30 Great Memorial Day Deals To Shop Now

Editor’s Note: This post will be updated throughout this week. Bookmark this page to keep track of all the best Memorial Day sales going live this weekend.

Memorial Day’s arrival means a few things: true summer’s around the corner, most of us have a long weekend coming up and you’re about to be inundated with sales, deals and discounts on all kinds of stuff you want. If you’re ready to do some shopping we recommend starting with some of the best we’ve found below, which range from discounted outdoor gear to pots and pans, covering just about everything in between.

30% Off at Levi’s

Levi’s is having a site-wide (and store-wide) sale that gives you 30 percent off all regular-priced items. Products already marked for clearance should be an additional 50 percent off their tags, too, so don’t forget to check.

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Extra 15% Off at Huckberry

Whether you’re shopping the clearance section at Huckberry or browsing regular-priced items, you can save an additional 15 percent at checkout as well as up to 50 percent off select items. And in case you’re not familiar, Huckberry is a purveyor of good stuff in just about every category, making this is one site-wide sale it pays to spend time browsing.

20% Off Greats Sneakers

Use the code SUNNY20 to take 20% off sneakers from Greats, including the ever-popular Royale in leather or knit mesh.

REI Anniversary Sale

No discount codes necessary to save up to 50 percent — REI is discounting large amounts of stock for the brand’s anniversary sale, giving you loads of options if you’re hunting for new outdoor gear to take you into summer.

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Additional 20% Off Winter Camping Gear at Backcountry

The offseason is one of the best times to buy discounted gear. While Backcountry is offering plenty of items from top brands at up to 50 percent off, the outdoors site is also running a specific 20 percent off winter camping gear. Whatever outdoor goods you’re in the market for, Backcountry probably has a deal on it for Memorial Day Weekend.

40% Off & Free Shipping from Topo Designs

Topo Designs is the result of its founder Jedd Rose wanting to create something sturdy and well-made in the image of gear from his childhood, which was spent exploring the wilds of Wyoming. This brand’s products are all made with high-quality materials and methods right here in the USA, and big sales like this one should help you get your hands on something from Topo for significantly less than usual.

Save 25% on Arc’Teryx Gear

Browse a selection of items and styles from Arc’Teryx for 25 percent off their usual price, a rare discount from a brand known for producing high-end gear with price points to match. No discount code is necessary to grab whatever you find at a discount.

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Patagonia Duffel Bags Sale

Thanks to REI’s big 50th Anniversary sale, you can get 50 percent off all kinds of great stuff, including Patagonia’s lauded Black Hole duffel bag. Typically priced at $119, you can get this bag for just under $90 if you act fast.

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40% Off Site-Wide at J. Crew

For classic menswear staples, it’s hard to ignore the offerings of J. Crew — whether you need to dress up for wedding season, pick up some off-duty loungewear or spruce up your weekday business-casual look, you’ll find no shortage within this sale.

Snowe Home Goods

It’s awfully easy to blow through money when you’re furnishing a home — hell, even in a small apartment, it’s easy to get carried away. And with that in mind, Snowe has a little something for you: if you spend $300 or more, you’ll get $50 back. Considering Snowe’s prices are fairly reasonable to begin with, a 15 percent discount might help you splurge on the sheets, dishes, glasses or other odds and ends you really want.

30% Off Velomacchi Goods

Velomacchi makes some of our favorite motorcycle accessories, most notably backpacks and duffels that are built to handle serious wear and tear. While none of the brand’s gear is cheap, it’s extremely well-made, and a discount like this makes the splurge a lot harder to argue against.

Revzilla Sale

If you ride a motorcycle and care about getting great gear for decent prices, you shop on Revzilla. Right now the site’s sale section is absolutely massive, thanks to early-summer stock getting discounted, so it’s a great time to pick up gloves, jackets, riding pants, helmets and all kinds of other accessories you might’ve been missing.

Brooks Brothers Massive Clearance Discounts

When Brooks Brothers does massive clearance discounts, you want to make sure to grab a few items. Of course, the iconic style brand’s four dress shirts for $199 deal is always a good place to start so you can stock up on superior dress shirts. But Brooks Brothers is also running a clearance of 70 percent off items and adding an additional 25 percent off of that for some clothing and accessories. There are certainly some steals to be had to revamp your summer office wardrobe on the cheap.

Extra 20% Off Some Watches from Macy’s

Macy’s almost always has some sort of sale running, so its deals can sometimes get lost in the ether. But an extra 20 percent off some superb timepieces is nothing to sneeze at. Using the code MEMDAY will get you save you some serious dough on the Seiko Presage, the Seiko Caravelle Chronograph and the Citizen Brycen Eco-Drive. And there’s plenty of other watches that apply to this sale, too.

20% Off Ikea Outdoor Furniture

You’ve waited all winter and now is the time to grab that outdoor furniture you’re about to heavily utilize for the months ahead. Ikea is well aware of this and is offering 20 percent off all outdoor furniture so you can set up your backyard kingdom in style.

Savings on Watches at Huckberry

Huckberry specializes in carrying field watches and everyday timepieces. Some of them are 30 percent off while Swiss-built Luminox’s are 20 percent off. And that makes the admirable Atacama Field Automatic 1900 a great steal through this sale.

A Rare Made In Cookware Sale

Made In Cookware out of Austin, Texas produces some of the best pots and pans for the money (as well as chef’s knives). This Memorial Day Weekend the brand is offering 15 percent on individual cookware, including both stainless steel and blue carbon collections.

Up to 50% Off at Backcountry

Backcountry carries plenty of gear and apparel from the world’s top outdoor brands. And with 50 percent off select gear, that means you can even get a good price on the Patagonia darling Synchilla Fleece.

A Sheepsfoot Knife for 40% Off

This superb Sheepsfoot knife from Au Sabot comes with a four-inch blade made of Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel and handles made of either palo santo, olive or horn. All three are currently available at Huckberry for 40 percent off (part of the discount applies after you drop it in your cart).

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Save up to $150 on Refurbished Sonos Speakers

If you’re in the market for a Sonos speaker, the company is having a big certified refurbished sale. You can get a pretty great deal on three speakers: the Play:1, Play:5 and One. Or you can save big on the Playbar (soundbar) and Sub (wireless subwoofer).

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Save More by Spending More at Todd Snyder

The save more when you spend more sales are great if were going to already purchase a few items anyways. Todd Snyder is offering 15 percent off purchases of $200+, 20 percent off purchases of $500+ and 30 percent off purchases of $800+. And let’s be honest, you were already thinking about snagging a tie dye sweatshirt and a couple premium t-shirts.

Stock up on Riding Apparel from Iron and Resin

Surf- and motorcycle-centric brand Iron and Resin is running a massive sale through Memorial Day on select apparel that’s up to 75% off. So now’s the time to stock up for the riding seasons ahead.

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Great Bookshelf Speakers at a Great Price

World Wide Stereo’s Memorial Day sale is a great chance to grab some of our favorite bookshelf speakers, the Audioengine A5+ Wireless, at a rare discount. The sale also extends to a bunch of other speakers, headphones and turntables — check out the complete list of deals. At checkout, enter the code MEMDAY and you’ll save $50 on anything in your cart.

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A Rare Evergoods Backpack Sale

The truly multi-purpose backpacks from Evergoods are some of our favorites, and rarely go on sale. They tend to sell out quick since its still a small brand. Both the CPL24 and MPL30 are 40 percent off at Huckberry right now.

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Still Save $68 on the Only Air Purifier You Need

The Coway Mighty air purifier is still marked down $68 on Amazon. We’re not entirely sure how long this deal is going to last, but if you haven’t taken advantage of getting a consistently recommended air purifier for a sweet price then stop delaying already.

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Summer Camping Essentials Sale

REI, Huckberry and Backcountry are all running some superb sales on summer camping gear. We’ve selected six essentials you need: the BioLite FirePit, a Big Agnes Manzanares HV SL3 mtnGLO Tent, a Gerber ComplEAT, a REI Co-op Trail Chair, a SnowPeak Titanium Cafe Press and the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32-Degree Sleeping Bag.

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Up to 30% Off Satisfy Running Apparel

Satisfy makes high-performance running wear that is also high in price, which makes a sale of up to 30 percent off from East Dane really special.

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Save up to 35% Off BioLite Kits

Through May 28 save up to 35 percent off Biolite’s kits. Biolite’s CampStove 2 Bundle is down to $170 from $240, and the brand new headlamp is on sale for the very first time.

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Save $60 on This Tough-as-Nails Fitness Tracker

With 70-plus sport modes, the Suunto 3 Fitness Watch will log everything you do. And you can save $60 on certain colorways from Clever Training.

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30% Off Janji Running Gear

When you can stock up on some of the best running gear like what Janji makes, you most certainly should. A plethora of Janji gear is 30 percent off, making it a good time to get some new running apparel for the warm months ahead.

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Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

12 Great Memorial Day Deals To Shop Now

Editor’s Note: This post will be updated throughout this week. Bookmark this page to keep track of all the best Memorial Day sales going live this weekend.

Memorial Day’s arrival means a few things: true summer’s around the corner, most of us have a long weekend coming up and you’re about to be inundated with sales, deals and discounts on all kinds of stuff you want. If you’re ready to do some shopping we recommend starting with some of the best we’ve found below, which range from discounted outdoor gear to pots and pans, covering just about everything in between.

30% Off at Levi’s

Levi’s is having a site-wide (and store-wide) sale that gives you 30 percent off all regular-priced items. Products already marked for clearance should be an additional 50 percent off their tags, too, so don’t forget to check.

|

Extra 15% Off at Huckberry

Whether you’re shopping the clearance section at Huckberry or browsing regular-priced items, you can save an additional 15 percent at checkout as well as up to 50 percent off select items. And in case you’re not familiar, Huckberry is a purveyor of good stuff in just about every category, making this is one site-wide sale it pays to spend time browsing.

20% Off Greats Sneakers

Use the code SUNNY20 to take 20% off sneakers from Greats, including the ever-popular Royale in leather or knit mesh.

REI Anniversary Sale

No discount codes necessary to save up to 50 percent — REI is discounting large amounts of stock for the brand’s anniversary sale, giving you loads of options if you’re hunting for new outdoor gear to take you into summer.

