Scheduling an annual visit with your OB-GYN is just as important as seeing your general practitioner. Not only is it a form of preventative medicine, but it gives you the opportunity to ask your OB-GYN any questions you may have.

"We can't buy another life, so it's important to ask questions in order to maintain this one,"Christine Greves, an OB-GYN at Orlando Health in Orlando, Florida told INSIDER. "No question is a bad question if you want to learn about your body. That's what we are here for."

While you may feel silly talking to your OB-GYN about any vaginal or reproductive concerns, keeping the lines of communication open and clear is imperative to your health. Go ahead and schedule your yearly checkup with your OB-GYN, but not before you take a look at these questions you should be asking your during your next visit.

Is my period normal?

First, no two periods are the same. That said, you should always ask your OB-GYN questions about your period, especially if it causes disruptions in your life.

"If someone is wondering, 'Is it normal for me to bleed through my underwear when I'm on my period?' or, 'Is it normal for me to have spotting in between my period and mess up my white pants?' the answer is no, it's not OK, because it's distressing your quality of life," Greves said.

Should I be experiencing pain in my vagina?

The short answer is no. If you are having pains of any kind in your pelvis or vaginal area, let your doctor know. It may be a sign of a serious underlying issue that needs to be checked out by an expert like your OB-GYN.

"If you have pain, you've got to ask about it," says Greves. "Whether it's in the lower pelvis area or it's on one side or the other, or maybe it's in the middle — You have to ask about that so it can get properly evaluated. It's not normal to have pain all of the time and that's something that needs to be talked about."

What birth control is right for me?

The Guttmacher Institute found that 99 percent of sexually active US women, ages 15 to 44, have used at least one contraceptive method. Keeping this statistic in mind, it probably seems like all of your female pals are on some form of birth control— and that's most likely true. But, what works for one woman might not work for another, so it's important to talk to your OB-GYN about the best birth control option for you.

Greves suggested thinking about your long-term plan when it comes to birth control.

"Do you want birth control for a year before you try to conceive, or do you want more lasting birth control like a long-active reversible contraceptive like an IUD?" says Greves. "There's also permanent sterilization. Talk to your doctor to determine what form of birth control fits in best with your lifestyle and future plans."

Read more:There are 17 different types of birth control — here's how to pick the best one for you

• Midterm elections are happening across the United States on November 6. 
• Voter turnout typically isn't great for midterms, so some brands offer freebies and deals to those who show their "I Voted" stickers.
• Offering free food as an incentive to voters falls in a legal gray area, but many brands get around that by offering the perks to anyone who asks for them, rather than only allowing voters to get the perks. 
• Here are the places offering deals this Election Day. 

Midterm elections aren't known for great turnouts. To help change that, many brands are offering freebies and deals for voters. 

Only about four in 10 eligible Americans vote in midterm elections, according to Fortune. In the past, stores like 7-Eleven and White Castle have offered incentives to customers who show an "I Voted" sticker. 

There have been questions in the past whether brands' incentivizing voters is legal.

"It is illegal in elections when federal candidates are on the ballot to offer free stuff (including free food or drink) to people upon proof of voting," said Rick Hasen, a law professor at UC Irvine told Nation's Restaurant News.

However, many brands find a way around this by offering the perks to anyone who asks for them, not just to customers who show an "I Voted" sticker.

Here are some of the places offering deals this Election Day: 

SEE ALSO: These are the best stores to shop for toys now that Toys R Us has died

Shake Shack is offering free fries with an order if you show an "I Voted" sticker or use the code "ivoted" at checkout.

Source: USA Today

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is offering a free cookie with any order on Tuesday or Wednesday. You don't need proof that you voted — just ask.

Source: USA Today, Potbelly

California Tortilla is offering a free order of chips and queso at all 50 locations if you say "I voted" at checkout.

Source: USA Today

• Election Day for hotly contested midterm races across the country is on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
• State rules vary widely on the different forms of ID voters have to present at the polls — if they require any at all.
• Business Insider has broken down the regulations by state in the map below.

Voter engagement has already skyrocketed ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections in the form of early voting methods, but plenty of voters nationwide are set to cast their ballots in person.

States vary widely on the rules for acceptable forms of identification at the polls. More states require photo IDs than not, but still differ in their technicalities.

See what ID you need to cast your ballot ahead of Election Day:

For more information on your state's requirements, check out this guide from the National Conference of State Legislatures, or scroll down for our state-by-state breakdown.

Read more of Business Insider's 2018 Midterm Election coverage:

• All the dates, deadlines, and rules you need to know before voting in the 2018 Midterm Elections
• SENATE BATTLEGROUND MAP: The race for control of the Senate is as tight as it can be
• Here is the last day you can register to vote in every state
• You can take time off work to vote in 30 US states — but you're out of luck in the rest
• Here are the deadlines in every state to vote absentee in the 2018 midterm elections
• The evolution of American voting rights in 242 years shows how far we've come — and how far we still have to go

SEE ALSO: These 25 Congressional races to watch are some of the most competitive in the 2018 midterm elections

DON'T MISS: The evolution of American voting rights in 242 years shows how far we've come — and how far we still have to go

Alabama

Voters are required to present a valid photo ID.

See all acceptable forms of ID here »

Alaska

Non-photo identification is required. 

See all acceptable forms of ID here »

Arizona

A voter can either present a photo ID that includes a name and registered address, or two forms of non-photo ID that include the voter's name and registered address.

See all acceptable forms of ID here »

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Going to a different store for every item on your holiday shopping list can be a huge headache, so it's important to start with stores that have a wide selection of gifts.

Target is a one-stop-shop year-round, so it's a super convenient destination during this time of year. On top of that, the retailer is offering free two-day shipping on almost everything. 

To help you shop, we rounded up 45 awesome gifts to buy at Target. With everything from bikes and toys to tech to smart home gadgets, and even kitchen appliances and beauty products, you'll be sure to find something for everyone on your list, regardless of your budget.

Shop at Target now, or keep reading for our top picks.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here.

An instant film camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9, $69.99

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is a modern take on an old-school way to capture life's moments instantly. Instead of using Instagram, this pocket-sized film camera will print your photos on demand as a fun alternative.

