• As a city of more than 20 million people, Cairo is the most populous city in the Middle East. It has a reputation as a busy, crowded, and polluted city with few reasons for tourists to visit.
• Business Insider international correspondent Harrison Jacobs and producer Annie Zheng visited Cairo in December expecting it to be little more than a stopover before visiting Egypt’s bucket-list attractions like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Karnak.
• After spending two weeks exploring the Cairo’s interesting food, vibrant culture, and nonstop energy, they fell in love with the city. Future visitors ought to make time to explore the Egypt of today, not just the Egypt of 5,000 years ago.

As a city of more than 20 million people, Cairo is the most populous city in the Middle East and the second most populous in Africa. It feels like it.

Every highway, road, and alleyway is clogged with cars and motorbikes spewing fumes into the air. The honking never stops: long honks, short beeps, and everything in between. The cars, and their drivers, are in every kind of conversation imaginable. Other noises proliferate, from street-side shouts to the rumble of construction.

While those elements likely drive most tourists out of the city as fast as they come in, visitors willing to brave Cairo's idiosyncrasies will find a colorful city full of mad energy. The alleyways teem with shops, restaurants, and cafes and around every corner there's another Egyptian cracking a joke either with or at you. 

Though Egypt's tourism industry, and economy at large, has taken a major hit since the 2011 Arab Spring Revolution, a new entrepreneurial generation is making the city its own, opening new restaurant concepts and starting new businesses.  

I (Harrison, here!) spent two weeks in the city in December, along with my travel partner and Business Insider's international producer, Annie Zheng. 

Here's what it was like to visit Cairo.

SEE ALSO: I visited outlandishly wealthy Dubai, known as the 'city of gold,' and was surprised by how much fun you can have even without billions

DON'T MISS: Singapore is full of cheap, delicious food, efficient public transportation, top-notch museums, and a budding nightlife scene

Let’s get this out of the way: Cairo is not an easy city. It’s loud, rambunctious, crowded, and colorful. The traffic is legendary. I experienced it for the first time on my trip from the airport, which took close to two hours to drive 14 miles.

We booked a room at The New President Hotel in the embassy-populated, moderately wealthy island of Zamalek. Considered one of the greenest parts of the city, Zamalek has tree-lined streets, views of the Nile, and is a short drive over the bridge to downtown. It’s slightly quieter (though not by much) which makes it an ideal home base for newcomers.

The Culture Trip's Sinead Schenk has great recommendations for Zamalek here»

With an expansive menu, quality food, and good prices, Crave is one of the most popular restaurants among locals and foreigners. It was so good — and so close to my hotel in Zamalek — that I ate dinner there three nights in a row. One memorable dish is prawns wrapped in crispy fried konafa, an Arab noodle pastry.

Source: Crave Zamalek

• Amid a long-running feud between McDonald's and Wendy's, the former just released its own take on bacon cheese fries.
• Dubbed Cheesy Bacon Fries, the limited-time snack offer includes McDonald's signature French fries topped with cheese and smoked bacon bits.
• The Wendy's equivalent, the Baconator Fries, has been around since 2015. Similarly, the dish includes fries topped with cheddar cheese and Applewood smoked bacon.
• We compared the two, and while the Wendy's dish was tasty, McDonald's new Cheesy Bacon Fries snack was a gross, mucky mess of gobbed cheese.

SEE ALSO: We compared Chick-fil-A with Raising Cane's to find the best chicken chain — and the winner is clear

We visited a Wendy's in Daly City, California, first.

We asked for a regular-sized order of bacon cheese fries or, as the snack is officially known, the Baconator Fries. It cost $3.25.

Our Baconator Fries were ready in no time at all.

• Floyd Mayweather was seen shopping in Gucci earlier this week.
• The retired American boxer was asked why he wasn't joining people like Spike Lee who were calling for a boycott as a response to the Italian designer selling a blackface jumper.
• Mayweather responded by saying he's "not a follower" and that he does "what the f--- I wanna do."
• He has now been targetted by rapper T.I. who slapped him with a diss track.
• The song features cover art that shows a Mayweather mugshot photoshopped with the Gucci blackface sweater on top.
• You can listen to the Mayweather diss track right here.

Floyd Mayweather has been slapped with a diss track from rapper T.I. after he was seen shopping at Gucci.

Mayweather, a former boxer who retired undefeated after a 10th round stoppage win over Conor McGregor in 2017, visited a Gucci store earlier in the week and left with an entourage carrying multiple bags filled with Gucci products.

The 41-year-old was asked why he was still shopping at Gucci when there was a backlash over its $900 balaclava knit top that people thought looked like blackface.

The Italian designer Gucci even issued a grovelling apology for selling the black jumper, which stretched over the mouth and featured red lips, a traditional feature of blackface.

Prominent celebrities like the movie director Spike Lee led calls to boycott Gucci but Mayweather said he's "not no follower," that he does "what the f--- I wanna do," and that he's going to "get on a yacht and live life."

On Thursday, T.I. released a song called "F--- N----" and it appears to be a direct response to Mayweather's comments.

Read more: Floyd Mayweather should disappear into retirement forever, because a comeback could end in tears

The track cover shows one of Mayweather's mugshots with a Gucci blackface sweater photoshopped over top.

The text below describes a "f--- n----" as a "term used in the south" for when someone "goes against his people," does "ignorant s---" and also "deserves to get dealt with accordingly for their stupidity."

Some of the lyrics appear to take shots at Mayweather's lifestyle, which involves fast cars, expensive jewelry, and buying multi million dollar mansions without giving back to the poor.

"Damn, it must suck to be a f--- n----, old greedy a-- n---- only thinking about his self," T.I. raps. "He get the fame, he get the wealth but people are struggling, who did you help?"

Another line reads: "I don't give a f---- how much money you have, what did you do with it, how did you use it to make an impact and influence the wealth for the better? You rather go buy jewelry, whatever."

You can listen to the song right here:

Though Mayweather's last professional fight was in 2017, he did return to the ring for a three round exhibition in Saitama, Japan on December 31 against the heralded Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa.

Mayweather, though, needed only one round to knock the noticeably lighter Nasukawa down three times en route to an early knockout victory. The bout was later described as a farce, with the former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub slamming it as "fake."

Read more: Anthony Joshua's next fight confirms he's this era's Floyd Mayweather

It is unclear what Mayweather's next move is, as he recently said a swansong in cage-fighting firm UFC would enhance his bank balance by $3 billion to $5 billion.

For now at least, he remains retired.

SEE ALSO: Floyd Mayweather went shopping at Gucci despite the boycott over its blackface scandal, saying: 'I'm not a follower'

DON'T MISS: Anthony Joshua's next fight confirms he's this era's Floyd Mayweather

UP NEXT: Floyd Mayweather should disappear into retirement forever, because a comeback could end in tears

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Billie, a shaving subscription service, has created a razor designed specifically for women. It handles the curves and angles of legs and ankles, softens the skin, and prevents clogged razorheads.
• The subscription service eliminates the "pink tax," the term used to describe the price increases typically applied to women's products, and offers a monthly supply of razors for just $9 with free shipping.
• Billie is the first women's grooming brand to depict body hair in their ads and images. Their goal is to normalize women's body hair and empower their customers to decide for themselves whether they want to shave it, or let it grow.

As an Italian-American woman with the thick, dark hair to prove it, shaving has always been a pain point for me. Actually, it's been more than just a pain point — it's been a source of shame for almost as long as I can remember.

I was in fourth or fifth grade when I developed the frantic desire to shave my legs. The knobby knees and hairy shins peeking out from beneath the hemline of my uniform skirt and above my standard-issue high socks were not like the other girls': They looked more like boys legs, and I had the distinct feeling that if I didn't do something about this fast, I'd be bullied. "Once you start, you can never stop," my mother warned, trying to convince me to put off the inevitable act of daily hair removal for a little longer. But I was stubborn (and tearful) and she relented.

Shaving was not like it seemed in commercials. On TV, women lathered up their already-hairless legs with luxuriously thick shaving cream and languidly ran a razor from ankle to thigh in one sexy stroke. Then, they put on mini skirts and heels and danced with their also-hairless lady friends, as men stared on in awe.

In reality, shaving my legs was anything but glamorous.

The razorhead got clogged before I made it up to my knee, and the blades left little bleeding nicks along the way. It took forever to remove every hair on both legs; and it didn't stop at my legs, either. I shamefully shaved my toes, too. I thought I must be the only girl in the world with hairy feet (after all, none of the razor blade commercials showed a sexy foot shave in progress).

And damn, shaving was expensive. In college, I routinely shaved my legs with dull, past-their-prime blades because I couldn't afford to drop $25 on a new pack.

At one point, I joined the Dollar Shave Club— a razor subscription service for men that eventually began marketing their affordable blades to women, too — because they offered a fresh pack of razor cartridges for just $9 a month. But the metal razor handle that came with the blades was clearly not meant for ladies. The company describes it as "weighty" and "substantial," which might be nice for a guy's face… but as a woman shaving with upward strokes in a slippery shower, the heavy handle worked against me.

Needless to say, from fifth grade to my late twenties, shaving was the bane of my existence. Until I found Billie, a razor subscription service aimed directly at the female market.

"While we saw that there were a number of startups in the grooming space bringing better pricing to men's shaving products, we didn't see that same innovation for women," Georgina Gooley, the co-founder of Billie, tells Business Insider. "We knew that we wanted to create a razor that was designed specifically for the way women shave and priced in line with affordable men's razors."

Gooley notes that women typically shave over 10 times the surface area than men do, and navigate more curves and angles. "Which is why we designed the Billie razor to deliver the smoothest, most comfortable shave available for women," she says.

Speaking from personal experience, I can attest that Gooley's not exaggerating.

My Billie razor— rendered in a pale pink shade that perfectly matches my bathroom decor, one of many colors to choose from — is incredibly lightweight and easy to grip. The razor head is flexible enough to handle the curves of my ankles, knees, and toes without a problem. "Our American-made blades are super sharp and are encased in 360° of aloe shave soap, so it feels like it's floating right over your skin," Gooley adds. "We also have more space between each blade to allow shave cream and hair to pass through easily, so you never have a clogged razor."

When you subscribe through Billie's site, you first have to answer a few questions about your shaving habits, including how often you use your razor (every day? once a week? once a month?).

"Blade refills arrive every one, two, or three months, depending on how often you shave, so you never run out," Gooley says. To me, this feature is particularly useful. When I subscribed to Dollar Shave Club, I ended up with more razors than I could possibly use, and they wastefully piled up in my bathroom cabinet until I pawned them off on my husband.

