If youβve tried to buy a Canon G7X or a Fujifilm X100V-series camera lately, you may already know that advanced compact cameras have made a real comeback. Itβs not a full-on boom like the early 2000s, when every manufacturer cranked them out by the dozen, but thereβs real demand for small cameras that produce high-quality images outside what a typical smartphone can pull off. Panasonic has introduced the new LUMIX L10 to court that growing audience, and the result is a very promising (if a littl
If youβve tried to buy a Canon G7X or a Fujifilm X100V-series camera lately, you may already know that advanced compact cameras have made a real comeback. Itβs not a full-on boom like the early 2000s, when every manufacturer cranked them out by the dozen, but thereβs real demand for small cameras that produce high-quality images outside what a typical smartphone can pull off. Panasonic has introduced the new LUMIX L10 to court that growing audience, and the result is a very promising (if a little familiar) looking camera designed to handle just about every typical photography scenario.
The L10 ships in June for $1,499 in black or silver, with a limited $1,599 Titanium Gold special edition for LUMIXβs 25th anniversary. At its core is a Leica DC Vario-Summilux 24-75mm F1.7-2.8 zoom mounted to a 20.4-megapixel Four Thirds sensor, a pairing anyone who shot with the popular LX100 II compact will recognize on sight. The body lands between Fujifilmβs APS-C X100VI and Canonβs 1-inch G7X Mark III on both sensor size and price, slotting into territory Panasonic hasnβt covered since the LX100 II went off the menu.
The Leica zoom and Four Thirds sensor
An F1.7 maximum aperture at the wide end and F2.8 at the long end is unusual for a compact zoom at this price tier, and most compact zooms taper to a slower aperture as they extend. This one holds wide across the 24-75mm range. The same lens formula appeared on the LX100 II and powers Leicaβs current D-Lux 8, though neither pairs it with a 779-point Phase Hybrid AF system. The manual aperture ring on the precision-machined metal barrel lets you change apertures without diving into a menu, and AF macro from 3 cm at the wide end opens up close-up work.
The 4/3-type BSI CMOS sensor sits in a useful spot in the size hierarchy. Itβs almost twice the area of the 1-inch chip in the Canon G7X line and noticeably smaller than the APS-C sensor in the Fujifilm X100VI. The 20.4-megapixel effective resolution comes from a 26.5-megapixel total count, because the L10 uses a multi-aspect sensor design that maintains a consistent angle of view across 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9. Switching aspect ratios doesnβt recompose your shot, which is a quietly useful feature for anyone working between print and social. Dynamic Range Boost adds shadow detail in still images, though Panasonic hasnβt specified the stop count.
Fast AF, 30 fps burst
Phase Hybrid AF spreads 779 focus points across the frame, with AI-based subject recognition that covers eyes, faces, bodies, animals, vehicles, and what Panasonic calls Urban Sports. That last category is the catch-all for skateboarding, BMX, parkour, and the kind of action youβll find in Mountain Dew commercials. Burst tops out at 30 fps with the electronic shutter and 11 fps with the mechanical, fast enough to catch peak action without abandoning a tactile shutter feel. POWER O.I.S. handles stabilization, though Panasonic hasnβt quoted a CIPA-rated stop count yet.
Composition runs through a 2.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder and a 1.84-million-dot free-angle monitor that flips out for waist-level or vertical shooting. Both displays support a vertical UI, a nod to anyone shooting primarily for phone-format video and social.
Color science from camera to phone
REAL TIME LUT (look up table) is Panasonicβs in-camera color system, and the L10 makes it easier to use than past models did. A dedicated LUT button on the body gives one-press access, and up to two LUTs can be layered for more complex grades. Two new film-inspired Photo Styles ship as defaults: L.Classic for soft, muted tones, and L.ClassicGold for warmer amber highlights with a nostalgic contrast curve. Itβs similar to Fujifilmβs film βrecipesβ which apply specific looks to images as you shoot.
Magic LUT in the LUMIX Lab app uses AI color analysis to generate a custom LUT from a reference photo. Find an image whose color treatment you like, the app builds a profile, and you can load it back into the camera as a REAL TIME LUT. RAW editing, MP4 (Lite) clips for social sharing, and high-speed wired transfer all live in the same app. The Lab workflow pushes a step that traditionally lived in Lightroom or DaVinci onto the phone where most readers actually edit now.
Pricing across three colorways
Black and silver L10s ship in June for $1,499, both wearing a saffiano leather-textured finish over a magnesium alloy front case. At 508g with battery, card, and hot shoe cover, the body sits between a small mirrorless rig and a true pocket camera in carry weight. Panasonic is pricing the L10 about $100 below Leicaβs D-Lux 8, which uses the same Leica zoom formula in a different chassis.
The Titanium Gold special edition arrives at $1,599 in limited quantities, primarily through the Panasonic Store. The kit adds a special edition lens hood, a leather strap, a threaded shutter button, and a gold-themed menu system that carries the finish from the body into the UI. The rear branding sits in a position visible only to whoever is holding the camera. The $100 premium covers the accessories and cosmetic upgrades.
The standard black L10 carries the saffiano leather-textured finish in a flat, professional matte. It ships with the standard kit and is the configuration most likely to show up on retailer shelves at launch. The Lab app, REAL TIME LUT, dedicated LUT button, and Leica DC Vario-Summilux zoom are all standard. Weβre working to get one in for a full review.
The silver L10 is mechanically identical to the black model at $1,499 and leans into the LX100 II nostalgia for buyers who remember the original. Itβs the same color treatment Panasonic favored across the LX100 series, and the rangefinder-adjacent look Leica has long favored for its M-line cameras. The silver model ships in June alongside the black.
Panasonic LUMIX L10 Titanium Gold Special Edition $1,599
The 25th anniversary Titanium Gold edition runs $1,599 and includes a special edition lens hood, a leather strap, a threaded shutter button, and a gold-themed menu system that carries the finish from the body into the interface. The rear branding is positioned to be visible only to the person holding the camera. Limited quantities ship through the Panasonic Store in June.
The Home Depot is running a sprawling spring sale on RIDGID tools with cuts on cordless kits, combo bundles, jobsite gear, and corded shop equipment. The 18V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit with two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger drops to $109 (down from $316), a battery starter kit comes with a free SubCompact Brushless one-handed reciprocating saw for $169 (down from $446.97), and the 18V Drywall Cut-Out Tool Kit hits $79 (down from $207). If you have been waiting to buy into the RIDGID 18V
The Home Depot is running a sprawling spring sale on RIDGID tools with cuts on cordless kits, combo bundles, jobsite gear, and corded shop equipment. The 18V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit with two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger drops to $109 (down from $316), a battery starter kit comes with a free SubCompact Brushless one-handed reciprocating saw for $169 (down from $446.97), and the 18V Drywall Cut-Out Tool Kit hits $79 (down from $207). If you have been waiting to buy into the RIDGID 18V platform, this is the kind of pricing that makes the case for you.
RIDGID 18V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit with 2 2.0Ah Batteries and Charger $109.00 (was $316.00)
Oscillating multi-tools are the do-everything cleanup tool in any toolbox. It can take on flush cuts, plunge cuts in drywall, scraping, sanding tight corners, and chopping through stubborn hardware. This kit pairs the cordless multi-tool with two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger, which means you get the platform and the runtime to actually use it without buying batteries separately. At 66 percent off, it is the cheapest meaningful entry point to the RIDGID 18V system we have seen in a while.
RIDGID 18V MAX Output 2 x 4.0Ah Battery Kit and Charger with FREE SubCompact Brushless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw $169.00 (was $446.97)
Battery deals are usually boring, but this one is not. You get two 4.0Ah MAX Output batteries and a charger, plus a SubCompact Brushless one-handed reciprocating saw thrown in for free, for $169. The recip saw alone is a useful little tool for trimming hardware, cutting plastic conduit, and notching framing. Together this bundle adds up to about $277 in savings, which makes it a better deal than just buying the batteries by themselves.
RIDGID 18V Drywall Cut-Out Tool Kit with 2.0Ah Battery and Charger $79.00 (was $207.00)
A dedicated drywall cut-out tool sounds niche until you have one, at which point it earns its keep on every project that touches an outlet box, a recessed light, or a register cutout. This kit includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger and runs on the same 18V platform as the rest of RIDGIDβs lineup. At 62 percent off, it is hard to think of a better way to spend $79 if you spend any time working on walls and ceilings.
RIDGID 18V Brushless 4-Mode 1/2 in. High-Torque Impact Wrench Kit with 4.0Ah Battery and Charger $209.00 (was $329.00)
The 4-mode high-torque impact wrench is a workhorse that handles lug nuts, suspension bolts, deck screws, and rusted-on fasteners that defeat lesser tools. RIDGIDβs brushless version has four selectable modes for dialing in torque without snapping smaller hardware, and this kit ships with a 4.0Ah battery and a charger so you can start working immediately.
