Billy Brown
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Articles by Billy Brown
The Best Camping Pillows of 2026
Camping doesn’t have to mean roughing it, and a good pillow can make all the difference in getting restorative sleep outdoors. Experienced campers Nick Belcaster and Erika Courtney tested the newest 2026 options over the last 6 months, sleeping on five new camping pillows across 21 overnights in Washington and British Columbia.
The Best Accessories For Every Car Owner
Every car owner knows the small dramas that come with keeping a vehicle in good shape. The sun can fade paint and cloud headlights. A stray shopping cart or the brush of a jean rivet can leave a mark you swear wasn’t there yesterday. Phones slide off laps and across floors. And every so often, a mysterious light pops up on the dashboard as if your car is speaking in riddles. Driving is freedom, but it also comes with upkeep and the occasional headache.
Review: Pedal Electric H/T
Rating: 8/10 WIRED Very comfortable to ride. Solid battery range. Lots of power. Excellent hill climb power and top speed. Classic styling. Nice selection of accessories. TIRED Pedal assist is jerky. No rear suspension. No carbon belt drive. One of my biggest complaints about a lot of ebikes is how nerdy they look. Pedal Electric’s H/T ebike, however, has the low-slung profile of a classic chopper motorcycle. A big contributor to that look is the H/T’s stripped-down style.
Review: VMax New VX4 Electric Scooter
Rating: 9/10 WIRED Excellent top speed. Wide platform. Loads of power. Solid suspension. Stable at high speeds. Good range. Cruise-control mode. Vibrant display screen. TIRED Somewhat heavy. Torque might be too much for some people. No horn. Power and durability are my first two considerations when I test a vehicle like an electric scooter. Range, controls, and ease of use are also important, but as a heftier guy who’s notoriously tough on gear, I need something that can haul my bulk and put up with abuse.
The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2026
Laptop backpacks come in an array of styles, sizes, and intended uses. This deep dive into the best backpacks for carrying laptops and other EDC essentials will help you choose the right bag for your everyday use. Our testers rounded up what we think are the best laptop backpacks on the market right now and used them in airports, offices, and coffee shops across America.
Billy Brown
March 10, 2026 | 4 MIN READ Travel February 5, 2026 | 4 MIN READ Apparel February 2, 2026 | 4 MIN READ Technology January 23, 2026 | 4 MIN READ Fitness January 8, 2026 | 4 MIN READ Footwear January 7, 2026 | 4 MIN READ Fitness December 19, 2025 | 4 MIN READ Travel December 10, 2025 | 4 MIN READ Footwear December 9, 2025 | 4 MIN READ Fitness December 9, 2025 | 4 MIN READ Fitness December 8, 2025 | 4 MIN READ Technology December 8, 2025 | 4 MIN READ Technology December 8, 2025 | 4 MIN READ...
The Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes of 2026
For those who love adventures in nature, the gear required to have a good time in various environments adds up pretty fast. A rooftop cargo box helps organize everything well, increasing the comfort and space inside your vehicle while protecting the interior at the same. It’s nice to be able to stash damp, smelly, or sharp items up top, too. The longer the road trip and the bulkier the gear, the more valuable rooftop storage will be.
The Best Wireless Earbuds and Headphones of 2026
Our experts have written about earbuds, headphones, speakers, and other audio products for over a quarter century. It was during that time that earbuds went from wired to semi-wireless (connected to each other by a cord) to wire-free (both from each other and the source device). And in that same span, they’ve become the world’s most ubiquitous mobile audio accessory, improving over the years in both connection and sound quality.
Ace of Bass: Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active Headphones Review
When you think of full-size over-ear headphones, you usually think of long flights or a quiet desk — not a high-intensity workout where you’re dripping sweat, your lungs are searching for oxygen, and your brain is looking for any excuse to quit. Usually, I’d tell you that mental grit is the only way through. But after a few weeks with the Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active ($210), I’ve found a pretty compelling alternative: sheer, skull-rattling haptic vibrations.
Eternal Ice HD Pro Ice Bath + Chiller Review: A Durable Tub for the Great Outdoors
Cold plunge and chiller combos often cost $3,000 or more, which is why durability should be a factor when considering one. Often, a chiller will go out, or the tub itself can crack or degrade over time, especially when exposed to the elements. A cracked tub can throw that $3,000 investment right out the window. Which is why, when I saw the sturdy and no-frills build of the Eternal Ice HD Pro Ice Bath + Chiller ($3,476), I thought it might be able to handle the great outdoors.
