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  • The Best Deals From REI’s 2025 Labor Day Sale

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    Isn’t it amazing how fast summer goes by? The kids are back in school, and it’s time for the annual REI Labor Day Sale. This year’s event kicks off today, August 22, and ends on Labor Day, September 2. Many items are up to 30 percent off, and REI Co-op members save 20 percent on any REI Outlet item. To get the member discount, add the promo code LABORDAY2025 at checkout.

    We’ve rounded up the best deals on all our favorite tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, pads, cookware, outdoor apparel, and more. Many of the best REI deals are on the company’s house brand gear, but we’ve also pulled in deals from competing sales at Backcountry, Public Lands, and cottage industry retailers.

    Updated Monday, August 25, 2025: We’ve added new end of summer deals on Bote paddleboards, Oru folding kayaks, Arc’teryx Beta raingear, Kelty love seat, the Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent, Nemo Dragonfly tent, Sea to Summit ultralight cookware, and more.

    WIRED Featured Deals

    Deals on Tents

    REI tents are some of the best deals around, even more so during sales. If you’d like to learn more, see our guide to the best backpacking tents and best car camping tents.

    Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

    REI’s Base Camp tent is WIRED’s favorite car camping tent. It’s extremely well designed and proved plenty weatherproof in our testing. The traditional dome tent design, with two crossed poles and two side poles, holds up well in wind, and the tent floor is high-quality 150-denier (150D) polyester. There’s loads of storage pockets, double doors, great vents, and huge windows, making it comfortable even in summer heat.

    The Wonderland 6 is REI’s replacement for the Kingdom 6 and looks to be, for the most part, very similar. We haven’t tested this one, but my almost 20-year-old Kingdom 6 is still going strong. For the most part, it’s made of the very same ripstop nylon used in the Wonderland. With plenty of mesh, this will have better ventilation than the Base Camp above, but the rainfly doesn’t come as low and the hoop design isn’t quite a strong. For summer camping, though, this is a great option.

    The REI Half Dome 2 is the best budget two-person backpacking tent. We’ve toted it on many a backpacking trip and found it to be plenty sturdy, quick to set up, and capable of fitting two people and their gear. It even comes with a footprint (which I never bother with, but it’s nice to have it if you have to deal with prickers or pointy rocks). I really like the color options this year too, which blend in with its surroundings rather than stand out.

    The Big Agnes Copper Spur series is our top pick for freestanding ultralight tents. This is a high-quality, well-designed tent that’s lightweight, easy to set up, and roomy enough to be liveable in the backcountry. The “awning” design (with trekking poles or sticks) is a nice extra and the mix of 15D nylon, and 20D ripstop, while to feels fragile, as held up well over time.

    I’ve only spent two nights in this tent, but so far it’s my favorite solo freestanding tent. I like the generous amount of mesh at the top, which provides some nice ventilation on warm summer nights and is perfect for falling asleep under the stars when the weather permits. The Osmo fabric continues to live up to the hype, with much less water absorption than nylon tents in rainy weather, and there’s a good amount of room for storing all your stuff. The bikepacking friendly version, with shorter pole segments that fit better on a bike, is also on sale for $390 ($130 off).

    Deals on Day-Hiking Packs and Backpacks

    Be sure to read through our guide to day-hiking packs. While we haven’t published our guide to ultralight backpacks yet, several of our picks are on sale right now and noted below.

    REI Flash Air Backpack in gray with white grid and writing

    Photography: Scott Gilbertson

    I just started testing this pack this summer as part of an upcoming ultralight backpack guide. It’s very comfortable, carrying a 25-pound load without issue. I haven’t lived out of it for more than a night yet, but so far I like it, and it’s very reasonably priced. Interestingly, there’s a comment on REI saying that you’re better off going with the Flash 55 and just removing the top lid to save some weight. That’ll save you some cash right now, as the Flash 55 is also on sale for $139 ($50 off).

    Nemo’s Resolve is a great pack that incorporates a low-waste footprint into the design. It uses solution-dyed fabrics, and eschews straps and buckles in favor of bungees and pull-tabs. This does make adjusting it fussier, but once you’re used to it and have the fit dialed in, it’s not an issue. The Resolve is a comfortable pack. While technically frameless, it feels like it has some structure. and it sits nice and high on your back. At 1 pound, 15 ounces, it’s also pretty light.

    The Osprey Talon is perhaps the most tried-and-true day-hiking pack on the market, and for good reason. It’s light and comfortable, and the 33L capacity can swallow a ton of gear and haul it well. This 33L iteration weighs just 2 pounds, 12.5 ounces and sports 100D high-tenacity nylon that’s been coated with a non-PFAS DWR. Annoyingly, there’s no rain cover, but that omission aside, it’s a superb daypack.

    Topo Designs makes some of our favorite bags, from the Mountain Cross, which Gear editor Jeremy White says is “best bag in the world”, to the Global Briefcase, which is on our list of the Best Messenger Bags. Neither of these bags, sadly, are currently in the 60 percent markdowns but many others are!

    Sleeping Bag Deals

    Whether you need a cheap car camping bag, or something more robust for fall and spring trips, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to read our best sleeping bags guide for even more options.

    Grey sleeping bag on top of light blue inflatable sleeping pad both laying in the grass

    Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

    REI’s Magma line of down gear are some of the best deals around. The Magma 15 sleeping bag has long been an affordable bag that’s perfect for shoulder season trips when the temp potentially swing lower than you’re expecting (the comfort rating is 21 F). There’s three lengths and three widths, making it easy to get something that’s perfect for your body, and the 850-fill-power goose down (bluesign-approved) packs down nice and small. If you don’t need the shoulder season coverage the Magma 30 is also on sale for $262 ($87 off), and makes a great summer sleeping bag.

    I’ve just started testing this as a budget option for ultralight quilts. So far, I’ve been impressed. Like the sleeping bag version above, this is 95 percent of what you get from far more expensive bags. It’s light (20.3 ounces for the medium), packs down small, includes straps to keep it on your sleeping pad, can be completely unzipped and used like a comforter, or snapped up in a proper footbox on colder nights.

    The Boost is a hybrid bag that would work for backpacking, but it can also be adjusted to a semi-retangular shape to make it more comfortable for car camping. There are arm holes, which makes reading in it a bit easier, and you can reach out to open or close the “WarmZip” center zipper, which cinches down the Boost to make it more like a traditional mummy bag.

    Crumpled grey sleeping bag on top of light grey inflatable sleeping pad both on the ground

    Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

    The “mummy” design of mummy bags is about optimizing for warmth, not comfort. But let’s face it, most of us are not sleeping in situations where our survival is at stake. Therm-a-Rest has addressed this with what it calls W.A.R.M. fit, which stands for “with additional room for multiple” positions. Indeed, this bag is very roomy for a mummy design. I was able to draw my legs up when side-sleeping and spread out considerably more than with most bags. If you toss and turn through the nights and don’t want a quilt-style bag, this would be my top pick.

    The Siesta is our favorite sleeping bag for car camping. You really shouldn’t need to spend a lot of money on a sleeping bag for car camping. Should your best efforts to cocoon warmth around you fail, there is, after all, a car to retreat to. That’s why we love the REI Siesta Hooded 20—it’s plenty warm and affordable. The Siesta’s rectangular cut makes it a roomier, more comfortable bag, and the 20-degree rating makes it enough for three-season trips, and unlike most rectangular bags, the Siesta has a hood, which helps on those cold nights. We also like that you can zip two Siestas together.

    Deals on Sleeping Pads

    Good sleep in the backcountry can be frustratingly elusive, but one good place to start is with a quality sleeping pad. Whether you’re looking for the an ultralight, ultraminimal packing pad or a plush 4-inch-thick car-camping behemoth, there’s deals on both right now.

    Image may contain Architecture Building Outdoors Shelter Camping Tent Adult Person Nature and Furniture

    Relaxing on the Therm-a-rest NeoLoft

    Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

    The NeoLoft is on the heavy side for someone who is mostly on the ultralight bandwagon, but I can’t seem to leave this pad at home. It’s just too comfortable. I’ve ended up carrying it on every trip I took this summer. It does weigh 25 ounces, but it packs down respectably small (about an inch thicker and taller than a Nalgene water bottle), and inflates to a massive 4.6-inch cushy pad that looks more like a luxury car-camping pad than something for the backcountry. I highly recommended it.

    This is our favorite all-around backpacking sleeping pad. The Tensor All-Season hits all the sweet spots. It weighs an acceptably light 18.2 ounces, provides a good 3 inches of padding, and has an R rating of 5.4. That works out to the best padding and R rating for the weight. It’s also mercifully quiet—none of that annoying crunching noise every time you roll over.

