It’s not until the fourth time I fall into the choppy, rolling waves at the mouth of San Francisco Bay, directly below the Golden Gate Bridge, that I realize I probably never should have gone this far out on a motorized surfboard I’ve never ridden before.
I’m zipping around—a foot above the waves most of the time—on an electric hydrofoil board made by the Canadian company Hydroflyer. Jerry McArthur, Hydroflyer’s CEO, is on another of his company’s boards behind me. We started out at a peaceful lagoon inside the bay in Sausalito, but I’ve decided to trek over to the bridge—where the current and waves are the strongest—just to see if the Hydroflyer could handle it. Turns out, it very much can. The question is whether I had the aquatic acumen.
It’s high tide, meaning currents coming in from the ocean are strong and the headwind is ripping, making the approach under the bridge difficult. (McArthur had warned me about these precarious conditions before we left.) At one point I’m gunning the thro
ttle as fast as I can make it go, and the board and I are all but staying in place. I finally cross the threshold to the other side of the bridge, then the wind whips me into the water again. This time, McArthur helps me back up onto the board before the waves can smash me into one of the bridge’s pillars, and finally I can get going.
We head back to the Sausalito lagoon, out of the wind. By the time we are almost home, I’m so exhausted that it’s hard to stay standing on the board. The whole experience was an adrenaline rush—a magnificent scene that I probably never would have experienced without this very expensive electric board. McArthur laughs and says his lawyers probably wouldn’t be very happy to hear that he took me out that far in these conditions. OK cool, I’ll be sure not to tell them.
The author atop the Hydroflyer
Courtesy of Boone Ashworth
Hydroflyer CEO Jerry McArthur (left) with WIRED’s Boone Ashworth.
Courtesy of Boone Ashworth
Floating World
Hydrofoils are growing in popularity, particularly among rich dudes. (Just ask Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who famously takes his hydrofoiling hobby very seriously. They can also be spotted at beaches and on lakes. Around the world, there are already around 1,700 companies in the hydrofoil business. Some are the electric kind, powered by either jet or propeller motors. Others are powered and steered purely by human movements. Both designs achieve the same goal of giving the rider a new and fun way to zip around atop the water. Hydrofoils are quieter and less obnoxious than jet skis, and they can be a thrilling stand-in for windsurfing on days when there’s no breeze.
Courtesy of Hydroflyer
Courtesy of Hydroflyer
Hydroflyer, a Canadian company, has been selling its efoil boards for about a year, and McArthur says the company has sold around 150 of them in total. The Hydroflyer is available in one version for now, called Cruiser. Two more models—the flashier Sport and the more beginner-oriented Inflatable—are coming soon. Prices for the Cruiser start at $15,990.
The craft has attachments that make it more stable, and other attachments that can be removed to reduce drag and make it more nimble.
Summer is winding down, which means it’s time for the annual REI Labor Day Sale. This year’s event kicks off today, August 23, and ends on Labor Day, September 2. Many items are up to 40 percent off, and REI Co-op members save up to 20 percent on any REI Outlet item. To get the member discount, add the promo code SAVEOUTLET at checkout.
We’ve highlighted some of our favorite deals on gear we’ve loved over our years of testing. There’s something for nearly all our favorite outdoor activities—tents, stoves, sleeping bags, and plenty of outdoor apparel. Be sure to look at our guides to outdoor gear, like the Best Tents, Best Sleeping Bags, Best Sleeping Pads, Best Rain Jackets, Best Merino Wool, and Best Binoculars.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
WIRED Featured Deals
The Best Deals on Tents
Camping is intense! Yup, I’m just going to keep putting that joke in any time I write about tents because it never gets old. But your tent will. If you need a new one, there are some good ones on sale now. We’ve spent years testing tents, and these are the best deals on our favorites.
Photograph: REI
REI’s Half Dome tent series is probably the most popular backpacking tent around. I can’t tell you how many of these I’ve seen out on the trail. It’s reasonably priced (especially on sale), rugged, simple to set up, and offers generous living space for two with gear. The tent body is made of 40-denier ripstop nylon for durability at the base and on the floor, with 20-denier nylon mesh (both fabrics are Bluesign approved). It also comes with a footprint, which is a rarity these days. The tent poles are aluminum and interchangeable, which makes it easy to set up and take down. The Copper Spur below is lighter, but with a packed weight just under 4 pounds, 2-person Half Dome isn’t too heavy when split between two people.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur series is the king of ultralight tents. I’ve used both the two-person and four-person models ($560) over the years, and Big Agnes has continually refined the design to the point that I have nothing left to complain about. This is a high-quality, well-designed tent. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and stable even in strong winds. The Copper Spur is also very livable, with steep sidewalls to maximize interior space. The ingenious “awning” design makes getting in and out a snap. The only complaint I have is the price, but on sale it’s a little easier to handle.
The Dagger Osmo 2P (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a stout, low-to-the-ground (peak height is 42 inches), incredibly study tent—it holds up really well in even in high winds (45 mph when I was testing). Pair the sturdiness with large, spacious vestibules and a roomy interior with excellent stargazing potential thanks to the mesh roof, and you have a great backcountry tent. There’s plenty of room for two sleeping pads, and mesh pockets help keep little items from getting lost. The only real downside is the weight. I find 4 pounds fine when split between two people, but the ultralight-obsessed will likely prefer Nemo’s Hornet or Dragonfly tents. If you want something roomier, the 3-person version is also on sale for $450 ($150 off).