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Up to 50% Off Select Gear at Backcountry

The offseason is one of the best times to buy discounted gear. While Backcountry is offering plenty of items from top brands at up to 50 percent off, the outdoors site is also running a specific 20 percent off winter camping gear. Whatever outdoor goods you’re in the market for, Backcountry probably has a deal on it for Memorial Day Weekend.

40% Off & Free Shipping from Topo Designs

Topo Designs is the result of its founder Jedd Rose wanting to create something sturdy and well-made in the image of gear from his childhood, which was spent exploring the wilds of Wyoming. This brand’s products are all made with high-quality materials and methods right here in the USA, and big sales like this one should help you get your hands on something from Topo for significantly less than usual.

Save 25% on Arc’Teryx Gear

Browse a selection of items and styles from Arc’Teryx for 25 percent off their usual price, a rare discount from a brand known for producing high-end gear with price points to match. No discount code is necessary to grab whatever you find at a discount.

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Patagonia Duffel Bags Sale

Thanks to REI’s big 50th Anniversary sale, you can get 50 percent off all kinds of great stuff, including Patagonia’s lauded Black Hole duffel bag. Typically priced at $119, you can get this bag for just under $90 if you act fast.

|

40% Off Site-Wide at J. Crew

For classic menswear staples, it’s hard to ignore the offerings of J. Crew — whether you need to dress up for wedding season, pick up some off-duty loungewear or spruce up your weekday business-casual look, you’ll find no shortage within this sale.

Snowe Home Goods

It’s awfully easy to blow through money when you’re furnishing a home — hell, even in a small apartment, it’s easy to get carried away. And with that in mind, Snowe has a little something for you: if you spend $300 or more, you’ll get $50 back. Considering Snowe’s prices are fairly reasonable to begin with, a 15 percent discount might help you splurge on the sheets, dishes, glasses or other odds and ends you really want.

30% Off Velomacchi Goods

Velomacchi makes some of our favorite motorcycle accessories, most notably backpacks and duffels that are built to handle serious wear and tear. While none of the brand’s gear is cheap, it’s extremely well-made, and a discount like this makes the splurge a lot harder to argue against.

Revzilla Sale

If you ride a motorcycle and care about getting great gear for decent prices, you shop on Revzilla. Right now the site’s sale section is absolutely massive, thanks to early-summer stock getting discounted, so it’s a great time to pick up gloves, jackets, riding pants, helmets and all kinds of other accessories you might’ve been missing.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Best Running Shirts for Summer 2019

Running is an inherently uncomfortable activity — labored breathing, tired muscles and, when the weather heats up like it’s starting to now, you’re stuck dealing with sweat-ridden clothes and probably a ton of smelly workout laundry. However, if you’re like most runners, you probably spend more time reading up on running shoes than running shirts. Makes sense; besides color, shirts all look pretty similar online. Even my own research on features began to blend together. Everything is lightweight, keeps you cool and wicks moisture — the typical marketing jargon for technical clothing. However, I found that seemingly identical-looking shirts varied quite a bit when I put each through the trial of miles, even if their online descriptions read alike.

How We Tested Running Shirts

Sifting through the multitude of options, I browsed countless online reviews to narrow down what the “Internet” claimed were the best running shirts. My search resulted in more than 30 short-sleeve and sleeveless shirts, which I tested over a two-month period. My testing ground was the sunny beach paths and mountainous trails of Santa Barbara, California. As a full-time running coach, I spent every day in one of the shirts. My goal was to wear them as much as possible — not only running but in the gym, hiking and rock climbing — to narrow the field down to the top 12. Here’s what stood out to me, followed by some handy tips for shopping, combating chafing and keeping your shirts in as good of shape as you are.

Black Diamond Rhythm Tee

I can’t get enough of this shirt. At nearly a full ounce lighter than any other running shirt tested, the Rhythm Tee felt weightless and outperformed others in wicking and drying ability. Featuring NuYarn Merino Wool, an innovative knitting process that wraps merino wool around a nylon core, this shirt results in a high output technical tee that’s stretchier, faster drying and stronger than 100 percent wool shirts.

Material: 57% Nylon, 43% NuYarn Merino Wool
UPF Sun Protection: Yes (not rated)
Odor Protection: Yes
Weight: 2.4oz

The North Face Better Than Naked Short Sleeve

Making our list for the second year in a row, this one’s our go-to shirt on hot and humid days when it’s a coin toss whether to go shirtless or not. Lightweight and airy, the Better Than Naked boasts a body-mapped jacquard mesh design to move moisture off your body and into the shirt. An extra stretchy vertical mesh down the back adds extra ventilation when wearing a hydration pack, making this top ideal for ultra running. Also available in sleeveless.

Material: 100% Polyester
UPF Sun Protection: Less than 15
Odor Protection: No
Weight: 3.2oz

Old Navy Ultra-Soft Breathe ON Go-Dry Built-In Flex Tee

Despite a marginal difference in wicking ability compared to its more expensive counterparts, this Old Navy performance tee earned its place as a top technical tee due to its affordable price-point. The soft jersey-knit fabric with built-in stretch allows body heat to escape while absorbing moisture. Thin and slightly transparent material is good for breathability but, as expected for a budget shirt, sacrifices durability.

Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
UPF Sun Protection: Unknown
Odor Protection: No
Weight: 4.7oz

Saucony Freedom Short Sleeve

This soft, jersey-knit tee felt like cotton against the skin but performed like a technical running top. Superb wicking powers and a somewhat relaxed, stretchy fit through the body felt very mobile and freeing during the run. That said, as expected for a jersey knit, the Freedom Shirt was one of the thicker and heavier tees tested.

Material: 83% Polyester, 11% Tencel, 5% Spandex
UPF Sun Protection: Less than 40
Odor Protection: Yes
Weight: 4.9oz

Janji Orbital Singlet

Better be prepared to run fast in Janji’s eye-catching Orbital Singlet. This race-ready tank is paper-thin with an aggressive cut through the shoulders and back, allowing unrestricted arm swing. Fun, colorful patterns stand out among the sea of solid-colored running shirts. Unisex sizing with an ultra-slim, athletic fit made a size small feel custom-tailored to my trim 5’8″, 140-pound frame. If you prefer a looser fitting tank, I suggest sizing up.

Material: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane
UPF Sun Protection: 15 Rating
Odor Protection: No
Weight: 2oz

Arc’teryx Motus Crew Neck Shirt Short Sleeve

Designed specifically for trail running, beautifully constructed and durable as hell, this lightweight crew managed moisture seamlessly, wicking sweat away from the skin and drying quickly. In typical Arc’teryx fashion, no design detail has been taken lightly. It’s anatomically cut, noticeable by the contrast stitching, and gusseted arms plus a slim fit throughout offer uninhibited movement. As a bonus, the Motus Crew makes a fantastic baselayer for winter running.

Material: 100% Polyester
UPF Sun Protection: 25 Rating
Odor Protection: Yes
Weight: 3.7oz

Patagonia Men’s Capilene Cool Trail Shirt

Soft enough to sleep in, this jersey-knit tee was one of the softest and most comfortable running tops tested. With the texture and feel of cotton, this Fair Trade Certified shirt blends the lines between a performance tee and everyday tee. Classic style and Polygiene permanent odor treatment make it a great option for runs that end in a social gathering. If you dislike the feel of synthetic fabric, the Capilene Cool Trail Shirt should be at the top of your list.

Material: 100% Polyester
UPF Sun Protection: Yes (not rated)
Odor Protection: Yes
Weight: 4.6oz

Baleaf Men’s Quick Dry Short Sleeve

If price is your number one priority, superseding durability and top-level performance, look no further than this Amazon top seller. Smooth-faced with more stretch than most, this polyester/spandex blend tee felt silk-like, gliding over the body with every move. And as it’s offered in 14 colors, odds are you’ll easily be able to match your favorite shorts.

Material: 92% Polyester / 8% Spandex
UPF Sun Protection: Unknown
Odor Protection: No
Weight: 4.9oz

Adidas Terrex Agravic Parley Tee

When it comes to price versus performance, the adidas Terrex Agravic Parley is hard to top. At a relatively modest $35 price point, this environmentally friendly shirt is made with yarn from recycled waste reclaimed on coastal beaches before it ends up in the ocean. Paper thin and weighing in as one of the lightest shirts tested, this shirt felt refreshingly airy on the run. Heads up on sizing — despite being advertised as a regular fit, I found it to fit more on the slim side compared to others.

Material: 80% Recycled Polyester / 20% Polyester
UPF Sun Protection: No
Odor Protection: No
Weight: 3.2oz

Under Armour Rush Run Short Sleeve

Launched just last month, Under Armour’s Rush line pushes the boundaries of high-tech athletic wear. Like other items in the line, this shirt’s made with mineral-infused fabric designed to absorb and recycle your body’s energy, promoting better circulation and increased tissue oxidation levels for faster recovery. Did it work? May simply be a placebo effect, but I will say the material did feel better against my skin than any other shirt. Body-mapped mesh panels provide extra ventilation in high-heat areas, too.

Material: Body: 82% Polyester18% Elastane; Mesh Panels: 90% Polyester/10% Elastane
UPF Sun Protection: Yes (not rated)
Odor Protection: Yes
Weight: 4.3oz

Brooks Stealth Short Sleeve

Lightweight and breathable, the Brooks Stealth remained comfortable, even during the longest outings. Its silky smooth-faced front and back with clean seams allowed unrestricted movement. Vented mesh panels extend along the sides, helped dump underarm heat. A generous 90-day return policy, even on used gear, helps make this purchase a no-risk no-brainer. Also available in sleeveless.

Material: Body: 100% Polyester
UPF Sun Protection: Yes (not rated)
Odor Protection: Yes
Weight: 3.5oz

Rhone Swift Tank

From one of our favorite boutique brands, Rhone, this sleek tank not only kept me cool mid-run, it doubles as a great gym tank. Visible horizontal mesh lines maximize airflow through the fabric, providing a cooling effect.