    If you’re gearing up for a winter trip, this is a good deal on a great winter sleeping pad. The Tensor Extreme Conditions has the highest R value of any pad we’ve tested, yet somehow manages to pack down to about the size of a Nalgene water bottle and weighs just 21 ounces (587 g). It’s one thing to claim an R value in lab tests though—a subzero night on the snow in a Wisconsin winter was the real test. This pad performed extremely well. Paired with a Z-Rest (see below) and a –10F sleeping bag, it kept me toasty down to 4 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Thermarest ZLite Sol

    Photograph: Thermarest

    The Z-Lite Sol weighs next to nothing (10 ounces for the small), folds up small enough to lash to the outside of any pack, and can double as a chair, extra padding on cold nights, table, you name it. I am too old and too soft to be the sort of ultra-minimalist who gets by with just a Z-Lite for sleeping, but I still have one around on almost every backpacking trip I take.

    The big fat camping pad that started the trend of big fat camping pads, the Megamat is a revelation. Trust me, you have no idea how comfortable tent camping can be until you sleep on a Megamat (or a MondoKing, see below). The 4-inch-thick Exped MegaMat is soft and surprisingly firm thanks to the closed-cell foam inside it, which relieves pressure and feels about as close to the mattress in your bedroom as you’re going to get in the woods.

    When I sold my Jeep I had to give up my overlanding dreams and return to being a mere camper, but this Megamat, which cuts in to fit around the wheel wells of an SUV, has brought some of those overlanding dreams back to life. I throw this in the back of my wife’s Rav4, and while it’s not a perfect fit (check Exped to see which vehicles are supported), it’s close enough that I can get a good night’s sleep in the car.

    If you get a Megamat, get this pump to go with it. I love this pump not so much for the inflating (though that is nice too, it speeds things up), but for the deflating. You can get all the air out and the mattress back in its stuff sack in no time with this thing. It’s well worth the money, especially on sale.

    Deals on Stoves and Camp Gear

    We’ve filtered through all the camping gear deals to highlight our favorite camp stoves, water filters, and more.

    Coleman 1900 Camping Stove

    Photograph: Coleman

    REI sales are the time to grab this upgrade stove. Sure, the basic version below gets the job done, but the cast iron burners of the Cascade are so much nicer and more durable. The griddle plate is also handy, perfect for cranking out pancakes. My only gripe is that I wish there were an option to get two griddles, as I find the grill not nearly as useful.

    Walk around any campground in America and you’ll likely see dozens of these, for good reason. They’re easy to use, last a long time, and aren’t all that expensive. The 10,000-BTU burners are plenty to cook on just about any pan you have (I use cast iron pans on mine), and the electronic ignition means you don’t have to keep track of a lighter.

    The MSR PocketRocket 2 is our top pick isopro backpacking stove for most people. It’s lightweight (2.6 ounces) but has wide enough arms to support just about any one- or two-person pot. It’s simple to use, even while wearing gloves, and it’s efficient—at sea level (OK, technically 947 feet), it boiled 1 liter of water in 3 minutes, 47 seconds. You can even get it to simmer, though the flame radius is small, so fancier cooking isn’t easy. See our next pick if that’s your goal.

    If you want to cook in the backcountry, like legitimately cook with ingredients, not rehydrating food, the best stove I’ve tested is the Firebox Nano with the gas burner and diffusion plate. The Firebox Nano is a twig stove, so you have that option as well (I am fortunate to live somewhere I can use this feature), but with summer burn bans in many places, it’s really the gas burner and diffusion plate that are the centerpiece here. Together, they spread out the flame enough that cooking on a 10-inch pan is pretty much like cooking on my stove at home. This is a nearly miraculous achievement for a stove setup this small and light (8 ounces).

    This is a backpacking must-have for me. It turns cleanup from a tedious chore to a couple of seconds’ work. I’ve even perfected cleaning burnt pans with it: Boil water in the pan to loosen the burnt bits and scrape them out. It’s not a massive savings, but you might as well grab one while it’s a couple bucks cheaper.

    The word “ultralight” means different things to different people, and this pot may or may not qualify for you, but if you’re cooking for a group, this 3-liter pot is about as light as it gets. This is my go-to pot for family backpacking trips. The hard-anodized aluminum is sturdy and provides good heat transfer. The ceramic nonstick coating makes for easy cleanup (especially paired with the GSI scraper below). You can also nest the 2L version ($51) inside this one for more cooking options on the trail. If you want to go nuts with it, I haven’t tried it, but you can theoretically also nest the 1.3L version ($45) inside the 2L.

    Nemo Moonlite Elite Chair front view in the woods

    Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

    If you want to bring a chair backpacking, this is the one to get. It’s just about the lightest on the market at 18 ounces, and it packs down nice and small. Nemo also solved the main problem with all pole chairs: The included base pad keeps it from sinking in soft ground.

    The thing to keep in mind when you shop REI brand gear is the company’s basic proposition: you get 90 percent of the designer item, for 70 percent of the price. It’s a strategy that works quite well and has generated some really great, affordable gear. This chair is a good example of that. It’s not as nice as the Nemo above, but it’s still comfortable (it does wobble a little, side to side when you move) and nearly half the price.

    This camp chair is the coziest way to hang out around the fire. It is somewhat huge, heavy, and awkward to fold up and carry, but so long as you have room for it in your vehicle, there’s no better way to relax under the stars with your loved ones.

    Deals on Outdoor Apparel

    Looking for Labor Day deals on new rain gear or hiking clothes? We’ve got you covered with guides to the best merino wool t-shirts and clothing, best rain jackets, and best puffer jackets.

    Patagonia jacket

    Photograph: Patagonia

    Patagonia’s Nano Puff series has been a hit since it launched years ago. If you want a technical midlayer that you can also wear around town, this is the jacket to get. The fill is synthetic, but it’s impressively warm and manages to stuff down almost like a down jacket.

    REI’s Sahara Shade Hoodie offers UPF 50+ fabric (a polyester and spandex blend) to protect you from that high-altitude sun (or any sun). It’s soft and stretchy, so you have a good range of movement, and there are thumbholes in the sleeves to keep them from riding up and exposing your arms. The three-panel hood has a drawstring you can use the cinch it down and keep your neck covered as well.

    The best budget rain jacket you can buy, REI’s Rainier Jacket is impressively waterproof and reasonably long-lasting for $70. The durable water repellent (DWR) is PFAS-free, but still pretty good. You also get taped seams and an adjustable hood, two nice features you generally don’t find in jackets this cheap.

    Left to right Merino wool calflength sock anklelength sock and calflength sock

    Photograph: Darn Tough; Getty Images

    You can’t go wrong with a pair of Darn Tough merino wool socks. There’s a bunch of styles and colors to choose from, but remember to go with more merino than not if you’re hoping to get several days out of them. Anything over 30 percent nylon starts to smell quickly in my testing.

    The awesome wool shirt from Fjällräven is about as northwoods as it gets. It’s also nice and warm and soft, at least on the inside; my kids do not like the outside.

    Arc’teryx’s Beta AR rain jacket is one of the burliest rain jackets I’ve tested. The Beta AR uses 40D fabric for most of the face, with reinforced 80D patches in high wear areas, all of it with Gore-Tex Pro 3L membrane. It’s been the only Gore-Tex jacket I’ve tested that hasn’t wetted out yet, and the pit zips provide excellent ventilation. At 1 lb. 0.3 oz. it’s not the lightest jacket out there, but you’d be hard pressed to find anything else this durable at this weight.

    Paddleboard and Kayak Deals

    Paddleboard with 2 seats floating in water with a piece of land jutting out into the water in the distance

    Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

    This is my favorite paddleboard for lazy days at the lake. The LowRider Aero is large and stable, making it great for beginners. It’s surprisingly nimble and easy to steer too, with very good tracking ability. I also love the two-in-one kayak/SUP hybrid design, which means you can turn it into a full fishing rig with Bote’s various add-ons.

    Oru’s foldable kayaks are genius—all the boat, none of the size. The Lake is light, reasonably fast, and the cheapest way to get into the world of folding kayaks. As with all Oru’s offerings, the Lake folds origami-style into a roughly 30-inch square that’s just 15 inches deep—small enough to fit in a car trunk or hall closet.