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Nemo Equipment’s new Mayfly Osmo (8/10, WIRED Recommends) two- and three-person tents are everything you’d expect from Nemo—solidly built, cleverly designed, with weather resistance and durability in mind. I tested the Mayfly two-person, which has a trail weight of 3 pounds, 8 ounces. A little heavier than our top pick for ultralight hiking (the Big Agnes Copper Spur above) but still pretty light when split between two people. It’s a semi-freestanding design, which means there are fewer poles, but you have to stake out or otherwise secure the foot-end of the tent. Two sewn-in ridged stays help ensure there’s plenty of room by your feet, but the Mayfly is on the tight side. Two sleeping pads fit, and hikers under 6’4″ will be fine, but if you’re not close with your hiking partner, the three-person model for $345 ($115 off) will be a better option.
We have not tested the ultralight Hornet line, but I have camped with someone who was using it and did climb in. It’s surprisingly roomy, with steep sidewalls. They do narrow toward the top, but I could comfortably sit up. The real appeal here is the weight. At just 2 pounds, 4 ounces, this is one of the lightest freestanding solo tents on the market. I was impressed with my ever-so-brief time in the Hornet, and it’s on my list to test later this year.
Photograph: MSR
This is a smokin’ deal on our favorite family tent. The Habitude is strong, relatively light, and easily fits in your trunk or a canoe. The design is simple, and the poles are color-coded. There’s plenty of floor space for sleeping pads and sleeping bags to keep two adults, two toddlers, and a largish dog warm at night. It also has storage pockets, places to hang lights, and a vestibule. The only major downside is that it doesn’t get quite as much airflow as some of the other picks in our best-tents guide. The 4-person version is also on sale for $360 ($240 off).
If you’ve ridden out a rough night with wind-driven rain or sleet and considered whether you might need one of those $6,000 pole-supported fortresses they use at Everest base camps, you might consider the REI Base Camp 6. I probably would not rely on this tent for a group of Alpinists summiting Aconcagua, but it hasn’t even made me flinch in the Colorado snow or driving Maine rain. At 20 pounds it’s not a tent you’ll want to lug far, but with overlapping poles and a DWR-coated rainfly it doesn’t drip or rattle. —Martin Cizmar
Our favorite lightweight family tent, the MSR Elixir 4 tent isn’t quite as pricey as the Big Agnes Copper Spur, but it’s not much heavier (just under 8 pounds versus just under 6 for the Copper Spur 4-person). I’ve used this with my three kids on several backpacking trips, and there was plenty of interior space for all of us. That said, three adults will be more comfortable than four. We haven’t tested it, but the 2-person version is also on sale for $192 ($128 off).
The Best Deals on Sleeping Bags and Pads
Whether you’re planning the perfect family camping trip or are trekking in Patagonia, there’s a sleeping bag optimized for that. After years of testing, we’ve found the best sleeping bags for everyone, and some of our favorites are on sale now at REI’s Labor Day sale.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Our top pick for shoulder-season trips (spring and fall), the Magma 15 is an all-around solid sleeping bag. It doesn’t have a lot of frills; it just gets the job done. It’s the bag I most often grab for trips where cold weather may arrive unannounced. It has an excellent draft collar that’s very good at keeping out the chill. Baffles are variably spaced and not stitched through, which helps the fill stay put and minimizes cold spots. I also really like the Magma hood, which is warm and stays on your head throughout the night. The Magma series comes in a bewildering array of sizes and shapes—there are nine sizes to choose from, ranging from Short Narrow, which weighs 2 pounds, to Long Wide, which is nearly 3 pounds. The Magma 30 is also on sale for $265 ($113 off) if you don’t need this warm of a bag.
Currently our top pick for side sleepers, but we’re actually going to remove it; we like Nemo’s Disco 15 ($300) better for side sleepers, but this is still a great bag. Weighing 2 pounds, 3 ounces, it isn’t the lightest bag at this temperature rating, but it is one of the warmest. Therm-a-Rest comfort-rates this bag to 32 degrees, but I used it several nights in Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains in temps down to 25 and found it plenty warm.
The darling of gram-counting backpackers, quilts dispense with the useless half of a sleeping bag (the bottom, which mostly gets squashed down anyway). While we love the cottage industry quiltmakers serving ultralighters and hammockers, Therm-a-Rest’s top-of-the-line Vesper has everything you could ask for in a lightweight quilt. The 32-degree version weighs less than a pound, has 900-fill down (good into the low 40s in our testing), and ratcheting down the included comprehension sack will get it to roughly the size of a Nalgene bottle. If you want a warmer version the 20-degree Vesper is also on sale for $322 ($138 off), though we found the fit a bit tighter.
Photograph: REI
This is our favorite sleeping bag for car camping. You really shouldn’t need to spend a lot of money here. Should your best efforts to cocoon warmth around you fail, there is, after all, a car to retreat to. That’s why we love the REI Siesta Hooded 20—it’s plenty warm and affordable. It’s also not a mummy bag, because you’re not climbing Denali; why cramp yourself if you don’t have to? The Siesta’s rectangular cut makes for a much roomier, more comfortable bag. The Siesta’s 20-degree rating makes it enough for three-season trips, and unlike most rectangular bags, the Siesta has a hood, which helps on those cold nights. Also you can zip two Siestas together.
Once your kids hit about 4 feet, I’d say just put them in an adult bag. Before that they’ll benefit from a kids’ sleeping bag like the Kindercone, which is cut smaller so your little ones don’t have to heat up a huge, adult-size sleeping bag to stay warm. There is no comfort rating here, but if there were, my guess would be around 35 degrees. The Kindercone makes a great car camping bag. You can backpack with it, but it’s awkward. I spent four nights in the Pisgauh Wilderness lugging this thing around for my son. It’s heavy (3 pounds, 3 ounces) and huge, but you can do it in a pinch.
This is the beefy, ultra-luxury pad that started the trend of huge car-camping pads. And for that we thank Exped. The MegaMat is one of our favorite sleeping pads and has slightly better insulation than our top pick in that guide, making it a better choice if you sleep cold or are headed out in the shoulder seasons where colder temps are possible.