But perhaps the best thing about Billie is that the brand is the first to offer a realistic view of women's body hair— and, in contrast to most other women's grooming brands on the market, empowers women to make their own decisions about when, and even if, to shave.

"We built Billie to be a brand for all womankind, not just women who shave," Gooley tells Business Insider, with a nod to the other personal care products Billie sells (like shower caps, hair combs, and body wash). "We think of our customers as our friends. We would never dictate what they should do, especially when it comes to personal grooming habits."

To this point, Billie has launched Project Body Hair, a "celebration of female body hair" that aims to fill the internet with pictures of real women shaving (or not) in order to normalize the idea that body hair is, well, normal. "Many female razor brands have historically ignored female body hair by always showing glossy, hairless legs in their ads," Gooley explains. "It felt like an archaic way of communicating with women and we're proud to celebrate body hair and reinforce that shaving is a choice, not an expectation."

Talking in the photos and videos of unshaven armpits and legs on Billie's site (not to mention, out in the world in the form of advertising) feels like letting out a heavy sigh of relief. They've even inspired me to shave a little less often — and to actually enjoy the experience when I do. And I'm not alone here.

"The Project Body Hair film has 20 million views across social media, the campaign has been covered in 22 countries, and has hundreds of thousands of positive comments," Gooley says. "I think women are appreciative of brands who are celebrating diversity and breaking the mold of what is considered 'normal' in mainstream media."

Recently, the brand took their mission a step further when they plastered one of the most frequented subway stops in New York City with an ad depicting none other than "the underrated toe shave," in Gooley's words. Yes, the toe shave. As a nearly 30-year-old woman, this thrills and excites me; and I can't even begin to imagine the positive impact images like this —the first of their kind — will have on young women.

Would I have felt differently about my body if a brand like Billie had been around when I started shaving? The answer, undoubtedly, is yes.

But since I can't go back in time and undo years of unrealistic media influence — not to mention less-than-enjoyable shaving — the least I can do is take control of my experience today.

To me, shaving with Billie is so more than just a (dreamy) physical experience; when I pull out my razor, I feel good about supporting a brand that supports me and my fellow women, in all our hairy-toed glory.

Billie subscription, starting at $9 for three months, from Billie

SEE ALSO: I started using a $30 facial steamer to clear my pores and my whiteheads are completely gone

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• I'm extremely frugal, and spending more than $10 on a phone charger never seemed appealing.
• However, my apartment recently became an unofficial graveyard for under-$10 CVS phone chargers that could not survive me as their custodian.
• For the last few months, I've been using a $30 phone charger made from the same material found in bulletproof vests. It has stood up to a lot of abuse, and outlived many cheaper kinds.
• Overall, the Belkin Duratek has been a great investment.

I have a chronic case of frugality.

But, as is often the case with applying a “whatever's cheapest and gets the job done” rule universally, frugality does not always wind up being the most cost-effective option. In fact, it can end up costing quite a lot just to deny yourself the finer versions of things.

Take for instance the graveyard of cheap, last-minute CVS iPhone chargers languishing around my small NYC apartment. I never willingly spent more than $10 on one, but, as part of that compromise, I accepted the need to replace them at an interval so frequent it only otherwise applies to bananas and un-refrigerated meat.

In the end, buying the cheap version of things — especially the basics — can be expensive. If you like one expensive chapstick more than 30 others, stop buying 30 others and just invest once in your favorite. It will probably cost the same, or it will be cheaper in the long-run. The same goes for pens, and the same goes for phone chargers.

This is the logic that led me to the $30 phone charger made out of Kevlar. It's called the Belkin Duratek Kevlar Lightning Cable, which sounds like a new model of armored truck, and its basically supposed to act like one, too.

It's built with DuPont Kevlar — the same material found in bulletproof vests and extreme sports gear — and made for ultimate durability. An exterior of hard-wearing and double-braided nylon acts like a protective jacket, and aluminum casing protects the circuit board inside the connector. The connector is supposed to withstand over 40+ pounds of force and has enough strain relief to withstand being bent in half over 5,000 times. Inside is flexible insulation that reduces friction without compromising how your charger bends and moves.

The Duratek is also Apple MiFi Certified, and works with a slew of devices.

The reviews on Amazon are mixed (240+ and an overall 3.4 stars), but it's the best option I've yet found — and since it has outlasted so many cheaper fallbacks I have, it's also been a great value for $30. I've been using my Duratek for the last few months and I've never once been careful with it — tossing it in purses with loose books rolling around on top of it, jammed into small pockets, and contorted at strange angles. I've also noticed that it charges quickly. 

I don't have any illusions that this charger will last forever despite its impressive fabric choices, but it has outlasted all the cheaper iterations I've bought in the meantime — which makes it worth it to me. There are cheaper options out there for braided chargers (like this one from AmazonBasics), but I've been trying to avoid prioritizing price over the things (like a sturdy connector piece) that make any price actually worth it.

If you're looking to settle down with a resilient phone charger you can count on for more than a few months at a time, it may be worth looking into Belkin's Duratek Kevlar cable. And if you're always skipping out on the finer things because you're stuck on frugal autopilot, it's definitely worth expanding your definition of what a great value looks like.  

Belkin MIXIT Duratek Kevlar Lightning to USB Cable, from $25.99

Join the conversation about this story »

• You can change your Apple Watch face by curating a selection of customized faces to access the features you need.
• Swipe across your Apple Watch screen from edge to edge to flip through the watch faces in your collection.
• Add, remove, and customize watch faces right on your Apple Watch or use the Watch app on your iPhone.

The beauty of an Apple Watch is that it serves many functions: a fitness tracker, a stopwatch, a way to easily peek at notifications without taking your phone out, and oh yeah – to tell the time. These features and more can be easily accessed (without having to find the app icon on the Home screen) by customizing your watch face.

On the Apple Watch you can have several watch faces. Default designs include "Modular," which has room for five different complications (I've chosen the date, weather, battery, activity rings, and heart rate) with the time listed on the top right; "Activity Digital," with the activity rings and current progress displayed front and center (I've added the workout app as a complication); and "Utility," a practical, easy to read face with an analog display (I've added stopwatch and timer complications for easy access).

For a full rundown of current Apple Watch faces and features, visit Apple's user guide for the device. Alternatively, the Face Gallery (which you can access on the iPhone Watch app) lists all the available watch faces and has detailed descriptions for each one.

Here's how to change your Apple Watch face

1. Swipe across your Apple Watch to see the faces in your current collection.
2. Swipe from edge to edge to flip through different watch faces. You can customize watch faces and manage your collection from your iPhone or directly on your Apple Watch.

How to add, remove, and customize watch faces using your iPhone

1. Open the Watch app.
2. To add a watch face, go to the Face Gallery on the bar at the bottom of the app.
3. Scroll through the available watch faces.
4. Customize color, style, and complications. Tap Add once finished to add the face to your collection.
5. To remove a watch face, go to the My Watch tab.
6. Tap the Edit button next to My Faces.
7. Tap the red "-" button to the left of the face you want to remove. Tap the red "Remove" button.
8. Tap Done.

How to add, remove, and customize watch faces using your Apple Watch

1. Firmly tap on the watch face.
2. To add a watch face, swipe left until you reach a window that reads New. Tap the "+" icon.
3. Scroll through the list of available watch faces by turning the digital crown or swiping with your finger.
4. Tap the face to add it to your collection.
5. To customize, firmly tap on the watch face you'd like to edit and tap the Customize button. When finished, press the digital crown to save your changes.
6. To remove a watch face, swipe to the face you'd like to remove.
7. Press firmly on the display, then swipe up. Tap Remove.

• Read more:
• How to charge an Apple Watch, and how long it takes to fully charge
• How to delete apps on your iPhone (and save their data)
• The best Apple Watch for every person and budget

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatch you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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• The Airbus A380 superjumbo, the largest commercial airliner in history, will end its production run in 2021.
• The A380 was once thought to have the potential to revolutionize air travel and rival the Boeing 747 jumbo jet. 
• Instead, only 274 Airbus superjumbos have been ordered, and those in operation play more of a niche role for flights operating in high-congestion areas.
• Emirates accounts for nearly half of all A380s sold, with 123 orders.
• The A380 first flew in 2005 and entered service in 2007 with Singapore Airlines. 
• A while back, we had the chance to take a tour of one Etihad Airways' A380s. 

The Airbus A380 is one of the most impressive and controversial airplanes in aviation history. And as the largest airliner in the world, the superjumbo is undoubtedly a technological wonder.

When the European planemaker dreamed up the A380 three decades ago, it was for an aircraft that would revolutionize air travel, with grand visions of unprecedented luxury for passengers and earnings power for airlines.

Things haven't worked out quite as well as Airbus hoped. Instead of becoming the workhorse of airlines around the world, the A380 has become relegated to niche duty for high-traffic airports and markets with congestion issues.

This week, Airbus confirmed that production of the A380 would end in 2021. Airbus CEO Tom Enders cited the lack of orders as the reason for the shutdown. 

Read more: The end is near for the Airbus A380 superjumbo jet. Here's how it went from an airline status symbol to reject in just 10 years.

Although popular with passengers, just 274 A380s have been sold since the early 2000s, with nearly half of them — 123 — going to Dubai's Emirates.

Through January, Airbus has delivered 234 A380s to airlines around the world. 

Long-time Teal Group aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia expects only 17 more planes to be delivered as Airbus shutters the production line. 

Some industry observers, including Aboulafia, have gone so far as to call it the biggest mistake in the history of Airbus. According to Aboulafia, the A380 is a poorly executed aircraft designed for a market that doesn't really exist. As a result, the $25 billion that Airbus spent on the A380 program could have been better used elsewhere, like on a rival for Boeing's next-generation 777X or on a true replacement for the aging 757, Aboulafia told Business Insider.

Read more: The iconic A380, the biggest airliner in the world, is going away forever — and that could be great news for Airbus.

Regardless, the superjumbo remains a truly impressive aircraft. The Airbus A380 is the company's most expensive airliner, with a list price of $445.6 million. That's more than $79 million more than Airbus' second-priciest offering, the A350-1000. It's nearly $43 million more than the Boeing 747-8 and $19.8 million more than Boeing's next-generation 777-9.

