12 Things We’d Blow Our 2020 Tax Refunds On

First things first: Gear Patrol in no way endorses the reckless, irresponsible, misguided practice of treating one’s tax refund as if it were free money. Stop and consider the many, many (many) sound financial instruments at your disposal before acting on impulse. But let’s put that on hold for a moment. If you’re splurging on one thing with your tax refund, what’s it gonna be? We posed the hypothetical to our staff of experts, enthusiasts and product sleuths. Here’s what they said.

Fujifilm X-E3 (35mm F/2 Lens)

“Four weeks into dog ownership and I haven’t taken a single good photo of the little one on a camera that’s not my phone. This is principally because he is physically incapable of standing still and my camera — while being a far-too-nice Leica M10 — does not have autofocus. In the interest of not letting the dog’s wonder years go undocumented, a portion of my refund will be spent on a Fujifilm X-E3 and a 35mm f/2 lens. Not only does it generally take great photos and have enough durability to become a chew toy, it also comes with autofocus.” — Henry Phillips, Deputy Photography Editor

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Article Sente Bench

“In an obsessive hunt to find the right chairs to complete my living room, I realized that what I actually want is a comfy bench — this Article Sente Bench, to be exact. It’s deeper (and sleeker and sturdier) than most upholstered benches at this price, and with a set of bolsters, it’ll be perfect to lounge on. And since I’ve already purchased two non-returnable chairs that I hate, this bench is bookmarked as a refund-buy unless a Craigslist sale of my two chairs comes through.” — Caitlyn Shaw, Consumer Marketing Manager

Mouton Magnum Futures

“I’ve got a handful of futures earmarked for a rainy day, but a magnum or two of Mouton would be the most likely splurge with a tax refund. I’d never drink it, hell there’s a chance I’d never even see the bottle in person, but knowing I’ve got one or two sitting in a climate- and humidity-controlled room, aging away and appreciating nicely, is enough to soften the initial sticker shock.” — AJ Powell, Project Manager, Gear Patrol Studios

Cake Kalk OR Electric Motorbike

“When I get the world’s fattest tax refund, I’m headed straight for Cake’s new Kalk OR. First off, I just love how whimsical and fun and Swedish it looks. But it also features so much patent-pending development, it represents a brand-new category of two-wheeled bliss: Light Electric Off Road Motorbikes. With conscientiously crafted geometry and suspension, a whole new chassis and three different pre-set digital ride modes, the Kalk OR packs plenty of performance into a deceptively light package (about 150 pounds, including the battery). Topping out at about 50 miles per hour, this beauty promises plenty of thrills bouncing over rocks and dirt on sunny Saturday afternoons.” — Steve Mazzucchi, Editor, Outdoors & Fitness

FlyCraft Inflatable Raft (Stealth Fisherman Package)

“The FlyCraft inflatable raft with the Stealth Fisherman package. These agile and super light boats are able to crush all types of water and can float big rivers to large streams. Of course, I would need there to be some return left over for storage…maybe I can keep it on the roof of my pre-war building on the UES? All jokes aside, having my own boat would increase fishing options throughout the year tenfold.” — Jacob Sotak, Content Director, Gear Patrol Store

D.S. & Durga “After Rain” Hand Soap

“If you would kindly come down from your high horse and stop judging a hand soap unworthy of the term ‘splurge’ or the idea of treating yourself, that’d be great. I indulge in a number of pricey vices that sop up my expendable income, but I would never, under normal circumstances, drop more than a few dollars on hand soap. Under. Normal. Circumstances. This is not one, so I’ll gladly cop a hand soap that makes every day just a little better and distracts friends visiting my 500-square-foot apartment.” — Will Price, Assistant Editor, Home & Design

2002 Cadillac Eldorado ETC

Photo: via Autotrader

“The Cadillac Eldorado is perhaps the epitome of the ‘old man car,’ yet for some reason, I’ve always quietly wanted a black-on-black example. Maybe it’s the powerful V8 beneath the hood that makes highway cruising a breeze; maybe it’s that few cars can match an old-school Cadillac coupe for interior space for a six-foot-four driver; maybe it’s just the fact that, in that colorway, people are apt to assume you’re a mobster when they see you driving down the Jersey Turnpike. But the fact that you can snag a nice one for cheap these days means I’d grab one in a heartbeat with my tax break.” — Will Sabel Courtney, Editor, Motoring

Mamiya RZ67 Medium Format Camera

“As someone who suffers from severe impulsive purchasing decisions, I was somewhat patient in buying my Mamiya RZ67 Medium Format camera, waiting for the greater part of a year to take the plunge. It was purchased within hours of receiving my tax return and I couldn’t be more excited about it.” — Brenden Clarke, Multimedia Producer

West Elm Industrial Storage Coffee Table

“I’ve come dangerously close to buying this bad boy on numerous occasions. Whenever there’s a deal on one, I’ll add it to my cart only to realize that shipping costs drive it up back up to MSRP. Then I’ll find a discounted one on Craigslist, but get turned off by the idea of hauling it back from Jersey or deep, deep Brooklyn. Maybe this will be the year where I’ll finally pull the purchasing trigger? But I suspect, depressingly, I’ll find an excuse to wait just a little bit longer.” — Tucker Bowe, Tech Writer

Gran Mitla Sal de Gusano

“Tax refunds are a good excuse to buy something that wouldn’t make it into your monthly budget. For me, it’s a case of Sal de Gusano — a dozen 100g bottles of Oaxacan salt, blended with toasted and ground agave worms and chile costeño. The agave worms give this spicy salt an earthy, smoky flavor that is unreplicable. Pairs great with mezcal, fruits and other weeknight necessities.” — John Zientek, Associate Editor, Style

Eyevan 7285 756 Sunglasses

“I put a lot of care into picking out eyewear. Besides correcting my vision, glasses and sunglasses add another dimension to my personal style. Before I even started at Gear Patrol, I read our style editor’s article on why the best sunglasses come from Japan. The Eyevan 756 sunglasses really stuck out to me, but with a price tag of $470, it was hard to bite the bullet. Plus, I have to get the lenses swapped out for a pair with my prescription. This year, with my tax return, I think I’ll take the plunge. And I found a great website called Lensabl to swap out the lenses for a really reasonable price.” — Tyler Chin, Editorial Associate, Editorial Operations

Rent the Runway Membership

“Ever since I discovered Rent the Runway last year, I’ve been scheming up ways to get access to it every single month. I’m not someone who likes to shop, and I’ve found RTR to be the easiest way to get dressed every morning. Plus, it saves me lots of laundry and keeps the clothes I do own in tip-top shape. With an unlimited membership, I get 4 pieces (coats, pants, shirts, accessories), which make shopping for wedding season way less stressful, and getting ready for work is a breeze. While $159 a month is a bit pricey, tax returns make it very possible for the foreseeable future.” — Meg Lappe, Editorial Coordinator

Nothing

“I owe the government money.” — Oren Hartov, Associate Editor

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

Forget the Bug-Out Bag, Here’s Our Ultimate Bug-In Bag

When we get a sense of “all hell breaking loose,” the natural reaction is to prep a bugout bag. You know, a pack stuffed with rugged essentials: MREs, survival knives and first-aid equipment. But in the face of coronavirus, with increasing calls for people to self-quarantine, the best bet may not be to lash out but to stay in. So we asked the Gear Patrol staff what they reach for when it’s time to hole up for a weekend (or longer). Their expert picks break down into a few categories, and all are as critical these days as a hundred feet of paracord and a fire starter.

