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Tag: Outdoor

  • Birdfy Smart Bird Feeders Are the Cheapest They’ve Been All Year on Amazon Right Now

    After spending the past year testing 25 smart bird feeders from 10 different brands, many have impressed me, but none so frequently and consistently as Birdfy’s. It was the first brand on the market to introduce AI bird identification, as well as the first to introduce auxiliary products like smart nesting boxes, birdbaths (see below), and feeder bodies made from different materials like wood or metal. The products still suffer the occasional quirk or connectivity issue, but all smart feeders do. The Birdfys remain my go-to for gifts and personal use at my home due to their consistency and ease of use.

    If you’re looking to buy one this year for yourself or a loved one, these are the best prices you’ll see, and these are the most giftable models, most usable out of the box without a subscription. (Note that all Birdfy feeders run on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only.)

    For Beginners

    • Photograph: Kat Merck

    Birdfy

    Rookie Smart Bird Feeder

    If you’ve never dealt with a smart bird feeder before, it can be intimidating. I know multiple people who were gifted a smart bird feeder last year for the holidays and still, in November 2025, have yet to take it out of the box. Apparently they’re not alone, because there’s now a feeder specifically for the reluctant: the Rookie, which looks like a gravity pet feeder and snaps together in three simple pieces with no tools.

    You’ll still have to charge the 1080p camera (once a week, as this version doesn’t come with a solar panel) and calibrate it to the app, but that’s it—just pop the camera on its little side stand, fill the seed hopper, attach it to a wall or pole with the included hardware, and you’re good to go. Because there’s only a side view, you’ll get a fair amount of butt shots from birds who are facing the other way, and note that you’ll definitely want to site this one out of the way of squirrels, because it’s pretty lightweight and the top is easily knocked off.

    An Enduring Classic

    • Courtesy of Birdfy

    • Courtesy of Birdfy

    • Photograph: Medea Giordano

    Birdfy

    Feeder Lite With Solar

    There are an awful lot of smart feeders on the market, and none of them are perfect, but this longtime best-seller is the one I consistently recommend for its combination of features, usability, app, and price. There are options for a solar panel and either AI by subscription ($5 a month) or included, but Amazon’s deal is on the one with the by-subscription option and solar panel. The panel has to be mounted separately, but in my experience, it’s done quite well at keeping the camera charged even when it’s cloudy.

    If You’re Worried About Squirrel Damage

    Image may contain: Animal, and Bird

    Courtesy of Birdfy

    Birdfy

    Feeder Metal With AI

    I haven’t yet tested this exact model , but I have tested many plastic feeders that have been chewed by squirrels. If you’re interested in the original Birdfy but are worried about squirrel damage, this is the one to get. It uses the same 1080p camera you’ll find on the side of Birdfy’s Pro 2 Duo. It also doesn’t need a subscription for AI identification, and it comes with built-in rooftop solar panels, so you won’t have to bring it in to charge the camera battery. I’ve had great luck with Birdfy’s solar panels on other models staying charged even during cloudy seasons.

    For Top-Tier Photo and Video Quality

    • Courtesy of Birdfy

    Birdfy

    Feeder 2 Pro With AI and Solar

    This is Birdfy’s flagship smart feeder, featuring the highest image quality of any of the brand’s feeder cameras. I tested the 2 Pro Duo, which has two cameras; this model only has the one, but it’s the same as the Duo’s main camera, which I can attest is outstanding. (Though you’ll want to make sure it’s close to a router, as it will need more bandwidth than a typical feeder camera.) It’s got two lenses—one wide-angle and one portrait—and the latter will actually track any bird that lands and zoom in for a closer view. The 2K video captures can also be played back in slow motion, and there’s a light for capturing interesting happenings at night. This version doesn’t need a subscription, and it comes with a solar panel, which will need to be mounted separately.

    A Fun, New Way to Watch Birds

    • Photograph: Kat Merck

    If your giftee already has a smart bird feeder or doesn’t want to deal with seed mess, why not gift them a smart bird bath? This one’s already won an Innovation Award for CES 2026, and despite some early connection issues, I had great fun testing it this summer. It captured visits from everything from birds, spiders, and squirrels to a raccoon trying to steal the pump filter. (He was eventually successful.) Note the bath still does take some maintenance, other than refilling—because the reservoir is shallow, it is prone to algae, and the pump does tend to clog with larger debris like leaves. But I still highly recommend it as a fun gift for any bird lover; especially this version, which comes with a matching stand and does not require a subscription for AI identification.

    If You’d Rather Not Have Plastic

    Image may contain: Box, Animal, and Bird

    Courtesy of Birdfy

    Birdfy

    Bamboo Mini Bird Feeder With Camera

    Most smart feeders are made of plastic, and for good reason—it’s durable, resists weather damage, and is easy to clean. But no one’s going to argue that it looks great in your yard. I haven’t tested this exact feeder, but I did test a similar-looking one, and I was surprised at how much classier and more natural it looked on my feeder pole. This one sports the same 1080p camera as our favorite original Birdfy, and also comes with a solar panel for keeping the camera charged (must be mounted separately). There’s also included AI ID, so you won’t need a subscription. As a bonus, you can save an extra 10 percent by entering our code WIRED356 (you can find the spot for a promo code under payment options), which brings the price down to $136.

    Kat Merck

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  • Do Not Jump Into an Ice Bath Before Your 12-Mile Run, and Other Cold Plunge Tips

    You’d think cold plunging would be a straightforward task. Strip down to your swim suit, take a controlled breath, and calmly get into the freezing water to see how long you can last. But as with any wellness trend that purports to offer myriad physical benefits, there are important caveats to consider.