A while back, Etihad Airways gave Business Insider access to one of its A380s on the tarmac at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Let's take a closer look at Etihad's Airbus A380 superjumbo:

SEE ALSO: We flew on the new Delta Airbus jet, which Boeing tried to keep out of the US, to see if it lives up to the hype. Here's the verdict.

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The Airbus A380 made its maiden flight in 2005 ...

... before entering service with Singapore Airlines in 2007.

The superjumbo eventually joined the fleets of Emirates ...

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• Camping as a couple is a great alternative to more expensive and resource-heavy ways to enjoy the outdoors.
• Using a shared pad and sleeping bag not only makes for more of a shared experience, it also helps you stay warm.
• We looked at a lot of sleep systems for couples and found that we loved the packable, comfortable, and affordable Big Agnes Q Core SLX sleeping bag and King Solomon sleeping pad.

There are lots of great things couples can do together, but I have had many of my happiest moments with my wife in the outdoors with nothing more than a tent, sleeping bag, and some ramen noodles. Camping as a couple means sharing experiences, overcoming difficulties and experiencing beauty with someone you love, and that's always better than chocolates and champagne for me.

Sleeping pads serve two major functions: They keep you comfortable by providing padding and they keep you warm by providing insulation. Nearly all modern sleeping pads are inflatable, which makes them much lighter, less bulky, and therefore easier to carry either in a car or a backpack. Pads will have an “r value” that quantifies their warmth.

Bags make up the second half of the sleep system, and their role is to keep you warm and comfy. Most sleeping bags will come with a European Norm temperature rating, this is actually slightly lower for men than women and there are generally two values listed.

The EN comfort rating gives the lowest temperature an average woman can be comfortable, and the lower limit is the lowest temperature that an average man can sleep without being woken by cold. All these ratings assume that you're wearing thermal underwear and have a pad, so essentially, you'll want something with a lower temperature rating than you plan on encountering

We tested these sleep systems in a variety of scenarios hiking at 11,000 feet in the snowy Eastern Sierra and car camping below sea level in the deserts of Eastern California. We wanted to see how easily they inflated and repacked, how warm they were, and how comfortable they were when shared by a couple.

Here are the best sleep systems for couples:

• Best sleep system overall: Big Agnes Q Core SLX and King Solomon
• Best summer campout sleep system: Therm-a-Rest Luxury MAP pad and Vela double quilt
• Best non-inflatable sleeping system: Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Best affordable sleep system: Klymit Couple's Bundle
• Best sleep system for car camping: Nemo Jazz and Roamer

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best sleeping system for couples overall

Why you'll love it: Big Agnes delivers its trademark high-quality, low-weight sleep systems in a couple's package with a great bag and pad that deliver as much warmth and comfort as systems that weigh three times as much.  

In the world of lightweight backpacking, Big Agnes has a reputation for producing reliable pads and bags that can last as long as even the most dedicated thru-hiker. Many of the pads we tested wouldn't really be practical for a hike of much more than a few yards, but the Big Agnes sleep system is designed for serious backpackers.

The low weight of the system doesn't mean a lack of comfort. The Q core SLX mattress takes an effort to blow up, but once you're done, you can rest on its more than four inches of plush cushioning. The pads do a good job of keeping both sleepers in the center, thanks to the use of larger outer air pockets.

At just 38 ounces, the pad makes sense even if you're counting grams for a massive ascent with your partner. With such a small packed size and weight, this system can be packed into a checked bag and used as a travel mattress if you find yourself crashing with friends or needing to cram more people into a vacation rental.

The King Solomon is a serious sleeping bag that is designed for couples from the ground up. Rather than zipping two bags together, Big Agnes created one spacious bag with incredibly warm down filling and a roomy hood for warmth without constraint. At 4 pounds 5 ounces, the bag is a very competitive weight when compared to two 15-degree bags.

Backcountry shoppers have found the King Solomon to be warm even in the dead of winter, and buyers on Amazon liked the plush down and noted that Big Agnes sensibly skips the down filler on the underside of the bag where your bodyweight will crush it and render it useless anyway.

If you're serious about saving space, an aftermarket compression sack will get the bag smaller than the provided stuff sack. And if you're getting out there a lot, the included patches for punctures in the pad might come in handy, as reviewers at Gear Junkie found.

But nothing we tested can tough the Big Agnes system for real usability on real backpacking missions. When my wife and I are heading to the mountains, this is the system I reach for and it's never let me down.

Pros: Lightweight, warmest bag we tested, no weight sacrifice compared to two individual sleep systems

Cons: More fragile than heavier systems, expensive

Buy the Big Agnes King Solomon Sleeping Bag on Amazon for $299.95

Buy the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad at REI for $139.95 to $219.95

The best summer campout sleep system

Why you'll love it: Therm-a-Rest's individual self-inflating pads combined with the genius down coupler makes for a supremely comfortable and convenient sleep.

Therm-a-Rest is one of the biggest names in camp bedding and has been for years. Those silver folded up pads you see on thru-hikers backpacks? Those are Therm-a-Rests.

Therm-a-Rest looked at double sleeping pads and identified a few problems: Double sleeping pads can be just another thing to store, especially when couples often have single pads as well, and they often tend to result in the couple rolling off the pad or rolling into each other in the middle of the pad.

To combat both these issues, the company designed a down coupler that would bring together their two individual pads and make them even more comfortable, thanks to the quilted top.

Using the Therm-a-Rest pads the first time requires manual inflation, but after that, the pads are self-inflating. I'd suggest getting that first inflation and set up done at home. Plus, these pads are plenty comfortable enough to be used as a spare bed for a guest. Once inflated, the pads can be easily slipped into the down coupler with their valves sticking out to allow for inflation or deflation for comfort. Most people blow their pads up too hard resulting in discomfort.

Further integration comes in the form of Therm-a-Rest's Vela quilt, which clips to the pad and won't roll off or slide to one side as some quilts can. For those who feel claustrophobic in mummy-style bags, the quilt is a great alternative. Most bags aren't quilted on the bottom anyhow as the sleeper crushes the insulation rendering it useless, so quilts are not significantly less warm despite having less material.

Expert backcountry skiers loved the freedom of movement the blanket provided at temperatures into the mid-40-degree range. The pads and quilt were long enough for a sleeper of 6-foot-3 inches to sleep comfortably. Indeed, some REI buyers found them more comfortable than sleeping at home. The Vela is really a summer blanket, which is fine as most people are camping in the summer anyhow.

We really loved the combination of two pads and a coupler, which didn't leave us sliding into the gap in between the pads as many systems that combine two single pads can. It also feels soft against the skin, which is great for sleeping out on balmy nights. We found this system comfortable, especially once we worked out that the pads were more comfortable at a surprisingly low pressure.

The pads, with their quilted topper, were warm enough to sleep out in a tent down to about freezing and they were as comfortable in the bed of our truck as the sand of the desert or the floor of a friend's apartment.

These pads aren't really small enough for backpacking, so if that's what you're looking for you'll need to pick something from Big Agnes or Klymit. But, if you like camping in your car or near the trailhead, you won't find a more comfy system than this.

Pros: Self inflating, can be used individually or as a set

Cons: Larger and heavier than backpacking pads

Buy the Therm-a-Rest Luxury Map Sleeping Pad at REI for $109.95-$169.95

Buy the Therm-a-Rest Vela 35-Degree Puffy Down Camping Quilt at Moosejaw for $209.99

The best non-inflatable sleeping system

Why you'll love it: This pad might not make it far down the trail, but if you're looking for something that does not need to be inflated, try the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper. 

Sleeping in the bed of our truck might mean sharing space with things that don't play nicely with inflatable sleeping pads. This memory foam solution from Lucid Gel is a great alternative. It arrives packaged smaller than you'll ever get it again thanks to the wonders of Vacuum packing. But once unrolled, it's plenty thick enough to support a couple and allows for back, side, and even front sleeping, thanks to its thick memory foam padding.

Lots of mattress toppers will boast a similar width and claim to be made of memory foam, but the memory foam is only the top inch or so and the rest is a much less comfortable and cheaper foam. The Lucid Gel is fully memory foam. This does mean that you'll need to leave the pad rolled out for as long as possible before you plan to sleep on it so it can regain its size.

Amazon buyers called this mattress "the most comfortable thing I have ever slept on." And in testing, we combined it with a couple of simple fleece blankets for a comfortable summer sleep. This isn't really a pad you are going to get more than a few feet from your vehicle, though. It is heavy and ungainly to carry even a short distance, but if you plan to sleep in the bed of a pickup truck or a car with the seats flat, this is a cheap way to sleep in comfort.

Storage of pads like these is a bit challenging, they don't fold down into a stuff sack like inflatable pads. But if you roll them up, compression straps or a repurposed bike innertube should hold the pad down and allow for easier storage. Even strapped down, the mattress was about the size of a small trash can, which makes storage a bit of a challenge.

Pros: Comfort at a low cost, full memory foam mattress

Cons: Size, weight

Buy the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper on Amazon for $74.99 to $149.99 (price varies by size)

• Dating apps are now a common way to meet people, though there are many who prefer not to use them.
• People have various reasons for not using them, from saying they're a waste of time to preferring natural, in-person chemistry.
• Here, 21 people reveal why they don't use dating apps— and how they meet people instead.

Though dating apps are a common way to meet people these days, there are still many people who prefer to meet romantic prospects in real life for the first time.

According to a 2017 report by Statista, 61% of Americans aged 18-29 and 44% of Americans 30-59 are currently using a dating site/app or have used one in the past. However, a 2018 survey by polling platform The Tylt found that almost 84% of millennials would rather find love “in real life” than online.

"Meeting people ‘in the wild' makes conversations more organic and easygoing," Maria Avgitidis, founder ofAgape Match, a matchmaking service based in NYC, told Business Insider in an email.

Read More: 12 traits that 'perfectly happy' couples have in common, according to a new study

Avgitidis said that meeting in person provides an opportunity for exploration, curiosity, and a different kind of sexual tension. "More significantly, you're not hiding behind a screen and turning a soulmate into a pen pal," she said.

Here, 21 people reveal why they don't use dating apps— and how they meet people instead. The answers have been condensed and edited for clarity.

1. Charlene, 40

"I'd been in long-distance relationships up until a few years ago and had no desire to try dating apps since becoming single. My friends use them, and their complaints about the quality of matches, the dilemma of too much choice, and the buildup of chatting with someone for weeks only to meet in person and not have chemistry completely put me off of dating apps. Swipe and chat my day away on yet another app? I don't have time for that!