Food and Drink

The Gaijin Cookbook

“I had plans to spend two weeks in Japan before the coronavirus hit, with much of that time dedicated to eating. Instead, I’ve been working my way through the latest cookbook by Ivan Orkin of Chef’s Table fame and the man behind my favorite ramen spot. There’s no better way to cure boredom at home than by cooking, and Orkin makes a play for approachability in The Gaijin Cookbook. If you don’t have an Asian supermarket nearby, you can order Japanese cooking staples like dashi packets and bonito flakes on Amazon.” — Tanner Bowden, Staff Writer, Outdoors & Fitness

Donvier Manual Ice Cream Maker

“TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It) doesn’t scare me nearly as much ever since I learned that ice cream can still exist even in a world without electricity. This model, admittedly, does need a cold environment to chill its bowl, but that means you’re not dependent on ice or salt to churn up that sweet, sweet treat. And hey, cranking the handle is a great way to pass the time when you’re all bugged in.” — Will Sabel Courtney, Motoring Editor

Bell’s Brewery Two Hearted Ale

“One of the oldest activities to pass time is drinking. But don’t just drink any beer, drink one of the best IPAs out there that can be found just about anywhere: Bell’s Two Hearted Ale. With a subtle hop character of piney and grapefruit notes, it’s the definition of an American IPA.” — Ryan Brower, Commerce Editor

Dosist Bliss 200 Dose Pen

“Sometimes you just need to chill out. You don’t need to go off the deep end, though, and these highly precise vaporizers deliver measured 2.25mg doses, so you can ease into your vibe.” — John Zientek, Associate Editor, Style

Entertainment

Xbox Game Pass

“Looking for an Xbox game to play but reluctant to pick just one to plunk down $60 on? Xbox Game Pass gives you access to over 100 options, for a modest monthly fee of fifteen bucks, and first-time gamers can even snag a month for just a buck. It is a great way to kill a whole ton of time.” — Eric Limer, Tech Editor

Catan

“If you’re looking for something to pass the time with the whole squad, nothing beats an easy-to-learn board game.” — Scott Ulrich, Editorial Associate

Catan Expansion – Seafarers

“In my early 20s after college, my friends and I discovered Settlers of Catan [a.ka. Catan, see above], which is without a doubt the greatest board game ever created. There were 5 or 6 of us and we’d play on Saturdays and Sundays, for months on end. It was an addiction. If you’ve ever played Catan, I’d implore you to buy the Seafarers expansion pack. It requires you to have the original Catan board game, but it elevates your fun tenfold. Remember: trade your wheat and sheep wisely.” — Tucker Bowe, Senior Staff Writer, Tech

Atomic Purple Gameboy Color

“I’ve only had to hunker down once, for about a week, during hurricane season in South Carolina. While cooped up, I learned that what seems luxurious when you’re never home — watching movies, reading books, sleeping in — gets old very quickly when it’s all you can do, so you have to switch things up. My Atomic Purple Gameboy Color never fails to entertain when I’m bored with whatever book or Netflix show I’m in the middle of; it’s my secret weapon when home sick or stuck home in general.” — Caitlyn Shaw, Consumer Marketing Manager

Frank Lloyd Wright Saguaro Forms and Cactus Flowers Puzzle

“Might as well use quarantine time to go off the grid for a bit, set aside your phone and complete a challenge. It’s really hard to find jigsaw puzzles of images that aren’t ugly, but this one is fun and you get to feel accomplished and cool when you finish it.” — Sherry Wang, Senior Designer

Exercise

Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer

“Staying in shape can seem low priority in times like these. But when you’re training for a race, having a stationary bike in your living room is golden.” — AJ Powell, Project Manager, Gear Patrol Studios

Sunny Health & Fitness Chromed Flywheel

“Regular exercise would play a big role in not getting cabin fever, and my go-to is indoor cycling. If you are new to it and don’t want to splurge on Peloton, I highly recommend this Sunny Bike. It’s no-frills (read: no electronics) so it won’t measure your heart rate/distance/zodiac sign, but it will make you sweat. Pair with the Peloton app on a cheap cycling iPad holder and an iPad and you are basically fancy. Also, it will train you for when things go full 28 Days Later and you need to out-bike some fast zombies.” — Andrew Siceloff, Director of Video

Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell

“No product delivers more resistance-training options at a lower price and in a smaller package than adjustable kettlebells. This one gradates from 10 to 40 pounds and you can even use individual plates for bonus moves such as triceps extensions and weighted arm circles. A little strength work will come in handy when your bike chain breaks and you have to turn and fight those zombies.” — Steve Mazzucchi, Outdoors & Fitness Editor

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 Things How We’d Blow Our 2020 Tax Refunds On

First things first: Gear Patrol in no way endorses the reckless, irresponsible, misguided practice of treating one’s tax refund as if it were free money. Stop and consider the many, many (many) sound financial instruments at your disposal before acting on impulse. But let’s put that on hold for a moment. If you’re splurging on one thing with your tax refund, what’s it gonna be? We posed the hypothetical to our staff of experts, enthusiasts and product sleuths. Here’s what they said.

Fujifilm X-E3 (35mm F/2 Lens)

“Four weeks into dog ownership and I haven’t taken a single good photo of the little one on a camera that’s not my phone. This is principally because he is physically incapable of standing still and my camera — while being a far-too-nice Leica M10 — does not have autofocus. In the interest of not letting the dog’s wonder years go undocumented, a portion of my refund will be spent on a Fujifilm X-E3 and a 35mm f/2 lens. Not only does it generally take great photos and have enough durability to become a chew toy, it also comes with autofocus.” — Henry Phillips, Deputy Photography Editor

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Article Sente Bench

“In an obsessive hunt to find the right chairs to complete my living room, I realized that what I actually want is a comfy bench — this Article Sente Bench, to be exact. It’s deeper (and sleeker and sturdier) than most upholstered benches at this price, and with a set of bolsters, it’ll be perfect to lounge on. And since I’ve already purchased two non-returnable chairs that I hate, this bench is bookmarked as a refund-buy unless a Craigslist sale of my two chairs comes through.” — Caitlyn Shaw, Consumer Marketing Manager

Mouton Magnum Futures

“I’ve got a handful of futures earmarked for a rainy day, but a magnum or two of Mouton would be the most likely splurge with a tax refund. I’d never drink it, hell there’s a chance I’d never even see the bottle in person, but knowing I’ve got one or two sitting in a climate- and humidity-controlled room, aging away and appreciating nicely, is enough to soften the initial sticker shock.” — AJ Powell, Project Manager, Gear Patrol Studios

Cake Kalk OR Electric Motorbike

“When I get the world’s fattest tax refund, I’m headed straight for Cake’s new Kalk OR. First off, I just love how whimsical and fun and Swedish it looks. But it also features so much patent-pending development, it represents a brand-new category of two-wheeled bliss: Light Electric Off Road Motorbikes. With conscientiously crafted geometry and suspension, a whole new chassis and three different pre-set digital ride modes, the Kalk OR packs plenty of performance into a deceptively light package (about 150 pounds, including the battery). Topping out at about 50 miles per hour, it’s no speed demon, but I have no doubt it’ll provide plenty of thrills bouncing over rocks and dirt on a sunny Saturday afternoon.” — Steve Mazzucchi, Editor, Outdoors & Fitness

FlyCraft Inflatable Raft (Stealth Fisherman Package)

“The FlyCraft inflatable raft with the Stealth Fisherman package. These agile and super light boats are able to crush all types of water and can float big rivers to large streams. Of course, I would need there to be some return left over for storage…maybe I can keep it on the roof of my pre-war building on the UES? All jokes aside, having my own boat would increase fishing options throughout the year tenfold.” — Jacob Sotak, Content Director, Gear Patrol Store

