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@@ -1,73 +1,7 @@ # Scratch +## Hasselblad X2D 100C Story -### Camping and Backpacking Deals - -#### [Kelty Loveseat Camp Chair for $105 ($35 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/kelty-low-loveseat-chair_10306424) - -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. - - -#### [Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Cooler for $160 ($40 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/yeti-hopper-flip-8-cooler_10360256) - -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) - -#### [Nemo Dragonfly 3P Tent for $370 ($130 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/nemo-dragonfly-3p-tent_10518717) - -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. - - -#### [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) - -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. - - -#### [Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow for $45 ($41 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/sea-to-summit-aeros-down-pillow_10428620) - -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. - -#### [MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit for $120 ($60 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/msr-trail-base-water-filter-kit_10368246) - -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. - -#### [Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad for $161 ($99 off)](https://www.moosejaw.com/product/therm-a-rest-neoair-xtherm-sleeping-pad_10481908) - -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 @@ -1452,6 +1386,52 @@ contain microfibers: http://guppyfriend.com/en/ # Reviews +## Garmin Forerunner 255 + + +The Garmin's Forerunner line of GPS-enabled fitness trackers is bewilderingly complex and the company updates Forerunner models so often even those of us who test them for a living have trouble keeping up sometimes. That's a good thing -- new features are almost always a plus -- but it does make picking the right model a challenge. + +To further complicate your decision, Garmin recently updated its Forerunner 255. The latest model brings multi-band GPS support, barometric altimeter, and much-improved sleep tracking, among several dozen other welcome additions. + +The result is a multi-sport, runner-friendly watch. At $350, this is one of the best value-to-features watch in the Garmin lineup. + +### New and Noteworthy + +For years now I have used the Garmin 245, which falls in the middle of Garmin's Forerunner line, and is aimed mainly at runners. With the new 255, Garmin has retired the 245. At first I thought this might be a mistake, after spending several months with the new 255, I am inclined to agree with Garmin, this is better than the 245 in every way. + +As with any fitness tracker, how much any of this benefits you will depend on what you're doing. For reference, my workout routine is body weight-based, with alternating walking and sprinting sessions thrown in throughout the week. I also used the 255 on hikes, paddle boarding, and for sleep tracking. + +Like nearly all non-touch Garmin watches the Forerunner 255 has five buttons: three on the left side and two on the right. I find the buttons more reliable to navigate with than the touch screen models, but the main thing to note is: there's no touch screen here. The watch face is fully customizable, with a good selection of default watch faces you can use to customize to your liking. + +There are quite a few new features worth mentioning, but the one I was most excited about is the sleep tracking. The Forerunner 255 tracks heart rate variability (HRV), Sleep Stages, and gives you an overall Sleep Score, with a new Morning Report feature, similar to what Apple offers. + +To try to test the accuracy of the Forerunner 255, I had my wife, who uses an Oura ring to track sleep, use it for a few weeks (it takes 19 days before the Forerunner will start making recommendations based on the sleep data it has collected). To keep this review to a reasonable length, the result was that she is no longer worried about replacing her Oura (given that company's trajectory). The Forerunner's data matched that of the Oura and is very nearly as comprehensive. tk what's missing. + +Of particular use is the new "Morning Report" feature, which gives you a nice summary of where your body is at, combining sleep data, recovery data, and training data along with the weather.It's a good way to get a quick overview of where you're at and what you want to do that day, training-wise. + +The other thing that jumped out at me in the first week was the new auto-detection features. The Forerunner knew when I was doing pushup and logged them, it knew when I was walking, running, resting. It's particularly well-suited to interval training thanks to the automatic detection. Also useful are the training and recovery tools, which previous models I've used lack. They're not as comprehensive as what you'll find in the more expensive 955, but together with the sleep tracking they can give you a more accurate impression of where you're at and how to get to where you want to be. + +Other features worth mentioning include, multi-band GPS support (with dual-frequency support), which makes for more accurate GPD tracking, a barometric altimeter and compass, useful for hitting the trail, and a ton more cycling support including VO2Max and the ability to connect to many bike gadgets via Bluetooth. The GPS support is worth noting because it is much more accurate, but it takes a heavy toll on the battery. + +I was able to get right around the advertised 30 hours using GPS-only, but enabling the multi-band support dropped that to just over 15 hours. Since super accurate GPS isn't something most people need all the time I suggest using it only when you need it, the same way you'd save battery life by turning off pulse ox and other battery-intensive features when you don't need them. + +The final thing I find worth mentioning is that you can now fully configure your watch from the Garmin app on your phone. Naturally you can change settings from the watch, but the ability to set things up on your phone makes life so much easier, especially given the emphasis here on creating workout plans based on future events. The daily suggested workouts can be connect to future calendar events, for example an upcoming race, the app can use to automatically creating workouts for that distance. + +### Conclusion + +The Forerunner 255 comes in two sizes now, 42mm and 46mm. They are both $349. There is also the Forefunner 255 Music, which is $399 and can store tk hours of music (roughly tk songs). Although I tested the Music model, it's not a feature I use much. It works. + +The problem with fitness trackers is that most of use only use maybe half of the features available. The question is, do you use the features the Forerunner 255 offers? Personally I find it a huge upgrade over the 245 and Venu for the sleep tracking features. + +Despite sometimes being billed as a triathlon watch, there are almost no swimming friendly features. If you're into triathlon, the 945 is the watch to get. It's expensive, but powerful. If you don't care about the sleep tracking features, have no need for new automatic run/walk/stand detection and similar features, the far cheaper Garmin 45 might fit the bill. + + + + + + + + ## 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. |