Luckily, I'm an extrovert who's OK with alone time, so being by myself and striking up conversations is my zone. Meeting men is easy because I'm living my life and doing what interests me and, luckily, since they're there, too, it's something they're interested in, as well.

I think men can sense that I don't have an agenda — I'm not focused on dating just to date or find 'The One,' but am interested in connecting with people and cultivating knowledge and building relationships (not just one Relationship with a capital 'R')."

2. Supriya, 29

"I am not a fan of dating apps at all! Though a lot of my friends use them and narrate the fun experiences they've had, the idea doesn't resonate with me — they're nothing but an algorithm.

I think the probability of meeting a person through friends or family at a party or a get-together is more convincing to me. Meetups for like-minded people with common interests sound great, too. Meeting someone in a situation like that sets the tone and a topic for conversation, whereas my friends who use apps get so nervous about how they'll be perceived on their coffee date!"

3. Chris, 29

"I can't stand dating apps — it takes the whole chase out of the equation, which is the fun part for both parties. I used one for about a month and people would respond once or twice, then never message back again. It seemed like they were on there to get validation, but not to follow through with actually going out. It was a big waste of time.

I meet girls at the gym — which is a healthy habit anyway! — and it works out great. I feel in my element there, and that is where your self-esteem is most high, in your element or place or expertise. I highly recommend it."

4. Sarah, 34

"I don't use dating apps because I don't think they are an accurate representation of the person. People tend to overdo it with the apps and only tell you the best parts about themselves, which inevitably leads to disappointment when you find out they are a slob or have anger issues. I think apps are actually ruining dating for everyone, because they create unrealistic expectations.

Instead, I make it a point to go to events where I can meet new people: friends' birthday parties, coworking spaces (and all of the events they put on), and honestly, I sometimes just give my number out to men I meet at coffee shops or grocery stores.

I've had great success, and there is way less pressure versus all the back-and-forth and eventual meeting that happens on dating apps. Now, I'm dating a guy I met at a picnic my friend organized a month ago."

Read more: 15 science-backed tips to get someone to fall in love with you

5. Angelique, 24

"It seems like everyone in my generation/age group is using some sort of dating app, but I don't see it as an authentic way of connecting on a deeper level with someone. I dabbled with Tinder, and, wow, was I overwhelmed! I was forgetting what stories I told to who, what plans I had with who … so I deleted the app and made more space on my phone, which was way more important!

I'm an outgoing person who has interest in many activities — slacklining, surfing, snowboarding, running, biking, hiking, etc. I actually met the love of my life through slacklining at the beach — which was the most authentic and organic way it could have possibly happened. Her name is Erika, and we now live happily in Berkeley, CA."

6. Holly, 53

"I don't use dating apps because my town is small, and I worry that my dating profile would become public knowledge. There was a time when I was on Match.com and dated someone for over a year. For now, I'm tired of online dating.

I have this belief that if I want to meet a man, I need more women in my life, because all women have a man or two whom they are friends with, but don't want to date. So rather than going online, I mine my friends, new and old, to see if they know someone I might like. It's a much better way to meet new people. I'm not lonely, so getting to meet new men is a fun way to spend a free evening."

7. Lisa, 47

"I don't use dating apps — quite frankly, I'm too busy and picky. I consider myself a success-minded, ambitious person, and my main complaint with dating sites is that sifting through prospects becomes added work. When you reach a level of success and you're in business, you become pickier about who you want as a partner and rely more on introductions and after-work social gatherings to meet people.

I maintain my energy in such a way that I attract fun, interesting people everywhere I go. Meeting someone that I'd be interested in romantically wasn't ever an issue for me. I guess it's one of the benefits of being a teenager in the '80s, and in my 20s in the ‘90s, when flirting was mastered as opposed to relying on an app or profile pic. Most people I know who are earning over $150,000 per year aren't wasting time on dating apps.

I'm a love-life coach and met my boyfriend face-to-face over two years ago while out in the world! It was a Sunday Funday. I was at an outdoor marina restaurant and when his friend recognized me from Facebook and called me over I said hi to the man who is now my boyfriend. I sat down next to him and started a conversation — imagine that!"

8. Anonymous, 31

"Dating apps work for a lot of people, but they aren't for everyone. As the novelty wanes, users tend to cycle them on and off, which leads to a high volume of matches who have gone inactive.

Instead, it's much more fun meeting people the old-fashioned way — actually socializing. Go out with friends, have a good time, and speak to people that take your fancy. There's no pressure to perform — just have fun with people you're comfortable with and meet new people on your terms. It's fun, rewarding, and allows you to meet all kinds of people."

9. Liz, 28

"One time for 24 hours, I tried dating apps just to see what they were all about, but I prefer to meet people organically, at the gym, bars, volunteering, and through friends of friends. I haven't found 'The One,' but I've met people all those ways. Just put yourself out there!"

Read More: My partner and I come from different cultures — here are the main barriers we face

10. Anshu, 24

"I don't use dating apps because, to me, it aims for what I call a "bed relationship," when my purpose is to search for a long-term relationship. (I used one or two platforms and most of the messages were asking to have a "bed relationship." After those experiences, I stopped.)

Instead, I meet people through classes (I am a yoga master) or conferences, where I get to know them, get to know more about their career, and so on. It is more secure than just using dating apps and wasting time. In fact, I used this approach and met someone in a yoga class."

11. Audrey, 39

"I've tried several dating apps, but abandoned them a few years ago. I find there's a lot of sifting through chaff involved — kind of like real life, really, but with more people who are in it for a one-night stand.

Also, all that swiping gets tedious after a while, and most people can't piece together a compelling profile, so it's not even like you get an interesting read!

I still find meeting people through friends is the best way. Or, through social causes — volunteering for a charity, etc. — I recommend that as quite an effective method to meet like-minded people. Otherwise, I don't think people should rule out watering holes. I've found a couple of long-term partners that way."

12. Stacy, 27

"I've tried apps in the past, but never actually met anyone that I would want to meet in person. I think this is because I tend to become attracted to people after developing an in-person connection with them. I don't have crushes on celebrities, pictures of people, or people I've met only once, so it makes sense dating apps wouldn't work well for me."

13. Chelsea, 26

"I've made two attempts in the last six years at using dating apps. First Tinder, then Hinge, and both lasted, at most, three days. My main issue with app dating is how uninteresting, or word-smithy, people are. I swear, it's like pulling teeth to get more than a sentence or two.

I also find that similar to most online culture, some people are willing to share FAR too personal information too soon. So I'd say it's not working out with apps, for me, at least.

I thrive in organic environments with naturally developing relationships from acquaintance to friend to potential partner — I'm past my one-night-stand days."

14. Sherry, 40s

"I got burned out from too many disappointments — personal ads in New York Press a couple of times, Nerve.com, then OkCupid. It wasn't all bad, but still, whether out of frustration or because I actually met someone promising, I'd take breaks. And, after too much feeling bad, both for rejecting and being rejected, I quit all together.

A few years ago, I met someone organically, and it was amazing. We were together for over two years, and then situations changed and, well, now I'm single again. This time, I think I'm just going to accept singleness and maybe someday I'll get lucky."

15. Scarlett, 22

"I'm old-fashioned and personally believe dating apps ruin our view of relationships.  With apps, we too easily dispose of people and are quick to get into new, meaningless relationships. In my experience, dating apps have made me feel like if things don't work out with someone, I can turn to the apps."

Read More: 7 science-backed reasons why you're better off being single

16. Lauren, 29

"My roommate and I debate this topic all the time, since she is a dating app user. I tried Bumble for a minute — that wasn't too terrible because I felt like I was a bit more in control of my fate. But, overall, I hate them. I think they're a load of bull.

They feel so insincere, photos never actually look like the people when you meet them, and when you finally connect with someone, the conversations are severely lacking. These dating apps are also very taxing on one's self-esteem. It's rough to take a look at an empty inbox, especially if you've swiped someone and you're waiting for them to match with you. You also base so much on a simple swipe left or right motion and very rarely get a chance to see how the person acts when they're not "on display."

I'm a big fan of meeting people at concerts, bars, networking events, and through friends. If I meet someone somewhere I frequent, at a concert of a band I love, or through a friend, I feel like there's already some sort of established level of commonality. I met the guy I'm currently with through a friend of mine, and he's honestly wonderful."

17. Teresa, 29

"I went on Tinder for three days once, and I found it pretty horrifying. I'm all about encouraging the IRL trend.

I enjoy the thrill of random encounters, spontaneity, and romance that unfolds organically. Sometimes, I meet people through work connections, but mainly through social events and a pretty large global community of awesome people and entrepreneurs who love dancing, celebrating, and house music.

And yes, having a relationship in NYC is possible. I always recommend that people do what works for them! Spending less time with eyes glued to a phone screen can't hurt, though."

18. Eva, 39

"I do not use dating apps because of the overabundance of bad dates and strange people I have met over the years. I have used Tinder, OkCupid, The League, and Hinge, and they really are all the same in both San Francisco and Los Angeles.

I have had luck meeting men by random encounters — from bars to supermarkets to on the street, and, guess what? They are weird, too.

I also seek out Meetups for fun alternatives for meeting people. I would recommend trying some real-time opportunities. It's much better because you can get an actual read on someone, as opposed to chatting through an app to a photo from God knows when."

19. Lauren, 23

"I've never signed up for a dating site or app and have been in and out of relationships since apps became popular a few years ago.

Personally, I believe in naturally meeting a person and having the confidence to make that connection in-person from the start. I've found success doing this by attending or joining social events or groups, having the guts to actually introduce myself at a bar, and — most recently — being set up by a mutual friend. I've been with that same 'set up' guy for one year now and could not be happier!

My advice would be to stop hiding behind a screen and seriously put yourself out there when trying to meet new people! You'll be surprised how impressed those on the other side are when you make that first move in 'real life.' Try intramural sports, professional development organizations, or volunteer groups!"

20. Jacki, 26

"I've never been on a dating app or site of any kind. Although I love swiping for my friends, it always bothered me how superficial the process seemed when thinking about it for myself. Also, I get creeped out enough in real life — I don't need to invite that into my pocket.

Instead, I've had success finding people by going out and being active: going to a bar, meeting new friends, joining a running club, etc. Do what you love, but make it a social experience, which helps attract people who are interested in the same things. I've seen apps work for friends, but in my book, nothing beats the old-fashioned way."

21. Sherina, 37

"I don't use dating apps. I have before and was meeting men who just wanted a quick fix — I don't mean sex, but just having someone so they aren't lonely. Each time I used apps, it was because I felt bored or lonely.