D.S. & Durga “After Rain” Hand Soap

“If you would kindly come down from your high horse and stop judging a hand soap unworthy of the term ‘splurge’ or the idea of treating yourself, that’d be great. I indulge in a number of pricey vices that sop up my expendable income, but I would never, under normal circumstances, drop more than a few dollars on hand soap. Under. Normal. Circumstances. This is not one, so I’ll gladly cop a hand soap that makes every day just a little better and distracts friends visiting my 500-square-foot apartment.” — Will Price, Assistant Editor, Home & Design

2002 Cadillac Eldorado ETC

Photo: via Autotrader

“The Cadillac Eldorado is perhaps the epitome of the ‘old man car,’ yet for some reason, I’ve always quietly wanted a black-on-black example. Maybe it’s the powerful V8 beneath the hood that makes highway cruising a breeze; maybe it’s that few cars can match an old-school Cadillac coupe for interior space for a six-foot-four driver; maybe it’s just the fact that, in that colorway, people are apt to assume you’re a mobster when they see you driving down the Jersey Turnpike. But the fact that you can snag a nice one for cheap these days means I’d grab one in a heartbeat with my tax break.” — Will Sabel Courtney, Editor, Motoring

Mamiya RZ67 Medium Format Camera

“As someone who suffers from severe impulsive purchasing decisions, I was somewhat patient in buying my Mamiya RZ67 Medium Format camera, waiting for the greater part of a year to take the plunge. It was purchased within hours of receiving my tax return and I couldn’t be more excited about it.” — Brenden Clarke, Multimedia Producer

West Elm Industrial Storage Coffee Table

“I’ve come dangerously close to buying this bad boy on numerous occasions. Whenever there’s a deal on one, I’ll add it to my cart only to realize that shipping costs drive it up back up to MSRP. Then I’ll find a discounted one on Craigslist, but get turned off by the idea of hauling it back from Jersey or deep, deep Brooklyn. Maybe this will be the year where I’ll finally pull the purchasing trigger? But I suspect, depressingly, I’ll find an excuse to wait just a little bit longer.” — Tucker Bowe, Tech Writer

Gran Mitla Sal de Gusano

“Tax refunds are a good excuse to buy something that wouldn’t make it into your monthly budget. For me, it’s a case of Sal de Gusano — a dozen 100g bottles of Oaxacan salt, blended with toasted and ground agave worms and chile costeño. The agave worms give this spicy salt an earthy, smoky flavor that is unreplicable. Pairs great with mezcal, fruits and other weeknight necessities.” — John Zientek, Associate Editor, Style

Eyevan 7285 756 Sunglasses

“I put a lot of care into picking out eyewear. Besides correcting my vision, glasses and sunglasses add another dimension to my personal style. Before I even started at Gear Patrol, I read our style editor’s article on why the best sunglasses come from Japan. The Eyevan 756 sunglasses really stuck out to me, but with a price tag of $470, it was hard to bite the bullet. Plus, I have to get the lenses swapped out for a pair with my prescription. This year, with my tax return, I think I’ll take the plunge. And I found a great website called Lensabl to swap out the lenses for a really reasonable price.” — Tyler Chin, Editorial Associate, Editorial Operations

Rent the Runway Membership

“Ever since I discovered Rent the Runway last year, I’ve been scheming up ways to get access to it every single month. I’m not someone who likes to shop, and I’ve found RTR to be the easiest way to get dressed every morning. Plus, it saves me lots of laundry and keeps the clothes I do own in tip-top shape. With an unlimited membership, I get 4 pieces (coats, pants, shirts, accessories), which make shopping for wedding season way less stressful, and getting ready for work is a breeze. While $159 a month is a bit pricey, tax returns make it very possible for the foreseeable future.” — Meg Lappe, Editorial Coordinator

Nothing

“I owe the government money.” — Oren Hartov, Associate Editor

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

Kind of Obsessed: This App Changed the Way I Work Out

Growing up, working out was easy. Sports dominated my life, so there was always a coach or trainer providing me a step-by-step program to follow. Then I went to college, and had to figure out how to work out on my own — which basically turned into not working out. Then I moved to NYC, joined a gym and fell into a weight and treadmill routine that I’ve been riffing off of since: biceps, triceps, shoulders, 5K run along with a dash of planks, crunches and leg lifts. It hasn’t changed much over the years.

Despite being a low-key Luddite when it comes to technology and fitness, I’m genuinely impressed by the fitness app Aaptiv, which is designed to mimic the feeling of taking a fitness class or working one-on-one with a trainer — but virtually and remotely. Open up the app and pick whatever workout you feel like doing — there are more than 2500 of them (all between 2 and 50 minutes) set to a variety of different music genres. Mike’s Core Crusher is a personal favorite — I was sore for five days straight afterward.

No matter what machine you like to use at the gym, there’s an option for that. Treadmill, elliptical, indoor cycling, rowing, stairclimber, strength training, stretching and ab workouts are just a few of the choices available. If you despise being indoors, the outdoor running classes are ideal for someone running their first 5K or fifth marathon. The app was a lifesaver during my last marathon training cycle.

Aside from helping me always look like I know what I’m doing at the gym, the app has changed my at-home workout game, too. I’m no longer scouring YouTube for a weird fitness video released in the early 2000s. Roll out a yoga mat, pick whatever HIIT workout or ab workout sounds doable, and 20 minutes later, I’m ready to try another one.

Whether I’m training for a race or trying to add more strength to my workouts, with just four taps, I can go from doing nothing to full on sweating it out.

No, You Don’t Actually Need a Watch Winder — Here’s Why

I’m a self-professed watch dork but let me be the first to admit that an automatic mechanical watch is the spitting image of a gratuitous use of money. We all know nobody needs one — there are plenty of more convenient, affordable tools to tell time. But most watch dorks, myself included, have more or less accepted that style, history and charm offer enough meaningful value to keep mechanical watchmaking alive. But, even as somebody who loves watches, there’s something in the watch collecting sphere that surpasses the watch itself as an excessive use of cash: the watch winder.

A watch winder is a tabletop box (or, if you can afford it, a big-ass vault) that ever-so-gently rotates an automatic winding watch when it isn’t being worn to keep the mainspring wound and, in effect, the watch running. It’s also an overpriced, gaudy and (almost) wholly unnecessary device that masquerades as an essential tool in watch collecting. At its best, the watch winder offers minor convenience. At its worst, it actually harms your watch.

Some watch winder proponents often cite it as a maintenance precaution for time when your automatic watch is not on your wrist. The theory goes something like this: The lubricants inside your mechanical watch that reduce friction between its many moving parts will, if left dormant, become dried up or coagulate. This, in turn, could cause damage to the movement and, thus, the watch should be kept moving to avoid this degradation of your watch’s lubricating oils.

When I asked Henry Ly — the Managing Director at Watchmaking Project, an NYC-based independent watch repair shop — if this was true, his response was quick and stern: “No, absolutely not.” According to him, factors like age and temperature can cause a watch’s lubricants to dry up, but a lack of use shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Further, modern synthetic watch oils don’t coagulate like their animal-based counterparts of yesteryear. So while they will eventually dissipate with time (again, regardless as to whether or not the watch is running), there’s no need to worry about them gunking up and damaging the watch. As long as you keep with regular service intervals, your watch will be alright whether or not your watch is sitting still on your nightstand or spinning in a winder.