Specialized has long understood that a commuter bike shouldnβt feel like a compromise. A good experience should turn a dreary slog into the best slice of your day, which is why the Turbo Vado has been highlighted in PopSci electric commuter bike coverage: itβs an ebike that means less grind, more glide. The new Turbo Vado 3 EVO takes that city bike and upgrades it for when the road gets patchy, the errand list gets ambitious, and you might want to blow off some post-work steam with a dirt detour
Specialized has long understood that a commuter bike shouldnβt feel like a compromise. A good experience should turn a dreary slog into the best slice of your day, which is why the Turbo Vado has been highlighted in PopSci electric commuter bike coverage: itβs an ebike that means less grind, more glide. The new Turbo Vado 3 EVO takes that city bike and upgrades it for when the road gets patchy, the errand list gets ambitious, and you might want to blow off some post-work steam with a dirt detour. Just add safety accessories.
The core upgrade is that the Vado 3 EVO gets the full-power Specialized 3.1 motor system from the Turbo Levo eMTB: 810 watts of peak power, 105 Nm of torque, and an 840 Wh battery. That means the foundational experience doesnβt change by trim. Specialized claims 0 to 25 kph in three seconds, but the more useful translation is cleaner launches at lights, less strain on loaded climbs, and βSuperNaturalβ assist that feels pressed into your pedaling instead of dropped on top of it. The motor has also been tuned for quieter, smoother operation (which can be tweaked via app), and the vibration-conscious construction should feel more hushed than hectic.
The EVO-specific IP67 chassis, informed by Body Geometry and Ride Dynamics experts to reduce body pressure and increase rider confidence, is what gives the bike its wider comfort zone. A 120 mm suspension fork, 27.5-inch wheels front and rear, and 2.6-inch all-terrain tires offer a planted stance that should take the sting out of cratered streets, rough shoulders, and gravel shortcuts. [A base 4.0 model with Shimano CUES 9-Speed drivetrain plus Shimano BR-MT200 180mm hydraulic disc brakes weighs 63 lbs.] At the 5.0/6.0 trim levels, a lowerable seatpost with 40 mm of built-in suspension at the touch of a button makes for easier feet-flat stops in traffic, then a quick return to a more efficient pedaling height once youβre rolling. Add a MIK-HD-compatible rated for 27 kg rear rack with integrated brake light, optional 10 kg front rack capacity, child-seat approval, trailer compatibility, and multiple mounting points, and the Vado 3 EVO starts to look less like a commuter bike and more like a full-power platform for Mondayβs laptop-and-lunch crawl to a Saturday farmerβs market haul, with a school dropoff and/or long ramble in between.
Specialized says the 840 Wh battery is good for up to five hours of ride-anywhere range, and the optional 280 Wh Range Extender pushes total capacity to 1,120 Wh. Charging also sounds unusually painless: the standard 5-amp charger gets the bike full in less than four hours, while the optional Smart Charger can take it from 0 to 80 percent in under an hour. Thatβs less βovernight recovery,β more βcoffee stop with benefits.β
The trim story is refreshingly straightforward. The ride quality, motor output, and battery range stay the same across the line, so the lowest trim still gets the full-fat Vado 3 EVO experience. Move up the ladder to the 5.0 build and you add Shimano 11-Speed RAPIDFIRE PLUS drivetrain, TEKTRO HD-T5040 4-Piston Caliper brakes, plus more of a premium convenience layer: the integrated 2.2-inch touchscreen MasterMind display, low- and high-beam lighting, a manual wheel lock system, optional Quad Lock phone mounting with wireless charging, and Apple Find My. On the 6.0 model, Specialized makes all that stock and piles on even more goodies with a digital lock system, upgraded Rock Shox Psylo suspension fork, SRAM Eagle AXS wireless shifting, a front rack, Garmin radar, custom SRAM DB DB6 brakes, and a more polished metallic finish. [In total, those additions bring the 6.0βs weight up to 68 lbs.]
In addition, there is a Turbo Vado 3 X [shown below], which adds 120mm rear suspension to the equation, making it more capable of transitioning from urban to off-road when the mood strikes.
Specialized
With the Vado 3 family, commuting is more purr, less grrrr, and just the beginning of this bikeβs daily-life integration.
In 2016, Sony introduced the MDR-1000X, establishing a legacy of active noise-canceling headphones that have accompanied commuters, frequent flyers, and remote workers for a decade. To celebrate 10 years of blissfully isolating iterations, Sony has introduced the 1000X The ColleXion [X = 10, you see]. Building on the premium ANC platform of 2025βs WH-1000XM6, this anniversary edition elevates the design language and digital signal processing into a luxury victory lap.
In 2016, Sony introduced the MDR-1000X, establishing a legacy of active noise-canceling headphones that have accompanied commuters, frequent flyers, and remote workers for a decade. To celebrate 10 years of blissfully isolating iterations, Sony has introduced the 1000X The ColleXion [X = 10, you see]. Building on the premium ANC platform of 2025βs WH-1000XM6, this anniversary edition elevates the design language and digital signal processing into a luxury victory lap.
At $649, The ColleXion is almost $200 more than its functionality-focused sibling. What you get for that additional outlay is a mix of βemotional valueβ materials and refined acoustic architecture. Plastic is replaced by stainless steel for the arms, buttons, and other accents, while a custom vegan leather is integrated across the enclosure, replaceable earpads, and expanded head cushion for a seamless appearance and increased comfort. Adding to the sense of elegance and ease, the inner housing has been enlarged, while the overall profile has been slimmed by more than 5mm.
To ensure the sonic output doesnβt suffer from reduced displacement, the ColleXion features a newly developed 30mm soft-edge unidirectional carbon driver. Compared to a carbon fiber weave, this material has increased rigidity, allowing reduced distortion even under pressure, as well as enhanced high-frequency reproduction. Further improving the signal/noise ratio is circuitry with 1.5x the copper foil to reduce resistance. On the software side, a new Integrated Processor V3 enables The ColleXion to be the first headphones with DSEE ULTIMATE upscaling/Edge-AI sound enhancement, as well as three selectable 360 Reality Audio spatial upmix modes (Cinema, Music, Game). All this has been tuned in collaboration with GRAMMY-winning mastering engineers.
All of this comes in a magnetically secured, clutch-like carrying case with an integrated handle [shown below].
What remains the same is the QN3 processor, plus 12 strategically placed AI beam-forming microphones for optimized noise cancellation and call clarity. Some passive isolation has been traded for pressure relief, so the WH-1000XM6 will still offer the highest level of ANC, but the ColleXion shouldnβt lag far behind. And weβll know for sure and share our thoughts once we spend some time with a pair in the near future.
Plan to stick with the WH-1000XM6, but in the mood for a new colorway? Sandstone, shown below, joins Platinum Silver, Black, Sand Pink, and Midnight Blue. Still the same top-tier noise cancellation and customizable sound. Still $459.
I love hiking, but most of my body does not. I have POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which sends my heart rate into the 150s during moderate exertion, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which means my joints sit looser than the average hikerβs. My muscles also fatigue earlier, which means the trek back to the car typically feels particularly taxing. These conditions make the Hypershell X Ultra S exoskeleton appealing to me. It weighs less than 5 pounds and adds AI-driven assistance to
I love hiking, but most of my body does not. I have POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which sends my heart rate into the 150s during moderate exertion, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which means my joints sit looser than the average hikerβs. My muscles also fatigue earlier, which means the trek back to the car typically feels particularly taxing. These conditions make the Hypershell X Ultra S exoskeleton appealing to me. It weighs less than 5 pounds and adds AI-driven assistance to every step during hiking or even everyday ambulation. Hypershell hosted a group of journalists at the Grand Canyon to experience the assistive device and determine just how much it can help all bodies, including one like mine. [Disclosure: Hypershell provided travel accommodations during the creation of this story.]
The Hypershell X Ultra S is a $1,999 hip-mounted exoskeleton with motors at both hips, designed to assist your stride during walking and hiking. It weighs 4.7 pounds, thanks in large part to its construction from titanium alloy and carbon fiber [there are also less expensive, less powerful carbon fiber + aluminum versions for $1,499 and $999]. The hardware is paired with what Hypershell calls a HyperIntuition AI motion-control system that can handle a wide variety of terrain, rather than just pulling on your legs to move things along. The company lists 12 terrain modes the system adapts to in real time, including stairs up, stairs down, uphill, downhill, gravel, snow, and dunes. The M-One Ultra motor is rated for 1,000 watts, and a single charge is rated for 30 kilometers, which Hypershell says is enough to cover the famous Bright Angel Trail without a swap. Mine held a full day of testing on one charge with juice left over for normal movement.
A companion app provides access to the controls. There are four modes to choose from before selecting a terrain: eco (assistance with an adjustable strength slider), hyper (more assistance, same slider), transparent (motors disengaged), and fitness (resistance instead of assist). There are physical buttons on the unit, too, but the press sequences for switching modes never became muscle memory for me. The app was always faster, but itβs nice to have a tactile control in case your device is buried in your bag, or youβre wearing gloves.
