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Friday, 15 May 2026

REI Is Selling Exped's 'Most Comfortable' Sleeping Pad for Almost $140 Off

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why It's a Big Deal

Exped sleeping pads are on the expensive side, and we didn't understand why until we actually used one. Because they're so good, they don't really go on sale that often, but the brand's best model just got a rare discount during REI's annual Anniversary Sale alongside top sellers from Sea to Summit, Nemo, and Big Agnes. Until May 25, it's up to $138 off and well worth the investment.

The Exped MegaMat Duo Sleeping Pad is 25% off in three sizes: The Medium Duo is down to $300, the Long Wide-Plus Duo is $337 now, and the Queen size—the one we use—is now $412. It's also available in a twin model for as low as $195. These sleeping pads might fetch a premium, but the results are leaps and bounds beyond anything else not designed for backpacking—the tech is just so good.

Exped MegaMat Duo Sleeping Pad, Starting at $300 at REI

Courtesy of REI

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What Shoppers Should Know

Sizes: Medium Duo, Long Wide-Plus Duo, Queen
Dimensions: Medium Duo: 72 x 41.3 x 4, Long Wide-Plus Duo: 77.6 x 52 x 4, Queen: 80 x 59.8 x 4
Weight: Medium Duo: 7 lbs. 5.8 oz.. Long Wide-Plus Duo: 9 lbs. 11.2 oz., Queen: 11 lbs. 14.1 oz.
Insulated: Yes
Self-Inflating: Yes
R-Value: 8.1
Best For: Car camping; side sleepers

This MegaMat sleeping pad is a 4-inch-thick, two-person insulated mattress that’ll help you get a great night’s sleep while camping. It’s built with open-cell polyurethane foam in an “air core channel” design that traps heat effectively, preventing the ground from absorbing all your warmth.

Its 3D vertical sidewall construction makes the edges sturdy, so they don’t sag under your weight, and you get a more usable sleep area. It’s also super tough, thanks to its 75-denier polyester sidewalls and bottom.

Inflating it is a cinch: The MegaMat’s innovative FlatValve automatically inflates the pad when opened, and an included Top-Up Pump allows you to fine-tune the firmness to your liking. Dual deflate valves help you pack it up quickly, and you can toss it in the included stuff sack for easy storage.

What Campers Are Saying

REI shoppers have lots of good things to say about the MegaMat Duo, and several noted it’s a standout compared to the competition. “This is, by far, the most comfortable sleeping pad I’ve ever slept on,” said one. “Absolute game changer to the quality of sleep you will receive.”

Another shopper agreed, calling it the “most comfortable camping sleep I've ever had.” They also noted it “has great insulation against the cold ground and is just incredibly comfortable.”

Comfortable, warm, and easy to use, the Exped MegaMat Duo will totally transform the way you sleep at camp, and it also makes a great spare bed for use in your home, too. Don’t go another night of tossing and turning in your tent—grab this sought-after sleeping pad at a sweet 25% discount before it’s gone.

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Thursday, 14 May 2026

Netflix To Remove 'Turn: Washington's Spies' in June 2026

Per its usual monthly purge, Netflix is removing yet another beloved series in the coming weeks. Turn: Washington's Spies will bow out early next month. Originally airing on AMC, the four-season period piece was based on historian Alexander Rose's 2007 novel Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring. It premiered on April 6, 2014, and concluded its run on Aug. 12, 2017.

Here's a synopsis per AMC:

"Turn centers around Abraham Woodhull, a farmer living behind enemy lines in British-occupied Long Island. Abraham bands together with a group of childhood friends to form The Culper Ring: an unlikely team of secret agents who help George Washington turn the tide of the war in favor of the Rebels. Their daring efforts revolutionized the art of espionage, giving birth to modern spycraft in all its moral complexity. Turn transforms history into suspenseful and resonant entertainment."