    The experts suggest that launching yourself into a cold plunge pool at the right time can make all the difference to how you feel and how effectively you work out. It can also change, depending on what type of exercise you have planned. If you’ve invested in one of the best cold plunge pools, or simply want to make use of the ice bath in your local gym, here’s what the experts suggest to gain the best results from your cold-plunge practice.

    Jump to Section

    Why Cold Plunge?

    Immersing your body in ice-cold water may sound like a fun thing to do when you’re too hot and on vacation in the Bahamas. But on a rainy workday in midwinter, it fast loses its appeal. When carried out responsibly, the practice of getting into water between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50–60 Fahrenheit) for one to five minutes after a workout can be very beneficial for some, however.

    “Cold plunging can be done in a dedicated plunge pool, an ice bath, or even a cold, natural body of water,” says Mohammed Enayat, a general practitioner and founder of longevity clinic HUM2N. “While some people try it purely for the invigorating feeling, there is now solid scientific evidence that cold-plunging offers a number of health benefits. Studies have shown that cold immersion can reduce muscle soreness, support recovery post-exercise, stimulate circulation, and boost your mood by triggering the release of endorphins and norepinephrine.”

    Enayat also notes that cold plunging may also turn white fat into beige or brown fat, which is the “good fat” that burns calories and generates heat.

    While these mind and body health benefits sound enticing, when you cold plunge matters, and it can have an effect on how successfully you train. It’s also important to note that cold plunging isn’t right for everyone. If you have heart or circulation issues, it can put sudden stress on your heart and nervous system. If you have any health concerns or are unsure whether you can cold-plunge, you should always consult your doctor before dipping into the ice.

    Where to Cold Plunge

    The beauty of ice bathing is that you don’t need to broadcast your plunge on socials to enjoy the process. You don’t need an expensive gym membership either. For most, it can be easy to cold plunge from the comfort and privacy of your own home in a number of ways. Online, you can find plenty of dedicated cold plunge pools for use in or around your home and yard. CalmMax, Hydragun and Sun Home Saunas are just a few of the brands that sell easy-to-inflate pop-up cold-plunge pools with prices starting at $50.

    You will have to pay a premium for designs with a dedicated filter that can also chill the water to a precise temperature, however. Otherwise, you’ll have to make use of a cold tap and a few buckets of ice.

    Emily Peck

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  • Yearning for the Great Outdoors Thanks to These Bushcraft Pics

    With Autumn in full effect, we’re craving the great outdoors more than ever. Sitting around a campfire when there’s a bit of a chill in the air? Sign me up yesterday!

    So we’ve compiled another batch of bushcraft photos. From knives to lean-tos, bonfires to hatchets. We’ve got everything you need for a successful trip out in the wild.

    Enjoy!

    Zach

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  • Don’t Let the Fuzzy Rats Win: Tips from a Squirrel Hater Who’s Seen It All

    Squirrels: Are they just rats with better PR? Be advised that this is not safe reading material for squirrel lovers, or even squirrel apologists. In my opinion, squirrels are worse than rats—smarter, more devious, more destructive. I’ve had them nest in my chimney, chew holes in my eaves to get into my walls, and destroy multiple bird feeders. I even had one chew through an entire 4-by-2 pergola rafter to get at a suet block.

    With the popularity of smart bird feeders, it’s even more important to learn ways to keep them out of your yard, lest they turn your investment into a pile of chewed-up plastic bits. To make matters worse, if you live on the West Coast like I do, you’re likely to be dealing with the Eastern gray squirrel, which is a nonnative, invasive species that competes for resources with native species like Western gray squirrels. What’s a backyard bird enthusiast to do?

    Lucky for you, I’ve been feeding birds for almost 25 years across three different states, and have been testing smart feeders for the past year, fighting near-daily battles with these furry neighborhood foes. I’ve tried it all and found out what works—and what doesn’t—so you can keep your sanity intact.

    For more birdy business, check out our guides to the Best Smart Bird Feeders, the Best Binoculars, and the Best Gifts for Bird Lovers.

    The Golden (5-7-9) Rule

    Photograph: Kat Merck

    OnlyFly

    Bird Feeder Pole Stand

    First off, there is a tried-and-true method of foiling squirrels, and it’s both free and harmless. Experts refer to it as the 5-7-9 Rule: Keep your feeder at least 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet away from structures like houses, trees, or fences; and 9 feet away from anything overhead that they could jump from, such as a tree branch or roof. This usually means putting your feeder on a pole with a baffle (I use the set above), or hanging it from a tall shepherd’s hook.

    If you’re in the market for a bird feeder, especially a smart feeder, it’s imperative that it have the option to hang or be pole-mounted, because if you can only mount it on a fence or a tree, you’re essentially rolling out the welcome mat for squirrels. (All the smart feeders I recommend, including Birdfy and Bird Buddy, include pole mounts.) If you want to go the extra mile, you can also grease your pole with Crisco, which doesn’t last long but is good for an entertaining day or two.

    Note that if your smart feeder doesn’t have an attached solar panel to charge the battery, you likely won’t be able to mount it on the pole with the feeder without some jury-rigging, so I recommend going for a model with a built-in solar roof or no solar panel at all.

    Kat Merck

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  • The Best Bike Helmets for Protecting Your Noggin

    Most helmets can be broken down into three distinct categories.

    A commuter or everyday helmet exists to keep your head safe and little else. Sure, some look cooler than others, some are more ventilated than others, and some offer a bit more comfort than others. But in the end, your everyday helmet puts safety at the fore.

    Road helmets take aerodynamics, ventilation, and weight into account. As befits a highly aerobic sport, a road helmet must consider factors like fighting the wind, regulating your body’s temperature, and keeping your neck comfortable, which are essential parts of road cycling.

