Giving the perfect present can be stressful, but there’s one sure bet: gifts that entertain. Whether you have a list full of movie-lovers, audiophiles, or even content creators, you can’t go wrong with a gift that enhances the viewing and listening experience. This array of offerings and entertaining extras feature cutting-edge tech and design features to elevate your favorite gathering, helping you create settings both indoor and out. There’s something for everyone on your list, whether you’re shopping for a loyal TV series fan or a friend who lives to host big-game celebrations. The gift of entertainment is the gift that keeps on giving.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen with Gaming Hub

$599

Drive-in movies are always a vibe, and now you can recreate that experience anywhere thanks to a compact portable projector that allows you to take your favorite movies, TV shows, or even video games outdoorsÂč. The Freestyle projects media up to 100 inches—against walls, blankets, or even the side of a tent. It’s easy to set up, with a point-and-play design that automatically calibrates the picture and integrates a powerful built-in speaker, sending sound 360 degrees for an immersive audio experience. There’s also a built-in Gaming Hub that allows you to stream games from leading services like Xbox, without even needing a consoleÂČ. This complete entertainment system is ready for new spaces, ideal for both backyard parties and road trips (like the recent cross-country adventures launched for a unique geo-guessing challenge).

Breeo X SeriesÌę

$399

A backyard fire instantly adds warmth and a bit of light to an outdoor movie night, and Breeo’s offer a striking center piece for the gathering, with a heavy-duty stainless steel construction and a design that enhances airflow to the flames for fast lighting and a smokeless fire. Choose your size, from 22 to 46 inches in diameter, and add a Sear Plate Griddle ($180), which turns that open fire into a cook top for steaks and veggies.

ParkIt Voyager LTE

$169ÌęÌę

Comfortable seating can make or break an outdoor movie night, so stack the party with the , a foldable lawn chair with an ergonomic design that puts a premium on comfort. The aerospace aluminum construction is both light and durable, while the retro design, complete with wooden armrests, adds a touch of whimsy. Each chair comes with double-padded backpack straps, making it easy to carry hands-free. Bonus: there’s an integrated cup holder, so nobody spills their beverage during the show.

The TerraceÌę

From $2,499

From $3,499

Game day is sacred in some households, as family and friends gather around the TV to root for their favorite team. What’s even better? on the patio or porch, or even from the comfort of your pool. That versatility between spaces is offered by , a Neo QLED 4K TV built for outdoor entertainment, with a specially designed screen that delivers a vivid, 4K picture without glare. Choose from the Terrace Full Sun or Partial Sun, depending on where you’re planning to hang this TV. Worried about the elements? Don’t be. Samsung has outdoor durability in mind with The Terrace as this TV is water- and dust-resistant³.

BioLite AlpenGlowÌę

$209Ìę

Lighting can make or break a gathering, and this four-pack of (two 500-lumen and two 400-lumen) gives you the freedom to customize the illumination based on the situation. Each cord-free, USB rechargeable lantern features a variety of settings so you can customize the outpu—from a bright white to more mellow, warmer colors well suited to low light illumination during movie night.

Oyster Tempo CoolerÌę

$495

Most coolers require a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio to keep those beverages cold, but the features a superior core insulation system and thin ice packs to reduce the amount of heat transferred into the cooler and, ultimately, to eliminate the need for ice. The result is a small cooler that gives you three times more space than similarly sized options (it fits 36 cans) while getting three times colder—and staying cold for longer.

Music FrameÌę

$399

Fitting bulky speakers seamlessly into a tight or well-designed space can be a challenge. Everyone loves a framed picture, however, to cover walls and customize rooms. by Samsung does double duty as a personalized picture frame that also provides high-quality sound thanks to built-in Dolby Atmos. The 8”x8” matted frame displays printed photos or artwork. Set it on a desk or side table, tee up your favorite playlist using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and enjoy 3D spatial technology that envelopes you in rich sound. Music Frame is also compatible with your Samsung TV and Samsung soundbar, so it can be used as a way to enhance the sound of the movies you’re watching while blending seamlessly with your room and style—and not taking up any extra space.

Neo QLED 8KÌę

From $3,499

You think watching a film in 4K is great? Try 8K. The Samsung is a TV like no other, upscaling your content to brilliant 8K resolution. The engine behind the magic is an AI-powered processor that uses neural networks to optimize the picture on the TV scene by scene for with brilliant clarity and depth of visuals. And that picture quality is tailored specifically to the type of content you’re watching, whether it’s a football game or a nature documentary. Beyond the immersive visuals, the Neo QLED 8K’s speakers blanket the room in quality Dolby Atmos sound while isolating dialogue from background sounds, so you never miss a line. Quite simply, this is the smartest TV Samsung has ever made.

RovR KeepR

$149

Bring your favorite cocktails into the wild (or even just the backyard) with the , a picnic basket designed for carrying spirits. The tote features several compartments that are built to hold and secure bottles and bar tools, with a double-wall ice bucket in the center. It’s like a cocktail bar on the go, the perfect companion for watching a game or film outdoors.