Material: 88% Polyester/12% Elastane
UPF Sun Protection: Yes (not rated)
Odor Protection: Yes
Weight: 3.2oz

What to Know Before You Buy

Fabric technology has come a long way, helping combat sweat, chafing, odor and in some cases possibly helping you recover faster. Here’s what you should look for when buying a running shirt.

1. Wicking Ability, Drying Time and Fit

Perhaps the two most important qualities of a good running shirt are wicking ability and drying time. Wicking is the process of transferring moisture or sweat away from your body through tiny spaces within the weave of the fabric and then dispersing it to the outer layer to evaporate. Evaporation rate, or drying time, will vary depending on the dew point, but generally, a quality moisture-wicking shirt should dry within a couple of minutes after you stop running.

Brands categorize fit based on body type, using terms such as fitted, slim/trim, athletic or regular. The actual fit will vary quite a bit from brand to brand, and based on your body type, but in most cases fitted shirts are close to skintight and regular shirts are fairly loose, with slim and athletic falling somewhere in the middle. A proper fitting running shirt is somewhat dependent on personal preference. One thing to keep in mind: Shirts that are too tight will be more likely to cause rubbing, whereas ones that are too loose will be less likely to wick sweat and more likely to chafe.

2. Look for Polyester or Wool Blends

The two most common moisture-wicking fabrics are polyester, a synthetic fabric, and wool, a natural fabric. On paper, polyester holds a slight advantage over wool for running, mainly because it is less expensive and offers better durability. Wool, which has somewhat of a cult following in the hiking world for its exceptional odor control, is my go-to while traveling or when washing between each use isn’t possible. A third material, cotton, is one of the worst moisture-wicking fabrics. Instead of dispersing moisture over a large area to evaporate, cotton absorbs and retains moisture, leaving the shirt feeling heavy and damp. Think back to field day in school; when your cotton tee got soaked during the water balloon toss, you likely weren’t dry for the remainder of the day.

3. Bonus: Sun Protection and Odor Control

Additional features such as UPF sun protection and odor control are common in running-specific shirts. UPF is a rating system used in clothing to measure how much harmful UVA and UVB light passes through the fabric. The higher the rating, the better the protection the shirt offers. This becomes an important consideration for summer running, especially during long runs and high-altitude runs when sun exposure is high.

Over time, bacteria can form within the fabric, causing a lasting odor that laundry detergent can’t remove. Odor-protected fabric works to prevent the buildup of these smelly bacteria. To achieve odor protection, companies will treat the fabric with an anti-odor finish such as Polygiene. Wool, on the other hand, is naturally resistant to the buildup of odor-causing bacteria.

Beware of Chafing

Chafing is the bane of many runners during the dog days of summer. The repetitive friction between your skin and the fabric causes the condition, and sweat- or rain-dampened skin is more prone to it. The best remedy is to try a shirt with a different fabric make-up and fit. If you’re running in a 100 percent polyester, regular-fit shirt, try switching it up to a wool blend with a more athletic cut.

Wash with Care

Moisture-wicking shirts require a little more care than your cotton-based clothes if you want to keep them in your rotation year after year. Excess detergent and fabric softeners can trap the odor-causing bacteria, making it increasingly difficult to remove the stench over time. What you’ll want to do is turn your clothes inside-out and reduce the amount of detergent used, or try sports-specific cleaning products such as Win Sports Detergent. Avoid high heat settings and any form of fabric softener, too.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The Best Ways to Repel Mosquitoes This Summer

Well, mosquito season is here. And those tiny bloodsuckers are only getting deadlier, thanks in large part to globalization and climate change, allowing them greater access to more areas in which they can thrive.

Whether you’re staying put this summer and have to deal with mosquitoes on your turf or you’re planning a trip halfway across the globe, it’s smart to have a go-to mosquito bite prevention plan. Even if you live in an area where the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease is low, you likely have zero interest in fighting the urge to scratch swollen, quarter-sized bites.

We turned to an expert for advice on the most effective ways to ward off mosquitoes: John Baston, a regional specialist for adventure company Mountain Travel Sobek, who has spent about 30 years as a park ranger and then guide in California and Alaska, suffering through quite a few bites over the years.

You might not think of those places when you imagine throngs of winged stingers, but in Yosemite National Park’s Tuolumne Meadows, “you can get mauled by bugs pretty easily if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time,” says Baston, who compared notes with buddy Michael Wald, owner and guide at Arctic Wild, before giving us the, ahem, deets. And along coastal Alaska, such as Glacier Bay and the Kenai Fjords, mosquitos are even worse than in the lower 48.

The upside? Baston has some pretty tried-and-true methods for keeping mosquitoes at bay. He says the best way to protect yourself is to understand where they congregate and avoid those areas. Standing water — even tiny amounts of it, like an old bottle cap of rainwater — can be a mosquito motel. If you’re stopping to eat lunch or set up camp, your best bet is a well-drained area with good airflow. Mosquitoes and other insects hate the wind.

“One of the best things you can do is just get out in a windy place,” Barton says. “Set up your tent there.”

What’s the Best Way to Repel Mosquitoes?

If you must trek into a mosquito-ridden area, Baston suggests wearing loose clothing with a tight weave. If mosquitoes do land on you and can poke through the fabric of your clothes, you want to keep some distance between your layers and your skin. He also suggests wearing a hat with a wide, 360-degree brim under a head net from BugBaffler.

For exposed skin, Baston swears by DEET insect repellant. When he’s out guiding, he and other group leaders bring along a bag full of repellant with increasingly high concentrations of DEET. Products with 25 percent DEET do the job most of the time, he says, but for extremely buggy places 40 percent DEET can be more effective. He hasn’t noticed a drastic difference in performance between 40 percent DEET and higher concentrations of it.

He’s had less success with natural products. “If you don’t mind a couple of bites an hour, you can get by on natural stuff,” he says. Lighting a fire can ward away bugs, too, since they don’t like the smoke.

Is DEET Safe for Humans?

Studies have shown that DEET is safe for humans to use topically. It should never be ingested, but even if you do accidentally swallow a small amount of it, you’re not likely to end up with any issues. A study conducted in 2014 found that “DEET is of relatively low acute toxicity to insects and mammals.” If you’ve ever accidentally breathed it in or gotten it on your lips, you may have found that it may cause temporary numbness that’s no cause for concern. You can avoid this hiccup by spraying bug repellant into your hands and rubbing it on rather than spraying it directly onto your face or arms.

It should not, however, be used on your pets. Dogs and cats might try to lick the chemicals off their hair or fur.

What Are My DEET-Free Options?

If you’d prefer to steer clear of DEET, bug netting may be your best chemical-free option. You can also opt to buy clothing impregnated with permethrin, like Insect Shield apparel from Craghoppers and ExOfficio, or purchase the chemicals to do it yourself. When appropriately applied, DIY permethrin sprays are odor-free and can last for half a dozen washes or more.

Baston also says that mosquitos like dark colors and like to fly against gravity. Wearing lighter clothing and hanging a black bag, shirt or tarp a safe distance from your camp can help keep the mosquitos away, too.

Buying Guide

40 Percent DEET Repel Sportsmen MAX

If you’re in mosquito country and you don’t want to get bitten, Baston says DEET is your best defense. A 40 percent DEET solution is what you need to effectively repel bugs in the worst of situations, he says; you won’t get much more effectiveness out of 60 percent or 100 percent. Baston says he frequently applies bug spray to the back of his neck and the underside of a baseball cap, but usually doesn’t put it on his face. Don’t spray DEET on your clothing — it can ruin the fibers, especially if you’re wearing synthetic or waterproof layers, like a rain jacket. DEET can react with plastics to essentially melt it. If you’re going paddling, take special care to keep your DEET products away from drybags. If your bug spray spills and ruins your dry bag, you might be wearing wet clothes for the rest of your trip.

Sawyer Permethrin Spray for Clothing & Gear

If you want to arm your trail clothes against insects, buying permethrin spray is an affordable alternative to a whole new InsectShield wardrobe. To do it, hang and thoroughly spray your clothing the night before heading out on the trail (it takes two to four hours to dry). Spray only your socks, pants and shirts — not your underwear. DIY Permethrin sprays like this one from Sawyer can last through half a dozen washes or so before you need to reapply them for effectiveness.

Insect Shield Clothing

If you’d prefer to buy pre-treated clothing than have to get into bug-proofing yourself, ExOfficio has an extensive line of “Bugsaway” pants, shirts, socks, hats and jackets that are treated with Insect Shield and effective for up to 70 washes. The Sandfly Jacket ($80), for example, is made of ultra-light mesh to give you a protective yet barely-there layer on hot days. Baston specifically recommends their Bugsaway Bandana ($12).

If you already love your trail clothing, however, you’re in luck: Send your favorite pants, shirts and socks to Insect Shield, and they’ll treat them for you for $10 apiece.

BugBaffler Insect Protective Headnet

Wade through bug-heavy zones with an aura of invincibility around your face and neck with the BugBaffler, which Baston recommends for ultimate protection. It may not be your most stylish option, but you’ll be grateful for its effectiveness in swampy areas. It’s made from superfine black mesh with two elastic bands to secure under your armpits. Baston suggests wearing a large-brimmed hat underneath the net. The wider, the better; the brim will help keep the net comfortably away from your face.

Green Goo Bugs Be Gone

DEET bug spray, however effective, can smell terrible and leave your skin feeling gross. If you’d rather go DEET-free/natural, Green Goo’s Bugs Be Gone is the best natural bug spray I’ve ever used. Granted, I’ve never ventured into a swamp with it, but when I’ve camped in soggy areas, it’s done well to keep me bite-free. It even smells good (to humans, anyway), with a light, herbal fragrance. Bugs Be Gone doesn’t feel like it’s immediately clogging your pores, and its main ingredients include witch hazel extract, yarrow, sage and lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, cedarwood, peppermint and lavender essential oils, Green Goo claims it’s safe and effective for use on pets, too.