    Mountain biking helmets offer more protection down the back of the skull, are often outfitted with sun-blocking visors (as aerodynamics are far less important on a mountain bike ride), and will sometimes even include clips to fasten eye protection or googles.

    You can really get into the weeds with helmets made for gravel riding, downhill or cross-country mountain biking, aero, or full-faced protection. Finally, remember that helmets are not meant to be worn after a crash. Even if the spill is minor and the helmet looks and feels perfectly fine, trash it and get a new one.

    Michael Venutolo-Mantovani

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  • Beaverton Police Searching For Two Missing Men Last Seen On Outdoor Trip – KXL


    Hair (Left), Smith (Right)

    Photos provided by Beaverton Police Department

    Beaverton, Ore. — Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating two Beaverton men who have been missing since mid-September after reportedly preparing for an outdoor excursion.

    Eddie Curtis Hair, 67, and Scott Jon Smith, 68, were last seen on or around September 13, 2025. According to the Beaverton Police Department, the longtime friends were believed to be planning a trip involving camping, hiking, or searching for rare rocks — activities they often enjoyed together.

    The pair may have been traveling to the Oregon coast or central Oregon, common destinations for their past trips. They were reportedly driving a 2005 red Jeep Wrangler with Oregon license plate number 494 QKW.

    A close family friend contacted police after the men failed to return and could not be reached. Investigators say that while there is currently no indication of foul play, the prolonged absence is out of character and has raised concerns.

    Anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has information about the men’s whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Dan Maurer with the Beaverton Police Department at 503-526-2280.

    More about:


    Jordan Vawter

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  • This Is Why You Should Try Ultralight Backpacking

    I first encountered the ideas of ultralight backpacking in 1994, in an article in now-defunct (and much-missed) Backpacker magazine. It was titled “Less is More,” by Mark Jenkins. (I still have a PDF copy I scanned years ago.) Jenkins wrote about a long trip across Europe and Africa. By the end, he and his traveling partner shed all the gear they thought they needed, save what they were wearing, their down jackets, and some spoons.

    While I had no desire to have all my gear stolen as Jenkins does as at one point in Africa, the idea of carrying less to travel farther, faster, and lighter, struck a chord. Not just with me, but with loads of other people. Jenkins’ article is widely credited with starting the ultralight backpacking movement.

    At the time, there wasn’t much lightweight gear available. Much of the early ultralight movement was driven by a DIY ethos. I built my own alcohol stoves out of discarded tuna cans, made pot cozies out of Reflectix, and fashioned windscreens from heavy aluminum foil. As a result, my cook kit weight dropped by 14 ounces.

    Today, ultralight backpackers are more common than traditionalists, at least judging from the people I meet on the trail. But exactly what is ultralight backpacking? And how do you shed all that weight without giving up the comfort?

    Ultralight Backpacking, Defined

    For the sake of all being on the same page, I will define “ultralight” backpacking as a base weight of 10 pounds or less. That means all your gear, minus what you’re wearing on the trail, minus consumables (primarily food), weighs at most 10 pounds.

    If that sounds daunting, consider that there are some who travel under the moniker “super ultralight” who shoot for a base weight of 5 pounds or less. At the other end, there is what I would call lightweight, which would be 15 pounds or less. I have never attempted a super-ultralight trip, but I have spent more than a decade with a base weight of 10 pounds and have never felt like I was doing without or suffering in any way. Quite the opposite. It’s a revelation, and you’ll never want to go back.

    Now that we have our terms defined, how does one get to an ultralight base weight of 10 pounds or less?

    Before we get into details of gear, know that the most important thing you can do to make your pack weigh less is to bring less stuff. For most people the biggest gains (er, losses) will be in what you don’t bring rather than what you do.

    When you’re considering what to bring, make sure you need it rather than just wanting it. I love making coffee on a moka pot but not enough to lug one into the backcountry. I don’t need it, so I leave it at home and make Turkish coffee on the trail. Go through everything you ever bring on the trail and honestly ask yourself: Is this something I need?

    Scott Gilbertson

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  • I Made Coffee and Dinner for My Kids for Months on Backpacking Stoves

    Top 6 Backpacking Stoves Compared

    Honorable Mentions

    There are a ton of tiny stoves out there. Here are a couple of stoves I like, but don’t make the top picks for one reason or another. They’re still fine stoves, and might be a great choice for your next backpacking trip.

    Primus

    Essential Trail Stove

    This little stove works very well. The pot supports are shorter than our top pick, meaning it’s best with 500ml or smaller pots, but it’s plenty powerful and held up well in the wind during my testing.

    Snow Peak

    GigaPower Stove

    The GigaPower stove is possibly the only thing Snow Peak makes that I don’t love. It’s a fine stove, and the price is reasonable, but there’s nothing that makes it better than any of the stoves above. It’s a little heavy for what it is.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which Type of Stove Is Best for Backpacking?

    Canister? Alcohol? Traditional white gas? There’s a wealth of options out there, so which one is The Best™? The answer is that it depends on where you’re going (altitude, weather, burn bans, etc), what you’re cooking, and how long you’re backpacking. Thru-hikers have a different set of needs than those of us who only get in a few weekends and maybe one 10-day trip a year. That said, our top pick is a great choice for both thru-hiking and weekend warriors. I love alcohol stoves for their silence and simplicity, but burn bans sometimes mean they’re not permitted. When in doubt, a lightweight canister stove setup is your best bet. The exception is cold weather. Inverted canister stoves do better in cold, but personally, I rely on white gas any time I think the temps will dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

    What’s the Best Stove for Actually Cooking?

    Definitely the Firebox Nano paired with the gas burner and diffuser plate. There’s a weight penalty for all that, though. The titanium version is 8.5 ounces, but it cooks like a Coleman camp stove thanks to that diffuser plate. As noted above, it is possible to heat a 10-inch pan out to the edges, something no other backpacking stove has pulled off in my tests.