Portable SSD T7 ShieldÌę

From $169

Have a creator on your list? Whether it’s music, video, digital art, or a podcast, all of those projects have to live somewhere, which is where the comes in handy. This fast, compact, and durable external (solid state) drive offers up to 4TB of storage capacity, and is designed for active creators who need plenty of storage and instant access to their material on the go, with the security of a water/dust-resistant build⁔ that matches their lifestyle. The T7 Shield can read and write data at speeds up to 1,000MBs a second⁶, so they can load, edit, and transfer content confidently from the field. The rugged, thermal-guarded drive is compatible with smartphones, desktops, gaming consoles, cameras, laptops
whatever hardware fuels your project. Creators can even record 4K videos directly onto the T7 Shield with their compatible camera or smartphone. This gift says, “I love what you create, let me help you make more!”

JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

$129

Any adventure-ready audiophile will appreciate the versatility and performance of the . Sure, there’s the excellent sound quality from this endlessly portable, pill-shaped speaker that, at seven inches and just over a pound, packs easier than an additional water bottle. And the IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating means your soundtrack’s ensured in any outdoor setting. But don’t overlook the Flip 6’s PartyBoost setting, which can pair multiple Bluetooth-enabled speakers into a fuller network. That more-the-merrier adaptability means you can extend your music’s reach into additional exterior spaces, or enhance a smaller indoor space with stereo sound—and that you’re safe to gift this speaker multiple times.

Âč Power source required for operation. High-speed internet connection and additional subscriptions required streaming content.

ÂČ High-speed internet connection, additional subscriptions, and compatible controller required for cloud gaming.

Âł The Terrace LST9C, LST7D, and LST9D are rated IP56. The Terrace LST7T and LST9T are rated IP55.

⁎ Upscaling utilizes AI-based algorithms. Viewing experience may vary according to type of content and format.

⁔ Consistent with IP65 rating, tested under controlled conditions: 2kg/m³ of active dust with a pressure under 2kPa for 8 hours. Dust resistant capabilities may vary depending on the actual conditions; water flow of 100kPa for 3 minutes. Water resistant capabilities may vary depending on the actual conditions.

⁶ Performance may vary depending on host configuration. To reach maximum read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, respectively, the host device and connection cables must support USB 3.2 Gen 2 and the UASP mode must be enabled. Test system configuration: ASUS Z270 ROG MAXIMUS IX HERO (USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C), Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-7700K CPU @ 4.20GHz, OS- Windows 10 19H2.

See Samsung Screens in Action

Join the geo-guessing challenge that captured and inspired a whole new type of storytelling experience

The post The Most Entertaining Gifts appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

There’s a whole lotta hubbub about Black Friday in the outdoor industry. If you’re on one side of the issue—i.e., hating Black Friday and the capitalist excess it stands for—you are unlikely to get pumped about the rest of this article. But if you’re like me and you do research beforehand and hold out on purchases until they are on sale, then Black Friday is a great way to save on things you were planning to buy anyway. Below are six items I have either tested for this publication in the past or use on the regular in my day-to-day life. I swear by every single one, even in normal times. But this week, you can snag up to 30 percent off, making now a great time to strike. This is the stuff that’s worth waiting around all year for.

Swiftwick National Park Socks

The Product: Blister-proof socks with flair
The Deal:Ìę11/25 to 12/2, you can get 25% off sitewide

By my best calculation, I have put more than 500 miles into my pair of Swiftwick Yosemite National Park Socks and they are still the first pair I grab from my drawer when I’m headed out for a run. They were my sock of choice for a 50-mile race I ran back in 2021 because the six-inch cuff helped keep rocks out of my socks, and the Yosemite print added a little flair to my kit. In my opinion, Swiftwick socks are the best at blister mitigation, which is why this pair remains my favorite a few years and hundreds of miles later.

DUER Performance Denim Slim

The Product: The highest performing slim-fit jeans I have tested
The Deal: 11/25 to 12/1, up to 50% off sitewide

Back in the summer of 2018, we published an article boldly titled, “Duer Makes the Best Jeans. Here Are Our Favorites,” based on the fact that an inordinate number of people putting this publication together at the time were all wearing DUER jeans as our daily drivers. While I did not contribute any writing to that article, I was one of the louder voices suggesting we write about the Canadian brand due to the fact that I was wearing a pair of slim-fit performance-denim jeans at least three days a week for everything from work meetings to re-working the irrigation in my garden. Ten months later I wrote about how their fleece lined jeans “changed my life. Superlative headlines aside—I am still wearing a pair of the slim-fit performance-denim jeans the DUER sent me back in 2018. They continue to fit in such a tailored fashion that I can pull them off when business casual is the expected attire and stretch like the dickens thanks to the two-percent spandex, 28-percent polyester, and 70-percent cotton weave. So yeah, after six years, I can say that they are indeed the best jeans.