Our favorite sleeping pad for couples, the queen-size Kingdom Air Bed is 56 inches wide and 6 inches tall, wide enough to hold Mom and two elementary schoolers and fit inside MSR’s 6-person Habitude tent. (Dad and the dog still had to sleep on the ground.) It comes with a small stuff sack for easy transport that includes a manual air pump, but the universal nozzle means you can ditch the pump and use a battery-powered one for quick and easy inflating. The welded seams kept the mattress taut and bouncy through three days and nights of kids jumping up and down on it. The surface is soft enough to sleep with your face pressed against it if you slide out of your sleeping bag, and it’s insulated, with an R-value of 2.6. —Adrienne So
Photograph: Thermarest
The original and still the best closed-cell foam pad in our testing, the Z Lite comes with me on nearly every trip I take. Why not? It weighs only 10 ounces for the small. It is bulky, but it’s easy to strap to most packs. It can double as a chair, extra padding on cold nights, a table, you name it.
If you’re willing to carry a few extra ounces in exchange for some added comfort, this is our favorite luxurious backpacking pad. At 28 ounces for the regular wide, it’s definitely on the heavy side, but it’s also 3 inches thick, and we promise you don’t feel the pebbles, or even small rocks, under this thing. The 3.7 R-value in the latest version bests the one we originally tested. That makes it a good choice for three-season camping or backpacking. Be aware that this latest version is louder than the previous, according to a friend who bought one. I can’t vouch for that, but online reviews seem to back this up.
Exped’s Ultra 7R is our favorite 4-season sleeping pad. It offers (as the name suggests) an R-value of 7 in a pad that weighs under 2 pounds for the wide version. And I suggest going for the wide version. I found the regular to be a bit on the narrow side, and the weight difference (5 ounces) doesn’t justify the lost sleeping space. I used this pad down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and was very comfortable (in a 20-degree bag). Exped rates it to –20 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is the best kids’ sleeping pad, but like we said above about the kids’ sleeping bag, its really only an advantage for the under-four-feet crowd. Older kids can get by with an adult pad that will last them even when they outgrow the 60 inches of this one. The Kindercamp sports an R-value of 4.5, which makes it perfect for most car-camping trips (R 4.5 should be enough down to around 30 Fahrenheit). The separate valves for inflation and deflation make it much easier for little kids to not get confused and help set up.
Fitness Tracker and Tech Deals
Photograph: Garmin
Garmin’s Forerunner line has a confusing array of options, from our favorite, the Forerunner 165 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), to the very expensive 956 (below). The 265 on sale here is a good compromise, leaning toward the top end. It has a bright AMOLED display, an altimeter for more accurate mileage, HRV status, training readiness and weather info. We really like Garmin’s Morning Report, which wakes you up with a summary of last night’s stats—how well you slept, the weather, and how ready you are to take on the day.
The Forerunner 965 is the “It slices! It dices! It does everything!” model in the Forerunner lineup. IT has everything the 265 has but adds nice extras like multiband GPS, full-color, built-in maps, race strategy planning with daily suggested workouts, and tons more. If you want the Forerunner that does it (nearly) all, this is the one to get.
Great Deals on Outdoor Apparel
Photograph: Danner
Want boots that will last darn-near forever? These are our top pick for durability. These iconic boots aren’t the lightest, nor are they the most nimble, and the fit is perhaps not as dialed in as you may be used to (you have to break them in), but these are the boots that you want to be wearing while backpacking or if you have to flee a natural disaster on foot. They’re still made by hand in Portland, Oregon, and we’ve been wearing them for over 15 years.
Like its tents, REI’s rain jackets offer incredible value for the money. The Rainier is a perennial affordable pick in our guide to the Best Rain Jackets. It uses high-quality laminate waterproofing instead of the less expensive coating that many cheaper rain jackets rely on. The Rainier also has many great features that are tough to find in rain jackets at this price: venting pit zips, seam-taping, a weatherproof center zip, and an adjustable, packable hood. The matching pants are also on sale for $70 (Men’s/Women’s).
This is the same jacket as above, but for kids. The kids’ version is a 2.5-layer shell with a non-fluorinated (read: PFAS-free) durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, taped seams, and an adjustable hood. These will last all year (aas long as your kid doesn’t lose theirs).
The REI 650 down jacket is one of our favorite puffy jackets. This is the kids’ version, but like the adult styles (alas, not on sale) it strikes a nice balance between quality and price. It’s lightweight, warm, and a great deal at this price.
Great Deals on Stoves and Water Filters
Photograph: Coleman
My favorite of Coleman’s current lineup, the Cascade 3-in-1 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) features heavy-duty cast iron, comes with a cast-iron griddle and grill, and can fit a 12-inch pan and a 10-inch pan side by side. It’s all-around sturdier and more robust than other Coleman stoves, well worth the extra money if you’re serious about camp cooking.
This lightweight, efficient, compact stove is perfect for the backcountry. It’s easy to use, and the fuel is cheap enough. The latest model is a tad heavier at 2.9 ounces, but that’s still crazy light by most standards. There’s now a push-start igniter as well as a wider burner head, which MSR claims gives you better heat distribution.
The WhisperLite Universal is a legend for good reason. It’ll burn just about anything (isobutane-propane, white gas, gasoline, kerosene), making it a great choice for traveling internationally or wherever you don’t know what kind of fuel will be available. Flame control is a little tricky, but we have managed to get it to simmer, as long as the wind isn’t too bad.
Our favorite way to avoid the green propane bottles is this gas growler. This model gets you a 4.5-liter propane tank with a nice padded/insulated sleeve and a handy strap for carrying, and it makes your camp setup look much nicer than a bare tank. It also saves your shins during those inevitable run-ins with cold hard steel that come from lugging around a big propane tank. This size is the equivalent of five green propane bottles.
