Buying gifts for the outdoor enthusiast is damn near impossible. Your hiking/camping/cycling outdoorsy friends are often serious gear heads, meticulously poring over reviews, guides, and the perennial wisdom of ounce-counting, basement-dwelling Reddit users to find the exact right thing.
Don’t stress over trying to pick that exact right thing yourself. The chances of you figuring it out and getting it for them as a gift is exactly zero. That doesn’t mean you should punt and buy an REI gift card, though (although they might like that). Instead, get them something they totally didn’t expect—one of these fun, but useful, sometimes whimsical, things that are almost guaranteed to not only delight them but actually get used outdoors.
And what about you? While you’re here, don’t you need to replace your sleeping pad? Don’t forget to check out the rest of our buying guides, including our Best Sleeping Bags guide, our Best Barefoot Shoes guide, and our Best Merino Wool guide.
Updated December 2024: We’ve added Campfire coffee, a Motor City ax, and a Butcher Box subscription.
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Life as a WIRED Gear writer comes with certain demands. Many of us are into outdoor activities, like climbing, running, skiing, camping, or biking. But these sports are expensive, and you need specialized clothing in order to not freeze to death. That’s not including all the time we spend shuffling boxes around and forcing our spouses to help us unbox TVs and move around treadmills and pizza ovens. It’s a rough life, but someone
Do you, too, want people to look at you and think, “That person spends most of their time swinging kettle bells and watching videos of self-driving cars?” Thanks to Cyber Monday, you can. Here are the best deals on our favorite fashion finds that also keep us warm and dry while traipsing around outside.
WIRED Featured Deals
WIRED’s Cyber Monday 2024 Coverage
Jacket Deals
This is WIRED editor Adrienne So’s favorite running rain jacket. Even though it has a 10.2K waterproof rating, the fabric is still stretchy, soft, and breathable, while the cut is trim and tidy. WIRED editor Adrienne So says she wore it for several hours while running in the rain and water continued to bead up on the service without getting uncomfortably clammy underneath. If you get hot, you can also open the mesh pockets to vent it. We also like that it comes in bright colors (for high visibility) and has reflective detailing.
If you enjoy hiking, look no further than the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket. It’s not only lighter and thinner, but it also comes equipped with a new PFAS-free Gore-Tex expanded polyethylene (ePE) membrane to keep wind and rain out while also letting sweat vapor escape. In addition to the ePE membrane, there’s a soft backer fabric, recycled nylon face fabric, and a C0 DWR coating (which refers to the total absence of harmful fluorocarbons. Arc’teryx is currently holding a 30 percent off sale on its website.
We don’t suggest the Teca Fleece for subzero temperatures, but it’ll do the trick if you live in an area where you can get away with skipping a puffer coat. It’s thin and breathable but still leaves room for additional layers. Meanwhile, the flexible material won’t make you feel constricted. The colorblocking design adds a nice, retro touch too.
This is a great mid-weight jacket that you can layer under a rain jacket or over a tank top. Made of 100 percent merino wool, it’s dense but also soft. It will easily help to keep you warm when the temperature dips during the upcoming winter season. It also looks super sleek and comes in some nice colors. Be sure to use the code “ADVENTUREINCLUDED” to see the discount at checkout.
Shirt Deals
Made of 62 percent viscose from bamboo, the Ultra-Soft Hoodie lives up to its name. The refined wrist cuffs and drawstrings offer a put-together vibe, perfect for transitioning from office casual to a gym session without having to pack an extra hoodie. Cozy Earth Hoodies fit true to size, so I would size up if you’re looking for an oversized look.—Boutayna Chokrane
The TikTok-viral hoodie is on sale and selling—fast. Editor Adrienne So loves the delicate stitching and fluffiness. It runs small, so I’d recommend going up one size for a standard fit, or two sizes for a baggy, Gen Z-approved aesthetic. The Cozy Fleece Mega Sweatpant is also on sale for $60 ($10 off) if you’re looking to snag a matching set.—Boutayna Chokrane
This hoodie does have a sporty look to it, but it’s not so tight that you can’t layer underneath it. In addition to a hood, it also has thumb loops and a zippable tall neck. While it’s best for the winter, it’s also ideal for other activities like biking or doing yard work when it’s slightly cooler outside. Make sure to use the code “ADVENTUREINCLUDED” to see the discount at checkout.