Buff Tech Fleece Hat

The Product: The ultralight, ultrawarm hat of your dreams
The Deal: 11/25 to 12/3, up to 40% off select styles sitewide

Back in 2018, I did a comprehensive test of cold weather running hats and absolutely gushed over Buff’s extraordinarily comfortable fleece option. At the time, I wrote: “the Tech Fleece elicited notes like ‘LUXURIOUS!!’ and even an ‘ooh la la!!!!’” Embarrassing number of exclamation points aside, the brushed polyamide interior was so supple on my ears and forehead that I forgot I was wearing it while running. This beanie is still a go-to six years later. Buff’s current technical fleece hat looks a little different from its predecessor, but is still extremely comfortable thanks to the four-way stretch DryFlx material it was built from (this, by the way, is an upgrade from the hat I have held on to all these years.) Forgive the brand’s intentional misspelling and credit DryFlx’s 71-percent recycled material and hearty four-percent dose of elastane for a build that doesn’t pin down your ears and provides a similar, wildly soft feel.

ARMRA Immune Revival

The Product: Stomach-settling superfood supplement
The Deal: 11/28 to 12/2, get 20% off jars and bundles with promo code MYREVIVAL20, and 10% off sitewide with code MYREVIVAL10

My wife and I are definitely planning to buy this colostrum from ARMRA when it goes on sale because we typically pay full price—and it’s always worth every penny. I am always skeptical of superfoods that use as many superlatives as ARMRA does, but we have been using this stuff daily in our household for months and have noticed serious benefits to our guts and digestive systems. I will spare you details, but can say with confidence that Immune Revival helps keep our stomachs feeling good and settled—something I’m grateful for both while running and during everyday life.

KT Tape Pro

The Product: Stretchy support tape for muscles and joints
The Deal: 11/19 to 11/30, get 25% off sitewide

I am falling apart at 41 as a result of treating my body like it was invincible in my 20s (and most of my 30s). In the past six months, I’ve watched a massage therapist, chiropractor, and physical therapist all wrap up different parts of this breaking body using KT tape, and every time, I’ve walked out of their offices feeling like I had a little hug supporting my injuries. It’s a great way to help relieve pain and speed up recovery. I even have a roll of KT Tape at home that I bought to treat my own plantar fasciitis. KT Tape is comfortable going on, stretchy as hell so it doesn’t feel too binding, and comes off without much hassle.

Kane Footwear Active Recovery Shoe

The Product: Cloud-like slip-ons for post-workout recovery
The Deal: 11/20 to 12/2, BOGO 25% off

I named the Kane Revive Active the most versatile recovery shoe in a recent footwear test because it helped me cushion and support hammered legs but still wore like a regular shoe in all the ways I wanted it to. The footbed texture and smooth ride made the Kanes feel like a recovery shoe, while plentiful heel support, decent breathability, and a more streamlined silhouette made them functional enough for running errands. This is actually my second pair of these funky-looking recovery kicks—and likely won’t be my last.

The post The 6 Sales Gear Guy Is Shopping This Black Friday appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Finding the perfect gift is easy when you have friends and family on your list who like to pair adventure with classic, outdoor fashion. Since its debut in 1973, Timberland’s iconic waterproof yellow boots have been a go-to for hardworking and hard-hiking individuals alike, thanks to their rugged but timeless aesthetic.

This holiday season, Timberland has made it extra easy to give the gift of weather-ready style and function, whether you’re looking for high-quality warmwear, comfortable sneakers, or town-to-trail boots. Here are five surefire picks.

Women’s Anorak Jacket

Pulling off an oversized look is an art, but Timberland’s makes it look like a cinch. Its fit not only looks great over whatever you layer underneath—a flannel button up, merino wool layer, or a chunky sweater—but it also keeps you plenty warm as temperatures drop. The coat is 100 percent nylon and water-repellent, making it breathable and functional in all conditions. Plus, the insulation is made from environmentally-responsible recycled polyester.

The Anorak Jacket incorporates a convenient kangaroo pocket and three-snap closure on the front, mimicking and melding a couple of classic looks—a cozy sweatshirt and the ever-popular three-quarter zip. Available in three heritage colors—white, black, and dark rose—this coat easily alternates from a hike to happy hour.

Women’s Motion Access Mid Lace-Up Waterproof Hiking Boot

The shoe-boot is a hot topic among style-watchers for fall and winter. While much more boot than shoe, this fits the same demand for a functional, yet stylish, look. Just like the Anorak Jacket, it’s perfect to pair with your wide-legged corduroys to catch up with friends over a hot toddy or with your best waterproof pieces for a snowy day-hike.

This boot incorporates sustainable attributes like a fabric lining from 50 percent recycled plastic for breathability and comfort. Like all of Timberland’s leather, these boots support the responsible processing of leather through Timberland’s involvement with the Leather Working Group, a community that supports and encourages responsible leather production.

Men’s Benton Waterproof 3-in-1 Jacket

Remember the detachable fleece liners from your childhood? Timberland gives them a nod and an update with a better-than-before design. Timberland’s offers extra warmth with its removable fleece inner and outstanding waterproofing with fully sealed seams. Thanks to the DWR coating, the water droplets just roll right off. As the name suggests, this jacket gives you three versatile style options. On chilly days, zip together the waterproof outer and fleece. During more mild weather, you might separate the two, sporting only the fleece or shell.

