Hunting for the perfect garage gym setup? Coop from Garage Gym Reviews shares his list of the Top 10 Home Gym Essentials, and it’s everything a dad needs to train smarter, not fancier.

Coop’s gear picks cut through the noise. No influencer flexing, no gimmicky machines. Just the tools that actually get used.

Why It’s Dad Day Approved

Real training, real life. Coop’s list nails that balance between budget, function, and the kind of gear that doesn’t need a tech manual. Whether you’ve got a full garage or a corner of the basement, this is how you build a setup that lasts.

Coop’s Top 10 Essentials (Quick Breakdown)

  1. Barbell – The foundation of any good gym. Most efficient, most versatile, best ROI.

  2. Weight Plates – Mandatory for your barbell, but also great for standalone exercises.

  3. Squat Rack / Power Rack – Your gym’s central hub. Adds safety, versatility, and attachment options.

  4. Weight Bench – Flat or adjustable, it’s your base for pressing, step-ups, and everything in between.

  5. Adjustable Dumbbells – Save space, still get the range. Ideal for small setups.

  6. Kettlebells – The ultimate hybrid tool. Strength, conditioning, and movement in one.

  7. Pull-Up Bar or Gymnastics Rings – Cheap, effective, and endlessly useful.

  8. Conditioning Device – Think rower, sled, or air bike — not the treadmill graveyard.

  9. Proper Flooring – Horse stall mats > foam tiles. Period.

  10. Leaf Blower – The secret weapon of garage gym dads. Clean space = consistent workouts.

Dad Day Takeaway

Forget $3,000 smart racks. The best home gyms are built one solid piece at a time, gear that’s used, not just owned.

Start simple: barbell, plates, and a rack. Add as you go. The goal isn’t to build the perfect gym, it’s to build the habit.

Watch the full video from Garage Gym Reviews
→ Garage Gym Reviews on YouTube

“Every kid remembers their first real bike. Every dad remembers the crash right after.” – Dad

Full Disclosure: We’re a Little Biased

We’ll admit it. We’re partial to REI. Not just because their staff actually knows what they’re talking about, but because of their trade-in and used gear programs. It’s one of the few places where you can upgrade your kid’s bike without emptying your wallet. When they outgrow it (and they will), you can trade it in, grab store credit, and move up to the next size. And no, REI doesn’t pay us for saying that. (Would be cool if they did.)

Still, we’ve tested and seen plenty of good options from Amazon, Guardian, Woom, and Specialized, too. This list blends quality, value, and real-world dad insight to help you find the best kids bikes of 2025.

Why Finding the Right Bike Matters

Buying your kid a bike isn’t just about two wheels and a helmet. It’s about giving them freedom, confidence, and that first real taste of independence. But shopping for kids’ bikes can feel like buying a used car with training wheels. Balance bikes, BMX, mountain, 14-inch, 16-inch, 20-inch — it’s a lot.

So here’s a guide to the best kids bikes in 2025, organized by age and riding style. From first balance bikes to mini mountain rigs, we’ve got your family covered.

Best Balance Bikes for Toddlers (Ages 2–4)

1. Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
The gold standard for learning balance. Lightweight, adjustable, and almost indestructible.
Find it on Amazon | REI

Dad Tip: No pedals means no fear. Most kids go from this to a real pedal bike in months, not years.

2. Woom 1 Balance Bike
Premium price, premium ride. A feather-light aluminum frame and real rubber tires make it feel like a “real” bike for toddlers.
Find it on Amazon | Woom

Best First Pedal Bikes (Ages 4–6)

3. Guardian 16” Ethos Bike
Guardian’s “SureStop” braking system is genius. One lever controls both brakes, reducing crash risk for new riders.
Find it on Amazon | Guardian Bikes

Dad Tip: Ideal for kids ready to ditch training wheels but still working on coordination.

4. Prevelo Alpha Two
Lightweight and well-built, the Prevelo Alpha Two gives small riders confidence. Great ergonomics and quality components.
Find it on Amazon | Prevelo

Best Bikes for Kids Ages 6–9

5. Woom 4 Pedal Bike (20”)
Smooth gearing, low weight, and an easy riding position make this bike perfect for growing riders.
Find it on Amazon | Woom

Dad Tip: Great for neighborhood rides and early trail adventures.