Photograph: REI
This water filter changed backpacking for me. Pumping water while fending off mosquitoes is no one’s idea of a good time, especially when you’re pumping water for your entire family. With this genius filter from MSR you just fill the bag, walk back to camp, hang it up, and a few minutes later everyone’s thirst is quenched. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny.
I’m still testing the Sawyer micro squeeze filter, but so far I like it. It’s tiny and weighs just 2.5 ounces. It works with a straw or the included pouch, and there’s an adapter to fill your hydration reservoir directly (provided it uses the semi-standard 28-mm threads). At this size you’re doing to have to back-flush it fairly frequently, but it’s great for short trips. For longer hauls I’d go with the regular size, which is also on sale for $30 ($10 off).
we love Patagonia for all sorts of reasons. It was founded by legendary dirtbag climber Yvon Chouinard, who ate cat food. The company supports families with great onsite childcare. Famously, in 2022, Chouinard gave the company to a trust and a nonprofit to ensure that all sales would go toward combating climate change.
If all of those weren’t enough reasons to wear only Patagonia, the clothes are also durable, are perennially stylish, and last forever. To help make it easier on your wallet, Patagonia is currently holding a sale on all its past-season styles for up to 40 percent off. Below, we’ve gathered all the best deals on our favorites. You’ll find everything from base layers to duffel bags. Some of the discounts vary based on size and color. For reference, you can also check out our guides to the Best Luggage, Best Rain Jackets, and Best Base Layers for more.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.
Clothing Deals
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
Photograph: Patagonia
This synthetic-filled hoody is the most useful jacket in the world, especially if you live on the West Coast. So many companies make similar jackets, but none can compare with the original, which is now made from 100 percent recycled polyester. It is lightweight, versatile, and packable. It’s wind- and water-resistant, which means you can take it on hikes and layer it under soft-shell jackets and rain jackets, and brush it off before going out to the bar with jeans. It’s worth noting, however, that while both the women’s and men’s versions are on sale, the discount applies only to certain colors.
The Micro Puff Hoody is our favorite lightweight, synthetic puffy jacket. It has a trim fit that allows you to wear it under a shell jacket but it delivers more warmth than the Nano Puff. These also rarely go on sale. This discount applies only to the Lagom Blue color in women’s and the Nouveau Green color in men’s.
The Torrentshell in our guide to the Best Rain Jackets. This is Patagonia’s basic, no-nonsense, 3-layer rain shell that is now made from a recycled fabric and has a PFC-free DWR finish. Editor Adrienne So says that both she and her spouse have owned the older versions of these jackets for almost a decade. This deal applies to select colors in both women’s and men’s.
Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
Photograph: Patagonia
The Capilene Cool Daily shirt holds the title of the best synthetic top in our guide to Best Winter Base Layers, and we give the merino version an honorary mention in our guide to the Best Climbing Gear. The 100-percent recycled polyester fabric feels luxuriously silky and, while snug, doesn’t feel restricting—even during strenuous activity. We suggest snagging more than one, because we guarantee you’ll be rotating through them. This deal applies only to select colors. We’re also fans of the Capilene Cool Daily Graphic Shirt, which is also on sale for $38 ($17 off) in both men’s and women’s versions.
Patagonia’s R1 hoodies have a distinctive look because they’re made from a thin, synthetic woven material that is tremendously light while also being incredibly warm. These are the iconic mid-layers to wear for intensively aerobic outdoor activities, because they will breathe even when you’re working hard and keep you warm when you stop. However, at this price, it’s just as great as a thin travel layer. This deal applies only to select colors.
This deal applies to the Lagom Blue colorway. As with the Capilene Cool Daily shirt, these midweight bottoms are made of polyester, so they wick away sweat and provide enough stretch that it won’t impact your mobility. Since it’s a midweight fabric, these are a bit thicker than the lightweight shirt. We give Patagonia bonus points for using fabric made of 100 percent recycled material.
Bag Deals
Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L
Photograph: Patagonia
This is one of our favorite fanny packs in our guide to Best Fanny Packs. Editor Adrienne So uses hers almost every day, whether she’s running or walking the dogs or kids to school. When cinched, it stays tight against the small of your back. It also easily expands to fit a pair of gloves or hat and other items like your phone, lip balm, and wallet. The ultralight ripstop nylon has been treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that’s 100 percent recycled. It can also be packed down into a small stash pocket when traveling.
This is one of our favorite options in our guide to Best Luggage. It’s made from 100 percent recycled polyester with a TPU film and laminate; editor Adrienne So says she’s been using the 40-liter version for 15 years, and the laminate hasn’t peeled. It fits as a carry-on for flights too. Although it’s available in various colors and sizes, the only model currently on sale is the 100-liter duffel in Matte Pimento Red.
The sport of rock climbing is having a moment. It’s in the Paris 2024 Olympics; professional climber Alex Honnold, who starred in the documentary Free Solo, now has several climbing shows with National Geographic. Thanks to an explosion in the popularity of indoor climbing gyms, anyone can now give climbing a go. It’s easy to see the attraction: You get a full-body workout, it’s fun, and your brain has to solve problems too.
Whether you’re indoor climbing—or pulling on plastic, as traditionalists like to say—or going outside to climb on rock, you’ll need some gear to get started. Indoor climbing is accessible, and you can go year-round; outdoor climbing has better views, more complex problem-solving, and occasionally the need to overcome fear and embrace teamwork. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive selection of the best climbing equipment for beginners and improvers. We also asked the experts at Backcountry.com for their tips on dealing with notoriously uncomfortable climbing shoes.
Don’t see anything you like? Check out our many other guides on outdoor gear, like the Best Tents and the Best Hiking Shoes. With any luck, you too can be on-sighting the problem, working the crux, and smashing the beta on the way to your first 5.11.