With a Timberland logo on the left breast pocket and an embroidered tree in the center back, the Benton Jacket—available in black and a warm tan referred to as chocolate chip—is going to look great over whatever you’re wearing and with pretty much any pant or shoe (especially the Timberland low sneaker and waterproof hiking boot).

Men’s Mt. Maddsen Mid Lace-Up Waterproof Hiking Boot

Now these are no boot-shoes—these are all boot. Designed with mountains in mind, the has some key features to keep you out on the trails. A fully gusseted tongue keeps debris out, and the TimberDry waterproof membrane keeps your feet shielded in rain and snow. And for extra—and crucially important—comfort, an anti-fatigue footbed and compression-molded EVA midsole provide responsive cushioning no matter how technical the trail gets. The fabric lining is made from 50 percent recycled PET and a rubber lug outsole wraps into some rugged grip underneath the boot.

Even with all the trail-ready tech, these boots—offered in black and beige—win major style-points. Pair them with the , and you’ve nailed the effortless mountain town look.

Men’s Motion Access Low Lace-Up Sneaker

On the days when you’re strolling pavement in lieu of the trails, Timberland’s is the right choice. It’s got its own comfort features and a TimberGrip lug outsole designed for superior traction. The upper is made from premium, responsibly-made leather and ReBOLT fabric, which is made with at least 50 percent recycled plastic.

The sneaker’s low-cut design gives you a comfortable range of motion, and the sneaker comes with a removable, contoured sockliner. With a collection of two-tone designs ranging from a vibrant grey with orange to a clean taupe with white, you’re guaranteed to find something that fits your palate preference.

Since 1973, focus on iconic style, eco-conscious innovation and outdoor performance has resulted in boots, clothing and outerwear built for bold adventures and hard work. Our products empower you to take anything on—whether you’re going hiking, exploring the city or clocking in with ultra-durable Timberland PROÂź workwear.

The post The Best Holiday Gifts for Stylish șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍűrs appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

We all want to give thoughtful holiday gifts—selections that show we care and provide real value for friends and family. The perfect gift even lets us relive the cheer each time we see it in use. That’s the reward of giving a sustainably designed, purpose-built, and adventure-ready . Maybe you’re gifting to a hiker who needs light and waterproof coverage for an upcoming trek. Or perhaps your favorite little explorer is old enough to walk, but their parents still prefer transporting them comfortably on their backs. When you give a lasting gear staple, you open the door for your loved one to experience more time outside. What could be better? Whoever you’re shopping for this holiday season, rest assured there’s an Osprey pack that can continue creating those joyful opportunities.

Day Hikers

Hikelite 26

There’s a reason you see so many hikers sporting the : It’s a pack with all the essentials. The streamlined features start with a minimalist panel-loading design that keeps everything accessible and organized (unlike your home after the holidays). It’s also remarkably lightweight at only 1.74 pounds. Stuff it with up to 20 pounds and still hike comfortably thanks to the AirSpeed suspension, which provides ample ventilation while keeping the weight from overworking your back. Unisex yet adaptable, the Hikelite 26 is now offered with a wider and taller frame for a more inclusive fit. More to love: The pack comes in a variety of colors to please any hiker’s aesthetic.

Featuring bluesign APPROVED fabrics and a DWR treatment made without PFAS, the Hikelite 26’s sustainable build is something you can feel good about gifting. Plus, the pack’s main body and bottom fabrics are made from 100 percent recycled materials.

Skiers and Snowboarders

Soelden 32 and Sopris 30

Developed with feedback from professional guides, athletes, and freeriders, the is lightweight yet versatile, ready to carry you through whatever winter adventure comes your way. Its snow-specific features do not cut corners, including a snow-shedding back panel for dry storage, a sewn-in helmet net, plus an A-frame or diagonal ski-carry option (with available snowboard-carry options) and a conveniently located front pocket for avalanche equipment.

For smaller torsos, the offers the same impressive design features with a petite fit. The highly adjustable and women-specific sizing provides enhanced comfort for any type of movement in the mountains.

Both packs are sustainably made with bluesign APPROVED nylon and have a DWR treatment made without PFAS.

Backpackers

Atmos AG LT 50 and Aura AG LT 50

These packs are for the more adventurous members of your gift list—those who enjoy overnight excursions and multiday escapes. Featuring ventilated and comfortable AntiGravity suspension, the streamlined silhouettes of the (men’s fit) and (women’s fit) packs are a must for technical backpackers.

The hipbelt and back panel are both adjustable, providing a precise, comfortable fit for a range of body types. The packs embody the “less is more” mantra, and that pared-down approach is a sure step in the right gift direction for those go-far, go-fast adventurers who’ll benefit most from a lightweight pack.

Like many other Osprey products, the Atmos and Aura packs are treated with PFAS-free DWR and made with bluesign APPROVED materials.

Frequent Fliers

Daylite Expandable Travel Pack 26+6

We all know someone who’s always flying somewhere exciting. For them, a durable carry-on is as essential as a boarding pass. The is part of a that’s perfect for those who start their adventure at the airport.