How it fit
The three-zone lumbar pad sits in a soft pack against my lower back, and over a full day on the trail, I never had a chafe complaint. The hip piece is designed to ride above the belly button, and EDS comes with gut issues that change my shape throughout the day, so the belt slipped down past my navel as the day went on. My middle is not the same shape at 9 a.m. as it is at 4 p.m. Hypershell sells optional shoulder straps for narrower waists and hips, and on my build, I would consider them required. The system adjusts at the hip and the knee, so the fit range itself is wide, but the geometry of where the belt sits is fixed.
On the trail
Parkour! Hypershell
The closest sensation I can compare the assistance to is high knees during a warm-up at the gym. The motors donβt push your legs forward; they take some of the lifting work off the front of your stride. You feel it most when you start moving, less as you settle in, and within a few minutes, I stopped registering it as a sensation and started registering it as energy I still had at the end of the hike.
You feel the AI adjusting to your pace and gait as the terrain changes under you, and the adjustments are small enough that they never rush my stride or lag behind it. The system also tries to keep your gait in alignment. If I turned a hip out or in, the motors pulled me back toward center in a way I could feel. As someone whose joints dislocate easily, I watched for any sense of the device causing or preventing a dislocation and felt neither. It doesnβt assist with balance, and itβs not meant to.
Downhill is where Iβm slowest to trust new gear. Iβm hesitant on descents in regular hiking shoes, and adding an assist mechanism to a hesitant hiker felt like a steeper learning curve. I worked through it. The Hypershell didnβt pull me down the trail or accelerate my stride in a way I couldnβt override, and I came to trust it on descents in eco mode. Itβs a unique sensation, and you get more accustomed to it over time.
Fitness mode was the surprise. It requires increased effort, similar to walking with a resistance band around your legs. The resistance shows up on lunges and on flat walking; it doesnβt engage on squats. For me, the practical effect was proprioception. Hypermobility means I donβt always know where my limbs are in space, and the resistance gave me a constant low-level feedback signal about what my legs were doing. Iβm planning to try fitness mode in the gym for the same reason, to see if it can help my body get the feedback it usually lacks during training.
Same hill, three modes
I climbed the same hill in the Grand Canyon three times, switching modes between climbs. In transparent (no assistance), my heart rate ran from 102 beats per minute at the bottom to 158 at the top. In eco, the same hill peaked at 126. In hyper, the highest assist setting, my peak was 118.
The flat-terrain numbers told the same story. Walking at roughly a 2-mile-per-hour pace, my heart rate in transparent mode averaged 128 beats per minute, which is normal POTS territory for me. In eco or hyper, my average dropped to 96 at the same pace. Iβm essentially never in double digits in motion. The Hypershell put me there. My conditions made those differences easy to measure. They didnβt create them.
The other measurements I can speak to are softer. My lower extremity functional scale rates me at mild to moderate limitations, and I usually take frequent rest breaks because my muscles tire quickly. I didnβt develop knee pain during testing. I stepped up using either leg with confidence rather than defaulting to the leg I usually favor. My posterior chain felt more engaged. My legs were less fatigued during and after the hike.
The verdict
The Hypershell X Ultra S changes the cardiac and metabolic cost of walking and climbing in ways I could measure on myself, and, while my specific conditions play a role in determining its efficacy, it has the potential to help pretty much anyone who wants some ambulatory assistance. As an adaptive athlete who packs in to a campsite and then loses the next day to soreness, this changes the math on what I can take on. Hike in with assistance, save the legs for the way out. If your hiking problem is more conventional, that you stop on long climbs because your legs are done before you are, the same assist principle should help.
I didnβt test the Hypershell running or making quick directional pivots; my dislocation risk kept me deliberately out of those movements, and the companyβs claims about transition response donβt tell me what would happen to my joints if I planted hard and turned. But during normal conditions, it helps and lets people get out and go hiking more easily. Thatβs a win for everyone.
Itβs a healthy sign when consumers have the ear of a company that wants their ears. Marshall heard from the market that there was a desire for ultra-portable on-ear headphones with active noise cancellation, and the end product is the new Milton A.N.C. It brings familiar design language and flagship flourishes into what has typically been a less feature-packed form factor. Until now.
Marshall
Itβs a healthy sign when consumers have the ear of a company that wants their ears. Marshall heard from the market that there was a desire for ultra-portable on-ear headphones with active noise cancellation, and the end product is the new Milton A.N.C. It brings familiar design language and flagship flourishes into what has typically been a less feature-packed form factor. Until now.
At $229.99, the Milton A.N.C. is positioned between the Major V and Monitor III A.N.C. [literally in one of the pictures below]. It adopts the textured surface, brass logo, multidirectional control knob, and customizable M-Button of the Monitor III A.N.C. (for toggling ANC/Transparency mode, cycling EQ settings, or going directly to a Spotify playlist, etc.). But it does it in a foldable form factor similar in size to the Major V. Thatβs where the similarities to the Major V end, however. The build and built-in tech have far more in common with the bigger brother.
Larger, detachable, replaceable earpads with softer memory foam improve comfort and passive noise attenuation. Combined with six optimally placed microphones and a next-generation adaptive algorithm that adjusts noise cancellation in real-time, the Milton A.N.C. blocks out noisy environments so you can make the most of the new custom-tuned Hi-Res Audio-certified driver system. That certification means it can deliver a frequency range of 20Hz β 40kHz and handle sources up to 24-bit/96 kHz. To do this, Milton A.N.C. features audio over USB-C alongside Bluetooth 6.0 with LE-Audio plus support for SBC, AAC, and LC3, as well as advanced-resolution LDAC with a compatible source. Adaptive Loudness ensures the Marshall sound signature comes through clearly when ambient intrusions increase, and proprietary spatialization processing, based on the βTrue Stereophonicβ spatial sound of Marshallβs Bluetooth speakers, widens the soundstage.
Completing the package is a replaceable battery capable of 80 hours of wireless playtime without ANC and 50+ hours with ANC. Weβll share more thoughts on listening and longevity once weβve had time with a pair.
In the market for something less portable but more colorful? Marshall has also released a purple crushed-velvet ACTON III Marshall X Hendrix 60th Anniversary Edition [$299,99, below left], as well as a matching, far more indulgent halfstack redesign of the 1959 HW and 1960AHW Cab guitar amp accompanied by a custom Jim Dunlop Fuzz Face pedal [$4,999, below right].
Ooniβs Memorial Day sale is the last sitewide cut before late summer, with every current-generation oven 20 percent off and a few legacy models cut deeper. The cheapest current-gen Koda 2 drops to $399.20 (was $499), the 1st-generation Karu 12 hits $249 (was $349) as the cheapest path into real wood-fired pizza Ooni currently sells, and the bundle pages stack that 20 percent on top of accessory packs that were already discounted. The Karu 2 Pro is the multi-fuel pick in PopSciβs best pizza ovens
Ooniβs Memorial Day sale is the last sitewide cut before late summer, with every current-generation oven 20 percent off and a few legacy models cut deeper. The cheapest current-gen Koda 2 drops to $399.20 (was $499), the 1st-generation Karu 12 hits $249 (was $349) as the cheapest path into real wood-fired pizza Ooni currently sells, and the bundle pages stack that 20 percent on top of accessory packs that were already discounted. The Karu 2 Pro is the multi-fuel pick in PopSciβs best pizza ovens guide, and Memorial Day weekend is the cutoff, so the next few days are it.
The Koda 2 is Ooniβs cheapest current-generation gas oven and the one most first-time buyers should land on, with a 14-inch deck that fits a true 12-inch pie and dual-zone burners that let you drop the back flame so crusts donβt char. At $399.20 itβs $99.80 off, which is the same dollar cut Ooni has run at past sales, and the under-$400 price keeps it firmly in starter-oven territory without dropping back to the 1st-generation hardware. If you want a current Ooni and have never owned a pizza oven before, this is the default.
The 1st-generation Karu 12 is the deepest cut in the entire Ooni sale at 29 percent off, and at $249 itβs the cheapest path into real wood-fired pizza Ooni currently sells. It cooks the same Neapolitan-style pies as the 2nd-generation Karu 2 in roughly the same time, just without the redesigned chimney and viewing window. For anyone who wants to try wood-fired before committing to the current-gen platform, or who simply wants a backup oven that runs on charcoal when the propane tank goes empty mid-cookout, this is the price to act on.
The Koda 2 Essentials Bundle wraps the same 14-inch Koda 2 above with the peel, turning peel, brush, infrared thermometer, and gloves, which together would cost $245 outside the sale. The bundle saves $122.80 versus buying the oven and accessories separately, and at $491.20 itβs the cleanest βeverything you need to launch a pizza this weekendβ pick in the sale. Itβs worth the upgrade over the bare oven if you donβt already have a peel and donβt want to spend Memorial Day weekend chasing accessories at full price.
Ooni Pizza Oven Deals
Every current-generation oven is 20 percent off, with the three legacy 1st-generation models cut deeper. The Karu 12 lands the deepest at 29 percent off, and the 1st-generation Koda 16 at $499 is the cheapest 16-inch gas oven Ooni still sells.