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
I’ve tested a ton of scooters. Not all of them deserve a spot above, but some are still worth considering.
Niu KQi Pro for $640: Over many rides, I became quite fond of the KQi3 Pro, and it was our top pick in this guide for quite some time. It offers great range for the money. Despite riding over steep bridges around New York City, I frequently got around 15 miles out of it, but you can probably expect 18 to 20 miles (unless you’re also a tall giant like me). It goes 20 miles per hour, the 9.5-inch tubeless tires offer a comfy ride, and the disc brakes reliably bring it to a quick stop. You get perks like a bell, lights, and space on the handlebar for attaching a phone mount. It’s super easy to fold, but it weighs 45 pounds, so it’s not what I’d call lightweight. I also wish the handlebars could fold down since they can snag on stair railings. It’s slightly older now and has been replaced by the Niu KQi 300X and 300P, so make sure you catch it on sale.
MiniMotors USA Dualtron Mini Special for $1,399: The instructions to assemble this scooter are vague, and a few steps aren’t even mentioned in the instruction booklet. (I found the handlebar grip hard to put on—rubbing alcohol is your friend.) This is also the first time I tried the MiniMotors Dualtron app, and honestly, it’s not beginner-friendly. None of the terms and functions are well explained. It’s not a scooter I’d suggest for newcomers, but once you get everything up and running, the riding experience is quite nice. It has a top speed of 35 mph, and while the company claims a 40-mile range, you can expect closer to 25 to 30 miles. It’ll handle slopes just fine, but I do find it weird that despite being fairly hefty (59 pounds), it has a max load capacity of 200 pounds.
Segway P100S for $1,500: This Segway (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is 73 pounds but has a max speed of 24 mph, so it’s a little less intense than the Apollo or Dualtron Mini Special. At that speed, I was able to get 16 miles in with 35 percent left in the tank. If you limit the speed to 20 via the app, you should easily be able to get close to 20 or 25 miles. I just hate the loud turn signal.
Fluidfreeride Fluid Mosquito for $899: If the lightweight Unagi Model One Voyager doesn’t interest you but you still want an ultra-lightweight scooter, then check out the Fluid Mosquito (7/10, WIRED Recommends). At just 29 pounds, it’s one of the lightest scooters in this guide and has a comfy, built-in grab handle for easy toting. It’s fast to fold and is powerful, with a top speed of 24 mph. But shaving down the weight on this nimble scooter does have drawbacks. The suspension is just OK—you’ll feel most of those bumps—and the wheels are narrow. The braking system works fine, but you might encounter some skidding if you make a sudden stop, and the range is lackluster (around 9 miles in my testing, going over the Brooklyn Bridge). There’s also no easy way to change speed modes on the fly; you set it before you ride.
Niu KQi Air for $1,099: I was so excited to test this scooter, but my experience with it over several months is mixed. I still like it, but a few quirks hold it back from being a top pick. The KQi Air has a carbon fiber frame, allowing it to be a mere 26 pounds with a 20-mph top speed. That makes it the lightest scooter I have ever tested. It’s easy to fold and has turn signals, a slick app, and reliable regenerative braking. The range is a bit lackluster—I usually got just under 10 miles on a single charge, but it’s so lightweight that when it died on my way home once, I strapped it to a Citi Bike’s front basket and cycled home (don’t do this!). The ride quality is great, but I had issues with it refusing to connect to my phone until I disconnected the internal power cable in the stem. There’s a theft protection that sounds an alarm and slows down the scooter if someone tries to roll it away, but bizarrely, while you can permanently turn off the alarm, the only way to stop it from braking as you roll it is to turn the scooter on. My initial model also stopped working completely and wouldn’t turn on, so Niu had to send me a second model. Oh, and sometimes, during rides, the scooter slows down and doesn’t hit its top speed until a few minutes later. I suspect there’s some thermal issue causing this. Overall, there’s a lot of promise, but it’s just annoying.
TurboAnt M10 Lite for $300: This is a perfectly fine budget scooter best for folks under 200 pounds. (I wasn’t able to hit its top speed of 16 mph.) The assembly requires a few extra steps (more things to screw in, like the rear mudguard). I was only able to get around 8 miles riding it, but I like that the folding system is quick, the display is bright, and it’s pretty light at 31 pounds. Just don’t take it up any steep hills.
Gotrax Apex for $350: The Apex is 32 pounds and easy to fold up. It has an integrated bell and a digital display that shows your speed and battery life, and it can go up to 15 mph. The Apex is reliable—I’ve gone to coffee shops, remote video shoots with a backpack full of camera gear, and the grocery store—though it’s not the smoothest ride. The 250-watt motor struggles with any slight incline, and slopes drain the battery fast. The battery usually doled out around 9 miles for me. I’m also tall, and I had to constantly outstretch my arms to reach the handlebars. You’ll want to tighten the rear disc brake; it works fine, but I wouldn’t have minded more stopping power.
Gotrax GX2 for $1,499: The GX2 is akin to the Apollo Phantom and Segway P100S in that it’s 76 pounds and packs a lot of power and range. This gunmetal scooter looks a bit like a Transformer and can hit a max speed of 35 mph via the dual 800-watt motors, but I usually rode it at 20 mph. It took me to midtown and back to Brooklyn (a total of 18.4 miles) with some juice left over. I hate carrying it up and down the stairs, because the stem is super thick, making it difficult to grasp. When you’re waiting at a light, the GX2 also switches to Parking mode after a few seconds, so you constantly have to remember to press the mode button to switch it to the driving gear. It’s super annoying, and Gotrax says there’s no way to disable it. I am a little concerned about build quality—the motor makes a noise as if something is brushing against it, and this sound disappears if I lightly press the left brake lever while riding. The latch to keep the stem upright comes down too easily, despite a sliding lock mechanism to keep it in place; Gotrax says it might just be that it’s installed too tightly. If you see any of these issues, I recommend reaching out to Gotrax and going to a local scooter shop to have them take a look.