I have been running for miles every day to escape my family (haha, just kidding, I love you!) and I realize I need more merino wool base layers if I’m not going to do laundry every day. This is our favorite base layer, with heavy-duty seams that won’t rub if you wear it under a pack. I layer this under the running jacket above on sub-30 degree days.
We recommend this hoodie for those who want an oversized fit with structure. The Popflex Cloud has a nice weight to it but, as WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell puts it, “doesn’t make [her] look like a marshmallow looking for a campfire.” The waist gathers nicely, while the drop shoulders and large hood drape over your body but still retain its form and structure. It looks good with leggings, well-fitting jeans, and comes in a bunch of great colors.
Pant Deals
These SpanxShape Booty Boost Leggings will be featured in our soon-to-be-published guide to the best leggings. The Booty Boost leggings are a fan favorite for their built-in bum lift, but I’m more impressed by the seamless design and quick-dry fabric that make them ideal for my spin and hot Pilates classes. They’re also squat proof, and if you prefer longer leggings for the wintertime, the full-length version is also half off for $49. Actually, the entire Booty Boost collection is 50 percent off for Cyber Monday: the flare pant, the flare jumpsuit, the bike short 5″, and more. (BTW, make sure you size up—Spanx are tight.) —Boutayna Chokrane
The Gym People High Waist Yoga Leggings
I bought these leggings when I started going to the gym because I love Lululemon but my budget does not. They’re great. The pockets are deep and hold my phone securely while I’m dying on the StairMaster, and the waistline doesn’t roll down. The leggings hold their shape all day. I did get a hole on the back of one of my pairs, but I think it was due to user error (also known as long press-on nails). They’re available in a bunch of fun colors and there are matching longline bras (also discounted and great) that make me feel more put together at the gym without costing a fortune in the process. Right now you could get a whole outfit for $37 instead of $57, which is a very good deal indeed.—Louryn Strampe
These are our go-to pants for those who are perpetually cold. They’re great for various cold-weather activities but the soft, relaxed fit still looks fashionable. They’re made from recycled polyester, insulated with Primaloft, come with an elasticized waist, and have drawstring cuffs at the bottom of the legs in case they’re too long on you. For the complete look, you can pair it with a matching Payette Pullover—it’s also on sale for $142 ($47 off).
These hold the title of “The Perfect Pant” in our guide to Best Climbing Gear. They’re made of 100 percent organic cotton, so they’re very hard-wearing and feel super comfortable thanks to the elasticated waist and diamond-shaped crotch gusset. Pro tip: The women’s and men’s versions are basically the same, so if you’re a woman, buy the men’s pants a size smaller.—Adrienne So
Underwear and Shoe Deals
This is the best bra in our guide to merino wool, and I love it enough that I raved about it. Branwyn is currently 25 percent off sitewide. It makes no sense to wear all-organic everything for your sweaters, jeans, and jackets, while keeping possibly toxic dyes or materials on the garments that are closest to your skin. These are sturdy enough to work as a swimsuit on hiking or camping trips when I must simply dive into the water (sometimes it’s on accident).
Everything at Rothy’s is 30 percent off, and the company is also holding a sale on Amazon. Rothys shoes are pretty unique—they’re knit from recycled plastic water bottles. Not only are they keeping plastic out of the landfills, the shoes themselves are also durable and washable. The company also has a recycling program so you can turn in your worn out shoes and get a new pair. Reviewer Julian Chokkattu loves them! They’re very comfortable!—Adrienne So
Barefoot shoes are very good for you, and you, readers, seem to agree. I have trouble accepting this reality because it’s very cold outside right now and also many barefoot shoes are startlingly ugly. These Lems boots, however, are waterproof, well-made, and do not openly scream, “I swap my blood with that of my 18-year-old son.” (I’m sorry. I’m kidding. Or am I?) We also like Xero shoes, which are currently 10-50 percent off sitewide.—Adrienne So
These are the best hiking boots I’ve ever tested. They’re so light and comfortable that in the winter, I wear them as my everyday shoes. Zamberlan has a very specific proprietary last that fits my narrow feet and ankles even better than heat-molded boots, and the company claims that its waterproofing lasts for the boot’s lifetime. My boots haven’t reached the end of their lifespan yet, but I intend to skip around a river all winter in the rain, just to find out.—Adrienne So
Other Clothing Deals
Here are a few more deals that we just couldn’t let lie.