Bundles are where the biggest dollar savings hide, since the 20 percent sitewide cut layers on top of accessory packs that already discount their contents. The Koda 2 Max Outdoor Kitchen Bundle is $383.80 off (the largest dollar cut in the sale), the Koda 2 Max Essentials Bundle is $288.80 off, and the Karu 2 Pro Ultimate Bundle is $265.80 off, all bigger cuts than any standalone oven. The Volt 2 indoor electric oven only shows up via these bundles in the sale, since it isnβt discounted on its own.
Every peel, cutter, and serving tool is 20 percent off. Ooniβs perforated peels are the ones to grab if youβve been launching pies off a solid peel and watching them stick, since the slots let semolina fall through instead of riding the pie into the oven and burning. Smaller bundles like the Pizza Peel Bundle and the Brush and Turning Peel Bundle stack additional savings if you need more than one tool.
Cast iron is what turns an Ooni from a single-purpose pizza oven into something you can roast, sear, and bake in. The Dual-Sided Grizzler Plate at $64 is the most versatile single pan (grill marks on one side, smooth searing surface on the other), and the Roasting Pan opens up the Koda 2 Max for whole chickens and trays of vegetables at 900 degrees.
Dough boxes, scales, and topping stations all see 20 percent off, with Ooniβs frozen Dough Balls 24-pack down to $79.20 if youβd rather skip kneading entirely. The Pizza Topping Station at $120 is the kit that makes assembly-line pies for a backyard party feel like running a real pizzeria instead of crowding a kitchen counter.
Gas burners, conversion kits, and replacement baking stones are all 20 percent off, which matters if you already own a Karu and want to add the gas option, or if your existing stone has finally cracked. The $112 Karu 2 Pro gas burner is the cheapest way to convert a wood/charcoal Karu 2 Pro into a weeknight gas oven without rebuying the platform.
Modular tables, oven covers, and Ooniβs Connect Digital Temperature Hub are all 20 percent off. The Modular Table at $260 is the cheapest way to get a Koda or Karu off the patio table and onto a permanent setup, and the infrared thermometer at $52 is the single most useful $50 you can spend on pizza, since stone temperature determines whether your crust leopards or burns.
All three Ooni-branded cookbooks are 20 percent off, with Pizza Czar by Anthony Falco at $28 being the one to buy if you want recipes from a real consultant whoβs helped open pizzerias from Brooklyn to Bangkok rather than just Ooniβs house style.
My AP English teacher in 12th grade said I had writing that βlooked like something youβd find in a serial killerβs notebook.β She wasnβt wrong, but Iβve always liked writing things by hand. Iβve used reMarkableβs paper-emulating tablets in the past, but I was never so committed to my chicken scratch that I could justify the price. Now, the company has introduced its most affordable model. The Paper Pure is the cheaper sibling to reMarkableβs flagship Paper Pro, and it gets there by stripping out
My AP English teacher in 12th grade said I had writing that βlooked like something youβd find in a serial killerβs notebook.β She wasnβt wrong, but Iβve always liked writing things by hand. Iβve used reMarkableβs paper-emulating tablets in the past, but I was never so committed to my chicken scratch that I could justify the price. Now, the company has introduced its most affordable model. The Paper Pure is the cheaper sibling to reMarkableβs flagship Paper Pro, and it gets there by stripping out the features that paper, the actual material, also doesnβt have. You wonβt find color e-ink and thereβs no built-in illumination. You will, however, get a paper-like writing experience with the included Marker, and the device has nestled easily into my everyday workflow.
The reMarkable Paper Pure is technically a tablet due to its form factor, but donβt expect anything in the neighborhood of an iPad replacement. This is a digital notebook thatβs designed to act like a connected version of a real paper notebook. The high-contrast e-ink screen is responsive and covered with a texture that makes writing feel like a pen skating across paper. It doesnβt browse the web or play back streaming content, and there are no messages here to get lost in. Itβs meant for writing, note taking, and even doodling.
Rather than using Android or some other third-party operating system, the reMarkable device relies on a proprietary system and syncs notes and other documents to its own cloud. Itβs meant to act as a piece of a workflow rather than replacing a big chunk of it.
The Paper Pure ships in early June at a starting price of $399. The bundle costs $449 and adds a Sleeve Folio case along with the Marker Plus, which has a textured grip and a built-in eraser. Both ship with a 50-day free trial of reMarkableβs Connect subscription, which runs $3.99 a month or $39 a year after that and unlocks handwriting search, AI handwriting-to-text conversion, unlimited cloud storage, calendar-linked meeting notes, and integrations like Send to Slack and Send to Miro.
Out of the box
Replace an analog notebook. Stan Horaczek
The Paper Pure measures 6 mm thick and weighs 0.79 pounds, which makes it both smaller and lighter than the typical paper notebook I like to carry. The chassis has grooved sides that reMarkable says are inspired by a stack of paper. The device has the proportions of a thin steno pad, but itβs rigid and feels sturdy when youβre holding it. reMarkable builds it with screws and snaps instead of glue, which is the kind of decision that translates to a five-year lifespan instead of a two-year one. It uses 38% recycled materials, including all of the lithium and cobalt in the battery and most of the magnesium in the central frame, and the company says its 28.7 kg CO2e carbon footprint is 45% lower than the reMarkable 2βs. It doesnβt feel fragile, but Iβm glad to have the Sleeve Folio to protect it while itβs in my bag.
The actual writing experience is fantastic. It uses the same advanced textured surface reMarkable puts on the Paper Pro, sitting on top of a third-generation black-and-white Canvas display that the company says is its crispest and whitest yet. There is a slight resistance that feels more satisfying than a stylus on a typical glass screen. I showed it to a handful of people who have never heard of the device and most of them were blown away by the feel and responsiveness.
There wonβt be light
The Folio case is essential if youβre going to carry it around. Stan Horaczek
While the hardware is slick, it doesnβt have any light built in. The company is clear that it wants to provide an authentic notebook writing experience, which means no light emission. On one hand, itβs successful in emulating a paper notebook. On the other hand, there were a few times when I would have used a front light like the one found on the Pro model. The Paper Pureβs screen is beautiful and fights glare with aplomb. The texture on the screen renders specular highlights (bright points of light on glossy screens created by light bouncing directly back at the viewerβs eye) into a gentle glow. A simple book light works if you want to occasionally write in the dark, but if youβre planning to spend a ton of time in dimly lit areas, itβs worth spending the extra cash to go upmarket in the line.
Writing on it
Despite the lack of illumination, reMarkable provides the best overall digital notebook experience and thatβs still true with the Paper Pure. The digital ink appears under the pen tip in 21 milliseconds (according to the product specs, I donβt have an ink-appearing-timer-measuring-device). Thatβs faster than the blink of an eye, and the result mimics real writing. The line weight tracks pressure cleanly across the Markerβs range, so a quick checkbox feels different from an underline. I have been using this testing process as an opportunity to give bullet journaling another shot and itβs even better than a physical journal.
While e-ink is notorious for its slow refreshes, the new Paper Pure transitions quickly. You still get the familiar e-ink flash across the screen, but just about every function and navigation element is snappier than it was in the previous model. You likely wonβt notice an upgrade if youβre already on a reMarkable 2, but youβre getting up-market performance in the most budget-friendly model.
The OS gets out of the way. Notebooks, folders, tags, and a search function for handwritten notes (one of the features reMarkable gates behind the Connect subscription) handle most of the interactions. The toolbar collapses to a thin strip while you write so the page stays clean. Sync to the reMarkable mobile and desktop apps happens in the background and was reliable during my time with the device. Imports come in from Microsoft Word, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive, and a Connect feature called Convert to Notebook turns those documents into native notes you can mark up.
It took me a few days to figure out what templates and processes I like best. Notebooks are a weirdly personal thing and your preferences may be totally different than mine. Once you get in the habit, itβs easy to get reliant on it.
Performance
Replace an analog notebook. Stan Horaczek
The Paper Pure feels faster than a writing tablet has any right to feel. Page turns in a PDF land quickly. Opening a notebook from the home screen is close to instant, and waking from sleep doesnβt have the e-ink lag I associate with cheaper Kindles or older Boox units. I spent some time working through a tedious (in a good way) vintage camera manual that I was able to import as a PDF.
Unlike the Paper Pro, you wonβt find connectors to attach this device to a keyboard. You do some on-screen typing when you set up the device, but this is meant for handwriting. You have to be committed to treating it like a notebook for it to fit your specific style.
Battery life over my testing window is still unclear as I havenβt depleted it all the way yet. I have been using it heavier than typical as I was putting it through its paces and it seems like even a week of strenuous use isnβt enough to drain the battery. reMarkable claims up to three weeks on an hour of daily note-taking, which I can see happening in the real world. The device charges over USB-C from a standard brick. The USB-C port is all the way to the left on the bottom of the device.
Who itβs for
The Marker provides a very satisfying writing experience. Stan Horaczek
The market for devices that eschew distractions has been swelling in recent years. This is a natural progression for people who have to exist in the digital world (and appreciate some of the conveniences), but want to avoid the constant barrage of notifications and the lure of bright, noisy apps. The Paper Pure is a notebook replacement through and through.