The historical drama stars Jamie Bell as Abraham Woodhull, Seth Numrich as Ben Tallmadge, Heather Lind as Anna Strong, Daniel Henshall as Caleb Brewster, Meegan Warner as Mary Woodhull, Kevin R. McNally as Judge Richard Woodhull, Samuel Roukin as Lt. John Simcoe, Burn Gorman as Major Hewlett, Ksenia Solo as Peggy Shippen, JJ Feild as Major John Andre, Angus Macfadyen as Robert Rogers, and Owain Yeoman as Benedict Arnold. Craig Silverstein developed the series, with LaToya Morgan as the executive story editor.

While the first season of Turn: Washington's Spies received mixed reviews from critics, reception improved over time, with subsequent seasons viewed more favorably by entertainment outlets. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series sits pretty at 92 percent for the audience score. It has an average Tomatometer score of 81 percent.

Sure, it's not the most historically accurate, but Turn: Washington's Spies is wildly entertaining, and it makes for a thrilling watch. It was previously on Netflix from 2015 (during the show's second season) to 2021, then left the platform temporarily. All four seasons returned to Netflix on Dec. 10, 2025, as part of the streamer's expanded deal with AMC in August 2025.

Plan your binge-watch accordingly before the series departs (again) on June 10, 2026.

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Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Cole Haan's Newly Upgraded GrandPro Tennis Sneaker Just Got Its First Big Markdown

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

In This Story

Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis 2.0 Sneakers, $127 (was $170)

Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis 2&period;0 Sneakers, &dollar;127 (was &dollar;170)

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Why We Love This Deal

Cole Haan is hosting a Rarely-On-Sale Favorites event until very early in the morning on May 15, where you can get between 20% and 40% off, well, rarely-on-sale favorites. And whether you want Oxfords, flip-flops, or Cole Haan’s notably stylish sneakers, this is the time to do so. But what’s caught the eye of the Men’s Journal shopping team is the 25% off you can get on the relatively new, upgraded version of an undeniable office shoe industry disruptor.

The Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis 2.0 Sneakers are now on sale for $127. This shoe was a December 2025 release, and, as the name suggests, it's the successor to the Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Sneaker. The original GrandPro has performed so well over the last decade that Cole Haan decided to release a whole series of GrandPro shoes that still, to this day, define a large portion of its core offerings. So why upgrade to 2.0 now after all these years?

Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis 2.0 Sneakers, $127 (was $170) at Cole Haan

Courtesy of Cole Haan

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What Shoppers Should Know

Sizes Available: From 7 to 13, wide sizes available
Color Options: 7
New Technology: FeatherFeel cushioning, full rubber outsole plate
Materials: Leather upper, FeatherFeel foam, rubber outsole plate
Best Use Case: This is built for looking classy on days that just don’t stop.

In this new iteration, it's all about the foam. Like the original, the 2.0 is a lightweight tennis shoe built for days when you expect to stay on your feet. Or not. It’s versatile that way.

This is a sneaker that’s just as versatile from a style perspective as it is from a mobility one. Of course, that partially comes from its seven colorways. I’m somewhat partial to the white with green highlights, shown above, it being spring and all, but you can go with a pure white version or even a more classic tan leather color if you’re using this shoe primarily for work. This is the kind of shoe that you can get two pairs of and cover a lot of bases with.

The biggest difference in the 2.0 is actually something you can’t see. A hollowed-out midsole and transition from the classic GrandOS foam to the FeatherFeel foam cushioning make this an ultralight shoe. Cole Haan isn’t revealing the full details of what makes this foam tick yet, but you will notice the extreme light feel of the shoe, alongside improved flex and breathability.

Second, check out the outsole on this one when you get a chance. It's wrapped around the bottom and covers the toe and heel, almost like a snow shoe. The way it's designed will both provide enhanced grip over the original GrandPro Tennis Sneaker, but also improve the longevity of the shoe. That strong rubber is going to shield the parts of the shoe most likely to get scuffed and damaged from intensive wear.

The Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis 2.0 Sneakers are a new release and already 25% off thanks to the Cole Haan Rarely-On-Sale Favorites Sale event. Grab one and save before it all wraps up on May 15.

Shop More Bestselling Rarely-On-Sale Event Deals

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Monkey Steals Tourist's Coca-Cola In India, Internet Calls It 'Tourist Tax'

A foreign traveller’s funny monkey encounter in India has left social media users laughing

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Tuesday, 12 May 2026

James Van Der Beek’s Widow Gets Real About Grief: ‘We All Miss Him’

James Van Der Beek’s widow is opening up about loss in an honest post shared after the three-month anniversary of the actor’s death.

The Dawson’s Creek star died in February 2026 at the age of 48, after a very public battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and the couple’s six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the family shared at the time. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Kimberly’s New Tribute

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On Tuesday, May 12, Kimberly shared a carousel of photos on Instagram. In them, James is seen with her and the couple’s children before his death.

“Yesterday was three months since we lost [James]. To say I’m heartbroken is a severe understatement. Words just don’t capture what grief is,” she began her caption. “The comforts of shock have worn off. The reality is settling in... and I miss him. We all miss him.”

“Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air. I feel him. I know him more deeply,” she continued. “My conscious connection to God has deepened. The veils of the universe have thinned. And I trust that this is the path me and my family have always been intended to walk.”

She went on to call the “outpouring of support” from friends and fans “tremendous.”

“It’s held our family in the most beautiful of ways,” wrote Kimberly. “You all went absolutely above and beyond anything I could have ever expected in supporting us and honoring James. I am deeply grateful.”

She concluded her post saying, “There is so much more to share here. And in time- I will.”

More Messages of Love and Support

Kimberly’s post was quickly flooded with comments, as well as likes from James’ Dawson’s Creek co-stars Katie Holmes and Mary-Margaret Humes, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum Sarah Michelle Gellar.

In the comments, Twilight actress Nikki Reed wrote, “Wrapping my arms around you and those beautiful babies❤️ I love you so much🙏🏼❤️”

Teresa Palmer added, “Love you beautiful mama 🥹✨❤️,” before Marla Maples wrote, “🙌 love you with all my heart, my sweet, precious friend🙌”

Kimberly’s followers also shared their words of support, praising her for her transparency during this difficult time for her family.

“‘The comforts of shock have worn off’ - wow that's an amazing articulation of grief,” wrote one fan. “The world lost a great man, but to you he was your husband and the father of your children. I’m sorry that it is so hard to find any respite from the pain.”

Another wrote, “I don’t even know your family personally but you all have been heavy on my mind for months. Your resilience, strength and transparency is inspiring. You’re amazing 💕”

“🥹🥺💞🙏🏼✨ heartbroken for you and in awe of your grace. He will always be with you,” read another comment.

A GoFundMe was set up to help raise money for Kimberly and the couple’s six kids pay for “essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.”

The organizers explained that “throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.”

“The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds," they wrote, before thanking fans for any donations.

So far, $2.87 million has been raised.

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Monday, 11 May 2026

Hidden Valley Ranch Just Turned Its Most Famous Flavor Into Chicken Dippers

If you're a dedicated ranch lover who wishes they could take their favorite condiment on the go, you're in luck — Hidden Valley has come out with a brand new, protein-packed snack based on their world-famous ranch flavor.

Hidden Valley Ranch Dippers — described as "a new line of protein‑forward, ready‑to‑eat snacks designed to meet the cravings of ranch and protein lovers everywhere" — will be officially unveiled at the Sweet & Snacks Expo in Las Vegas next month, before rolling out to major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Publix.

“Today’s active consumers want food that works as hard as they do, so we’re making it easier than ever for fans to enjoy the Hidden Valley Ranch flavor they love—anytime, anywhere,” said Matt Barlow, Vice President of Brand and Commerce Marketing at Carl Buddig & Company, announced in the product's launch on May 11. “The new Hidden Valley Ranch Dippers deliver satisfying taste and convenience in the moments that matter — whether that’s a quick snack for on the go, post‑workout fuel, or an easy topping for their favorite meals.”

