There’s a lot of new stuff coming out all the time, and we know you don’t want to sift through it all. That’s why we put together the best outdoor products every week in our Emerging Gear column, where you’ll find the coolest threads, gadgets, or camping equipment coming soon to a shelf near you (or perhaps delivered by drone — whatever floats your wakeboard).
We’ve got some delicious edible products this week, along with hemp-based hiking apparel, a knife pretty enough for a James Bond villain, and retro shades from Costa. Check it out, friends!
Basquiat x Roark Collection
OK, Roark. Just take my money.
In the collaboration I never knew I wanted, outfitter Roark has created a line of apparel inspired by American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The Basquiat x Roark collection includes a line of outdoor clothing and accessories for running, surfing, and adventuring — all with artwork from the always-imaginative Basquiat, who rose to fame in the 1980s for a unique painting style incorporating elements of jazz and hip-hop with street art.
The 17-piece collection includes boardshorts, T-shirts, jackets, and caps, ranging in price from $45 for a T-shirt to $140 for the Secondwind Jacket (super stylish and already at low inventory). Seeing as a Basquiat painting sold at Christie’s just last year for $67 million, I have a feeling this collection will sell out quickly.
Zamberlan Approach Shoes
Italian bootmaker Zamberlan just launched two new approach shoes, appropriately titled El Cap and The Nose.
The El Cap is designed for demanding hikes and via ferrata routes, the company said. It features a Vibram Ferrata Megagrip outsole for traction and a Hydrobloc suede upper for ankle protection.
The Nose, a “lightweight option” for crags and trekking, has a Vibram Password outsole with Megagrip and a breathable, water-repellent Hydrobloc suede upper. El Cap retails for $260, and The Nose for $240. They’re available starting April 1 at select retailers and ZamberlanUSA.com.
Backpackers Pantry New Meals
Backpacker’s Pantry has been around for a long time — and for good reason. They have some of the best hiking meals available.
The Boulder, Colo.-based Backpacker’s Pantry just dropped five new freeze-dried entrees for spring 2024. The assortment includes Fiesta Beef & Vegetable Bowl; White Bean, Chicken, & Green Chile Stew; Drunken Noodles with Chicken; Pesto Pasta with Chicken; and Beef Bolognese.
Several of the new options are gluten-free. All five flavors cost $13 each.
Deschutes Fresh Squeezed Non-Alcoholic IPA
For beer lovers looking for nonalcoholic options, the future looks bright indeed.
Deschutes Brewery makes some of the most delicious brews anywhere, and now several of its iconic styles are available free of alcohol. This week, it debuts the Fresh Squeezed Non-Alcoholic IPA (we’re big fans of the OG version). But beyond just an NA option, Deschutes patented its own proprietary brew method, which it claims creates exceptional zero-alcohol offerings.
“Crafted entirely in-house through a partnership with Sustainable Beverage Technologies (SBT) and utilizing the company’s patented BrewVo technology in combination with Deschutes’ proprietary brewing methods, this groundbreaking technology allows Deschutes to create the best-tasting flavor-forward non-alcoholic beer on the market,” the Oregon brewer said in a press release.
The brewery has released the Black Butte Porter Non-Alcoholic as well. Six-packs of both — or mixed packs! — are available online for $10. Or, you can use the Deschutes “beer finder” to locate a retailer near you.
The James Brand Kline in Marbled Carbon + Stainless
If you love knives, then you may already be familiar with The Kline, one of the bestselling blades from The James Brand.
This popular knife just got a new style: Marbled Carbon + Stainless, resulting in an everyday carry item as beautiful as it is functional. Made in the USA, it’s got the strength of carbon fiber with the always classy look of marble. What’s not to love?
Find The Kline Marbled Carbon + Stainless on The James Brand website for $450.
Bolt Magnetic Water Resistant Bluetooth Speaker
Introducing the Bolt IPX6-rated Bluetooth speaker: a portable, magnetic device designed to attach to metal surfaces like cars, poles, or furniture.
According to gear maker Outdoor Tech, the magnets ensure stability on the move, and in rain or shine. Weighing 1 pound, the speaker doubles as a power bank for small devices and can connect to other Bolts for surround sound.
Equipped with USB-C charging and a hanging strap, it costs $80.
Costa Sunglasses Grand Catalina
Costa Sunglasses has released an upgraded version of a throwback model: the Grand Catalina.
Originally introduced in the 1980s, the new Grand Catalina has modern Costa features like sweat management channels, vented adjustable nose pads, and removable side shields.
Available in various frame colors and lens options, including the latest 580G Gold Mirror Lens, the new Grand Catalina starts at $204.
Salewa Puez Trekking Collection
With the Puez Trekking Collection, Salewa created outdoors apparel aimed at younger generations. The collection blends natural fibers like hemp and merino wool with synthetic materials.
This versatile lineup includes the Puez Hemp/Durastretch 2/1 Hybrid Jacket ($210) and Puez Hemp Durastretch Pant ($170). Featuring zip-off arms and legs for versatility, the jacket and pants offer enhanced wind protection and storage options.
There’s also the Puez PTX Hybrid Jacket and the Puez Knit Mid Powertex Boot, which also incorporates Alpine Hemp. Shop the Puez Men’s Collection or the Women’s Collection online. (Note: Many items in the collection were not yet available as of Thursday, March 21, but would be added in coming weeks, a spokesperson said.)
Turtlebug Hammock Stand
Designed for hammock lovers who want something portable and simple, the Turtlebug Hammock Stand from YOBOGear has a free-standing design, requiring no additional support for setup.
Patent-pending Turtlebug hubs and shock cords enable a setup in under a minute straight out of the bag, the company said. Available in four sizes, the stand uses 6000-series aluminum poles and can support 300-500 pounds, depending on the model. It also packs down into a compact size, fitting into a backpack or carry-on.
The Turtlebug’s Kickstarter ends this weekend, and it has already pulled in $186,000, easily passing its $50,000 goal. The basic Kickstarter package starts at $165.
Alpine Start Instant Drinks (With Benefits)
Alpine Start instant beverages; (photo/Alpine Start)
Alpine Start, founded by climber Matt Segal, has dropped a new line of instant beverages that come “with benefits.” In this case, that means adaptogens and nootropics, which are apparently real words to describe ingredients like organic lion’s mane, reishi mushrooms, and essential vitamins A & D.
New offerings include Oatmilk, Matcha, and Latte: all vegan and with the benefit of added ingredients. Normally $16 each, they’re currently selling for $14 on the Alpine Start website.