    If you don’t want to carry that much weight, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe offers the best flame control, though there is no way to spread out the flame and evenly heat your pans. Note that aluminum pans heat more evenly than titanium (and they’re much cheaper), so pairing the PocketRocket Deluxe with an aluminum pan will give you the best results in my experience.

    All that said, be honest with yourself about cooking in the backcountry. I enjoy it, and I do do it, but I only do it when it makes sense. If you’re trying to cover 20-30 miles a day, cooking a complex meal isn’t what you want to do at the start and end of every day. For those trips, keep it simple, keep it light.

    How Much Should My Stove Weigh?

    As little as possible while still being functional. Seriously, it depends on what you want to do. If you’re solo and you just want enough water to rehydrate a pouch of food you can get by with something around an ounce or two. If you want to cook up a proper meal for tired children, it might be worth carrying a little extra weight.

    Should You Buy a Stove System?

    That’s up to you. They do often make life on the trail easier, thanks to the way most stove-pot combo systems click together and pack down nice and small. But if you’re looking to go ultralight and cut weight as much as possible, the answer is definitely no. A small, lightweight pot with either the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe or BRS 3000 and a DIY foil windscreen weighs less than any integrated stove system I’ve tested. Pro tip: make your own lightweight pot lid out of some heavy duty foil to save even more weight.

    Why Don’t You List Boil Times?

    Because fast boil times are a silly number made up by the industry so that it would have something to compare and brag about. The time it takes to boil water depends on factors no one can control in the real world, including starting water temp, ambient air temp, altitude, wind, and more. Even if you control for all of those factors to try to abstract out a number, it won’t tell you anything because some stoves are better than others in the wind, so you can’t extrapolate anything about their performance in still air that will map to their performance in wind. All of which makes boil times a completely useless number.

    What Backpacking Stove Do You Use?

    I own several stoves, but honestly, usually I am cooking on whatever I am testing for this guide. On the rare occasions I don’t have a new stove to test … it depends. For solo trips covering good distances I use the top pick, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe. When I’m bikepacking or backpacking with my kids, I use the Firebox Freestyle stove split into two units, one with a Trangia spirit burner and one with the gas burner. Dividing all that up between 4 people keeps the weight reasonable (total weight for this setup is 26 ounces) and effectively gives me a 2-burner stove and a twig fire, which is nice when you don’t know what you’ll be able to buy when resupplying on the trail. In cold weather, I rely on an MSR WhisperLite International that I’ve had for almost three decades. I kind of hate it, but it’s reliable.

    Tips and Tricks

    Once you have a stove, get familiar with it. Canister stoves are pretty simple. Screw on the canister, turn the knob, and light. However, other stoves, especially liquid fuel stoves, require a little practice to really get it dialed in.

    I went outside and made coffee on these stoves every morning for months, playing with variables like simmer controls, canister position, different fuels, windscreens, and more in all kinds of conditions. Even though I’ll never actually make coffee in a moka pot on the trail, the experience with each stove means I know how each stove behaves under different conditions. Do something similar until you’re familiar with how to control the flame, how to maximize fuel efficiency, and what to do when the wind blows. Here are some other things I’ve learned over the years about using backcountry stoves:

    • Boiling water doesn’t mean a rolling boil: Unless you’re trying to sterilize water, you don’t need to get to a full rolling boil to rehydrate a meal and doing so is a waste of fuel. I usually shut the stove off when bubbles are just starting to form on the bottom of my pot. This is plenty hot enough to rehydrate freeze-dried or dehydrated meals.
    • High is not max efficiency: I hate the noise of canister and pressurized white gas so I’ve never had this problem, but many people I’ve camped with seem to think the burner should always be on high. This is usually a waste of energy (the BRS 3000T is an exception, it really pretty much does need to be high). This is where experimenting and learning how your stove works helps. Time how long it takes to boil water at different burn levels and use the lowest setting that still effectively boils your water.
    • Remember the weight and volume are not the same: I know, it has been forever since I had high school chemistry too, but remember that weight and volume are different despite the fact that both are often listed in the abbreviation oz. One fluid ounce of alcohol does not weigh one ounce (it weighs .8 ounces). One fluid ounce of white gas also does not weigh one ounce (it’s about .75 ounces). This is important when you’re trying to work out the weight of canisters and fuel bottles.
    • Your cooking pot matters: The size and shape of your cookware matters—some boil faster than others on different stoves. Check out this in depth YouTube rundown of different stove and pot combos to see what I mean, but one takeaway is that again, this is something worth testing with your stove.

    Scott Gilbertson

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  • Bushcraft Pics That Make Us Want to Go Touch Grass Immediately

    Being stuck inside all day truly has us ready for adventure and the great outdoors. But since there’s still work to be done here at Chive HQ, I figured bushcraft photos were the next best thing.

    We’ve compiled some of the most interesting and ingenious uses of bushcraft – not to be confused with Busch craft which is just me crushing an entire 12-pack by myself.

    Perfect idea for the weekend: Enjoy these pics, then get out there and touch some grass yourself!

    Zach

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  • Cat enclosures for outdoor safely | Animal Wellness Magazine

    Give your cat the best of both worlds! How a cat enclosure lets him enjoy the outdoors while staying safe from danger.

    It’s vital to balance your cat’s natural instincts with his safety and well-being. This can be challenging for indoor kitties. Cats with outdoor access enjoy more mental stimulation than indoor cats. However, you need to weigh this benefit against the risks of letting your cat roam free. A cat enclosure gives your feline friend the best of both worlds. 

