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Are you tracking your sleep these days? There’s a myriad of devices to do that, and Hatch’s new Sleep Clock offers up a non-wearable gadget. This contactless tracker sits on your nightstand (or dresser) just like the Hatch Restore 3. Except the Sleep Clock is able to detect micro-movements and breathing patterns in your bed. It also does everything the Restore 3 does (sound machine, wake-up alarm, etc.) so you’re getting multiple devices in one. We’re just about to kick off testing with the Sleep Clock, stay tuned for what our editors think.
Read More: Best Sleep Trackers
To celebrate Merrell’s 45th anniversary, the brand set out to build its fastest trail shoe yet. And it did just that in the MTL SpeedArc Peak, winning a Men’s Health Sneaker Award for Fastest Trail Runner this year. It’s chock-full of technicals, and it’s one of the comfiest trail runners I’ve worn, especially for a shoe I can really push my pace in.
As I mentioned, I spent some time with the Mountain Hardwear team last week learning about the updates that were made to the iconic Stretchdown line that just released last week. The material is still the same, much-loved stretchiness while the baffling gets an upgrade with Cohesion insulation interlock. Essentially, it creates a plug in the baffle joins to drastically reduce migration (by 60 percent), thus creating fewer cold spots and a more efficient down jacket. While it was a bit warm to truly put through the paces (other than on the ferry one morning), I’ll be doing some extensive testing on the whole line in the coming months.
There are lots of smart trackers out there, but arguably one of the most convenient styles is the card. Eufy’s new SmartTrack Card E40 works with both iOS and Android, and offers wireless charging with an 80-decibel alarm. Toss it in your wallet, backpack, or luggage and it’s effective (and sleek) for any use.
The Nike x Hyperice Hyperboots were a hit last year, offering Hyperice’s heat and compression in a portable version best suited for movement prep. Now the two juggernauts have announced the $250 AirZoom Hyperslide, coming September 29. A Hyperslide Pod is housed in the forefoot strap, and provides heat and vibration to the top of the foot. We just got our hands on early test models to determine the exact benefits one might get from these, stay tuned for our testing notes.
Few do quality at budget prices better than Uniqlo. Another example is this new Utility Backpack, a great everyday backpack that offers commendable storage options, is a water-repellent material, and just $60.
Read More: Best Backpacks for Men
Yes, you’re not misreading that. Kodak has a new 35mm film camera coming out soon. I am a huge proponent of shooting film—the only camera I had on that recent San Fran trip was an old Minolta. There seems to be bubbling under the surface of people yearning for manual, screenless items and harkening back to the days of nostalgia when everything wasn’t in your face all the time. This point-and-shoot is a great place to start, as it’s affordable and you’re getting the trusted Kodak name.
Leave it to Away to branch out into the soft cooler game with a pretty respectable option. You’ll get nine hours of insulation for the 30-liter capacity (plenty for a day at the beach or in the park), and a tote style that’s plenty easy to carry. A useful front pocket and a strap that can house a blanket or towel are two features that endemic cooler brands could pay attention to moving forward.
Another 2026 MH Sneaker Awards winner, While on Earth’s first running shoe has been a hit amongst MH editors. As fitness and reviews editor Charles Thorp wrote of the minimalist Rhythm Runner, “[It’s] a responsive and supportive shoe that can handle everything from short jogs with a baby stroller to marathon training.”
Garmin gets into the screenless fitness tracker trend with the Cirqa. I just started testing mine, and it’s been as expected so far. The biggest draw is going to be not needing a monthly membership (unlike a Whoop or Oura). I’m only a few days into testing, so stay tuned for our thoughts, but this is definitely the way the category is heading.
Read More: Best Fitness Trackers
Anytime Yeti implements the RipZip Opening into a backpack, I’m going to commend it as I don’t think there’s an easier in-out of a backpack out there. The new Palo 20L should be thought of like a gym backpack—slimmed down, tough, and nothing more than you need for a day at the office then straight to the gym.
Summer is the perfect time for reading—but we’re not always trying to lug heavy books around in gym bags and airport carry-ons. As senior fitness editor Brett Williams says, “The Kobo Libra Colour is a canny combination of low and high tech to give you an ideal e-reader experience. The slim device is bigger than a phone, but low-profile enough to slide into most bags.”
The 7″ E Ink touchscreen display has bright, vibrant color, but it also has physical buttons (!) for a more tactile user experience. Best of all, it connects to Libby accounts, so you can borrow library books just as easily as you can buy new titles—but it’s also a purpose-built device that allows you to do one thing extremely well: read books without distractions.
If you’re looking for a premium golf shoe but aren’t looking to spend $200, give the new Adidas Codechaos 27 a look. Utilizing the Boost midsole, it’s got plenty of comfort for long days on the course. The Twistgrip traction provides a stable grip for even the hardest swingers.
Read More: Best Golf Shoes
The Twelve South Valet Tray has been a nice spot for the pocket dump that also charges your device. If you’re looking for a smaller footprint, the new Valet Slim version is just what the doctor ordered. You’ll still get fast Qi2 wireless charging as well as an additional 10W USB-C port to charge a second device. Plus, the leather base just looks like an elevated piece for any entryway, desk, or nightstand.
Fitness reviewer Jake Boly (That Fit Friend) was so steeped in the training footwear world he decided to build his own shoe. The result of his extensive trial and error is the Forged & Tested Catalyst, a low-profile trainer built to be a “transitional” shoe between minimalist zero drop models and more traditional cushioned footwear. Senior editor Brett Williams has worn the shoe extensively and found it hits just the right notes in the gym. “I’ve been wearing a ton of barefoot style shoes recently, but most of them don’t offer anything in terms of cushion,” he says. “This model is super comfortable, especially around the ankle collar, while still giving me the flexibility and toe splay I want when I’m squatting and deadlifting.”
Ozlo is back with an updated version of its Sleepbuds, which are lower-profile to even suffice for side-sleepers. They’ll help you mask any annoying nighttime sounds (like a noise machine for your ears) and can even track your sleep through the app.
The most annoying thing about charging devices is the length of wires, especially on the go. Nomad’s ChargeKey does away with the wires and offers a USB-C solution for quick juicing. And yes, it can fit right on your keyring.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear, tech, running shoes, and more. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He holds a B.A. in Sport Management and is a Certified Beer Server, having previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.
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