I’ll be the first to admit it. I have an irrational, possibly unhealthy attachment to one specific Lululemon duffel bag. It’s not the best looking bag on earth, sure. But it survives me.
That said, let’s talk about the things we should maybe upgrade. Starting with those aluminum carry-ons.
Metal vs. Wallet
Shiny metal suitcases make you look like you’re jetting off to Dubai at 2 AM. A total vibe. Like a DJ on tour. The problem? They cost as much as a reasonable vacation. Is looking like a tech billionaire worth spending your entire travel fund on the container your clothes sit in? Ask yourself.
Meanwhile, if you actually want to leave a hotel before the check-in crowd arrives, skip the checked baggage. I feel about luggage carousels how I feel about head lice. Avoid them. Run away. Never go near them again. Stick to carry-ons that actually fit overhead bins and you’ll keep your dignity, mostly intact.
Outdoor Deals Without The Green Guilt
Summer is here which means bugs, heat, and a desperate need to touch water. REI is doing their anniversary sale so now is the time to buy tents. Or sleeping bags. Whatever gear you’ve been pretending you “don’t need” for three years? Just get it.
But also, maybe stop dumping plastic into the ocean while you surf? New wetsuits and boards are trying harder to be eco-friendly. Less petroleum neoprene. Less waste. You can look good doing a handstand in the air and not ruin the reef. Sustainable surfing, basically.
The Foundation Of Existence (Sleep)
We spend a third of our lives on beds so picking a frame matters. Thuma makes the Classic Bed and we think it’s solid. It’s clean lines, it doesn’t creak, and it fits most tastes without looking like your grandparents left the room.
As for what you actually lie on, it’s confusing. There’s memory foam. Latex. Air beds. It’s a nightmare of choices. Our testers broke it down: match the mattress to how you actually sleep. Side sleeper? Back pain? You need different things. Stop guessing.
Ice, Fans, And The E-Reader
Let’s pivot. Drinks need to stay cold. We took coolers everywhere—from camping trips to house parties—to see which ones hold their ground. The winner? Yeti Tundra Haul. It’s heavy. It’s expensive. It also works flawlessly, so deal with it.
Old box fans are loud, ugly, and dangerous if you knock them over. The new wave? Surprisingly fancy. They mist. They have lights. Some of them track your movement with a camera so the wind always hits your sweaty back. It feels dystopian, I know, but your spine thanks you.
And if you’re reading this on a Kindle, protect it. Cases. Page-turners. Even those stupid little charms hanging off the corner. WIRED’s favorites are all here because e-readers break if you treat them like regular paper. Don’t treat them like regular paper.
A good accessory is just insurance for a fragile obsession.
The Open-Ended Note
Memorial Day deals are rolling in now. Weekend sales on gear we’ve vetted are already live, even if the holiday is Monday. Grab what you need before prices climb.
For those stuck at home working from a couch? Walking pads exist. Under-desk treadmills let you pace during calls, look slightly productive, and hit step goals while doom-scrolling.
Buy the stuff you want. Hope the battery lasts. And try to remember your duffel is already enough.