6. Trek Precaliber 20
A classic kids’ bike from a trusted brand. Solid, reliable, and rides light for its size.
Find it on Amazon | REI

Best Trail Bikes for Kids (Ages 9–12)

7. Co-op Cycles REV 24 Plus
REI’s in-house brand nails it with this one. Grippy tires, simple gearing, and built to handle dirt, gravel, or the ride to school.
Find it on REI

8. Specialized Riprock 24
Wide tires, strong suspension, and serious trail chops. A mini mountain bike that actually performs.
Find it on Specialized | REI

Best Bikes for Teenagers and Early Independence

9. Cannondale Quick 24
A fast, reliable hybrid that’s perfect for school commutes or neighborhood rides. Lightweight and low-maintenance.
Find it on REI

10. Marin Bayview Trail 24”
Durable, confident, and ready for bigger rides. A perfect bridge from “kid bike” to “real bike.”
Find it on REI

How to Pick the Right Size Kids Bike

A quick guide to wheel size and fit:

  • 12-inch: Ages 2–3 (up to 38″ tall)

  • 16-inch: Ages 4–6 (39–46″)

  • 20-inch: Ages 6–9 (47–53″)

  • 24-inch: Ages 9–12 (54–61″)

  • 26-inch and up: Teens and early independence

Always prioritize comfort and control. A bike that fits well helps kids ride longer, crash less, and actually enjoy it.

The Dad Takeaway

The best kids bike isn’t the flashiest one. It’s the one your kid actually rides. Focus on fit, comfort, and confidence over brand or features. These bikes earn their keep by creating adventures, teaching independence, and maybe even bringing back your own childhood memories.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Dad Day earns from qualifying purchases. It helps keep the coffee strong and maybe one day fund that REI habit.

“If your gym shirt smells like regret before you even start your warm-up, it’s time for an intervention.”

The Problem

You’re not dirty. You’re dedicated. But those synthetic workout shirts and compression shorts? They hold onto odor like a toddler clings to your leg on Monday morning. Regular detergent doesn’t cut it. Fabric softener makes it worse. And that “sports detergent” you bought once smells like Axe in a blender.

Good news: You can absolutely de-funk your gear without replacing your whole drawer or living in fear of locker-room judgment.

1. Stop the Funk Before It Starts

Don’t let sweaty clothes stew in the hamper. Bacteria love moisture.

  • Air it out: Hang gear right after workouts. Garage, porch, anywhere but the gym bag.

  • Quick rinse: Even a 30-second rinse in the sink keeps odors from setting.

Think of it like dishes, easier to clean if you don’t let them crust over.

2. Use the Right Detergent (and Less of It)

More soap doesn’t mean more clean. Too much detergent traps residue, which traps stink.

  • Use a sports-specific detergent (HEX, Rockin’ Green, or Nathan Sport Wash all work).

  • Or add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.

If your washer has a “cold wash” setting, skip it. Warm water breaks down sweat oil better.

3. No Fabric Softener. Ever.

Fabric softener coats your clothes with a film that locks in odor. That’s why your “clean” shirt starts smelling funky halfway through your next run. Use dryer balls instead. They soften fabric without trapping stink.

4. Deep Clean Every Few Weeks

Once a month, give your gear a detox:

  1. Fill a tub with warm water, 1 cup vinegar, and 1 tablespoon baking soda.

  2. Soak for 30–45 minutes.

  3. Rinse and wash normally.

It’s basically a spa day for your shorts.

5. Don’t Bake the Stench In

High heat cooks bacteria into your clothes. Air-dry or tumble on low. Your gear and your wallet will last longer.

6. Clean the Source: Your Washer

If your washer smells like a locker room, so will your clothes. Run an empty hot cycle with vinegar once a month to nuke the buildup.

Dad Bonus: The Prevention Kit

Keep this in your gym bag:

  • A mini spray bottle with diluted white vinegar (odor killer on the go).

  • A mesh bag for sweaty gear so it can breathe.

  • A small drying rack in your garage or mudroom for post-workout hang-ups.

The Dad Takeaway

Workout gear doesn’t have to smell like your high-school football bag. Treat your clothes like the tools they are: clean them right, dry them fast, skip the shortcuts. You’ll smell better, your gear will last longer, and your family won’t start staging interventions every time you walk in from the garage.