BUFF CoolNet UV+ Insect Shield Multi-Functional Headwear

Protect everything but your eyes with an Insect Shield BUFF. Baston says these treated BUFFs — which are also UPF 50+ — work great to keep bugs off your face and neck, and over time, they’re far more cost-effective than a bottle of repellent; the Insect Shield treatment lasts for up to 70 washes. Polygiene odor control treatment will help you use the same BUFF days in a row on the same trip without reeking. Bonus: These BUFFs are made with 95 percent recycled microfiber.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Here’s Everything You Need to Go Keto

If you’ve read the news lately, you’ve likely seen the spike in coverage on the keto diet. It’s become popular among endurance athletes as a way to change how their body creates energy, and it’s picked up speed in gyms across the country. Alicia Vikander used it to prepare for the Tomb Raider movie that came out early last year, Lebron James dabbled with it as a challenge, and other athletes including ultra runner Timothy Olson have turned to keto to make themselves faster and stronger during moderate levels of exercise, such as walking, swimming or hiking.

To start, you slash your carbohydrate intake and make fats the bulk of your daily calories, with the goal of putting your body into ketosis and keeping it there. When your body doesn’t have enough glucose from carbs (pasta, bread, etc.) to burn to create energy, it burns stored fat (from coconut oil, MCT oil, etc.) instead. The result is a build-up of acids called ketones, plus the stuff that makes keto popular: weight loss and (eventually) longer sustained energy.

“One of the best ways to ensure you stay in ketosis is to follow the diet macros closely — 80-plus percent fat, 1 gram per kilogram of body weight in protein and no more than 60 grams of low-glycemic carbohydrates (think green leafy veggies, nuts or seeds and some berries),” says Seattle-based Ginger Hultin, RD, Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. You’re mostly eating avocado, nuts, seeds, beef, poultry and fish.

Of course, changing your fuel source can impact your workouts, because you need carbs for performance, strength and recovery. “Men who do intense HIIT and CrossFit-style workouts find that a higher carbohydrate range builds muscle and provides energy for workouts,” notes Hultin. Enter the Targeted Keto Diet: timing your carb intake so you’re eating just before, during or after a workout — in the proper doses, of course. You can cycle in more carbs on training days, adding in 25 grams around your training, says Dr. Ryan Lowery, co-founder of The Applied Science and Performance Institute and author of The Ketogenic Bible.

Keto is particularly beneficial for athletes in long-distance running, contact sports where brain injury is more common, and during the off-season. Lowery recommends not doing keto in season, as it’s hard to get your body to adjust.

As you might imagine, it’s a pretty restrictive diet, so you’ll need to make sure you have the right set of tools to make it work for you. Here’s what you need to get started.

Disclaimer: Please note that Gear Patrol is not providing medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All the information below is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. We highly recommend you see a healthcare professional before starting a new regimen.

Keto Protein Bars and Snacks

For athletes looking for quick fuel or recovery, keto-friendly protein bars are a necessity. Plus, they taste (kinda) like carbs, which you might miss once you’re on the diet. “Protein bars are hard on keto diets because typical ingredients like fruit or even nuts are too high in carbs and can kick you out of ketosis,” says Hultin. Some great picks that have no sugar or fruit and are made of fat and some protein include bars from Perfect Keto, Quest Protein Cookies, FatSnax and Bulletproof Collagen Bars. If you want something salty, resist that bag of chips (not keto friendly) and dig into Quevos, a keto-appropriate chip alternative made from egg whites.

KetoCoach

It’s essential to regularly test the ketone levels in your blood to make sure you’re in ketosis, says Hultin. That means you’ll need a blood or urine test. KetoCoach is a handy tool that’s easy to use, relatively painless (despite pricking your finger) and reliable.

Perfect Keto Ketone Testing Strips

If you don’t like the idea of blood testing (who does?) and want something convenient and quick, you can go with urine strips, like Perfect Keto Ketone Testing Strips, recommended by Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD. While urine strips might not be 100 percent accurate, they are easy to use and still give you a reasonable estimate as to the level of ketones your body is producing.

Nuun Hydration Sport Tabs

On the keto diet, you’re losing electrolytes, which is why you get so thirsty, and it’s hard to make sure you’re getting enough sodium, magnesium and potassium when you’re eating mostly fat and some protein. Finding electrolyte sources, especially when you’re athletic, is critical, says Lowery. Beyond just pouring more salt on your food, the Nuun hydration sport tabs can help.

Stevia

You can’t add sugar to recipes, as it spikes your blood sugar and will kick you out of ketosis. Luckily, you can use stevia, as well as other sweetener alternatives (allulose, monk fruit and erythritol), which can be excellent for sweetening beverages and baked goods. These alternatives won’t impact glucose levels. “People tend to notice that their palate changes on keto and they don’t tend to crave as sweet of foods, but these low-carb alternatives can be helpful to enjoy a sweet indulgence once in a while,” says Lowery.

Quest MCT Oil Powder

When going keto, you want to increase your fat intake as much as possible to boost how full you feel and meet your daily nutrient requirements, and MCT oil helps you hit both goals. Add it to your morning cup of java or baked goods and shakes. Dr. Lowery likes MCT Oil Powder from Quest Nutrition, as it has zero carbs and sugar. And studies show that MCT can help your body burn more fat, compared to olive oil.

DASH Compact Air Fryer

An air fryer, like the DASH Compact Air Fryer, is a great kitchen appliance to have to make over your favorite comfort food dishes—everything from fish and chips to fried chicken—that are typically filled with carbs and sugar. Give your veggies a “fried” and crispy texture, making them feel more indulgent.

OXO Good Grips 3-Blade Tabletop Spiralizer

Kirkpatrick recommends getting a spiralizer, as you can make pasta-like dishes with vegetable-based noodles for keto meals. While there are several on the market, the OXO Good Grips 3-Blade Tabletop Spiralizer is highly rated on Amazon and lets you make spaghetti, fettuccine and ribbon-cut noodles with ease. Next time you’re looking for a base for meatballs or chicken parm, you know where to turn.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The Best Budget Father’s Day Gifts for Any Dad

Buying dad a Father’s Day gift on a budget can be tough — you might feel like you owe him a lot, after all he’s done for you over the years (or maybe he just has expensive taste). Golf clubs, fishing gear or a trip to the championship game, well, they don’t come cheap. But if you’re willing to think outside the box and give Dad something that’s thoughtful and well-made or just plain fun, you can make his face light up for less than a c-note. Our list of picks below is a good place to start.

Lodge Cast Iron Cookbook

Everyone knows you’ll get great bacon and steak from a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. What plenty of people don’t realize is that the humble skillet, which you can get for as little as $10, is capable of helping you fry, cook and bake everything from frittatas to Dutch babies and even fruit pies. This straightforward cookbook will give your dad dozens of fresh ideas and ways to get started.

Stanley 24-Ounce Vacuum Mug

There’s a good chance your dad already has one of these, maybe in a different size or a different color. If he doesn’t already own one, there’s no way he won’t appreciate the gesture; if he’s already set, it wouldn’t hurt for him to have a backup (or just a fresh-from-the-factory replacement) waiting in the wings.

Underwood Pinot Noir

This canned wine is plenty light to sip on its own, or with antipasti; the fruity, earthy nose gives way to a buttery finish that compliments olive oil like you wouldn’t believe. And as for the canned-wine thing, it’s a nice solution to whether or not you should open a whole new bottle after the first one is gone. It’s also so much more convenient for transport and storage when grilling or going out camping.

Filson Washed Twill Cap

This simple baseball cap is made from the same twill cotton Filson uses for its famously rugged bags. Combine that construction quality with Filson’s simple styling — and wildlife-inspired embroidery — and the end result is something that looks as good now as it’ll look in a decade.

Estwing Sportsman’s Axe

Estwing’s American-made tools are iconic, and few utility items are more deserving of “icon” status than this hatchet with a leather-stacked handle. Whether he uses it to break up kindling, clear brush or pound the occasional nail (the flat side of the hatchet head is made especially for hammering things) this is a tool your dad can hang onto and use for practically forever.

Russel Athletic Fleece Crew

You may not know this, but Russell Athletic invented the original cotton sweatshirt for football players nearly a century ago, and the brand has recently come back to the heritage apparel market with tees, sweats and fleeces that are extremely cool. Dad will love the hefty quality and rich colors, even more so if his old team sweatshirts are long worn-out (or just got stolen by his kids).

Minnetonka Double-Bottom Driver Mocs

Soft and pliable enough to wear with a bathrobe around the house, sturdy enough to wear with jeans when errands need running — these mocs are perfect go-between pieces of lounging gear that help a guy stay comfortable without looking like a bum. That’s practically always a win in Dad’s book.

Lagavulin 16-Year Scotch

If he’s a scotch guy or even just a whiskey guy, your dad will get a lot of enjoyment from Lagavulin’s 16-year single malt. It’s considerably more smokey (“peated”) than expressions from Macallan or Glenlivet — it’s an Islay whisky, not a Speyside — but it’s also not as intensely smokey as Laphroaig, and for the money, it’s one of the best scotches out there.

Hudson Made NY “The Worker’s Box”

Hudson Made NY’s products are actually made in a small shop in New York, with quality ingredients and premium packaging that more than justify paying a bit extra. If your dad’s the type to scrub up with a plain bar of soap and roll on with his day, he’ll welcome some high-end, low-maintenance grooming products that look and smell as great as they feel.

Anker Liberty Air Earbuds

If you’ve used true-wireless earbuds, you know the massive upgrade it can be from the wired-in version — nothing dangling, nothing tugging at your ear, nothing to come unplugged. For half the price of AirPods these are a pretty valuable addition to Dad’s tech lineup.

Filson 1.5-inch Bridle Leather Belt

Every man needs a great leather belt, and even if your dad already owns one, he probably won’t say no to another. Filson’s option is strikingly well-made and promises to last for years, and it’s one of those small details that can communicate quality and attention to detail without demanding attention.

Best Made Co. 15″ Toolbox

Best Made produces a lot of great riffs on classic items, including this stylized toolbox in 22-gauge steel and your choice of color. His most-used tools would fit nicely, but so would his fishing tackle or other odds and ends.

Timex MK1 Aluminum Watch

One of the most classic field watches of all time, Timex’s MK1 is modeled after a watch the brand produced for the US military during the Vietnam War. Powered by a reliable and accurate quartz movement, and housed in a sturdy aluminum case, the MK1 is a watch Dad can strap to his wrist and not worry no matter where he’s going or what he’s doing. Bonus: it looks really damn cool.

