When you go on a hike, the trail might seem like something organic — like it’s always been there and no one person planned how it would look. The reality is that creating hiking trails takes an entire team of planners and builders. And if they do their jobs right, it will feel like they were never there.
Weekend update: Eclipse info, email warning, hot new job
Spring has sprung, and I don’t know about you, but I’m gearing up for a big weekend of hiking and biking! Before you clock out for the week, I’ve got three things to put on your weekend radar.
1. For the nature-chasers: A big moon-day
The solar eclipse is on Monday, and NASA has a great interactive map to help make sure you’re in the right place at the right time. Don’t worry if you’re not dead center in the path of totality; you’ll still get a pretty good view of the action.
🚘 Pro tip: The American Astronomical Society’s Solar Eclipse Task Force says the frenzy will be like having “20 or 30 Super Bowls all at once.” Plan to get to your watch spot hours ahead.
- Oh, and don’t fry your eyes. Yes, you need eclipse glasses. And not just any old pair you find online. Scroll down to Deals of the Day for my picks.
- Don’t fry your phone, either. Common sense says if looking at the eclipse isn’t safe for your eyes, it’s not safe for your phone’s camera. (Special phone filter link below, too!)
The best way to keep your phone safe? Put it in your pocket. You won’t be able to see a solar eclipse again in the U.S. until 2044, but some things are best appreciated with your own two eyes and the right protection.
2. For the savvy senders: Your inbox is screwed
Use Gmail, Outlook, Apple iCloud, Yahoo! Mail or AOL? I think that covers 90% of you. New research shows these platforms are pretty awful at catching malicious code in attachments. Cases in point:
- Apple iCloud, Yahoo! Mail and AOL all delivered a malicious file sample posing as a PowerPoint. Btw, 40 different virus scanners flagged it during testing.
- Yahoo! Mail and AOL didn’t block a fake Excel document (that 35 malware scanners caught).
The takeaway: Be very, very careful with attachments. Criminals can sneak something malicious right into your email with just a few tweaks to the metadata. If you weren’t expecting a file, trash it. Oh, and use antivirus software, please and thanks.
3. For the job-seekers: Paging Dr. Roboto
If you’ve got a teen or undergrad in the family, pass along the next big job: Brain-chip surgeon (paywall link). Brain-computer interfaces like those used in Elon Musk’s company, Neuralink, turn brain signals into software commands.
Ask a tech expert: Do you have advice for starting a YouTube channel?
How fun! Use your iPhone to record the footage instead. The newer iPhone models have excellent cameras that capture high-quality video and sound. You could also invest in a stabilizer or mount to keep the phone steady while walking.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Drink up, buttercup
- Stanley is the “it” brand for big tumblers, and this one fits in most car cup holders. Score.
- This one comes in great colors, and it’s cheaper, too.
- Sweet deal alert: Five-pack of insulated metal bottles for $11.
- Good for camping or hiking: A 64-ounce bottle (41% off, plus click the box for an extra 10% off!).
- When I need to mix it up, I love this zero-sugar lemonade. On sale!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Drone discovery: A drone enthusiast uncovered ancient ruins while hiking in the American Southwest. He noticed the stone walls on a narrow ledge 50 feet up a near-vertical cliff. How the original builder managed to reach it is a mystery. Oh, and he filmed it all on a DJI Mini 4 Pro — that’s one of the drones on my list!
Top US hiking trails for explorers
Picture this: You’re gazing out over a vista that seems to stretch to the ends of the Earth. Your heart races with anticipation as you set foot on a hidden gem of a hiking trail. The scent of pine fills the air as you wind your way through lush forests and ascend to a peak that rewards you with a panoramic view fit for a king.
Have Verizon? Your bill is about to go up
As sure as death and taxes, you can bet your bottom dollar that prices will increase for almost everything. As U.S. inflation topped a four-decade high in March, many companies are looking at price hikes to secure their bottom line.
Step off
Fellow walkers, runners and hikers, let’s upgrade your gear:
- Use a hydration backpack if you’ll be out for a long time. This one holds 3 liters of water. On a short walk, an insulated bottle gets the job done.
- Columbia’s sunshade hat protects your head, face and neck. I like a UPF-rated long-sleeved shirt, too. Guys, for you; ladies, this one is cute.
- High-rise hiking boots will help you conquer any trail. For easier terrain, I love a pair of Hokas.
- Oh, and pack a first-aid kit for long hikes. This one includes bandages, sterile wipes and a sting-relief pad.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
10- to 20-minute “fart walk”
For happy digestion. That’s the funny name for a jaunt to kickstart digestion and help with bloating and gas. Science supports this. Btw, I learned an important lesson while hiking Machu Picchu: Never trust a fart.
For the outdoorsy mom
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12. Today, gifts for the mom (or anyone else) who loves hiking and camping.
- Top-of-the-line Darn Tough hiking socks in a pretty floral print.
- She can keep her seltzer (or chardonnay) cool with this trendy Stanley tumbler ($20).
- A classic “it’s for you but really for me” gift: Stainless steel skewers for roasting marshmallows around the campfire.
- A lightweight cork massage ball to pop in her daypack for after-hike muscle aches.
- A long-lasting power bank with a solar panel for battery top-ups. It’s 39% off!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Top 5 wireless and Bluetooth speakers to take on the go
Everyone loves listening to music. In fact, the only thing better than enjoying your favorite songs is sharing them with friends and family.
What you need is a portable speaker. Just connect via Bluetooth and play background music at the pool, during road trips, at your next house party, or even in a relaxing bath at home.
Stocking stuffers and small presents worth adding to your cart
You know what you’re getting the family for their big holiday gifts, but what are you going to do about all those stocking stuffers?
While some might rely on the old fallbacks — gift cards for favorite fast-food restaurants and small trinkets — you’re ready for something a little more exciting.
Technology that helped find lost hiker may one day rescue you
A father armed only with tech-savvy, persistence and hope found his lost daughter with technology that he plans to share with the world. In fact, his technique may change how law enforcement and search parties rescue lost people.