The Dad-Approved Laundry Kit

A few tools that actually keep your gym gear from smelling like middle-school locker rooms.

1. HEX Performance Laundry Detergent
Designed for synthetic fabrics — cuts through sweat and odor without wrecking elasticity. Get it here.

2. Rockin’ Green Active Wear Detergent
Natural enzyme cleaner made for athletic gear and compression fabrics. Works great for running shorts and base layers. Get it here.

3. Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls
Skip the fabric softener. These reusable dryer balls keep clothes soft and breathable — no residue, no stink trap. Get it here.

4. Distilled White Vinegar (Any Brand)
The unsung hero of laundry. Add half a cup to the rinse cycle to neutralize odor and bacteria. Get it here.

5. Joom Tripd Drying Rack
Air-drying keeps fabrics alive longer. Get it here.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Dad Day earns from qualifying purchases. It helps keep the coffee strong and the gear honest.

“A good cologne doesn’t just smell great. It tells the world you showered, slept, and maybe even have your act together.”

Why It Matters

A scent is a dad’s secret handshake. It’s quiet confidence — a reminder that style isn’t about flash, it’s about intention. Whether you’re dressing up for date night or hitting a soccer game smelling better than the sidelines, the right fragrance makes a difference.

Here are ten standout colognes that hit that sweet spot between timeless and modern — the ones that say responsible adult with just enough swagger.

1. Tom Ford Bois Pacifique

Woody, spicy, serene — $180–$270
Sophisticated but relaxed, like a beach house with a whiskey shelf. Perfect for dads who want to smell expensive without announcing it.

2. Dior Sauvage Elixir

Intense, aromatic — $160–$347
Still the alpha scent of the decade. Bold, long-lasting, and refined. Wear it to work, date night, or anywhere you need to feel like the main character.

3. Bleu de Chanel Parfum

Fresh, citrus, woody — $165–$235
The “if you could only own one” scent. Clean enough for daytime, smooth enough for night. Universally liked — like dad jokes, if they were sexy.

4. Versace Eros Eau de Toilette

Mint, green apple, vanilla — $108–$195
Loud in all the right ways. Energetic, youthful, and slightly flirtatious. The gym bag cologne that says, “Yeah, I still got it.”

5. Prada Luna Rossa Ocean

Aquatic, clean, contemporary — $98–$135
Fresh, modern, and easy to wear. Smells like a productive Saturday — errands done, haircut tight, grill fired up by noon.

6. Creed Aventus Cologne

Fruity, smoky, woody — $270–$1,300
The legend. Pricey, yes. But it’s power in a bottle — confidence, success, and “my kid’s tuition is already covered” energy.

7. YSL Y Eau de Parfum

Fresh, spicy, aromatic — $99–$175
The everyday MVP. Not too loud, not too soft. Ideal for the dad who wears crisp white sneakers and actually irons his shirts.

8. Paco Rabanne 1 Million

Spicy, leathery, bold — $96–$172
Fun, loud, and unapologetically confident. The night-out scent that feels like 2010 in the best possible way.

9. Valentino Uomo Born in Roma

Woody, aromatic, ginger — $110–$180
Modern and warm with a hit of spice. Think “Italian dad on vacation” energy — effortless, romantic, and well-dressed.

10. Azzaro The Most Wanted

Warm, spicy, woody — $120–$135
Loud enough to get compliments, smooth enough for daily wear. A solid pick if you want something bold but approachable.

Bonus: Bvlgari Man in Black

Rum, spices, leather — $115–$175
Dark, masculine, and made for evenings. Smells like fireplaces, confidence, and mystery — all things in short supply once you have kids.

Key Dad Trends for 2025

  • Woody and spicy scents are still king, but fresher citrus and aquatic notes keep things balanced.

  • Legacy brands (Tom Ford, Chanel, Dior, Creed) continue to dominate — they just refine, never reinvent.

  • Modern upstarts like Valentino are bridging the gap, offering fresher takes that still feel grown up.

The Dad Takeaway

Your scent is part of your signature. It’s not vanity — it’s self-respect. Find one that fits your vibe, and make it your thing.