An electronic ice cream maker

Cuisinart Electronic Ice Cream Maker, $119.99

Since ice cream makers aren't a kitchen essential, there's a good chance the foodie or chef on your shopping list doesn't own one yet. The Cuisinart Electronic Ice Cream Maker can be used to make up to two quarts of frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelato, and sorbet in minutes.

A Super NES Classic Edition for throwback Nintendo gaming

Nintendo Super NES Classic Edition, $79.99

Loaded with 21 classic Super NES games, this console will bring a nostalgic feeling to Nintendo gamer from the '80s and '90s.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Backcountry is throwing a 'Big Brands' sale just in time to kick off the holiday season. From now until November 8 you can save up to 30% on hundreds of outdoor clothes and gear from top companies like Patagonia, Flylow, and Mammut. 

We've rounded up 19 of the best deals you can get overall, but you should still check out the deal pages for each category to find more of the gear you're looking for at a lower price.

This sale is only going on for a few days, so if you're trying to get some early holiday shopping done for the adventurous person in your life, this is a great opportunity.

Shop Backcountry's 'Big Brands' sale now

• Men's deals
• Women's deals
• Kid's deals
• Hiking and Camping deals
• Climbing deals
• Travel deals
• Patagonia deals
• Flylow deals
• Mammut deals
• Backcountry Access deals

SEE ALSO: The perks of REI’s lifetime membership far outweigh its one-time $20 cost

Patagonia Down Sweater Vest

Patagonia Down Sweater Vest (men), $125.30 (originally $179.99) [You save $53.69]

Patagonia Down Sweater Vest (women), $116.30 (originally $179.99) [You save $63.69]

Mammut Ayako High GTX Backpacking Boot

Mammut Ayako High GTX Backpacking Boot, $134.21 (originally $178.95) [You save $45.74]

Patagonia Retro Pile 1/4-Zip Fleece Jacket

Patagonia Retro Pile 1/4-Zip Fleece Jacket, $90.30 (originally $129) [You save $38.70]

Recently, on-again, off-again couple Bella Hadid and The Weeknd became the latest pair of celebrities to move into 443 Greenwich Street, a luxury apartment building— and noted haven for Manhattan's rich and famous. 

The amenity-filled building, which is located in New York's SoHo neighborhood, claims to be "paparazzi-proof," making it a magnet for celebrities, like Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, Rebel Wilson, and Meg Ryan, among others, per the New York Post. 

Jake Gyllenhaal bought an apartment there in 2017, along with Harry Styles and Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Jennifer Lawrence allegedly rents her 443 Greenwich apartment out for nearly $30,000 a month. Imagine the tenant's association meetings. 

One of the building's biggest selling points? An underground garage that makes it easy to safely and se curly enter and exit the building without notice. "In particular, the respectful adaptation, as well as creation of underground parking and valet lobby, were critical for early market-leading sales, including to automobile-enthusiast buyers," a representative for the architecture firm for CetraRuddy told INSIDER. "It has been called 'paparazzi-proof' for its punched windows, original brick masonry façade, and secure drive-in garage access."

Secure parking and privacy aside, the building offers an interior courtyard garden, marble lap pool, and an on-sight wine cellar, all of which have helped attract high-profile New Yorkers who are looking to keep a low profile. 

Keep scrolling to take a look inside one of the building's penthouse apartments, which is currently on the market for $16,250,000 (in case you have some spare change lying around). 

The towering brick building is tucked away on a cobblestone street in Lower Manhattan.

The building was constructed in 1882 with the intent of being a book bindery, real estate agent Patricia Lockridge of the Corcoran Group told INSIDER. Today, it houses 53 residential apartments. 

Of the 53 units, eight are penthouses — like this unit, which is in on the market for $16,250,000.

The kitchen features custom cabinetry from Christopher Peacock, Calacatta marble counters, a six-burner Wolf stove, two dishwashers, and additional Gaggenau appliances, per the StreetEasy listing.

Every apartment has it's own entry elevator, adding to the private, exclusive feel, Lockridge said.

Every unit "sexy feel with understated elegance" that's enhanced by an open floor plan, Lockridge said.  

• Snow and icy weather conditions often cause flight delays and cancellations around the holidays.
• Icy train tracks have caused train derailments and delays.
• Last year, a computer error left 15,000 American Airlines flights in mid-December without pilots.

Statistically speaking, traveling during the holidays may not be as bad as you think. But catastrophe has been known to strike.

Holiday travelers have braved power outages, computer glitches, and winter storms in their efforts to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and other holidays with loved ones.

Here are six worst-case scenarios that travelers have faced around the holidays.

Winter weather caused flight cancellations and dangerous road conditions in the Northeast in 2014.

Heavy rain and snow in the Northeast caused flight cancellations on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in 2014. Over 10% of  flights at Philadelphia, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia airports were canceled, according to CBS News. The weather also affected driving conditions, with multiple traffic accidents reported along Interstate 95.

The world's busiest airport lost power eight days before Christmas in 2017.

Due to a fire in a Georgia Power underground electrical facility, 1,180 flights in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta were canceled on December 18, 2017, when the airport lost power, CNN reported.

Planes were stuck on the tarmac for seven hours. Inside the dark airport, people used their phone flashlights.

The Federal Aviation Administration declared a ground stop, bringing all Atlanta-bound flights to a halt. About 30,000 people were affected by the outage.

A computer error left 15,000 American Airlines flights between December 17th and 31st without pilots.

Pilots usually have to work during the holidays, but a 2017 computer glitch allowed them to opt out of flights from December 17th to the 31st. The error left 15,000 American Airlines flights without pilots during one of the busiest travel times of the year.

To avoid mass cancellations and refunds, the airline agreed to pay pilots double their normal rate for taking one of the previously unmanned flights.

When politicians are asked tough questions about policies that defy science, they'll sometimes retort: "Hey, I'm not a scientist." 

In fact, there is currently only one PhD scientist among the 535 members of Congress: Bill Foster, who represents Illinois' 11th District. The medical professions are a bit better represented, with three nurses and 15 doctors in Congress.

But 13 new political candidates are attempting to bolster the science credentials on Capitol Hill in the 2018 midterm elections. A crop of scientists are running for office across the country, in states from South Carolina to Nevada and California, hoping voters will pick them tomorrow.