    Cat enclosures provide secure, contained spaces. These range from small portable cages or tents to elaborate, multi-level outdoor structures attached to homes or free-standing. Cat enclosures create a stimulating environment to keep kitties safe from traffic, predators, and other dangers. 

    This article offers helpful advice and suggestions for buying or building a cat enclosure for outdoor safety.

    The four main benefits of cat enclosures

    1. They keep cats safe: Outdoor cats face a variety of risks to their health and safety. These include cars, diseases, and wild animals. An enclosure minimizes these risks while allowing your cat to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
    2. They help protect wildlife: Cats are natural hunters and can significantly impact local bird and small mammal populations. Enclosures prevent them from hunting while still offering enrichment.
    3. They provide mental and physical stimulation: Cats are curious creatures that thrive in environments rich with sights, sounds, and smells. Enclosures offer sensory stimulation and encourage physical activity.
    4. They reduce stress: An enclosure alleviates frustration in cats who find indoor-only environments stressful, without compromising their safety.

    “As a veterinarian, I emphasize the importance of fresh air and sunshine for maintaining a cat’s vitality.” says veterinarian Dr. Lynn Bahr. “Exposure to natural light helps regulate their circadian rhythm, supports a healthy coat, and can improve mood and energy levels.”

    Types of cat enclosures

      • Window boxes: You can attach these small cage-like structures to a window, giving your cat a perch with a view. They’re perfect for apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.
      • Portable mesh tents: Lightweight and easy to set up, these tents can be moved around your yard or even taken on trips. They’re affordable and versatile.
      • Patio or balcony enclosures: You can customize these to fit your particular outdoor space.
      • Freestanding enclosures: These larger structures often include multiple levels, ramps, and platforms for climbing.
    • Catio: Also referred to as cat patios, these enclosures can be attached to a window or door, or be free standing. They can be small or span large areas. Many are designed to accommodate multiple cats and include more elaborate features. You can even create a catio with enough space for you to hang out with your cats!

    Designing or purchasing a cat enclosure

    Depending on your skill level, you can build your own cat enclosure as a rewarding DIY project. Alternatively, you can purchase plans or design your own. For those less inclined to DIY, many companies offer enclosures in various styles and sizes. These can include options like tunnels or connecting pathways. 

    Whether you’re buying or building a cat enclosure, consider these key features:

      • Durability: Use or buy materials that will withstand the weather, as well as your cat’s scratching.
      • Safety: Be sure to use pet-safe screens sturdy enough to prevent an excited cat from busting through them.
      • Size: The enclosure should be large enough that your cat can climb, jump, and explore. Include shelves, ramps, or platforms for added interest.
      • Shelter: Make sure the enclosure includes a shaded area or hideaway to protect your cat from the elements.
      • Accessibility: Ensure easy access for cleaning and maintenance.
    • Toys and enrichment: Once you’ve set up your enclosure, add scratching posts, beds and toys.

    Getting your cat used to his enclosure

    Not all cats will immediately take to an enclosure. Introduce your kitty gradually, using positive reinforcement like treats and praise. Place familiar items, such as a favorite blanket or toy, inside the enclosure to make the space feel safe and inviting.

    An enclosure enriches your cat’s life while giving you peace of mind. It’s more than a gift for your kitty. It’s a step toward living harmoniously with nature and creating a healthier, happier life for your feline companion.

    Life with a catio 

    Cat parent Jessica Fritschle built a catio for her kitties using a purchased plan. Although she considers herself “moderately handy,” she encountered some challenges that required modifying the plans. Ultimately, she made it work. 

    “My cats love their catio and spend lots of time out there,” Jessica says, adding she was initially a bit worried about letting them into the enclosure. 

    “I hovered like a helicopter parent for the first two days! I was irrationally worried someone would find a way to escape, but now I leave the catio open [to the house] while I’m working without any worries.” At night, Jessica closes off access to the catio because of local wildlife.


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    Ingrid King is a former veterinary hospital manager and author of five cat books, including Buckley’s Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher, and Tortitude: The BIG Book of Cats With a BIG Attitude. Ingrid writes for magazines and websites around the world. She is the founder of Purrs of Wisdom with Ingrid King, where she writes about all things feline .For more information about Ingrid, please visit www.IngridKing.com.

    Ingrid King

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  • Load Up the Bikes! Check Out Spartanburg’s Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park

    Load Up the Bikes! Check Out Spartanburg’s Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park

    Did you know Spartanburg, SC now has its own bike park? The Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park is located along Spartanburg’s Mary Black Rail Trail. The park has features for bikers of all skill levels from beginners to advanced including a pump track, easy street and advanced skill features like table-top jumps, a vertical wooden bridge and more. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy some time at Spartanburg’s bike park.

    Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park Spartanburg, SC

    Looking for more places to mountain bike in Upstate, SC? Here’s a huge list of great places for mountain biking with the kids in Greenville, Spartanburg and all over Upstate, SC.

    Getting to the Vic Bailey Bike Park

    You’ll find the Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park along the Mary Black Rail Trail at the Rail Yard. The easiest place to park is the lot off of Glendale Road near the Flock Shop. Google maps set with the park as the destination brought my family to this parking lot. From the parking lot you’ll come to a dirt area which is at the end of the three main bike trails. You’ll have the option of two wooden bridges or a split log bridge to cross the swale and get to the main path. 

    Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park Trails

    Pump Track: You’ll find the pump track at the back of the park, furthest away from the parking lot. This is intended for younger and more inexperienced riders. It is still a great warm-up for older riders, and offers a variety of terrain.

    Stick Track: Alongside the main path, which parallels the Rail Trail, is a stick track. Constructed of split logs and various paths, it is a challenge to balance your way across. This is an excellent exercise to learn how to better balance your rides.