Navee S65 for $960: Navee is a relatively new brand growing its presence in the US, and I had a great time using the S65 (7/10, WIRED Recommends). I was able to regularly complete 16-mile round trips at 20 mph, but that pretty much depleted the battery. It has great acceleration, thanks to its geared hub motor, and it climbs slopes with ease, but this also makes it very loud. The motor’s sound disappears if you’re in a noisy city like New York, but it can make you self-conscious on quiet streets. It’s 53 pounds, so it’s heavier than our top pick despite a similar range, and its customer service is up in the air since it’s so new. Still, I had fun riding it.
Evolv Terra for $1,231: I enjoyed my time with the Evolv Terra (7/10, WIRED Recommends). It’s 53 pounds and thanks to the thin stem, not too annoying to carry. It’s powerful, with the potential to go as fast as 31 miles per hour when you engage both 600-watt motors (check your local speed laws first!). Otherwise, you can cruise along at 20 mph as I did on the second gear speed setting (there are three in total) with the single motor. Range is pretty average, with around two bars left on the meter after 15 miles, so it can potentially last more than 20 miles, especially if you’re conservative with its speeds. The suspension is OK but the solid tires on rougher roads can feel quite bumpy. The fenders also seemed pretty useless to me as, after a wet ride post-rain, my back was covered in specks of dirt kicked up from the rear tire. The stem’s angle was also a little too close to my body, and the lack of a thumb throttle meant my wrist hurt after long rides. You can tweak the angle of the throttle and brakes to improve this though.
Radio Flyer S533 for $599: Honestly, I’m surprised at how well this scooter did in my tests. The folding mechanism is just a latch and a sleeve you pull down to keep the latch from coming undone while you ride. It’s super easy to fold and unfold, and lightweight at 30 pounds. It’s not a commuter scooter by any means—my range hovered under 8 miles on a single charge—and despite exceeding its 220-pound load capacity, I averaged around 14 mph of its 16 mph top speed. It’s a nice little scooter for going to the post office, grocery store, or Cinnabon when my wife asks for a cinnamon roll. However, its price doesn’t match its power and performance; it should be cheaper. It’s also worth noting that the first model the company sent me didn’t turn on and the second model had a deflated front tire. Inflating it was a quick affair and I haven’t had problems since.
Apollo Air Pro (2022) for $849: I have not tested the new 2024 model, but the Apollo Air Pro (2022) was a perfectly fine scooter (6/10, WIRED Review); I just don’t think it’s worth the high price. It goes up to 21 mph, and I was able to ride it for about 13 to 15 miles before it died. You get all the accouterments, like a front light and bell, and there’s app connectivity to tweak settings to your liking. However, the app is required to unlock the Air Pro’s true speed—otherwise, you’re restricted to 12 mph. I’m more miffed at the folding mechanism, which is more work than it should be. It also doesn’t accelerate too fast and, despite its 39-pound weight, is uncomfortable to carry due to its thick stem.
One way to quickly ruin a morning is to take a sip from your mug expecting hot coffee or tea only to be met with freezing-cold liquid. Or, on the flip side, desperately wanting ice cold water only to find it warm. For those moments, you need an insulated travel mug. There are tons of stainless steel mugs, bottles, and tumblers on the market. These are our favorites.
We tested each bottle with both cold water and hot coffee, sitting outside in indirect sunlight and inside in the AC. During testing, none of the bottles has failed to roughly match up to their claims of how long they’d keep cold liquids cold and hot liquids hot. It’s rare to run across an insulated bottle that’s a total failure at doing that these days, but it’s also rare to find one that truly stands out. Rather, I’ve noticed the features that tend to make or break a bottle are leak-proofing, exterior coating, and the cap. While all these bottles can keep cold drinks at temperature, you may prefer getting a dedicated insulated water bottle if that’s all you need.
Be sure to check out our guides to the Best Coffee Subscriptions, Best Coffee Grinders, Best Espresso Machines, Best Portable Coffee Makers, Best AeroPress Coffee Makers, and How to Make Better Coffee at Home.
Updated June 2024: We made the Hydro Flask mug a top pick and added Owala’s SmoothSip and W&P’s Porter to the honorable mentions. We’ve also moved all bottles that use lead soldering to the avoid section and updated prices and links throughout.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
A Note on Lead Soldering
Since we first started testing water bottles and coffee tumblers, it’s come to light that some brands use lead soldering to seal their insulated bottles. The lead is on the bottom of the bottles encased in stainless steel. While it’s unlikely it would become exposed, we think it’s an unnecessary risk given that enough of our favorite brands use other methods to seal their bottles. We’ve noted which brands have confirmed they use lead in our “avoid” section below and will keep this guide updated as we hear from the others.
I’ve had a mild obsession with bags since grade school. I really wanted a Jansport backpack. What I got was a generic copy on sale at the local sporting good store—almost a Jansport, but not quite. It wasn’t the label, I didn’t care who made the bag. It was build quality. The zipper snagged on the generic version. The rear pocket wasn’t as big.
I’ve obsessed over quality bags and backpacks ever since, and it’s been worth it. A good day bag or backpack is an investment. My Lowe Alpine backpack lasted over 20 years. My Belstaff shoulder bag was in its second decade when I sold it for more money than I originally paid.
This rarefied category of expensive bags worth owning is currently, in my book, held by GoRuck, Mystery Ranch, Mountainsmith, and the latest entrant: Evergoods. The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L backpack has been my only bag through a series of trips this spring.
