| | | The most famous short story about the Vietnam War began at Esquire as veteran Tim O'Brien captured his deployment through tales of the rifles, photographs, and memories that soldiers brought with them. | | If you have trouble reading this message, view it in a browser. | | | | |  | | |  | | | | The Things They Carried | | | | The things they carried were largely determined by necessity. Among the necessities or near-necessities were P-38 can openers, pocket knives, heat tabs, wristwatches, dog tags, mosquito repellent, chewing gum, candy, cigarettes, salt tablets, packets of Kool-Aid, lighters, matches, sewing kits, Military Payment Certificates, C rations, and two or three canteens of water. Together, these items weighed between fifteen and twenty pounds, depending upon a man's habits or rate of metabolism. Henry Dobbins, who was a big man, carried extra rations; he was especially fond of canned peaches in heavy syrup over pound cake. Dave Jensen, who practiced field hygiene, carried a toothbrush, dental floss, and several hotel-sized bars of soap he'd stolen on R&R in Sydney, Australia. Ted Lavender, who was scared, carried tranquilizers until he was shot in the head outside the village of Than Khe in mid-April. Read More | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | The Esquire Editorial Board Endorses: The Airport Bar | | | | We endorse the airport bar. Every single one of them. We cannot narrow it down to just one, because we cannot tell them apart—and that's the point. We are thirsty for a drink in every airport bar we've ever visited, and all of the ones we haven't. After more than a year in which air travel has been on hold, a stool that's been bolted to the floor underneath a departures screen feels as exotic as any Greek island. The airport bar suggests motion, possibility, adventure. Dammit, we want those things back. Read More | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | The 17 Best Sales on Cool Stuff for Your Home This Memorial Day Weekend | | | | If you've got every single thing you could possible want in the world arrayed around you in your home, well, congrats. Dunno why you're reading this story, but congrats. If you are most people and there are loads of things you wish you had arrayed around you in your home but currently don't, then Memorial Day Weekend sales will do you a solid. That means discounts on kitchen appliances, on couches and mattresses, on bedding and towels, and all the rest. Since it's a lot to weed through, we collected our 17 favorite home finds below. Take a look, and then get back to your life knowing that something cool is on the way in the mail for you. Read More | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | 16 Pairs of Sandals You Can Wear Anywhere This Summer (Even If It's Not the Beach) | | | | Sandals are fine, and you're fine, too, so it's time to invest in some sandals. The only question, then, is what kind. Are you a flip-flop person? Bold, but it takes all kinds. Even the sandal-positive might implore you to keep your beloved thongs confined to beach-and poolside pursuits, but no one's going to stop you if you want to wear 'em around town with jeans and a T-shirt, too (though you might get a few looks). How about slides? Now that is an easy one. Whatever you choose, don't listen to that little voice in the back of your head telling you grown-ass guys don't wear sandals. It's a brave new world out there, and our feet deserve to experience it in full. Just make sure you clip your toenails before taking them out for a tour. Read More | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | The Best Running Shoe Sales for Memorial Day 2021 | | | | Here's a case for Memorial Day resolutions instead of New Year's—it's warmer outside, and there are sales on some of the best workout gear available. Whether you wanted to sign up for a race, reach a PR, or start adding running to your daily routine, there's no time like the present. Plus, thanks to these sales, you can stock up on some of the most popular running shoes from brands like Brooks, Nike, and Saucony for up to —and sometimes over—50% off. We selected some of our favorite shoes from trusted brands so you can start shopping before the long weekend officially starts. Read More | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | 50+ Unique Gifts for Dads Who Already Seems to Have Everything | | | | There isn't a thing on this earth that your dad hasn't considered buying for himself, and then bought it for himself. He's quick to the trigger. He can, unsurprisingly, fend for himself. He's got the wisdom of the ages, and that wisdom is telling him that if he wants a futuristic gadget, or a spring jacket, or a whiskey decanter, he shouldn't have to wait to get it. So for Father's Day, you gotta think bigger—way the heck outside the box, into territory he hasn't considered himself. We'll get you started. The following are more than 50 ultra-unique gift ideas for dad. Love you, Pops. Read More | | | | | | | | | | | |