These candidates have the support of a nonprofit political action committee called 314 Action, which started in 2016 and is dedicated to recruiting, training, and funding scientists and healthcare workers who want to run for political office. 

"Scientists are essentially problem-solvers," Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action, told Business Insider. "Right now, there are more talk radio show hosts in Congress than there are chemists and physicists."

Since Congress wrestles with complex issues like climate change, cybersecurity, and how to provide fairer, cheaper healthcare, Naughton thinks we should put more scientists into the decision-making body.

"Who better to be tackling these issues than scientists?" she said.

Here's what to know about the two Senate and 11 House hopefuls who are running for office.

SEE ALSO: President Trump said the US has 'the cleanest air in the world'. Here's the reality, according to an air quality scientist.

There are two new scientist candidates running for Senate. Both have political experience, but they've never been senators. One is Phil Bredesen, a Harvard physicist and computer programmer who is running to represent Tennessee.

Bredesen, a Democrat, was governor of Tennessee from 2003 to 2011.

"I love fixing things," Bredesen said in an ad posted on his Twitter account. 

To say that Bredesen has been well liked in the state is an understatement: When he was re-elected as governor in 2006, Bredesen swept every county. During his time as governor, he expanded health-insurance coverage in the state and also made forest preservation a priority.

The former founder of HealthAmerica Corporation — an HMO that was bought by a larger company in 1986 — is still focused on healthcare pricing and coverage in his Senate race.

He’s vying for Republican Bob Corker’s old seat, running against Republican congresswoman Marsha Blackburn.

The other is congresswoman and computer programmer Jacky Rosen, who is running for Senate in Nevada. She champions internet privacy protection for consumers.

Rosen, who was elected to Congress in 2016, is running for Senate against Nevada’s senior senator Dean Heller.

A Democrat, Rosen has pointed out that her opponent was a deciding vote on the law that allows internet-service providers to sell consumer data without their permission. Rosen also touts her role in the construction of a large solar array in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson. That array, she said, reduced her synagogue’s energy bill by 70%.

The Hill rates the Republican seat Rosen is running for as one of the most likely to flip this year. Nevada voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012.

Chrissy Houlahan is an Air Force vet, industrial engineer, MIT grad, and former high school chemistry teacher. The Democrat is running to represent Pennsylvania's 6th District.

The Republican incumbent in Pennsylvania's 6th District, Ryan Costello, isn't running this year, after he fumed about the district lines being redrawn. (A map of the district had to be retraced after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the district had been unfairly gerrymandered in favor of Republicans.)

Instead, Houlahan is running against Republican Greg McCauley, a tax lawyer who's owned 20 Wendy's franchises. Like Houlahan, McCauley has never run for office before. 

Houlahan, who was the chief operating officer of And1 (a basketball apparel company), has said that one of her top priorities if elected would be to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for everyone.

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka have known each other for over a decade having first met in 2004.

"I just stammered around him. I couldn't take my eyes off him," Harris told Out magazine about meeting Burtka in 2004. 

Now, over a decade later, the duo recently celebrated their four-year wedding anniversary.

Here's a complete timeline of their relationship. 

2004: Neil Patrick Harris met David Burtka when he was in his mid-twenties.

At the time they met, Neil Patrick Harris was single with no expectations of meeting someone, he told Out magazine. "I remember being in my mid-twenties, lying in bed thinking... that the rest of my life would be solo."

On the flip-side, David Burtka was in a long-distance relationship that wasn't doing so well. "I was in another relationship when I met Neil and was doing the long-distance, New York-to-LA thing. It was sort of on the rocks. Long distance is so hard," he told the magazine. 

2004: The duo began hanging out platonically.

"We began hanging out with other people, and we had a lunch or so, but nothing romantic. I thought he was adorable, though, with these amazing blue eyes that are just hypnotizing to me,"Burtka told Out. 

2004: The pair went to the movies for their first date.

A week after Burtka became single, he and Harris had their first formal date, going to see "Taking Lives" starring Angelina Jolie, according to the couple's interview with Out. 

The Apple TV 4K, which came out last fall, is one of the most advanced media streamers on the market. 

Like the Apple TV 4, the latest model can install apps and is a fairly sophisticated computer that you can hook up to your flat screen television. 

However, with all of its power comes new complexity. There's also a brand-new touch-sensitive remote control to master. And it turns out, your Apple TV has a lot of hidden easter eggs buried in its new interface.

Here are the best Apple TV tricks and shortcuts for power users:

SEE ALSO: 27 things you didn't know your iPhone could do

Want to rewind to catch what someone just said? The easiest way to do it is by tapping the corners of the remote's touch surface.

Siri can also perform a quick rewind so you don't miss important plot points. Simply ask it, "what did he just say?"

The remote that came in the box isn't the only remote that works with the Apple TV. You can add a universal infrared remote, like the one that controls your cable box. If you upgraded from an older Apple TV, those remotes work too.

Here's how you do it: Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices. Choose Learn Remote. Follow the directions on screen to assign buttons on your old remote to control the Apple TV. 

The 2018 midterm election Tuesday will determine the direction of US politics for at least the next two years. 

Depending on which political party wins a majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate, it will set the tone for the healthcare debate for the remainder of the Trump administration's first term. 

Healthcare and pharmaceutical analysts said leading up to the election that they anticipate Democrats winning the House of Representatives and Republicans keeping hold of the Senate. That's in line with polling and forecasts. Should that happen, Washington deadlock should prevent any big policy changes.

"We expect that the anticipated mixed GOP-controlled Senate/Democratic House make-up of Congress will maintain the political stalemate status quo, making further implementation of Trump’s drug pricing blueprint more challenging, and this would be net positive for the sector," RBC Capital Markets biotech analyst Brian Abrahams wrote in a note Monday. 

Also likely off the table: repeal of the Affordable Care Act or big cuts to Medicaid, which were narrowly defeated in the Senate last year.

Read more: Trump's new plan to drive down drug prices to fight 'global freeloaders' sounds exactly like what those 'freeloaders' are already doing

Still, in some states, major changes to the way healthcare is paid for and administered are on the table. Here's what to keep your eye on for election day. 

Three states are considering expanding Medicaid.

Residents of Idaho, Nebraska and Utah will vote on whether to broaden access to their state Medicaid programs to more low-income people, in line with actions taken by 34 other states and Washington, DC under the Affordable Care Act.