Alo Yoga’s bestselling puffer jacket is 30 percent off, perfectly timed for the winter season. It’s also Alo’s warmest material, designed with water-resistant ripstop and a down alternative fill. Along with the side zip pockets, it features subtle accents like snap front buttons and a removable hood.—Boutayna Chokrane
We have an upcoming guide to the best running shoes that will appear after this holiday, but these shoes are in it. I like Altra for the wide toe box, which lets my foot spread, and the zero drop from heel to toe, which means that my Achilles tendon flexes properly and I don’t give myself tendinitis on my long runs. This is the company’s versatile road-to-trail option that I can wear to run to the trails, run in the woods, and then get back home again.—Adrienne So
Stance is holding a 30 percent off sale sitewide with the code CYBERWEEK. My goal is to only have to do laundry twice a week for the winter, which is why I’m considering getting another three-pack of the performance crew socks. They’re lightweight nylon and hold their shape excellently, wick sweat well, and don’t get wrinkled up in my shoe.—Adrienne So
outdoor activities are incredibly fun—whether you’re climbing, running, skiing, camping, biking, or whatever it is you’re into. But they’re also expensive, especially in the winter, when you need to factor in everything you need in order to not freeze to death. Thanks to Black Friday, you can stock up on all the gear you need while also saving money. Below, you’ll find a variety of great deals on all the gear that keeps us warm and dry while we’re traipsing around outside.
Jacket Deals
After the holiday, reviewer Scott Gilbertson will be penning his ode to waxed canvas, the O.G. weatherproof material. In the meantime, we have his pick for the manliest jacket, which is the waxed canvas trucker that you can see on Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us. It is the only jacket that will repel zombie blood from your flannel or hoodie, as you fight to save the ones you love.—Adrienne So
This is our favorite everyday rain jacket. The outside is made from 100 percent rubberized PVC, complete with a cotton and polyester lining that’s comfortable. It has double-welded seams that keep water out, the hood is large enough for a large beanie or baseball cap, and it’s roomy enough to layer a down vest under it. We recommend it for those who live in a rainy climate and dread having to re-waterproof their rain jackets every season.
This is WIRED editor Adrienne So’s favorite running rain jacket. Even though it has a 10.2K waterproof rating, the fabric is still stretchy, soft, and breathable, while the cut is trim and tidy. WIRED editor Adrienne So says she wore it for several hours while running in the rain and water continued to bead up on the service without getting uncomfortably clammy underneath. If you get hot, you can also open the mesh pockets to vent it. We also like that it comes in bright colors (for high visibility) and has reflective detailing.
If you enjoy hiking, look no further than the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket. It’s not only lighter and thinner, but it also comes equipped with a new PFAS-free Gore-Tex expanded polyethylene (ePE) membrane to keep wind and rain out while also letting sweat vapor escape. In addition to the ePE membrane, there’s a soft backer fabric, recycled nylon face fabric, and a C0 DWR coating (which refers to the total absence of harmful fluorocarbons. Arc’teryx is currently holding a 30 percent off sale on its website.
We don’t suggest the Teca Fleece for subzero temperatures, but it’ll do the trick if you live in an area where you can get away with skipping a puffer coat. It’s thin and breathable but still leaves room for additional layers. Meanwhile, the flexible material won’t make you feel constricted. The colorblocking design adds a nice, retro touch too.
This is a great mid-weight jacket that you can layer under a rain jacket or over a tank top. Made of 100 percent merino wool, it’s dense but also soft. It will easily help to keep you warm when the temperature dips during the upcoming winter season. It also looks super sleek and comes in some nice colors. Be sure to use the code “ADVENTUREINCLUDED” to see the discount at checkout.
Shirt Deals
This hoodie does have a sporty look to it, but it’s not so tight that you can’t layer underneath it. In addition to a hood, it also has thumb loops and a zippable tall neck. While it’s best for the winter, it’s also ideal for other activities like biking or doing yard work when it’s slightly cooler outside. Make sure to use the code “ADVENTUREINCLUDED” to see the discount at checkout.