Your jetsetting family member or friend will enjoy this lightweight pack, which strategically meets personal item size standards for most airlines. The expandable main compartment adds six liters of packing space, and AirScape technology in the back panel adds comfort for unexpected running between gates. Two shove-it pockets, a laptop sleeve, and two water bottle holders will keep your on-the-go giftee moving in comfort and style.

The Daylite Expandable Pack is compatible with the , adding even more storage and versatility.

Family șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍűrs

Poco SLT

For those tasked with introducing future hikers to the great outdoors, the is the key to making early trail memories. The ventilated AirScape suspension and adjustable fit ensure different wearers can move comfortably on the trail, even while weighed down with a large toddler. The patented lightweight frame folds flat for easy storage.

Families also have needs that even those best-intentioned gifts might not hit. Giving an Osprey gift card allows your recipient to pick up the right goods to better their adventures—perhaps an accessory for their new Poco SLT, like a sunshade with SPF 50.

Since 1974, Osprey has provided hikers, backpackers, bikers, and everyday travelers with innovative and long-lasting carry solutions, each thoughtfully designed to reflect a passion for exploration and the outdoors. To learn more about Osprey and its products, backed by its industry-leading All Mighty Guarantee, visit .

The post Shopping for an șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍűr? A Pack That Lasts Will Keep On Giving. appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

The post The 2024 Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

It’s Halloween, which means there’s an abundance of candy laying around. I have some sitting on my counter right now, in fact, for guests to munch on—only after I ate all the Almond Joys out of the bowl.

Most people would assume that there’s no Venn diagram where candy and running overlap, but “most people” wouldn’t know that ultrarunning GOAT occasionally munches on Pear-flavored jelly beans during races. She’s a candy fiend, also vocal about her affection for Mike and Ikes, Dots, and Sour Patch Kids. Leadville Trail 100 champ Clare Gallagher buys her mid-run Sour Patch Kids in bulk. But it’s not just ultrarunners who dip into the candy jar. Two-time Olympian and Boston Marathon champ Des Linden has also been known to snack on sweets before a race—let’s not talk about the time she startled the world when she absolutely mutilated—I mean, ate a Kit-Kat
in a totally
normal
way


Suffice it to say, there are those who swear that popping a few gummy bears during a long run gives them the same energy boost as a gel. While I’ve tested how it feels to I’ve never packed candy in my running vest. To me, it seems too far-fetched that sweet treats can help our running practice, but let’s look at the facts.

This review is based on my own personal taste and experience running on the roads. If Halloween candy is your jam, I highly recommend you test this fueling strategy out for yourself on whatever running surfaces you enjoy

Is All Sugar Created Equally?

American College of Sports Medicine recommends runners consume 30-60 grams of carbs per hour for any run lasting longer than 90 minutes. Popular gels Gu and ±áĂŒłŸČč both contain 100 calories and 22g of carbs, which isn’t too far off from many candies in my Halloween bucket.

Matthew Kadey, MS, is a Canada-based nutrition registered dietitian and author of Rocket Fuel: Power-Packed Food for Sports+șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű. He’s also an avid endurance athlete himself.

“Certainly the various types of candy can serve as an effective fuel source for exercise,” he says. “The sugar content can provide the same fast energy source as engineered sports products like gels. Besides, candy is typically much more enjoyable to eat and can help deal with palate fatigue. I think most of us will look more forward to stuffing in a fistful of gummy bears than sucking back a gel.”

Straight from the expert’s mouth. Candy = fuel, right? However, Kadey has some warnings to heed.

“The sugar content of candy varies widely, so you need to know how much you are getting,” he says. “Some candy will provide fewer carb calories than gels, so you need more to get the amount of simple carbs to have a performance benefit. Some candy may provide a dose of carbs that could be problematic to untrained guts that may lead to gastro issues.”

RELATED:

He adds that many products are also lower in sodium compared to sports nutrition products, so you need to make sure you’re getting those electrolytes somewhere else. And if you are going to eat candy on your run, he recommends feasting on candy that’s mostly pure carbs (sugar) like gummy bears, Twizzlers, and Sour Patch Kids.

, CPT and certified running coach based in Utah, agrees that sometimes gels and candy aren’t all that different.

“Your body’s preferred energy source is carbohydrates, and when you’re exercising and your body is under that kind of stress, it’s going to be looking for the most easily accessible fuel source, which is going to be simple carbs or sugars,” he says. “I love using candy in training, but in racing, having to eat something like four, five, or six pieces of candy in order to get the same amount of sugar or carbs from one gel is just not going to be convenient and easy.”

He adds that you’re also taking a risk that the additives in candy might mess with your stomach.

“In addition, some gels have a glucose and fructose mix which maximizes the amount of carbohydrates that your body can process.”

Below, I did a nutritional breakdown of a few fan-favorites, as well as my honest thoughts on how they tasted/performed during my long runs.

*Note: I’m not in an aggressive training block, therefore all “long” runs I tested these candies on ranged from 6-12 miles on the roads.