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    Scott Gilbertson

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  • Ohio Department of Natural Resources welcomes Girl Scouts to state parks

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    OHIO — Girl Scouts across the Buckeye State are being invited by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the seventh annual Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • The weekend runs from Sept. 12 to Sept. 14 and is open to Girl Scouts, their troops, families and friends

    • Special programs will be held at 12 state parks in partnership between Girl Scouts of the USA and ODNR naturalists

    • Officials said self-guided opportunities are available at Ohio’s 76 state parks 

    The weekend runs from Sept. 12 to Sept. 14 and is open to Girl Scouts, their troops, families and friends to explore the outdoors. 

    Special programs will be held at 12 state parks in partnership between Girl Scouts of the USA and ODNR naturalists.

    “There’s nothing better than seeing young people discover the magic of Ohio’s great outdoors,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “From the thrill of paddling a kayak to the wonder of spotting wildlife up close, these moments create memories that last a lifetime and inspire the next generation of nature lovers.”

    Events are scattered across the state and include: 

    • Kayaking at Pymatuning State Park
    • Hiking at Maumee Bay State Park
    • Touring Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
    • Fossil collecting at Hueston Woods State Park. I

    Officials said self-guided opportunities are available at Ohio’s 76 state parks for those looking to create their own adventure.

    For more information, including activity registration and where to purchase the Girl Scouts Love State Parks patch, visit your local Girl Scout council’s official website.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Giant Grill Gauge Delivers Precise Temperature Tracking via Wi-Fi

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    | | | | | |

    Upgrade your backyard BBQ game with this high-end digital thermometer. It attaches to your grill or smoker and provides a precise and accurate temperature readout, transmitting that information to your phone over Wi-Fi. It comes in versions for side-mount and top-mount grilles. They’re also working on a wireless, rechargeable blower unit, due later this Summer.

    When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Giant Grill GaugeGiant Grill Gauge

    Giant Grill GaugeGiant Grill Gauge

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    Paul Strauss

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  • Explore Scientific Donates Binoculars to Support Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Arkansas Outdoor Education Pilot Program

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    Longstanding STEM Education Partner Strengthens Ties to Natural State Schools


    SPRINGDALE, Ark., June 10, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Explore Scientific LLC, a leading innovator in scientific and outdoor exploration tools, has deepened its support of Arkansas’s educational future with a recent donation of binoculars to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) in support of the new Arkansas Outdoor Education Pilot Program.

    This program, announced by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, aims to connect Arkansas students with the outdoors through immersive, curriculum-integrated experiences that align with the state’s growing focus on outdoor recreation and tourism under the Natural State Initiative.

    “We are honored to support this forward-thinking program that empowers students through real-world science in nature,” said Scott W. Roberts, President of Explore Scientific. “Helping kids build meaningful connections with their environment is one of the best ways to inspire lifelong curiosity.”

    This latest donation of optical gear for field observation is part of Explore Scientific’s vision of a broader, decades-long commitment to Arkansas schools. In 2017, the company donated telescopes and microscopes to every school in the Springdale School District – one of the largest and most diverse districts in the state – ensuring that thousands of students could engage directly with astronomy and life sciences.

    “When we made the donation to Springdale Public Schools in 2017, our goal was simple: put precision scientific tools in the hands of students who might otherwise never get the chance to explore the microscopic or the cosmic realms,” said Roberts. “This new partnership with AGFC continues that mission – only now we’re focused on the ecosystems right outside their school doors.”

    Explore Scientific’s educational initiatives are supported by the company’s Explore Alliance program, which promotes lifelong exploration through community outreach, sustainable product lifecycle options (like trade-in/trade-up), and educator support. The binoculars donated to the AGFC will help support the 30 pilot schools selected across Arkansas for the program’s first year.

    To learn more about the Arkansas Outdoor Education Pilot Program, visit www.agfc.com. For more information on Explore Scientific, Explore Alliance, and its educational mission, visit www.explorescientific.com.

    About Explore Scientific

    Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, Explore Scientific designs and manufactures high-quality telescopes, microscopes, binoculars, and other optical tools for education, outdoor adventure and citizen science. The company is committed to advancing STEM literacy through partnerships, outreach and accessible innovation.

    Source: Explore Scientific

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  • Hunting results of opening weekend for spring wild turkey season

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    OHIO — Wild turkey season opened Saturday, April 19, and hunters checked thousands of birds, according to a release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 

    For the opening weekend of the spring hunting season, hunters checked 4,281 birds. 

    Last year, hunters checked 4,367 wild turkeys on opening weekend. The three-year average from 2022 to 2024 is 3,912. The opening weekend results do not include the 1,740 birds taken during the youth-only weekend earlier this month.

    The top 10 counties for the opening of the 2025 season were:

    • Belmont (148)
    • Meigs (136)
    • Guernsey (135)
    • Monroe (134)
    • Carroll (122)
    • Coshocton (122)
    • Harrison (116)
    • Washington (116)
    • Columbiana (109)
    • Muskingum (109)

    The season is open in 83 counties that comprise the south zone. For Ohio’s northeast zone, including Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull, the season kicks off Saturday, May 3.

    Hunters are limited to one bird statewide for the season bag limit.

    For the first nine days in each zone, hunting hours are set for 30 minutes before sunrise until noon. In the south, beginning April 28, hours will be 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset until the season closes May 18. In the northeast zone, hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset from May 12 to June 1.

    Hunters must have a valid hunting license and a spring turkey permit, unless exempted. Turkeys must be game-checked no later than 11:30 p.m. on the day of the harvest.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • New Eco-Discovery Center opens in Salt Fork State Park

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    LORE CITY, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is opening a new resource for outdoor lovers at Salt Fork State Park. 

    On Tuesday, which is also Earth Day, ODNR celebrated the opening of a new Eco-Discovery Center which brings interactive exhibits and immersive environmental education.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new Eco-Discovery Center opened in Salt Fork State Park on Tuesday

    • The center is one-story and measures 3,332 square feet

    • The project cost $4.9 million and was supported through a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant of $2,250,500

    • Visitors can meet one of the park’s elusive resident, Bigfoot, as he explains how to lessen environmental footprints

    “The Eco-Discovery Center provides an engaging space for visitors to explore the connections between people and nature,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “With hands-on exhibits, live animal displays, and sustainable design features, this facility serves as a model for how we can all do our part to protect Ohio’s natural resources.”

    The center is one-story and measures 3,332 square feet. Throughout the center, visitors can see interactive exhibits, terrariums, aquariums and an introduction from Salt Fork’s legendary resident, Bigfoot. Visitors will also have access to indoor and outdoor restrooms. 

    Bigfoot will teach visitors how, despite the large footprint, he works toward leaving a small environmental footprint. Displays will guide visitors through the ecosystem of Salt Fork’s forest, and share tips on practicing sustainability.

    The building itself follows a sustainable model, using high-efficiency HVAC equipment and filtration, LED lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures and a water bottle refilling station. On the outside, visitors can see a green roof and wall which are partially covered with vegetation to help absorb rainwater and improve air quality.

    Other efforts include solar panels, permeable pathways and a rainwater harvesting system. Within the surrounding area, visitors can find a patio, with seating, a rain garden, meadow, native trees and a trail leading to habitats.

    The project cost $4.9 million and was supported through a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant of $2,250,500. KeyBank also provided financial support. 

    For more information on the center, or on Salt Fork State Park, visit the ODNR website.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • The Rocky Talkie Is a Two-Way Radio That Really Works

    The Rocky Talkie Is a Two-Way Radio That Really Works

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    If you have a family and you like to be outside, you should have walkie-talkies. In a lot of places where cell coverage is spotty, you need a better way of keeping track of each other than running back and forth and yelling. Kids love walkie-talkies. There’s nothing that my 9-year-old likes better than signaling back to base camp, “Come in, come in, make me cinnamon toast, over,” when she’s halfway through her hike.

    I know this is not necessarily the intended use case for the Rocky Talkie, the super-popular and super-rugged backcountry radio that my friends use for backcountry skiing and ascending multi-pitch climbs. But kids are a lot harder on gear than many adults. We’ve been testing the Rocky Talkies on weekend trips all summer, dropping them while clipped to my backpack and running around in the rain.

    We’ve tried walkie-talkies from several other brands, including cheap ones from Amazon and the standard Midland walkies, but the Rocky Talkies are my favorite, even if—and probably because—they are much more expensive than other options.