If voters in all three states choose to expand eligibility for Medicaid, roughly 325,000 more people could gain access to the health program, according to Avalere. 

The measures' chance of success is unclear. There's been little polling in Nebraska (Initiative 427) or in Idaho, though Idaho's outgoing Republican governor has endorsed the state's Medicaid expansion measure, known as Proposition 2. In Utah, a poll showed Medicaid expansion (Proposition 3) had support from 59% of voters.

In Montana, voters will decided whether to raise taxes on tobacco products and make Medicaid expansion permanent (I-185). Otherwise, the state's Medicaid expansion would expire next year.

California's Proposition 8 would limit payments to dialysis providers.

One of the biggest fights in healthcare is going down in California, where there's a proposition on the ballot that would limit the amount of money dialysis providers make.

Dialysis helps patients whose kidneys aren't working properly filter impurities out of the blood (healthy kidneys would remove those impurities).

The process can be expensive — Medicare nationally spends $34 billion a year on the treatment. 

Should Proposition 8 pass, DaVita, one of the largest providers of dialysis, could lose $450 million a year, California Healthline reports. 

As such, the dialysis industry is keen to defeat it. So far, $111 million has been raised to defeat the bill, the Washington Examiner reports. Of that, DaVita contributed $66 million while rival Fresenius has contributed $33 million. 

A Massachusetts ballot measure would limit the number of patients assigned to nurses in hospitals.

Massachusetts voters on Tuesday will consider Question 1, which asks if the state should place limits on the number of patients nurses are assigned in the hospital. The idea is that by limiting the number of patients, it could keep nurses from getting overwhelmed and improve care. 

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed the measure. "Question 1 would set a safe maximum on the number of patients nurses can treat, so that patients can receive the quality care they deserve," Sanders said in a statement. 

Hospitals oppose the measure, arguing that the limit would lead to increased medical costs and less flexibility, in part because they'd need to hire more nurses. 

The polls for the 2018 Midterm Elections will open as early as 6 a.m. Tuesday in some states, so it's officially crunch time for making your final decisions.

So whether you have no idea who's running for your district's congressional seats, or you need a quick brush up on the issues heading into the polling booth, there are some quick and easy ways to check what will be on that ballot. If you've been living under a rock and are just realizing that Tuesday is Election Day, you may be in luck — more than a dozen states allow you to register the day of.

Here are six smartphone apps you can use to get last-minute information before heading to the polls:

Vote With Me

Vote With Me goes through your contacts to pull their voter registration information and voting histories. The app says the purpose is so you can message your friends (directly through the app) to encourage them to vote, but it has been criticized for its capabilities feeling a bit invasive. However, the information it presents has always been public, the app just provides a more efficient way to look it up.

The app also provides a trove of personal relevant voter information — when polls open, background on the issues at stake, and who is running in your district.

Countable

Countable is one of the best apps if you're looking for a comprehensive round-up of nationwide races and issues that are at stake for the election. The app is useful all year long in staying updated on congressional bills and how your representatives vote on them. 

For the Midterm Elections, Countable has a "voter center" section with simplified step-by-step guides to getting to the polls and planning who to check off on your ballot.

Outvote

Outvote is similar to Vote With Me in its ability to sort through your contacts to find out their voting history. This app gamifies your community outreach, as you can level up and rack up points by posting on social media and reaching out to your friends via text and Facebook.

One advantage this app has over Vote With Me is that it sorts your contacts by districts they're registered to vote in. Outvote also includes a slew of more emojis next to each contact that not only show their registered political party and whether they're registered in a district where there's a contentious voting race, but whether your contact has a history of actually showing up to vote or not.

Halloween is over, but horror shows like Netflix's reimagining of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina," and "The Haunting of Hill House," are still the talk of the internet.

Every week, Parrot Analytics provides Business Insider with a list of the five most "in-demand" TV shows on streaming services. (The data is based on "demand expressions," the globally standardized TV demand measurement unit from Parrot Analytics. Audience demand reflects the desire, engagement, and viewership weighted by importance, so a stream or download is a higher expression of demand than a "like" or comment on social media.)

This week's most in-demand shows include "Sabrina," which saw a huge increase in expressions from last week; "Stranger Things," which people are still eagerly waiting for the next season of; and a new entry, "Castlevania," which replaced "Big Mouth" on the list.

Below are this week's five most popular shows on Netflix and other streaming services:

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'The Haunting of Hill House' director went into detail on how they pulled off episode 6

5. "Castlevania" (Netflix)

Average demand expressions:  28,274,670 

Description:"A vampire hunter fights to save a besieged city from an army of otherworldly beasts controlled by Dracula himself."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score (Season 2): 100%

What critics said: "Instead of another eight episodes of high-octane animated hyperviolence, the vast majority of 'Castlevania' season 2 is melancholic, atmospheric, character-driven tale."— James Whitbrook, i09

Season 2 premiered on Netflix October 26.

4. "The Haunting of Hill House" (Netflix)

Average demand expressions:  35,437,912

Description: "Flashing between past and present, a fractured family confronts haunting memories of their old home and the terrifying events that drove them from it."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score (Season 1): 92%

What critics said:"'The Haunting of Hill House' is superlative in many regards. It’s a masterful, restrained work of horror fiction."— Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic

Season 1 premiered on Netflix October 12.

3. "Stranger Things" (Netflix)

Average demand expressions:  42,302,994

Description: "When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score (Season 2): 94%

What critics said:"For the most part, Season 2 acts with more of a purpose and a vision that feels like it truly belongs to its creators, the Duffer Brothers."— Phil Owen, The Wrap

Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Netflix; season 3 drops in 2019.

Five years ago, in 2013, Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One were on the verge of launch.

Now, in 2018, the two consoles have come into their own — and they're more distinct from each other than ever before.

They're also more affordable than ever before. But which to buy?

The answer isn't so clear.

SEE ALSO: Here are the 16 biggest video games launching this holiday, from an all-new ‘Fallout’ to the hotly-anticipated ‘Red Dead Redemption 2'

1. Price.

The Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 cost approximately the same amount of money: The base level for each is $250 to $300 in North America.

The ranges in price come from bundle offerings, in which the consoles come with various games or extra controllers or services at a discount that still raise the overall cost. You're also likely to find sales that put the prices below $250.