±áĂŒłŸČč

• Calories: 100
• Carbs: 22g
• Sugars: 13g
• Sodium: 105mg

GU Energy Gels

• 100 calories
• Carbs: 22g
• Sugars: 7g
• Sodium: 60mg

Swedish Fish

• 110 calories
• Servings: 5 pieces
• Carbs: 27g
• Sugars: 23g
• Sodium: 25mg

Swedish Fish are delicious, but I didn’t love the fact that I had to eat about six pieces to reach 30g of carbs. I want my fuel to be low volume, and it took me a bit to get through this school of snacks. Plus, I found they got stuck in my molars so my tongue was doing backflips for the rest of the run to get stuff unstuck. Maybe most of the candy was left behind in my teeth, because I didn’t feel as energized as I wanted to with these. One bonus: they’re coated in wax, so you can put them directly into your vest pocket without them gumming up and getting melty.

Twizzlers

• 120 calories
• Servings: 3 pieces
• Carbs: 27g
• Sugars: 14g
• Sodium: 70mg

Twizzlers are another easy, seemingly unmeltable candy I can stick in my running vest. I had no problem chowing down on three strands of these, and they weren’t overly sweet, so I didn’t get that parched feeling after too much sugar. Plus, they have a decent amount of sodium, so a win for Twizzlers! Pro tip: I held all three in my hand and chomped down at the same time like one Twizzler banana.

Sour Patch Kids

• 110 calories
• Servings: 12 pieces
• Carbs: 27g
• Sugars: 24g
• Sodium: 25mg

Speaking of parched, I should have known Sour Patch Kids were going to be an issue. I’m not a sour-inclined person, so I was puckering up while mowing through 12 pieces. Plus, the little granules of sugar stuck to my sweaty fingers and got me all sticky, which I wasn’t a fan of. I definitely reaped the sugar buzz rewards, though, and felt great on my run.

Three Musketeers Fun Size

• 130 calories
• Servings: 2 bars
• Carbs: 23g
• Sugars: 20g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Fat: 4g

I was so hoping some kind of chocolate would work for me, but fun size Three Musketeers didn’t provide much fun to my run. While the carb and sugar count line up with a gel, the chocolate itself didn’t sit well with my stomach. I got a cramp shortly after and felt some churning and burning. They were the easiest to eat, however, being perfect bite-sized pieces.

Starburst

• 120 calories
• 6 pieces
• Carbs: 24g
• Sugars: 16g
• Fat: 2.5g

First and foremost—I only eat pink Starburst. Don’t ask me to trade for your yellow or red, I’m not interested. Secondly, these little squares were not great running fuel. You only have to eat six for 24g of carbs and 16g of sugar, but they’re hard. It took me forever to get through just one because I wanted to chew it really well—hello, eating something hard and running is a recipe for a disaster.

Mini Twix

• 150 calories
• Servings: 3 pieces
• Carbs: 20g
• Sugars: 15g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 7g

Talk about scary—have you ever had Mini Twix bars melt in your running vest? Well, I did. It might’ve been due to the day’s heat, which is a factor out of my control, but each of these Mini Twix bars melted through their wrappers, so chocolate got all over my fingers. If they hadn’t melted, however, they would have been decent fuel. I enjoyed the layers of cookies over the nougat in the Three Musketeers, but still got some digestive distress.

Branch’s Mellowcreme Pumpkins

• 120 calories
• Servings: 4 pieces
• Carbs: 30g
• Sugars: 24g
• Sodium: 70mg

Full disclosure, I’m obsessed with this Halloween-specific candy. And I loved it even more out on my long run. Initially, I went to the store looking for Candy Corn, but stumbled upon these classic pumpkins instead. I only needed to eat four pieces to get all the carbs, calories, and sugar I need. And they’re delicious.

A Bittersweet Conclusion

There are a lot of reasons to eat Halloween candy, but in my opinion, for the purpose of fueling runs isn’t the best one. There are so many products out there that replicate exactly what we need, while candy just slightly misses the mark. As both experts in this article point out, candy isn’t always easy to consume, the volume isn’t ideal, and depending on the type, you’re not always going to get the right sugar and carb content that digests properly.

If I was going to continue using candy on my long runs, I’d opt for Mellowcreme Pumpkins (which, you’d be hard-pressed to find during a spring marathon training block) or Twizzlers. Both were easy enough to eat, gentle on my stomach, and gave me a heck of a sugar rush.

The post Can You Replace Running Gels with Halloween Candy? appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Call me Buzzkill Jill, because I’m about to say something that’s certain to bum out—even tick off—plenty of people, including my mom. Fireworks, that perennial symbol of wholesome family fun, are really bad for the environment and our health.

I can already hear the whining: What’s so bad about a 15-minute pyrotechnics show that brings people joy? To that I’d say two things. First, fireworks do not bring joy to everyone. In fact, they can cause real and others who suffer from PTSD. (Chances are your , too.) Second, all that razzle-dazzle takes a serious toll in the form of wildfires, poor air quality, pollution, and wildlife trauma. Not to mention the fact that in 2022 fireworks sent .