Data sourced and adapted from Real Men Real Style and Fragrance Market (2025). Recommendations written and reimagined by Dad Day.

Let’s face it: between work, workouts, and wiping peanut butter off the couch, you need tees that hold their shape and still look decent. A good tee matters.

In our Slack group, this topic keeps coming up. The consensus is clear: a handful of brands consistently deliver. These are the t-shirts dads actually buy, talk about, and replace less often.

Top Picks

True Classic Crew Neck

The entry-level favorite. Premium fitted crew neck made from a cotton-poly blend that holds its form and feels soft out of the box. The athletic cut hits that sweet spot between “dad bod” and “gym bro.”

Price: $29.99
Why it works: Affordable, modern fit, solid fabric. Looks better after the third wash than most tees do on day one.
trueclassictees.com

Marine Layer Signature Crew

The luxury comfort pick. Marine Layer built a cult following around its ultra-soft, eco-friendly fabric and its M/L “Marge” size that nails the fit between medium and large.

Price: $38
Why it works: Perfect for dads who want softness and style without the cling. It feels like a ten-year-old favorite the first time you wear it.
marinelayer.com

Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee (Huckberry)

The performance workhorse. Made from merino wool that naturally regulates temperature and resists odor. Designed for travel, workouts, and the days you can’t get a load of laundry done.

Price: $78
Why it works: Breathable, quick-drying, and tough. You can wear it three days straight and no one will notice. Great for travel or weekend chaos.
huckberry.com

Taylor Stitch Cotton Hemp Tee

The eco-built essential. A lightweight blend of organic cotton and hemp that feels broken-in but lasts longer than your average cotton tee. Small-batch production, great tailoring, and solid durability.

Price: $40
Why it works: Sustainable fabric, clean design, and a tailored cut. It’s the “buy fewer, better things” option.
taylorstitch.com

Roark Made to Fade Tee

The rugged classic. Roark makes clothes for people who actually go outside. Their Made to Fade tee looks broken-in from day one and just gets better with age.

Price: $35
Why it works: Mid-weight cotton that handles sweat, salt, and kid chaos. It’s built to take a beating and look cooler after each wash.
roark.com

What Matters In a Tee?

  • Fit matters more than fabric. A tee that hits the shoulders and chest right always wins.

  • Versatility is key. You want a shirt that works for errands, grilling, or a casual dinner.

  • The price-to-wear ratio matters. It’s not about luxury for the sake of it, it’s about what lasts.

  • No loud graphics. Just clean, grown-up style that fits into real life.

  • Durability counts. A great tee should survive the sandbox and the spin cycle.

How to Choose Your Tee

  • Fit in shoulders and chest: Should look intentional, not baggy.

  • Length: Cover your belt when you bend.

  • Fabric weight: Too thin feels cheap, too thick feels like armor.

  • Washability: Must hold up after dozens of cycles.

  • Versatility: Works solo or under a jacket.

  • Price vs lifespan: If it costs more, it should last more.

The Dad Verdict

You don’t need a closet full of premium tees. You just need the right few that make you feel put-together even when life’s messy.

Start with True Classic for your everyday rotation. Add a Marine Layer or Taylor Stitch for weekends and nights out. Keep a Proof Merino in your bag for travel. And grab a Roark Made to Fade for everything in between.

Good tees make a difference. Not because anyone else notices, but because you do.

Back in the 90s, “tracking your kid” meant yelling their name out the front door and hoping they came running from a few houses down.

Today, you can pinpoint them within ten seconds on your phone.

Every year, tech experts and parents test the latest GPS trackers and smartwatches for kids. For 2025, we reviewed their findings across SafeWise, Tom’s Guide, PCMag, and Family1st, compiled through Perplexity, and pulled together what actually matters for dads in the real world.

Best Overall GPS Tracker: AngelSense GPS

If safety is your top priority, AngelSense is still the front-runner in 2025.

Real-time 10-second updates, two-way talk, and an SOS button make it more like a personal bodyguard than a tracker. It’s built for kids who wander, especially helpful for families with children who have disabilities. Parents can set up routine-based alerts and securely share live tracking with caregivers or first responders.

Dad Take: If your kid walks home from school or rides the bus solo, this one gives peace of mind without constant check-ins.