    Loud and Clear

    The Rocky Talkie comes in two different configurations. The Mountain Radio that we tested uses the FRS, or Family Radio Service band that the Federal Communications Commission reserves for most recreational walkie-talkie users. This is why you don’t usually pick up radio stations or big rig CB conversations on your walkie-talkie (although I have found that you still can if you try)

    Photograph: Adrienne So

    It also comes in a more powerful GMRS version that has IP67 submersible waterproofing and slightly longer battery life. Technically, you also need a license to operate the GMRS version, which I had no interest in procuring for my 9-year-old and 7-year-old. The Mountain Radio, on the other hand, is easy enough that my kids opened the box, turned them on, and started running around using them without me. Which, to be clear, is great!

    Probably the most obvious difference between the Rocky Talkie and other radios is that a lot of two-way radios are just handhelds or use gator clips to clip onto your clothing or backpack straps, but the Rocky Talkie has an ultralight carabiner. I loved this. I have little pockets and wear little shorts. If I walk around with a walkie-talkie clipped onto my clothes, the walkie often slips off when I sit down and I lose them in the rocks. I love knowing that neither my loved ones nor I are going to lose or drop these.

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    Adrienne So

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  • The Trek Slash+ 9.7 SLX/XT Electric Mountain Bike Is Oh So Quiet

    The Trek Slash+ 9.7 SLX/XT Electric Mountain Bike Is Oh So Quiet

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    To take up the slack, Trek routed the chain through not one but two idler pulleys. The result looks a little like a three-ring circus near the chain ring, but that added idler pulley allows the derailleur to do what it’s supposed to do, which is keep the bike shifting well.

    Love at First Ride

    I loved this bike off the bat because it felt nimble and fast and gave me the confidence to sail over a few steep lines that I normally avoid. On trail, I never felt the need to ride beyond level-two power, even on climbs, which added to its acoustic feel. The only place I could have used more of a boost was when riding home straight uphill on city street with a 13 percent grade.

    Photograph: Stephanie Pearson

    After multiple subsequent tests, I felt the same joy with one caveat: There was a consistent and nagging rattle that sounded like a loose wheel, but I could never isolate the source of the noise, which likely indicates that it was internal and perhaps coming from the battery or a cable rattling in the downtube.

    To give the Slash+ a more robust test, I passed it on to Samuel Hayden, a former collegiate gravity rider at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. After a 20-mile ride in mostly turbo mode on the double blacks of Piedmont (stuff I never ride), Hayden returned with a huge grin and with more than 65 percent battery power left in the tank.

    On its weight and handling, Hayden reported that the Slash+ melded substantial power with a surprising lightweight build, noting it had a solid and reassuring connection with the trail and maintained stable flight during jumps.

    His only major gripe? The 9.7 lacks a SRAM transmission, which tends to be more reliable for e-MTBs. But that problem is easily solvable, if you have an extra $4,000 on hand, by upgrading to the Slash+ 9.9 XO AXS T-Type.

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    Stephanie Pearson

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  • DJI’s Osmo Action 5 Pro Camera Raises the Bar With Long Battery Life

    DJI’s Osmo Action 5 Pro Camera Raises the Bar With Long Battery Life

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    DJI’s new Osmo Action 5 Pro is here to compete with the new GoPro Hero 13 Black. The company’s latest action camera is smaller and lighter, has 47 GB of built-in storage, and has battery life that GoPro owners don’t even dare to dream about.

    Throw in a new, higher-resolution image sensor, improved low-light capabilities, subject tracking, and out-of-the-box support for the DJI Mic 2 wireless microphone, and you have a camera that’s not only capable of getting that shot but has the battery life to keep getting the shot long after the competition has shut down.

    Go Longer

    The Osmo Action 5 Pro stands out from the rest of the action camera market for its battery life. It can shoot well over two hours at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, which is far and away the longest run time of any action camera I’ve ever tested (and I’ve tested a lot). I mention this first because something that often gets lost in reviews and spec comparisons is the simple fact that any footage is better than no footage.

    Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

    To provide a concrete example, I don’t love the color rendering of the Osmo Action 5 Pro in 10-bit Normal color mode, but I’ll take it over no footage at all, which is what the GoPro Hero 13 would offer me after the 1-hour-and-45-minute recording mark when its battery would die and the camera would shut off. Battery life matters, and in the case of action cameras, given that all else—sensors, stabilization, ergonomics—can be so similar, it might be the most important factor in getting the shots you want.

    The Osmo’s camera design hasn’t changed—the body is lightly textured, making it easy to hold, and it remains the same size, retaining the magnetic mounting system. (I’ve always liked that the cage for the Action series allows both vertical and horizontal mounting.) While I don’t have any accessories other than some neutral-density (ND) filters, everything that fits your Action 4 should continue to work with the Action 5. And the more capable battery? It’s backward compatible with the Action 4.

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    Scott Gilbertson

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  • How to Fly With a Personal Item

    How to Fly With a Personal Item

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    I have always been a r/OneBag traveler. In my twenties and thirties, it was euphemistically called “backpacking,” even if actual hiking in the wilderness was only rarely involved. Bringing that one tiny bag that you could sling over your shoulders was often the only way you could hop onto that tiny inter-island flight or walk around a city looking for a hostel with air conditioning.

    I abandoned minimalist travel briefly when my spouse and I had small children. But now that they’re older, I’m inducting them into its joys. Buying plane tickets is more expensive than ever. Budget airlines like Frontier and Spirit have always up-charged for bringing carry-on bags, but now even standard airlines like United have started charging carry-on fees for the lowest-tier tickets. Now is a better time than ever to learn how to travel with only a personal item.

    If you think this is hard, let me tell you the mantra of the minimalist packer: The less you bring, the less time you spend making inane decisions and the more time you spend traveling. That shirt you thought would be perfect for Italy? You can’t wear it in the Vatican. Those trekking sandals that you thought you needed for hiking Hawaii? Everyone is in flip-flops. Leave it. If you really need it, you can get it there (you won’t). With less stuff you can go more places and have more money and energy to do things once you get there. Let us show you how it’s done.

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    Check the Under-Seat Dimensions

    I am always shocked by how many people don’t do this and find themselves in unnecessary brouhahas when boarding. Check the dimensions that each airline will allow for personal items, then grab a tape measure to get the dimensions of your bag.

    Here are the size requirements for several major airlines. We have not included any airlines that do not disclose personal-item size requirements on their website.

    If you live in the United States, you might be able to get away with some excess here or there. However, airlines in other parts of the world tend to be much stricter when enforcing size requirements. If you’re toeing a fine line, I have a few suggestions. First, pick a soft bag so you can just stomp it into whatever box the gate agents are pointing to when you get to the front of the line. Second, put a smaller bag inside your bag with your essentials, so you don’t have to carry the bigger bag everywhere you go once you arrive at your destination.

    Our Favorite Personal-Item Bags

    Pretty much any bag that fits these size requirements will work as a personal-item bag. I have used several bags in our guides to Laptop Backpacks and Tote Bags as personal items on flights. However, here are a few that have performed well in recent testing.

    The Best Duffel

    A soft bag gives you the most leeway when it comes to squeezing it under the seat in front of you. This is currently my favorite personal item and travel bag; I’ve taken it on three trips since August. While Wandrd states that its dimensions are 19 x 11.75 x 9 inches, I measured mine when packed and it came out to 17 x 12 x 8 inches, which is small enough to fit on almost every airline except Air Canada.

    Most duffels are, by design, black holes where you throw in a bunch of weird-shaped things. Wandrd’s has some structure and is exceptionally well-organized. There are multiple reinforced grab handles on either end as well as both sides, plus comfortable, padded backpack straps (with a chest strap!) for hauling ass through the airport. Two zippered compartments on either end segregate my dirty Birkenstocks and wet toiletry bag and bathing suit from my clothes, and there are a few internal mesh zipper pockets for tucking in your wallet and Kindle.

    A Roller Suitcase

    When I rolled this wee bag into the WIRED offices on a recent press trip, several people stopped and marveled at my tiny, tiny suitcase. The standout feature of the Take Off suitcase is that it’s a proper rolling suitcase, but you can pop the wheels off and slide it under the seat in front of you. On a recent trip with Alaska Airlines, however, I didn’t bother to take the wheels off, and the flight attendant did not hassle me about it.

    In addition to being adorable, this miniature suitcase works really well. The bumpers show no nicks or bangs, and I am very hard on suitcases. The wheels are easy to pop off, and you can put them in your pocket in a pinch. The grab handles fit my hands and are sturdy, and the telescoping handle extends a full 21 inches, which is the standard height of a suitcase handle, although if you’re taller than I am (5′ 2″) you may find that it’s a bit hard to pull behind you without knocking it with your heels. I have to say, though, that because the wheels are latched on, they rattle louder than other suitcase wheels, especially if you’re walking on a rougher surface like a sidewalk. This made me grate my teeth. However, if you’re not the kind of person who would prefer to slink through an airport like the Pink Panther, then this probably won’t bother you, and it didn’t affect the function of the suitcase at all.

