Tag: Health

Another episode of Monday Night Raw is in the books, meaning it’s time to look back at the show to identify the highs and lows of an episode that featured the finals of the No. 1 contender tournament between Rey Fenix and Penta.

The Good

Penta vs. Rey Fenix

From the moment that the bracket to crown a challenger for Roman Reigns was announced, a matchup between the Lucha Brothers seemed inevitable. It happened last night, and while it wasn’t the best match I’ve ever seen between the two, it was still excellent. The outcome was never really in doubt, which hurt the drama a little, but the crowd was into it, and everything after the Sacrifice was good storytelling with a great finishing sequence (though I don’t get why Penta clearly pulled Fenix’s shoulder off the mat during the pin). Reigns came out afterwards for a brief interaction with Penta, who should be given room to shine in Mexico City—Reigns can bump when he wants to. Let’s also hope this makes WWE realize what they have in Fenix, who has largely been floundering on SmackDown since debuting in 2025. Other highlights:

• Royce Keys’ new faction attacked the Usos as they arrived at the building, which was an exciting way to kick off a prerecorded show. Jacob Fatu ran them off and then stormed to the ring to cut an impassioned promo. Too bad the censors undermined both segments (more on that later).
• There still aren’t many talkers in the business better than Paul Heyman, who did a good job promoting the upcoming matchup between Oba Femi and Bron Breakker by focusing on what happens to the loser. Heyman is a natural promoter.

The Bad

Joe Hendry

How fast has Hendry fallen out of favor? A breakout star in TNA and surprise opponent for Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41, he has done next to nothing since being added to the main roster. He returned here to help Je’Von Evans, who is in the thick of his own non-push, against the Judgment Day, leading to an impromptu tag team match. Hendry got pinned by Dominik Mysterio, who has done nothing but lose for months. Hendry got over organically with the “say his name and he appears” stuff in TNA. I wonder if that’s already run its course as he just seems directionless in WWE. Other lowlights:

• On the female side of the suddenly segregated Judgment Day, Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez were so ineffectual that Lyra Valkyria had to step in and save Raquel Rodriguez from losing the Women’s Intercontinental Championship to Sol Ruca. Between that and Morgan looking like the third-most important element in her own title program with Becky Lynch and Stephanie Vaquer, it looks like Judgment Day is transitioning from midcard act to job squad.
• Ever since winning the title, Chad Gable has become the most generic babyface imaginable. There’s zero depth or interest with his current character, which is a shame after everything he showed in terms of personality during the lengthy El Grande Americano run.
• I thought Ethan Page was underutilized in AEW. I think he’s being underutilized in WWE. Ever since losing his Intercontinental Championship match to Penta back in May, Page has been stuck on the hamster wheel. He should be doing more.

The Ugly

Censoring on Netflix

While there were some definite positives with a pretaped Raw—most notably a lack of commercials, which shaved the run time down to just over 90 minutes—the censorship efforts were brutal. Both Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa were pixelated to hide blood, which included on Uso’s arm, and Reigns and Fatu both had lines bleeped. I know WWE doesn’t want to be AEW in that regard where a Chris Jericho-Nick Gage match once had a bloody pizza-cutter spot transition to a Domino’s ad, but I can watch people being tortured and dismembered on Netflix. A little bit of blood and the odd profanity aren’t the end of the world. Also, it’s amazing with where technology is that WWE sweetening the crowd still comes across just as bad as it did a decade ago.

Related: WWE SmackDown Review for Aug. 28: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

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. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.

Most consumer pizza ovens top out at 12 or 16 inches. That’s fine when you’re making dinner for one or two people. When you’re feeding a crowd, though, repeatedly launching personal-size pies starts to feel like running a restaurant. That’s why I like the Ooni Koda 2 Max.

I’ve spent the past five years cooking with dedicated pizza ovens and have run roughly 1,000 pies through nearly every popular consumer model. The Koda 2 Max is one of the few that gives me enough space to make a true 20-inch pizza—or cook two smaller Neapolitan pies at the same time.

Want even more grilling advice and product reviews? Read more of the greatest hits from our 2026 Grilling Awards, including the best griddles, best portable grills, and best grill tools.