Fireworks Cause Wildfires—Lots of Them

Fireworks sparked an estimated 31,302 fires in 2022 that caused an estimated $109 million in direct property damage, according to Michele Steinberg from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). More than 85 percent of those were wildfires. In 2017, a 15-year old boy chucked a smoke bomb into a dry riverbed on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge during a fire ban. It sparked the Eagle Creek fire, which ignited 50,000 acres, impacted air quality all the way to Canada, trapped 147 hikers amid the blaze, and took more than three months and $40 million to snuff. The boy who started the blaze was sentenced to 1,920 hours of community service and fined $37 million.

Still, fireworks are legal in all states except Massachusetts, where they were outlawedÌęin 2020. The proliferation of consumer fireworks makes many who work in the fire fighting industry hot under the collar. “The NFPA does not support the use of any consumer fireworks,” says Steinberg. “Professional fireworks shows are safer because the providers have to be licensed and permitted. There’s a lot more control over the usage and first responders and emergency personnel can be at the ready. Consumer fireworks are never safe.”

Safety precautions for professional shows need to be rigorous, too. The late Bill Gabbert, founder of the website Wildfire Today and a fire management officer for the park service, developed a rigorous checklist to determine whether fireworks shows could go on safely at various NPS sites. Organizers had to obtain a Spot Weather Forecast from the National Weather Service, examine wind speed,Ìęand confirm the availability of qualified firefighters, and evaluate the likelihood that a stray ember could igniteÌęa potential fuel source, like a ponderosa pine.

Fireworks Cause Air, Land, and Water Pollution

What goes up must come down. When fireworks explode, they rain down plastic, gun power, heavy metals like lead, copper, cadmium, titanium, and aluminum, and toxic chemicals like . These impact air quality, human health,waterways, and soil.

In a on the impact of fireworks on air quality, climate scientist Dian Seidel found that the 4th of July brings with it a pronounced spike in pollution across the nation. The study, which was co-authored with her student, Abigail Birnbaum, focused on the presence of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the days surrounding Independence Day.

“PM 2.5 is the type of particulate matter that’s most damaging to our health,” says Seidel. “When you breathe dirty air, blow your nose, and see all that nasty dirt, those are larger particles of pollution. But the finer particles that lodge deep in your lungs, the ones that carry heavy metals and other carcinogens that damage cardiovascular and respiratory systems, those are the PM 2.5 particles.”

Seidel’s study, which captured air quality metrics from stations all over the country over multiple years, found an average 42 percent spike in PM 2.5 in the hours following fireworks. The amount of pollution varies depending on the proximity to the fireworks, weather conditions, and the size of the display: Seidel found an increase of several hundred percent at one station close to the launch zone.

“If you watch fireworks close to the launch point, you’ll be exposed to high rates of PM 2.5, especially if you’re downwind,” Seidel says. “This can be quite serious for susceptible people: the young, the old, and anyone with respiratory conditions.”

The health perils are not limited to big professional fireworks shows. Consumer fireworks also , including lead, at even closer ranges.

The chemicals and plastic that fireworks leave behind impact more than just human health. a nonprofit focused on reducing plastics pollution, almost always finds bits of fireworks in their regular trash cleanups, says Marcus Erikson, a researcher for the organization. “Collectively, fireworks add up to a tsunami of pollution in the environment–little plastic cones and stems, half-melted plastic cords, cellophane wrappers. It’s a tragedy of commons,” he says. All those microplastics are toxic on a cellular, genetic, and neurological level for animals, according to aÌę published in Science of the Total Environment.

A 2022 of The River of Thames in England showed an enormous increase in microplastic pollution following the New Year’s Eve firework show.ÌęAnd a U.S. Geological Survey in 2016 found elevated levels of perchlorate in groundwater and soil samples in the area where Mount Rushmore’s annual fireworks show takes place. Perchlorate interferes with the function of the human thyroid gland and also remains in the environment for long periods of time, impacting soil, flora, and fauna.

Fireworks Freak Out Wildlife

If you own a pet, you know how scared they can get when fireworks start popping. The same goes for wildlife.ÌęIn , Professor Bill Bateman of Curtin University studied fireworks’ impact on animals and found both immediate and long-lasting effects. Noise and lights caused short-term fear responses, “like animals leaving an area and then coming back,” he says. There were significant long-termÌę consequences as well. “Disturbances to roosting or nesting animals caused harmful expenditure of energy and in some cases reduced breeding success,” he says. The toxic haze of heavy metals and pollutants also influenced animal health.

“The effects of fireworks were multifarious and profound,” Bateman says. “We were pretty much blown away by the extent of them. Fireworks are not a minor problem. My feeling is that the time of fireworks is over. We need to consider other options, such as drone displays.”

The Case for Drone Fireworks—a Better Way to Celebrate

Heat domes and droughts are the new normal these days, so it might indeed be time to move toward a gentler and just-as-cool way to celebrate. That’s why many cities, like Salt Lake City, Utah; Napa, California; and Nashville, Tennessee have switched from combustible fireworks to drone shows.

