
New Swag For Summer: 6 Ideas For Travel And Outdoor Adventure
The Atom 2 travel shoes from Kuru can help improve your stamina on the road.
With Memorial Day in the books, the summer season has officially kicked off in the minds of many. As the calendar fills up with adventures, it might be time to upgrade your travel and outdoor kit with some of the newest shoes, clothes, and gear on the market.
It's important to take care of your feet while traveling. Many people walk when exploring a new place—often much more than they do at home—which can lead to tired feet and legs. Combat this fatigue with a good pair of travel shoes, such as the Atom 2 from Kuru. They weigh less than a pound and support your feet with a heel-cupping sole that protects your feet from the wear and tear of concrete in cities and airports.
Summer season means it's time to get outside, and whether you're deep in the wilderness or simply hanging around backyards and parks, a comfortable place to sit goes a long way. The Chair Zero from Helinox offers portable, compact seating wherever the road takes you—it weighs just 17 ounces and packs down smaller than a paper towel roll. It can be carried in a backpack on a long hiking trail, or simply kept in the trunk of the car for use at scenic areas, parks, or picnics.
Cooking outside is one of the best parts of summer, but we don't always have access to a grill or kitchen. This spring, Jetboil released an upgraded version of its Flash Fast Boil System, which fixes a few small bugs in the previous versions, most notably an upgraded ignitor (no lighter or matches required). The setup can boil water in just two minutes, perfect for hot beverages, soups, or dehydrated meals while camping or exploring natural areas, where access to conveniences may be limited.
Lani Shades are made of bamboo and wood in Hawaii so that they are lightweight and float if dropped in the water.
There are endless sunglass brands out there, and styles are always changing. But if you plan to spend time around the water, you'll want something that protects your eyes, helps you see better, and doesn't sink like a stone. Lani Shades are made in Hawaii from wood and bamboo, and thus, are lightweight and buoyant. Each pair is tested to ensure they float, while polarized lenses offer protection from shimmering water.
Shirts that offer cooling sun protection are invaluable in the summer months. Most people are aware of sun shirts that are designed to be worn in the water, but other outdoor-focused hoodies, such as the Tern from Outdoor Vitals, can boost protection from the sun in a wide variety of travel situations. Made from merino wool, they dry quickly and keep your skin cool with its excellent breathability. The Tern can also be used in colder conditions as a base layer, making it something you can use all year round.
Summer adventures often take you off the beaten path, and a good pair of sturdy boots will make the journey all that much more enjoyable. Solomon recently released the X Ultra 5, a lightweight hiking boot available in low and mid ankle cuts with or without waterproofing (depending on your planned use and desired breathability). All models offer elite grip and stability, and they won't bog down your bag—they weigh less than a pound per shoe.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Health Line
16 minutes ago
- Health Line
Gut Check: A Dietitian's Take on Creating a Space that Supports Your Gut Health
Key takeaways For a happy gut, try to stock your fridge and pantry with whole, natural foods that contain pre- and probiotics. Organize your space and designate areas for types of food prep to create a 'flow' that makes it easy to navigate. Nutrition expert Jared Meacham shares some tips about creating a gut-healthy kitchen. Hint: it doesn't have to involve tons of cooking. With the right tools, there are plenty of quick, easy options. Tummy. Stomach. Gut. Gastrointestinal (GI) tract. So many names, even more microorganisms — at least 100 trillion in fact. Most of these are important for your digestive health. Other, less helpful microorganisms can affect your GI tract in negative ways. Gut health, in short, refers to the diversity and balance of around 200 different species of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in your digestive tract. Most microorganisms in your gut are meant to help you digest food, stabilize your metabolism, lower gut inflammation, and more. If your gut has been acting a little funky lately, it's most likely trying to tell you something about what you've been eating. Listening to your body and prioritizing your gut health can help improve your overall health as well. Our expert | John Meacham Jared Meacham, PhD., RD, CSCS Dr. Jared Meacham is a registered dietitian, fitness professional, and educator. He manages the global fitness programming for an international development institution, teaches at the university level, and practices dietetics in a variety of settings. Throughout the article, he shares some tips for a gut-friendly place, from everything food and prep to tools and kitchen space Getting started | food & nutrition Before we get into it, let's refresh on two things that are essential to keeping your gut health in check: probiotics and prebiotics. If fiber and whole, natural foods are not a staple for your diet, try and focus your attention on eating foods that contain more prebiotics. If you're eating whole foods like vegetables and high fiber foods but know you're not getting enough probiotics (fermented foods), try and make that your focus to rebuild your microbiome. Staples for gut health Healthy eating ideally consists of having at least half your plate filled with vegetables and fruits. 