    A Work Bag

    Does it make sense to buy a $400 American-made bag when you’re flying on a $40 Frontier flight? If you have to ask, you’re on the wrong article—any airline can be pleasant enough if you have the right gear, and this squared-off backpack Waterfield Designs artfully maxes out on size. Inside you’ll find two laptop sleeves plus a separate zipper pocket. The top has two zippered pockets, one with a lanyard for keys. The sides have two more zippered pockets large enough to hold a 20-ounce Fuji water bottle, if not one of those big cups the kids like nowadays.

    The padded backpack straps are a little snug on my larger frame but comfortable enough, and the padded sleeve holds it snugly on top of my full-size carry-on when I’m flying fancy (read: Economy Plus). I have tested the version made from a grayish-green waxed canvas, which has a natural look and is picking up patina, but there’s also a version with 1680 denier ballistic nylon. —Martin Cizmar

    Don’t Bring So Much Stuff

    Unless you’re traveling with a very specific purpose for which you’ll need a lot of gear, like ice climbing, you can cover your bases with much less stuff than you might think. You just have to be ruthlessly pragmatic, ditch all your fantasies, and discard the idea that you need “options” when it comes to how you dress.

    Are you really going to go for a run every morning, and if you are, is it really worth it to bring all that gear for what will be, at most, an hour out of your day? Do you really need a dress, or will you feel a little self-conscious and should’ve worn chinos like always? For example, here is how I packed for a recent three-day trip to San Francisco. Inside the Take Off Personal Item 2.0, I have:

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    Adrienne So

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  • Wolf Creek is first Colorado ski area to open for the 2024-25 season – The Cannabist

    Wolf Creek is first Colorado ski area to open for the 2024-25 season – The Cannabist

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    Wolf Creek ski area will claim Colorado first-tracks honors Tuesday when it becomes the first Colorado ski area to open for the 2024-25 season.

    The 85-year-old ski mountain, located at Wolf Creek pass, 250 miles from Denver in southern Colorado, received 26 inches of snow in recent days and will open 11 trails at 9 a.m. with an 18-inch settled base. Those trails represent 30% of Wolf Creek’s skiable terrain. Lift tickets are $68.

    Tuesday’s opening will mark the earliest Colorado opening since 2021 when Wolf Creek opened for weekends-only skiing on Oct. 16. Arapahoe Basin opened a day later that season.

    Read the rest of this story on TheKnow.DenverPost.com.

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    The Cannabist Network

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  • REI Co-op announces lineup of new store openings in Northern California

    REI Co-op announces lineup of new store openings in Northern California

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    (FOX40.COM) — Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op announced its lineup of 2025 store openings that included some locations in Northern California.

    The new openings are a part of the company’s efforts to support the active lifestyles of its membership and outdoor communities, according to a press release. The Northern California cities include Chico and Elk Grove. There will also be a SoCal opening in Carlsbad.

    “Our store employees are the heart of the co-op, and they welcome everyone to experience our product expertise, resources, and inspiration in support of an active lifestyle,” said Mary-Farrell Tarbox, REI vice president of Stores. “Cities that will have new stores represent communities that serve as a gateway to some of the country’s most incredible natural places and where our members currently live or destinations where they love to play outside.”

    Each new REI store will reportedly offer a wide assortment of apparel and gear for camping, hiking, cycling, running and fitness, climbing, and more. In addition, every store is expected to feature a full-service bike shop staffed by certified mechanics to tune and repair mountain, road, hybrid, or e-bikes.

    REI said the Chico location is expected to open in the spring of 2025. The Elk Grove location is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025.

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    Veronica Catlin

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  • Marriott Bonvoy Resorts Foster Wellness Through Outdoors

    Marriott Bonvoy Resorts Foster Wellness Through Outdoors

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    Marriott Bonvoy Resorts are fostering wellness through the outdoors. Marriott International properties across the Caribbean provide a range of outdoor activities designed to enhance wellness and rejuvenate the spirit.

    Guests can enjoy the benefits of fresh air and natural surroundings while engaging in activities like yoga, guided snorkeling tours, and invigorating rounds of golf.

    These experiences not only promote physical health but also foster mental well-being, allowing visitors to connect with nature and find balance. Embark on a refreshing vacation at these renowned hotels and resorts, where wellness and adventure go hand in hand:

    Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino: The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino invites guests to embrace the healing power of nature through its desert bathing experience. This curated wellness offering encourages relaxation and mindfulness, while boosting mood and immunity. Guests can enjoy a healthy picnic basket for two, complete with nutritious snacks, along with transportation to and from the property. The experience also includes a yoga mat for grounding practices and a soothing massage for two, allowing couples to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of their surroundings.
    Email to book this luxurious, natural experience.

    The Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas: The Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas encourages guests to embrace the latest wellness trends through embarking on an unforgettable island-hopping journey through the British and U.S. Virgin Islands aboard the luxurious 65-foot catamaran, Lady Lynsey II. Just steps from the beach at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, the adventure begins with a sail to lush St. John, where guests can snorkel in the vibrant waters of Trunk Bay, promoting physical fitness and mindfulness in nature. Then, unwind at the tranquil Maho Bay, an ideal spot for relaxation and digital detox. Alternatively, travelers can visit lively Jost Van Dyke, renowned for its Soggy Dollar Bar, where they can sip on a Painkiller while basking on the stunning beach – perfect for social wellness and connection. Guests should not miss the breathtaking Baths of Virgin Gorda, celebrated for their unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters, which offer a natural setting for reflection and rejuvenation. After a day of exploration, guests can return to The Ritz-Carlton to unwind in a private poolside cabana, savoring refreshing cocktails and breathtaking sunset views—all while indulging in the luxury and personalized service that enhance their wellness journey.

    Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino: The Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino invites guests to rejuvenate their spirits with a guided kayak tour of the Bio Bay, one of the island’s three enchanting bioluminescent bays. The possibility of seeing bioluminescence is trending among vacationers, and booking through the property’s tour desk allows guests to experience the magic of paddling through the glowing waters of Fajardo, PR, while connecting with nature. This two-hour adventure not only promotes physical activity and cardiovascular health but also offers a serene escape from daily life through its meditative qualities. With round-trip transportation included, guests can fully immerse themselves in this unique and revitalizing experience.

    The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico: The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort has the island’s most challenging golf course, attracting both seasoned golfers and beginners alike. Set against breathtaking scenery, this course provides couples with a perfect opportunity to bond while learning the game together. Beyond just a sport, golfing here serves as a meditative practice, allowing players to focus on their swings and breathe in the refreshing coastal air. This unique blend of physical fitness and mindful relaxation makes the golfing experience at Bahia Beach truly therapeutic.

    The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman invites guests to embark on a Botanical Tour, an enchanting experience that allows them to stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens featuring a variety of native plants and exotic species. As guests wander along the paths, they can breathe in the fragrant aromas and enjoy the serene ambiance of this meticulously curated space. The hotel provides a detailed brochure to guide visitors on a self-led tour. This elegantly crafted resource offers insightful information about the plant life encountered along the way, enriching the experience with educational content that enhances appreciation for the island’s botanical diversity.

    JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort and Spa: At the JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort and Spa, guests can experience a rejuvenating escape amidst lush greenery and white sandy beaches. The resort offers a variety of outdoor wellness-focused activities, including water aerobics and daily beachside yoga, perfect for enhancing both physical fitness and mental clarity. Snorkeling and water trampolining provide more vigorous physical fitness, and both are currently popular outdoor activities. With a private swimmable beach for relaxation and reflection, this island getaway is designed to nourish the body and soul.

    Curacao Marriott Beach Resort: The Curacao Marriott Beach Resort is a lesser-known gem, offering the perfect backdrop for a refreshing family vacation. With a daily calendar filled with wellness-focused events and activities, guests can engage in games, aquarobics, yoga, and tennis, all designed to produce physical fitness and family bonding. Individual sports, live entertainment, and meals are also available throughout the day in open-air facilities. The Curacao Marriott Beach Resort is adopting trending outdoor wellness activities – beginning October 8, guided snorkeling sessions will allow families to explore vibrant underwater ecosystems, while kayaking and jet skiing offer additional opportunities for adventure and exercise. For those seeking more excitement, ATV tours, buggy excursions, catamaran trips and swimming with dolphins enhance the wellness journey by encouraging connection with nature and loved ones.