According to Ly, however, if you haven’t kept up with service that’s where you could potentially run into trouble. “Imagine you have your watch for about four or five years, and is at the point where it needs service soon, but instead of servicing it you put it on the winder and forget about it,” he says. “The gears and pivots are constantly winding, causing wear and tear. But say you don’t put it on a winder, but put it in a drawer or closet. It stops running and it stays in a place where the gears and wheels aren’t being excessively worn.”

No need to worry about lubricants gunking up if you get your watch serviced at the right intervals.

Some users also boast convenience as the best part about watch winder ownership. Sure enough, an automatic will need to be reset after a couple of days spent unworn. But is resetting and winding a watch in the morning — a task that can be completed in about a minute — such a chore it requires spending of hundreds of dollars to avoid? After all, watch enthusiasts are supposed to love interacting with their watches. The best argument in the watch winder’s favor here is that if you own a perpetual calendar — which admittedly takes a notoriously long time to reset the date once it stops running — a winder alleviates one of the biggest pains of owning one. If you have purchased this esteemed complication of horology (one that starts at around nine G’s), then sure, a winder is not such a bad idea after all.

Otherwise, convenience and maintenance seem to me like excuses used to paint the watch winder as anything other than the glorified, gyrating plinth. And at even at that, it manages to fail. Few watch winders are an attractive watch storage solution. Most are bulky, uninspiring cubes that take up dresser or desk space. Affordable ones, ranging from $50 to a few hundred dollars, are poorly-designed and finished with plastic, faux leather and over-polished wood. Want something more luxe than that? You’ll be paying at least several hundred dollars. Of course, you could simply skip all of that trouble and buy a nice leather valet tray for under $100, take a minute to wind your watch in the morning and call it a day.

If you do own a watch winder or want to buy on, simply because you just cannot stand the hassle of resetting one of your unworn automatic watches, well, all the power to you — there are plenty of winders to choose from. But don’t purchase one out of some perceived sense of necessity. A watch winder is nothing more than a frivolous luxury good for luxury goods. Its utility will always be in the eye of the beholder.

I’ve Had This Fleece in My Winter Kit for the Past 8 Years. Here’s Why

On the surface, it can seem like all fleeces are created equal. Most are made of the same materials, and there is little to differentiate one brand from another outside of fit and color. I’ve tried fleeces from just about every brand on the market and despite an ever-spinning revolving door of gear to test, one fleece has remained my go-to. It sees use for everything from travel to mountain biking to hiking to snowboarding: the Arc’teryx Stryka Hoody.

I picked the hoody up on the sale rack at an REI back in 2012. I wasn’t sold on the color (a burnt orange hue), but it was dirt cheap, and I needed a fleece. That same fleece remains in my kit today, eight years later. For someone in my line of work, that’s a pretty astounding statistic. Virtually every other part of my outdoor gear kits has been completely turned over multiple times, but the Stryka remains — not just in my snowboard kit, but across each of the outdoor activities that I partake in.

Maybe it’s the bit of elastane that’s added to the fleece. Maybe it’s the long cut. Maybe it’s the balaclava hood. Or maybe it’s a combination of those things that has endeared the Stryka to me. The memories made in it undoubtedly played a part; countless winter summits in the Green and Worcester mountain ranges, bone-chilling first chairs at Stowe Mountain Resort and ripping singletrack on a brisk morning in Sedona with my dad.

But memories can only take a piece of outdoor gear so far. An active fleece needs to perform, and perform the Stryka does. It’s breathable, impossibly stretchy and about as soft as curling up in bed with a Chow Chow. It’s smooth on the outside and brushed on the inside for warmth. The zipper pocket on the chest is surprisingly functional and is the perfect place to stash a smartphone to save battery during cold days on the hill.

Throughout the years, I’ve used the Stryka primarily as a mid layer, but on extra cold days, it makes an excellent base layer — in combination with a puffy and shell. Perhaps it’s the versatility that has cemented the Stryka in my outdoor gear hall of fame. Whatever it is, the original Stryka is simply the best fleece on the market and will continue to be my companion on every winter outdoor adventure. Though they’ve changed the Stryka quite a bit since the original, the fleece is still a part of Arc’teryx’s line today.

How to Craft the Kind of Epic Adventure You’ll Never Find In a Guidebook, According to an Expert

The days of following a set itinerary you found in a guidebook are gone. With documentaries, YouTube vlogs and social media unveiling never-before-seen parts of the world to the masses, even travel companies are catering mostly to globetrotters choosing destinations based on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, according to data from Expedia. And Pelorus — named for the navigational tool used to maintain the bearing of a sea vessel back in the golden era of travel and discovery — is one of the leaders in the experiential travel market for the super-rich.

Co-founders Geordie Mackay-Lewis and Jimmy Carroll plan their trips — whether that’s diving at the incredible reefs within the Dhalak Archipelago off the coast of Eritrea or heli-skiing the volcanoes in Kamchatka on the western edge of Siberia — with military precision. The duo draws on their unique experience as captains in a British Army reconnaissance regiment to provide adventurers with incomparable experiences in the most epic destinations.

Mackay-Lewis says he and Carroll vet every element of a trip themselves, traveling to the ends of the earth in the name of research — and Mackay-Lewis is still doing it in the Altberg Jungle boots that saw him through two tours in Afghanistan. While scoping out new destinations, you’ll also find him roughing it with a Gerber Mini Knife (likely tied to his shoe or the back of his pants), a Inmarsat satellite phone (for peace of mind), a Sony a7 III camera (to capture the memories), Bose noise-canceling headphones (“to block out everything from screaming kids on airplanes to a bus full of Bolivian locals and chickens”), and an Anker battery pack (“so I know I can totally veer off the grid”), in his pack. Pelorus trips, though, are planned with every comfort in mind (they’re aimed at the super-rich, starting at $30,000).

What sets Pelorus apart is their emphasis on prioritizing experiences over destinations — and building trips from scratch using a global network of local experts. But “anyone, with or without budget, can avoid defaulting to guidebooks and mass travel companies,” says Mackay-Lewis. Here are his best tips for planning a priceless vacation you’ll never find in a guidebook.

1. Nail Down What You Want From Your Vacation

The traditional travel method is a) find amazing hotel b) plan itinerary around it. “But once you do that, you’re only going to experience what’s in the direct vicinity of that place; you’re never going to get a really authentic experience,” says Mackay-Lewis.

Think about what’s wowed you during your last five years of travel, whether that’s taking in the epic view over a site like Machu Picchu or just sitting around a campfire with your friends in the woods — those are the kinds of experiences you should targeting.

“We always start planning from the best possible experiences somewhere has to offer,” he explains. “That could be anything from viewing wildlife species, a tribal or cultural event, a geographical phenomena or something equally extraordinary.” Once you’ve got your priorities in mind, you can always figure out logistics like where to sleep and how to get around.

2. Layer Your Trip

You may be going somewhere for one reason (say, to see the one-of-a-kind sunken petrified forest in Kazakhstan), but think about what you can layer on top of that experience (like driving a half-day to get to a guy who will take you free-diving in said sunken lake).

“We want people to experience a country three-dimensionally: on the ground, above it and below it when possible,” says Mackay-Lewis. “It gives you an entirely different perspective on a place.”

Iceland is a great example of a destination that’s made this approach easy: “The island itself is already extraordinary, but now you can put on a suit to explore the insides of a volcano, race buggies across black sand beaches or drive Formula Off Road cars through the extreme terrain,” he explains.

3. Do Your Own Research

There’s a whole, wide world out there — one that’s easier to know than ever before thanks to the abundance of material from travel writers, influencers, photographers and videographers. To flesh out your itinerary, you should be using input from multiple sources. “There’s no excuse to rely on one guidebook or one travel operator,” says Mackay-Lewis.