That's all before we start talking about the more powerful, more expensive versions of the consoles: the $400 PlayStation 4 Pro and the $500 Xbox One X.

If you're looking for the best-looking games running on the most powerful console hardware, then you're looking at buying one of these step-up versions of the PS4 and the Xbox One. Both do everything the normal PS4 and Xbox One consoles do but have the added benefit of making games look ever better than usual.

In the case of the Xbox One X, games are able to natively run with 4K/HDR visuals; the PlayStation 4 Pro offers a similar visual boost, though a slightly less impressive one. If you just bought a super-high-end 4K/HDR television and want to see what it can do, the Xbox One X is your best option when it comes to gaming.

In general, though, for the average buyer, the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 are evenly matched when it comes to price.

2. Games.

This is where things start to divide pretty sharply: Sony's PlayStation 4 simply has more games you can only play on the PlayStation 4.

From the "Uncharted" series to "The Last of Us,""Bloodborne,""Spider-Man" and "God of War," Sony has a far richer lineup of exclusive games on the PlayStation 4. Coming heavies like "Death Stranding" loom large on the horizon. And major third-party games like "Call of Duty,""Assassin's Creed,""Madden," and "FIFA" all show up on the PlayStation 4 as well as the Xbox One.

It has been Microsoft's biggest problem with the Xbox One in recent years: Not enough great games that can be played on only the Xbox One. There's "Halo" and "Forza," and the occasional new exclusive like "Sea of Thieves" and "State of Decay 2," but nothing of the scale that Sony's PS4 has.

For many, understandably, the game-library comparison is enough to tip the scale in favor of Sony's PlayStation 4. But look deeper and you'll find the competition is more complicated.

3. Services.

Sony and Microsoft offer nearly identical services, which serve as a means of accessing online multiplayer gaming as well as offering "free" games (as long as you remain a paying subscriber).

In Sony's case, the service is PlayStation Network; in Microsoft's case, it's Xbox Live. They cost about the same amount of money ($60 a year) and offer access to online gaming on their respective platforms. Both dole out a handful of free games to paying subscribers every month, yours to play as long as you continue to subscribe.

PlayStation Network and Xbox Live are industry-standard services at this point. What makes each console stand out in the services department is its Netflix-like gaming services: PlayStation Now and Xbox Game Pass.

With PlayStation Now, users can play more than 650 playable PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4 games on a PlayStation 4 or a PC. The games are running elsewhere — you just start playing — though some are able to be downloaded to the PS4 for local play. It costs $20 a month, or $100 a year.

With Game Pass, users can download and play more than 100 original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games on the Xbox One. It costs $10 a month. Better yet: Any games Microsoft publishes show up on Game Pass at launch, including the next major "Halo" and "Forza" games. It's one of the best deals available in gaming for this alone.

Xbox Game Pass is a strong argument for owning an Xbox One and offers a glimpse into the future of video game consoles. Instead of dropping $60 a game, for $10 a month you have access to a massive library that includes new, major games. That's huge.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

If you want an idea of what types of innovative products are going to burst into the mainstream — and want to give some financial support to make them a reality — Kickstarter's tech section is a great place to look. When it comes to tech, backers especially gravitate toward smartwatches, smart home and kitchen devices, and headphones. 

While backing a Kickstarter project has potentially large payoffs, it's not without risk. Some projects are never fully produced or released, and others shut down after a few years, leaving backers with unexplained holes in their wallets or products with useless, outdated software. 

Pono Music, Neil Young's studio quality MP3 player, is one of the top-funded projects in Kickstarter history, with more than $6 million pledged by 18,220 backers, but it was discontinued in 2017. Meanwhile, smartwatch startup Pebble racked up more than $43 million in funding for three of its projects before it filed for insolvency at the end of 2016. Its assets were ultimately acquired by Fitbit. 

We've left such products out in this round-up to spare you that frustration. Each of these 26 tech projects will go down in Kickstarter history for raising more than $1 million, and they're actually worth your money. 

Blink — $1.069 million pledged by 6,879 backers

Blink Indoor Home Security Camera System 3 Camera Kit, $229.99, available at Amazon

Before Blink became an Amazon company, it was a Kickstarter project. Its home security systems are affordable and easy to set up. 

Steadicam Volt — $1.112 million pledged by 6,203 backers

Steadicam Volt, $129.99, available at Amazon

Steadicam, which makes the camera stabilizers used in Hollywood movies, brings its professional technology to consumers with its a handheld stabilizer for smart phones and action cameras. 

Meater — $1.251 million pledged by 9,737 backers

MEATER Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer, $69, available at Amazon

The first wireless meat thermometer helps you cook the perfect steak and chicken every time. 

Being single has plenty of positives. For starters, it gives you the space and opportunity to work on yourself in the way that you need. Additionally, it helps you to see what you don't want out of a partner and likewise, what you do. 

But it can also be tough to know when you're ready to move on and be in a new relationship. We've rounded up 13 signs that you're likely emotionally ready to be in a relationship.

You've met someone great and didn't push them away.

Meeting someone new with good intentions can make you think that they are "too good to be true," but going forward with dating them can be a good thing. Relationship expert and matchmaker Eileen Fisher told INSIDER that if you choose to still see where things go – even if it's someone you never thought could be "the one," you're likely ready for a relationship.

"The most common yet shocking way is that you allow someone in your life as your partner that you never thought you would meet," she said. "Like someone you talk to at work or someone you meet at the gym. Really, just someone in your mind you never thought could be the one and you open your eye to them."

You've stopped questioning things.

If you've ever been hurt in a relationship, chances are you've started to question and compare those that you're dating. Though that's not a good thing to do in any instance, Fisher said that once you've let go of the need to do that, you're moving more toward settling down.

"If you realize you've had enough with the comparing each person to another, you could be ready," she said. "You've also stopped asking your friends' opinion on each of those you decide to start dating."

Your rigorous checklist no longer exists.

Regardless if you're 18 or 28, almost everyone has had some sort of checklist when it comes to their ideal partner. The moment you realize that those checklists won't give you the perfect person, however, you've opened yourself up to a relationship.

"Ahh, the "checklist," Fisher began. "When you start to realize that no one, and I mean no one, is going to be exactly who you thought you were going to be with, that's a sign. From their height and weight down to their job, you've stopped making assumptions on what they should be."