I have been running for miles every day to escape my family (haha, just kidding, I love you!) and I realize I need more merino wool base layers if I’m not going to do laundry every day. This is our favorite base layer, with heavy-duty seams that won’t rub if you wear it under a pack. I layer this under the running jacket above on sub-30 degree days.
I can see that I’m on a bit of a manly kick here (we will let my spouse deal with this later). But outdoor workwear company Filson is also holding a big Black Friday sale. While the company is famous for its waxed jackets, we also like the virtually indestructible hoodie, which is currently 40 percent off. Reviewer Chris Haslam says his one from 2017 has survived countless camping and fishing trips with no fraying and while holding true to its shape.
If this hoodie looks oddly familiar to you, it’s likely because you’ve seen it all over your TikTok For You Page. Both the body and ribbing are comprised of over 70 percent cotton, so it’s more breathable than polyester hoodies. But the highlight here is the fit, which has an exaggerated crop, huge sleeves, and the unique scuba hood that’s big enough to swallow your whole head and zip over your face.
We recommend this hoodie for those who want an oversized fit with structure. The Popflex Cloud has a nice weight to it but, as WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell puts it, “doesn’t make [her] look like a marshmallow looking for a campfire.” The waist gathers nicely, while the drop shoulders and large hood drape over your body but still retain its form and structure. It looks good with leggings, well-fitting jeans, and comes in a bunch of great colors.
Pant Deals
These are our go-to pants for those who are perpetually cold. They’re great for various cold-weather activities but the soft, relaxed fit still looks fashionable. They’re made from recycled polyester, insulated with Primaloft, come with an elasticized waist, and have drawstring cuffs at the bottom of the legs in case they’re too long on you. For the complete look, you can pair it with a matching Payette Pullover—it’s also on sale for $142 ($47 off).
Outdoor activewear company Prana is currently holding a big Black Friday sale, and I’m considering buying another pair of these leggings (both reviewer Nena Farrell and I own these and they are in our Gifts for Mom guide). I do not have the patience or mental stability for yoga, but I wear these to crush out my reps in the gym (do 25-pound one-arm lat pulldowns and cry afterwards). It’s hard to explain how soft and closely-fitting these leggings are—it’s almost like wearing nothing at all.—Adrienne So
These hold the title of “The Perfect Pant” in our guide to Best Climbing Gear. They’re made of 100 percent organic cotton, so they’re very hard-wearing and feel super comfortable thanks to the elasticated waist and diamond-shaped crotch gusset. Pro tip: The women’s and men’s versions are basically the same, so if you’re a woman, buy the men’s pants a size smaller.—Adrienne So
Underwear Deals
This is the best bra in our guide to merino wool, and I love it enough that I raved about it. Branwyn is currently 25 percent off sitewide. It makes no sense to wear all-organic everything for your sweaters, jeans, and jackets, while keeping possibly toxic dyes or materials on the garments that are closest to your skin. These are sturdy enough to work as a swimsuit on hiking or camping trips when I must simply dive into the water (sometimes it’s on accident).
Other Clothing Deals
Here are a few more deals that we just couldn’t let lie.
We have an upcoming guide to the best running shoes that will appear after this holiday, but these shoes are in it. I like Altra for the wide toe box, which lets my foot spread, and the zero drop from heel to toe, which means that my Achilles tendon flexes properly and I don’t give myself tendinitis on my long runs. This is the company’s versatile road-to-trail option that I can wear to run to the trails, run in the woods, and then get back home again.—Adrienne So
This is another runner-up hoodie in our guide to the Best Hoodies. This is an all-cotton hoodie with a much looser weave than some of our other picks.
Stance is holding a 30 percent off sale sitewide with the code CYBERWEEK. My goal is to only have to do laundry twice a week for the winter, which is why I’m considering getting another three-pack of the performance crew socks. They’re lightweight nylon and hold their shape excellently, wick sweat well, and don’t get wrinkled up in my shoe.—Adrienne So
Most ski gloves are made using thick polyester treated with a waterproof DWR coating. These offer durable protection against the weather, although it is almost always worth spending a little more for Gore-Tex, or the equivalent waterproof membrane, to guarantee waterproof performance even in the wettest spring slush.