There is no browser, no third-party app store, and the most useful software features sit behind a Connect subscription. If you want to read books in bed without an external lamp, get a dedicated e-reader. A full-fledged tablet is the answer if you want apps. And if you want the same hardware with a front light and color, look at the Paper Pro instead. The Paper Pure is what is left after you remove all of those options on purpose for a purist experience. Itβs an enjoyable experience for the right person.
The verdict
Buy it if you already know who you are. The Paper Pure is the cleanest writing experience I have had on an e-ink tablet. The hardware is well-built and the software stays out of the way. The missing front light is the one thing I felt most days, and it is the reason the more expensive Paper Pro still has an argument. But the Paper Pure is cheaper, lighter to think about, and aimed at the buyer who wants the focus a paper notebook gives them with a search function attached.
Every dad is different. Some of them are weird (like me) and some of them are weirdly normal. Either way, finding the best Fatherβs Day gift can be a challenge. Thatβs why weβre here. We spend all day reviewing and recommending products, so we have fantastic alternatives to the typical ties and beef jerky fare. So, regardless of what your pops is into, thereβs something on this list for them. And hey, chuck a crayon drawing in there instead of a card. A little sappy nostalgia never hurts on Fath
Every dad is different. Some of them are weird (like me) and some of them are weirdly normal. Either way, finding the best Fatherβs Day gift can be a challenge. Thatβs why weβre here. We spend all day reviewing and recommending products, so we have fantastic alternatives to the typical ties and beef jerky fare. So, regardless of what your pops is into, thereβs something on this list for them. And hey, chuck a crayon drawing in there instead of a card. A little sappy nostalgia never hurts on Fatherβs Day.
Best tabletop campsite lantern: GigaPower Tabletop Lantern
The Snow Peak Tabletop LED Lantern is a $100 dimmable camp light that produces a warm even glow rather than the white blast of most camp lanterns. Snow Peak is the Japanese outdoor brand that designs camp gear like high-end furniture: matte aluminum body, frosted diffuser, tactile aluminum knobs. It runs on Snow Peakβs proprietary battery or USB. It looks at home on a campsite picnic table or on a nightstand in your bedroom, which is the design language Snow Peak has made its signature.
Best illustrated reference book: Hungry Minds The Book
The Hungry Minds Book is a hand-illustrated encyclopedia of mechanisms, biology, optics, and social systems, 400 pages from a small Florida-based studio. Every illustration starts as a pencil sketch and finishes in lithographic ink. The cover is silver-embossed and the binding is sewn. Chapters cover anatomy, bicycles, animation, festivals, and sushi, which sounds scattered until you spend twenty minutes inside one. A five-pound coffee-table object that rewards being opened. Popular Science readers can get the premium gift box for free by clicking βsee itβ above. The first 20 customers can get 20% off with LEARNLIKEDAD20.
The Vuarnet Racing 05 sunglasses come equipped with mineral glass lenses instead of polycarbonate, which makes them slightly heavier but offers a visibly sharper image with optical clarity polycarbonate doesnβt match. The acetate frame is hand-finished in Italy. The Racing 05 is the investment pair that replaces three rounds of $100 sunglasses and tends to outlast the cars it rides along in.
The NorrΓΈna Falketind dri1 is a $399 lightweight rain shell built around dri1, NorrΓΈnaβs own waterproof-breathable membrane. The cut is alpine, seams are minimized to reduce failure points, and the jacket packs into its own hood pocket. Skimp on a jacket in this category and it will start to flake and disintegrate a year or two in. You wonβt have that problem here. With proper care, this will last for years, even under heavy use.
Best limited-edition notebook: Moleskine NASA-Inspired Edition
The Moleskine NASA-Inspired Notebook is a $37 limited edition with Apollo-era graphic design on the cover and a sealed envelope at the back containing a small commemorative print. Inside, itβs the classic Moleskine ruled paper that has barely changed in decades because users love it so much. The whole package feels like a nice gift and itβll actually come in handy for everyday use.
Best digital writing tablet: reMarkable Paper Pure
The reMarkable Paper Pure is a $399 e-ink writing tablet that drops the front light and color display of the Paper Pro to bring the price down by $180, per our full review. The textured screen and 21-millisecond pen-to-ink latency match the Proβs, so the writing feel doesnβt compromise. The chassis is built with screws and snaps for repairability, weighs 0.79 pounds, and the battery runs three weeks on an hour of daily note-taking.
If your pop loves his pooch, get him a leash worthy of his best friend. The reflective mesh leash is super durable, so even large dogs can pull on it without worry. The wrist loop closes with a simple magnetic Fidlock clip, so itβs easy to get on and off, but only when you want to. The auto-locking Talon Clip provides a super-sturdy point of contact with a leash or a harness, so the whole package is secure (and handsome) from end to end.
Best chore coat: Carhartt Crafted Series Drill Painter Chore Coat
Carhartt Crafted Series Drill Painter Chore Coat $150
Carhartt jackets look better once theyβre broken in and thatβs especially true here. Made from 9-ounce 100% cotton drill, this jacket is designed to break in and patina the way Carharttβs original painter coats did a century ago. The rest of the feature sheet includes Two-piece sleeves for mobility, metal button front, snap cuffs, an interior chest pocket, and exterior pockets sized for brushes and carpenter pencils. The Crafted Series is Carharttβs elevated line with cleaner cuts over the same construction. Youβll want to steal it once your dad has worked in it for a while.
This is four light sources in one body: a 1,700-lumen flood, an 800-lumen spot, a 365-nanometer UV mode for inspection work, and a green laser pointer. It charges magnetically or over USB-C, and the flat aluminum body is comfortable in a pocket in a way most cylindrical flashlights are not. This is a gift heβll carry around with him every single day.
DECKED is best known for engineered truck-bed drawer systems, but the Payloader is a stackable garage storage bin engineered to bring tough storage into the house. Sizes run 32 to 133 liters, lids hold up to 200 pounds static, and the bins lock into a Stable Stack formation so a tower of three doesnβt slide off itself. Lifetime warranty. Iβve been testing these in my house for a few weeks and Iβve already dropped them several times with no breakage.
Best cutting board: STEELPORT SteelCore Cutting Board
This edge-grain Oregon big-leaf maple board has a steel matrix embedded inside it, which keeps the board flat against the dimensional movement that warps and splits ordinary wooden boards over time. STEELPORT hand-finishes them in Portland. The Oregon Maple variant has a recycled paper-composite reverse with a juice groove for raw proteins. At 0.75 inches thick, STEELPORT claims itβs the thinnest end-grain board on the market. Plus, it looks nice enough to keep on the counter all the time without having to stash it away in a cabinet.
A 1.5-inch AMOLED screen peaks at 2,000 nits of brightness, so this adventure-ready watch is visible in just about any conditions. Dual-frequency GNSS provides accurate location data even if youβre battling a canyon or tree-cover. Free downloadable offline maps and a 65-hour run time per charge (with GPS turned on) make this a wearable that you can rely on during off-grid adventures.
Best high-resolution camera: Sony Alpha 7R VI
Alpha 7R VI: Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera $4,499.99
Yes, this is an expensive camera, but consider this a passive aggressive attempt on my part to get my kids to buy me one. The A7R VI is built around a 66.8-megapixel fully-stacked Exmor RS sensor and shoots blackout-free continuous bursts at 30 frames per second. That means photographers donβt have to choose between high-res images and high-speed shooting. Dynamic range hits 16 stops. In-body stabilization claims up to 8.5 stops under ideal circumstances. Real-time Recognition AF+ uses skeletal pose estimation to predict where a moving subjectβs face will be next. This is a beast of a camera thatβs worthy of pro work.
Not every dad is great at building a fire with wood, and thatβs OK. The Infinity relies on a propane tank you swap when it runs dry. Twin burners put out up to 72,000 BTUs combined, the unit runs five and a half hours on a 20-pound tank at maximum output, and the dual-burner geometry recreates the swirl pattern of a real wood fire. You get all the ambiance and warmth without the kindling, false starts, and ash cleanup.
Despite its small size, this box delivers 1,000 amps of starting power, enough for any gas engine up to six liters or any diesel up to three. It weighs 2.4 pounds and works as a portable USB power bank. The built-in 100-lumen LED offers seven modes of illumination depending on your needs. All those featured are wrapped in an IP65-rated case to protect against dust and water. It may really get your dad (or you) out of a jam down the line.
The KEEN Utility Targhee Blur is a $210 lightweight work boot, the work-boot version of KEENβs long-running Targhee hiker. KEENβs ReGEN+ midsole returns 60 percent of energy per step, the carbon-fiber composite safety toe is 15 percent lighter than steel and meets ASTM F3445 and F2413. Inside, the KEEN.DRY membrane keeps water out without trapping moisture in. The Targhee Blur is available in mid or low collar heights, both with reflective webbing for low-light visibility. Plus, they look a lot cooler than your dadβs old boots.