GoRuck Heritage
Suppose you love the solid manufacturing, heavy-duty construction, and waist-belt-free design of a GoRuck GR1 (7/10, WIRED Review), but you’re less sold on the “tactical” styling and molle webbing? This is where Evergoods comes from. Cofounded by the former head of product at GoRuck and a former Patagonia R&D designer, Evergoods is exactly what those two pedigrees imply: military-inspired, heavy-duty construction and durability, paired with a more outdoorsy-meets-commuter design aesthetic. Throw in the fact that it’s made in the US (Bozeman, Montana) and uses an eco-friendly, solution-dyeing process for its black fabric, and you have a bag worthy of consideration.
Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L has a very clean, minimalist design on the outside. This belies the considerable amount of organizational options available, some of which are so well hidden that I didn’t discover them until I went to write this review (never noticed the pen loops in the front panel pocket). I rather like this, I am not fond of bags with dozens of zippers jangling and endless pockets festooned all over them.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
As the name implies, this is a 24-liter bag. It weighs in at 3.1 pounds (1.4 kilograms), which is on the heavy side for a bag of this size (18 x 7 x 11.5 inches). That weight comes from Evergood’s custom heavy-duty 840d ballistic nylon, which is water repellent (though it’s worth noting, not fully waterproof), and the aluminum stays. All of which is technical bag-speak for: it’s well made, but on the heavy side. The only catch is, you’ll probably want to carry some kind of rain cover if you live in the Pacific Northwest or another wet region.
One of the more interesting aspects of the CPL24 is that it’s built to function as both a backpack (what I would call upright) and sideways, or as I think of it, briefcase mode. There are handles on the top and the side, so you can carry it whichever way you like. The side handle was great going through airports. What’s remarkable about the design is that it really does work well no matter which way you carry it.
Organizational Genius
My favorite part of the Civic Panel Loader 24—hereafter referred to as the CPL24—is the massive main compartment that fully unzips on three sides (with zipper counter-pull tabs at each end). The design allows you to load and unload the CPL24 like it’s a suitcase. The interior is lined with a light gray, 420d HT nylon, which makes it easier to see the contents.
If I’m out and about and I don’t have a bag slung across my body, I feel naked and unprepared. It’s like venturing into a dungeon without any health potions. What if I need ChapStick? Did I bring ChapStick? How can I fit my phone, keys, and face mask all in the truncated pockets of my jeans? Where do I put the cool rock I just found? Extra storage capacity is essential to my everyday carry, and being able to swing the bag around to the front and grab anything I need is crucial. Backpacks are better for heavy loads or all-day trekking, but for lightweight everyday needs, the best messenger bags are hard to beat.
Be sure to check out all our buying guides, including the Best Backpacks for Work, Best Totes and Purses, Best Bags Made of Recycled Materials, Best Fanny Packs, and Best Camera Bags.
Updated June 2024: We added the WaterField Shinjuku iPad Messenger Bag and adjusted pricing throughout.
We’ve tested a lot of camera bags. Here are others we really like but have been eclipsed by our top picks.
Long Weekend Morro Convertible Backpack for $150: I strongly considered replacing our top backpack pick, Brevite’s The Jumper, with the Morro. They’re very similar in style and organization, with the Morro offering an extra pouch and, in my view, a nicer design (especially in the moss color). This is still an excellent backpack that doesn’t scream camera bag, and you get front and side access to your gear (make sure you add the Camera Cube bundle, which adds an extra $70 to your purchase). It’s lightweight, can fit a 16-inch laptop, and is made of water-resistant materials with a two-layer waterproof coating. My only gripe is the camera cube is an awkward fit, jutting out a bit at the openings. If the company altered it slightly, this would be my favorite camera backpack at the sub-$200 price.
Nanuk Backpack N-PVD 30L for $300: If you carry around a drone, this is a nice backpack with a compartment at the very top that can easily fit your drone kit. It’s a well-padded and structured bag that comes in several sizes (I tried the 30-liter version), and you can fit a tripod in the side pocket and hold it securely with a strap. There’s an easy-to-reach side pocket for quick camera access, but I don’t love how you access the main compartment. It’s on the rear of the bag, and the shoulder straps and waist straps constantly get in the way, which is just a bit annoying. Once inside though, there are padded sleeves for laptops and tablets and zippered pouches for extras. The main area is cavernous, so you’ll have to do some Tetris with the included Velcro dividers to lay everything out neatly.
Clever Supply Camera Sling for $224: I love the look of this waxed canvas bag and its flourishes of full-grain leather. It’s a classic and classy design that makes me happy whenever I head out the door with my camera in tow. It’s comfy and easy to adjust the shoulder strap, and there are three grab handles on the top and sides so you have a lot of carrying options. It can fit my Nikon Z 6, two small lenses, and a compact tablet. (Smaller than 11 inches; it didn’t fit the OnePlus Pad.) There’s a zippered pouch inside to store storage cards and a zippered pocket on the exterior for cables. My main gripe is that opening the main compartment sometimes requires two hands—the zipper gets stuck on the corner so I need my other hand to keep the bag in place. I wish the front pocket also had more give; when the bag is full, it feels too tight to put anything in there.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack for $280: This is the slightly bigger and more feature-packed version of the Everyday Zip we recommend above. Instead of a zipper that goes all the way around, you have two zippers for each side and a flap at the top that you can use Peak Design’s MagLatch system to cinch up if you don’t need the extra space up top. There are various pouches for organization throughout, as well as side pockets that can hold a compact tripod. I tried the 20-liter model, but if you have a lot of gear, you may want to spring for the 30-liter.