I believe in the law of attraction — you attract who you are at any moment. I haven't used apps in over a year and focused on my happiness, and wow! I get approached by men often and I don't even try. It's true. When you aren't looking, it happens. I am currently not dating, but it feels like I have put myself out there more than previously!"

SEE ALSO: Relationship experts agree that dating apps can be useful — but not necessarily for finding love

DON'T MISS: The 13 biggest mistakes you're making on dating apps — and how to stop

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Bud Light's 'Dilly Dilly' just made a comeback at the Super Bowl with a weird crossover ad with Game of Thrones — here's what the phrase means

• Performing a factory reset on a Roku gets you a fresh start for a device that's not working quite right or one you're looking to sell or return to the store. 
• Resetting removes all apps and personalization, and unlinks the device from your Roku account.
• Your channel list, however, is stored in the cloud on your Roku account.
• There are two ways to reset a Roku. Here are your options.

Electronic devices are great when they work as intended. But sometimes they act up and refuse to do much of anything very well. This is one of the times when a factory reset could be necessary. Another time might be when you plan to return the device to the store for whatever reason.

Before you begin resetting a Roku device, you must understand that resetting the device will erase any personalization, remove all downloaded channel apps, and unlink the device from your Roku account.

Your device will be set back to its original state (fresh from the factory). You won't have to make a list of installed apps since they're stored in your Roku account, but you will need to login to each one after the device has been reset.

How to reset a Roku device

There are two ways to perform a factory reset on a Roku. You can navigate through the onscreen settings menu to the reset option or use a hardware reset by pressing the reset button or reset pinhole at the back of the device. Below are instructions for each method.

Reset from the Settings menu

1. Use the Home button on your Roku remote to jump to the home screen.
2. Navigate to the settings menu by scrolling up or down until you find it.
3. Press "Ok" on your Roku remote to select the settings menu.
4. Choose "System" from the available menu items.
5. Choose "Advanced system settings."
6. Select "Factory reset" from the available menu items.
7. When prompted, choose "Factory reset everything" and follow the reset wizard's onscreen instructions.

Reset using the hardware reset button or pinhole reset

Every Roku device comes with a hardware reset option. Newer devices will have a hardware reset button, while older devices will have a pinhole for resetting. 

1. Locate the reset option on the outside of your Roku device.
2. Press and hold the button for 20 seconds. If your device has a pinhole reset, you'll need to use a paperclip to press and hold the button.

Most Roku devices have an indicator light that will blink rapidly once the reset is complete.

What happens after you reset a Roku 

After your device has been reset, it should boot up to the home screen. If you're not selling the device or returning it, but instead looking to use the device again, you'll need to reconnect to your home network. Once you're connected, login to your Roku account on your computer or from your mobile device to relink it to your account.

Your Roku channels will begin downloading after the device has been added to your Roku account. Now you're ready to spend some quality time logging into all your channel apps!

• Read more:

• How to cast videos to Roku from your phone onto your TV

• The best streaming sticks and boxes you can buy

• We compared the Roku Streaming Stick and the Amazon Fire TV Stick — and there's a clear winner

SEE ALSO: Roku users are streaming nearly 3 hours a day on average, and the most-searched term is for 'free' content

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: I quit texting for a week and it was harder than I expected

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Amazon is acquiring home WiFi startup Eero in a move to bolster its home tech ecosystem, which currently includes Echo devices and Ring video doorbells. 
• Eero's minimalist mesh WiFi systems take the form of an Eero hub, which plugs into your modem and covers up to 1,500 square feet, and eero Beacons, which plug into standard wall outlets and cover an additional 1,000 square feet.
• They look better than traditional routers, are easier to set up, and make your home internet connection faster and more reliable. 

This week, Amazon announced that it is acquiring Eero, a home WiFi company founded in 2014 whose WiFi systems have garnered over 2,000 reviews and a 4.6 rating on Amazon. 

In the world of tech products, WiFi routers probably rank far down the list for glamour and excitement — unless you call feeling your blood pressure rise as you struggle yet again to figure out why your connection dropped the pinnacle of all thrills. 

Eero doesn't make WiFi any more sexy, but it does make your home WiFi experience fast, seamless, and reliable by replacing the traditional router, extender, and booster with a mesh network-powered system.

And unlike traditional WiFi products, Eero's actually look pretty nice: small, minimalist, and unobtrusive. 

Read more: This startup may have finally solved the problem of bad WiFi

Its products set up quickly — within 10 minutes — so you don't have to deal with a confusing jumble of cords or pages of instructions. Simply plug the Eero into your modem and additional Eero devices or Eero Beacon devices into wall outlets throughout your home to create your network. 

Eero's TrueMesh software can go around walls and through hallways without compromising WiFi speed, and also uses dynamic rerouting algorithms to sense disruptions in your network and recalculate the best paths. 

The whole time, the Eero app lets you see your network speed, track device usage, set parental controls, and grant guest access. 

Read more: The best mesh Wi-Fi systems you can buy

In 2018, Amazon acquired home security company Ring, maker of the smart video doorbells that let you monitor your home from anywhere. The addition of Eero to its home tech family, which includes its own Echo smart speakers and Ring, could mean a stronger, better-integrated ecosystem of connected devices that take advantage of the Alexa smart assistant. 

For the same reason, the acquisition sparked concern among some users about Amazon's hold on nearly every aspect of life.

There was also criticism that Eero is compromising its original commitment to world-class network security by allowing Amazon access. However, it's assuring customers that it "does not track customers' Internet activity and this policy will not change with the acquisition." 

Ultimately, the acquisition should grant Eero more resources to help create a home of the future. Time will tell how Amazon affects innovation in the WiFi tech space. 

Keep reading to learn more about the different Eero WiFi system sets and shop Eero on Amazon.

1 Eero + 1 Eero Beacon

Eero Home WiFi System (1 Eero + 1 Eero Beacon), $298.48, available at Amazon

One eero and one Eero Beacon will cover a one to two-bedroom home with fast and reliable Internet. The Eero hub covers up to 1,500 sq. ft., while the Beacon, a WiFi access point that plugs into outlets and extends your WiFi connectivity to every device, adds another 1,000 square feet of coverage. 

1 Eero + 2 Eero Beacon

Eero Home WiFi System (1 Eero + 2 Eero Beacon), $398.91, available at Amazon

If you have a two to four-bedroom home, it's best to add another Beacon, which will further extend connectivity to all your devices. 

Set of 3 Eeros

Eero Pro WiFi System (Set of 3 Eeros), $496.23, available at Amazon

Homeowners with five or more bedrooms should get the Pro WiFi System, a set of three Eeros covering the large expanses that typically cause WiFi connections to falter. 

• "Tax refugees" are fleeing to Miami and snapping up ultra-luxury real-estate in the $10 million to $50 million range.
• Miami Beach's man-made Fisher Island is the most expensive zip code in Florida and one of the top spots these wealthy transplants are flocking to.
• Less than 20% of the island's residents permanently reside there. 
• Residents must pay membership dues, which includes an initial contribution of $250,000 and an annual fee of $22,256.

Fisher Island, Florida, is as exclusive as it gets.

The 216-acre, man-made island sitting pretty off the coast of Miami Beach is reachable only by boat — most often yacht. It's considered America's most millionaire-dense zip code and the most expensive zip code in Florida, but less than 20% of the island's residents permanently reside there.

It's also one of the top Miami areas that wealthy "tax refugees" from New York and San Francisco are flocking to, as Business Insider's Katie Warren recently reported.

With its mix of condos, private homes, and hotel rooms, the lush island exists as a retreat for the ultra-wealthy, who spend their days golfing, playing tennis, lounging on the beach, boating, and simply relaxing.

Read more: A glass mansion in Miami has set 2 real-estate records in the past 7 years — here's a look inside the $50 million estate

According to 2015 IRS data analyzed by Bloomberg, Fisher Island residents have an average annual salary of $668,900.

The illustrious Vanderbilt family were the original stewards of Fisher Island, and their penchant for opulence remains.

Below, find out how Fisher Island became America's most affluent enclave.

DON'T MISS: The 25 most expensive zip codes in America

SEE ALSO: What it's like living in the most expensive zip code in New York, where the average home price is $5.5 million

Though Fisher Island is billed as a world-class travel destination, about 650 families live in private residences on the island. More than 80% of them are seasonal residents. The median home value on Fisher Island is about $3 million as of November, according to Zillow.

Source: Zillow, Fisher Island Club

Fisher Island maintains more than 100 boat slips for yacht-owning residents. Yacht and 24/7 public ferry are the only way to access the island.

Source: Fisher Island Club

Fisher Island has been rumored to draw celebrities in search of privacy. Oprah Winfrey owned a condo on Fisher Island for several years, but listed the property for just over $2 million in 2008. Other past residents reportedly include tennis legend Boris Becker and actor Mel Brooks.

Source:Variety, Forbes

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend is happening in Charlotte, North Carolina from February 15-17.
• There's plenty of excitement around the sports events and games, but the clothing and shoe releases are also a huge part of the weekend.
• Brands like Nike, Timberland, Under Armour, and New Era are taking the opportunity to release gear that appeals to both sneaker lovers and sports fans alike.

NBA All-Star Weekend signifies a break in the regular season where the league's best players are celebrated and fans are treated with loads of entertainment. While events like the slam dunk contest, three-point contest, and East vs. West game are major focal points of the weekend, all of the accompanying clothing and sneaker releases are arguably a bigger deal.

This year, All-Star Weekend will be hosted in Charlotte, North Carolina — and Michael Jordan, who is the owner of the Charlotte Hornets and an alumnus from the University of North Carolina, has a major influence on this year's releases.

With a huge assortment of jerseys, hats, T-shirts, and, of course, footwear, these are the items that sneaker lovers and basketball fans alike will want to get their hands on this weekend.

Check them out, below: 

For this year's releases that may have sold out or releases from previous years, shop all All-Star Weekend-related sneakers on StockX.

Farewell T-Shirts for Hall of Famers

Men's Dwyane Wade NBA All-Star Game T-Shirt, $34.99

Men's Dirk Nowitzki NBA All-Star Game T-Shirt, $34.99

This year marks the final time we will be seeing Hall of Fame locks Dwayne Wade and Dirk Nowitzki participating in the All-Star game. While neither of the players were voted in by the coaches or fans, the NBA made them honorary All-Stars as recognition for their combined 37 years of NBA domination. Dirk is also participating in the three-point shootout on Saturday night. Show your support for these veteran superstars one last time with these All-Star jersey shirts.