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  • The DJI Air 3S Is a Formidable Flying Camera

    The DJI Air 3S Is a Formidable Flying Camera

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    As a UK resident currently without the certificate, I had to be quite careful where I flew the Air 3S. Living on the coast at least meant I was able to fly it out over the sea, where it could easily be kept the requisite distance from people, buildings, parks, and beaches. If I lived in the middle of a large town or city here, however, I’d find the restrictions too frustrating to deal with and opt for an ultra-lightweight, fly-anywhere drone such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro. I suspect most casual drone users feel the same way.

    Photograph: Sam Kielsden

    DJI Air 3S low light sample

    Twice as Nice

    Those who decide to pass the courses and deal with the paperwork will enjoy excellent rewards for their time, patience, and money. If the older Air 3’s camera performance was impressive, the Air 3S’s is stunning. The new 1-inch sensor delivers 14 stops of dynamic range and excels in challenging lighting, producing detail-rich, low-noise images at dusk and even at night. I shot the sample photos (above) in DNG RAW (the wide-angle camera shoots 50-megapixel stills; the telephoto 48-megapixel) and edited them using Adobe Lightroom, while the sample video was captured in 10-bit D-Log M and color graded and corrected with DaVinci Resolve Studio. I had a blast editing the footage, with the 10-bit original files offering a huge amount of scope to work with. You don’t have to shoot in D-Log M, however; the cameras support standard color profiles in both 8- and 10-bit quality and 10-bit HLG.

    There’s a wide selection of superb video and photo options available. While the Air 3S can’t shoot 5.7K footage (something offered by the DJI Mavic 3 Pro), it can shoot regular 4K videos at up to 60 fps, 4K slow-motion clips at 120 fps and Full HD slow-motion clips at 240 fps. It can also shoot 9:16 portrait-format videos, ideal for quick posting to social media channels, at a more than acceptable 2.7K resolution and 60 fps.

    I wouldn’t call the cameras perfect, of course. The lack of adjustable apertures makes a set of neutral density (ND) filters almost a compulsory purchase for anyone shooting video during the day, and even then, changing the filters is a fiddly process. Hopefully that’s one upgrade we’ll see DJI introduce with the Air 4, whenever it arrives.

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    Sam Kieldsen

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  • The Best Bug Sprays to Keep Bites at Bay

    The Best Bug Sprays to Keep Bites at Bay

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    No one likes the feeling of insect repellent. I have vivid memories of being sprayed down with the stuff as a kid before venturing into the woods in northern Minnesota on family vacations and feeling like chemical warfare was being waged on all of my senses. I was willing to endure it because being covered in mosquito bites is even worse. And the truth is, wearing repellent can save your life, protecting you against West Nile virus and Lyme disease, just to name a few of the pathogens mosquitos and ticks can pass on.

    “Insect repellents are designed to affect insects’ senses and prevent them from finding humans,” says Sonja Swiger, a professor at Texas A&M University’s Department of Entomology. “The use of these products provides protection to humans that cannot be achieved by anything else.” Essentially, environmental mosquito management programs can’t completely protect you from the bugs. If you’re going to be outside for a long period of time, especially in areas where biting bugs are common, applying repellent is a smart idea.

    The good news is that there are way more products with different formulas available now than, say, when I was a kid. Protecting yourself doesn’t have to be a totally miserable experience. Here is everything you need to know about various insect repelling chemicals, how to choose the right product for your needs, and our top picks for the best insect repellents on the market.

    Check out some of our other outdoors-related buying guides like Best Tents, Best Hiking Boots, Best Coolers, and Best Grills.

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    What’s the Difference Between the Chemicals Used in Insect Repellents?

    There are four widely available topical repelling chemicals that have been approved for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the CDC, and the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which means there’s ample evidence that they’re safe and effective against mosquitoes and ticks. These are DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil or lemon eucalyptus (also called OLE and p-menthane-3,8-diol, or PMD, its synthetic form).

    There’s also permethrin, which is a repellent you can apply to gear like tents and clothing, which is also approved by the EPA and CDC. ​​Citronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, soybean oil, and peppermint oil don’t have robust research to show that they’re great repellents for ticks and mosquitos. Though some folks may find them useful, they aren’t long-lasting or effective in environments with lots of bugs, according to the EWG. Below, you can find the pros and cons of the four aforementioned EPA-approved bug repelling chemicals that you can apply to skin.

    DEET: N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, otherwise known as DEET, is probably the chemical you’ve heard the most about, as it’s been used since 1957 and widely studied as an insect repellent. “It’s the gold standard that all other products are tested against,” says Swiger. It’s one of the most effective options—studies in the EPA’s database show that, at varying concentrations, DEET can ward off ticks for two to 10 hours, and mosquitoes for two to 12 hours. Per an EPA-approved label, a product with 20 percent DEET can prevent bites from mosquitos for 11 hours.

    In most instances, 30 percent or less of an active ingredient will be sufficient for protection, says Swiger, and per an EPA-approved label, a product with 20 percent DEET can prevent bites from mosquitos for 11 hours. Per the EPA, DEET can be used on children without any age restriction. The downsides are that DEET smells awful, is oily, and can damage anything with plastic in it, like synthetic clothing and camping gear.

    Picaridin: This chemical hasn’t been in use as long as DEET, but it’s been shown to be just as safe and effective, and it has fewer downsides. A product with 20 percent picaridin can give you up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, per an EPA-approved label.

    A review from the Journal of Travel Medicine analyzed 11 studies that compared DEET and picaridin, finding that “the studies showed little potential difference between DEET and picaridin applied at the same dosage, with some evidence pointing to a superior persistence for picaridin.” Picaridin won’t ruin fabrics like DEET.

    IR3535: Ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate, or IR3535, isn’t quite as effective as DEET or picaridin against mosquitoes, but it’s more effective against ticks, per the EWG. Like DEET, it can damage plastics.

    Oil of lemon eucalyptus: Oil of lemon eucalyptus enhanced with para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) may work as well as DEET against mosquitoes and ticks (at concentrations between 20 to 26 percent), per the EWG. In general, oil of lemon eucalyptus and PMD don’t last as long as DEET and the other options on this list. They won’t damage plastics. Due to a lack of research on kids, it shouldn’t be used on children under 3.

    Are Insect Repellents Safe?

    In order for a chemical to get EPA-approval, it faces rigorous testing and evaluation for its efficacy, safety, and potential harm to the environment. But people still have concerns about the active ingredients in these products. Most of that worry revolves around DEET, due to reports of neurotoxicity. According to the EWG, “in very rare cases, DEET has been reported to impair the nervous system, with symptoms including seizures, tremors and slurred speech—this most often occurs after exposure to high concentrations of the chemical.” This is extremely rare. The EPA has concluded that the rate of adverse reactions occurs on the order of 1 per 100 million persons.

    Still, that’s really scary. But more research points to DEET’s safety. A report from 2017 found that it’s unlikely that DEET causes neurotoxicity. A 2020 University of Florida study found there was no increased risk of negative health impacts for people who used DEET, and a 2003 report discovered no evidence of an increased risk of adverse toxic effects in kids.

    Other chemicals on this list, like picaridin, don’t pose the same neurotoxicity concerns as DEET. Ultimately, the repellent you choose comes down to what you feel safe using and your level of concern about bug bites, which can lead to serious health conditions.

    “These products are continuously evaluated to confirm their safety,” says Swiger. And the benefits of using repellents likely outweigh the risks. “The benefit is preventing biting by mosquitoes or ticks that carry disease-causing pathogens. Without the use of repellents, a person could be bitten by a tick or mosquito carrying a pathogen that can lead to a disease such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, eastern equine encephalitis, or dengue.”

    Is a Higher Concentration of a Repelling Ingredient Better?

    Not necessarily. DEET’s repelling effects, for example, tend to plateau at around 50 percent concentration, per the CDC. Again, 20 percent to 30 percent concentration of DEET or picaridin seems to be enough to get solid protection. Higher concentrations do have their place, though. “Some mosquitoes are not deterred by the lesser rates,” says Swiger. “Higher rates last longer time periods and work best against large floodwater mosquitoes.”

    How Should You Use Insect Repellent and Sunscreen Together?

    Swiger recommends applying sunscreen first, then insect repellent, and she says to avoid combo products, per the CDC’s guidelines. Since sunscreen should be applied more often than a repellent, products that include both could result in unnecessary exposure to the repellent chemicals.

    Are Insect Repellent Sprays, Lotions, or Wipes Better?

