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@@ -1,52 +1,73 @@ # Scratch -As much as a I dislike Amazon as a company, nay, a cultural force, I find the company's cheap tablets compelling. Fire tablets are one of the best values out there, and the new Fire HD 8 is no exception. -Note though that I said "value". It's not the fastest, nor the fanciest, nor the sturdiest, but for the price the Fire HD 8 is a compelling option for those that are all-in on Amazon content—subscribe to Prime, love Alexa and so on. +### Camping and Backpacking Deals -The Fire HD 10 remains a more versatile tablet, but the smaller 8-inch models are worth a look if you don't want to spend that much. +#### [Kelty Loveseat Camp Chair for $105 ($35 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/kelty-low-loveseat-chair_10306424) -### What's Right +This deal is only for one color, but so long as you don't mind the blue-brown color this camp chair is the coziest way to hang out around camp. It might be huge, heavy, and awkward to fold, but it's all worth it once you cram everyone you love on it in front of a fire. -Amazon has not messed with the design of the Fire HD 8. The 2022 version looks identical to the previous model, retaining the same screen, form factor and all-plastic construction. Like the previous model that all-plastic construction is surprisingly sturdy. I've dropped mine from about waist height on a hardwood floor several times without doing any damage. That said, it's not as well made as more expensive, metal tablets. -It is slightly lighter than the last model according to the spec sheet, but it's not something you're going to notice much. At tk pounds, the Fire HD 8 is pretty heavy for its size. +#### [Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Cooler for $160 ($40 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/yeti-hopper-flip-8-cooler_10360256) -The 2.0 GHz hexa-core processor is new and in my testing was marginally faster. Amazon claims the new Fire HD 8 is 30 percent faster than the previous release, my experience using them side by side is that it's slightly faster, but in most tasks, like browsing the web or playing video, you won't notice a huge difference. Considered on its own, let's charitably say that this is not a speedy tablet. It gets the job done, but put it up against just about any other Android tablet on the market and it's going to lose. Again though, it's fast enough to do what it's designed to do, which is deliver Amazon content. +Yeti's Hopper cooler is my go-to cooler for an afternoon at the beach. It's just large enough for ice, drinks and snack for my family of five. The larger, tote-style M30 Yeti cooler is also [on sale in purple for $280 ($70 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/yeti-hopper-m30_10473610) -That Amazon content lands on an 8-inch 1280 x 800 pixel display, which is not great. It's the sort of thing that would send David Lynch into fits, but it works well enough if you don't care that much about deep rich colors and solid blacks. Pixelation is still painfully visible in text, but no worse than any other tablet at this price. +#### [Nemo Dragonfly 3P Tent for $370 ($130 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/nemo-dragonfly-3p-tent_10518717) -The Fire HD 8 is available in either 32-gigabytes or 64-gigabytes of storage. The more the better if you can afford it. You can expand that storage capacity up to 1-terabyte using the microSD card slot. +I haven't had a chance to review it yet, but I spent quite a few nights in this tent last fall. It's lightweight and very solid, with huge vestibules, lots of storage options inside. It's on the small side, so if you and your partner are taller, I'd think of this as a 2-person tent. My only gripe is that it's low to ground, which is part of what makes it so stable in the wind, but it does make it harder to get in and out of it with the fly fully staked. -One of the highlights of the Fire HD 8 is the impressive battery life. Amazon is touting 13 hours, I only managed 10:22 streaming video, but that's still very good.The downside is that charging up is slow. The provided 5 watt charger took... so long I went and found a 15 watt charger. With the 15 watt I was able to get it recharged in under 3 hours. Still not fast but better than the provided option. -If you want slightly more power there is also the Fire HD 8 Plus, which offers an extra gigabyte of RAM, wireless charging, and a 5 megapixel camera (to the base models 2 megapixel—neither are very good so don't let this be the selling point of the Plus). The extra RAM is very welcome and makes the Plus model worth the extra money if you've got it. That said, the difference here is not as noticible as it is with the 10-inch Fire HD where the Plus model turns that slate into something you can get real work done on. If you want to get real work done, neither Fire HD 8 tablets are for