Best cooling underwear: Duluth Trading Armachillo Cooling Boxer Briefs 3-Pack
Many dads arenβt willing to splurge on underwear, so you have to do it for them. Jade-infused cooling fabric make these boxer briefs some of the most comfortable weβve ever worn at work or the gym. Microscopic jade particles embedded in the nylon-spandex knit are dense enough to draw heat away from the skin, which makes the fabric measurably cool to the touch and not just moisture-wicking. The Armachillo briefs solve an actual hot-summer problem in a way most $25-a-pair boxer briefs cannot.
Best electric shaver: Philips Norelco i9000
Philips Norelco i9000 Wet & Dry Shaver with SenseIQ $229.96
Disposable razors are over. This rechargeable shaver has a SenseIQ sensor inside that reads beard density 500 times per second and modulates cutting power on the fly. The Triple Lift & Cut head pulls flat-lying hairs upright before cutting them, which is the difference between a clean shave and a close-but-not-quite one. The motor and battery carry a five-year warranty. Self-sharpening blades last two years between replacements.
Best gaming headset: Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II Wireless Gaming Headset $349.99
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II runs 60-millimeter Eclipse dual drivers, Japan Audio Society-certified 24-bit/96kHz hi-res wireless over a 2.4GHz USB transmitter, Dolby Atmos spatial audio, and adjustable active noise cancellation. Does that sound nerdy? Yes, but itβs also awesome and if your dad is a true gamer, heβll appreciate all of it. Dual swappable 40-hour batteries mean zero downtime between charges. CrossPlay 2.0 handles up to four USB transmitters, so the Stealth Pro II moves between PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Bluetooth without rewiring.
Best washable wool rug: Revival Rugs Mori
Revival Rugs Mori Washable Wool Rug (6' x 9', Guava) $799
Dad needs a rug to tie the room together. The Revival Rugs Mori is a $799 hand-knotted wool rug (in the 6β² Γ 9β² size) built around a washable construction most wool rugs canβt claim. Revival works with artisan partners on washable yarns and weave geometry that survive a wash cycle without the dry-cleaning intervention traditional wool rugs require. Three colorways: Guava, Matcha, Sakura. The Mori is the rug pick for someone who appreciates the look of a hand-knotted wool rug without the maintenance overhead.
Best mechanical keyboard: CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless
You donβt have to know how magnets work to appreciate this high-end keyboard. Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) switches replace the typical sensors most premium gaming keyboards rely on. CHERRY claims 0.01-millimeter precision and lower power draw than Hall-effect equivalents. The 8,000Hz polling rate works in 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or wired modes. Hot-swappable sockets accept the brandβs magnetic switches or traditional mechanical switches, which is rare in the category. TKL layout, PBT keycaps, 300 hours of gaming on the 8,000mAh battery. Plus, it sounds awesome.
The Traeger Irontop 2-Burner is a $499 flat-top grill provides edge-to-edge heat across the cooktop as default rather than luxury. That means the burgers at the center of the surface cook at the same speed as those around the edge. The two-burner has 504 square inches of cooking surface. The four-burner steps up to 648 square inches at $599. Both ship with integrated wind guards, a P.A.L. accessory rail, side shelves, and a three-year warranty.
Ticks are the worst, but theyβre a way of life when you spend a lot of time outside. The Opinel No. 12 Explore is a $60 folding knife with a built-in tick remover, a notched slot on the handle that slides under an embedded tick and lifts the head out cleanly. If you donβt get the whole bug out, it could regenerate over time and increase your risk of disease. A Virobloc safety ring locks the blade and the handle is glass-filled polyamide.
Best commuter backpack: Chrome Industries Barrage 18L
Roll top bags can save your gadgets and everyday carry during bad weather. The welded main compartment is exceptionally resistant to the elements, which makes this a great pack for commuting or spending time outdoors. The Barrage has an exterior webbing cargo net for awkward loads and an internal 15-inch laptop sleeve. The floating tarp liner is made from recycled auto-glass and the main fabric is 1050D recycled nylon. PFAS-free. Best of all: it looks really cool.
The smallest cooler in Yetiβs lineup is sized for one person going out for the day rather than a family tailgate. It holds 12 cans or nine pounds of ice with the same Permafrost pressure-injected polyurethane insulation and ColdLock gasket as the big Tundra. The AnchorPoint tie-down slots are built to strap the cooler to a paddleboard, motorcycle saddle, ATV, or golf cart. To make it an even better gift, fill it up with cans of Arnold Palmer (or any other beverage he may like).
The Watershed Ocoee is a submersible dry bag from $167 in standard colors, sized to fit under a kayak deck or a boat seat. The ZipDry zipper is the same closure Watershed sells into the military waterproof-gear category, rated IP68 for full submersion rather than splash resistance. 10.5 liters of capacity, 1.5 pounds, plus rugged carry handles and hard lash points for tie-downs.
If your dad is the type whose tee shots occasionally need a search party, the Cobra OPTM X driver is 2026βs rescue club. Bringing βstay in playβ energy, this glossy black fairway finder has a carbon crown that looks sharp at address, plus a subtle βCβ that works as a clean, non-distracting alignment cue. It feels well-balanced, especially in 44.5β Tour Length for increased accuracy, and brings real forgiveness through the MOI (Moment of Inertia) and POI (Products of Inertia) design that helps reduce twisting and side spin when contact gets spicy. Plus, FutureFit33 fine-tuning allows Dad to dial it in and stop donating balls to the woods. The adjustability makes it especially great if you donβt know how the recipient plays. (And if youβre feeling really generous and Dadβs into 3-D printing, you can help with his putting, too.)
Best high-end low-profile turntable speaker: Andover-One SB
Andover-One SB Audiophile Powered Speaker Base $1,999
Vinyl dads can easily take over any space while building a shrine of glowing components. But they donβt have to redecorate an entire room with cascading chords to prove they care about sound. They just need an Andover-One SB and a well-maintained turntable. This powered speaker base proves component hi-fi can be high-end. Itβs clean in look and sound, packing a built-in phono preamp, 200 watts powering six speakers for a fleshy, full-range response, a Class A headphone amplifier, and multiple inputs into furniture-grade wood with a tempered-glass top. For the digital-friendly dad, add a reference streamer like the Bluesound Node ICON or use Bluetooth aptX HD. The multi-driver array, featuring four 3.5-inch ultralinear aluminum-diaphragm woofers and two Air Motion Transformer folded-ribbon tweeters, works with panoramic S/M/L audio modes to tune presentation no matter the placement. And Isogroove feedback elimination keeps the platter vibration-free, no matter how freely the volume knob turns.
Coffee nerds have so much in common with audiophiles. Both are obsessed with micro-calibrated gear and swapping components in and out in the pursuit of clarity. So if you know a dad as obsessed with puck preparation as he is running a carbon-fiber anti-static brush over every album, you know a dad who needs the Mazzer Philos premium light commercial single-dose grinder. Like a summit-fi digital audio converter, this $1,495 hand-assembled, heirloom-quality Italian appliance (available in black and silver) takes whatever beans itβs fed and extracts previously masked tasting notes with minimal morning commotion. A wide dial covers espresso to pour-over to batch brew coarseness, and the near-zero-retention vertical burr + chute knocker + Dose Finisher system lets you move between origins and brewing methods without yesterdayβs beans staging a comeback. Swappable 64mm flat burrs give him a chance to tune for vibrant light and full-bodied dark roasts, and the option to switch from stepped to stepless mode gives grind settings the same obsessive precision as establishing the perfect listening position.Β
Dad undoubtedly has a vibe. But what if he could have an aura?!? Thatβs what this collection from BrΓΌMate brings. That and all-day hydration. The Dark Aura collectionβs brushed metallic blue-purple gradient looks good on thirst-quenchers of every size, from the Strova 18oz with its flavor-preserving ceramic liner and leakproof BevLock lid to the Era Flip 40oz, a cup holder-friendly tumbler with its SoftSip straw and leakproof SlideSeal lid. Whether itβs hot coffee (ground with the Mazzer above, obviously) or a reservoir of some cold refreshing beverage, dad will feel stylish hydro-hauling in one of these twilight chrome containers.
Best compact connected speakers: Bose LifeStyle Ultra
If your dad wonβt admit his hearing isnβt what it used to be, but the TV volume when he watches something might be threatening to give everyone else in the room tinnitus, the Bose LifeStyle Ultra soundbar is the upgrade he needs. AI-powered Speech Clarity separates dialogue from explosions, scores, and general streaming-service murk, so he gets bigger, clearer sound without turning the living room into an endurance challenge. Add the glass-topped Subwoofer for serious low-end response, then bring in the compact Ultra Speakers as wireless rears when you want a more immersive experience. After that, dad can build a whole-home system room by room, placing speakers as compact height-enhanced endpoints or even more expressive stereo pairs fed by AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth. More detail, less subtitles and shouting matches.