Heavy Metal: REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell Review
Adjustable dumbbells are an excellent way to save space in your home gym. But buying adjustable dumbbells means making some compromises. Often, adjustable dumbbells come in odd shapes, fail to distribute weight evenly, or have plastic components that can affect durability. The REP x PÉPIN FAST Series Adjustable Dumbbell ($1,500 for a 125-pound pair) appears to buck this trend, featuring hexagonal heads, intuitive weight placement, and an all-metal build that makes it feel indestructible.
Swiss Army Roller Bag: Victorinox Mythic Frequent Flyer Carry-On Business Review
A roomy and tough carry-on bag is the only surefire way to prevent an airline from losing your luggage and sending your trip into a tailspin. As one of those weirdos like me who refuse to travel with checked luggage, I was intrigued by Victorinox’s Mythic Frequent Flyer Carry-On Business ($543). Like the multitools that Victorinox is known for, there’s more to the Mythic Frequent Flyer than meets the eye.
NOBULL Drive Ripstop Review: A CrossFit Shoe You Can Actually Run In
It’s no secret that CrossFit shoes aren’t great for running. Shoes that simply don’t hurt like hell during the run portion of a WOD are like gold to a CrossFitter. Creating a shoe that feels stable and supportive during a lift, yet pliable and responsive during a run, has always seemed like an impossible task. So, when the NOBULL Drive Ripstop ($150) arrived for me to test, I was understandably skeptical. At first glance, it appears more like a running shoe than a CrossFit shoe.
Rally Orbital Massager Review: A Gentle Massager for Daily Use
There is no shortage of massage guns on the market. You can find massagers that range in price from $50 to well over $500, but they’re all fairly similar in form and function. For the most part, every massager you’ll find is vaguely shaped like a gun and uses percussive force to massage muscle tissue. The Rally Orbital Massager ($499) breaks this trend with a unique wand-shaped design and, more importantly, an amazing rotational motion instead of percussion.
Skullcandy EcoBuds Review: Small Price, Big Sound
When you think of $25 earbuds, you usually think of those cheap earbuds you see in gas stations. You know, the ones that you pick up when you left yours at home on a road trip, and plan on throwing away when you get home. Skullcandy’s EcoBuds ($25), however, are designed to stand out from the truck-stop detritus with some perks you don’t usually find in earbuds at this price range. When I first got the EcoBuds to test, I was skeptical.
Recovery on a Budget: Polar Dive PRO Cold Plunge Review
One of the biggest barriers that people face when considering buying a cold plunge is the price. If you’re looking for a full-featured cold plunge tub with a chiller, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to over $10,000. Some of the plunges we’ve reviewed charge $2,500 or more just for the chiller. Which is why the most common question I’m asked as GearJunkie’s resident “cold plunge guy” is if there’s an affordable cold plunge that’s any good.
R.A.D Superweave Training Short Review: Sturdy Shorts for Tough Workouts
Shoe company R.A.D (Rally Against Destruction) is breaking into the fitness apparel market with shirts, tights, and shorts. Standing out in an already crowded market isn’t easy, but R.A.D has already done so with its excellent ONE V1 and ONE V2 training shoes (check out my review of the R.A.D ONE V2 training shoe), and it looks like the company’s Superweave Training Short ($68) is poised to do the same. Gym shorts aren’t complicated.
The Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes of 2026
For those who love adventures in nature, the gear required to have a good time in various environments adds up pretty fast. A rooftop cargo box helps organize everything well, increasing the comfort and space inside your vehicle while protecting the interior at the same. It’s nice to be able to stash damp, smelly, or sharp items up top, too. The longer the road trip and the bulkier the gear, the more valuable rooftop storage will be.
The Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes of 2025
For those who love adventures in nature, the gear required to have a good time in various environments adds up pretty fast. A rooftop cargo box helps organize everything well, increasing the comfort and space inside your vehicle while protecting the interior at the same. It’s nice to be able to stash damp, smelly, or sharp items up top, too. The longer the road trip and the bulkier the gear, the more valuable rooftop storage will be.