Levi’s Engineer’s Coat

This workwear classic has been designed and produced largely the same for decades, a testament to not trying to fix something that works so well. This version from Levi’s features three patch pockets on the front, one internal chest pocket, brass buttons on the placket and cuffs, and a relatively roomy cut.

Arturo Fuente “Chateau Fuente” Cigars (box of 20)

Cigars are a fun gift you’ll be able to enjoy together, and this specific box is rated extremely well for flavor, smoothness and consistency, making it a pretty safe buy if your dad smokes the occasional stogie. Bonus points if you can get him out on the links (or a nearby beach) to light up the first one.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Easy Accessories For the Watch-Loving Dad

If your dad is a “watch guy,” you don’t necessarily have to splurge on an actual watch this Father’s Day — those can tend to be expensive, though there are good Father’s Day watch options under $1,000. From a high-quality NATO strap to a watch winder, there are a lot of accessories a watch collector or just casual fan of watches can appreciate. Here are some great accessories at a range of price points, so you can find the gift that’s just right for him.

Urban Armor Gear Active Watch Strap

Every dad needs a rugged strap in his arsenal for the most demanding activities — that includes one for his beloved Apple Watch. The new Active Watch Strap from Urban Armor Gear is made with a high-strength nylon weave for the ultimate in durability. And the stainless steel hook & loop fastener ensures any Apple watch used — all series and versions are compatible — will stay secure at all times, giving dad the ultimate peace of mind.

George Daniels “All In Good Time: Reflections of a Watchmaker” Hardcover Book

This is a book probably every serious watch lover should have in their library. George Daniels is considered a watchmaking master unmatched in modern times, and this is his memoir. As a hardcover, it can be enjoyed in the more analog way it was probably meant to. Of course, it’s also available on Kindle for less.

Esslinger “Speedmaster” Loupe

Guys into watches tend to enjoy scrutinizing their intricate elements, so a nice loupe (magnifier) is a great way to enhance watch appreciation. Esslinger is a respected maker of high-quality watch tools, and this particular loupe offers 5x magnification, which is ideal for appreciating finishing and details. Just for fun, this one features a decorative Omega Speedmaster-style bezel — perfect for a gift and a reference any watch fan will recognize.

Fluco Leather Strap

Considered a step up in formality from a NATO, a well-made leather strap like those from Fluco will work well for a range of watches and is sure to be appreciated. The German company has a range of styles that are generally between $20 and $40, though they tend to feel like more expensive straps.

Horofix Watch Bracelet Springbar Pliers Band Tool

Watch guys love to swap straps, but watch makers have not made it particularly easy or convenient to get between the lugs at the tiny springbars securing the band. Even practiced strap-changers adept with the common springbar tools risk scratching a beloved watch. These springbar pliers just make so much sense, and your dad will delight in changing straps with ease rather than making an operation of it every time.

Maratec Mil-NATO Strap

NATO straps are super popular, a fun way to spice up an old watch, offer a lot of variety to choose from, and are generally inexpensive. Maratec easily makes one of the best NATO straps we know of for a very reasonable price. They are based on military specifications for toughness, but more refined and comfortable than a soldier would probably need.

Wolf Stackable Watch Box

Some collectors end up with a messy pile or a drawer full of watches. If that’s your dad, a watch box isn’t just a nice way to store and appreciate one’s watches, but helpful in keeping a collection organized. From a respected maker of watch winders and watch boxes, this is a stackable set of two that holds a total of 12 watches (six each).

Alpina e-Strap

The Alpina e-Strap is a solution for those caught between a love of traditional watches and the conveniences of “smart” technology. It allows one to continue wearing their favorite mechanical or other watches but also get many of the fitness and sleep-tracking functions of a smartwatch. Wear your watch as normal, but this strap has a clever little smart device discreetly integrated into the buckle, and a companion app offers analytics and more features.

Barrington Single Watch Winder

A watch winder is not only a practical way to keep a watch wound, but it can be an attractive kinetic display for the home. This winder from the respected brand Barrington has a striking but simple design and quality construction. In this version it accommodates a single watch, but Barrington offers more options at different price points.

Hodinkee Dark Grey Illustrated Watch Movement Cashmere Scarf

This scarf offers a classy way to subtly broadcast one’s horological hobby. While handsomely flying under the radar, a monochromatic watch-component design will be recognizable to the like-minded. In soft 100% cashmere, it’s stylish, and a great gift for a watch lover or a watch lover’s dad.

Muyshondt Maus UV Electric Torch

For the watch guy who has it all, this UV flashlight is a decidedly premium way to appreciate a well-lumed watch. It is also useful for inspecting a watch’s details. Muyshondt makes EDC flashlights and similar items built to specs like that of a luxury watch, and this particular version was made in collaboration with the watch enthusiast group Red Bar.

The Best Subscription Services to Gift your Dad

There are obvious upsides to gifting somebody a subscription: For starters, it’s easy. It’s also a gift that keeps on giving. Here are seven to consider this Father’s Day. As long as your dad likes to drink, read or listen to music, you can gift him something killer.

Taster’s Club

This is a great subscription service for dads who love whiskey and spirits, as long as they’re adventurous about trying new flavors. With Taster’s Club, there are 11 subscriptions to choose from — spanning from bourbon to Scotch to vodka (and more). The bottles you get are a mix of regional and craft releases, with some rare exclusives in there as well. Gift subscriptions are usually between $69 and $79 per month.

OneBlade Shave

OneBlade is well-known for its single-edge shaving razors, so it’s a great option if you’re shopping for a man who hates (or can’t use) multi-blade razors. OneBlade subscriptions start at $1 a day, and that’ll get a combination of razor, blades and skinscare products delivered right to their door.

Blue Bottle Coffee

Dad like coffee? This is a great subscription to gift. It gets Blue Bottle’s signature single-origin roasts delivered straight to his door.

Spotify Premium with Hulu

Once you go ad-free listening, you never go back. So if for some reason dad doesn’t have a Spotify subscription, hook him up. There’s more reason than ever to gift them a subscription, too, as it nets him a subscription to Hulu, as well.

Apple News+

Apple’s new subscription service, Apple News+, grants users access to numerous magazines, newspapers and other paywalled content. If you know the person you’re gifting for is a voracious reader — of all kinds of content — this is something they’ll use every day. Just make sure they have an iPhone (or iPad).

The New York Times

The New York Times is a notable absentee from Apple’s new subscription service. A digital subscription can be as cheap as a few bucks a week, which is ideal for anybody who consumes the paper on their tablet or laptop. If the person prefers an actual newspaper, an “all-access” account is a lot more expensive.

The Wall Street Journal

Like the Times, the WSJ is a noteable absentee from Apple News+. And since it’s also one of the most popular and most read newspapers in the world, a subscription makes for a great and reoccuring gift.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

11 Bike Racks that Blend Seamlessly Into Your Home

Last Updated May, 2019: We’ve added new bike rack picks and insights. Prices and links have also been updated.

Editor’s Choice: ARTIFOX RACK

Anything that finds its way into your indoor living space should feel like it belongs there; it should add to the room’s feng shui without contributing to clutter. (It also shouldn’t make your living room look like a toolshed.) ARTIFOX kept ambiance in mind when it designed the bike rack RACK, a vertical bike hanger made of stained hardwood that looks like nothing more than an intentional room accent. The rack holds your bike with a single arm-like hook and keeps the wheels from dirtying your walls, unlike many other wall hanging bicycle racks. All you need is a bike pretty enough to match.

Introduction

Leaving a bike on a New York City sidewalk is like going for a swim in shark-infested South African waters; limbs are lost, spokes are shaken, nothing left but the bones. During idle hours, city bikes need a safe place to rest inside: enter the indoor bike rack. City dwellers are masters at making a square foot somehow larger, and they’ve come up with some creative ways to store bikes. Whether it’s standing in the corner, blending in with wall decor or just plain out of the way, the method comes down to you (and your wallet). These indoor racks will keep your bike dry and safe at night.

Additional contributions by Tanner Bowden, <a href="https://gearpatrol.com/author/tbowe and Meg Lappe.

The Best Indoor Bike Racks

Park Tool Storage Hook

Bust Budget Pick: Indoor bike storage doesn’t have to be complicated. The simplest solution can be found at your local hardware store (or on Amazon). It’s a standard rubber-coated hook that can be easily installed with nothing more than a drill, allowing you to hang your bike freely from the ceiling or against the support of a wall. The hooks come in different sizes, which means you can store road bikes, mountain bikes, and everything in between — just be sure to buy the right size.

CLUG Bike Clip

Best Minimalist Bike Rack: Bikes are bulky; they take up enough space when storing them indoors without the addition of a full-on bike rack. The CLUG is as minimal as it gets — it’s nothing more than a simple, polycarbonate C-shaped clip that allows you to balance almost any bike against a wall, vertically or horizontally. It should be noted that the CLUG has specific size requirements and it’s not a hanger — make sure to buy the right size and install it correctly according to the bike you’re storing.

Steadyrack Classic Bike Rack

Best for Storing Multiple Bikes On a Wall: There are plenty of wall racks that use a tray-like system to cradle your bike and keep it off the ground, but Steadyrack does it best. The wall-mounting storage rack uses two arms to hold a bike’s front wheel in place while the rear sits in a small clip to keep it from swinging. The Steadyrack can also be swung from side to side in nearly 180 degrees, allowing you to stack multiple bikes against each other and maximize available space. When not in use, the arms fold up on themselves to create a less obtrusive profile.

ARTIFOX RACK

Best Looking Wall Hanger: Anything that finds its way into your indoor living space should feel like it belongs there; it should add to the room’s feng shui without contributing to clutter. (It also shouldn’t make your living room look like a toolshed.) ARTIFOX kept ambiance in mind when it designed the RACK, a vertical bike hanger made of stained hardwood that looks like nothing more than an intentional room accent. The rack holds your bike with a single arm-like hook and keeps the wheels from dirtying your walls, unlike many other wall hanging bicycle racks. All you need is a bike pretty enough to match.