Leather is a premium option for the very best ski gloves and mittens. It is soft, durable, and incredibly comfortable. But, unlike a polyester glove, leather requires a little more care, and you will need to use a specific leather cream to maintain softness, and also avoid drying them on the radiator, as it will dry out and potentially crack the leather. But, if looked after, a pair of premium leather gloves with a Gore-Tex liner will last for years. Check carefully as some leather gloves won’t be fully waterproof. Leather is naturally water resistant, which is great if you’re not planning on skiing in extreme conditions, but as always, look for a Gore-Tex membrane to ensure proper waterproofing.
Skis and snowboards should be sharp, and as such, can scuff and damage gloves over the course of a season. Polyester gloves with leather palms offer a balance of value and durability.
Warmth
How warm a glove will be is extremely subjective, and in truth, if you ski regularly, it is worth buying two pairs of gloves: one for spring conditions, and one for the worst mother nature can throw at you. Most quality brands will give a temperature rating on their gloves showing the range of conditions they are suitable for, such as –31/–12 degrees Celsius (–25/10 degrees Fahrenheit) and they might also include details of the amount of insulation used. The Black Diamond Mission MX Mittens has 340 grams of Primaloft Gold insulation on the back of hand and 170 grams on the palm. As a rule, the bigger the number, the warmer the glove.
But the secret to warm fingers isn’t just the job of your gloves. Layering is essential; if your body isn’t warm, your fingers (and toes) will suffer as heat is pulled away from them. Before you invest in Everest-ready mittens, try putting another base layer on first.
Glove Length
Longer over-the-cuff gloves have generous gauntlets with elasticated draw-pulls designed to be worn over your jacket cuff. They’re generally warmer and great at keeping out water and snow, even if you do take a tumble in the powder. Longer gloves are ideal for kids and those who get cold easily, as they eliminate any cold spots.
Gloves and mittens with shorter, more traditional cuffs can be worn under your jacket sleeves. They aren’t as warm as longer designs, but are popular with ski tourers or spring skiers who prefer warmer conditions, plus they’re easier to take off and put back on.
The style of your ski jacket can also determine the length of the glove. Many designs now feature stretchy inner sleeves with thumb loops that you wear inside your gloves, which also help keep out any cold air, while some have oversize cuffs that make it easy to pull over your gloves and secure using Velcro tabs.
Icelandic+ Mini Cod Fish Chips for $10: Open a bag of these cod fish chips and your room will immediately be engulfed with a fishiness that will linger in your nostrils for hours. On the other hand, your pup will dart to your room and wolf these down instantly. At least mine did. These are imported from Iceland and are sustainably wild-caught. There are literally no other ingredients.
Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Treats for $12: Like the cod fish chips above, there’s only one ingredient in Vital Essentials’ freeze-dried raw treats. You can choose from several flavors—my dog loves beef tripe—and it’s high in protein.
Other Great Accessories
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Casper Dog Bed for $126: Getting a dog bed from a mattress company may sound like Too Much, but investing in your pup’s care and comfort helps keep them happy and healthy. I got the Casper Dog Bed for my 18-pound dog in 2023, and it has held up well. The foam is supportive without adding much height to the bed. The Casper Dog Bed comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and colors (blue, sand, and gray). The foam inserts are fully removable, so you can easily toss the cover into a washing machine. The downside? There are five foam inserts, which can at times be frustrating to fit back into the cover.
Molly Mutt Wool Dog Bed for $150: I’m a fan of wool, pretty much wool anything, so when we got a new puppy it made sense to me to get a wool dog bed. What makes the Molly Mutt wool bed special is the anti-microbial, anti-odor properties of wool. After six months of use, including many of day of wet puppy flopping down on this thing to nap, and it still doesn’t have the slightest bit of odor. I’ve followed Molly Mutt’s suggestion to pull the insert out once a month or so and leave it in direct sunshine, but otherwise this has been a zero maintenance bed. We were fortunately that our puppy was housebroken in about a week, but if yours does have an accident, fear not, just pour some water on the insert, leave it in the sun and it will dry and odor free in no time.—Scott Gilbertson
Roverlund Ready-to-Roll Cabin Carry-On for $389: The idea behind this carry-on is that the horizontal shape will allow you to plop your dog’s carrier on top, making it easy to travel with them instead of carrying it separately. I tested the carry-on on a recent trip to Kentucky and paired it with Dagne Dover’s Kyoto Carrier and, while I like the carry-on itself, the experience wasn’t great. The carrier is wider than the carry-on, so my dog tipped over and the whole thing toppled down. If your pup is smaller, this may work. Roverlund also recommends it with its own carrier, but I have an older version without the luggage strap, so I couldn’t use it. However, you can still see in pictures that its updated carrier is wider so I don’t think the outcome would be any different. Still, I think this system works if your dog is 15 pounds or less. I love the bright orange accents inside the carry-on, and there are so many organizational pockets and pouches. It’s a great weekender; I was able to fit a whole suit on one side!
