There are plenty of reasons to be excited about the new year, but, unsurprisingly, the folks at GJ are most stoked to see what new gear comes out in 2026. If this week’s Emerging Gear is any indication, there will be plenty of cutting-edge tech, including exoskeletons that promise to minimize wear and tear on your body, and ultra-fast e-foils that speed through the water.
Other new gadgets include a waterproof virtual dog leash and a nearly bombproof power station. Find it all below.
High-Tech Leg Support
Exoskeletons were a big trend in 2025, and Ascentiz is leading the pack. Its new H+K modular system ($1,300) got over $2 million in backing when it launched on Kickstarter last November. This design combines a hip and knee exoskeleton that it claims delivers 35% more leg strength, 40% less knee joint wear, and a 30% drop in heart rate when doing activities like hiking.
The brand says that “with Ascentiz, walking becomes smooth and effortless. It gives you a natural lift when you move forward and steady support when you need balance.” The device has a battery range of up to 31 miles and weighs just 4 pounds.
Ultrarunning Graphic Novel
The trials, tribulations, and drama of ultramarathons are what make them so compelling to watch, and these are also the qualities that make ultrarunning a good fit for storytelling. Doug Mayer took his experiences as an endurance athlete and used them to write a graphic novel, The Last of the Giants ($28).
This book follows fictional runner Sam Hill as he competes in a 200-mile race in Italy for the third time. It communicates the highs and lows of overcoming challenges and doubt through bold, colorful artwork from William Windrestin.
Heavy-Duty Power Station
CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, was this week, and Jackery used the occasion to make a splash. It announced its newest portable power station, the Explorer 1500 Ultra ($900). The brand calls the device its “most refined, rugged, and intentionally engineered power station to date.”
This model is dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, and drop-resistant. The patented bottom drainage design means it won’t overheat. And at a weight of 39 pounds, Jackery says it’s 50% lighter and 53% more compact than comparable models from other brands.
Deluxe Selfie Stick
A stick clip is an essential piece of safety gear for climbers. By allowing you to clip a draw and rope into the first bolt, you avoid the potential for ground falls. Not all stick clips are created equal, though: Telescoping ones break easily, and others are heavy and uncomfortable to carry on long approaches.
Spire Equipment has come out with a new model that it thinks fixes these common design flaws. The Spire Clip ($155) is made of carbon fiber and aluminum, so it’s both durable and light. And with an extension range of 10 feet, it can reach those first bolts that really should be second bolts.
Virtual Dog Leash
When it comes to taking your dog with you into the great outdoors, it can be hard to balance letting your pup explore and keeping them close. Often, a traditional leash just doesn’t cut it, but there are other options. Heel recently released the Waterproof Roam 350 Virtual Dog Leash ($399).
Users can set a virtual boundary of 10 to 750 feet that moves with them, no cellular service or subscription needed. It has an IP67 waterproof certification, so it can handle dogs who love the water, snow, or mud.
Speedy E-Foil
E-foils, a type of motorized surfboard with an underwater wing, have become increasingly popular in recent years; videos of people gliding along the water are everywhere online. One of the sport’s biggest brands, Flite, just dropped a new board for elite riders in collaboration with Mercury Racing.
The Fliteboard RACE ($14,000) can each speeds of up to 34 mph, and has the most takeoff thrust of any of Flite’s boards. The brand says that the Flux wings can “turn on a dime, with exceptional carve and rail to rail control.”
Smokey Bear Calendar
It’s still January, which means you’ve got time to get a new calendar and get yourself organized. And thanks to The Landmark Project, you can keep track of your schedule with America’s favorite mascot: Smokey Bear.
Each month of this calendar ($28) includes a different illustration designed by Rudy Wendelin, showing Smokey protecting the environment, exploring the outdoors, and apparently getting a nap in, too. A portion of the proceeds of each calendar goes to support wildfire prevention education through the U.S. Forest Service.
High-Performance Shoe
When race distances stretch beyond the standard marathon, you’re going to want an ultra-comfortable, durable shoe, and Salomon is betting that its new model will be the one you’ll reach for. The Ultra Glide 4 ($160) is lighter and more breathable than past versions; Salomon removed the TPU overlays to help it dry faster after rain or water crossings.
According to the brand, in lab testing, it was 10% more resistant to abrasion than the old model. And with a weight of just 9.9 ounces, Salomon says it’s also the “lightest max-cushion trail shoe in its class.”