Racor Bike Lift

Best for Spaces with High Ceilings: Wall mounts are great, but they require a bit of lifting and demand that the bike become a visual highlight in the arrangement of any room. Racor’s Bike Lift brings the bike to the ceiling, up and out of the way of your regular interior movements. The lift uses two simple hooks that grab a bike (up to 50 pounds) by the handlebars and saddle, and works with a rope and pulley system that can elevate your ride up to 12 feet. Excess rope secures to a separate wall cleat. Despite the Bike Lift’s simple components, it offers a unique way to free up space inside (if you have it).

Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Storage Rack

Best No Setup Required Option: Delta Cycle’s Michelangelo rack may be on the bigger side, but it’s the only wall mounting indoor storage option that doesn’t require installation — no drills, no screws. Instead, the rack works with gravity, using the weight of the bikes to create a stable downward force that can support the weight of two horizontally-hunt bicycles. The Michelangelo is constructed with steel tubes and rubber bumpers that prevent any scuffs and scratches and can support up to 80 pounds of bike weight.

Saris The Hottie Storage Rack

Best Freestanding Bike Hanger: No available wall space? No problem. The Hottie is a freestanding storage rack that can accommodate two bikes horizontally using two cushioned, adjustable cradles. The rack has a small footprint so it won’t take up too much living space, and it’s built with a wood face that blends nicely in most interior environments. As an added bonus, The Hottie is equipped with a small shelf for storing essentials like your keys and wallet.

Feedback Sports Rakk Bike Stand

Best Floor Stand: Wall mounts, hangers and racks have many benefits, but if you’re looking for a simpler option that prioritizes accessibility and doesn’t require installation, then a classic bike stand is a good choice. The Rakk is small and conveniently portable. It grabs and holds a bike’s front or rear wheel with a spring-loaded arm that keeps enough pressure on the bike to keep it from toppling over, all while preventing scratches to the rim or damage to the spokes. The Rakk is also modular, allowing you to connect multiple together for storing more than one bike.

CB2 Wood Bike Storage

Best Contemporary Bike Rack: Bike racks have a tendency to either blend into the wall, or stick out like a sore thumb and look like a giant piece of metal holding your bike up. This wood bike rack from CB2 is a simple space saver with room for your bike, plus space to keep cycling gloves, your water bottle and snacks — anything you don’t want to forget before you head out for that early morning ride. The handcrafted rack holds up to 40-pounds, thanks to its solid sustainable acacia wood. You can totally impress your design friends with that knowledge.

Flat-Bike-Lift

Best for Families: If you have the garage space and really want to get your kids’ bikes up and off the floor, the Flat Bike Lift literally lifts your bikes up over everyone’s heads — out of sight and out of mind. You can fit two small bikes up there, so if its rare that the kids get out with you and ride, store them where they won’t take up valuable floor space. You’ll need to affix the bike rack to the ceiling, so be sure to check that you have studs, or if you’re in doubt hire a professional. Once installed, the bike locks into place and it’s a breeze to pull the handle down to reach your bike.

Vadolibero Bike Shelf

Best for Letting Your Guests Know Your Bike Is the Most Important Object In Your Life: If you’re storing your bike inside, then you probably care very much about it. Cycling is your passion — declare it to the world! Or to your house guests, at the very least. The Bike Shelf is less a rack and more a furniture piece that makes a statement. It highlights the beauty of the bicycle as an object, placing it where you’d normally display a fancy 4k television or perhaps an antique sculpture. But just because the Bike Shelf comes with an inherent level of vanity that doesn’t mean it isn’t also practical, too. The solid oak shelf is built with a rack for hanging your cycling kit, three modular drawers for storing accessories and tools, and various hanging points that can be used for your helmet, a backpack, headphones and more.

The Best Bike Racks for Any Adventure

These nine commuter bikes cover everything from high-end electric bikes to speed-minded fixies. Read the Story

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The 10 Best Sleep Gadgets to Give the New Dad in Your Life

Newborns are great and all but they don’t exactly help parents get more sleep. Most babies rest around three hours at a time, a sobering reality compounded by the fact they rarely do so at night. If the new dad in your life has some dark circles under his eyes, these are the 10 gadgets to get him.

Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus Base Pack

The Philips Hue Lightstrip has many uses. Set it up behind a television to add a bit of theater-like vibes or simply imbue a living room with a cool bit of lighting. For new parents, it can also add a bit of wonder to a child’s room — what kid wouldn’t get a kick out of controlling the light color via voice commands?

Bose Noise-Masking Sleep Buds

Bose Sleepbuds may be expensive, but they’re excellent at what they do: to create sounds that cancel out potential disturbing noises. If dad’s sleep is constantly disrupted by a snoring partner or the cars outside his home, these sleep-masking buds can tune them out.

Nest Cam Indoor

This is the best indoor security camera for anybody living in Google’s smart ecosystem. It works well with Google Assistant smart speakers and Chromecast devices. Whether the new dad in your life is looking for a home security camera, a baby monitor or just something to keep on eye on his dog, this fits the bill.

Nest Hub

The charm of the Google Nest Hub (formerly called Google Home Hub) is that it’s an easy-to-use smart display that can play YouTube videos and control smart home devices — all dad needs to do is say, “Hey, Google.” It doesn’t have a camera so no need to worry about anybody watching him. It’s simple, smart and secure.

Honeywell Cool Moisture Germ-Free Humidifier HCM-350

This humidifier does exactly what it’s supposed to do: add moisture to the air and combat allergies and dry skin. It’s also very quiet, which is ideal for both babies and sleep-deprived parents.

Ikea Trippevals Black-Out Blinds

Don’t let the sun or ambient light get in the way of a good sleep. These blinds from Ikea are easy to install — no need for expert help — and block out pretty much all natural sunlight.

Sound+Sleep SE Special Edition High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine

This thing is way better (and way prettier) than traditional sound machines because it has a ton more sounds to choose from. Whether it’s the sound of a fan or something from nature — such as running water — this tiny machine can help you count sheep.

Withings/Nokia Sleep Tracking Pad

If given the choice, most people want to know how well they sleep. That said, most people would prefer not to sleep wearing a fitness tracker. Fortunatetly, this sleep pad does all the work. Simply plug it in, place in under your mattress, and it’ll send in-depth sleeping metrics straight to your smartphone.

Garmin vívoactive 3 Music

Considering its price and its abilities, the Garmin vívoactive 3 Music is one of the best smartwatches for most people. It’s packed with fitness features to help new dads stay in shape. It also tracks sleep, which is something most new parents want.

Dolby Dimension Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones

More and more people are listening to headphones while they watch TV. Why? They don’t want to disturb their partner and they want to listen to certain shows or movies as loud as they want. These headphones are designed specifically to be used at home. Since they’re made by Dolby and compatible with Atmos content, you’re getting the best sound quality possible.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

Best Affordable Watches for Every Kind of Dad

No one knows your dad like you do, or can guess what kind of watch is right for him. Buying watches as gifts for others is hard, even when that person is close to you — maybe especially if he’s close. The good news is that, even if you totally misjudge Dad’s taste, the most important thing is that the gift is from you. Probably not every Father’s Day is going to be one where you give him a watch, but if it’s one of those years, these sub-$1,000 watches are a good place to start.

Geeky Dad: Casio World Time Digital Watch

This is a great option that just about anyone can afford. It’s got a nostalgic, retro-futuristic appeal, a lot of functionality, and is incredibly robust especially considering its price. All of this makes it a completely worry-free watch for almost any occasion.

Sporty Dad: Citizen Promaster Professional Diver

For the active dads out there, a sporty, rugged Citizen Promaster is a practical and satisfying choice. Citizen’s Eco Drive technology means the battery is charged by any light source, so it’ll never need to be changed. This will require some heftier wrists to be worn comfortably and regularly, with a diameter of 44mm wide — but if it fits the bill, it will serve Dad well for a long time.

Outdoorsy Dad: G-Shock Master of G Mudmaster

There’s a certain satisfaction to something that seems almost more like a piece of military equipment than a watch. If that’s something the dad in your life can appreciate, a number of G-Shocks probably match the description. The Mudman, however, just has that rough-and-tumble feel that seems like it would only get better by banging it up. It’s got all the specs to handle some abuse, like 200m of water resistance, and a lot of useful Casio tech as well.

Tool Watch Dad: Obris Morgan Nautilus

With a unique but pragmatic design, Obris Morgan introduces mechanical movements to this list. This is a tool watch with some character and a great Japanese automatic movement with the Miyota 9015. The Obris Morgan Nautilus offers 200m of water-resistance and strong value. At 41mm, it’s the kind of dive watch Dad can wear every day, whether to the office, swimming, or casually.

Retro Dad: Yema Superman Heritage

The Yema Superman offers a vintage dive watch aesthetic, modern dive watch specs with 300m water-resistance and sapphire crystal, and a solid ETA 2824-2 automatic Swiss movement. The suave dad that knows how to dress will appreciate the style Yema is offering backed up by thoughtful details and evident quality. The retro sizing of 39mm makes this versatile for a range of wrists, and more understated than the many bold-wearing dive watches on the market.

Analog Dad: Tissot Vissodate Automatic

What if your dad’s more of an analog guy with a nostalgic streak? The Tissot Vissodate is one of the best values out there with all the specs you’d want from a Swiss-made mechanical watch, like a sapphire crystal and automatic winding. At 40mm wide with a stout profile, this will wear modestly and handsomely, and is perfect for everyday duty with an understated retro flare.

Aviator Dad: Stowa Flieger Verus 40

Does your dad wear a leather bomber jacket and/or aviator sunglasses? That might be a good indicator of a candidate for a vintage-styled pilot watch like the Stowa Flieger Verus 40. Stowa is a German brand with legitimate history making pilot watches, and the Flieger Verus looks the part, is available in date and no-date as well as different movement versions, and remains very wearable at 40mm.

Weekend Warrior Dad: Victorinox I.N.O.X. Mechanical

This is a tough tool watch perfect for the dad who likes the outdoors and is rough on his wristwear. When first released in its quartz-powered version, Victorinox even put this watch through 130 tests more trying than normal wear would ever be — so you know it can handle anything. There are various colors, as well as diver models and more affordable quartz watches to choose from. This mechanical version offers a Swiss automatic movement for a pretty reasonable price.