Tahoe City, California, dropped fireworks in favor of drones in 2022, following the Caldor fire (started by a bullet strike) which torched overÌę220,000 acres, took more than two months to contain, wreaked havoc on air quality, and forced the evacuation of more than 50,000 people. “It was a terrifying experience,” recalls Katie Biggers, executive director of Tahoe City Downtown Association. “Fire safety, as well as environmental pollution, was the primary driver behind our move away from a combustible 4th of July celebration.”

Tahoe’s 2023 drone fireworks show was a big success with 2,500 people watching from the lakefront and another 100 on boats. The 15-minute showÌęused 300 drones, synched to music which was broadcast on local radio stations.

Biggers says the community loves the new eco-friendlyÌędrone fireworksÌęshow. “Our lake, our surrounding mountains, our wildlife—these are the reasons people live and visit here, so sustainability and stewardship are core values in Tahoe City,” she says. “When you look at the fire danger we’ve lived through here, 4th of July fireworks just don’t make sense.”

“Change can be hard and we had a few people complain that not doing traditional fireworks was unpatriotic,” says Biggers. “But more importantly, we also heard from veterans and members of their families who were thrilled to be able to celebrate together without navigating the fear of getting triggered by the loud explosions.”

Doing right by the planet can make you happier, healthier, and—yes—wealthier. șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű’s head of sustainability, Kristin Hostetter, explores small lifestyle tweaks that can make a big impact. for her twice monthly newsletter or write to her at climateneutral-ish@outsideinc.com.

The post Fireworks Are Not Patriotic—They’re Harmful. Here’s Why. appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

The post Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

The post Earth Day 2024 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Have you ever considered recycling your Christmas tree? Each year, Americans buy an estimated . The average tree takes about seven years to grow but spends just two to four weeks gracing our living rooms. Then, too many of them live out the rest of their days in the landfill, taking up space and emitting methane, a very harmful greenhouse gas, while they oh-so-slowly decompose.

You might think a fake Christmas tree that you can reuse year after year might be a better solution, but you’d be wrong, says Tim O’Connor, executive director ofÌę the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). Ìę“Fake trees are made from PVC plastic and metal in a Chinese factory and shipped overseas,” he says. “They are not recyclable and will sit in a landfill for more than 1,000 years after they’ve been disposed.”

O’Connor says real trees are a far more sustainable solution. Even more so if you give them a second life. So before you drag yours to the curb for the garbage truck to haul away, consider these clever ways to recycle your Christmas tree.

How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Check with your town

Many towns and cities around the country have curbside tree pickup days. The question is, what do they do with them all? Before you drag your tree to the curb, call your public works department to ask. Do they landfill them or run them through a chipper to make mulch to use in local parks? If the latter, you can feel good about letting them haul it away. NCTA says there are more than 4,000 local Christmas tree recycling programs around the U.S.

Make your own mulch

Christmas trees for garden beds. If you have access to a chipper use that, or rent one for a day with your neighbors and make a communal pile. Alternatively, you can cut the branches into manageable pieces and lay them in your garden beds over bulbs and perennials to provide some insulation. This can reduce winter damage for plants like lavender and rosemary that sometimes don’t survive the cold months. If you have a compost pile, lay some boughs over top to keep the pile warm so it can continue working over the winter.

Recycle your Christmas tree into a wildlife habitat

If you have a large property, find a remote spot and lay the tree on its side to create a brush pile. According to the wildlife biologists at Backyard Ecology, this can create a great place for songbirds, lizards, snakes, rabbits, and other small mammals to live and hunt. Add other sticks and branches if you like. If you have a pond on your property, sink the tree. The fish will love you for it.

Make coasters

Get ahead of the game and turn this year’s tree into next year’s presents. Strip the boughs off the trunk and (leave the bark on). Next, sand both sides with a heavy grit paper and smooth it out with a finer grit. Finally, apply a thin coat of varnish. Tuck them away till next year and give them away as sets of four.

Make your own pine-scented cleaning spray

This one comes from one of my favorite influencers, Armen Adamjan. Just chop up a few branches and put them in an airtight jar. Add a couple cups of vinegar and set it on a sunny sill for about a week. Adamjan says the vinegar will extract the oils and antibacterial properties of the pine. Add a shot of vodka or rubbing alcohol, then strain the golden liquid through a coffee filter into a spray bottle. Use it on countertops, mirrors, stove tops, or floors. Make a big batch and stop buying all those expensive, toxic cleaners. I love the smell of this spray so much; it makes me clean more often!

Make a sachet

Stick some clippings into a cloth bag and tuck it into a drawer or closet to impart a nice piney smell.

One final tip: Don’t burn your tree in your fireplace. It emits a lot of soot and coats your chimney with creosote. But it’s fair game and great fuel for your outdoor fire pit.

Kristin Hostetter is șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű’s sustainability columnist. She is obsessed with her pine-scented cleaning spray and is on the hunt for other pine-scented things to make with her Christmas tree. Follow her journey to live more sustainably by for her twice-monthly newsletter.

The post 6 Ways to Recycle Your Christmas Tree appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.