PetSmile Pet Toothpaste for $23: Every time I go to the vet, they give me a brochure on how to brush my dog’s teeth as a silent dig that I really need to brush them more. There are so many dog toothpastes out there, but my dog seems to like Petsmile, specifically the London Broil flavor. Well, he likes the toothpaste, but he hates the brushing part. Petsmile says you don’t have to brush, just put some on their teeth and let their tongue do the job, but I brush anyway. It’s approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, but keep in mind that this organization doesn’t conduct testing—it reviews data from trials that adhere to VOHC protocols.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Tavo Dupree II Pet Carrier for $250: As anyone who’s driven with a pet in the car can attest, animals don’t always stay put. This can be a hazard for both pets and drivers under normal driving conditions, let alone in the event of an accident. There are pet seatbelts and restraints, but for maximum safety, a pet carrier that can attach to a vehicle’s car seat anchors might be a good option. The Tavo Dupree is from high-end baby car seat maker Nuna, and like its car seats, it meets the United Nations ECE child restraint standards. It can click into your vehicle’s anchor bars and is also airline-compliant as a carry-on that fits under the seat. It’s an extremely sturdy, structured bag with a removable memory foam bed and thoughtful details like an Airtag holder. However, be advised it is for very small pets under 20 pounds only—at 18.5 x 11.5 x 10.25 inches it was even a tight fit for my small tortoiseshell cat. —Kat Merck
WagWellies Mojave for $49: Snow and ice are the main cause of paw-related concerns, but so is hot pavement. We like the WagWellies Mojave, which are like little Crocs for your pups. They come in seven sizes, and the straps around the ankles help the shoe fit better, while the holes keep their toes fresh and breezy. Our tester’s dogs haven’t figured out how to walk in shoes but these stayed on their paws.
RifRuf Caesar 1 Dog Sneakers for $75: Take the trendy, knitted mesh look many humans love, shrink it down, and offer it in six colors for your dog. The sturdy soles protect your dog from the elements, but the knitted body of the shoe can keep their paws cool enough on a regular walk. Our tester dog looked particularly cute in the Taro pair, even if she refused to walk in them.
PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Virtual Pet Fence for $320: Virtual dog fences aren’t a replacement for real fences. If your dog needs to be fully restrained, get a real fence. However, if your living situation permits a looser barrier, this wireless fence gives you a hassle-free way to partially restrain your dog. Despite the name, this is not really plug-and-play. The device itself is: Just plug it in, set the perimeter distance, and you’re done. But you’re still going to have to train your dog to acknowledge the perimeter and get them used to stay inside the permitted space. Once that’s done, this fence works really well. It’s also portable, so you can take it to a campground or to an Airbnb that permits dogs. Petsafe also makes a more permanent in-ground electronic fence we like even better because it’s cheaper and setting the perimeter is easier. The trade-off is that you have to bury the wire. The key to success is to train your dog to the fence. Don’t install it and expect your dog to figure it out.
Dog Accessories to Avoid
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
StitchLeash Coops Retractable Leash for $35: Most pet products sent my way are pretty good. That is not the case with the StitchLeash. It’s a simple retractable leash, but there are holes with carabiners attached to them. One carabiner has a poop bag holder, another has a poop bag dispenser, and you can attach two other things to the empty ones. Useful! However, the metal carabiner rubs against the plastic, and after a few days, it began making awful squeaking noises. Worst of all, the leash broke after a full week! My dog rushed after a squirrel, and rather than halting him at the leash’s end, it just broke off from the StitchLeash. You had one job! I’ve owned the classic Flexi retractable leash for years and haven’t had this problem.