Available in Original Ranch and Buffalo-Style Ranch flavors, the Hidden Valley Ranch Dippers feature "100% natural seasoned grilled chicken strips paired with creamy Hidden Valley™ Original Ranch™ dressing, delivering 15g of protein in a convenient snackable package."

“At Hidden Valley Ranch, we’re always listening to our loyal ranch fans for ideas on where to bring our iconic flavor next,” said Nick Higgins, General Manager of Hidden Valley Ranch, said in a press release launching the new product. The new product was inspired by a recent survey by the International Food Information Council, in which 7 in 10 Americans said they are actively trying to consume more protein in their diet. “Now we’re making it more convenient and even more delicious for consumers to pack in more protein,” Higgins added.

The fridge-based snack packs can be consumed as a protein-boosting snack or as a mix-in for a salad or other additions to a meal, coming in both the classic Hidden Valley Ranch flavor and the Buffalo flavors. Retailing at approximately $3, the chicken dippers are individually packaged and designed for consuming on the go, whether it is for the gym, a picnic, or lunch at the office.

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Sunday, 10 May 2026

Amazon Sells a $199 Electric Bike That's 'Well-Built' and Makes Long Rides 'Effortless'

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

In This Story

Jasion EB5 Electric Bike, $199 (was $250)

Jasion EB5 Electric Bike, &dollar;199 (was &dollar;250)

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Why We Love This Deal

Lately, it seems that every day I’m seeing someone new on an electric bike. If you’ve been wanting to join the movement and are after your very first one, you probably don’t want an expensive high-wattage motor electric bike just yet. Instead, a bike under $500, such as this one that’s currently available on Amazon for far below that value-priced threshold, is a better exploratory choice.

The Jasion EB5 Electric Bike is just $199, which is essentially an unbeatable price when it comes to e-bikes, even the ones from generic brands. As expected, it's not a premium luxury bike, but regular users have found it to be a fantastic entryway into the world of motorized bikes. If there's one thing that should signal confident buying, it's the dozens of reviewer videos and images that give a real-world sense of how people are using the bike and why it's worth the money.

Jasion EB5 Electric Bike, $199 (was $250) on Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

Comes mostly assembled
Offers up to 40 miles of range off a single charge
Easy USB charging system
Built with a horn and a headlight

Cons

Max speed of 20 MPH
Not built for the long haul

What Shoppers Should Know

This bike is incredibly easy to hop on and go with. In fact, it comes with one wheel already attached right out of the box, making for a near-universally recognized easy assembly phase. The battery is both detachable and USB-chargeable, too, so it’s nearly as easy to keep at full charge as your iPhone.

Riding is similarly easy, which is of course why (alongside the sub-$200 price point) the Jasion EB5 earned its spot as a top 10 Amazon bestselling electric bike. With a little bit of time in assisted peddling mode, you can push the EB5 up to 40 miles on a single charge, and its mountain bike-style tires can handle some rough terrain from time to time. Not bad at all. And it comes with a horn and headlight already, especially useful if you’re using it as a commuter bike.

Where it falls short is the speed and longevity. Its 7-speed system tops out at 20 MPH. Likewise, without top-tier suspension gear, you’ll find that the EB5 will get rougher around the edges than more expensive competition in a quicker time. Still, for short trips around the neighborhood or quick commutes, this is an excellent way to begin your e-bike journey.

What Shoppers Are Saying

One reviewer, who owns two of these bikes, said, “The bikes feel solid and well-built, and the electric assist works smoothly and consistently.”

Another shopper noted that “the motor provides just the right amount of power to make hills and longer rides effortless.”

The Jasion EB5 Electric Bike is just $199 and is a great way to get your first e-bike.

Shop More Amazon Bestselling Electric Bikes

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