Gear Not Stuff: January 2026

A new cardio machine I actually **love**

The Two Percent New Year Challenge is now live. If you want 2026 to feel different—better, clearer, more capable—this is your on-ramp. Become a Member to join.

It’s the second Friday of the month—which means it’s time for Gear Not Stuff.

We live in a world of mass consumerism, where we have more stuff than ever. As I point out in Scarcity Brain, the average home contains at least 10,000 items. Yet minimalism, as I wrote here, has failed us.

When considering how to make smarter purchasing decisions, I’ve started distinguishing between gear and stuff.

• Stuff is a possession for the sake of it. Stuff clutters. We buy stuff impulsively to alleviate boredom or stress, or to solve problems we could have tackled creatively with what we already have.

• Gear, on the other hand, has a clear purpose of helping us achieve a higher purpose. Gear is a tool we can use to have better experiences.

This month’s gear:

I feel the same way about most cardio machines as I do about dental exams: they’re necessary, but mostly miserable and something we endure for our health rather than enjoy.

But a couple of months ago, I found a cardio machine that I actually like. Love, even—bordering on mild addiction. It’s helped me spend more time with a high heart rate, improve my endurance, feel better day to day, and show up to the mountains fitter and more resilient.

And you can get it for under $1,000.

This is our first Gear not Stuff column I’ve ever devoted to a single item.

From here you’ll learn:

• The cardio machine that finally got me to enjoy indoor training.

• How it gamifies fitness to improve your health and performance.

• Why it’s the ultimate tool that complements lifting, rucking, and trail running.

Thanks to our partners:

• 🚨 New partner alert: Janji, an independent running brand making gear for ultra-distance pursuits. They’re the only brand making gear specifically for 100-plus-mile adventures—my favorite kind. Check out the Circa Daily Long Sleeve, great alone on cool days or as a layering piece on the coldest days. You can find Janji at Janji.com and at REI stores nationwide.

• David Protein Bars have the highest amount of protein per calorie. That makes them a great option for anyone who wants more protein but wants to avoid the excess sugar and fat of most bars. Check them out at DavidProtein.com.

• Montana Knife Company. I’ve been carrying MKC knives into the wilderness for a few years. They’re bombproof, razor sharp out of the box, and made in Montana. My everyday carry: The Mini Speedgoat 2.0. Check them out hereand mention you heard about MKC from Two Percent.