Best Compact Tracker: Jiobit Smart Tag (Gen 3)

Small, accurate, and easy to hide on a backpack or belt loop.

Jiobit uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to give real-time updates, route history, and geofence alerts when your child leaves a set area.

Dad Take: Ideal for younger kids who can’t keep track of their shoes but still deserve a little freedom.

Best Smartwatch for Communication: TickTalk 5

TickTalk 5 is the all-in-one option for families who want both tracking and communication.

It supports HD voice and video calls, texting, and AI-assisted GPS accuracy. Parents can manage 40-plus settings for contact blocking, screen-time limits, and app use.

Battery Life: Up to 137 hours on standby.

Dad Take: For kids not ready for a smartphone, this is the sweet spot between independence and oversight.

Best Fitness-Focused Smartwatch: Garmin Bounce

Garmin Bounce mixes GPS tracking with kid-friendly fitness tools.

Through the Garmin Jr. app, parents can view live locations, assign chores, reward activity, and send messages.

Dad Take: Perfect for the active tween who wants to move more and stay in touch at the same time.

Best Budget Pick: LandAirSea 54

A compact, waterproof tracker that just works. The LandAirSea 54 records live location data, supports geofencing, and uses motion activation to stretch battery life up to 30 days.

Dad Take: Simple, affordable, and built tough enough to survive the bottom of a backpack.

Best for Kids with Disabilities: GPSTracker247 Teen

This one’s built for reliability and peace of mind.

The GPSTracker247 Teen model provides real-time updates, driving behavior logs, and geofence notifications.
Parents like the lightweight design and accessible caregiver app, especially for autism or ADHD-related wandering prevention.

Dad Take: A solid choice for families who need extra dependability and easy communication.

Other Notable Mentions

Apple Watch SE 3
Great for older kids who already use Apple devices and benefit from “Find My” tracking.

Gabb Watch 3e
A no-frills, durable smartwatch focused on simple calling and messaging.

Fitbit Ace LTE
Blends GPS with fitness tracking and gamified activity challenges that keep kids engaged.

Quick Comparison

Tracker Type Strengths Price Range Subscription
AngelSense Wearable tracker SOS, 2-way talk, daily routine alerts $79–$99 Yes
Jiobit Gen 3 Clip-on tracker Compact, secure, accurate $129 Yes
TickTalk 5 Smartwatch Full communication + GPS $179 Yes
Garmin Bounce Smartwatch Fitness + live tracking $150 Yes
LandAirSea 54 Standalone tracker Compact, waterproof, 30-day battery $30–$50 Yes
GPSTracker247 Teen Handheld/wearable Ideal for special needs $30 Low-cost
Apple Watch SE 3 Smartwatch Works with Apple ecosystem $250 Optional
Gabb Watch 3e Smartwatch Simplified communication $149 Yes

Technology can’t replace trust, but it can make parenting a little less stressful.

The goal isn’t to hover. It’s to give your kids freedom with a safety net. Because being a dad in 2025 means finding that balance between “go play outside” and “just text me when you get there.”

“Every dad needs one bag that can handle chaos — airports, hikes, snack emergencies, and camera gear — without falling apart.”

For Dads Who Pack Like Pros

Some dads travel light. Others pack for every possible scenario: the hike, the swim, the coffee shop, the rainstorm, and the inevitable “Dad, do you have a charger?” moment.

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L might be the first bag that actually keeps up. It’s big enough for a weekend trip, smart enough for camera gear, and tough enough to survive a kid-infested road trip.

After two weeks of real use, Peak Hacker Reviews called it one of the most balanced packs of 2025 — part travel hauler, part adventure rig, and part photo studio on your back.

Build and Materials

The body uses 210D ripstop nylon with a water-resistant laminate on the front and bottom. Translation: light but bombproof. It shrugged off rain just fine without the optional rainfly. Zippers aren’t branded, but they’re sturdy. The quick-release woven buckle on the hip belt deserves a shoutout — easy to use, even when your hands are cold or full of Goldfish packets.

Comfort and Carry

Peak Design went all-in on the harness system. Adjustable torso length, heavily padded shoulder straps, and ventilation that actually works. The straps mimic a running vest — breathable, snug, and even include tiny pockets for snacks or your phone. There’s a mount for the Peak Design Capture Clip, so you can grab your camera mid-hike without unstrapping.