After years of rumors and speculation, it looks like Samsung is ready to unveil — or at least offer a few details — about its foldable smartphone at its November developers' conference taking place on November 7.

So far, Samsung's foldable phone has been nicknamed "Galaxy F" and "Galaxy X." We have no idea what it'll be called, but we'll find out soon enough. We'll just call it "Galaxy X" for now.

Not only has Samsung's head of mobile, DJ Koh, suggested that we should expect an unveiling at the company November event, but Samsung's Mobile Facebook account has updated its profile image to a Samsung logo that's folded over. The timing of Samsung's profile image update isn't likely to be a coincidence.

Here's what we know about the rumored Galaxy X smartphone:

SEE ALSO: 2 incredible smartphone innovations in the works and their likelihood of becoming real

The Galaxy X will have a 7-inch display when unfolded made up of two 3.5-inch displays. It'll also have a third display on the outside for quick access.

When the screen is folded in half "like a wallet," there's a smaller display screen on the front and cameras on the back, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

It's also suggested that the Galaxy X will have a third display on the outside, according to The Bell. That's potentially for quick access so you don't have to unfold the phone for casual tasks, like checking a notification.

Samsung's patents and prototypes show a device that either opens and closes from side to side like a book, or horizontally like a notepad. Either way, the fold will make it possible to incorporate bigger display options. It might also give users the option to split the screen into two panels that show different things or show one big picture, similar to what Samsung accomplished with its 48-inch ultrawide computer monitor — but that's still speculation. 

The Galaxy X will have a "snap" feeling when it's opened, like the Motorola Razr fliphone.

According to SamMobile, the Galaxy X will give a "snap" tactile feel when it reaches its full unfolded state, much like the Motorola Razr fliphone did.

It might not have some of the latest smartphone features that the Galaxy S10 is rumored to have.

One of the biggest rumors surrounding the Galaxy S10 is an in-display fingerprint sensor that's hidden underneath the display. It doesn't seem that this specific feature will make it to the Galaxy X due to technological constraints, according to SamMobile.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Artificial Christmas trees have come a long way since the '80s, and now they look much more realistic and festive during the holiday season.

• The 7-foot Classic Blue Spruce from Balsam Hill is the best artificial Christmas tree you can buy with its convincingly realistic look, good size, and durable build quality that ensure this tree will last for years to come.
  

Is there any controversy surrounding Christmas decorations so intense as the live versus artificial Christmas tree debate? As a kid in the ‘80s and ‘90s, I fought fiercely against the artificial trees of that era, which tended to look a lot like green-painted dish brushes stuck to a broomstick and smell even worse. Who could choose that junk over the majesty and heavenly piney scent of a real Douglas fir all lit-up beside the living room fire?

But today, the times they are a’changin’ and my old arguments against ultra-fake Christmas trees no longer hold up now that several companies are offering beautifully made, lovely, and lively-looking artificial trees in all shapes, sizes, colors, and varieties of pine.

The artificial trees of today aren’t the aluminum monsters of the Charlie Brown Christmas age. Today, many are made of high-quality combinations of PVC, polyethylene, and sometimes vinyl, that you have to get right up against and take a big whiff of before you realize they’re not from a Christmas tree farm outside of town.

Can grabbing the artificial tree box from the basement ever equal the nostalgic thrill of chopping your own from a snowy field and strapping it to the roof of the family car? Don’t even try to convince me. However, can a natural tree rival the convenient, no-mess, lower-cost, Amazon-deliverable, symmetrical perfection that a high-quality artificial one can lend your holiday décor? Not likely.

After researching scores of artificial trees that are available from $15 to $1,500 and assessing them for issues like cost, convenience, beauty, and realism, we've whittled it down to the five best artificial Christmas trees you can buy this holiday season.

Here are the best artificial Christmas trees you can buy:

• Best artificial Christmas tree overall: Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce
• Best for big rooms: Pre-lit 12-foot Dunhill Fir Tree by National Tree
• Best for small spaces: Home Heritage 7-foot Pre-Lit Artificial Half Christmas Tree
• Best budget tree: Best Choice Products 6-foot Artificial Christmas Tree
• Best non-traditional tree: Treetopia Silver Shadow Ombre Artificial Christmas Tree

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best artificial Christmas tree overall

Why you'll love it: The Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce Tree looks so real you’ll have to look twice (or thrice) to realize it's man-made.

The realistic color of the Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce is a major selling point. The shade is a very natural-looking deep green that will remind you of an authentic winter wonderland.

The set-up is quick and easy so that anyone should be able to do it themselves in less than an hour. In addition to the tree itself, the box from Amazon also comes complete with a storage bag, and two pairs of white gloves to aid in your “branch-fluffing” efforts.

This highly rated tree is available in multiple sizes, ranging from 4.5 to 9 feet tall, and can be purchased with or without built-in clear LED lights. The only remaining problem is the lack of heavenly pine scent. But you know what? Christmas tree-scented candles and aromatherapy oils are getting more realistic, too. Problem solved.  

Experts and buyers alike recommend this artificial tree. According to the famed Good Housekeeping test lab, the natural shape and spread of the branches on this Balsam Hill tree earned particularly “high marks.”

With an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon after hundreds of buyer ratings, chances are good that you’ll love the way this tree looks in your living room. But beyond just realistic-looking color and a perfectly pretty shape, real Amazon shoppers have used promising phrases like “very full and robust final presentation,” and “the most beautiful artificial tree we have ever owned,” when describing this faux tree.

Pros: Realistic color and detail that’s easy to store and assemble

Cons: A few reviewers wanted fuller shape for the cost

Buy the Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce on Amazon for $299

The best big artificial Christmas tree

Why you'll love it: The 12-foot Pre-lit Dunhill Fir Tree by National Tree is the perfect artificial tree for people with high ceilings who want to impress guests.

When nothing but the biggest and best will do, National Tree’s 12-foot pre-lit Dunhill Fir Tree is just what you need. It’s more expensive than the other options in our guide, though it’s far from the most expensive artificial tree we looked at. And if you want your living room to look like the grand ballroom in The Nutcracker Ballet, then this is your pick.