Most Americans get just two weeks of vacation (if they even take all their days, but that’s another story); time is your most precious commodity. That means doing the research ahead of time so you’re not left fumbling for ideas (and wasting time) on the ground.

“If you’re not prepared to put at least half the amount of time that you’re going to spend on the ground in to research and planning, then you’ve only got yourself to blame,” he says. Life is short; make those PTO days count.

4. Find a Legit Guide

It’s hard to have an authentic experience when you aren’t with someone who knows the area. “You need someone to bring an experience to life,” says Mackay-Lewis. Sure, you could opt for Airbnb Experiences or trust that “guide” that commented on your Instagram post, but you’re hiring someone to do a job — treat the task like you would hiring someone at your actual job.

Mackay-Lewis suggests getting three references from other travelers or people who have worked with that person in a professional environment — and actually trust them. But you’ve still got to interview them. “Get them on the phone, test them and challenge them on things,” says Mackay-Lewis. “If they’re really good, they’ll be happy to dedicate that time.”

One red flag to watch out for: People who say “anything’s possible.” That’s a great attitude, but likely a bit over-ambitious.

5. Assess the Risk

Traveling to exotic destinations or remote regions comes with an inherent risk — you’re far from your comfort zone, and it may be difficult to extract yourself in an emergency. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe or that you shouldn’t go, but it’s a reason to tread carefully in planning a trip and booking excursions.

Mackay-Lewis relies on his military tools and networks to assess risk, but you can create your own intelligence report using four or five reputable sources. “Government travel advisories are always going to be more cautious [because] they’re protecting their citizens, but you can start there,” he says. “Then, talk to people who are actually living there. It could be an ex-pat you know, someone who owns a company there that you found through LinkedIn, even people on Instagram who live there or have traveled there recently.”

Ask questions like: How many tourists have been there in the last six months? Where are they going within the area? Where are they not going? “When you put all that info together, you’ve got a pretty good sense of what’s going on,” says Mackay-Lewis. “These people are on the ground, so they know what it’s really like.”

Meditation Can Make You Better at Everything: Here’s How

A version of this article originally appeared in Issue Ten of Gear Patrol Magazine with the headline “How to Get Better at Everything” Subscribe today.

It’s not just yogis and gurus who benefit from quiet time dedicated to focusing on the present moment; elite athletes and corporate strivers alike practice meditation for its performance benefits. The mind-body discipline has long been known to boost concentration, reduce stress and help with a good night’s sleep. But dedicated training can also produce faster, better decision-making thanks to increased adaptability and insight. It’s a simple, effective way to step up your game, no matter what that game is. Pause, take a breath, and read on to learn your TMs from your FAMs from your oooooommmms.

Open Monitoring Meditation (OMM)

Best for CEOs: Open monitoring meditation involves “watching” your thoughts and feelings without becoming attached to them, maintaining a non-reactive and non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. It’s been a favored technique of CEOs like Arianna Huffington and the late Steve Jobs. Recent research suggests OMM practitioners can control their states of consciousness and attention, and according to Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist who works with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, long-term repetition can help identify which thought patterns are beneficial to performance — and which ones are worth discarding. Plus, OMM can promote divergent thinking, which is conducive to creativity.

Go Deeper
The Book:Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom Research-backed tools to help you strengthen your brain from Rick Hanson, Ph.D, a neuropsychologist and meditation instructor. ($10, Amazon)
The Technique: Heilman suggests observing clouds floating through the sky; when thoughts, worries or distractions pop into your head, attach them to the clouds and watch them drift away.
The App:Insight Timer offers OMM meditations to practice absorbing a situation without overthinking or distraction.

Focused Attention Meditation (FAM)

Best for Athletes:Focused attention meditation increases mindfulness by turning your concentration to your breath. By focusing on a simple target, like the in and out of your lungs, it’s easier to notice when your mind wanders, says Christina Heilman, Ph.D, C.S.C.S., and author of Elevate Your Excellence: The Mindset and Methods That Make Champions.

“Focus is a huge part of athletic performance,” Heilman says. “Wherever your focus goes, everything follows.” Learning to ignore irrelevant cues allows insight as to what’s important in the moment, whether that’s hydration or a subtle shift in the opposing team’s defense. Elite performers such as Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings and pro golfer Rory McIlroy practice FAM.

Go Deeper
The Book:The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance Insight from George Mumford, coach to NBA championship teams and legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. ($14, Amazon)
The Class: The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness offers mPEAK, a performance-driven mindfulness session for high-level athletes.
The Device: Neurofeedback headsets like Versus and Muse measure brain activity and display your current focus levels on a corresponding app. The goal: learn to harness your attention at its peak, and refocus in times of distraction.

Transcendental Meditation (TM)

Best for Moguls: Transcendental meditation improves mood, attention, focus and emotional intelligence, and can promote a state of inner peace. “A lot of us are stuck because we don’t take time to reflect,” Heilman says. A TM session allows time to process experiences and learn from them. Long-term transcendental meditators show significantly higher blood flow to the brain regions used for adjusting behavior and focusing attention. One study showed school staff in San Francisco who practiced TM enjoyed better moods, higher emotional intelligence, and increased adaptability and stress management skills.

Go Deeper
The Book:Super Mind: How to Boost Performance and Live a Richer and Happier Life Through Transcendental Meditation Using a solid TM practice to build resiliency, get more done and achieve peak performance. ($11, Amazon)
The Technique: While only certified TM instructors can provide approved transcendental meditation training — with a price tag of $800 or more — anyone can benefit from 20 minutes spent sitting quietly, eyes closed, relaxing the mind.
The App: Use Oak to time your TM sessions, and watch your tree avatar grow the more you meditate.

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

What Everyday Athletes Need to Know About Supplements

Matt Johnson has been the president of the Cannondale-Drapac Pro Cycling team for the past 10 years. A former competitive cyclist on the European circuit, Johnson uses the feedback from his elite athletes to inform The Feed, a retail site that curates the best performance products on the market and explores cutting-edge topics from holistic training modalities to hardcore nutrition hacking on its blog.

Joe Holder (left) and Matt Johnson.

Joe Holder holds many titles: Nike Master Trainer, creative director of wellness for SmartWater and founder of Ocho System, a company he created to treat athletes holistically through a range of modalities. As a former college football player whose career was cut short due to injury, athlete wellness is a cause Holder believes in. We asked Johnson and Holder to discuss their own nutrition routines, the best way to fuel athletic performance right now, and what the future holds for performance-based nutrition.

This conversation has been edited and condensed for space and clarity.