Air Jordan IX "Blue Pearl"

Buy it for $190: Nike SNKRS | Foot Locker | Dick's Sporting Goods

Originally released in 2002 as a low top, the "Blue Pearl" Air Jordan IX returns as a high-top in time for All-Star Weekend. As a nod to Jordan's alma mater, the University of North Carolina, the sneakers feature a white, midnight navy, and Carolina blue colorway. 

Hometown heroes Kemba Walker and Steph Curry's All-Star jerseys

Kemba Walker's All-Star Jersey, $120: Dick's Sporting Goods | Nike

Only one Hornet made the cut this year, in the form of 7-year point guard Kemba Walker. The former UConn Huskie has played in Charlotte his whole professional career and is starting in the All-Star game for the first time in his team’s home arena. Kemba is ascending as a top-tier point guard in the league, and his hometown All-Star jersey will be a significant artifact when his career is wrapped up. 

Steph Curry's All-Star Jersey, $120: Dick's Sporting Goods | Nike

Another hometown hero that will be participating in Sunday night’s game is Steph Curry, who grew up in Charlotte while his father was playing for the Hornets. Steph is already a five-time All-star, two time MVP, and three-time champion, but playing in front of his hometown crowd will definitely be a moment worth remembering, and this jersey is the perfect way to archive that memory. 

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• When a new baby arrives it changes everything, even laundry. What detergent should you be using to protect your precious new arrival?
• Of all the detergents out there, none is better for babies than All's free clear liquid detergent.
• It protects your baby's sensitive skin and delivers the cleaning power needed for the whole family's laundry at an affordable price.

Bringing a new baby home is both an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time. The little one is relying on you for everything including clean clothes and bedding that will not irritate delicate skin.

According to Cleveland Clinic pediatric dermatologist Joan Tamburro, DO; "Achild who has skin problems may be more prone to laundry detergent reactions. A family history of atopic dermatitis (eczema) also may put your infant at higher risk."

As a laundry and housekeeping professional, I've been testing products for companies, agencies, and publications for many years. So with the birth of my first grandchild, I was delighted to be able to lessen one anxiety by recommending the best laundry detergent for both the baby and his parents.

The main culprits in commercial laundry detergent that causes skin irritation and allergic reactions are dye and fragrance. By choosing a product that is dye and scent-free, the detergent can be used for not only baby's clothes but all household laundry. 

Here are the best baby laundry detergents you can buy:

• Best baby laundry detergent overall: all free clear liquid laundry detergent
• Best baby laundry detergent on a budget: Mountain Falls
• Best baby laundry detergent for the environment: Seventh Generation Baby Detergent
• Best baby laundry detergent for tough stains: Babyganics Baby Laundry Detergent
• Best baby laundry detergent for diapers: Rockin' Green Classic Rock Natural Laundry Detergent Powder

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best baby laundry detergent overall

Why you'll love it: If you are looking for a reasonably-priced, effective laundry detergent that is safe for your baby's delicate skin and can be used for the rest of the family's laundry, All's free clear liquid detergent is your best bet.

As I was testing and selecting a laundry detergent for our precious new one, I took into consideration the product's ingredients, cleaning ability, cost per load, and ease of use. As a new parent, the last thing you need is a product that makes the laundry routine any more complicated.

The final verdict after testing more than 10 products was that All free clear liquidwill give a baby the protection he needs from irritation, remove all but the worst stains, not break the budget, and can be used to wash clothes for the entire family. It is also the most highly recommended detergent brand for sensitive skin by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians. 

It seems others agree with me as well. On Walgreens, all free clear has a rating of 4.8 out of five stars. One reader states, "I'm so sensitive, allergic to everything! This is the only detergent that I can use that doesn't cause a reaction. Even other "Free" products cause me to react."

All free clear comes in liquid, powder, and single dose packs. I would recommend the liquid formula, costing about 20 cents per load, because it can also be used to pretreat stains. Just work in a tiny amount of the liquid into the stained area with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush and wait about 15 minutes before washing.

Pros:  Performs well for both baby and family laundry, mid-priced, readily available in mass-market stores and online, free of dyes and perfumes

Cons: Does not remove heavy stains like oil and mud without the addition of an enzyme-based stain remover

Buy All free clear liquid laundry detergent in a 110-load bottle on Amazon for $14.24 or $14.99

The best baby laundry detergent on a budget

Why you'll love it: If you are an Amazon Prime member, Mountain Falls Ultra Fresh & Clear liquid laundry detergent is free from perfumes and dyes and costs only nine cents per load.

The last thing a new parent needs is to spend more money. Saving 10 cents or more on every load of laundry can really add up during a baby's first year. Mountain Falls Ultra Fresh & Clear laundry detergent can provide those savings and still protect your little one's sensitive skin.

At only nine cents per load for Prime Pantry members, the detergent works well on all but the heaviest stains. The soil and stain-lifting surfactants will work perfectly well on laundry for the entire family. The formula can be used in either standard or high-efficiency washers, phosphate free, and dermatologist and pediatrician tested.

Since Mountain Falls is available only on Amazon, you'll find all of the feedback there. More than 71% of buyers give the product five stars. One happy customer says, "The cleaning performance is as good or better than the brand named detergent I was using." 

After testing the product on our laundry, I agree. For clothes that are not heavily soiled, it is equally as good as more expensive brands.

While you can purchase Mountain Falls Fresh & Clear on Amazon without being a Prime Pantry member, it will cost a bit more.

Pros: Perfume and dye-free formula, leaves clothes clean and feeling soft, low-cost-per-load

Cons: Only available on Amazon.com and you must be an Amazon Prime member to receive the lowest price

Buy Mountain Falls Ultra Fresh & Clean liquid laundry detergent in a 100-load bottle on Amazon for $8.00 (currently out of stock)

Buy a 2-pack for $23.05

The best baby laundry detergent for the environment

Why you'll love it: Environmentally-friendly Seventh Generation Baby Concentrated Laundry Detergent also protects your baby's sensitive skin from harsh chemicals.

Protecting a new baby is always a top priority, but we should never forget that protecting the Earth is also important. After all, our actions today will affect the world that a child faces in the future.

Seventh Generation products adhere to that philosophy and use only plant or mineral-based ingredients. Seventh Generation Baby Laundry Detergent received a 97% rating as a USDA Certified Biobased Product and is never tested on animals.

One member of the What to Expect community, Lakewood Chick, says "We use Seventh Generation Free & Clear for everyone's clothes, not just baby. I think it works great and it makes me feel much better knowing harmful chemicals aren't in it."

After giving it a try on our baby's laundry, I was delighted with the results. The plant-based enzymes removed tough formula and diaper stains with ease. Over on Amazon, 61% of buyers rated it as a five-star product. The cost at around  25 cents per load is higher but the results are worth it.

Pros: Plant and mineral-based ingredients are environmentally-friendly, detergent works well on baby stains and can be used for laundry for the entire family

Cons: Higher cost-per-load

Buy Seventh Generation Baby Concentrated Laundry Detergent in a 53-load bottle on Amazon for $12.98

• February 15 is famous suffragist Susan B. Anthony's birthday.
• While the founding fathers saw voting as a fundamental component of the democracy and perfect union they sought to create, the right to vote was denied for many populations for centuries of US history.
• Here's a look at how voting rights in America have evolved over the centuries, and what issues remain today

February 15 is the birthday of famed suffragist Susan B. Anthony, who fought to guarantee American women the right to to vote.

While Anthony died in 1906, 14 years before the 19th amendment to the constitution achieved just that, her legacy — and the legacy of other voting rights activists who fought with her — lives on today.

Voting is one of America's most cherished democratic liberties, and it has a long and storied history. While the founding fathers saw voting as a fundamental component of the democracy and perfect union they sought to create, the right to vote was denied for many populations for centuries of US history.

In the beginning of the republic, voting was mainly restricted to property-owning white men, which would later be extended to all men. While the right to vote was also eventually granted to women with the 19th Amendment in 1920, white women were the main beneficiaries.

Read more:Iowa could be the next state to amend its constitution and restore voting rights to tens of thousands of ex-felons

Men and women of color would continue to fight to battle discriminatory voting practices for decades even after technically receiving the right to vote, culminating in the historic civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, which led to landmark legislation that transformed American voting rights.

But even today, activists and civil rights groups are continuing to fight voting laws they see as discriminatory.

Here's a look at how voting rights in America have evolved over the centuries, and what issues remain today:

SEE ALSO: Floridians with felony convictions are now beginning to register to vote after the state restored voting rights to 1.5 million felons

DON'T MISS: In New York, California, Texas, and 27 other states you can take time off from work to vote — here's the full list

1776 and before: Only men who owned property, who were mainly white, Christian, and over 21, had the right to vote.

The earliest settlers of colonial America brought over many of the laws and customs of England with them to the United States. One of those laws stipulated that only "free holding" men, or those who owned property and paid taxes, could vote.

Those men were overwhelmingly white, Protestant, and over the age of 21, meaning only a small subset of the population could vote. Just 6% of those in new America were eligible to vote to elect the first president, George Washington, in 1789.

After the United States of America declared independence from Britain in 1776 and won the Revolutionary War in 1783, it was left up to the individual states as to how to determine who could vote.

Over time, individual colonies and states steadily began expanding the right to vote to all white men, not just property owners.

Sources: Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Constitutional Rights Foundation

1848: Abolitionists and pro-women's suffrage groups first meet and organize in Seneca Falls.

In 1848, prominent abolitionist activists such as former slave and author Fredrick Douglass and women's suffrage advocates like Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton convened together for the first time in Seneca Falls, New York.

The convention, which is now considered the birth of the women's suffrage movement in the US, took place over two days.

The attendees all wrote and signed a Declaration of Sentiments modeled after the Declaration of Independence listing their grievances and demands, calling on women around the country to organize for greater property and economic rights — and the right to vote.

In a play on a famous line from the Declaration of Independence, they wrote: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal."

Just one of the attendees of the convention, Charlotte Woodward Pierce, who was 19 at the time, lived long enough to see all women receive the right to vote in 1920.

Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, Encyclopedia Britannica

1856: The right to vote was extended to all white men.

In 1856, North Carolina became the last state to remove property ownership as a requirement for voting, meaning all white men could vote by this time.

Source: Constitutional Rights Foundation

TheInsider Picksteam writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best bargains for you to shop in one convenient place. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out our coupons page.

