You can practically hear these brands begging for the pow. While it seems that many of us are anxiously awaiting the return of chillier temperatures, a combination of brands old and new have put out some seriously cool stuff this month.
It’s (almost) enough to make us forget about Halloween. At the very least, we’re already yearning for the most wonderful time of year to finally arrive. Until then, enjoy window-shopping the latest and greatest of Emerging Gear.
FIGS Medical Apparel
It’s hard not to view mountain rescuers like Dr. Renata Lewis (seen in the featured image up top) as the most badass people around. FIGS, a healthcare brand selling a new line of medical apparel, certainly seems to agree.
The power of FIGS’ ad campaign, using Dr. Lewis as its figurehead, can’t be denied, and the “indestructible” medical apparel they’re pitching sounds legit. All Altitude, supposedly FIGS’ most technically advanced collection to date, is part of the brand’s year-long EXTREMES campaign, highlighting healthcare professionals working in intense environments.
The collection showcases ultra-durable ripstop fabric designed to withstand up to 40,000 abrasion cycles in lightweight items and 70,000 abrasion cycles in heavier-weight pieces. Available in red, yellow, or black, the collection includes men’s and women’s puffer jackets, scrubs, bags, and New Balance sneakers. The line aims for healthcare workers in challenging roles at hospitals or in the field.
Merrell x Jeep Moab Speed 2
From collaborations ranging from HBO’s House of the Dragon to luxury golfing’s Greyson Clothiers — there’s no telling where Merrell will go next these days.
But Jeep certainly seems to make more sense than the other two. The two brands have teamed up once again for a new footwear collection combining Merrell’s Moab Speed line with Jeep’s electrified Wrangler 4xe.
This second collaboration emphasizes sustainable materials and technologies that resonate with both brands’ commitment to eco-conscious adventure, the brand said. Following a 2023 partnership around the Moab 3 hiking boot, the 2024 release focuses on the Merrell x Jeep Moab Speed 2.
The Moab Speed 2 collection, available on November 12, will retail at $180, offering four colors that include classic Jeep paint colors such as High Velocity, Tuscadero Pink, Bright White, and Black. Design details include Jeep-inspired metallic uppers, radiator grill-like mesh underlays, seatbelt-style webbing, and electric blue trim as a nod to Jeep’s 4xe sustainable driving.
Yardsale Ski Poles
Good news, skiers! We’ve got a new brand aiming for the casual crowd.
Cristina Ashbaugh and Kelly McGee, former employees at Apple and a Silicon Valley firm, have launched Yardsale, a ski pole brand appealing to those who prioritize the après-ski scene over extreme powder.
Yardsale’s poles are the world’s first with magnetic features, the brand claims. Customizable and with a lifetime warranty, the ski poles have landed Ashbaugh and McGee on Shark Tank (which is also why the poles are currently selling for 20% off on the website). So if you’re in the market for “ski poles that don’t suck,” as Yardsale likes to say in its branding, these look like a solid bet.
Armitron Connect Smartwatch Collection
A smartwatch for less than $100? Sounds crazy, but that’s exactly what longtime watchmaker Armitron released this month.
As one of the biggest watch-sellers in the U.S., Armitron decided it was finally time to enter the smartwatch market, company executives told GearJunkie. To that end, they’ve launched the Armitron Connect collection, which includes five models priced from $35 to $75. As of Thursday, the cheapest of these models, the Eclipse, had already sold out.
The watches rolled out alongside the Armitron Connect Mobile app, for data syncing and customization on both iOS and Android platforms. The collection offers lots of what you’d expect from smartwatches, like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, music controls, message notifications, and a bit of water resistance. The “pricier” models, like the Quantum and Matrix, also have blood oxygen/SpO2 sensors and an AMOLED high-definition display.
Alongside the collection, Armitron will soon release the Boom Smartwatch and Earbuds set for an integrated music experience. We’re currently testing out the Quantum, so stay tuned for the full GearJunkie review.
NOCS Provisions x Cotopaxi Binocular Bundle
Now that, my friends, is a cool pair of binoculars.
You’ll likely be the envy of all your friends with this sweet collab from Nocs Provisions and Cotopaxi. They teamed up to release a limited-edition Standard Issue binocular bundle that includes a custom woven strap, available exclusively at REI for $120.
The Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8×25 binoculars have top-quality optics, the brands said, and are IPX7 waterproof, fog-resistant, and drop-tested. With emerald multi-layer coatings and Swiss-designed prisms, the binoculars provide sharp, clear images and are adaptable for smartphone photography. The custom woven strap is crafted from leftover deadstock fabric, lowering its carbon footprint by an estimated 30%, the brands said.
The Nocs Provisions x Cotopaxi bundle is available for a limited time in-store and online at REI.
tinyBLADE
This Kickstarter claims to offer you the smallest tactical blade ever made. (And honestly, anything smaller would likely be useless.)
Meet the tinyBLADE, a multi-functional keychain knife with an M390 steel blade. Built with a 61 HRC hardness rating, the M390 steel keeps the edge razor-sharp for long-term use, the brand said. Priced at around $30 at the beginning of this Kickstarter campaign, the knife also integrates practical tools, including a bottle opener at the base.
Its safety features include a frame lock that clicks securely into place, ensuring the blade stays open when in use. The ridged spine on the back allows for maximum grip, preventing slips. Also, the keychain hole doubles as a slotted hex driver, compatible with mini hex bits for added functionality. The Kickstarter discount ends in late November.
BajÃo Sunglasses x Ducks Unlimited
BajÃo has launched a limited-edition “duck kit” collection in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited and Mossy Oak to support wetland conservation.
With each kit sold, $30 will be donated to Ducks Unlimited, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving wetland ecosystems essential for ducks and fish. This campaign aligns with BajÃo’s mission to protect aquatic habitats, with the goal of enabling future generations to enjoy these environments, the brand said.
The kits, using Mossy Oak’s signature duck camouflage, are available only while supplies last. In 2023 alone, Ducks Unlimited restored over 641,000 acres of U.S. wetlands, and BajÃo’s initiative aims to contribute to even more progress in 2024.
Katabatic Gear Ultralight Down Jacket
Ultralight gearmaker Katabatic Gear has introduced the ultralight Tincup and Tarn down jackets, crafted specifically for thru-hikers. With an impressive 850+ fill power and high fill-to-weight ratios, these jackets use Bluesign-approved, recycled Pertex Quantum fabrics and RDS-certified down, ensuring durability and sustainability at a competitive price, the brand said.
The Tincup, designed for high-altitude hikes, boasts a fill-to-weight ratio of 48% for men and 43% for women. Available in both men’s and women’s fits and priced at $300, it includes features like zippered hand warmer pockets, an adjustable drop-tail hem, elastic cuffs, and a YKK front zipper.
The women’s Tarn jacket, priced at $270, offers a superior warmth-to-weight ratio in an ultralight package ideal for scenic breaks or setting up camp. Both jackets prioritize warmth and functionality, with options in colors like Black, Glacier, and Grand Red, while the Tarn adds Mountain Berry for women’s styles.
JanSport Venture System
JanSport’s Venture System marks the brand’s entrance into the travel sector with a versatile, all-in-one packing solution tailored for backpackers and travelers. The system includes a larger Venture Pack and a smaller daypack, which can be used independently or combined in “turtle mode.”
Design ingredients include a spacious main compartment with internal compression straps, four water bottle pockets, and a padded laptop sleeve in the Daypack. The main pack offers adjustable torso length, tuck-away shoulder straps, and a padded hip belt for balanced weight distribution. A perimeter wireframe suspension system supports heavier loads, while a luggage trolley pass-through and padded handles add convenience.
Other details include load lifter straps, secure attachment buckles, a plush-lined organization pocket, and a #10 locking zipper on the main opening for security.
Peak Design x Carryology
Peak Design has launched a limited-edition capsule in collaboration with Carryology, highlighting Peak Design’s essential photography tools with refined materials and aesthetics. The collection includes the Slide, Slide Lite, Leash, Cuff, Capture Clip, and Mobile Tripod, all with a distinctive black-and-orange color scheme and accents of Carryology’s Auxikko pattern, a design inspired by Japanese armor.
This capsule integrates Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene threads into the camera straps, which supposedly increases durability and resistance to slashing and abrasion. The Peak Design x Carryology collection will be available on Peak Design’s website and in stores. Prices are 10-15% higher than the standard versions due to material upgrades, the brands said.