Best kitchen upgrade: Boardsmith butcher block
The Boardsmith Premium End Grain Butcher Block $230+
When it comes to cooks, you already think Dad is a cut above. Even before you taste anything, you know based on his taste in knives and his actual knife skills. He turns mise-en-place into theater. And the Dad that is the kind of chef who gets weirdly specific about his bladeβs edge needs an appropriate prep surface. Knife-friendly Boardsmith premium end grain butcher blocks β¦ or cutting boards, or charcuterie boards, or utensil sets β¦ are made in a family-owned shop in Frisco, Texas. And they bring a substantial stage for slicing, dicing, carving, etc. You can pick from four sizes of maple, walnut, cherry, or some handsome combination, customized with or without finger grooves and juice grooves and feet. Dad will never get bored with this board.
Best balanced and aligned putter: L.A.B. Golf VZN.1i
Cresswell, Oregon, iconoclasts L.A.B. Golf have a vision for getting zero-torque putters in more golfersβ bags, and part of that is getting their VZN.1i in more golfersβ hands. If Dad is looking for stability and repeatability, but heβs not looking to answer any βWhat is that?!?β questions on the course, this more familiar, still ultra-forgiving shape could quiet his aesthetic concerns and also any worries that he wonβt lock the target line. Still center-shafted and hand-balanced, the VZN.1i goes beyond the D-shaped mallet head of the OZ.1i and brings a fang-style putter to the lineup. A 303 stainless-steel insert with deeper millingΒ gives a crisp, deeply satisfying zing and hotter launch off the face. As for that cutout and the crown lines, their geometry helps with optical alignment. Plus, itβs also a βgimmie getterβ/ball scoop, so it takes more pressure off the back while it keeps more putts on track. Get hexagonal, stay squared.
Our digital lives often drive fandoms in the very analog: record players, cassettes, and yes, fountain pens. For some people, theyβve always been the thing, but plenty of newcomers are arriving via social mediaβand thatβs exactly what makes this such a good gift. Your dad likely doesnβt already have one, but if he is always talking about writing that novel, heβs probably at least a little curious and not sure where to start.
LAMY, a German writing instrument brand, is known for reliability, and the AL-star is an easy entry point that feels more premium than its price tag suggests, thanks to its lightweight aluminum body. It refills with cartridges and comes in a range of nib sizes; we recommend starting with medium. LAMY does make a left-handed nib, but pro tip: We have yet to find any left-handers who want to deal with ink that can easily smear before it has time to dry. Add a pack of refill cartridges in a few fun colors to make it feel a little more special right out of the box.
Cycling dads will happily upgrade everything on their bikeβexcept the lock, which somehow stays βgood enoughβ until itβs very much not. The Hiplok Switch 105 fixes that. Itβs a 105 cm (about 41 inches) folding lock made from hardened steel bars and solid rivets, offering real security (Sold Secure Bronze) without the usual bulk. It folds down compactly and clicks into a boss-mounted bracket, so whether itβs on the frame or the fork, itβs always along for the ride instead of rattling around in a bag. At just over a pound, itβs manageable, and long enough to loop through larger frames, including many e-bikes.
Still prefer a heavy-duty chain for some urban adventures where youβre not obsessing over every ounce or wanting to drag a bag? The HiplokΒ GOLD Wearable Chain Lock is a burly belt thatβs not as awkward as it appears and gives you confidence that your bike is secure outside of the coffee shop.
Outdoor gear is awesome, but itβs also typically expensive. The REI Anniversary Sale cuts 25% or more off brands like KEEN, Oboz, Smartwool, NEMO, Big Agnes, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research, and Black Diamond, and The North Face. The window runs May 15 through May 25, which is shorter than most retailer sales and a lot easier to plan around than something like Memorial Day weekend.
The deepest discounts in the whole event are a members-only 40% off the REI Co-op Magma 30 sleeping bag and
Outdoor gear is awesome, but itβs also typically expensive. The REI Anniversary Sale cuts 25% or more off brands like KEEN, Oboz, Smartwool, NEMO, Big Agnes, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research, and Black Diamond, and The North Face. The window runs May 15 through May 25, which is shorter than most retailer sales and a lot easier to plan around than something like Memorial Day weekend.
The deepest discounts in the whole event are a members-only 40% off the REI Co-op Magma 30 sleeping bag and the Half Dome 2 tent, both of which close after Sunday May 17, so move fast if either is on your list. REI Co-op members can also stack the code ANNIV26 for an extra 20% off one full-price item and 20% off one outlet item through the end of the sale. If youβve been putting off a new tent, boot, or down jacket since last summer, this is the window. Our picks across the whole sale are below, with the strongest deals featured up top and the rest organized by what youβre shopping for.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Down Hoody (Men's) $363.69 (was $485.00)
The Ghost Whisperer UL is the lightest down hoody Mountain Hardwear makes, and itβs the most direct competitor to the Patagonia Down Sweater in this entire sale. 1000-fill responsibly sourced down, a shell that weighs next to nothing, and the kind of warmth-to-weight ratio that makes it the obvious answer for ultralight backpacking and alpine fast-packing. $121 off lands it at $363.69, which is the lowest this jacket gets all year.
The Moab is the best-selling hiking boot in the United States, and the Speed 2 is the lighter, more athletic version that runs closer to a trail-running shoe than the classic Moab. GORE-TEX waterproof, Vibram outsole, and a midsole that lets you actually move at hike pace. Every Moab 2 and Speed 2 is at 25% off in this sale, so womenβs and low-cut versions hit the same percentage if either fits your foot better.
REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag $215.39 (was $359.00)
The Magma 30 is the lightest down sleeping bag REI makes under its own label, and it tends to land near the top of best-of lists for three-season backpacking because it splits the difference between weight and warmth without pushing into the premium price tier. The 40% members-only cut is the deepest discount in this entire sale, but it expires after Sunday May 17. If youβre not a member yet, the $30 membership pays for itself on this single item.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent $449.89 (was $600.00)
This is the standard in its class. It pitches with two trekking poles or its own pole set, weighs just over three pounds for the two-person version, and has the kind of headroom that makes a small backpacking tent actually feel livable on a wet afternoon.
The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent $164.99 (was $220.00)
Cheap tents typically donβt last. The Stormbreak is one of the few car-camping tents at this price that doesnβt feel like a single-season disposable. Two doors, two vestibules, an aluminum pole structure that pitches in under five minutes, and weatherproofing that actually holds up in a real downpour. At $164.99 itβs the easiest entry into name-brand backpacking gear in the entire sale.
The fΔnix 8 sits at the top of Garminβs multisport watch lineup, and outside of Black Friday window pricing this is the steepest cut weβve seen on the AMOLED Sapphire variant. You get the brighter display, the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, built-in flashlight, and the full set of training metrics that make a $1,100 watch feel justifiable for serious trail running and bikepacking.
The Targhee line is KEENβs most-recommended day-hiking boot, and the new Apex update makes it stiffer in the midsole, lighter overall, and faster to break in than the long-running Targhee III it replaces. Waterproof membrane, all-leather upper, and the wide toebox KEEN is known for. The full KEEN catalog is 25% off in this sale, but this is the standout in my opinion.
Yakima OnRamp LX E-Bike Hitch Rack $799.19 (was $999.00) Electric bikes are heavy, which makes lugging them tricky. The OnRamp LX is built specifically for hauling heavy e-bikes, with a 70-pound-per-bike weight capacity and an integrated ramp so you donβt have to deadlift a 60-pound battery-and-motor bike up to chest height. The 20% off all Yakima racks is the deepest cut they see all year. Same percentage applies across Yakimaβs OutPost HD truck-bed rack, SkyBox cargo boxes, and roof boxes.
Tents and shelter deals at the REI Anniversary Sale
NEMO, Big Agnes, and REI Co-op all get the full 25% off across their tent lineups, which makes this the deepest tent sale on the calendar. Two extras worth flagging: REI Co-op members get the Half Dome 2 Tent with footprint for 40% off through May 17, and Mountain Hardwear tents are also included at 25%.
The REI Co-op Magma 30 bag in the featured section above is the standout, but thereβs real value across NEMO and Mountain Hardwear as well. Note that the Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt and Magma 15 are different products from the member-only Magma 30 bag, and theyβre available at 25% off to everyone.
The footwear side of this sale is the most aggressive, with 25% off every pair of KEEN, every pair of Oboz, every Merrell Moab 2 or Speed 2, and selected Altra trail runners and gaiters. Danner, La Sportiva, and selected The North Face boots are also at 25%.
All Outdoor Research clothing and outerwear, all Mountain Hardwear clothing (except Kor Airshell), all Smartwool, all REI Co-op apparel, and selected The North Face are 25% off. The down jacket category is where the real upgrades sit, but the prAna Stretch Zion line and selected KUHL pants are also worth a look if youβre replacing daily-driver hiking pants.
Ospreyβs entire pack lineup is at 25%, including the Atmos AG and Aura AG suspension packs that show up on more best-backpacking-pack lists than any other model. Gregory, Black Diamond, and Mountain Hardwear packs are also included.