Nike Metcon 10 Review: Slimmed-Down CrossFit Shoe Offers High-End Stability
Alongside the Reebok Nano, the Nike Metcon line is one of the two most iconic shoes in CrossFit. When they were first released in 2015, the Metcons were considered a wider, more run-friendly shoe than the Nano. However, over the last decade of iterations, the Metcons have skewed toward stability and weightlifting, much to the dismay of many CrossFitters. The Metcon 9 was practically a weightlifting shoe more closely akin to the extremely stiff Romaleos than the freewheeling early Metcon line.
H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro Review: Bringing Music to Swim Training
When I was training for my first triathlon, every morning started with a several-hundred-yard swim in the pool at my gym. Staring at that black line at the bottom of the pool, lap after lap, my mind went numb. Then I got a waterproof iPod Shuffle from this new company called H2O Audio, and my boredom issue was solved. Ten years later, H2O Audio is still providing swimmers with audio, but now its focus is on headphones.
The Best Kettlebells of 2026
While not as well-known as dumbbells and barbells, kettlebell weights are among the most versatile and (dare we say) fun pieces of workout equipment you’ll find. With their simple design (it’s basically a ball of metal with a handle), the best kettlebells offer an incredible array of uses in the fitness world. Kettlebell weights range from 2.5 pounds to over 200 pounds, and many kettlebell movements can work every muscle in the body.
The Best Kettlebells of 2026
While not as well-known as dumbbells and barbells, kettlebell weights are among the most versatile and (dare we say) fun pieces of workout equipment you’ll find. With their simple design (it’s basically a ball of metal with a handle), the best kettlebells offer an incredible array of uses in the fitness world. Kettlebell weights range from 2.5 pounds to over 200 pounds, and many kettlebell movements can work every muscle in the body.
Nike Rubber Coated Kettlebell Review: Gym Floor-Friendly Equipment for Versatile Workouts
They’re not as widely known as dumbbells and barbells, but you should consider adding a kettlebell to your home gym. Making a resurgence thanks to its utility in functional fitness and HIIT training, the humble kettlebell may be the most versatile member of the bell family. I covered Nike’s first kettlebell in our Best Kettlebells buyers’ guide, noting its excellent grip and solid build. Nike just released the Nike Rubber Coated Kettlebell ($53-158), so I had to give it a go.
This Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag Might Outlast You: Pendleton Odyssey Review
I’ve tested dozens of duffel bags over the years. I’ve learned over that time that it’s hard to beat a classic. Most of the best duffel bags are made with slick, durable synthetic materials. They are loaded with compartments and stuffed with innovative features. But there’s just something special about the Pendleton Odyssey Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag ($269). It could be the styling, the simple design, or the undeniable durability that has made it my go-to bag.
NÜOBELL S 5100 Adjustable Dumbbells Review: An Entire Gym in 2 Square Feet
Dumbbells are a mainstay of any home gym, but fitting an entire rack of weights into a limited amount of space isn’t realistic for most people. Adjustable dumbbells can be useful for fitting a wide range of weight options into a smaller space, but they can be hit or miss. The shape can be off, they can be fragile or prone to breakage, and some can even fail catastrophically. Which is why I was skeptical about the NÜOBELL S 5100 Adjustable Dumbbells ($1,140 per pair) when they showed up at my door.
Reebok Nano Pro First Look: Reebok’s Most Expensive CrossFit Shoes Are Made for Competitors
Reebok’s flagship CrossFit shoe, the Nano, is one of the OGs of the functional fitness shoe world. We recently reviewed the 15th iteration, the Nano X5, calling it one of the best CrossFit shoes that Reebok has released. The Nano Pro Training Shoes ($225, releasing October 7) aim to up the ante even further. Designed for competitors, the Nano Pro has several unique features and styling, but the most notable standout from the rest of the Nano line is the Graphlite carbon-fiber plate in the midsole.
R.A.D One V2 Review: R.A.D.’s New CrossFit Shoe Is Built for Lifters
In the CrossFit community, R.A.D (short for Rally Against Destruction) shoes are known for dropping limited releases with new color options on a regular basis. When they’re gone, they’re gone, which tends to create a wild demand with every new release. But that emphasis on style overshadows something more important — these shoes actually kick a lot of ass in the gym. I’ll admit, I was a skeptic when R.A.Ds started showing up in my gym.