1. Save big on tech, appliances, and more at Best Buy

Best Buy always has decent prices on the latest tech, but this Presidents' Day weekend, the retailer is putting a ton of items on sale. Some of the deals include 4K Ultra HDTVs starting at $249.99, 35% off home appliances, and reduced prices on many Apple products. For more deals and coupons at Best Buy, check out our coupons page here. 

Shop the Best Buy Presidents' Day sale now. 

2. Save 20% on an Instant Pot with Smart Wi-Fi technology

Although it's usually safe to leave a slow cooker on while you're away from the kitchen for long periods of time, not being able to control it will always be on your mind. With the Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi, that's no longer a problem. Using the connected smartphone app, you can control the multi-cooker and check on the progress of your meal from anywhere. You can also use the app to choose between more than 750 pre-programmed recipes. As an Amazon Deal of the Day, you can save $29.96 on this smart InstantPot.

Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi 6-Quart Multi-Cooker, $119.99 (Originally $149.95) [You save $29.96]

3. Save 10% when you buy two or more items at Maelove

Developed by MIT scientists, Maelove is a new but wildly popular skincare startup. After selling out multiple times, the brand's cult-favorite vitamin c serum is back in stock along with a new line of products including eye enhancer, face cleanser, and face moisturizer. Right now, you can save 10% when you buy two or more items by using the promo code "TEN" at checkout. Check out reporter Mara Leighton's overview and review of Maelove's skin-care line.

Shop the Maelove sale now. 

4. Save 15% on orders of $150 or more at Brooklinen

Brooklinen is one of our favorite bedding startups thanks to its comfortable sheets and fair prices. Discounts are seldom at Brooklinen, but this weekend the brand is having a rare sale. You can automatically save 15% when you spend $150 or more. Whether you've been wanting to try Brooklinen's amazing sheets or you need to re-up some of your favorites, this is a great opportunity to do it.

Shop the Brooklinen Presidents' Day sale now. 

5. Save an extra 30% on sale styles at Timberland

Winter might be nearing its end, but you shouldn't overlook Timberland for some quality additions to your closet. As part of a huge sale going on right now, you can save an extra 30% on sale styles for men, women, and kids. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer looking for all-terrain hiking boots, or a casual city-dweller looking for a comfortable pair of boots, you'll find plenty of affordable options here. The sale also includes outwear and apparel. For more deals and coupons on Timberland, check out our coupons page here.

Shop the Timberland sale now. 

6. Save up to 25% on jewelry at Alex and Ani

Alex and Ani is a great place to shop for bracelets, charms, and necklaces that have a personal meaning. The brand's huge assortment includes jewelry that will match birthdays, careers, relationships, hobbies, accomplishments, and more.  Now through February 18, you can save 20% when you spend $100 or more and 25% when you spend $200 or more. For more deals and coupons on Alex and Ani, check out our coupons page here. 

Shop the Alex and Ani sale now. 

7. Save 40% on everything at Dockers

If you're in need of affordable workwear pieces, Dockers is always a dependable brand — and right now, an ongoing sale is making its dress and casual clothes even more affordable. Until February 19, you can use the promo code "HELLYEAH" at checkout to save 40% on everything sitewide. Khakis, button-ups, polos, and more are all included in the sale.

Shop the Dockers sale now. 

8. Save $125 and get two free pillows at Nectar Sleep

With a Tencel mattress topper and two layers of gel memory foam, the Nectar Sleep mattress is cooling, comfortable, and ideal for people who tend to get hot at night. In celebration of Presidents' Day, the brand is having a huge sale with $125 off any mattress. You'll also receive two free pillows valued at $75 each.

Shop the Nectar Sleep sale now.

Join the conversation about this story »

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• If you live in a place that requires you to wear massive puffy coats and warm hats adorned with colorful poofs, finding weekend plans that don't force you to leave the comfort of your home is a must. 
• There's an endless supply of streaming entertainment to take advantage of on a cozy weekend in. If you don't currently have any streaming subscriptions, you can try free trials of services like ESPN+, Hulu with Live TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
• To make it easier for you, here are some suggestions for what you should watch this weekend from the world of sports, television, and movies. 

We are currently living in the age of prestige television, but this proliferation of high-quality programming can sometimes feel like more of a curse than a blessing.

With the massive selection of options available on streaming services, it can seem impossible to pin down what you actually want to watch. This includes live sports, original programming, critically-acclaimed movies, and essential documentaries.

Each week it seems like there's a trendy new show or movie that dominates social media, only to be quickly usurped by the next series or film that captivates the cultural zeitgeist. To help you make sense of it all, we put together some suggestions that will narrow down the options so you can spend time actually watching something instead of scrolling endlessly through a sea of trailers and hastily written show descriptions.  

What sports to watch this weekend

NBA All Star Weekend: Airing on TNT, can be streamed via Hulu with Live TV

The biggest sports event of the weekend is also the most meaningless. The 2019 NBA All Star Game is taking place in Charlotte this year, and there are some noteworthy names involved throughout the weekend. The King's reign is still intact, as Lebron James and budding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo successfully drafted their All Star teams last Thursday. While the game itself, which airs on Sunday night, isn't really worth your time, Saturday night's festivities should be entertaining. Slovenian rookie sensation Luka Dončić headlines the skills competition, while his Dallas teammate and future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki takes on the NBA's best shooters in the three-point contest. Finally, for the third year in a row, a new dunk champion will be crowned, as last year's champ, Donovan Mitchell, is not participating. 

Best weekend college basketball matchups: 

1. #1 Tennessee vs #5 Kentucky: Airing Saturday February 16 at 8 p.m. on ESPN
   • Top five matchups don't happen often before March in college basketball, so don't miss your chance to see two of the best teams in the country battle for SEC dominance. Admiral Schofield leads the Volunteers into one of the most storied arenas in college basketball as they face off against John Calipari and his revolving roster of Wildcats. 
2. #6 Michigan vs #24 Maryland: Airing Saturday February 16 at 12 p.m. on on Fox, can be streamed on Hulu with Live TV
   • Super Tuesday went in opposite directions for these two teams. Maryland pulled off an upset win against one of the Big Ten's best, Purdue, while Michigan, whose head coach John Beilein was ejected from a game for the first time in 39 years, lost to Penn State, the Big Ten's last place team. Michigan hopes to bounce back to their early season heights with a big win against Maryland while the Terrapins hope to continue their streak of knocking off the top teams in the conference. 
3.  #2 Duke vs NC State: Airing Saturday February 16 at 6 p.m. on ESPN
   • While this isn't a top-25 matchup, you should capitalize on any chance to watch Zion Williamson play in college before he jumps to the NBA next year. After seeing this incredible block against Virginia last week, let's just hope that we see him in the dunk contest next February.

Click here to sign up for the ESPN+ free trial

Click here to sign up for the Hulu with Live TV free trial

What to watch on HBO this weekend

What TV to watch on HBO: 

HBO has some of the best original programming available, and you can add HBO content to your Hulu subscription for an additional $14.99 a month. It's definitely worth trying out the HBO free trial this weekend.

On Sunday night, the hilarious John Oliver returns to his award-winning informational comedy, "Last Week Tonight." Another great option for Sunday night is the penultimate episode of HBO's third season of the crime drama "True Detective." This season, academy award winner Mahershala Ali's powerhouse performance is split across three timelines, as he tries to solve a case of missing children in rural Arkansas. Ali masterfully adds to the mystery of the story through the three distinct portrayals of the same character across a 35-year time span. 

What movies to watch on HBO:

If you're looking to laugh, HBO will be airing "Deadpool 2" (the Super Duper Cut Unrated Version) starting February 16. Ryan Reynold's raucous performance as Wade Wilson is not for the faint of heart, especially the unrated version airing on the platform. As they like to say, viewer discretion is advised.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, warm your heart with "Won't You Be My Neighbor," the recent documentary profiling American icon Mr. Rogers. The film is a little lengthy, but will undoubtedly require you to stock a box of Kleenex at your side. 

Click here to sign up for the free trial of Hulu with Live TV and add HBO to your package for $14.99 month 

What to watch on Amazon Prime Video

What movies to watch on Amazon Prime Video:

It's officially Oscars season, meaning you need to prepare for your Academy Awards betting ballot by watching as many of the movies as possible. Amazon Prime Video has many of this year's nominated films available to rent or buy on their service.

Spike Lee is hoping to capture his first Oscar win with the movie "BlacKkKlansmen," starring John David Washington and Adam Driver as policemen who infiltrate the Klu Klux Klan. The film mixes moments of weighty reflection on race in America with hilarious comedic interplay between Washington and Driver. You can rent the movie for $5.99 on the Prime Video platform. The movie was nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Original Music Score, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. 

If you are looking for something lighter to watch with the family this weekend, Amazon Prime Video is offering movies like "Black Panther" or "Incredibles 2," available to rent for $3.99. "Black Panther" was one of the biggest movies of the year, and is nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Music Score, Best Costume Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Production Design, and Best Sound Editing at this years Oscars. "Incredibles 2," the sequel to the 2004 legendary Pixar animated epic, is nominated for Best Animated Feature Film. 

Finally, if you want an informational and inspiring true story, "RBG" is available to rent for $4.99 on the platform. This film documents the incredible life and career of Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg as she smashes countless glass ceilings in the legal world, inspiring women everywhere. Beyond her unmatched accomplishments in the legal realm, my favorite part of the film was when when we were given a sneak peak of the 85-year-old's current workout routine, emphasized by her "Super-Diva" workout gear. 

Click here to sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime Video

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Casper is arguably the most popular mattress startup of many. 
• Its most popular mattress, dubbed simply The Casper, has more than 40,000 reviews between those posted on Google, Amazon, and its own site, and still has a 4.8/5 rating. On a typical day, the queen-size Casper mattress is $995.
• Right now through Monday, February 18, you can celebrate Presidents' Day with Casper — get 10% off any order with a mattress when you apply the code "PRES" at checkout.
• Look out for additional Presidents' Day deals and savings on Insider Coupons, and run through our curated list of the 40+ best Presidents' Day sales here. 

If you've been paying attention to subway ads or watching any TV in the last few years, you've probably noticed that a lot of online mattress startups have popped up. They've taken out the middlemen and added costs of showrooms and as a result, offer an often superior mattress for less money and less hassle than you'd find in a brick-and-mortar store. 

Of the many startups out there, Casper might be king.