Matt Johnson: Joe, coffee or tea?
Joe Holder: Tea. Ginger tea.
MJ: Oh, ginger tea. I don’t drink coffee, I focus on green tea. Caffeinated or uncaffeinated?
JH: Uncaffeinated.
MJ: Do you have any caffeine in the morning?
JH: I like to cycle caffeine, but if I do have it, I’ll have an espresso.
MJ: How much water per day?
JH: I try to get a gallon.
MJ: I’m Canadian, so I’m doing the conversion in my head. I don’t know what a gallon is. I sort of hate drinking water, so I always use low-calorie Nuun tablets in the water. I go from barely drinking 32 ounces of water in a day to 64 or 96 ounces.
Do you add anything to it, or just straight-up water?
JH: No, I just try to do straight-up water. Room temperature if possible.
MJ: Are you plant-based or a carnivore?
JH: Plant-based gang life.
MJ: Morning vitamin routine?
JH: I take some sublingual B12, zinc. I have turmeric, spirulina, chlorella added to my smoothie. I have some Cordyceps and then I probably have some vitamin C.
MJ: And anything specific in that [supplement] regimen because of the plant-based diet?
JH: The B12 for sure. The zinc, as well. The other stuff is mainly for general stamina. I’m just super into adaptogens right now, experimenting with them, so I do the mushrooms — ashwagandha, rhodiola. I mean, ginger is the OGS of adaptogens.
MJ: And on the ginger front, can you just do raw ginger? Like, is that effective, or is it not concentrated enough?
JH: It’s not, for me. I just try to have four to six cups of ginger tea a day, so I make a mix. I slow boil lemon peels and raw ginger. But if I’m really trying to level up, like in harder training sessions, I will take capsules.
MJ: I should try that. If I’m in a real endurance training day or a high-intensity training phase, I’ll use Sur AltRed, which is this sort of super-concentrated beta alanine beet extract product. I use HVMN Kado — it’s like their daily Omega-3 supplement, which I really like. I use Tart Cherry from VitalFit, just as a daily inflammation reducer. And I just started the Mack Daddy of anti-aging supplements, Etrnux, from Neurohacker Collective.
JH: I’ve never taken the powders. The powders often don’t sit well with me. I’m interested to try the Sur AltRed after this. The beet juice supplementation and nitrous oxide supplementation is about figuring out the best ways to utilize the strategic diet, utilizing proper breathing strategies and then bringing in the supplements when need be.
MJ:When do you stop eating before bed?
JH: Three hours.
MJ: I totally agree with that. If I focus on the eating window, I try to stop eating at six-thirty or seven, because I’m all about the early dinner and relatively early bed. Now, setting an eight-hour eating window is trending. We’re seeing the keto crowd look at it and say, Let’s combine these and start the eating window with a higher-protein, lower-carb diet for the first meal or two.

“People want simplistic, easy answers, even though nutrition and the human body are the hardest things to figure out.”

Traditionally, the keto guys were terrible endurance athletes over the long term. Now they’re doing the carb-refueling window, taking in a bunch of carbs at the last meal to restock glycogen levels overnight. That seems to me to be the most efficacious of all the trends that we see out there. I’d love your thoughts on that, Joe.
JH: I’m a big fan. What I’ve seen best results with is doing a brief period of the ketosis diet or something similar during low-intensity states in which you’re really trying to base-build for endurance-oriented sports, even marathons. What you’re hinting at is just strategic carb-cycling built around the training schedule to produce best results.
MJ: Do you have any other sort of pre-bed nighttime routines, from a supplement standpoint?
JH: Probably about an hour before bed I’ll have magnesium. I tried valerian root for a bit, which worked really well but it put me in a dark place, like wild mood swings, so I had to stop. Maybe some ashwagandha and CBD.
MJ: From our experience with CBD, a sublingual is probably the best way to go because of the increased bioavailability versus a gel cap. What’s interesting is the dosage you need; there’s this minimum threshold that’s different for every person. And if you’re taking it on an empty stomach, you can reduce that dosage.
My favorite CBD is a mid-afternoon tea with some CBD honey. Have you done any honey before bed? Has that been effective?
JH: No, actually, I’ve never tried honey.
MJ: A lot of the biohackers talk about that, right? Refiling liver stores and things like that.
JH: The only thing I’ve experimented with are grape juice and arginine, and I’ve noticed some benefits with that.
MJ: Yeah, we realized that we had access to all this information [at The Feed], what worked or what didn’t work, but the everyday athlete didn’t even know how to hydrate or use energy gel.
JH: The first issue is most people don’t understand what science is. It doesn’t exist in a vacuum. People want simplistic, easy answers, even though nutrition and the human body are the hardest things to figure out. They’ll try to extrapolate one small thing, and then they’ll just try to make that a blanket [statement]. “Eggs are bad” — eggs may be bad for some people, but for certain individuals, there may be a benefit. You see these hyperbole moments that try to demonize certain foods, but everything needs to be looked at in a continuum.
MJ: I believe the same thing. We brought in a team chef for the cycling team that would cook [a low-inflammation diet] for all the athletes at events like the Tour de France. Other teams were still pounding pasta. And we saw huge improvements by focusing on the diet.
What do you think the future of supplements looks like?
JH: There’s a difference between supplements for performance and for health. A lot of times people either mess up the dosage or the frequency; they’re not going to see any performance benefits. Caffeine is the easiest example. Most people don’t use caffeine correctly during their races to have any true performance benefits — just a little bit more cognitive clarity.

“The future of supplements is going to involve reconceptualizing what actual supplements are. It doesn’t have to be pills and powders.”

For my marathons, I’ve seen how to use caffeine appropriately. It typically needs fifteen to thirty minutes to kick in, and then you’ve got to get a pretty high dosage, depending upon your body. A lot of people don’t get nearly as much caffeine as they need per kilogram of body weight.
MJ: When I look at supplements, I start with safety. We don’t want anything that’s not well researched and efficacious. The problem with CBD is there’s so much hype and noise. Before we started selling CBD, we said, We can’t rely on what the vendor’s telling us, even the most reputable vendors — we need to test all of them. The results are shocking. Of a hundred products we tested in the CBD space, less than ten percent were within five percent of what they said was in the product. And some were no more than olive oil or MCT oil.
JH: I have a buddy whose brand made me customized [CBD] blends. All his stuff is small-batch, he would test it and send me the actual numbers and what was in it. I noticed a difference using it. For me, it was all about sleep, anxiety and travel. Some topical delivery systems seemed to make a difference, especially around marathon training. But it does go back to what you were talking about earlier, when you send some of that stuff out to get tested and there’s nothing in it. It’s not that the active ingredient doesn’t work, it’s that the company isn’t giving you the supplement with the ingredient in it! It’s crazy.
In the past two years, you’ve seen changes in delivery systems, like with Amp Sports Nutrition lotions and Maurten hydrogel, but the core components of each have been around. Carbohydrates have been known to increase exercise performance since the Fifties. It’s not that this stuff has to be exceedingly new; the main issue is that nobody’s taking it right. The next big step in the industry is going to be increasing consumer knowledge about how to utilize them to maximum results.
MJ: Yeah, fifteen years ago sports drinks had tons of carbs in them and it was impeding people’s ability to hydrate, making them sick. They were falling apart. Maurten comes along, creates a product that starts out as a liquid and converts to a hydrogel as you drink it. The carbs — glucose, maltodextrin — are encapsulated into this gel that doesn’t digest in your stomach, it’s primarily digested in your small intestine. You don’t get sick to your stomach, you still get your hydration and you can take four to five times the amount of carbs than before. It’s like starting the second hour almost as fresh as you were in the first hour.
JH: The future of supplements is going to involve reconceptualizing what actual supplements are. It doesn’t have to be pills and powders. There’s a very interesting research study about female athletes eating a Mediterranean diet versus a Western standardized diet [for] four days leading up to a competition — the diet acted as a supplement, like a true ergogenic aid, to improve their 5K times.
MJ: I think the biggest thing with diet is reducing inflammation. I’m not surprised that a Mediterranean diet would lower inflammation markers.
JH: If everybody cut out the sugar and understood how to properly carb-cycle — that at the proper moment, especially for athletes, sugar and carbs are your best friend — it’s just about knowing how to use them properly. I think that that’s kind of right on trend.

A version of this article originally appeared in Issue Ten of Gear Patrol Magazine with the headline “Trainer & Entreprenuer” Subscribe today.