    Trails off the Platform: To the left from the main path is a wooden platform. It is quite a climb to get to the platform. From the platform facing back towards the parking lot you have three trail choices. To your left is Easy Street, a moderately difficult track with plenty of smaller jumps and bowls. Down the middle is Straight Rhythm, which features tall tabletop jumps, multiple jumps in a series, and a near-vertical wooden bridge turn. To the right is Jump Line, for advanced riders. This features the tallest and biggest jumps, and a curved cambered bridge near the end.

    Bike Park platform Spartanburg SC

    Is My Child Too Young for the Vic Bailey Bike Park?

    We’ve seen young children at the bike park, especially on the pump track. Children should be mature enough to be aware of their surroundings and parents should closely watch younger riders. This is not a park to let your young children wander. Bikers can move through the trails quickly and a sudden stop for a child running across the trail risks injury to both the child and the rider. All that to say, our youngest child is 8 years-old and she was able to safely enjoy many parts of the park. 

    Here’s what my nine year-old had to say about the park:

    “The bike park has a beginner track and tons of other tracks, too! Every track has a level, the first is not so bumpy, the second is a little more, then the third is even more bumpy. The track is near a playground, and there is a little stream by the bike park, too. You should start at the pump track and then move to Easy Street, then onto the Straight Rhythm and then to Jump Line. I highly recommend this park to you and I hope you like it.”

    Trails at the bike park in Spartanburg, SC

    Things to Know Before You Go to Spartanburg’s Bike Park

    Restrooms: There is a port-a-potty at the parking lot but no permanent restroom facilities.

    Facilities: The park has an excellent bike washing station and area with tools to make quick adjustments or repairs.

    Directions: There doesn’t appear to be a street address specifically for the bike park. We put Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park into our Google Maps and it brought us to the parking lot for the bike park. The location plus code is W4P2+82 Spartanburg, South Carolina. Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park’s Instagram account shows the address as 353 Forest Avenue, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302.

    Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park

    Where does your family like to ride bikes in the upstate?

    Maria Bassett

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  • On’s Spray-On Shoes Promise More Bounces for Less Ounces

    On’s Spray-On Shoes Promise More Bounces for Less Ounces

    I tore the top of the Strike LS because I was wearing a slightly thicker pair of socks than normal and was struggling to put them on. I had my toes in, and in the attempt to get the rest of my foot in there, I pushed a little too hard while holding the sprayed-on membrane. The bit I was holding tore. It was the fourth time I’d ever put them on. Oops.

    It is generally not a good sign when a product breaks after four uses, especially not when that product costs more than $330. (That’s roughly $82 per run.) But I should note that even after that, I have run in the CloudBoom Strikes for about two months and put more than 100 cumulative miles on them. In all that time and wear, that little tear is basically the exact same size. The bioplastic holds its form and hasn’t ripped further or affected the fit when I run in them. A rip isn’t ideal, and perhaps something bigger might have caused real problems, but in my experience On’s material holds. It just means I felt the need to be a lot more careful putting them on than with normie shoes.

    Companies have certainly been pushing this laceless shoe thing. For instance, Nike’s $350 self-lacing Adapt BB could be controlled by an app that has since been shut down. The question, really, is whether the extra 15 seconds you save every day by not tying your laces warrants the extra cost and careful attention.

    Elite Athletes Only

    The CloudBoom Strike LS are very, very good shoes. They are cool, comfy, and also technical marvels, and all that visionary scientific endeavor is laudable. (Go watch that video again. It’s neat!) Their potential environmental impact is worth remarking on, too. You can probably find more environmentally friendly running shoes, like those made from algae, but On’s additive process for constructing these kicks has the potential to be much more efficient than standard shoe manufacturing—no leftover fabric scraps to toss in the trash.

    Photograph: Boone Ashworth

    Running in the CloudBoom Strikes is magnificent. They’re lighter than any shoe I’ve worn before, even many barefoot shoes, and they feel so squishy that I can almost fool myself into thinking I’m bouncing in my moon boots. But you know what else makes me feel like that? Other On shoes, and ones that cost considerably less money. If you’re not an elite marathoner for whom every ounce counts, you get just as much squishiness out of On’s Cloud Monster, which, at $180, are nearly half the price of the sprayed-Ons. As a bonus, you don’t have to treat them like delicate sponge cakes when you’re shoving them on to head out on your run.

    But boy, if you aren’t worried about the cost, you’ll enjoy these lightweight future shoes. They’re the lightest shoe you’re going to get with the amount of cushion they offer. Once you get them wiggled on, you’re going to have a hard time wanting to ever take them off.

    Boone Ashworth

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  • Unbothered animals who couldn’t care less (25 Photos)

    Unbothered animals who couldn’t care less (25 Photos)

    Zach

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  • Nikon Releases New Stabilized Binocular Series

    Nikon Releases New Stabilized Binocular Series

    Press Release
    •

    Oct 9, 2024

    Ultra-Compact and Lightweight Binoculars Feature 12-Hour Battery Life and Nikon Optical Stabilization System


    MELVILLE, N.Y., October 9, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Today, Nikon Inc. announced the release of the new STABILIZED binocular series with two new models that feature a compact, portable design while incorporating an original STABILIZED function to provide a clear and stable image. This original stabilization system in the new 10x and 12x models reduces vibrations caused by hand movement by approx. 80%, letting users view distant objects such as birds and other wildlife, sporting events, concerts and landmarks clearly and comfortably.

    These new STABILIZED binoculars weigh only 13.9 oz (STABILIZED 12×25 S model), making it comfortable and easy to track and view subjects for long periods with minimal fatigue of the eyes or arms. For extended viewing, they are powered by 2xAA batteries, providing up to an impressive 12 hours of battery life. 