Why Ooni Koda 2 Max Is the Best High-Capacity Pizza Oven of 2026

Ooni Koda 2 Max is the big brother to Koda 2 Pro. It’s also my favorite oven in terms of flexibility, consistency, and overall cooking performance. The double-sided flame setup, 24-inch opening, thicker stone, and oversized cooking surface make it the most versatile pizza oven in this price category. For me, the number one reason to spend extra for the Koda 2 Max is the ability to make 20-inch pizzas—a true large pie.

Most of the new crop of consumer pizza ovens limit you to pizzas that are, at best, 12 to 16 inches in diameter, which are equivalent to most pizza shops’ small or medium. Yes, traditional Neapolitan pizzas are only about 12 inches, but the Koda 2 Max gives the option to make two of those baby pies at once as well as true family-sized pizzas, whether they’re classic, crispy N.Y. style or neo-Neopolitan with a pillowy crust.

Modern ovens cook pizzas in a few minutes, but if you’re feeding a crowd, bigger pizzas are more efficient. Bigger diameters also have a higher ratio of toppings to crust. I love a little personal Neapolitan pizza with big, lightly charred crust bubbles, but they can feel like a lot of bread and not much of the delicious toppings you picked out.

My biggest gripe with the Koda 2 Max is the fickle igniter system, which appears to be much improved in the new Koda 2 Pro but highly unreliable in the Max, especially in the cold. It’s also too heavy to be a practical travel option. I’ve carted its 95 pounds up and down stairs to catering jobs with much effort, but it’s a two-person lift in reality and there are much better portable options unless you really need the bigger cooking surface. Note: Ooni doesn’t sell any pizza peels bigger than 18 inches, so pick up a 22-inch peel if you want to make the most out of this bigger oven.

Ooni Koda 2 Max Pros & Cons

Pros

• Accommodates true 20-inch pizzas
• Can cook two smaller pizzas at once
• 950°F maximum temperature
• Large cooking surface is ideal for feeding a crowd
• Thick cordierite stone retains heat well between pies
• Dual-flame setup promotes even cooking
• Works with propane or natural gas
• Excellent for New York-style and larger-format pizzas
• Strong consistency during back-to-back cooks
• More versatile than smaller 12- to 16-inch ovens

Cons

• Heavy at 95 pounds
• Realistically requires two people to move
• Igniter can be unreliable, especially in cold weather
• Too large and heavy for practical travel
• Large pizzas require a bigger peel than Ooni sells
• Takes up substantial patio or outdoor-kitchen space

Is Ooni Koda 2 Max Worth Buying?

Yes—if your priority is making large pizzas or feeding a crowd. The Ooni Koda 2 Max stands apart from most consumer pizza ovens because it can handle a true 20-inch pie, rather than limiting you to the 12- to 16-inch pizzas that dominate the category. It can also cook two smaller Neapolitan-style pizzas at once, which makes a big difference when several hungry people are waiting.

There are tradeoffs, though—at 95 pounds, this is not a portable pizza oven in any realistic sense, and the igniter on my unit has been unreliable, particularly in cold weather. You’ll also need to source a larger peel if you want to take full advantage of its 20-inch capacity.

But if you mostly cook at home and regularly make pizza for family or friends, the extra size pays off. After testing nearly every popular consumer pizza oven, the Koda 2 Max remains one of my favorites for its combination of capacity, consistency, and versatility—and our pick for the best high-capacity pizza oven of 2026.

Ooni Koda 2 Max Specs

• Fuel: Propane or natural gas
• Max Pizza Size: 20 in.
• Max Temperature: 950°F
• Dimensions: 31 x 28 x 17 in.
• Weight: 95 lbs.
• Oven Body: Powder-coated carbon steel with stainless steel interior and aluminum accents

Why You Should Trust Me

I’ve been making pizza at home for at least two decades and the first 15 of those years were spent evolving my process in a traditional electric oven. Using dedicated pizza ovens for the past 5 years, the quality of my pies has increased exponentially to the point where I’ve been hired to cater several events, despite not actually having a pizza catering business. I’ve tested nearly all of the most popular consumer-grade pizza ovens, running about 1,000 pizzas through them in total.

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. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.

