Dan Bracaglia
Dan Bracaglia covers fitness and consumer technology with an emphasis on wearables for Tom's Guide. Based in the US Pacific Northwest, Dan is an avid outdoor adventurer who dabbles in everything from kayaking to snowboarding, but he most enjoys exploring the cities and mountains with his small pup, Belvedere. Dan is currently training to climb some of Washington State's tallest peaks. He's also a big photography nerd.
Latest articles by Dan Bracaglia
![A screenshot showing the new trail and hiking views coming to Apple Maps in iOS 18](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rB4jacU72NGcdZ3iCGxVbM-320-80.jpg)
Apple Maps refresh — new hiking features are welcome but these are the ones I really wanted
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Apple Maps needs these features to truly compete with popular hiking apps like AllTrails.
![A view from the crowd's perspective from WWDC 2024 showing a giant screen with all of the new Apple Watch features coming to watchOS 11 summarized.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/52GamkZNSsfirjZgx9B857-320-80.jpg)
watchOS 11 — Apple Watch is finally getting the fitness feature I’ve been waiting for
By Dan Bracaglia published
watchOS 11 brings some long-awaited health and fitness tracking improvements, including a new Vitals app and customizable Acitvity Rings.
![Helio RIng and Garmin Forerunnr 165 smartwatch on a user's wrist against an orange background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wkFgKfELRfMawoppMH4gWa-320-80.jpg)
I walked over 5,000 steps with the Helio Ring vs. Garmin Forerunner 165 — here's the winner
By Dan Bracaglia published
We tested the new Helio smart ring against the popular Garmin Forerunner 165 and this one was more accurate.
![Amazfit Helio ring held between someone's fingers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rtcxKB5DC6yjtg9z3gQHg6-320-80.jpg)
I wore the Amazfit Helio Ring every day for a week — here's what happened
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Not yet ratedFirst impressions of the new Helio smart ring, including insights into comfort, battery life and sleep tracking.
![A trail runner dressed in blue cresting a mountain peak with other distance mountains in the background against a white cloudy sky.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9C5nhPnBDXgwGRt9zVwXmC-320-80.jpg)
5 Patagonia summer apparel deals I’d buy right now — starting at $16
By Dan Bracaglia published
Save 50% or more on these summertime essentials, like board shorts, packable rain protection, hats and more.
![5 affordable items to bring on your next hike, including a bike water bottle, compass, neck gaiter, rugged telescope and everyday carry knife.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iUYQBUZoFVjx25CV3zkyNS-320-80.jpg)
5 affordable items that made my recent 6-mile hike extra awesome
By Dan Bracaglia published
Hiking doesn't have to be an expensive hobby. These five items are part of my core kit and don't break the bank.
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 on a person's wrist](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QicX7mpxAoiSq4T4NKwNN-320-80.jpg)
Samsung's Galaxy smartwatches are about to get new AI health and wellbeing features — here's what we know
By Dan Bracaglia published
Samsung's next-gen smartwatches will be jam-packed with AI features aimed at improving your health.
![Amazfit Helio ring held in a user's finger's showing the sensors on the inside of the ring,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/45wUA2pmJj2hgMPwETYqZj-320-80.jpg)
I tried the new Helio smart ring — 5 things that surprised me about this budget-friendly Oura alternative
By Dan Bracaglia published
Say hello to the $299 Helio Ring, a subscription-free smart ring alternative to the popular Oura Ring.
![The Garmin Epix Pro on a wrist next to a Polar Grit X2 Pro on a different wrist.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Q5rB7xqBgDY7y3FQiJAY6J-320-80.jpg)
Garmin Epix Pro vs. Polar Grit X2 Pro – which GPS adventure watch goes the distance?
By Dan Bracaglia published
Which of these flagship rugged smartwatches reign supreme? We break down all the key differences between the Garmin Epix Pro and Polar Grit X2 Pro and declare a winner.
![A red Trek Verve+ Lowstep LT bike against a dark asphalt background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vGaQTCoi7cnsPZQnpuaP8S-320-80.jpg)
Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review – a great ebike for first-time riders
By Dan Bracaglia published
The Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is an entry-level ebike with lots of well-thought-out features and high-quality components.