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

Kind of Obsessed: I Found the Perfect Carry-On Weekender

Travel is a large part of my job, whether it be for trade shows, hunting down stories, or the obligatory summer weekend away to escape New York. I’ve tried virtually every type of 3-day-sized luggage out there: tote bags, duffels, hard-sided spinners, all types of backpacks. But none have managed to impress me to the point that I’ve fully committed to one style — until now. For the past few months, I’ve been traveling with Pacsafe and Quiksilver’s collaboration 40L pack and it’s nothing short of perfect.

Let’s start with the shape. At 40L, it’s perfectly sized to fit in the overhead bin, as well as under the seat in front of you. Yes, it’s a bit tight in coach, but it’s completely manageable. It’s so well proportioned in fact, that it won’t even take up all the luggage space in the McLaren 570S, which is an achievement in itself. The pack opens in a clamshell manner, giving you unfettered access to every corner — coincidentally it also makes it incredibly easy to organize within the pack using one of my favorite travel accessories, Eagle Creek’s packing cubes. On the underside of the lid are a handful of pockets, including one sized perfectly for a 15-inch MacBook Pro, cables, chargers and a book.

Though I’m never one to lock my luggage, the pack also comes with a handy locking mechanism that easily works with a TSA approved lock. Some of the other security features include an RFID-safe pocket on top, slash-proof lining and a detachable and lockable shoulder strap so that you can lock your bag to an immovable object.

Perhaps the best, and most overlooked feature of the bag however, is the included drybag. While it is designed for use with your wetsuit after a day in the surf, it works equally well for laundry when on the road.

5 New Workouts And Classes to Try in 2019

It’s 2019 and that means it’s time to branch out. Whether you’re setting fitness goals or renewing your commitment to the gym, this year is yours. The best part about turning over the calendar is the fresh start it gives you on any routine — especially around fitness. Yes, the gym will be more crowded throughout this month and next, but we have faith that you’ll stick to it. To help you crush whatever goals you’re putting on your list for the next 365 days, we took a look ahead at what’s going to be big, and what you should definitely try at least once. After all, mixing it up is the key to healthy workout longevity.

We chatted with the teams at ClassPass and Aaptiv, as well as a longtime veteran of the fitness industry Amanda Freeman and newcomer on the scene, Nathan Forster of NEOU. Here are five classes they recommend you try this year.

Treadmill Classes

To look ahead, we must look back, and the treadmill is what’s still working. “Barry’s and Orangetheory are the OGs and still reigning brands in the treadmill workout world, but this year they’re going to have a lot of competition,” Amanda Freeman, Founder/CEO of SLT and Stretch*d says. We saw the launch of the Peloton Tread, which is now shipping to homes across the nation and with it, a plethora of live and streaming classes in the corresponding app. “There are treadmill-only studios, at-home offerings and new entrants to the treadmill/interval training hybrid game,” Freeman says. When you combine cardio and strength training in one class, it’s a quick and easy way to win. “Sweat and soreness? Check!” Freeman says.

To test: Barry’s Bootcamp, Orangetheory and Peloton Tread classes.

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Stretching

Angela Leigh, Director of Talent at Aaptiv, saw a 14 percent increase in stretching classes taken year over year. “Members are experiencing the benefits that stretching provides, and it’s becoming more of a habit vs. a chore,” Leigh says.

If you have a warm up and cool down built into your workouts, you might already have some sort of stretching routine, but it’s worth taking another look at it. And if you don’t have any current practice, this is a good place to start. When you think of stretching, think beyond static stretching. “We offer sports specific, active and dynamic, proper warm-up and warm-down classes per category, stress reduction, FRC (functional range conditioning), commuter and workplace stretches, chronic pain stretch classes and much more,” Leigh says. “We want this category to be a universal healing category for everyone.” There are many different ways to make stretching a part of your everyday fitness routine.

To Test: Look at your local YMCA for yoga, stretching and mobility classes. Boutique gyms will likely offer an extended stretching program, or look at recovery-specific classes and studios, like ReCover, Mile High Run Clubs’ recovery room, and Tone House’s ice bath in the locker rooms. If you’re in New York, look up Stretch*d, the one-on-one assisted stretching studio. It’s basically like paying for a physical therapist to fix you without there having to be anything broken or a doctors note.

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Weights and Strength Training

Once your body is feeling more mobile, it’s time to add some weight. The easiest way to do that is to start with bodyweight exercises like push-ups, sit-ups and squats, but if you find yourself getting bored easily, check out NEOU. “Guys should take more bodyweight boot camp classes this year, such as Christi Marraccini’s boot camp GO on the NEOU app,” Nathan Forster, co-founder of NEOU says. “Body weight workouts do so much for you and you never have an excuse for not having gym equipment. You can always be active and moving to achieve more.”

If you’re ready for more of a challenge and don’t want to work out at home or in your home gym, consider a gym membership. These days, you don’t even need to buy one for the whole year. ClassPass, the app that lets you book boutique studio classes (like yoga, boxing, cycling and more), also allows app users to schedule time at local gyms without a membership. In 2018, there was a serious uptick in gym access and strength training for men, according to the app’s data. There was a 159 percent increase in reservations among males that were booking gym access.

To Test: While a monthly gym membership might be out of reach for some, there are cost-effective gyms like Blink, New York Sports Club, Snap Fitness or Anytime Fitness.

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HIIT

As far as types of workouts go, there’s a lot of re-inventing the wheel to make fitness fun and exciting. The one thing that never changes is the effectiveness of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout and the success of classes that focus on that. A HIIT workout takes the basic moves: squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups, wall-sits and more, mixes them up for an intense period of time followed by rest. One of the workouts that we’ve seen succeed in the past year is ConBody, the prison-based workout developed by Coss Marte. He opened up a gym location in NYC, was one of the first to have a spot on Saks Fifth Avenue’s wellness floor and is now expanding nationwide thanks to NEOU, an app that offers live and streaming workouts. NEOU will add classes from ConBody at the end of January, further solidifying its success in the new year. There’s no need to mess with what works.

To Test: Download the NEOU app to try out a variety of HIIT workouts, or check out most boot camp classes. Places like the Fhitting Room feature a variety of stations and rotations, Life Time Fitness offers many HIIT classes and F45 is still going strong (The Australian 45-minute workout class where you never stop moving).

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Boxing

If you haven’t tried boxing yet, 2019 is the year to do it. “Once relegated to one-on-one format, 2019 will be the year where boxing takes its place near the top of the group fitness world,” Amanda Freeman, founder/CEO of SLT and Stretch*d says. There’s not a muscle group this workout doesn’t touch. You punch constantly throughout class working on your shoulders, upper back, arms and abs. Intermixed in there are ducks, squats and other protective moves, which force you to be light on your feet (working your agility) as well as feel some burn in your glutes and legs as you pivot, turn and try to stay grounded. Finally, most boxing classes end with a heavy amount of ab work. Seeing as your core will increase the power of each and every punch, it pays to have strong abs. Throughout the entire class, you’re sweating due to the quick nature of each move. After just one class, you’ll understand how boxers are in such top-notch shape.

To Test: As with most trends that start in New York or Los Angeles and then spread its fingers throughout the entire U.S., Freeman believes boxing is next. Leaders like Rumble and Shadowbox provide punishing cross-training in a beautiful space. You can also look to UFC, Title Boxing, Sobekick and 9 Round.

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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.

How to Get Outside More When You Live In a City

You did it! You moved to a mountain town and, dismal odds be damned, you not only found yourself a home with a reasonable monthly rent but also a job that doesn’t start and end with the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. The only delays in your commute are those caused by deer in the road, the only sound waking you up at night is the scurrying of mice between the walls. You do not have to move your car from one side of the street to the other every night because you have a driveway. You do not have to wait in line at the grocery store because the farmer’s market (year-round!) takes place in the local park. Succeeding in a mountain town would be hard, they warned, but you made it; life is good.