This particular tree comes pre-lit with 1,500 perfectly spaced clear lights, so there’s no fiddling with tangled strands or burnt-out bulbs since if one burns out, the others will stay lit. The metal stand is also included, so just add a tree skirt, your family’s own traditional ornaments, a topper, and you’re set for Santa!

Many happy shoppers on Amazon have written five-star reviews with key phrases like “the most gorgeous tree I’ve ever owned,” “worth every penny,” and “ten stars!”

Some reviewers noted that the tree is rather difficult to put up, but looks amazing once it’s done. So that’s something to consider if you’re planning to set it up by yourself. But two people should be able to set it up perfectly well with a bit of time and patience. Besides, at 12-feet tall, you can expect a little assembly time for any tree.

Pros: Wow factor is easy with a tree this giant and full

Cons: Its size means a little more planning and storage space required than with a smaller tree

Buy the Pre-lit Dunhill Fir Tree by National Tree, 12 Feet on Amazon for $666.34

The best artificial Christmas tree for small spaces

Why you'll love it: The 7-foot Home Heritage Pre-Lit Half Christmas Tree is perfect for smaller spaces that still want a good-sized tree.

Trying to jam a taller-than-you majestic Christmas tree into your studio apartment or even a dorm room just got easier. With the half Christmas tree from Home Heritage, you don't have to limit yourself to a tiny tabletop tree. What blew me away about this artificial tree is that you can get the imposing grandeur of a seven-foot tree without sacrificing your precious floor space, thanks to the fact that it's basically a faux tree that's been cut in half.

The Home Heritage 7-foot Pre-Lit Artificial Half Christmas Tree comes with all the trappings of a full-size pre-lit artificial tree but only takes up half the space. It’s made with only 180 degrees of branches and needles so you can set it up against a wall or in a corner.

As one enthusiastic Amazon reviewer puts it, since you don’t “see or enjoy the backs of the trees,” anyway, why bother paying for and decorating the back half?

At 19-inches wide, you’ll use up what will seem like a tiny amount of floor space for a tree this tall. If you’re worried that the lack of width might make this tall tree tippy, multiple Amazon customers have said the stand it comes with works perfectly to keep it upright, with no need to anchor it to the wall.

Other reviewers were pleased with this half tree’s easy assembly and attractive light arrangement. The only negative reviews mentioned that it can be a bit “wobbly” if you use very heavy decorations and that the branches can take a while to settle out of the container so that they’re ready to decorate.

Pros: An absolute must-have for Christmas lovers without a lot of space

Cons: Probably not good for households with cats or small kids, as it might be wobbly

Buy the Home Heritage 7-foot Pre-Lit Artificial Half Christmas Tree on Amazon for $119.99

Idris Elba was named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive, and fans think it's about time. The actor, whose real name is Idrissa Akuna Elba, has been starring in movies and TV shows since the '90s.

Elba has appeared in several franchises, like "Avengers,""Fast and Furious," and "Star Trek," but there are some people who might not be familiar with the British actor. 

Here are seven things to know about Elba, People's third man of color to earn the coveted title since it began in 1985. 

He's currently engaged to Sabrina Dhowre.

Dhowre is a model and former Miss Vancouver, who met Elba when he filmed "The Mountain Between Us" in Canada.

"Falling in love while making a movie about falling in love is pretty special,"Elba told People. 

The pair's engagement was revealed in February 2018.

Previously, Elba welcomed a son (named Winston) with makeup artist Naiyana Garth in 2014. He also has a daughter, Isan, with ex-wife Hanne Norgaard. The pair was married from 1999 to 2003. Following the split, Elba had a brief marriage with lawyer Sonya Hamlin in 2006. 

He's a highly decorated actor.

At the 2012 Golden Globes, Elba took home the award for best performance by an actor in a mini-series or a motion picture made for television. He was recognized for his work as peacoat-wearing detective chief inspector John Luther on BBC's "Luther." 

In addition, Elba has received two SAG awards in 2016 for "Luther" and "Beasts of No Nation." His "Luther" role also landed him a Critics' Choice TV award in 2016 and a BET award in 2011. 

He's also a DJ, known as Big Driis the Londoner.

When Elba was 14 or 15 year old, he followed in the footsteps of his uncle and became a wedding DJ.

He also told Jimmy Fallon that he wanted to be a radio DJ when he was younger. You can listen to one of Elba's full DJ sets here. 

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Sometimes you just don't want to check your luggage, so you need a reliable carry-on bag that you can bring onboard the plane.

• Of all the carry-on bags we've researched and tested, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Commuter Expandable Upright is the best with its sturdy wheels, smart compression technology, and lifetime warranty.

As the popularity of air travel has increased, the associated sense of luxury and ease has decreased. Even though overhead bins are shrinking and regulations are tightening, travelers still want to be able to love their gear. You need to be able to rely on your luggage no matter where your travels take you and feel secure that your carry-on is going to fit in the compartment without starting an international incident or a viral video scandal.

Many airlines these days have their own unique regulations for carry-on luggage size, but we searched the web for the best options that should get you where you’re going without a headache. In addition to size, we also took into consideration, weight, mobility, internal and external packing features, price, and more to come up with a list of the best carry-on luggage options available.

There are lots of different reasons people fly these days, and as many ways to approach perfect packing as there ways to approach travel more generally. If you’re a business traveler with a laptop and other tech devices in your carry-on, you may be looking for features that make passing security checkpoints a little smoother. If you’re tired of your suitcase’s wheels spinning the wrong way or tripping up en route, it’s time to upgrade with some eight-wheeled magnetic technology. Or if you’re looking to skip the wheels completely, we’ve got an elegant option for the backpacker in you. No matter your needs, we've got the carry-on luggage for you in our guide.

Here are our top picks for the best carry-on bags:

• Best overall: Briggs & Riley Baseline Commuter Expandable Upright
• Best for those in a rush: Travelpro Platinum Magna Express Spinner Suiter
• Best for versatility: Timbuk2 Co-Pilot Luggage Roller
• Best for traveling with a laptop: Incase EO Travel Hardshell Roller
• Best for charging your phone: Away Carry-On
• Best for organizer packers: Timbuk2 Quest Rolling Duffel
• Best affordable bag: American Tourister IIite Max Softside Spinner 21
• Best stylish bag: Delsey Chalet Wheel Spinner Carry On
• Best bag without wheels: Patagonia Headway MLC 45L

Updated on 11/02/2018 by Owen Burke: Updated prices.