In This Story

Why We Love This Deal

Affordable patio sets under $100 tend to cut a corner somewhere (usually the frame), which is why so many end up wobbly and rusted after a year. Walmart’s latest markdown keeps the steel frame intact and just knocks down the price instead, so now you can get this 3-piece patio set with a tempered glass table for half off. 

Normally priced at $160, the Lacoo 3-Piece Outdoor Rattan Patio Set is down to $80 in gray and brown/beige. It’s the perfect size for small porches and patios, so if you have limited space to work with, this set is built for you. Better yet, this one ships for free. One thing we typically find with sets around this price is that they have a shipping cost of at least $10. Here, you won’t have to worry about that, which makes the deal even sweeter.

Lacoo 3-Piece Outdoor Rattan Patio Set, From $80 (was $160) at Walmart

What Shoppers Should Know

• Frame: Steel
• Weave: PE rattan
• Cushions: Removable polyester with sponge padding
• Table: Tempered glass top
• Best For: Balconies, small patios, apartments, porches

This set opts for PE wicker instead of the natural stuff, which will hold up better in the sun and rain without cracking. You get two armrest chairs and a compact coffee table with a tempered glass top, and the whole thing ships in a single box with hardware included, so setup can be done in around 30 minutes with just one person. 

Most 3-piece patio sets in this size class run well above $150 (lesser-quality sets can run around $50-$70), so $80 lands at the low end for what’s included here. It’s not going to replace a full sectional or set for anyone with real space to fill, but for a small balcony or patio that just needs two seats and somewhere to set a drink down, it’s priced very fairly. 

Related: Walmart Sells an $80 Patio Set Complete With Enough Seating and Table Space for 4 People

What Shoppers Are Saying

One helpful reviewer wrote that the set is “great for small porches” and is “a lot nicer than I thought.” A second shopper said, “It’s a good little set for a small area,” and “good quality for the price.”

Even with its small footprint, the set is still sturdy: “Very sturdy for a low-profile patio set.” Another reviewer wrote, “Very spacious and the quality of the material is unbelievable. For a cheap set, I didn’t expect what I got.”

If you have a small patio space that could use some TLC, Lacoo’s 3-Piece Outdoor Rattan Patio Set is the one to grab for $80. Since this deal could end at any moment, now’s the time to grab a set if you’re interested, and shipping is free.

Also Check Out

• Costway 3-Piece Patio Rattan Furniture Set, $166 (was $289) at Walmart
• FDW 3-Piece Outdoor Patio Furniture Wicker Table and Chairs Set Bar Set, $90 (was $148) at Walmart
• Ainfox Premium Patio Swivel Bistro Set, $128 (was $360) at Walmart

It seems like everybody owns wearable tech these days, and Oura Rings happen to be among the most popular options. But now, the smart ring brand is under scrutiny as it faces a proposed class action lawsuit alleging its devices can’t measure user sleep or cycles as accurately as advertised. The 53-page lawsuit claims that Oura’s AI models perform “guesswork as to what may be happening based on improper results,” rather than tracking users’ sleep stages with up to 95 percent accuracy, as the company has advertised.

The proposed lawsuit takes particular issue with how certain Oura Ring models determine sleep stage data. According to the complaint, the rings “infer” sleep stages using metrics like heart rate, physical movement, peripheral skin temperature, and blood oxygen trend, none of which directly measure activity in the brain.

“The allegations against Oura still have to be proven, and Oura strongly disputes them,” says Michael McCready, Managing Partner at McCready Law. “But from a consumer protection standpoint, the question will be whether the company accurately described what the ring can do and had sufficient scientific support for the level of accuracy it advertised. A product doesn’t have to be perfect, but if you sell precision, you should be able to substantiate precision. Companies selling health-related technology have a responsibility to be just as clear about what their products cannot do as they are enthusiastic about what they can.”

Still, lawyers and health experts alike say a situation like this may serve as a good reminder for consumers to be more mindful of what wearable devices are designed to do. Because while wearable tech can certainly help raise health awareness, encourage healthier habits, and identify personal trends that may be worth discussing, it doesn’t mean they should replace medical-grade equipment or professional medical advice when needed.