Diver Dad: Seiko SPB053J1

This handsome and capable dive watch is one of the more premium among Seiko’s sub-$1,000 Prospex watches but, as always for the brand, it punches above its weight. Based on one of the brand’s most popular vintage dive watch models, the SPB053J1 is versatile and can easily do the job for a dad who just wants one tough, reliable watch to last for many years.

Motorhead Dad: Autodromo Group B

There’s a good chance that any dad out there who’s into cars in some form or another will also be able to appreciate a good watch. For those who are serious motorheads, the Autodromo Group B celebrates motorsport in a unique and fun way with some vintage cues and colorful dial options.

The Best Trekking Poles and How to Use Them

If you’ve never used a pair of trekking poles for hiking, you’re in for a treat. They’re useful for so many things: They help improve your balance when you’re picking your way along rough or unstable ground, stepping through a fast-moving stream, or pushing yourself up a steep hill. They keep you steady when you’re carrying a heavy pack and your stability isn’t as good as usual. They also reduce joint impact, absorbing the shock on the lower half of your body, especially on downhills. (A study by the Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation found that poles absorb up to 4.4 percent of the force that would usually reverberate through your whole body while walking.) And trekking poles also bring your upper body into your workout, increasing cardiac benefits.

Whether you’re an experienced thru-hiker, a newbie to the trail or an outdoors lover who’s worried about joint damage, this guide is for you. To save you time, we cut straight to the chase with reviews of the best poles money can buy. But should that roundup not fully slake your thirst for knowledge, keep reading for more details on when and how to use trekking poles, finding the ideal trekking pole for you, and more.

How We Tested

We spent about 10 hours researching trekking poles for this guide. We looked at poles that ranged in price from $20 to $200 and read dozens of customer and media reviews of the newest trekking poles on the market. We also spoke with several experts to get their perspectives on the ideal features and use cases for trekking poles.

Next, we ordered a pile of trekking poles to test out on the trail. We took them on several hikes in the Pacific Northwest mountains, weathering nearly 20 miles of rain, mud, sun, wind and dirt. We experimented with each set of poles on uphills and downhills. We used them to help us balance across stream crossings and boulder fields while wearing heavy packs. We also took notes about how easy the poles were to adjust, and how lightweight and packable they were. In the end, we anointed these four pairs as the best trekking poles money can buy right now.

The Best All-Around Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

If you’re only planning to buy one pair of trekking poles for all your adventures, make it the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles. At $153, they’re pricey, but after several hikes, we felt the cost was justified. These carbon-fiber shaft poles are lightweight (together, they weigh about one pound) yet durable. The cork handles have a non-slip EVA foam-grip extension that acts as a useful handle for downhills. Once tightened (which took us some fiddling), a set of dual-click locks keeps these telescoping poles in place no matter how much weight you put on them. Both our tallest and shortest testers loved these poles, which can extend from 25 to 51 inches—and pack down to 25 inches when not in use.

During testing, we liked that they didn’t vibrate (some poles wobble) on uphills or downhills. They provided good traction in muddy spots or where rocks were loose, and we came home with happy knees and ankles. After spending nearly eight miles with these poles, we wanted to reach for them first over and over again, no questions asked.

The Best Trekking Poles for Hikers on a Budget: Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

Montem’s Ultra Strong Trekking Poles were the least expensive poles we tried, and we believe they’re an excellent choice for people who plan to use poles on occasion and aren’t concerned with weight (they’re aluminum). They clock in at 9.6 ounces per pole, which can add up as the miles do; our arms tired more quickly with these poles than with the others here. On the upside, the Ultra Strong’s foam grips felt relatively comfortable in our hands. These poles can extend from 24 to 53 inches, making them ideal for people of all heights, even those taller than six feet. These poles also come with baskets (for winter adventures), clips (to keep them together in your pack), and plastic caps (to cover tips on muddy days).

The Ultra Strong poles telescope down to 24 inches, so they can be strapped to the side of your pack for easy access. We noticed that when our 6’3″ tester leaned heavily on the poles, the locking mechanisms loosened over time, and one pole shortened a bit. We recommended tightening up the locks beforehand and going for a more heavy-duty option if you expect to put significant weight on your poles.

Most Packable Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Carbon Z Trekking Poles

If you’re looking for a travel-friendly option, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z  is your best bet. They’re lightweight, made with carbon fiber and weigh just about one pound combined. Because these poles fold (rather than telescope), you do have to order the proper length for your height; options include 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm and 130 cm, and there’s a sizing chart at the link below. When you’re not using them, the Carbon Zs can be collapsed down to 13- to 17-inches, depending on the size you choose.

We particularly liked how light and nimble these poles felt on the trail. That said, the Carbon Z’s tips can sometimes get stuck in the mud, which pulls the tent-pole-like shafts out of their sockets and makes them wobbly. To prevent this inconvenience, keep the plastic covers on the pole tips (which is better for the environment anyway, although it does reduce traction a bit).

Best Ultra-lite Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear LT5 Three Piece Carbon Trekking Poles

If you’re going to spend $200 on trekking poles, it had better be worth it. The Gossamer Gear LT5s are incredibly lightweight, weighing only 5.3 ounces per pole, and they offer a good range of heights, from 23.5 to 51 inches. They pack down quite small, to just 23.5 inches, and they’re so minimalistic that you barely notice you’re carrying anything when they’re stowed.

After several hikes, we found these telescoping poles were the easiest to adjust. (They had a twisting system rather than a snap lock, which, it’s worth noting, may be less durable.) We also loved the adjustable wrist sling for keeping our hands in place and letting us keep a loose grip on the poles. If you’re concerned about weight or want a pair of luxury poles, the Gossamer LT5 poles are a no-brainer.

When To Use Trekking Poles

“When I was planning my thru-hike of the Appalachian trail, I only knew one person who had thru-hiked before,” says Laura Evenson, sales lead at REI and experienced thru-hiker. “Their one piece of advice was to buy trekking poles, so I did. But I carried them in my pack for the first few days without using them. Then someone told me to try them for a week and ship them home if I didn’t like them.” Evenson never shipped them because they helped her on uphills and downhills, making ascents and descents easier for her. If you’re headed out for a day hike on a relatively flat, groomed trail, you may want to leave your hiking poles at home, but for anything longer, they can be useful.

Researchers from the Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation found that using trekking poles improves your posture; this added stability is especially crucial for spinal health and managing back pain on uneven, debilitating terrain. You’ll want trekking poles if you’re on a trail with massive uphills and downhills. Poles can help to increase your power when you’re walking uphill, and they also increase your speed on the downhill because you don’t have to worry as much about being sure-footed. Rivers, streams, loose rocks or debris (maybe even ice or snow): Bring ’em.

What To Look For In A Good Pair of Trekking Poles

Good trekking poles are lightweight, durable, easily packable and adjustable. They should telescope, which means they disappear into themselves, or fold up, for easy stashing and transport.

One critical element to think about is the handle. “Find a handle you like,” says Evenson of the cork, foam and rubber options out there. There isn’t much science to it beyond personal preference, although rubber can be more prone to causing blisters and weighs more.

Another feature to consider is the locking mechanism. Twist locks and level locks both do the job, but the former tend to break down more quickly.

Lastly, lighter is generally better. The heavier your poles, the more fatigued your arms will be after a long day on the trail. Opt for carbon fiber if weight is your top priority — they’re lighter than aluminum (the other most common material), though less durable and, yes, more expensive.

How To Use Trekking Poles

You’ll want to carry a pole in each hand, for the best balance, cadence and aid to your joints. Using just one pole can overstress one side of the body, Evenson notes.

If your pole has a wrist loop, use it. It’s meant to reduce the likelihood of blisters and hand fatigue because you won’t need to grip the pole as tightly.

As you walk, place the pole on the ground several inches ahead of your feet, moving the poles forward in a rotating fashion as you walk. Use the poles to stabilize your body as you move, working to bring them into your hiking cadence.

What Height Should I Buy?

When holding your trekking poles’ handles, your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle from your body and your forearms should be parallel to the ground. The good news is most trekking poles are adjustable.

Some hikers will adjust their poles for extended uphills and downhills, Evenson says, noting that it’s easier to use shorter poles on the uphills and longer poles on the downhills. That’s not fully necessary, though: “I just hold them on the top of the handle on my way down, for extra length,” she says.

If you’re between 5’1″ and 5’11”, 110- and 120-cm poles (43-47 inches) will be just right. Someone shorter than 5’1″ will want poles that are about 100 cm (39 inches), and someone taller than six feet may want to order extra long poles that extend to or beyond 130 cm (51 inches).

How Much Should I Spend?

Trekking poles can cost anywhere from $20 to $200. Spend at least $60; anything less and they’ll break after a few uses. The sweet spot is $150, which typically means carbon fiber, lightweight, packable, easily adjustable and durable.

Do I Need Trekking Poles That Fold?

Packable trekking poles are essential because you may not always need your poles during a hike, and you’ll want to be able to easily store them in your pack, your car or your garage — and in your luggage when you travel. A folding set of poles will break down to a slightly smaller size than telescoping poles, making them more packable.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

5 Old Whiskeys to Share with Your Old Man This Father’s Day

A Father’s Day proposition for you: instead of buying your old man a bottle of brown and calling it a day, get him something you can share together. Picked for age, quality and a bit of weirdness, these five bottles are perfectly up to the task.