    What kind of formula you choose will really come down to personal preference. Sprays are easier to apply over clothes and skin. Lotions tend to feel less greasy and sticky. Wipes are great for travel and for times when you want to pack light, like during backpacking trips.

    How We Tested

    I used 11 products on hikes, runs, and nights outside near Denver, Colorado. All of them were effective in preventing bug bites, but given the dry climate where I live, I don’t encounter swarms of mosquitoes very often. In my research for this article, I’ve learned that an insect repellent that is considered effective for one person, in one environment, won’t necessarily be effective for a different person in that same environment, or a different person in a different environment.

    Essentially, mosquitoes and other bugs choose who to bite based on overall smell, body heat, and sweat, and are obviously much more prevalent in wet and warm parts of the country. So rating these repellents on their effectiveness against bugs (based on my experience) doesn’t really give you much valuable information.

    The only way to know if a repellent will work for you is to try it on yourself in your environment, against your bugs. (And keep in mind, a product that works well for you at home might not do it against different insects on vacation.) If your repellent isn’t working, you need a higher concentration of the repelling chemical, or a different repelling chemical. But, as I wrote above, starting with a lower concentration is the move—there’s no reason to expose yourself to more chemicals if the lower level can provide relief from biting.

    All that said, I did take thorough notes on how well these went on, felt on the skin, and smelled, and these are my top picks for each chemical category, based on those criteria.

    Best Picaridin Bug Repellents

    Best Spray

    Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent

    With a wide, even, fine-mist spray, this product is easy to apply and doesn’t pool on your skin. It has a chemical smell a bit like rubbing alcohol, but the scent is much milder than that of any DEET products I tried. On my skin, the product feels a bit greasy and sticky, but again, much less so than DEET. Overall, I was pleased with the lightweight feel of the product and appreciated the locking lid on the bottle. Per the label, this spray contains 20 percent picaridin and can provide up to 12 hours of protection.

    Best Lotion

    Proven Insect Repellent Lotion

    I’d never tried a lotion repellent before, and I was pleasantly surprised by how nice they felt and how much less they smelled than the sprays. This one in particular seemed to have an even milder scent than other picaridin lotions, and left my skin feeling more hydrated than oily. It feels like it absorbs into your skin rather than sitting on top of it. It contains 20 percent picaridin and provides up to 14 hours of protection.

    Best DEET Bug Repellents

    Best Spray

    Off Deep Woods Dry Insect Repellent

    This product has the distinct chemical-y, bug spray smell of DEET, but the feel is nicer than most DEET sprays. It’s not totally weightless, but it dries down really nicely and feels soft and only slightly greasy to the touch. The spray is even, but the lack of a locking lid makes me wary to pack it for a hike.

    Best Lotion

    Sawyer 20 Percent DEET Premium Family Insect Repellent Controlled Release

    The DEET stink is still there, but the lotion formula feels more pleasant and less greasy to me than most sprays. This product in particular contains DEET (at a 20 percent concentration) that’s encapsulated in a slow-dissolving protein, which means the DEET is released over a longer period of time, providing up to 11 hours of protection.

    Best Wipes

    Ben’s Tick and Insect Repellent Wipes

    These pocket-sized wipes are a bit wet and messy, but that also means one wipe goes a long way in terms of coverage. The smell is less intense than other wipes; it reminds me of rubbing alcohol. These are ideal for throwing in a hiking bag or getting through TSA. They have a 30 percent concentration of DEET, and the package claims up to seven hours of protection.

    Best IR3535 Bug Repellent

    Coleman Insect Repellent Spray (uses IR3535)

    Of all the sprays I tested, this was my favorite. It felt truly dry to the touch after a few minutes, unlike any of the DEET or picaridin sprays. It was also almost completely odorless, which won major points in my book. The spray isn’t as even and fine as I’d like it to be, but it wasn’t a huge barrier to application. Overall, I was really impressed by this one’s lightweight, barely-there feel.

    Best Oil-of-Lemon-Eucalyptus Bug Repellent

    Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

    This product uses a combo of p-menthane-3,8-diol and oil of lemon eucalyptus, with a 30 percent concentration. It’s very oily and does pool on the skin, so you need to really rub it in. It also has a very strong eucalyptus scent that’s pretty off-putting, but it does fade over time. It has a locking lid, and the packaging says it provides six hours of protection.

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    Kristin Canning

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  • The Best Sunscreens for Every Body

    The Best Sunscreens for Every Body

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    I wasn’t always a sunscreen devotee. Like so many millennials, I didn’t understand the risks of turning into a lobster at the beach when I was in high school or spending hours in tanning beds leading up to prom. I thought I looked better with a tan, and sunscreen felt gross and made me break out. I know better now, and thankfully, sunscreens have come a long way in terms of formula and feel and can actually be really pleasant to wear. I put it on every day now, hoping to undo my sun-worshiping sins, or at least prevent any more damage.

    “Wearing sunscreen is so important because it protects us from harmful UV rays that can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer,” says Ellen Marmur, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare. “Because of these risks, I recommend wearing sunscreen every day. Whether you are driving your car, going to the beach, or even just going on an airplane, sunscreen plays a pivotal role in protecting your skin.”

    OK, so we’ve established that sunscreen is important. But once you commit to wearing it daily, picking a sunscreen can be a truly daunting task. There are so many options out there, and they really are very different. To help you sort through all the bottles on the shelves, we talked with skin care experts and road-tested them all summer. Here’s what you need to know to help you pick the right sunscreen for you, and our top picks for the best sunscreens out there right now.

    For more skin care, check out our guides to Red Light Therapy Masks and Best Showerhead Water Filters.

    Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.

    What’s the difference between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen?

    There are two main ways a sunscreen can provide protection: physically or chemically. Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier that sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays away from you. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that sink into the skin and absorb UV rays, converting them to heat to be released by your body. Some sunscreen formulas use a hybrid of mineral and chemical ingredients.

    There are pros and cons to each kind of sunscreen. Mineral formulations leave a white cast (unless they’re tinted), and tend to feel thicker and heavier than chemical sunscreens. They’re often gentler and are less likely to cause irritation, which makes them a good option for folks with sensitive skin, says Marmur. They’re also safer for the environment and don’t cause as much damage to coral reefs.

    Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, don’t leave a cast and feel lighter on the skin. Since they sink in deeper, you might find that they hold up better during sweaty activities, says Marmur. The downsides? Certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens can cause skin irritation for some.

    “Avobenzone destabilizes when it’s exposed to light and is a possible cause of dermatitis,” says Marmur. Some products include stabilizing agents to help prevent this. Two other chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been banned in Key West and Hawaii for their detrimental impact on marine life, and there are concerns about these ingredients leading to hormone disruption in humans, though there isn’t ample evidence to support this.

    Is a higher SPF rating always better?

    SPF stands for sun protection factor, and the rating refers specifically to how well a product fights UVB rays. “The difference in percentage of protection between SPF 30 and SPF 100 is quite small, and probably much smaller than you expect,” says Marmur. For example, SPF 30 ensures that 97 percent of UVB radiation is being blocked, while SPF 50 boosts that percentage to 98, and SPF 100 ups it to 99 percent. So, higher is technically better, but there isn’t a huge difference in the protection you’re getting.

    “That being said, I would recommend using sunscreen with at least SPF 30, since it generally has a similar percentage of protection compared to an SPF as large as 100,” says Marmur. No matter the SPF rating, you want a product that provides broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

    What ingredients should you avoid in sunscreen?

    Given what we know about sunscreen and the safety of common ingredients, “the benefits of wearing it significantly outweigh the risks,” says Marmur. Not only is wearing sunscreen regularly a matter of safety, but it’s one of the best things you can do to prevent premature aging. “Good SPF habits now are like money in the bank, insuring against expensive lasers to remove the sun damage or worse, against surgery and scars from skin cancers,” says Marmur.

    Many of the concerns raised about oxybenzone are linked to studies done in rats, in which the animals were fed oxybenzone. According to one analysis from the Archives of Dermatological Research, it would take a human 277 years of oxybenzone sunscreen use to achieve an equivalent dose of the chemical that caused adverse effects in the rats. Oxybenzone is also present in many products people use, like nail polish, hairspray, and plastics. “There are zero reported cases of proven adverse systemic reactions to sunscreens,” says Marmur. “But there are millions of skin cancers yearly, directly linked to UV radiation from the sun damaging the DNA of the skin.”

    That being said, there are certain ingredients you should avoid.