Related: I Swapped My Smartwatch for This Wearable Sensor That Decodes My Metabolic Health Without a Single Finger Prick

“More broadly, I’m a believer in wearables and technology. Data can help people recognize patterns, change habits, and ask better questions. But there’s a danger when we start treating an estimate generated by an algorithm as an unquestionable medical fact. The takeaway for consumers is to use these devices for trends rather than absolutes,” McCready adds.

For instance, if your ring has been telling you that you’ve slept poorly for three weeks, that may be useful information that prompts you to look at your sleep habits or take it to your doctor. But if the device tells you that you spent exactly a certain amount of time in a particular stage of sleep, remember that there’s still measurement, inference, and an entire algorithm standing between your body and that number.

“The real risk with consumer wearables isn’t that they’re inaccurate in every case,” says Arik Ben Ishay, CEO and Co-Founder of Biobeat. “It’s that consumers can’t easily tell when a number is directional and when it’s reliable enough to make a health decision on. A sleep score is a suggestion. A blood pressure reading a physician uses to adjust medication is a decision. Those require very different standards.”

Ultimately, the lesson here is to view wearable data as one piece of information rather than an exact medical finding. If your data consistently points to a potential health problem, use that information as a reason to talk with your doctor rather than trying to diagnose or treat the issue yourself.

Related: Doctors Say You’re Tracking the Wrong Smartwatch Data—Here’s What Actually Matters

Experts

• Michael McCready, Managing Partner at McCready Law
• Arik Ben Ishay, CEO and Co-Founder of Biobeat

Sources

• Oura Lawsuit Claims Rings Cannot Measure Sleep as Advertised. ClassAction, 2026

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. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.

In This Story

A carport is basically a cheat that allows you to shelter your car from the elements and use your garage as something else — workshop, home gym, storage space, or the like — at the same time. A carport is an easy way to transform a car-sized patch of your yard or driveway into a covered parking spot, and Walmart is doing its part to make sure it’s also quite inexpensive.

The Walsunny 12-Foot by 15-Foot Steel Carport is on sale for $437 at Walmart, 45% off its normal $800 price tag. This deal reflects both the hefty on-page discount and the on-page coupon that knocks another $23 off the price. It’s good on the 12-foot by 15-foot option, though both the 12-foot by 20-foot and 20-foot by 20-foot models also have big price cuts. We think the smaller version is a fine choice for anyone without an oversized car (or oversized storage needs). Crucially, this carport also ships for free, as commonly tacked-on shipping fees can reach into the hundreds and negate much of the savings on an on-sale carport.

Walsunny 12-Foot by 15-Foot Steel Carport, $437 (was $800) at Walmart

This carport has a frame made of high-quality, powder-coated square steel tubing that’s reinforced at key connection points for added structural integrity and compressive strength. It’s covered with a galvanized steel roof that’s rust-resistant and durable. The base features a metal anchor system that’s a thicker upgrade from a previous model, and the waterproofing is top-notch. High-grade waterproof sealing tape on the roof seams ensures there will be no leaks, and flexible rubber strips along the roof edges cover sharp corners to keep water out of the frame and roof.

Related: Adding a Carport to Your Home Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive. Walmart Has One for Under $500

One shopper wrote that this carport offers “very good quality for the price,” starting with easy assembly.” Once complete, the carport is a “good size and very sturdy.”

Another reviewer wrote, “Protection from the elements. If you have anything that you want to protect from the elements, this is for you.”

Other customers variously described this carport as “well worth the money,” “very strong,” and “perfect.”

Deals We’re Loving

• Walsunny 10-Foot by 20-Foot Carport, $180 (was $280) at Walmart
• SnugNiture 10-Foot by 20-Foot Metal Carport, $400 (was $1,680) at Walmart
• Moalcofer 10-Foot by 20-Foot Carport, $660 (was $1,000) at Walmart

The Walsunny 12-Foot by 15-Foot Steel Carport is easy to set up, durable, and effective. For $437, it’s also quite inexpensive for something that can protect your car from the elements and allow you to use your garage for something other than car storage.

Kofi confirmed reports that he and Austin Creed were asked to take giant pay cuts to stay with WWE before their stunning departures.

Creed and Kofi performed in WWE as Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, respectively, forming the legendary New Day stable with Big E in 2014. The group stayed together for 12 years, even after Big E retired following a career-ending neck injury in 2022.