'Prioritize accessibility to staple foods that make up 80% of your healthy diet,' Dr. Meacham suggests. Let's break it down further. *Note that these are not exhaustive lists. Adjust as you need to, and avoid anything that makes your gut feel worse. Frozen fruits, veggies, and bread These can be huge time savers, suitable to use in a variety of dishes Ultimately it's the prebiotics that are going to feed and nourish the probiotics that need to be maintained in order to optimize immunity, digestion, and absorption. Creating your healthy kitchen: How to get started Think of your kitchen like a huge bag that has your all-day essentials inside. Over time you gather receipts, change, chapstick, and other items you might need. Sometimes you throw these things in, other times you try and place them mindfully. But then, at the end of the day, you need your keys. And you look down and see everything you've accumulated except for those shiny, metal prongs. Dr. Meacham shares that 'creating a clutter-free kitchen helps you maintain a mentality of healthfulness…[A cluttered kitchen] can overwhelm the senses and cause us to be less mindful of our relationship with the foods we are preparing.' When you're trying to commit to eating healthier, having a clutter-free environment may make things easier. Create your 'flow state' After identifying what you need to get your gut back on track food-wise, consider your kitchen space and where you'd like to see everything. Consider the 'flow of work' you'll need to follow to get from point A (i.e., the fridge) to point Z (i.e., the oven). 'By designating spaces for various foods and equipment, your movement through your kitchen becomes efficient and logical,' says Dr. Meacham. 'This minimizes rushing around and trying to locate essential tools by ensuring all of your kitchen equipment is mindfully stored.' Storage and placements Before placing your items, get a feel for how you'll be moving around the kitchen, whether that's blending a smoothie or making a sandwich. Keeping foods that aren't part of your healthy eating plan out of sight may help limit cravings. 'Create a store,' Dr. Meacham suggests. In a scenario where you're starting to make your meal, think of it as grocery shopping to get your ingredients together. Try and prep your food near to where you'll finish cooking. If space is limited, you might consider a rolling table or island as your prep station or finishing section. You can hold foods here, prepare them, and then move them to wherever they need to go. In terms of storing foods, Dr. Meacham shares what goes best in the pantry, fridge, and freezer below: Pantry items Keep the pantry dry, cool, and dark. seasonings and spices teas, coffee, etc. whole grains canned and preserved (jarred) foods bananas (best at room temperature) Fridge items Maintain a temperature of 41°F. Temps are cooler in the back, warmer in the front. vegetables fruits like citrus, berries, and apples dairy products fermented foods proteins By having designated spaces for all of the items in your kitchen, you [help] create a healthy and sanitary process of food preparation that is enjoyable and stress-free. Freezer items Anything you want to eat at a later date or time. breads or grain products proteins or meat products frozen produce homemade foods to eat later Other tips If the pantry isn't cool, store these products in the fridge. oils nuts & seeds nut butters Action plan: One step at a time Getting everything together is one thing, but implementing new steps and habits is another. If there's one tip to remember, it's to take things one step at a time and be kind to yourself. Bumps in the road are common and almost expected. It's OK to give yourself leeway, and the key is to keep your intention in mind when setting these goals for yourself. Dr. Meacham recommends that 'anytime you make a food choice that doesn't align with your healthy plan, restart your healthy eating approach immediately. Avoid allowing one unplanned 'mishap' to derail your healthy eating progress.' Avoid the 'starting on Monday' mentality. Instead, start now. There are an endless number of Mondays in front of us. If we rely on this mentality, we do more starting over than moving forward. If you're into meal prepping or it's something you're trying, another goal could be to prepare lean proteins in bulk. 'This will usually be something like cooking a number of chicken breasts, a couple steaks, pork chops, or [another form of protein],' Dr. Meacham says. 'By preparing quality, lean proteins, you minimize kitchen time and increase the likelihood of sticking to your healthy dietary approach.' Takeaways Gut health is important not only for digestion, but for your overall being. It may help to try to create an uncluttered kitchen space that makes it easier to prep food, cook a meal every once in a while, or make a quick healthy snack. If you're new to this approach, remember that it takes time to learn and adapt to new processes and habits. As long as you're consistent, intentional, and true to your needs, you can take steps to support your gut health and create a gut-friendly kitchen. Frequently asked questions about creating a healthy kitchen for gut health How do I know I have gut issues? Some signs of unbalanced gut bacteria can include an upset stomach, unintentional weight changes, and fatigue. Some signs of unbalanced gut bacteria can include an upset stomach, unintentional weight changes, and fatigue. What is the fastest way to improve gut health? While there is no quick fix to improving gut health, maintaining a diet that is rich in fiber, whole foods like vegetables and fruit, and probiotic-containing foods like yogurt can help. If you need some help figuring out how to balance your diet, talk with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to find a plan that best suits your needs. While there is no quick fix to improving gut health, maintaining a diet that is rich in fiber, whole foods like vegetables and fruit, and probiotic-containing foods like yogurt can help. If you need some help figuring out how to balance your diet, talk with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to find a plan that best suits your needs. What role does the gut microbiome play in overall health? The gut microbiome produces vitamins, essential amino acids, and fatty acid byproducts that serve as an energy source for intestinal cells. Research has linked gut health to various bodily systems, including the immune system, metabolic processes, and chronic conditions. The gut microbiome produces vitamins, essential amino acids, and fatty acid byproducts that serve as an energy source for intestinal cells. Research has linked gut health to various bodily systems, including the immune system, metabolic processes, and chronic conditions. Are there specific dietary recommendations for gut health during pregnancy? During pregnancy, it's important to focus on gut health while meeting increased nutritional needs. Specific dietary recommendations include consuming fatty fish (while avoiding certain types), ensuring intake of essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium, and considering probiotic-rich foods to support the gut microbiome.