you. +#### [REI Co-Op 650 Down Jacket for $60 ($10 off)](https://www.rei.com/search?q=REI%20Co-op%20650%20Down%20Jacket%202.0&cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-184309-_-234225-_-NA&avad=234225_c2dd603c1) -Along with the Plus model Amazon has quite a few other bundles, like the Fire HD 8 Kids models, which feature protective cases, some extra software and content bundles along with parental controls. There's also now a Gaming bundle that comes with a Luna Controller, though give the limiations of Fire OS, I can't imagine this appealing to many. +These REI Puffy jackets are already a great deal even full price, so while this isn't a huge discount, it makes these jackets even more appealing. Be sure to size up a bit so you can fit this over a base layer and mid-layer. -There in lies the main rub with Fire tablets—Amazon's software. -## What Wrong +#### [Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow for $45 ($41 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/sea-to-summit-aeros-down-pillow_10428620) -Out of the box Amazon's Fire tablets offer an experience that reminds me most of the hyper ad-saturated world of Idiocracy. From the moment you try to unlock your Fire HD 8 you are confronted with an onslaught of ads and design dark patterns engineered to get you clicking on stuff, especially if you opt for the ad-supported models. Just don't. Spend the extra $20 to free yourself from some of the ads. Don't worry, you'll still have Amazon content pushed on you every time you so much as look at your Fire HD 8. +I used to be one of those lightweight backpacker, shaving off toothbrush handles, but these days, meh, I want a bit of steak for dinner and a good pillow to sleep on. I've tested quite a few pillows and this is my top luxury pick. It doesn't get nicer than the Aeros (for the weight). At full price this one is like punch in the gut (my home pillows are cheaper than that), but this deal gives you a chance to score the luxury at a saner price. -Fire OS has been updated to run on Android 11, which is still two full versions behind stock Android, but other than the app switching screen and few minor theme details, I could not tell much difference. Fire OS remains extremely limited by its App Store. +#### [MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit for $120 ($60 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/msr-trail-base-water-filter-kit_10368246) -Out of the box Fire HD 8 tablets do not offer any Google apps, and no access to the Google Play store. The selection in the Amazon App Store is what you might call lacking. Want to watch YouTube? Chat on Slack? Nope, not happening. Even if you want to argue that this is tablet mostly for consumption, and doesn't need much of what's in the Google Play Store, YouTube is a glaring omission. My suggestion would be that if you have specific apps you want to use, browse Amazon's App Store before you buy to make sure what you want is available. +This water filter changed backpacking for me. Pumping water while fending off mosquitoes in no one's idea of a good time, especially when you're pumping water for your entire family. With this genius filter from MSR you just fill the bag, walk back to camp, hang it up and a few minutes later everyone's thirst is quenched. It's not cheap, but it's worth every penny. -What about "sideloading" Google Play? We do have a guide on how to Install Google Play on Your Fire Tablet, but unfortunately that guide doesn't work for this model. Or at least it doesn't work with the current version of Fire OS. Some Reddit users who have recieved a software update to Fire OS 8.3.1.3 claim that they have been able to install and use Google Play. My review unit is so far stuck at Fire OS 8.2.1.2, which I can confirm will install the Google Play Store itself, but does not allow you to login and install any apps from it. I will update our guide with info on how to do it once I can confirm that it works. +#### [Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad for $161 ($99 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/therm-a-rest-neoair-xtherm-sleeping-pad_10481908) -## Conclusion +If you need a new sleeping pad for next season, the NeoAir is one of our favorites. It's 2.5 inches thick, boasts an R-value of 6.9, and still only weighs 15 ounces. The included pump sack makes quick work of filling it up. If you don't need such a big pad, the smaller, lighter Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite is [also on sale for $126 ($105 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-sleeping-pad_10481907) +#### [Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle 16 oz for $18 ($14 off)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G3P9SLF/) +Hydro Flask's bottles can take a tough beating without cosmetic damage or leaks. There are also tons of matte color options. The threads, however, are on the outside of the