    “Recently there has been a surge in popularity for stabilized binoculars, and Nikon’s expertise in optics uniquely positions us to give all types of customers an extremely appealing option,” said Jeff Abler, VP of Sales and NPS, Nikon Inc. 

    Primary features of the Nikon STABILIZED Binocular Series

    • Stylish, compact and comfortable design is extremely small and lightweight, while also having the ability to fold for maximum portability and easy packing.
    • Uses 2x convenient and readily available AA-size batteries, for approx. 12 hours of battery life.
    • STABILIZED Technology reduces vibrations caused by hand movement by approx. 80%, making it easy to track and view subjects.
    • Bright and clear field of view, with a Multilayer Coating applied to all lenses and prisms while high-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coating is applied on the reflective surface of the auxiliary prism for maximum brightness. 
    • Auto-power shut-off function prevents unnecessary battery consumption if left powered on. This function is engaged after approximately 60 minutes, letting the user focus on the view, while minimizing the need to press a button repeatedly to activate the stabilization. 
    • Ergonomic design fits comfortably in the hand, with a large focusing ring that enables quick focusing. 
    • Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups with multi-click facilitate easy positioning of the eyes at the correct eyepoint.

    Price and Availability

    The new Nikon STABILIZED 10×25 S and STABILIZED 12×25 S models will be available starting in early November, with an SRP of $639.95* and $649.95* respectively. For more information about Nikon Sport optics and other models, please visit Nikonusa.com.

    Source: Nikon Inc.

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  • Fenixlight Will Attend the 2024 NSC National Safety Congress & Expo® in Orlando

    Fenixlight Will Attend the 2024 NSC National Safety Congress & Expo® in Orlando

    Press Release
    •

    Sep 6, 2024 09:00 CDT

    Fenixlight booth number is #3335


    SHENZHEN, China, September 6, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Fenixlight Limited is excited to announce its participation in the 2024 NSC National Congress & Expo. The expo will take place at the Orange Country Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from September 16th to 18th. This expo is one of the most significant and professional exhibitions for labor safety and security, healthcare and green industries worldwide. Fenix will be located at booth #3335, presenting high quality industrial lighting products and offering attendees the opportunity for hands-on product experience.

    Additional, attendees will have the chance to preview upcoming Fenix products and experience their exceptional performance and versatility in different application scenarios, providing them with firsthand knowledge of new products.

    Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with members of the Fenixlight team in person to discuss potential partnership opportunities and ways to increase inventory for the upcoming selling season. Fenixlight will be committed to building mutually beneficial opportunities with each attendee who visits us in our booth.

    About Fenix

    Fenixlight has more than 20 years of experience manufacturing and selling reliable and durable mobile lighting products including high-performance flashlights, headlamps, bicycle lights, camping lanterns and lighting accessories. Fenix products are widely used in professional fields such as outdoor, military, security, industrial, etc.

    For additional information, visit fenixlight.com. Available for purchase at: fenixlighting.com and fenix-store.com

    Source: Fenixlight

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  • Clark Street Outdoor Dining to Return Without Pedestrianized Roads

    Clark Street Outdoor Dining to Return Without Pedestrianized Roads

    The city has modified the Clark Street outdoor dining program, a saga that has gripped River North restaurant owners, the area’s alderman, and residents torn between enjoying the city’s few scant weeks of al fresco dining in the summer and those who abhor the season’s traffic jams.

    Mayor Brandon Johnson is allowing restaurants to expand sidewalk patios, but won’t close Clark, between Grand and Kinzie, to auto traffic: “The format will give participating restaurants extra capacity and create an inviting outdoor space for dining while taking into account the need for accessibility and traffic flow in the River North community,” a news release sent by the mayor’s office reads.

    The city, following others across the country, pedestrianized streets as the pandemic safeguards closed dining rooms in 2020 and 2021. Restaurants lucky enough to be in those areas saw a boost in business. The city, under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, saw it as a way to bring energy to Downtown Chicago; most workers were staying at home and keeping offices empty. But those away from Clark saw it as an unfair advantage — they couldn’t expand their seating and it made it harder for customers to get to their establishments. They wanted the program to sunset to restore balance. While supporters enjoyed the European open market feel of the pedestrianized streets, objectors didn’t say they signed up for summer festival traffic 24/7.

    It’s not a perfect compromise, especially when bicycles and delivery drivers are concerned. But the program has been saved through October meaning the debate will reignite in 2025.

    Cook County punts on tipped minimum wage

    As Chicago has voted toward phasing out the tipped minimum wage, Cook County lawmakers are punting, pushing the state to make a decision. Earlier this week, county commissioners approved a resolution in supporting the state’s efforts to abolish the tipped minimum wage, the subject of a nationwide progressive campaign, backed by One Fair Wage. While the county didn’t follow Chicago’s lead, the resolution — more of a symbolic action — calls attention to the debate in Springfield. The state minimum wage is $14 per hour, and the so-called subminimum wage is $8.40; certain municipalities, if they’re large enough — like Chicago — can create laws that supersede the state’s jurisdiction. Legally, workers won’t get paid that lower wage with the gap paid by tips, which can be likened to a government subsidy for restaurants. Why would the county push this to the state level? Perhaps they wanted to avoid a piecemeal solution, wanting the state to create uniformity.

    AAPI Restaurants Week starts

    Today marks the first day of the third-annual AAPI Restaurants Week, a celebration of restaurants owned by Asian Americans — not everyone is serving and selling Asian food. The restaurants may offer discounts, a prix fixe menu, or donate money to a charity of their choice. The event, which goes from Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 26, is hosted by OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, Look for places like Thattu, Verzanay, Bites, Laos to Your House, Side Practice Coffee, and more.