CNET
17 minutes ago
- CNET
Celebrate the Switch 2 Launch With Discounted Nintendo Plushies While You Still Can
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to some discounted Nintendo plushies. Today only, Best Buy is offering plushies with discounts of up to $16, including various Kirby ones that every self-respecting fan of the games absolutely should own. Prices start at just $21 with these discounts applied, but time's running out to take advantage of them. There are currently seven plushies on offer, including those gorgeous Kirby ones alongside a few that will be immediately familiar to fans of Mario and Mario Kart games. A personal favorite is the Markio Kart blue shell, despite the fact that it gives me flashbacks every time I look at it. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Once you've ordered your new plushies, why not flesh out your Switch 2 game collection? There are three Switch 2 games in particular that you really shouldn't miss out on. Not managed to grab a Switch 2 for yourself just yet? Panic not, there are still plenty of ways to cheer yourself up, including making sure you already have the best Switch games and some helpful accessories you can buy today. We're also keeping our eye peeled for any new Switch 2 restock drops to help you track availability. Why this deal matters These plushies are too cute, and any money that you save today is a good way to make sure you have spare cash lying around for new games. If you're lucky enough to get a new Switch 2, every little helps when it comes to filling out your collection of games and accessories.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-plate-of-bbq-austin-texas-BBQCITY0525-8787ee55d17047d4bf517db399b4d770.jpg&w=3840&q=100)

Travel + Leisure
23 minutes ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Is the No. 1 City in the U.S. for BBQ, According to Yelp
It's a statistical fact that warm weather makes people want to buy barbecue foods. With the (hot) dog days of summer just around the corner, that means any second now you're going to start craving something grilled, charred, and smothered in sauce. And Yelp knows exactly where you should go to get it. Yelp compiled a list of the top cities in the U.S. for "smoked meats and mouth-watering barbecue sauces." It explained in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure that it created the list by ranking each location using a "blended metric including consumer interest in BBQ, total business count, and average business rating." It noted that it limited this year's list to two cities per state to "ensure geographic diversity." After looking at all the data, unsurprisingly, Austin won. "Austin reigns supreme as the No. 1 region for barbecue," Yelp shared. "Whether you like slow-smoked beef brisket, pork ribs, or house-made sausages, Austin has earned its reputation as a top barbecue destination." It noted that Austin has earned this reputation thanks to beloved spots like Terry Black's Barbecue and food trucks like Micklethwait Craft Meat in East Austin, which both earn high praise from Yelp users. "Yelp users praise Austin's barbecue for its simple seasonings, which let the quality of the meat shine. Trays of tender brisket, flavorful ribs, and pulled pork sandwiches are among the most photographed dishes," it added. "Many users also highlight the perfectly tender texture of the meats at spots like Interstellar BBQ and Salt Lick BBQ." Also at the top of the list is San Antonio, which came in at No. 2. "The area's diverse barbecue scene includes food trucks like Brisket Boys and Cake-N-Que, which showcase a variety of smoked meat styles," Yelp shared. It's followed by Kansas City, Missouri, which earned high praise thanks to its "signature sauce and legendary burnt ends" at restaurants like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, which "boasts more than 3,500 5-star reviews. Then there's Memphis, Tennessee, which Yelp noted is "well-known for its dry-rub ribs and pulled pork, offered at beloved restaurants like Cozy Corner and Elwood's Shack." And rounding out the top five is Charleston, South Carolina, which ranked highly thanks to its traditional Lowcountry styles. "With a mix of historic BBQ joints like Poogan's Smokehouse and modern, pitmaster-driven spots likePalmira Barbecue, Charleston blends time-honored smoking techniques with innovative flavors that Yelp users love," the site added. Want to see who else made the list? Check out all the winners at