Read on in the slides below to learn why these are our top picks.

The best carry-on bag overall

Why you'll love it: The Briggs & Riley Baseline Commuter Expandable Upright bag expands and compresses so you can pack in more than meets the eye, and mesh garment panels keep your clothes fresh for arrival.

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Commuter Expandable Upright looks like an ordinary carry-on bag from the outside, but it’s really the internal components that make it our number one choice. Briggs & Riley’s compression and expansion technology allows you to expand the bag while packing so you can cram in that extra pair of shoes, and then compresses everything inside back to normal size once you’ve zippered the bag closed. The interior is lined with mesh garment panels that strap down to hold clothes in place without shifting or wrinkling.

Because the bag uses an outsider handle system that tucks the rails on the bag’s exterior, there aren’t any awkward or uneven ridges at the bottom of the bag. Pack everything flat and make better, more efficient use of the space when you’re packing for a longer trip or for multiple climates. With ballistic nylon as the bag’s outer material, there’s room for a little give without being vulnerable to the dents and nicks of frequent travel.

Briggs & Riley enjoys a good reputation: Outdoor Gear Labs loves it, and a small but enthusiastic group of Amazon reviewers gave it 4.3/5 stars.

Since some airlines enforce smaller dimensions for acceptable carry-on luggage, this Commuter option is smaller than others in the Briggs & Riley line of products at 25 x 8 x 11 inches, not to mention oversized carry-on bags from other companies. The best offering that comes with the Briggs & Riley Baseline Commuter Expandable Upright is its lifetime warranty, which is a no-questions-asked policy and even covers airline damage.

Pros: Once you’ve packed in 33 percent more of your clothes, internal mesh garment panels make sure you’ll arrive at your destination wrinkle-free

Cons: Even with the lifetime warranty to back up the purchase, this bag does cost more than $400 which will certainly be too steep a price for some

Buy the Briggs & Riley Baseline Commuter Expandable Upright Bag on Amazon for $499.00

The best carry-on bag for when you're in a rush

Why you'll love it: The Travelpro Platinum Magna Express Spinner Suiter solves all those pesky directional problems with four dual wheels and magnets that align them no matter which way you’re going.

When rollaboards were popularized with just two wheels on bags so you could tip your bag and go, mobility may have been limited, but at least it was straightforward. Travelpro's Platinum Magna Express Spinner Suiter carry-on bag with four wheels allows you to push and pull your bag in any direction without tipping it behind you.

The company’s own “MagnaTrac” technology uses a system of magnets to keep all four of the suitcase’s dual wheels tracking in the same direction and rolling in a straight line. Although MagnaTrac is really the standout feature of this Travelpro bag, there are plenty of other reasons it’s a great carry-on option.

The bag itself is lightweight and features plenty of zippered mesh compartments on the inside for smaller accessories, dirty laundry, or even wet bathing suits. It comes with a garment bag, a piece for which Travelpro has also been praised widely by business travelers.

A contoured handle is designed to be more ergonomic and easy on the arm and shoulder, and it stops at three different heights for easy navigation. The expandable main compartment adds another two inches to the bag’s interior if you’re planning to do some shopping while abroad.

The bag measures 21 x 14 x 9 inches, which should suit most but not all airline regulations for carry-ons these days. A ballistic nylon exterior protects the suitcase from wear and tear, and the bag is covered by Travelpro’s standard worry-free warranty.

Reviews on Amazon (4.2/5 stars based on 185 reviews) are encouraging: "I would give this suitcase TEN stars, if I could." Writes one pleased customer, and purported frequent flyer. "As someone who travels about three weeks out of four, I went from American Tourister to Samsonite to Tumi. I have paid a lot more for a suitcase but NONE have come anywhere close to this to this one, both in design and quality."Wirecutter is sold on the Travelpro Platinum Magna 2, too.

Pros: Magnets align all four dual wheels to roll in the same direction, so no more topsy-turvy paths down the airport hallways with this one

Cons: Limited color options for more style-focused travelers and carry-on dimensions may be too big for certain airlines

Buy the Travelpro Platinum Magna 2 21 Inch Express Spinner Suiter on Amazon for $216.51-$251.81, depending on color

The best carry-on bag for versatility

Why you'll love it: The Timbuk2 Quest Rolling Duffel can be a backpack, a rolling suitcase, or a duffel bag to suit your needs.

If you're the kind of traveler who looks for versatility in a carry-on bag, look no further than the Timbuk2 Quest Rolling Duffel. It looks like a normal roller bag at first glance, but with its many handles, you can carry it as a duffel bag or wear it as a backpack, too.

The bag's versatility is perfect for those moments when you have to carry your bag upstairs instead of wheeling it around or you feel like it's a pain to navigate through a crowded airport with it rolling along behind you.

Conversely, if the Quest starts getting too heavy to carry as a backpack or duffel, it's super easy to unzip the special pocket that hides the telescoping handle. At first, it may be a bit hard to get the handle to extend all the way. I had some trouble with it initially, but it loosened up after a while. The two wheels are great — they spin like rollerblade wheels and they won't break easily.

Since it has a duffle bag shape, the Quest is very spacious inside. You can fit enough clothes and gear for a long weekend trip and still have space for an extra pair of shoes. The bag is very well made and the material on the outside is super strong. You won't rip this bag easily, even if you do end up checking it on an overcrowded flight.

Timbuk2 also has a lifetime warranty on its products, so if something should go awry, you're covered. However, given how sturdy this bag is, I doubt it will. This bag is my new go-to carry-on for long weekend trips.

The bag comes in two sizes, and the medium one is a perfect carry-on bag that'll fit most airlines' specifications. It measures 22.8 by 22 by 9.8 inches and weighs 5.5 pounds. You can get it in black or gray.

Carryology loves this bag, and Forbes went so far as to call it "stylish" (though the reviewed the version sans wheels). Only four Amazon customers reviewed the bag, but they all gave it 5 stars. - Malarie Gokey

Pros: Carry-on size, versatile design, sturdy wheels, lots of compartments

Cons: May not fit all airlines carry-on standards

Buy the medium Timbuk2 Quest Rolling Duffel from eBags for $199.00