rim, where you sip from, which is odd, but otherwise it's one of [our favorite water bottles](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-reusable-water-bottles/#5ed531db609ca7f4d498984b). +#### [Mystery Ranch Scepter 50L Pack for $162 ($87 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/mystery-ranch-scepter-50l-pack_10440416) +I haven't tested this one, but Mystery Ranch packs are a staple among backcountry fire fighters and the forest service employees I know. It's hard to think of a group of people who put more wear and tear on their packs so I don't hesitate to say this is a durable pack. It's not quite as good a deal, but the smaller Scepter 35L is also [on sale for $164 ($55 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/mystery-ranch-scepter-35l-pack_10440415) +### Clothing and Jackets +#### [Nano Puff Hooded Insulated Jacket for $167 ($83 off)](https://www.backcountry.com/patagonia-nano-puff-hooded-insulated-jacket-womens) +This synthetic-filled puffy is something of an industry standard. This is the hoody version, but there are jackets and vests on sale as well. Don't let the synthetic trouble you, this thing stuffs down like a feathered jacket and is impressively warm. The deal does vary by size and price, but there's a good selection available on sale. Men's size are [on sale as well](https://www.backcountry.com/patagonia-nano-puff-hooded-insulated-jacket-mens). + +#### [Smartwool Merino 250 Long Sleeve Crew for $83 ($27 off)](https://www.backcountry.com/smartwool-midweight-crew-long-sleeve-mens) + +I am currently putting together a guide to merino wool, which features this 100 percent merino base layer from Smartwool. This deal varies by size and color so be sure to try a few different options if the price isn't coming up for you. Women's sizes are [also on sale at Backcountry.com](https://www.backcountry.com/smartwool-midweight-crew-womens?skid=SWLZ8BY-CHAHEA-M), as is the [children's version](https://www.backcountry.com/smartwool-midweight-crew-top-long-sleeve-boys?skid=SWL00G2-BLEAQUHEA-S). + +#### [Icebreaker Quantum III Long-Sleeve Zip Hoodie](https://www.backcountry.com/icebreaker-quantum-ii-long-sleeve-zip-hoodie-womens) + +This is one of our top picks from our merino wool guide. This jacket is 100 percent merino and incredibly warm despite not being all that thick. That makes it a great option for days when the weather may vary considerably—it's warm enough for cold morning, but won't be a burden in your pack the rest of the day. Womens' sizes are [also on sale](https://www.backcountry.com/icebreaker-quantum-ii-long-sleeve-zip-hoodie-womens). + +#### [Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated Trouser $122 ($53 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/fjallraven-men-s-vidda-pro-ventilated-trouser_10448018) + +I haven't actually tested these, but the level of love these Fjallraven pants get on the internet suggest they're worth every penny. They're a 65 percent recycled polyester, 35 percent cotton blend with pockets everywhere and extras like ventilation zippers, reinforced knees (with openings for pads), and a loop on the leg to hold a hatchet. Do your pants have a hatchet loop? Didn't think so. The link above is for men's sizes, women's are also on sale [here](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/fjallraven-women-s-vidda-pro-ventilated-trouser_10448019). + + + + + +Scott Gilbertson is a senior writer for WIRED. He was previously a writer and editor for WIRED's Webmonkey.com, covering the independent web and early internet culture. He studied at the University of Georgia. You may reach him at luxagraf.net. # Guides Existing @@ -1431,6 +1452,47 @@ contain microfibers: http://guppyfriend.com/en/ # Reviews +## Fire HD 8 and 8 Plus Review + +As much as a I dislike Amazon as a company, nay, a cultural force, I find the company's cheap tablets strangely compelling. Fire tablets are one of the best values out there, and the new Fire HD 8 is no exception. + +Note though that I said "value". It's not the fastest, nor the fanciest, nor the sturdiest, but for the price the Fire HD 8 is a compelling option for those that are all-in on Amazon content—subscribe to Prime, love Alexa and so on. + +The Fire HD 10 remains a more versatile tablet, but the smaller 8-inch models are worth a look if you don't want to spend that much. + +### What's Right + +Amazon has not messed with the design of the Fire HD 8. The 2022 version looks identical to the previous model, retaining the same screen, form factor and all-plastic construction. Like the previous model that all-plastic construction is surprisingly sturdy. I've dropped mine from about waist height on a hardwood floor several times without doing any damage. That said, it's not as well made as more expensive, metal tablets. + +It is slightly lighter than the last model according to the spec sheet, but it's not something you're going to