify as a Type 3 standard.
- 100% polyester, fleece lining
- Hi-vis sweatshirts for men and women, is 100% polyester fabric, have no hood, fleece lining, warm and breathable.
- Safety sweatshirts include a pullover with a quarter zip stand-up collar and a pocket on the left chest with a zipper. It looks cool. Hand-warmer pockets increase comfort and warmth. Threaded cuffs and hem can prevent wind from entering.
- High visibility jackets adopt stripe stamping design, 2-inch wide silver reflective stripes surround 360°to protect your safety in low light conditions. Meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Class 3 standard.
- Yellow/Orange safety jacket reflective for Construction workers, Security, Survey crews, Surveyors, Contractors, Traffic, Demolition, Emergency, First responder, Landscaping, Paving, Police, Railroad, Cycling, Hunting, Running, Jogging, Bike, Bicycle, Motorcycle, Sanitation, Volunteering.
JORESTECH Safety Rain Jacket Waterproof Reflective High Visibility with Interior Mesh Yellow/Lime ANSI Class 3 Level 2 Type R JK-03 (4XL)
In the south, especially in Texas, it is not only cold but someday it is just wet. There are few things more unfortunate than to be wet on the project. On the cooler days in the fall and winter months.
This is a great high-vis rain jacket. This is not like the heavy jacket mentioned earlier but it is a lighter jacket made to keep you warm on the cooler, rainy days out on the job site. This jacket is meeting the Class 3 ANSI safety standards
- Meets stringent ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Class 3 level 2 standards, used where personal visibility is the highest priority, or in conditions where visibility is heavily compromised
- Made with a high-performance blend of waterproof and wind resistant Polyurethane coating on a 150D Polyester outer shell, and a Polyester inner mesh liner
- Taped sealed seams for added rain protection
- Zipper closure with storm flap and snap buttons
- Adjustable face aperture for additional face shielding and protection
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Work Boots for Big Feet
This one hit really close to home for me. I work in construction and having a good pair (or two) of work boots is essential to a good day at work. For the sake of this blog post, I will be talking about boots that go up to at least a size 16. I have started to see that more and more companies are starting to carry up to a size 15 but once you get to anything bigger it becomes harder and harder to find. People with a size 16 or larger typically get to pick from one or two styles and the more regulations the company has the few choices you get.
So here are some of the best work boots for people with big feet.
I am a big fan of Red Wing boots. I have owned a pair since I was about 14 years old. I found a couple of boots that are super comfortable and ended up getting two pairs. I rotate out the pairs so that the leather has time to breathe and it extends the life of your boots.
My preferred Red Wing boot is actually an offshoot of Red Wing called Irish Setter. Irish Setter focuses on outdoor hunting and fishing gear. Their Marshal style is what I have at a size 16 D
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The second choice and still sticking with Red Wing but changing direction to a lace-up style is the Burnside. It covers the ankle and is 6 inches high so it does not come up as high as a cowboy-style boot but with the laces, it can actually give you more support.
Another option is the Carolina 8 Inch Logger boot. It offers more height and support than a 6-inch lace-up boot but it can be a little much for those of us on the bigger side of big and tall. If you work in a job that requires a lot of walking and movement over and around uneven terrain then this might be the boot for you.
Finally, rounding out the top 4 is the Keen Utility Detroit XT Mid ST WP Brown. This work boot is designed to fit more like a hiking boot. It does not offer as much support as the 6 or 8-inch styles mentioned before but for a job in manufacturing or certain types of construction, this could be a very comfortable and functional boot.
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Top 4 Paddleboards for Big People
Summer is fast approaching and if you are like me then you know that the best way to enjoy the summer is to spend it in the water. There are plenty of ways to have fun in the water like boating, kayaking, swimming and paddleboarding. Some of these recreational items can be difficult for big people to enjoy because not everything is made for us. Paddleboarding is a great example. Typically if you were to go and rent a paddleboard at a beach it will not be sturdy enough to support your weight. In order to get the best experience you need to get an actual paddle board that is designed for you. I have made a list of the top paddle boards for big people. The criteria to get on the list is that the board has to be able to hold at least 300 lbs.
Here are some key things to look for when you are purchasing a paddle board.
How much weight can it hold.
What is the width of the board. Width equal stability and with stability means not falling off and not falling off means not having to try to climb back on.
Cost
Accessories
The first one on the list is the Atoll Stand Up Paddle Board.(link). The is board has been water tested up to 550 lbs. and is recommended for riders up to 315 lbs. It is a very durable ISUP with reinforcement on the sidewall and seam durability. It has a sleek design and comes in 4 various color (Army Green, Light Blue, Desert Sand, and Aquamarine. The Atoll paddle board comes with 15 D rings so you have plenty of room to pack your gear, a 10ft leash, black carbon fiber glass paddle with nylon blades. It also comes with a dual action high pressure pump that makes pumping up your board super easy.
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs but recommended up to 315 lbs
- Board Weight: 21 lbs
- Length: 11 Feet
- Width: 32 Inches
- Thickness: 6 Inches
TOWER Touring Paddle Board – Xplorer 14’ ISUP
This thing is designed to be fast and slick. At 14’ long it is one of the longest paddeboard on the market. It is rated up to 700lbs but is most likely able to function at 500 lbs. It lacks the storge D rings but makes up for it because it is designed to be fast.
Specification
- Weight Capacity: up to 700 lbs
- Board Weight: 42 lbs
- Length: 14 inches
- Width: 32 inches
- Thickness: 8 inches
Weekender Crew Multi-Person Inflatable Paddle Board
This one is a little different in that it is marketed as a multi person paddle board but the weight limit it easily makes the list. This paddle board is made for hanging out and goofing around. It is not as streamlined as the others in this review but makes up for the difference by its width can carrying capacity.
Specs: 12 ft
- Weight Capacity: 500lbs
- Board Weight: 34lbs
- Length: 12 Feet
- Width: 45 Inches
- Thickness: 8 Inches
Specs: 16 ft
- Weight Capacity: 1200lbs
- Board Weight: 34lbs
- Length: 16 Feet
- Width: 52 Inches
- Thickness: 8 Inches
Driftsun Okra 12 Gear Vessel Inflatable Multi Person Paddleboard
Here is another multi person paddleboad. It has a really good weight capacity. It is a little wider than your average single person paddle board but for a big and tall person this can add to greater stability and a traditional sized paddle board. It comes in two colors and also has two pumps.
Specifications:
- Weight Capacity: 550lbs
- Board Weight: 35lbs
- Length: 12 Feet
- Width: 42 Inches
- Thickness: 8 Inches
About Me
Since I was in junior high I can remember going to Casual Male, one of the few big and tall stores and for most of my life, I have been living my life extra large. I started this blog as a resource for myself and others who want the most out of life but cant just go buy something off the shelf.
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