After months of speculation, Kofi and Creed debuted for AEW at Sunday’s All In pay-per-view. Now performing as “The New Level”, they teamed up with Swerve Strickland to win the World Trios Championship in the Trios Roulette Royal match.

During an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show” (h/t F4WOnline.com), Kofi stated that WWE requested they accept pay cuts of over 50 percent to stick around.

“I don’t know exactly what’s out there. I will say, it was more than 50 percent, which a lot of people don’t know,” Kofi told Helwani.

During the interview, Creed added that WWE never sent a farewell message or thanked him after his departure.

Austin Creed says he never received a call, text or thank you from WWE higher-ups before leaving the company.

Kofi Kingston makes it clear there’s no bitterness toward WWE despite how things ended:

“I just want to say I’m super grateful for the time that we had there. Living… pic.twitter.com/foyPEsnKAe

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 1, 2026

It was previously reported that WWE asked New Day to take 50 percent pay cuts. The legendary duo was reportedly under contract through 2030.

WWE Has Parted Ways With Plenty of Notable Stars in 2026

As stunning as the exits of Woods and Kingston were, they’re only among the handful of notable stars to leave WWE this year.

WWE also moved on from future Hall of Famer Sheamus and other household names like Apollo Crews, Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega and the Wyatt Sicks stable. With Bayley’s contract reportedly expiring soon, it remains to be seen if she’ll stick with WWE as well.

The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG ‘Rare Air’ (IB8967-004) was one of those releases that seemed to fly under the radar, and that’s perfect because it puts a stylish retro within arm’s reach. It’s also one of my favorite Air Jordan 3s. The details are niche without becoming corny, giving Tinker Hatfield’s classic just enough personality to separate it from the countless AJ3s already in rotation.

Key Facts At A Glance

Where Can You Buy the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rare Air’?

The resale market is where the ‘Rare Air’ gets interesting. As of August 31, 2026, StockX asks across many popular men’s sizes sit below the original $210 retail price. Sizes 8.5 through 12 are mostly between $135 and $185. More importantly, StockX reports a $151 average sale price across 1,031 sales over the previous three months, giving that value argument some real weight.

GOAT is competitive too. Sizes 9 through 11 currently range from $149 to $189, while size 13 is $234 and size 14 is $229. Those are asking prices, so use the offer feature when available. There’s no reason to rush.

What Makes the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rare Air’ Stand Out?

Nike built the ‘Rare Air’ concept around the quirks and imperfections associated with early Jordan samples, and that inspiration shows up without making the shoe feel gimmicky. The Nike Air heel branding is mirrored, with one side reversed.

Grey suede replaces the Air Jordan 3’s traditional elephant print, and I love the decision. It works with the muted black tumbled leather while Military Blue hits on the midsole and collar add energy. Coconut Milk around the heel and Chile Red branding finish a color palette that has plenty going on without becoming difficult to wear.

Why Does the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rare Air’ Matter?

Jordan Brand spread its ‘Rare Air’ theme across several major silhouettes in 2025, including the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 3, Air Jordan 4 and Air Jordan 11. The AJ11 may have been the headliner for me, but for everyday wear, give me the 3 hands down.

I’ve worn Air Jordan 3s for decades, and this is exactly how you update the silhouette without losing what makes it work. The materials hold their shape well, the cushioning remains comfortable for casual wear, and the altered details reward sneakerheads who actually look closely.

Should You Buy the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rare Air’?

Absolutely, especially below retail. I bought mine for the full $210 and don’t regret it at all, so seeing pairs available around $150 makes this an easy recommendation.

The black and grey foundation works with jeans, cargos and joggers, while the Military Blue, Chile Red and mismatched Nike Air branding provide just enough flair. For someone who wants an Air Jordan 3 that feels different without looking like a novelty release, the ‘Rare Air’ may be one of the better values hiding on today’s resale market.

Related: Air Jordan September 2026: The Complete Guide to Every Release

Related: Air Jordan 3 ‘Khaki’ Navy Elephant Print, Khaki Suede, Gum Sole: 2027 Release Details

The U.S. Open is officially underway, and tennis fanatics are holding their breath to see how the chaos unfolds in Flushing Meadows. Late last night under the bright lights of Louis Armstrong Stadium, Frances Tiafoe was the last man standing, battling back in a grueling five-set thriller against fellow American Martin Damm to lock in his spot in the second round.