Dual sternum straps add stability on the move, while the hip belt can be stowed or removed entirely for lighter travel days.

Smart Storage

The outside has deep side pockets big enough for a water bottle, tripod, or kid’s jacket you got stuck holding. Attachment loops everywhere make it easy to lash gear — think carabiners, jackets, or even trekking poles — without looking like a tactical cosplayer. Up top, a roll-top closure locks in place with magnets and a cinch cord system that stays shut, even when overstuffed. For full access, the clamshell back panel opens like a suitcase, revealing the spacious main compartment and compatibility with Peak Design’s camera cubes.

Inside, you get a laptop sleeve that doubles as a hydration bladder pocket, plus a small mesh pocket for keys or cables. Internal organization is minimal, so you’ll want your own pouches — but that’s what makes it so adaptable.

The Dad Verdict

This pack sits in the sweet spot between sleek and functional. It’s just as happy hauling camera gear through airports as it is stuffed with snacks and rain jackets on a family hike.

Pros:

  • Light but tough materials

  • Super-comfortable harness

  • Clever roll-top and back access

  • Works for both travel and photography

Cons:

  • Minimal internal organization

  • Pricey for casual users

If you want one bag that does everything — travel, hikes, weekend trips, and dad-level chaos — this is a top-shelf pick.

Dad Takeaway

One bag. Every mission. Whether you’re chasing a sunset shot or chasing your kid through TSA, the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L can handle it.

Note: This article is based on Peak Hacker Reviews’ original video, “Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L Review (2 Weeks of Use).” All opinions are their own.

For Dads Who Run Before Sunrise

There’s a certain breed of dad who runs when the rest of the house is asleep. Coffee at 5:15, shoes by the door, Garmin synced before the sun peeks up.

If that’s you, this one’s for you. Running coach and marathoner Ben Parkes just dropped his “Top Shoes of 2025 (So Far)” video, breaking down the best daily trainers, race rockets, and recovery kicks of the year. He buys every pair himself, so there’s no sponsor fluff or influencer bias. Just real miles and honest takes.

Here’s the shortlist.

Daily Trainers: The Workhorses

Winner: Adidas Adizero Evo SL
A dad’s dream. Premium Lightstrike Pro foam without the carbon plate, giving a ride that’s both springy and responsive. Fast enough for tempo runs, soft enough for recovery miles. Downsides: short tongue, sub-par laces, and a little unstable for heel strikers. But for the price, it’s a killer deal.

Runner-Up: ASICS Novablast 5
The Swiss Army Knife of running shoes. Durable, cushy, and fun. Great for nearly any runner and any pace. The only real drawback: wet-weather grip could be better.

Also worth a look:

  • New Balance More v6

  • Salomon Aeroglide 3

Speed Shoes: For When the Pace Picks Up

Winner: Nike Zoom Fly 6
ZoomX midsole with a carbon plate delivers a fast, fun, and surprisingly comfortable ride. Great for intervals or tempo runs without the top-tier race shoe price tag. Cons: a bit unstable in the heel and awkward to walk in — but who walks in these?

Also Great: Hoka Rocket X 3
Technically a race shoe, but versatile enough for speed sessions too. Lightweight, stable, and smooth through transitions. Pricey, yes — but it earns its keep.

Race Shoes: PR Material

Short Distance Pick: Nike Vaporfly 4
Light, bouncy, and perfect for shorter races. Built for pure speed. Not ideal for marathon distances or heel strikers due to its softer mid-foot feel.

Marathon Pick: ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo Edition
Ben’s go-to marathon shoe for 2025. Fast, stable, and surprisingly comfortable for its weight. Excellent grip and smooth transitions. Knocks: sliding tongue and a premium price tag.

Recovery Shoes: Comfort Mode

Best Cushion: New Balance More v6
Massive stack height and cloud-like comfort. A shoe designed for tired legs, not speed. Heavy, yes, but your joints will thank you.

Best Premium Feel: ASICS Gel Nimbus 27
Plush, stable, and built to last. One of the most comfortable shoes of the year. On the expensive side, but worth it for the miles you’ll put in.