Ice, Ice, Baby: The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro Ice Bath Creates Its Own Ice
As cold plunging grows in popularity, the methods also grow, from $100 inflatable tubs to feature-rich premium options that cost thousands of dollars. The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro fits into the latter category. At $13,800, this cold plunge is pricey, but it has a premium build, a comprehensive filtration system, and can hold subfreezing temperatures, even in the middle of summer.
My Favorite YETI Product, Nearly 10 Years Strong: Rambler One-Gallon Jug Review
Perhaps no brand has been iterated, copied, challenged, or outright ripped off more than YETI. From its coolers to its drinkware, the Austin purveyor of overbuilt and (according to some) overpriced outdoor hard goods quite literally broke the design mold. But despite the endless sea of burly tumblers and heavy rotomolded beer haulers, YETI’s singularly unrivaled — and in my opinion, best — product of all is perhaps its most simple: The One-Gallon Jug.
Reebok Nano X5 Review: Reebok’s Most Complete CrossFit Shoe
The varied nature of CrossFit makes it challenging to design a shoe that works for any workout. CrossFit shoes must be stable for weightlifting, flexible enough for plyometric workouts, cushioned enough to be comfortable on a run, and durable enough to withstand rope abrasion and prevent sidewall blowouts during lateral movements. The result is an entire shoe industry that comes so close to hitting the mark.
Reebok Nano X5 Review: Reebok’s Most Complete CrossFit Shoe
The varied nature of CrossFit makes it challenging to design a shoe that works for any workout. CrossFit shoes must be stable for weightlifting, flexible enough for plyometric workouts, cushioned enough to be comfortable on a run, and durable enough to withstand rope abrasion and prevent sidewall blowouts during lateral movements. The result is an entire shoe industry that comes so close to hitting the mark.
Ice Barrel 500 Cold Plunge and Chiller Review: Cold, Quiet, Convenient Recovery
Most serious athletes have spent some time in cold-water immersion therapy, whether taking an ice bath after football practice or hopping in a nearly frozen stream after a long trail run. Cold plunge tubs are an excellent way to get the same effect without loading up on bags of ice to fill your bathtub after every workout, as I did while training for my first ultra run. And very near the top of the list is the Ice Barrel 500 ($1,600) and Ice Barrel Chiller ($3,000) combo.
The Best, Most Expensive GPS Watch I’ve Ever Used: Garmin Fēnix 8 Solar Review
Garmin launched the fēnix 8 at the end of last summer, breaking the $1,000 barrier for entry into a GPS watch model line. I expected a lot from this watch, not only because of the price, but because I had been using the fēnix 7 for a year and found it to be an excellent tool for every activity I do. Garmin has been a leader in the GPS game for what seems like eons, and the fēnix line has been one of the most coveted and feature-laden models for outdoor adventurers.
The Best Running Sunglasses of 2025
The best running sunglasses are necessary tools for runners — their lenses filter out harmful UV rays and prevent a sunburn on the eye, which has to be one of the most painful places one can burn themselves. Not only do sunglasses provide optical shade, but they also tell you just about everything you need to know about a fellow runner before you even meet them. We’re not saying to judge a book by its sunglasses, but we’re not not saying that.
The Best Minimalist Wallets of 2024
We tested the best minimalist wallets from Ridge, Chums, Pacsafe, and more to help you step up your everyday carry game in comfort and style. The best minimalist wallets can hold three to five credit cards, your ID, and some cash. Despite this simplicity, companies have found ways to make their slim wallets stand above the crowd. Features like tough materials, stylish designs, and RFID blocking helped us identify the standouts.
25 Things To Ease Your Family Into The School Year
Social Studies The end of summer vacation is a stressful time for everyone. Here’s some gear that’ll take the sting out of the transition. by Billy Brown and Jon Gugala Sep. 7, 2022 Back To School For The Rest Of Us Going back to school can be a tough transition to make for both kids and parents. New routines, responsibilities, schedules, people to meet, and things to sign up for all pile on. This makes life physically hectic, sure, but also full of new anxieties.
The Best Water Bottles of 2026
Water is essential for life, so staying hydrated is absolutely crucial. Whether you’re hitting the gym, exploring the great outdoors, or simply running errands around town, having a reliable water bottle is a must. But with so many different options on the market, choosing the best water bottle for your needs can be overwhelming. You may think a water bottle is a dime a dozen, and to an extent, this is true.