Aer’s Travel Pack 3 is about as close to a travel-bag Swiss army knife as you can get. It’s a practically indestructible backpack made of 1680-denier ballistic nylon! It’s a sophisticated briefcase with a handle! It’s a tech organizer and a laptop bag and a suitcase! Though it might be over-engineered for some (“almost too much bag,” according to my husband), the Travel Pack has a sleek, unisex design (available in black, gray, navy, or olive) and utility that make it usable for everything from day-to-day work to business trips to international backpacking.
There’s a roomy, clamshell-style main compartment that fits shoes and about two outfits, or more with a couple of packing cubes, plus a separate divided laptop compartment for two computers. The front unzips to reveal two rows of pockets reminiscent of a miniature over-the-door shoe organizer, perfect for pens, power cords, snacks, or notepads. There are compression straps on both sides to cinch it down to a more manageable size. It should be noted that even when not compressed, the 21.5 x 13-inch profile is still small enough to be stuffed under an airplane seat. Both main compartments have zippers that can accommodate a lock, and a loop on the bag allows it to fit sideways over a suitcase handle. The only detractor is that the water bottle holder is bizarrely small, even when unzipped to its full capacity. It barely fits a 40-ounce ThermoFlask, and the included magnetic strap won’t even fit halfway around it. As long as you don’t get thirsty, this is a pretty solid bag that I think most people would be happy with. —Kat Merck
★ Alternative: I recently took Travelpro’s Altitude travel backpack ($280) on a work trip. I loved the full-access, flat-top opening, which saves space in a small hotel room. I also loved that it has structure, so you can pack it like a suitcase, and it’s expandable so you can bring home a large book or a library souvenir T-shirt if you really want to.
Specs
Material: Ballistic nylon | Exterior dimensions: 21.5″ x 13″ x 9″ | Weight: 4.12 lbs
You may notice most discs are marked with a set of four numbers. These are a (mostly) industry-wide standard for describing flight patterns, and having a basic understanding of them can help you know what kind of disc you’re looking at without having to go out and throw it.
The first number is speed, which is pretty self-explanatory. Discs with a higher number are built to travel further and faster, while lower numbers will fly at a slower speed over shorter distances. The tradeoff is usually that higher speed discs are tougher to throw precisely.
Next up is glide, which describes the disc’s ability to hold in the air longer. A higher glide disc will catch the air beneath it as it moves, which can give it longer air time, but that also means it’s more susceptible to gusts of wind.
Turn and fade refer to the nature of the disc’s flight path, and are a little more nuanced. As the disc leaves your hand, it will naturally bank right, but a lower turn will cause it to bank harder, and a higher turn will keep it more stable. Fade, on the other hand, describes how much the disc will curve back to the left after completing its initial bank. Keep in mind this is for right handed players throwing backhand, so if you’re a lefty, turn is how much it banks left initially, and fade is how much it curves back to the right.
The two most important metrics to look for when shopping for a flashlight are the batteries and the lumens.
Batteries: There are two big categories of both flashlights and headlamps: rechargeable flashlights and those that take batteries. The difference is in how you recharge them. AA or AAA batteries are easy to find and can be swapped out quickly. When your light dies in the dark, you’ll see the genius of separate batteries. That said, rechargeable lights can charge off the same power bank you’re charging your devices on, and these days, with USB-C, many lights can recharge in less than an hour.
I used to swear by the battery option, and I still do recommend headlamps or flashlights with removable batteries for many situations (your emergency kit for example), but I must say I’ve come around to the convenience of a charging port for everyday-carry flashlights or camping headlamps. Personally, I rely on a Nitecore NU25 for most situations except long backpacking trips where I bring my Petzl Tikka and set of extra batteries.
Lumens: Flashlight and headlamp companies like to make a big deal about lumens, which measure how bright a flashlight is, but the truth is you don’t always want more lumens. We didn’t test a single flashlight or headlamp that wasn’t bright enough. You’ll find lights in here with everything from 300 lumens up to 1,000 lumen spotlights that will temporarily blind you if you so much as glance at them. For most uses, this is a good range: 300 to 1,000 lumens. For something like reading in your tent at night you’ll want far less light, but any good headlamp will have a variety of brightness levels, usually with a low power mode that’s more like 40 to 60 lumens, which is about what you want for reading. Also, look for a strobe mode which will pulse the light. The strobe function is good for rescue situations since the flash is more noticeable than steady light.