Peak Design Everyday Sling for $160: The Everyday Sling has long been one of my personal favorites for everyday carry or heading out for a day of shooting. It comes with flexible dividers you can adjust or remove, depending on how much organization or storage space you need. It comes in 3-, 6-, and 10-liter sizes. The 10-liter version has room for a 13-inch MacBook Pro, a charger, and my FujiFilm X-Pro 2 camera. If you need room for additional lenses or a larger camera body, you might want to forgo the MacBook; it can get a little tight in there. —Jaina Grey
Hex Backloader Backpack for $200: I usually prefer bags with side access, but I’ve been quite happy with the Hex Backloader. Yes, you need to take it off your back to access all your gear, but an access point at the very top makes it easy to quickly pull out the camera. The main compartment in the back is really spacious and is outfitted with tons of Velcro dividers, so you have lots of room for customization. There are organizational mesh pouches and pockets galore, a padded section in the front that can fit a 15-inch laptop, straps on one side for a tripod, and a pouch on the other for a bottle. It’s super comfy to carry around, sternum strap and all.
Shimoda Explore V2 25 Backpack for $373: I like this backpack, but it’s a touch too expensive. It’s supremely comfortable to carry, thanks to its extensive padding, and the whole thing is water-resistant to keep your gear safe. I was able to stuff it with a surprising number of items despite its relatively slim size (all of which you can access from the rear), including a tripod in its side deployable pocket that you can cinch tight with a strap. There’s side access to the camera, tons of pockets for organization (I love the little pouch on the arm straps), and a padded sleeve for a 13-inch laptop.
Wotancraft Scout Daily Camera Bag 9L for $299: If you’re after a stylish messenger, I’ve always liked the designs from Wotancraft, and the Scout is no different. It’s made of durable Cordura with some cowhide leather thrown in for the straps on the flap. The main compartment is spacious and separated by sturdy dividers, along with a padded laptop pouch that can barely fit a 13-inch MacBook Air. Two pouches in the front can loosely carry some small items, but there’s not much in the way of organization here. There is a luggage pass-through and a rear zippered pocket, but no side pockets and no easy way to attach a tripod.
Ona The Bowery Compact Messenger Bag for $209: I’ve owned this bag (the black waxed canvas version) for seven years, and it remains in great shape. It’s attractive and perfect for short outings, with plenty of padding and a divider to keep your gear protected. You’ll only be able to fit a camera and one extra lens. There’s a pouch on the back I’ve used to stow a Nintendo Switch or a Kindle, and I shove my cables, batteries, and SD cards in the pouch on the front. Unfortunately, the two side pockets are too tight to fit anything bigger than a pen or a microfiber cloth. One perk? You can quickly detach the strap to turn the Bowery into a camera cube for a bigger backpack. It comes in an array of colors and materials.
Tenba DNA 16 DSLR Backpack for $230: You can access your camera from the front of this bag, and the compartment cooly folds out, like a drawer. There’s enough space to fit a big camera and a few lenses, but don’t forget the padded laptop compartment in the back, a roll-top you can expand, and another zippered area for additional items. You can comfortably put a water bottle and a tripod into each side pocket. I took it with me on a trip to DC, and the front looks a bit scuffed up already, but it’s an otherwise fine bag.
Manfrotto Pro Light Frontloader Backpack for $234: Unzip the main front compartment and you can access all your camera gear neatly sectioned apart by the included Velcro divider system. This 25-liter bag is roomy, but that also makes it quite puffy on your back—you might bump into folks in crowds if you’re not careful. There’s side access for the camera, which is nice, but it’s an otherwise dreary-looking pack.
Tenba Fulton V2 16L Backpack for $140: I prefer bags that have some way to quickly grab the camera, and that’s why the Fulton V2 isn’t higher above: The only way to pull out the camera is by taking the bag off and unzipping the back compartment. (Technically, you can access this compartment from the roll top, but that requires undoing a lot of Velcro.) Otherwise, it’s a nice, small bag that can fit a good amount of gear, with an expandable roll top to store lunch or spare clothes, a stretchable mesh side pocket for bottles, and a canvas side pocket that can fit small tripods. Tenba says this can fit a 16-inch laptop in the padded compartment on the front, but I could only squeeze in a 13-incher. It’s water-resistant and comfy to tote around.
Lowepro PhotoSport Outdoor Backpack III 15L for $155: This pack looks good on the trail and can only fit a small DSLR or mirrorless in its removable cube (with side access!). It’ll mesh well with your other hiking gear, and there’s a good amount of room for snacks and anything else you’d want on short hikes (including a 2-liter hydration bladder). It’s made of 75 percent recycled fabrics.
Most people think I bike with my kids because I like exercise or because I want to combat climate change. Neither is true (or, the entire answer, at any rate). No, it’s just that sitting in pickup or dropoff lines in a car makes me want to yeet myself straight into the path of an oncoming 18-wheeler. Now that my kids are 7 and 9, and old enough to bike with me, it’s also much more fun to watch them hop curbs and swing their legs and shout, “We live in a jungle!” than it is, again, to wait for traffic lights to change.
The WIRED Gear team has many children, and we enlisted many of them to test these kids’ bikes on rides to school, on the trails, or around the park. These are our top picks for every age and size. Don’t see a bike for your kid here? Let us know, as we will continue to test and update these picks. And if you’re looking for a bike for yourself, check out our Best Electric Bikes, Best Cheap Ebikes, and Best Electric Cargo Bikes for Families guides.
Special offer for Gear readers: GetWIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access toWIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
How to Buy a Kids’ Bike
Bikes are expensive. It’s tempting to future-proof your purchase by buying a bike a size or two bigger, for your child to grow into. Do not fall into this trap! Not only is it uncomfortable, it’s unsafe—how would you expect to control a bike that was two sizes too big for you?
To find the correct size, you’ll either have to measure your kid’s height or their minimum inseam length. Children’s bikes are measured by wheel size, so a 12-inch bike refers to a bike with 12-inch wheels, and so forth. When you get the bike, see if your child can stand over the frame with flat feet comfortably on the ground. Make sure your child can get on and off easily and that their hands can reach the brakes and shifters if the bike has them.