Long Run Shoes: Weekend Warriors

Top Pick: ASICS Superblast 2
Firm, responsive, and ready for high mileage. Handles long runs, tempo work, and everything in-between. Not the cheapest option, and its firmness may not suit everyone.

Also Great: Nike Vomero Plus
Bouncy, smooth, and with excellent grip. Feels faster than it should for a cushioned shoe. Only gripe: a little unstable on uneven terrain.

The Dad Takeaway

The right running shoe won’t just shave seconds off your splits. It’ll keep you healthy, consistent, and out the door before the rest of the house wakes up.

Here’s the 2025 dad-tier rotation:

  • Daily workhorse: Adidas Adizero Evo SL or ASICS Novablast 5

  • Speed weapon: Nike Zoom Fly 6

  • Race-day rocket: ASICS Metaspeed Edge

  • Recovery cruiser: ASICS Gel Nimbus 27

Because the best shoe isn’t the flashiest one. It’s the one that gets you moving when it’s dark, cold, and the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet.

Watch the full review from Ben Parkes.


Note: This rundown is based on Ben Parkes’ YouTube video, “The Top Shoes I’m Running In So Far in 2025.”  The picks and opinions are all his — we’re just fans sharing the goods. We’re not sponsored by any of these brands (though if they want to send a pair or two, we’ll test ‘em properly). Links are for your convenience and may help keep our coffee fund alive.

Humans were built to move weight. Long before gyms and kettlebells, we carried survival on our backs: food, firewood, and the occasional unlucky animal we chased down. That’s what Dr. Andrew Huberman and author Michael Easter dig into when they talk about rucking—walking with weight. It’s a forgotten superpower still hardwired into our DNA.

Running gets all the attention, but carrying weight does something special. It fires up your heart like cardio while also building the kind of functional strength that lasts. Adding a weighted backpack can burn more calories per mile than walking or running alone. It’s also one of the best ways to get outside, clear your head, and train without beating up your joints.

Studies on backcountry hunters show just how effective it is. They drop fat while keeping muscle; the kind of slow-burn transformation that sticks. The reason is simple: rucking hits nearly every major muscle group while forcing your body to adapt to real-world load. It’s primal fitness done right.

If you’re starting out, go light. Women should begin with 5 to 20 pounds. Men should start with 10 to 30. Build from there by adding weight or distance each week.

Keep it under 50 pounds or one-third of your body weight to stay in the safe zone.

Rucking also pairs well with running. It strengthens your stabilizers, improves efficiency, and reduces injury risk. And just like in life or work, the hardest part is getting started. Once you push through that early resistance, the rhythm takes over.

Watch Michael Easter and Dr. Andrew Huberman explain why rucking might be the most underrated way to get lean and strong

Strap on a pack, hit the trail, and carry something heavy. Your ancestors did it to survive; you can do it to thrive.

Inspired by Dr. Andrew Huberman and Michael Easter’s conversation on rucking, weight loss, and strength. © Original content and research by Michael Easter and Andrew Huberman, PhD. Watch the full episode on YouTube.

If you’ve ever stood in your garage, hands on hips, wondering how the hell it got this messy — this one’s for you. In a recent MeatEater Clips video, Steve gives a full walk-through of his garage setup, and it’s… well, intimidatingly dialed. Every inch is doing something.

He starts with a “drop zone” by the door for gear coming and going — then moves into open shelving with bins built to fit. Not the other way around. It’s like Marie Kondo met a hunting guide.

  • Fishing gear? In labeled bins.
  • Action Packers? Loaded with grab-and-go essentials — first aid, optics, camping cups.
  • Workbench? Walk-around clean. Ready for whatever project’s next.

Steve even went industrial with Vidmar cabinets for tools and Acro Mills sorters for hardware. Overkill? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

Up top, he’s using modified Flex Mount panels for overhead storage — think gas cans, coolers, even spear guns. The man’s turned his ceiling into bonus square footage.

Bottom line:

This isn’t about being obsessive. It’s about building a garage that works as hard as you do.

Watch the full clip on MeatEater, then tell us — is this next-level inspiration or proof you need a weekend off to get your life together?

We didn’t make this video — the legends at MeatEater Clips did. We’re just fans sharing good ideas and adding a little dad commentary. All rights to the original creators.