Yakima and Thule racks are both 20% off across the board. That includes hitch-mount bike racks, rooftop cargo boxes, and roof racks. If youβre thinking about a summer road trip setup, this is the moment.
Garmin discounts run across the entire smartwatch and GPS lineup. The fΔnix 8 in the featured section is the highest-dollar cut, but the Instinct 3 AMOLED and Forerunner 165 are the easier-to-justify picks if you donβt need every triathlon metric. The inReach Mini 3 satellite communicator is also discounted, which is unusual.
From May 19 through May 21, REI Outlet stacks an additional discount on select online-only items, with markdowns reaching 50% off. Members can also apply the ANNIV26 coupon for an extra 20% on one Outlet item. Outlet stock is limited and isnβt restocked, so sizes go fast.
HexClad has marked down nearly its entire catalog for the season, with free shipping and cuts that run up to roughly 50% across hybrid cookware, Damascus steel knives, and grilling gear. The summer sale has a few standouts worth flagging up top: the 7-piece Damascus Steel Knife Set drops to $399 (was $783), the Master Series steak knife set falls to $131 (was $259), and the Hybrid BBQ Grill Pan is down to $111 (was $159). The prices hold while the sale runs, and a handful of the bundles throw in
HexClad has marked down nearly its entire catalog for the season, with free shipping and cuts that run up to roughly 50% across hybrid cookware, Damascus steel knives, and grilling gear. The summer sale has a few standouts worth flagging up top: the 7-piece Damascus Steel Knife Set drops to $399 (was $783), the Master Series steak knife set falls to $131 (was $259), and the Hybrid BBQ Grill Pan is down to $111 (was $159). The prices hold while the sale runs, and a handful of the bundles throw in a free gift on top.
I just started testing a HexClad frying pan to update some of our cookware buying guides and Iβm impressed off the bat. My fried eggs have been dancing around the cooking surface like Ryan and Emma in La La Land (I just got around to watching La La Land).
HexClad Hybrid Fry Pan with Lid, 12-inch $169 (was $199)
The pan that built the brand, and the easiest way into the lineup
The 12-inch Hybrid is currently on my stove and it will have a pound of ground beef in it later. With a laser-etched stainless steel grid raised over the nonstick valleys, you can sear hard and use metal utensils without chewing up the surface. It works with induction cooktops, stays oven-safe to 500 degrees, and the tempered glass lid covers everything from a fast fry to a slow simmer.
HexClad Hybrid Fry Pan Set with Lids, 6-Piece $399 (was $691)
Three pans, three lids, and a free gift for $292 off
This set covers the three pan sizes most kitchens actually reach for, the 8-, 10-, and 12-inch Hybrids, each with its own tempered glass lid. Bought together they run $292 less than the pans cost individually, and HexClad is adding a free gift with purchase during the sale. It is the practical pick if you want most of your stovetop sorted in one box without jumping to a full set.
HexClad Hybrid Pots and Pans Set, 12-Piece $699 (was $1,198)
A full cookware kit for $499 off, the headline deal of the sale
This is the complete HexClad kitchen in one box, with fry pans, saucepans, a stockpot, and lids that handle nearly everything you cook in a given week. It is the most-reviewed item in the whole sale and carries the biggest dollar discount most people will reasonably go for, $499 off the regular $1,198. If you are replacing a tired set all at once, this is the cheapest moment to buy into the version you keep for years.
HexClad Cookware Sets and Bundles
The bundles are where the deepest percentage cuts live. The Too Hot to Handle Bundle is half off at $1,399 (was $2,766), and the Summer Sizzler Set lands at $999 (was $1,933) if you want to outfit a kitchen and a grill in one go.
If you would rather buy one pan at a time, every size is discounted. The smaller pans carry the steepest cuts, with the 7-inch Hybrid down to $76 (was $109), a low-risk way to test whether the hybrid surface earns a spot in your kitchen.
Need to fill gaps rather than buy a full set? The pots and saucepans are each 15% off, including the 5-quart Hybrid Dutch Oven at $169 (was $199) and the 12-quart Stock Pot at $186 (was $219).
This is the summer-relevant corner of the sale. The Hybrid BBQ Grill Pan drops 30% to $111 (was $159), and the 10-inch Hybrid Wok is $95 (was $119) if stir-fry is more your speed.
The knives carry some of the largest percentage discounts in the sale. The 7-piece Damascus Steel Knife Set is half off at $399 (was $783), and the Master Series 4-piece steak knife set is $131 (was $259).
The HexMill grinders rarely move on price, so the sale is worth a look. The Salt and Pepper Grinder Set is $199 (was $318), and the full HexMill Collection Bundle is $299 (was $487).
The smaller add-ons round out the cart. The 8-piece BBQ Tool Set is $74 (was $99), and the 6-piece Stainless Mixing Bowl Set with vacuum-seal lids drops to $84 (was $99).
The best deal at RYOBI Days at The Home Depot right now isnβt a price cut, it is a free tool. Right now, you can buy one of the qualifying RYOBI ONE+ 18V kits and pick a second ONE+ tool at no extra cost. The priciest free options on the higher-tier kit are worth up to $229. I haver a number of Ryobi tools in my kit and they almost always perform way above their price tag. And thatβs even before the discounts. The free-tool menu changes as stock moves, so the good picks tend to disappear before
The best deal at RYOBI Days at The Home Depot right now isnβt a price cut, it is a free tool. Right now, you can buy one of the qualifying RYOBI ONE+ 18V kits and pick a second ONE+ tool at no extra cost. The priciest free options on the higher-tier kit are worth up to $229. I haver a number of Ryobi tools in my kit and they almost always perform way above their price tag. And thatβs even before the discounts. The free-tool menu changes as stock moves, so the good picks tend to disappear before the kits do.
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Starter Kit with 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah Batteries and Charger $99.00 (was $228.00)
57% off the most useful entry point, and it unlocks a free ONE+ tool
The RYOBI ONE+ 18V Starter Kit (PSK1212SB) is the one to grab first at $99, down from $228, because it covers the two battery sizes you actually use. You get a 4.0Ah HIGH PERFORMANCE pack for high-draw tools like saws, a lighter 2.0Ah pack for drills and lights, and a charger, and the kit qualifies for a free ONE+ tool worth up to $89. Any RYOBI 18V ONE+ battery runs the entire 300-plus tool ONE+ catalog, so this is the cheapest honest way into the system.
RYOBI ONE+ 18V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer with 2.0Ah Battery and Charger $99.00
A finished yard tool at $99 that still comes with a free ONE+ tool
The RYOBI ONE+ 18V 13-inch String Trimmer (P20150) is the better $99 buy if you also need to cut grass, since it ships ready to run with a 2.0Ah battery and charger and still qualifies for a free ONE+ tool. It handles edging and trimming on a typical lot, and the included battery drops straight into any other ONE+ tool you own. Pairing it with a free blower or hedge trimmer from the offer list basically builds a starter yard kit for the price of one tool.
RYOBI ONE+ 18V HIGH PERFORMANCE Starter Kit with 2.0Ah and Two 4.0Ah Batteries and Charger $199.00 (was $361.97)
Three batteries, 45% off, and the longest free-tool menu in the event
The RYOBI ONE+ 18V HIGH PERFORMANCE Starter Kit (PSK108SB) is the pick if you want the strongest free tool, because at $199 it opens a 20-item menu that includes options worth more than the kit itself. You get three HIGH PERFORMANCE batteries (one 2.0Ah and two 4.0Ah) plus a charger for $199, down from $361.97, and the free-tool list runs up to a $229 battery two-pack. If you are starting from zero and want to skip the upgrade later, this is the kit that pays for itself fastest.
How the RYOBI Days free-tool deal works
The RYOBI Days free-tool offer is structured around three qualifying purchases: the $99 ONE+ Starter Kit, the $99 ONE+ String Trimmer, and the $199 HIGH PERFORMANCE Starter Kit. Add a qualifying kit to your cart, then choose one tool from that kitβs eligible list and it lands in the order at $0. The $99 kits draw from a 13-tool menu topped by an $89 reciprocating saw, while the $199 kit expands the menu to 20 tools and adds the high-dollar options. Stock is the only real catch, since the offer is limited to what The Home Depot has on hand and the best free tools sell through first.
Free RYOBI ONE+ tools you can claim with a $99 kit
With either $99 kit, the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Reciprocating Saw is the highest-value free pick on the 13-tool menu at a regular $89.00, followed by the 18-inch Hedge Trimmer at $79.97. Every option below is a real ONE+ tool that runs on the battery your kit already includes, and the price shown is what you would otherwise pay.
The $199 HIGH PERFORMANCE kit unlocks bigger free tools
Step up to the $199 HIGH PERFORMANCE Starter Kit and the free RYOBI ONE+ 18V 4.0Ah Battery Two-Pack becomes the standout claim at a regular $229.00, more than the kit costs. The same menu adds the brushless Pet Stick Vacuum at $199.00, the 4-Mode Impact Wrench at $179.00, and the 7-1/4-inch brushless Circular Saw at $139.00, none of which appear on the $99 list.
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