notice much. At tk pounds, the Fire HD 8 is pretty heavy for its size. + +The 2.0 GHz hexa-core processor is new and in my testing was marginally faster. Amazon claims the new Fire HD 8 is 30 percent faster than the previous release, my experience using them side by side is that it's slightly faster, but in most tasks, like browsing the web or playing video, you won't notice a huge difference. Considered on its own, let's charitably say that this is not a speedy tablet. It gets the job done, but put it up against just about any other Android tablet on the market and it's going to lose. Again though, it's fast enough to do what it's designed to do, which is deliver Amazon content. + +That Amazon content lands on an 8-inch 1280 x 800 pixel display, which is not great. It's the sort of thing that would send David Lynch into fits, but it works well enough if you don't care that much about deep rich colors and solid blacks. Pixelation is still painfully visible in text, but no worse than any other tablet at this price. + +The Fire HD 8 is available in either 32-gigabytes or 64-gigabytes of storage. The more the better if you can afford it. You can expand that storage capacity up to 1-terabyte using the microSD card slot. + +One of the highlights of the Fire HD 8 is the impressive battery life. Amazon is touting 13 hours, I only managed 10:22 streaming video, but that's still very good.The downside is that charging up is slow. The provided 5 watt charger took... so long I went and found a 15 watt charger. With the 15 watt I was able to get it recharged in under 3 hours. Still not fast but better than the provided option. + +If you want slightly more power there is also the Fire HD 8 Plus, which offers an extra gigabyte of RAM, wireless charging, and a 5 megapixel camera (to the base models 2 megapixel—neither are very good so don't let this be the selling point of the Plus). The extra RAM is very welcome and makes the Plus model worth the extra money if you've got it. That said, the difference here is not as noticible as it is with the 10-inch Fire HD where the Plus model turns that slate into something you can get real work done on. If you want to get real work done, neither Fire HD 8 tablets are for you. + +Along with the Plus model Amazon has quite a few other bundles, like the Fire HD 8 Kids models, which feature protective cases, some extra software and content bundles along with parental controls. There's also now a Gaming bundle that comes with a Luna Controller, though give the limiations of Fire OS, I can't imagine this appealing to many. + +There in lies the main rub with Fire tablets—Amazon's software. + +### What Wrong + +Out of the box Amazon's Fire tablets offer an experience that reminds me most of the hyper ad-saturated world of Idiocracy. From the moment you try to unlock your Fire HD 8 you are confronted with an onslaught of ads and design dark patterns engineered to get you clicking on stuff, especially if you opt for the ad-supported models. Just don't. Spend the extra $20 to free yourself from some of the ads. Don't worry, you'll still have Amazon content pushed on you every time you so much as look at your Fire HD 8. + +Fire OS has been updated to run on Android 11, which is still two full versions behind stock Android, but other than the app switching screen and few minor theme details, I could not tell much difference. Fire OS remains extremely limited by its App Store. + +Out of the box Fire HD 8 tablets do not offer any Google apps, and no access to the Google Play store. The selection in the Amazon App Store is what you might call lacking. Want to watch YouTube? Chat on Slack? Nope, not happening. Even if you want to argue that this is tablet mostly for consumption, and doesn't need much of what's in the Google Play Store, YouTube is a glaring omission. My suggestion would be that if you have specific apps you want to use, browse Amazon's App Store before you buy to make sure what you want is available. + +What about "sideloading" Google Play? We do have a guide on how to Install Google Play on Your Fire Tablet, but unfortunately that guide doesn't work for this model. Or at least it doesn't work with the current version of Fire OS. Some Reddit users who have recieved a software update to Fire OS 8.3.1.3 claim that they have been able to install and use Google Play. My review unit is so far stuck at Fire OS 8.2.1.2, which I can confirm will install the Google Play Store itself, but does not allow you to login and install any apps from it. I will update our guide with info on how to do it once I can confirm that it works. + +### Conclusion + + ## GoPro Shrinkage The Hero 11 Mini is 13 percent smaller than the Hero 11 Black. That doesn't sound like a whole lot, and in some ways it isn't, but for situations where wind resistence and drag are a factor—on your motorcycle helmet for example—it's a big enough deal that any size reduction helps. |