It was a gritty performance, coming just weeks after his massive run to the finals at the Cincinnati Open and shortly after having a cyst removed from his right hand. When we caught up with the world number 11 just last week, he admitted the hand was finally feeling good again, but recovery was as much of a mental battle as a physical one.

Want the latest fitness advice and workouts to tackle any adventure? Sign up for our Blueprint newsletter.

Battling Back From Injury

“It’s one of those deals where you don’t want to rush it, but you also can’t let it mess with your mind,” he says. “Once I got into matches, I felt like I could trust it and just play my game. Making that run in Cincinnati gave me a lot of confidence. I didn’t have a ton of matches under my belt, but I was able to compete with some really good guys and put myself in a position to win.”

That is the biggest takeaway from runs like that, he explains. It isn’t about getting lucky, it’s about finding a way to push through the discomfort. You don’t always have to feel 100 percent to finish strong, and finding a way to compete while your body is still healing is a great sign that you’re doing something right.

Still, dealing with a lingering physical issue forces a player to be far more strategic on the court. It means constantly adapting your approach and subtle stroke mechanics to protect your body without sacrificing power.

“I’ve definitely had to be smart with it,” he says. “The biggest thing was not trying to do too much too soon and really trusting what my body was telling me. I’m still trying to play aggressive and use my forehand and serve the way I normally do, but there are moments where you have to pick your spots and not make every ball a war.”

For him, playing smart means refusing to overthink. He relies heavily on his instincts and the endless hours of practice he’s put in over the years, knowing that playing scared is the ultimate distraction on a big stage.

Feeding Off New York Energy

And there is no stage quite like New York. Any top player will tell you that stepping out in front of more than 23,000 screaming fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium is a completely different beast. The energy is electric, the crowd is wild, and Tiafoe says the atmosphere feels like it’s buzzing before you even step foot on the hard court.

His goal is to lock in immediately, transforming that raw stadium energy into sharp focus rather than letting it turn into nerves.

“I try to remind myself: it’s the same sport, same job, just bigger lights,” he says. “I channel the emotion into tactics. Like, okay, how do I create time? How do I make them move? Where do I want the ball? If I’m locked into my plan, the crowd becomes part of the background instead of something that takes over my head. And honestly, that’s when I play my best, when I’ve got a plan, and I let the energy fuel me, not distract me.”

Keeping his physical energy up is just as crucial. Even with adrenaline coursing through his veins, the notoriously unpredictable Open schedule and marathon three-hour matches in the humid late-summer heat can drain anyone fast.

“I really try to focus on a balanced diet and giving my body the right fuel to maintain energy levels,” he says. “That’s why I fuel with CLIF Bars for a combo of carbs and protein to keep me going through hard workouts and matches, especially where there can be rain delays or times where your match ends up later or longer than you anticipate.”

Whether he’s reaching for a CLIF White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bar or grabbing a bag of Cookies & Creme Energy Bites, quick nutrition keeps mid-match lulls at bay and ensures he never runs on empty when the pressure heats up.

Throughout the final week of August, the U.S. Department of State updated a host of travel advisories, including one for a major tourist hotspot.

“A Travel Advisory is a report from the U.S. Department of State that describes the risks and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens—not foreign nationals—in a foreign destination,” says the State Department website. “The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad. Information contained in these advisories reflects an assessment of threats only insofar as they may impact U.S. citizens, nationals, and legal residents.”

On Monday, the State Department sent out an updated Level 2 warning for Brazil, meaning Americans should “exercise increased caution” when visiting.

However, there are also certain areas of Brazil under more severe travel restrictions.

The four travel advisory levels, explained

State department travel advisories come in four different levels, ranging from Level 1 –“Exercise normal precautions”–to Level 4–“Do Not Travel.”