I did not make it. My relatively short time living in a mountain paradise that might’ve been Eden, Avalon or Shangri-La was defined by too many roommates and not enough rooms (four of us, two bedrooms), and too many jobs but not enough consistency (zero to four, depending on the time of year).

In the beginning, this was all part of the plan. I was there to ski, to hike, to explore; work was just a means to an end, a necessary arm of a full-bodied lifestyle. But after two years that feeling of temporality began to wear off, and was replaced by a rooted and budding notion that “this was life” and that, unless I became one of its active participants, the seasons would be the only thing to change from year to year. My attempts at leveraging minimal experience to land full-time work in a place where job relocation is actually desirable were met with a failure shadowed over by an empty email inbox — “we cannot respond to all applicants.”

So I retreated: thirty-four hours from one side of the country to the other. When I revealed to those close to me that I would be relocating to New York City, I was met with incredulous laughter. “Well that’ll never work!” they said. But I was determined to see through this experiment in city life — I had once spent 77 consecutive nights sleeping in a tent, I would be able to survive at least that many in a tiny apartment.

And I have. My tenure in the city recently surpassed the time I spent living in the mountains of Wyoming. Nobody believed that I would do this or that I could do this. The change was undoubtedly jarring but not entirely uncomfortable, particularly once I realized that, with a slight adjustment in approach and an imaginative outlook, I could preserve many of the aspects of my bucolic lifestyle. Here are four guidances to help you, if you’ve recently found yourself in a similar situation, to do the same.

Embrace parks. Parks, however small or manicured, are still wild spaces. I once witnessed a red-tailed hawk kill and eat a pigeon in a park only the size of three city blocks located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Bigger parks might offer trail running or bouldering, and at the very least they’ll be an easy, midweek-friendly respite from the pace of the grid around them. Practice Shirin-yoku, the Japanese healing method of forest bathing — it works.

Take trips. In Wyoming, I often traveled hours to reach camping or hiking destinations, but for whatever reason, undertaking such a journey that originates in the city often seems like a more arduous adventure. Taking a trip doesn’t require that you venture too far — in New York there are trailheads that can be accessed directly by trains that depart from Grand Central Station while subways and buses will bring you to beaches. Many cities offer similar access.

Better yet, city airports will get you to far more destinations than the small town version, which will likely require awkward connections and will certainly be more expensive. (It was easier for me to get to Mt. Rainier from New York City than it would’ve been from Wyoming.)

Get a car. As an alternative to the public transport method above, you can always get yourself a vehicle. It will make planning trips near and far a more flexible process. Parking in cities will always be a hassle, and being able to escape a world of concrete at your whim will always be worth it. Or make friends with someone who has one and let them deal with that part.

Find your community. If you’re living in a city and longing for the mountains, you’re not alone. Outdoor enclaves exist in all places, and I’ve found that the passion for wild places is often inflamed by minimized access to them. Go to a gear store and find its events board, attend talks and film premiers. Join a run club or a climbing club or a hiking club. Use apps like Meetup or resources like Mappy Hour. You’ll be sure to connect with others that share your interests (and maybe one of them will have a car).

Why You Should Never Buy Your Ski Boots Online

I’ve said it before: skiing is an expensive sport. Absurdly so. Tickets at some resorts now cost as much as $180 for a single day of lift access (and don’t get me started on the extortionate price of french fries). The gear is expensive too, and unlike an activity such as hiking, where you can get away with wearing the jeans that you sport around town on a day-to-day basis, skiing requires highly technical equipment that you may not use for any other activity. For many, that’s reason enough to stick to the rental shop. But you should buy your own gear. And if you’re just beginning to put together your kit, start with the boots: they are the single most important piece of ski gear that you can own.

Ski boots form the bridge between the flesh of the body and the metal and wood of the ski. They used to be leather, but ever since Bob Lange began experimenting with ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) in the late fifties and early sixties, ski boots have been constructed with molded plastic. As connectors, boots allow for the unhindered transfer of power from the leg to the ski. Fit is of the utmost importance to this power transfer; without a good fit — and by good I mean close, tight, cramped, maybe even painful — you’ll never get the most out of your legs, or your skis. (And you’ll probably hate the sport, too.)

Without a good fit — and by good I mean close, tight, cramped, maybe even painful — you’ll never get the most out of your legs, or your skis.

You’ll never get a perfect fit from a rental boot. Period. Rental boots, by design, are intended to accommodate feet of all shapes and sizes. They’re designed to be comfortable. They’ll work fine for those who take to the mountains casually and infrequently, but for anyone looking to progress at skiing and to push his abilities, rental boots suck. A good fit is individualized, and that simply cannot be achieved with a boot designed for the many — you wouldn’t rent a pair of running shoes, would you? Plus, rental boots stink.

If you take this advice to heart, then your only option is to buy. And if you live in the 21st Century, then you’ll likely turn to the Internet for some advice on that. This isn’t a bad idea; the web is inhabited by more than a few intelligent skiers plying gear advice through well-researched buying guides, but beware: “The Best Ski Boots of 2000-Whatever” should be used as a starting point only. As a writer of similar buying guides I can tell you with full honesty that quality and performance take you only to a certain point before personal preference and specific needs take over. When a ski boot makes a publication’s “Best of” list, it does signify that it’s probably a great boot, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you — those skiers/writers know their stuff, but they don’t have the same feet as you.

But who do you turn to when the Internet can’t be relied upon? If only there were a person with expert knowledge about boots and feet, conveniently located where ski equipment is sold! Enter the bootfitter. A good bootfitter is like a barber and a mechanic — the best can also stand in for most therapists — wrapped up into one individual. They know ski boots inside and out (literally) and can tailor the right one to an individual’s specific foot and skiing style.

Eight out of ten times the source of the skier’s problems was that the boot was too big, often by about two sizes.

I witnessed the work of an expert bootfitter during two winters spent working at a ski shop at the base of Jackson Hole. Almost on a daily basis, skiers would enter the shop complaining of cramped or pained feet, and our bootfitter would sit them on the bench for an examination. These types of interactions always started with a conversation: “Where do you normally ski, what type of skiing do you like to do, how often do you ski…” and so on. Then the boots would come off and the liners peeled from the shells. The bootfitter would perform a shell fit — the skier places his bare foot into the plastic ski boot shell with toes just touching the front of the boot and the fitter measures the leftover space in the heel by fingers, as with a properly-poured glass of whiskey. Eight out of ten times the source of the skier’s problems was that the boot was too big, often by about two sizes. (My ski boots are a full size and a half below my everyday shoe size.)

These skiers had inevitably purchased their boots online or visited a sub-par fitter working far from the slopes. Yes, the best of the best work right at the base of the mountain — that way a customer can ski a few runs in a new pair of boots, and if problems persist, he can return to the shop for additional custom work, always free of charge. Bootfitters can punch and stretch and grind the plastic shells of ski boots to create extra room for irregularities in the foot in order to create the best possible fit. Online retailers can’t do that.

It took our shop’s bootfitter roughly an hour to analyze a customer’s feet and stance, and to size him up in multiple pairs of boots from different brands to find just the right one. Most opted for heat-molded custom footbeds and liners. There were always laughs and sometimes tears. Good customers got to undergo the process with a beer in hand. It was, without a doubt, very expensive. But almost every skier who bought a new pair of boots there left the shop happy, with a strong notion that the experience — and the cost — were worth it. I know this because our bootfitter always made good tips.