The light source for most flashlights and headlamps these days is LEDs. While there are still plenty of traditional bulbs out there, the light output to energy use ratio of LEDs is hard to beat.
For bird identification when the Bird ID setting is active, the AX Visio uses a modified version of Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Merlin Bird ID’s extensive bird database. The Mammals ID, Butterfly ID, and Dragonfly ID settings on the binoculars are powered by the Sunbird database. However, while mammals and flying insects can currently only be identified in Europe and North America, the Bird ID software works everywhere—even Antarctica.
The identification apps use a combination of image recognition and geolocation, which is enabled by a built-in GPS sensor that tells the software where you are in the world. That can help it narrow down which species you’re probably looking at.
Looking Out
I’m an amateur bird watcher, and I got a chance to test out the AX Visio in the field at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. (Swarovski flew me down there to test the binoculars in the field.) Guests at the reserve can currently rent the binoculars for $40 per day, with the proceeds benefiting local conservation projects.
Initially, I was overwhelmed by using a pair of binoculars powered by technology; I was worried it would be hard to master the camera and species identification. Fortunately, they’re quite user-friendly. On the bridge of the binoculars is the mode-selection wheel, which is easily rotated to move between the AX Visio’s settings, including the species identification modes for birds, mammals, butterflies, and dragonflies. There is also a mode for photography, which uses the onboard camera to snap a photo, and other settings.
For proper identification, the binoculars must be held steady and focused properly so the imaging system has a clear shot of the animal. When you point the binoculars at a bird, a red circle appears in your field of vision, and as long as the animal fills up most of that circle then it’s close enough to identify. Press the raised button on the top of the binoculars and within a few seconds, the name of the creature will be displayed on the screen.
I was impressed that the binoculars accurately identified very small birds. The AX Visio correctly identified a 5-inch-long malachite kingfisher which was clearly visible on a branch above the water 30 meters away. Later, I spotted a 9-inch-long bee-eater camouflaged in a tree 100 meters away, but it was too far for the AX Visio to identify the bird. Frustratingly, sometimes a bird would be clearly visible within the red circle but the binoculars would display an error message that there was no bird to identify.
If you have a family and you like to be outside, you should have walkie-talkies. In a lot of places where cell coverage is spotty, you need a better way of keeping track of each other than running back and forth and yelling. Kids love walkie-talkies. There’s nothing that my 9-year-old likes better than signaling back to base camp, “Come in, come in, make me cinnamon toast, over,” when she’s halfway through her hike.
I know this is not necessarily the intended use case for the Rocky Talkie, the super-popular and super-rugged backcountry radio that my friends use for backcountry skiing and ascending multi-pitch climbs. But kids are a lot harder on gear than many adults. We’ve been testing the Rocky Talkies on weekend trips all summer, dropping them while clipped to my backpack and running around in the rain.
We’ve tried walkie-talkies from several other brands, including cheap ones from Amazon and the standard Midland walkies, but the Rocky Talkies are my favorite, even if—and probably because—they are much more expensive than other options.
Loud and Clear
The Rocky Talkie comes in two different configurations. The Mountain Radio that we tested uses the FRS, or Family Radio Service band that the Federal Communications Commission reserves for most recreational walkie-talkie users. This is why you don’t usually pick up radio stations or big rig CB conversations on your walkie-talkie (although I have found that you still can if you try)
Photograph: Adrienne So
It also comes in a more powerful GMRS version that has IP67 submersible waterproofing and slightly longer battery life. Technically, you also need a license to operate the GMRS version, which I had no interest in procuring for my 9-year-old and 7-year-old. The Mountain Radio, on the other hand, is easy enough that my kids opened the box, turned them on, and started running around using them without me. Which, to be clear, is great!
Probably the most obvious difference between the Rocky Talkie and other radios is that a lot of two-way radios are just handhelds or use gator clips to clip onto your clothing or backpack straps, but the Rocky Talkie has an ultralight carabiner. I loved this. I have little pockets and wear little shorts. If I walk around with a walkie-talkie clipped onto my clothes, the walkie often slips off when I sit down and I lose them in the rocks. I love knowing that neither my loved ones nor I are going to lose or drop these.
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