• Level 1: “Exercise normal precautions” – The lowest risk level, reserved for countries that are generally safe.
• Level 2: “Exercise increased caution” – Certain areas of the country may carry increased risks such as theft, crime, terrorism or political unrest.
• Level 3: “Reconsider travel” – Here is where it starts getting more serious. U.S. citizens are urged to reconsider travel plans, due to “serious risks and security.”
• Level 4: “Do not travel” – The most severe advisory level, due to possible “life-threatening risks.” The United States may not be able to help guests in case of an emergency, and asks citizens not to visit or leave as soon as possible.

Countries under Levels 1 and 2 will be reviewed every 12 months, while those under Levels 3 and 4 will be looked at at least every six months.

“A Travel Advisory will also be updated any time conditions change substantially. This includes when the U.S. government changes its staffing levels or restrictions in a country due to security concerns,” the State Department website says.

What to know about Brazil

Overall, Brazil has been under Level 2 for some time, meaning U.S. citizens are safe to visit but should be a little bit more cautious and aware of their surroundings due to crime and kidnapping risks.

Still, there are certain places in Brazil the State Department warns Americans not to go near, including its international land borders. Even U.S. workers in Brazil must “obtain special authorization to travel within 100 miles/160 km of the international land borders with Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.”

Additionally, Brazil’s informal housing developments (favelas, vilas, comunidades or conglomerados) and “Satellite cities” are also under Level 4.

You can read the full Brazil travel advisory here.

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. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.

In This Story

Why We Love This Deal

REI is turning up the heat on its Labor Day Sale (running now through Sept. 7). The sale is packed with goodies, including some blazing deals on Patagonia jackets and even some from Arc’teryx. But the news today is that REI has served up a scorching bargain on an all-time classic jacket from The North Face that we haven’t seen in a very long time.

The North Face Retro Denali Jacket is available at REI for just $100, a 50% discount. It’s on sale in one colorway, however, and sizes are selling fast (small is already gone). It’s incredibly rare to find this coveted jacket on sale with such a steep discount, and REI’s deal easily beats the prices at TNF, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nordstrom, and Macy’s. 

Pro tip: If this fleece goes out of stock in your size, consider TNF’s Crest Full-Zip Jacket. Although it lacks the pit zips of the Denali, it has a similar fleece fabric and pocket layout, and it’s highly rated among REI shoppers. 

The North Face Retro Denali Jacket, $100 (was $200) at REI

What Shoppers Should Know

• Colorways on Sale: 1
• Fabric: 100% recycled polyester fleece, 100% recycled nylon with DWR finish
• Pockets: 4 zippered pockets
• Other Features: Pit zips

The Denali was originally designed as a breathable, warm fleece for climbing. It debuted in 1988 as part of TNF’s Expedition System, a line of outerwear designed to be layered and worn for serious alpine expeditions. Climbers especially loved its low weight and warmth, and it quickly morphed into a casual wear favorite as well. 

The current version sticks with the original design, which means it offers a comfy, casual-wear-friendly fit and feel with serious performance, too. The pit zips are an especially nice feature, and rare among fleeces like this—they allow you to dump excess heat quickly when you’re working hard. Better yet, with four zippered pockets, this jacket has plenty of storage for everyday errands or big wall climbing.

Related: The North Face’s Ultra-Cozy Yumiori Fleece Jacket Is 50% Off at REI

What Shoppers Are Saying

This is not some modern knockoff: The Retro Denali proudly showcases the same classic layout of the original Denali, just with recycled fabrics. 

View this post on Instagram

In this case, an “old” design is a good one, because shoppers absolutely love it. REI reviewers waxed poetic about the Denali. One called it “a staple of my four-season backcountry adventures for more than 25 years” and “a workhorse of simple perfection.” Another put it to the test over 40 years of outdoor adventures, and they “wore it on hundreds of climbs, including the summit of Denali.” This is a rugged, comfortable, versatile fleece that truly lives up to its name.

The Retro Denali Jacket is almost certainly going to sell out, and it could disappear in a matter of hours. Zip over to REI ASAP and grab yours for 50% off while you can. 

Shop More Deals

• The North Face Yumiori Off Peak Half-Zip Jacket, $70 (was $140) at REI
• The North Face Canyonlands 1/2-Zip Pullover Fleece Jacket, $40 (was $80) at Backcountry
• Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Insulated Pullover, $99 (was $199) at REI