Henry McKenna Single Barrel

What used to be Heaven Hill Distillery’s best open secrets — an affordable single barrel offering with a 10-year age statement — is now harder to find than ever. It recently won “Best in Show, Whiskey” at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. And while some people aren’t happy their hidden gem has flown off shelves, it’s a great conversation starter. Assuming you can find damn thing.
Age: 10 years
Proof: 100
Price: $30+

Bulleit 12-Year-Old Rye

Is Pop a Bulleit-or-nothin’ guy? Well, then: Bulleit’s older rye is basically the same juice as the younger stuff that made the distillery famous, just leavened by additional years in the barrel. It should be relatively easy to find, and it won’t break the bank. Cheers to that.
Age: 12 years
Proof: 92
Price: $50+

Red Spot Whiskey

Paint splotches were the method the Mitchell family used to identify whiskeys of different age when they started sourcing and distilling the stuff in 1887 — blue (7 years), green (10 years), yellow (12 years) and red (15 years). Distilled three times from malted and unmalted barley and aged in bourbon, Spanish sherry and marsala wine casks, Red Spot is the pinnacle of the makers’ power.
Age: 15 years
Proof: 92
Price: $130+

Elijah Craig 18 Years

When Elijah Craig’s 18-year single barrel was first released, it was the oldest single barrel bourbon on the market. Today, it’s one of the brand’s most-awarded bottles. It costs a little more than it used to, but it still sports that same moderate proof and deep flavor. We’re not going to pretend like this will be an easy find and, if you do, check your bank balance before swiping.
Age: 18 years
Proof: 90
Price: $150+

Whistlepig 15 Year Straight Rye

The oldest offering from the craft distilling kings of high-end rye. Whistlepig’s 15-year-old rye is significantly softer and more sippable than Bulleit’s. It’s also finished in Vermont oak casks, a callback to the Northeastern brand’s home state.
Age: 15 years
Proof: 92
Price: $200+

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The Best Father’s Day Gifts for the Dad Who Travels a Lot for Business

The good thing about shopping for a frequent flyer is that there are nearly infinite things you can gift them to make their life better. Take the below list of bags, gadgets and accessories — all of them can help somebody pack and travel more efficiently, or at least make those long flights more enjoyable.

Hamilton Khaki Field Murph

No one in reality does the kind of traveling you see in the film Interstellar, where this watch played a major role in the plot. But while your dad might not be making decades-long journeys through time and space, he can certainly make use of a handsome recreation of Murph’s Hamilton timepiece. The 42mm Khaki Field Murph is powered by the H10 caliber movement for precise timekeeping anywhere in the galaxy. Placed on an elegant black leather strap, this is a wonderful timepiece and an especially touching gift for the traveling dad.

The Carry-On by Away

Away follows a direct-to-consumer sales model, meaning it can sell its high-quality luggage at relatively affordable rates. The Carry-On, for example, is packed with features: a built-in compression pad, an integrated 10,000 mAh battery and USB ports to charge devices. It’s also a really handsome carry-on suitcase.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Bose’s flagship noise-canceling headphones are the best option for travelers. They are the lightest and most-comfortable noise-canceling headphones we’ve ever tested. Oh, and that noise-canceling fucntionality is second to none.

PlugBug Duo by Twelve South

The PlugBug Duo is a great wall adapter for international travelers. It works with all MacBook adapters and adds two additional USB charging ports. With it, you can charge a laptop and two other devices like a smartphone and a tablet.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

This is one of the highest-rated universal travel adapters out there. It’s compact enough to barely take up any luggage space; and because everything is baked into it, you don’t need to worry about carrying around a bag of spare prongs.

Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable

Nobody likes to travel with a bird’s nest of charging cables, but it’s often necessary. This affordable cable solves that problem. The head can swap between micro-USB, Lightning and USB Type-C, so it can be used to charge an iPhone, Bose headphones or a Nintendo Switch.

Tech Dopp Kit 2 by This Is Ground

A traditional dopp kit carries toiletries; this one, made of premium leather, does the same thing for tech accessories. There are organizational straps for various charging cables, wall adapters and even small gadgets.

AirFly by Twelve South

In-flight entertainment systems aren’t hip with the times. They don’t have built-in Bluetooh and you’re kind of out of luck if you want to watch a movie and listen to wireless headphones. This Bluetooth reciever changes that. It’s really designed to work Apple’s AirPods but it’ll work with any wireless headphones.

Mophie Powerstation Plus with Lightning Connector

The big advantage with this portable battery is that it has an integrated Lightning cable, meaning it’s one less charging cable to worry about. It charges via a Lightning cable, too, which simplifies things. It also has a separate USB port so you can charge a second device simultaneously.

RavPower Wall Charger Adapter 45W Type-C Power Delivery

The huge block that is your MacBook’s power adapter isn’t a great travel accessory. Think of this as a way slimmed down alternative. It can push up to 45-watts of power and is fully capable of charging your laptop, but it’s also much easier to pack.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The Best Grilling Gifts to Give Your Dad This Father’s Day

Picking out a Father’s Day gift is no easy task, but if you’re buying for an amateur grillmaster, you’re in luck — grilling is one of the most gadget-friendly hobbies there is. Our guide to the best grilling gifts for Father’s Day includes stuff your dad doesn’t have, better versions of the things he does have and things he hasn’t even considered yet — basically, everything but the grill.

Video: 3 Great Gifts for Dads Who Grill

Watch more product recommendations and reviews.

MEATER+ Smart Meat Thermometer

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There are plenty of devices dad didn’t have “back in his day” that can now make his life way easier. The MEATER+ Smart Meat Thermometer is one such device — a wireless leave-in thermometer that pairs with a smartphone app to provide estimated cook times and mobile alerts within a range of 165 feet. Measuring both internal meat and external ambient temperatures means you get an accurate, consistent doneness every time. And it gives dad the freedom to walk away from the grill and prep other dishes, open a beer or toss some horseshoes.

Cave Tools Meat Claws

Anyone who has ever tried to pull pork with anything but meat claws knows how foolish an endeavor it is. These provide a bit more room to breath for your knuckles, hardwearing stainless steel claws and a lifetime guarantee.

Franklin Steak: Dry-Aged. Live-Fired. Pure Beef.

Barbecue deity Aaron Franklin has become obsessed with grilling steaks and, in this book, he’s bound to piss your dad off. Within its 224 pages is old-school grilling technique after old-school grilling technique completely shattered. Don’t rest your steak. You don’t need to let it come to room temperature. Flip the steak a ton. Everything your dad knows about grilling is about to change.

Weber Grill’N Spray

From the makers of America’s favorite grill comes the first non-flammable grill spray out there. Made from soybean oil instead of olive, canola or peanut oil, it also limits grill smoke significantly.

Kalamazoo Quebracho Charcoal

There’s nothing inherently wrong with your usual bag of Kingsford, but lump coal burns longer, dryer and with less chemicals than standard charcoal. Kalamazoo uses 100 percent quebracho blanco wood in its bag, a species known for exceptional density and hardness, which allows for a long, hot burn that produces minimal ash.

Looftlighter Original

Everybody has their trick to getting coals lit up in a hurry, but no trick is faster than the Looftlighter. Richard Looft’s invention generates more than 1,000 degrees of heat and lights coals in a minute or less. Plus, it doesn’t generate any flame or require the use or any additional fuel.

Porter Road Tomahawk Ribeye

The gift to get a dad who already has all the grilling gear he needs. All Porter Road beef is pasture-raised in Tennessee and Kentucky and aged a minimum of 14 days, giving it a richer, deeper flavor. It’s also completely excessive and not a cut of meat pops can pick up at a grocery store — both qualities perfect for a Father’s Day gift.

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Nano

A sous-vide circulator is a barbecue shortcut, which proves especially useful if your dad’s grill isn’t capable of smoking meat. Anova’s Nano sous-vide is compact, affordable, fast and accurate. Use it to make pull-apart beef brisket without the pit.

Fluke Laser IR Thermometer Gun

Meat thermometers may measure temperature of what you’re cooking, but if your dad is the experimental type, he’ll want more data. Track temperature growth at grate-level to find the ideal heat for searing steaks, or, monitor temperature in different areas of the grill on a low-and-slow cook.

DCS Grill Apron

The makers of exceptional custom grilling units at DCS also sell an exceptional grilling arpon. Designed in a classic pattern with a single chest pocket, it’s made with heavy cotton canvas and brass findings. It’s a sturdy buy that’ll stick around forever.

Yeti Tundra 45

The rotomolded cooler or your dad’s dreams also makes a stellar grill companion. Fill it up with water, drop a sous-vide circulator in and prep your steaks to the exact internal temperature your guests want. Use it as insulated transport for freshly smoked ribs. Fill it up with beer. There’s more uses for a Yeti than are worth mentioning.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

5 Flower Deliveries That Will Still Arrive In Time for Mother’s Day

Getting the perfect Mother’s Day flower arrangement no longer requires a mad dash to the florist after work or frantically calling FTD. That’s a good thing. Get a gorgeous bouquet sent to Mom within a day or two (and at a very reasonable price) with these great delivery services, but don’t delay; pre-delivery purchase windows are about to close, and some options are already very limited in quantity or sold out. You won’t want to miss this.

ProFlowers

Price Range: $20+
Delivery Options: Next day delivery is available nationwide, and same-day shipping is available in NYC, San Francisco and L.A.
The Basics: BloomThat offers an impressive range of floral arrangements, from plant-it-yourself kits to pale pinks surrounded by verdant greens bouquets.

Farmgirl Flowers

Price Range: $63+
Delivery Options: Anything within the lower 48.
The Basics: Farmgirl offers a variety of floral arrangements, snacks, and gift boxes, all ethically sourced and beautifully packaged in burlap and ribbons. Just enter your zip code to see what’s available for a timely delivery in your area.

The Bouqs Company

Price Range: $40+
Delivery Options: Shipping is available in all 50 states, and is free with a (free) membership. Times vary per bouquet.
The Basics: The Bouqs Company’s bouquets are so beautiful that brides are known to order them for weddings. The service offers sustainably grown, farm-direct bouquets from local artisans, all clearly marked with a price and delivery date so there are no surprises at checkout.

Amazon

Price Range: $20+
Delivery Options: Free shipping for Prime members; same day and schedule flower delivery depending on location.
The Basics: Amazon has a wide variety of fresh flowers available for two-day delivery, plus the ability to add on candy and other small gifts. Use it to order a bouquet, or order single flowers to make your own bouquet for an extra-personal touch.

Urban Stems

Price Range: $35+
Delivery Options: Same-day delivery is available in New York City, D.C., Philadelphia, Austin and Baltimore. Next-day shipping is available in the lower 48 states.
The Basics: Urban Stems offers a range of gift boxes, plants, and bouquets, all clearly marked with prices and delivery options before you get to the checkout page.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.