The brand has become synonymous with successful online startups, and has expanded from its first mattress sale in 2014 to begin selling sheets, pillows, and even dog beds. It also doesn't hurt that every mattress comes with a 100-night money-back guarantee and a 10-year warranty, which is pretty much par for the course in the industry.

In other words, Casper is a grown-up cult-favorite, and the company owes a lot of that success to a really great mattress, convenience of no-hassle home delivery, and pretty awesome prices. 

On a regular day, you can get the company's best-seller, The Casper, from $595 for a twin size, and the streamlined Essential mattress from as low as $350. The upgraded high-end mattress, The Wave, comes in at $1,250 to start.

Right now through Presidents' Day, though, you'll find additional savings. You can get 10% off any order with a mattress when you apply the code "PRES" at checkout. So, for example, if you add a queen-size Casper Wave Mattress ($2,250) to your cart, you'll save $250 on your purchase.

If you've been meaning to get a new mattress — or bedding of any kind — now is a great time to act. Casper's prices are already low to remain competitive, and sales don't happen often. 

Get 10% off any Casper order with a mattress with the code "PRES"

If you're interested in learning more before committing to a Casper mattress, our buying guides can help you out: 

• The best mattresses you can buy
• The best mattresses for side sleepers
• The best mattresses for back pain
• The best foam mattresses
• The best air mattresses
• The best mattress toppers
• The best mattress protectors

SEE ALSO: The best mattresses you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• NYC concrete and a 20-block walk to and from work has made me extremely picky about my footwear.
• I tested each of Everlane's best-selling shoes in my day-to-day life and then ranked them in terms of comfort. 
• The Day Glove ($115) is the most comfortable, followed by The Day Heel ($150) and The Modern Loafer ($165) once sufficiently broken in. Check out the details below before you buy. 
• If you want a simple rule of thumb you can't go wrong with, shop from the company's Day Family collection.

I am insufferably picky about footwear. I have a 20-block walk to and from work over hard concrete, and I'm cursed with a love of things that look cooler than they are meant to be comfortable. In the end, I owe it to a job that requires me to spend the lion's share of my time testing bad, good, and amazing products that I've found anything that ticks both boxes at all. 

Everlane has exceptional footwear in terms of quality and price in general — though we at Insider Picks will be the first to say it also varies drastically in sizing and in comfort. Some shoes are so narrow you'll find yourself sizing up two full sizes, and others feel like they were sewn using your foot's exact dimensions as the pattern.

For a store that's mostly online, it can be a high-stakes guessing game. 

To give you a better idea of what to expect before you buy, I ranked five best-selling shoes at Everlane to see what the pros and cons of each are. 

If you want a simple rule of thumb you can't go wrong with, shop from the company's Day Family collection. Beyond that, order a half size up across the board if you're unsure and make sure you don't forget to remove the transparent liner on the bottom of every shoe — the soles will slip if you don't. 

Here's my final ranking, starting with the best:

1. Day Glove, $115

In the unlikely instance that a cocktail party includes the icebreaker "If you could only buy one pair of flats for the rest of your life, which pair would it be?" (maybe it's a very specific kind of event) I have my answer locked and loaded: The Day Glove. These shoes are the consummate flat, and they're wonderful from the minute you take them out of the box. They were also voted the #1 best flats you can buy in the Insider Picks buying guides.

The Day Glove ($115) requires zero break-in time, the premium leather is soft, supple, and molds to your foot for an increasingly customized fit over time, and the elongated upper negates both angry red lines and the feeling that you may slip out when taking a deep step. The perforations on the side are meant to keep air circulating through the shoes (for less stink and sweat) and they come in a wide range of beautiful colors.

Since getting them a few months ago, I've averaged wearing them about three times every week. They go with everything, are a packable travel shoe, and they handle the 40-block round-trip walk without a problem. 

Having said that, you should order a half size up (I wear a 9.5 in these, and a 9 typically), and you shouldn't buy them if you need arch support in your shoes (or you should add some insoles). 

If you only plan to buy one pair — they're $115, after all — my advice would be to invest in a classic color like black or white that you can wear as frequently as you want — because you are going to want to, very frequently. 

2. Day Heel, $150

The Day Heel ($150) comes second only due to the Day Glove's excellence, rather than any failing on the Heel's part.

It's appropriate that this is the shoe that put Everlane's footwear on the map. It's inventive, comfortable even though heels categorically are not, and goes with virtually everything thanks to 11 great color options. On any given day, at least one of the Insider Picks teammates is probably wearing this heel. 

The pull tab makes them easy to slip on, the elastic back means I can wear them all day without the threat of throbbing or blisters, and the cushiony insole adequately protects me from the constant slam of my feet against city pavement. Also, they mean it when they say the low 2-inch block heel is walkable — these work painlessly on my 40-block walk, and they don't slow me down.   

I have a 9 (true size) and a 9.5, and after the leather has stretched comfortably with use, I would recommend sticking true to size for these unless you are extremely uncomfortable. The top of the shoe will likely feel tight at points, but this has loosened over time. If you need comfortable, everyday heels you can wear to work or on the weekends, these are a great pick. 

3. The Modern Loafer, $165

These loafers will require break-in time (a few days for me of consistent wear), and you will feel it in your heels. For at least the first handful of times you wear them, you won't want to rely on this pair for long walks or walking-heavy activities. For me, I broke my default rule and wore comfortable shoes in the morning and switched into these for the work day, breaking them in with short walks around the office.

The loafers run narrow and I agree with Everlane's suggestion that you should size up a half size. Even in the half size up, I still needed to jam and coax my feet into them for the first few wears. But, once inside, the shoes fit ideally. If you have plans to wear them with socks, though, I'd suggest going a whole size up — at 9.5, they're snug on me, though they have loosened (and will likely continue to) over time. If you go with a patent leather option, you should start by going up a full size since it won't stretch the same way as other leathers.

All in all, though, The Modern Loafer is a great shoe if you can pay the initial painful debt of breaking them in — which is why they still rank as #3. The 100% Italian leather is thick and sturdy (hence the breaking in) but soft with wear, and with 10 color options, you can opt for a classic or statement pair easily. They go with everything, won't be going out of style any time soon, and nail the elegance and polished aesthetic of loafers with the bonus of an added architectural component that makes them slightly more interesting. 

4. The Modern Oxford, $168

All in all, I absolutely love these shoes — probably as much if not more than any other pair on this list — but their break-in period and sizing make them a tough pair to work with initially, which is why I've ranked them #4.

Having said that, these shoes are cool. If you like elegant, edgy, or effortlessly self-assured, you will love the way these look on. 

I've mentioned that the Modern Loafers require a break-in period, but these require a more intense one. While the loafer shape allows you to bend out of the shoes themselves intermittently, that's not the case for Oxfords that you're laced into, and which are made from a stiffer leather. There's nowhere for your foot to slip out and escape to in these, and, as a result, the friction is more intense. Do not try to break these in without socks on unless you are a masochist. But, with socks (and maybe some proactive band-aids applied) you should be fine, and they'll feel custom-made after eight or more wears. 

I typically wear a 9, and Everlane suggests sizing up if you're in between sizes. I've tried both the 10 and 9.5, and the 9.5 is perfect. The narrow fit keeps them looking suave and elongated, and they're the kind of shoe that encourages you to take up space without apologizing for it. If you like masculine elegance, you're probably going to love these — and for their specific look, quality, and price, they're worth the painful break-in period. 

And, like all Everlane shoes, be sure to remove the transparent liner from the bottom before you wear them — you'll need to scuff up the soles before they stop feeling a little slippery. 

5. The Editor Heel, $165

The Editor Heel is a beautiful, cooler-than-your-average kitten heel with a low cut vamp that looks sharp, modern, and architectural. It has Everlane's go-to pull tab on the back for ease, a walkable 2-inch heel, and is made out of 100% Italian suede. Overall, these things are sleek.

The Editor heels are relatively comfortable — less than the Day Heel with its elastic back and more than other kitten heels I own — but the stiff back could give you blisters with extended wear. Everlane says the Editor heels run big and to size down if you're in between sizes, but I'm glad I stuck to my true size — even there I noticed some tightness in the narrow toe box, something that will hopefully loosen after many wears. If you followed Everlane's instructions for a smaller size, though, and you could fight through the break-in period, you'd probably wind up with the perfect fit one day. To me, though, it's just not worth the pain. 

It's also worth noting that while these heels are pretty comfortable in my mind, you probably won't want to be in them all day. For that tall order, buy the Day Heel (or the Day High Heel for a higher heel). 

Shop Everlane's best-sellers on your own here >> 

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• Patagonia's winter sale is discounting past-season gear up to 50% off until February 18.
• Patagonia Provisions, the company's sustainable food section, is 20% off through February 25 with the code "EATWELL" at checkout. 
• This comes on the heels of plenty of other Presidents' Day weekend sales. 
• Below are a few of the best styles included in the sale. Shop it directly here.
• For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Insider Coupons.

Whether you just got your tax refund or you've been waiting for the smallest excuse to finally splurge on a super-soft fleece, Patagonia has heard the call.

Until February 18, you can get some of the company's most loved classics for up to 50% off their regular price in the past-season sale. That includes their most-warmth-for-weight jacket — the Micro Puff — that's so lightweight it just rolls up into its own front pocket for up to $125 off, and plenty of our all-time favorite styles. 

Below, you'll find a few of the most desirable styles currently on sale. It's running all weekend, like most Presidents' Day weekend sales, but there's no guarantee your size or color preference will stick around if you wait. 

Skip to your section of the sale here:

• Men
• Women
• Kids and baby
• Packs and gear

Below are 22 of the best styles on sale at the Patagonia Winter Sale:

SEE ALSO: 40+ of the best Presidents' Day sales you should know about this weekend

Men's Micro Puff Jacket

Patagonia Men's Micro Puff Jacket, $124-$149 (originally $249)[You save $100-$125]

Women's Full-Zip Re-Tool Fleece Jacket

Patagonia Women's Full-Zip Re-Tool Fleece Jacket, $89 (originally $149)[You save $60]

A warm, technical full-zip jacket with a feminine silhouette. It's made out of Polartec Thermal Pro polyester fleece and Fair Trade-certified sewn. Available in three colors: grey, birch white, and dark currant. 

Ultralight River Crampons

Patagonia Ultralight River Crampons, $119 (originally $199)[You save $80]

Patagonia calls these patent-pending crampons "the most technically advanced wading technology on the market today" with aluminum traction bars attached to an adaptable 100% recycled plastic frame.