It’s March, and we’re officially calling it: Hiking and backpacking season is here. And we’ve got the new gear drops to prove it.
Ultralight diehards have plenty to explore, with new daypacks from Gossamer Gear and Sea to Summit sleeping pads that balance comfort with weight savings. Spring means the return of the bane of every outdoor person’s existence — ticks and chiggers — but a new insect repellent sock promises to keep these pests far away.
And for the fashion-minded hikers, there’s even a new line of apparel to keep you both stylish and functional as the pleasant weather beckons us to return to the trails. Check it all out in this week’s Emerging Gear, and get ready to hit the trail.
Fresh Running Shoes
Shoe brand On has a legion of dedicated fans, and it might win over some new ones with its new Cloudmonster shoe drop. The brand released three new models, with something for everyone.
The Cloudmonster 3 ($190) is for everyday training, with the durability to handle high mileage. For long runs, there’s the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper ($220), whose increased cushioning helps keep legs fresh. And finally, ounce counters should check out the ultralight, laceless, and super-responsive LightSpray ($280).
Hot Girl Hiker Attire
The “hot girl hiker” trend is all about embracing fashion, femininity, and fun while in the great outdoors. That’s basically the mission statement of Seniq, a company that started with just pants and recently expanded into tops and shorts.
The Oasis Long Sleeve Tee ($94) has a built-in bra with removable soft cups, eliminating the need for compressive, uncomfortable sports bras. It’s also got an open keyhole back for extra breathability and to show off those back muscles.
Other new releases include the Tectonic Short ($74), a 3-inch short with a relaxed leg shape for mobility and comfort. The Dirtpop Trek Jacket ($128) has a modern, chic boxy shape with removable sleeves for versatility.
Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Sea to Summit makes some of our top backpacking sleeping pads, so we’ll be eager to get our hands on its newest (and lightest) release: The Ultralight XR ($150). It’s 2.6 inches thick and has a solid R-value of 3.6, but clocks in at only 14.6 ounces.
The brand says that the new Air Sprung Cells “contour to your body, reducing pressure points for a stable, comfortable sleep.” Sea to Summit also fixed a common issue with pads, widening this one so side sleepers have ample room.
Entry-Level Gravel Bikes
Gravel biking has grown in popularity for good reason: It’s a pleasant compromise between the boring pavement of road biking and the technical trails of MTB. Instead, you can explore the outdoors without worrying too much about either speedy vehicles or vertiginous drops. But there have been few entry-level options for gravel bikes, which are like road bikes, but with bigger tires and slightly different geometry.
Thanks to Batch Bikes, you can now get yourself a gravel bike without emptying your bank account. The Ohio-based brand has just released two affordable options: the GB.1 ($1,000) and GB.2 ($1,300). Despite the reasonable price tags, these bikes have 1X drivetrains with a wide range of gearing, along with Butted 6061 frames with ample mounts, tubeless-compatible rims, and 42mm tires. The GB.2 model comes with a carbon fork.
Modular Drinkware
Choose your lid, handle, and bottle to suit your needs on any given day. Dometic revamps its drinkware to allow customers to customize their hydration experience. (Sounds fancy!)
The combinations are too many to list — more than 400 different configurations, in fact — but at its core, the system is a choice of bottle (Sip, Chug, or Tumbler in a variety of sizes and colors), three different lids, and three different handles. The idea is to tailor your bottle to your beverage, activity, and style.
Check out the new lineup and make your own!
Insect-Repellent Socks
Nothing ruins a good time in the great outdoors faster than mosquito bites or ticks, and that’s where Farm to Feet’s new Damascus No Fly Zone socks ($25) come in.
They’re made with permethrin, a contact-based synthetic insect repellent derived from chrysanthemum flowers, which it says “disrupts the nervous system of insects upon direct contact, which deters biting before it occurs.” It’s odorless, unnoticeable to humans, and lasts for 70 washes.
Burly Power Station
The sixth generation of Goal Zero’s durable power station is both faster and stronger, according to the brand. The latest iteration of the Yeti 1500 ($1,500) has an IPX4 protection rating for harsh weather, and it’s housed in durable aluminum to protect against drops.
Perhaps more compellingly, it can supposedly charge up to 80% in just 1 hour, and Goal Zero claims its charge cycle lifespan lasts up to 10 years. With four AC outlets, four USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and 6mm accessory ports, it can charge any and all of your devices.
Featherweight Fleece
A fleece is an essential part of any outdoor kit, but not all of them are created equal. If you’re a high-output athlete like a climber or mountain biker, you want something that’s light, breathable, and warm.
Ornot says its newest fleece will tick all those boxes. It made the Alpha Sweater ($148) with a recycled, ultralight poly fabric that may deliver one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios in the business. It also reinforced high-use areas, like the elbows, with abrasion-resistant fabric for extra durability.
Low-Profile Belt
A belt is a deceptively simple thing with one job, but Arcade is obsessed with refining and optimizing this accessory.
Its new Hardware Slim belt ($115) is designed for those who want a belt that can handle a day on the job without weighing them down. It’s got a slimmer, lighter metal-free buckle that’s easy to manipulate. Arcade said that the “stiff performance stretch webbing” moves with your body while being rigid enough to handle tools.
Revamped Wind Screen
No matter what brand of backpacking stove you choose — MSR, Jetboil, TOAKS — they all have one thing in common: They’re no match for heavy wind.
That’s where a wind screen comes in, and mom-and-pop outfitter Wild Wind Technology is betting they designed a better one. The Wild Wind Screen ($40) attaches to the front of your stove, instead of going on the ground like most other models. It’s ultralight, adjustable to the size of your pot, and folds up for compact storage.
Ultralight Daypack
Gossamer Gear has a cult following among ultralight backpackers, but its newest release will appeal to a broad array of hikers.
The Vetta 20L daypack ($140) is made with recycled ripstop nylon fabric and an UHMWPE Stretch Mesh that GG called ultradurable. It’s got a roll-top closure with multiple closure points, cushioned shoulder straps with perforated foam, and plenty of pockets, all at the low weight of just 14.5 ounces.