1 Year Around the World With NEMO’s First Daypack: Vantage 20L Endless Promise Review
I was waiting at my gate in Tokyo Narita Airport, about to walk out onto the tarmac, sweating through my Smartwool tee. It was 33 degrees Celcius outside (91.4 degrees Fahrenheit), and I could expect the same where I was going. Every time I put on my NEMO Vantage Endless Promise Backpack, overstuffed with travel essentials, I said a quiet prayer, thanking the designers who put CCubed in this comfortable, well-ventilated pack. CCubed is an “innovative cushioning material“ made of 97% air.
The Best Men’s Running Shirts of 2024
We put countless miles into finding the best running shirts. Here are our picks from Icebreaker, Arc'teryx, and more. Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More By now, we all know the best running shirts should be moisture-wicking. But why is moisture-wicking so important? Sweat is the main mechanism by which your body cools itself, but did you know that not allowing sweat to wick off your skin can be a source of overheating?
The Best CrossFit Shoes of 2024
Despite its intense reputation, CrossFit is a sport that’s accessible for people of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. Get ready for the WOD with the best CrossFit shoes of 2024. Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More CrossFit athletes know no two days are alike. The sport asks a lot of you — and your shoes.
The Best Kettlebells of 2024
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More While not as well-known as dumbbells and barbells, kettlebell weights are among the most versatile and (dare we say) fun pieces of workout equipment you’ll find. With their simple design (it’s basically a ball of metal with a handle), the best kettlebells offer an incredible array of uses in the fitness world.
How to Choose the Right Shoes for Your Trip
The right travel shoes can make every part of your journey smoother, helping you breeze through security or catch a tight connection. However, with numerous styles, materials, and features to consider, selecting the ideal pair isn’t always straightforward. There’s no single shoe that works for every destination or travel style, and the options can feel overwhelming fast.
The Best Running Shoes for Men in 2024
Running is an exceptionally simple sport. You just lace any old trainers and head out the door. The more you run, though, the more you’ll realize that having the right gear, specifically the right shoes, will make a difference. The best running shoes for men will not only help you capture that elusive runner’s high, but they’ll also keep you comfortable on your feet, help prevent injuries, and flex your personal style.
The Best Foot Massagers of 2024
A good foot massage is heaven on earth. Whether it’s simply a way to unwind after a tough day or a means of therapeutic recovery, treating your feet is one of life’s purest pleasures and a great way to appreciate all that we depend on them to do for us. Our experts have been writing about footwear, fitness tech, massage devices, and other gadgets for over a quarter century.
The Best Women’s Slippers of 2024
Few things feel better than kicking off your shoes and sliding into a comfy pair of slippers at the end of the day. The best women’s slippers can help your feet forget a full day of walking around at work, a brutal workout, or a long, rocky hike to base camp. But it isn’t easy to dial down the perfect pair of slippers for every individual. Each person has different needs and personal preferences, so finding the perfect one can require a woman to test multiple pairs. So test we did.
The Best Slippers of 2024
The best slippers create an air of relaxation and can help ease the pain of spending hours on your feet. Whether putting in a full day of work on your feet or hammering through countless miles on the trail, few things feel better than easing into soft, cushy footwear. But the perfect pair of slippers is hard to come by. Different needs, situations, and personal preferences mean each set of feet requires a specific pair of slippers. So we took one for the team.
The Best Packing Cubes of 2026
Nobody likes spending their trip fishing through a bag looking for a charging cord, which is why packing cubes are an extremely useful packing tool for travelers. The best packing cubes organize and separate clothes and gear within a bag, plus they can help compress said gear to help you fit more into your luggage. The staff at GearJunkie is constantly on the move, so most of us already have our favorite packing cube setup.
The Best Sweatpants of 2026
Sweatpants aren’t just lazy-day loungewear anymore. Sure, they’re still perfect for lying on the couch on your day off, but the best sweatpants go beyond the couch. They’re perfect for work-from-home comfort, can keep you warm at the gym, and, more recently, the cuts and styles make them stylish enough to wear when you’re hanging out in town.
The Best Sweatpants of 2024
Sweatpants aren’t just lazy-day loungewear anymore. Sure, they’re still perfect for lying on the couch on your day off, but the best sweatpants go beyond the couch. They’re perfect for work-from-home comfort, can keep you warm at the gym, and more recently, the cuts and styles make them stylish enough to wear when you’re hanging out in town.
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