![Bob and Brad C2 Pro Heat and Ice Massage Gun.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wwsRXk7NasoBJdmSJP4w5-320-80.jpg)
I tried this budget-friendly heated massage gun on my sore muscles – 5 things that surprised me
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
The Bob and Brad C2 Pro Massage Gun comes with five attachments, including a heated/cooled massage head.
![Nocs Field Tube Monocular in baby blue. Shown in a user's hand against a green background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qUnD9sCJ8pRymCiUXFYyFN-320-80.jpg)
Nocs Field Tube hands-on: This lightweight telescope is built for outdoor adventures
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Stylish and tough-built, the Nocs Field Tube is perfect for birdwatching, sightseeing, sporting events and so much more.
![Kica Jet Fan 2 in the palm of a user's hand on a red background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A4mPtXznvgukghtKoZoGbJ-320-80.jpg)
Forget canned air – this rechargeable, ‘jet-powered’ duster is my new favorite gadget
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Like a miniature leaf blower, the Kica Jet Fan 2 makes dusting gadgets and removing pet hair a task I look forward to.
![How to store ski and snowboard gear for the offseason, including boards, skis, helmets, soft goods and more.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NDWVk9rAwRM5ArVMPZkxdM-320-80.jpg)
How to store your ski and snowboard gear in the offseason like a pro
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
We chatted with former pro skier Jonah Deshner for tips and tricks on keeping your winter gear in tip-top shape in the warmer months.
![The G-Shock Move and Polar Grit X2 Pro smartwatches on the same wrist.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Wck2YfsgiHHdscdmsafw4E-320-80.jpg)
I walked 5K+ steps with the G-Shock Move and Polar Grit X2 Pro— here's the winner
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Here's how the $300 G-Shock Move DWH5600 stands up against the $750 Polar Grit X2 Pro in a step count showdown.
![a photo of the Apple Watch 9 and Google Pixel Watch 2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qs57DXPFMbzB7fMw4fRRJZ-320-80.jpg)
Google is finally catching up to Apple and Garmin on fitness-tracking data
By Dan Bracaglia published
Android smartwatch users are about to get improved running data thanks to Wear OS 5.
![Trek Verve+ 1 electric bike on a steep hill](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xxDJFD9mWNeEquS5dpLxCV-320-80.jpg)
I tried to ride Trek’s new ebike up the steepest hill in Seattle — and it didn’t go as planned
By Dan Bracaglia published
Is Trek’s latest commuter-friendly electric bike a match for the steepest climb in town?
![Garmin Forerunner 165 and Polar Grit X2 Pro on a person's wrist](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PWjkqzTeoAJw7SG4UgnpTH-320-80.jpg)
I walked 5,500 steps with the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Polar Grit X2 Pro — here’s the winner
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Our Garmin Forerunner 165 vs. Polar Grit X2 Pro showdown looks which device is more accurate at counting steps.
![Apple Watch Ultra 2.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ogVgpPEpZgAZ9AGZZpRfF3-320-80.jpg)
5 outdoor adventure-ready smartwatches I recommend for tracking summertime fun
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
These wearables are the cream of the crop if you're looking to keep tabs on your next outdoor adventure, by land or sea.
![PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yeapc3uRfUnkxZrdA4t2xd-320-80.jpg)
The greatest packable, insulated travel jacket I've ever owned is on sale right now for 20% off
By Dan Bracaglia published
The L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket is the greatest synthetic, packable puffer I've ever owned.
![TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ygchUkXwMNFaEXseoktjWH-320-80.jpg)
TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro hands-on: an impressive GPS smartwatch with a cloudy future
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Not yet ratedThe new TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro sports a slimmer case, a tougher design and streamlined wellness software.
![Polar Grit X2 Pro maps on a person's wrist](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fZPJQymsrzBWDzcPuPPx2j-320-80.jpg)
Polar Grit X2 Pro hands-on — 7 things that surprise me about this new rugged smartwatch
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Our senior writer for fitness and wearables reviews plenty of GPS watches for a living, but he found a few surprises when using the new Polar Grit X2 Pro adventure smartwatch.
![Garmin Approach GPS smartwatch deals.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/niA2kvzJjTX6BCYNvsvZuQ-320-80.jpg)
Calling all golfers — the Garmin Approach S70 GPS golf watch sees a rare price drop
By Dan Bracaglia published
You can also save big on other Garmin GPS-enabled golf smartwatches, including the Approach S62 and S12.