    The Cubs turn to Alpana

    Alpana Singh, the proprietor of Alpana in Gold Coast and the longtime host of Check, Please!, will hurl the ceremonial first pitch on Sunday at Wrigley Field before the Cubs take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates were coincidentally the subject of Disney’s Million Dollar Arm. Singh tells Eater the team called her to celebrate AAPI month. She adds her career as a master sommelier, which involves opening and pouring many bottles of wine, has primed her for this moment with her pitching arm ready.

    Ashok Selvam

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  • Chicago’s Essential Outdoor Dining Spots

    Chicago’s Essential Outdoor Dining Spots

    Playful cocktail spot Lilac Tiger has brought fun drinks and top-notch bar fare (think duck fried rice, tandoori honey fried chicken sandwiches, and “poutine” with Korean curry sauce, paneer, and kimchi) to the former home of Indian restaurant Wazwan. Helmed by a trio of hospitality veterans — chef Zubair Mohajir, Arami owner Ty Fujimura, and chef Won Kim (Kimski) — Lilac Tiger is adding a 25-seat patio out front with space for outdoor grilling. Coach House, Mohajir’s upscale tasting menu restaurant, has claimed the back patio for a cocktail-focused section of its own.

    Naomi Waxman

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  • BookOutdoors Announces Partnership and Integration With Leading Hospitality Management Platform, Cloudbeds

    BookOutdoors Announces Partnership and Integration With Leading Hospitality Management Platform, Cloudbeds

    Cloudbeds clients can now effortlessly list their outdoor accommodations on BookOutdoors, ensuring enhanced visibility and increased bookings.


    DENVER, March 12, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    BookOutdoors, a pioneering platform dedicated to simplifying the booking process for outdoor accommodations, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Cloudbeds, a leading provider of hospitality management software. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the travel and hospitality industry by integrating BookOutdoors’ platform with Cloudbeds’ robust API, offering a seamless booking experience for outdoor enthusiasts and property managers alike.

    The partnership leverages Cloudbeds’ comprehensive hospitality management suite through a direct API integration, enabling BookOutdoors to offer real-time availability, dynamic pricing, and instant booking capabilities for a wide range of outdoor accommodations. From campgrounds to glamping sites and other outdoor lodging, users can effortlessly search, compare, and book their next outdoor adventure with the assurance of up-to-date information and secure transactions.

    “This partnership with Cloudbeds represents a pivotal step forward in our mission to connect people with nature more easily and efficiently,” said Brian Nolan, Co-Founder & CEO of BookOutdoors. “By integrating Cloudbeds’ powerful software, we’re not only enhancing our platform’s functionality but also vastly expanding our inventory of unique outdoor stays. This means more choices, convenience, and memorable experiences for our users.”

    Cloudbeds, known for its innovative hospitality software that streamlines operations for property owners and managers, brings to the partnership its extensive network of accommodations and state-of-the-art technology. The integration facilitates a two-way communication between BookOutdoors and accommodation providers, ensuring that bookings are immediately synced with the properties’ management systems, reducing the risk of overbooking and enhancing guest satisfaction.

    “We are excited to partner with BookOutdoors and extend our reach into the great outdoors,” said Sebastien Leitner, Vice President of Partnerships at Cloudbeds. “This integration is more than just a technical connection; it’s about creating value for both travelers and property managers by making outdoor stays more accessible and easier to manage. Together, we are setting a new standard for outdoor travel booking.”

    The partnership between BookOutdoors and Cloudbeds is now live, with users able to access the integrated booking functionality on the BookOutdoors platform. Both companies are committed to continuous innovation and providing exceptional service to their customers, paving the way for a brighter future in outdoor travel.

    For more information about BookOutdoors and to list your property for free, visit partners.bookoutdoors.com. To learn more about Cloudbeds and its hospitality management solutions, visit cloudbeds.com.

    About BookOutdoors

    BookOutdoors is a leading online booking platform specializing in outdoor travel. With BookOutdoors, guests can effortlessly find and reserve all types of outdoor accommodations, such as RV sites, glamping resorts, cabins, lodging, tent camping, and more, without booking fees or memberships. Founded in 2021, BookOutdoors is a combined effort between owners/operators in outdoor hospitality and tech industry veterans and is backed by leading VC investors and executives from the largest travel and hospitality businesses.

    About Cloudbeds

    Cloudbeds is the leading platform powering hospitality, serving tens of thousands of lodging businesses in more than 150 countries worldwide. The award-winning Cloudbeds Platform is designed to deliver 360-value to hoteliers, seamlessly integrating built-in and marketplace solutions that increase revenue, streamline operations, and delight guests into a unified system. Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds has been named a top PMS, Hotel Management System and Channel Manager (2021-2024) by Hotel Tech Report, World’s Best Hotel PMS Solutions Provider (2022) by World Travel Awards, and recognized in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 in 2023.

    Source: BookOutdoors

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  • Zookeepers share some seedy secrets from behind the enclosures (15 GIFs)

    Zookeepers share some seedy secrets from behind the enclosures (15 GIFs)

    Zoos are fairly transparent with what’s going on. If anything egregious ever happens like – I don’t know – say a child jumps into an enclosure and a gorilla gets murdered, we’re definitely going to hear about it on the news.

    But what about the stuff that goes unnoticed? It doesn’t take much for your imagination to go to some pretty wild places. So we’ve collected real stories from REAL zookeepers, sharing some secrets from behind the enclosures.

    Get ready for that tea.

    Zach Nading

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Emergency Response Needed For Outdoor Shelter…

    Austin Pets Alive! | Emergency Response Needed For Outdoor Shelter…

    We need your help this week! The Austin and surrounding areas are expected to reach freezing temperatures this weekend so shelter pets in outdoor enclosures need help by this Sunday! Here’s how you can support them NOW.

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