    Marmur recommends avoiding added fragrance in sunscreen products, especially for folks with sensitive skin. Avobenzone, a common chemical sunscreen ingredient, can cause skin irritation for some people. Retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that’s used in some sunscreens, has been postulated to increase the risk of skin cancer when it’s exposed to sunlight. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are particularly bad for coral reefs. None of the sunscreens on this list contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or retinyl palmitate.

    What to know about terms like “reef-safe”

    Reef-safe and reef-friendly aren’t regulated designations, so brands can use the terms as marketing tools without getting any certifications, and they don’t mean a product won’t cause any harm to the environment. However, there are certain sunscreens that are less impactful on marine ecosystems than others. In general, mineral sunscreens are less damaging to coral than chemical ones.

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    Kristin Canning

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  • The Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners and Pros

    The Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners and Pros

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    Joola is a relative newcomer to the pickleball game, having started as a table tennis brand. I’ve tested a half-dozen paddles from the past two seasons of gear made by the Maryland-based company, including a unique round frame paddle more closely modeled on a tennis racket and several from the series made for pro pickleballer Ben Johns, the reigning number one singles player in the world.

    This paddle is thermoformed, meaning it’s heat-pressed together and virtually indestructible. It’s a little heavy on the head and delivers the most power of any paddle I tested. Everyone who tried this paddle found it not that forgiving, which makes sense given it was designed for an advanced player. The sweet spot is toward the top of the paddle face and isn’t especially large. Whack one right on the money and the ball jolts off it. For a player without great control, it’s easy to hit too hard. However, this paddle was especially appreciated by my friend Danielle, who injured her rotator cuff a few months back and is changing the way she plays as a result. “Coming off a shoulder injury, it was nice because I barely had to work and I felt like I had a ton of pop,” she says.

    ★ More control and style: The Ben Johns paddle is absolutely the best bet for serious power, but I might personally prefer the Mach 1 Forza, a similar thermoformed paddle that doesn’t have quite the same giddyup but does have slightly more control and an understated style. The Mach 1 Forza comes in the slickest packaging I’ve yet encountered from a pickleball paddle (is this box my new iPad?), and I really love the black and baby-blue design. It’s not as accurate as the nonthermoformed paddles or as powerful as the Johns, but it’s a solid all-around bet.

    ★ Budget mashing: If you want to mash balls, but on a budget, go for the Phantom Eternal. A carbon-fiber face for $85 is a great bargain, and the Phantom Eternal is overall a very solid paddle. I didn’t find it all that precise compared to competitors that are more than double the price (there are dead spots at the top of my paddle, around the eyes). However, I loved the thick, slightly sticky grip and appreciated the unique graphics. Mostly, though, I found myself swinging for the fences with this paddle—something about it makes you feel like you can smoke a return right next to your opponent’s foot.

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    Martin Cizmar

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  • Thermacell’s LIV Mosquito-Repellent System Is Effective but Expensive

    Thermacell’s LIV Mosquito-Repellent System Is Effective but Expensive

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    So I have one of those unfortunate blood types that makes me extremely susceptible to mosquito bites. To give you a sense of how bad it is, I got attacked three times while installing the mosquito repellent system I’m reviewing here. Big, nasty, red welts that lingered for days.

    I usually take extreme measures to avoid mosquitos, including topical products like OFF! and visits from a professional mosquito control company that sprays citronella all over my backyard every three weeks. Tragically, none of this has been of much help. For most of the summer, I look like Patient Zero for some kind of pox.

    This summer I decided I’d had enough. Enter Thermacell’s LIV, an installed mosquito blocker system that can scale to fit your deck or yard, regardless of shape and size.

    Invisible Force Field

    LIV is not a mosquito-killing system—you’ll need zappers and poisons for that—but rather a repeller technology. It works based on a chemical called metofluthrin, which gives off a vapor that mosquitos apparently hate when heated. Metofluthrin isn’t unique to Thermacell; it’s also the active ingredient in OFF! mosquito lamps and wearable devices, among other products.

    Photograph: Christopher Null

    LIV is a wired system composed of two main components: a base station, called the Smart Hub, which calls the shots, and as many satellite Repellers as you need. The Smart Hub plugs into wall power and communicates via Wi-Fi with your home network. The Repellers are also wired, daisy-chained to the hub one after another via included cables.

    If you’re imagining a low-voltage lighting system, you’re on the right track—only LIV isn’t quite as flexible. Each cable is a fixed 24 feet long—though shorter 10-foot cables are available as a separate purchase—since Repellers must be positioned about 20 feet away from one another. This is because the range of the vaporized metofluthrin is only 10 feet. With a ring of Repellers around your safe zone, you create an invisible anti-mosquito force field as a perimeter, with each Repeller’s coverage zone slightly overlapping.

    Setup isn’t difficult, but it is time-consuming and requires some attention to detail. You may not have a lot of flexibility as to where to place the Smart Hub because it needs to reside near an electrical outlet and within the Wi-Fi range of your router—plus it has to be mounted on the wall. Since most homes have few exterior power outlets, finding the Goldilocks spot for the hub can be tricky.

    Closeup of the back of a large black discshaped device showing the ports and plugs

    Photograph: Christopher Null

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    Christopher Null

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  • Jeffco planning commission casts unanimous vote against proposed 250-acre Conifer bike park – The Cannabist

    Jeffco planning commission casts unanimous vote against proposed 250-acre Conifer bike park – The Cannabist

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    The Jefferson County Planning Commission has recommended against the approval of a proposed chairlift-access mountain bike park in Conifer — taking a unanimous vote that is a bad sign for the first-of-its-kind attraction in Colorado.

    Jeffco’s county commissioners, who have final say over the future of the 250-acre Shadow Mountain Bike Park and a special use permit the project is seeking, are scheduled to take up the proposal on Oct. 1.

    The planning commission voted 7-0 against the bike park on Monday night. The park would feature a dedicated chairlift to ferry riders uphill and 16 miles of trails winding down an 830-foot vertical drop for the payoff ride.

    Read the rest of this story on TheKnow.DenverPost.com.

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    The Cannabist Network

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  • The Natural World: A Playground for Your Dog’s Well-being | Animal Wellness Magazine

    The Natural World: A Playground for Your Dog’s Well-being | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Diet, daily walks, and regular veterinary checkups all play important parts in being a good dog parent. But did you know spending time in nature also has a role? Giving your dog opportunities to explore the outdoors can lead to a happier, healthier companion. Let’s dive into the many ways nature can benefit your four-legged family member!

    Nature’s Gym

    When your dog has access to natural environments, he’s essentially getting a free gym membership! For dogs, romping through fields, hiking trails, or splashing in clean streams provides excellent cardiovascular exercise and helps maintain muscle tone. Give your dog a place where he can climb, jump, and explore. This natural exercise can help prevent obesity, improve joint health, and boost overall physical fitness.

    A Feast for the Senses

    Natural environments are a sensory buffet for our dogs. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors provide rich mental stimulation that can help prevent boredom and reduce stress-related behaviors. Watching birds, chasing butterflies, or simply feeling the grass under his paws can engage your dog’s mind in ways indoor environments often can’t match. This mental enrichment is crucial for cognitive health, especially as our dogs age.

    Nature’s Calming Effect

    Just as humans often feel more relaxed in nature, our dogs can experience similar calming effects. The natural world offers a break from the sometimes overwhelming stimuli of our homes – e.g. TVs, vacuum cleaners, or doorbells. Regular access to quiet, natural spaces can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being in dogs.

    Making Furry Friends

    For dogs, trips to natural areas often mean opportunities to meet and greet other canines. These social interactions are crucial for developing and maintaining good behavior around other dogs. When safely introduced to outdoor environments, dogs can benefit from observing other animals from a distance, and learning to interact with them. 

    Instinct Satisfaction

    Dogs have instincts that harken back to their wild ancestors. Access to natural environments allows them to engage in instinctual behaviors like digging, sniffing, stalking, and exploring. Satisfying these innate urges can lead to a more contented dog who’s less likely to exhibit problematic behaviors at home.

    A Word of Caution

    While the benefits of natural environments are numerous, it’s crucial to ensure your dog’s safety. Always supervise outdoor time and put all safety measures o=in place to prevent injury.

    Bringing Nature Home

    Even if you live in an urban area, you can still bring elements of nature into your dog’s life. Indoor plants (dog-safe ones, of course!), nature sounds, or even videos of outdoor scenes can provide some of the benefits of natural environments. Every little bit helps to enrich your dog’s life and strengthen your bond.

    Remember, a dog who has regular access to natural environments is often happier and healthier animal. So leash up your pup and head outside!


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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    Animal Wellness

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