You know it’s spring when the outdoor gear releases start picking up steam. That’s certainly the case this week. Brands both big and small have launched new products that upgrade standby gear, such as shoes, life vests, and fishing reels.
On the other end of the spectrum, we’re seeing releases that actually address gaps in the marketplace, like a collapsible baby bottle for hiking parents, or new approaches to convenient (and insulated) food storage for outdoor lovers on the move.
Say hello to the latest and greatest of outdoor gear right here in Emerging Gear.
Rugged Reel
Orvis makes some fine reels, proven by the Vermont brand’s top spot in our guide to the Best Fly Fishing Rods.
So we take it seriously when the brand announced its “most rugged and reliable big-game reel” ever. The Ratio Fly Reel is purpose-built for making sure you win the battle with powerful fish like tarpon, big roosterfish, permit, billfish, and tuna. It has a carbon-stainless drag system, an oversized indexed drag knob for micro-adjustments, and enough durability to withstand saltwater abuse.
It’s now available in three colors and five sizes. Prices range from about $500 to $650, depending on the size.
Stylish Life Vest
Let’s face it: Life vests are not exactly known for being stylish. But you’ll get both style and substance in a limited-edition PFD from NRS. The brand’s Ninja model is already GearJunkie’s No. 1 pick for Best PFDs of 2026.
And now you can get a new version of the vest with some sweet artwork. NRS partnered with the Whale Foundation for the NRS x Whale Foundation Ninja Pro Guide PFD. This vest has artwork designed by Grand Canyon river guide and Artist Summer Doss. It’s not just cool, either: all purchases support the Whale Foundation’s mission to support the health and well-being of Grand Canyon river guides.
As for the Ninja Pro PFD, it’s a compact Type V rescue vest co-designed by professional whitewater guides. What’s not to love about this one? This limited-edition vest sells for $270.
Blood Moon Aviators
Few sunglasses brands can claim the history of American Optical, a brand that literally went to the moon with Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong.
That model, the Original Pilot, is currently available in the second iteration of the brand’s lunar series: the Blood Moon edition. Made to celebrate the blood moon that appeared in the skies last weekend, these limited-edition shades are both functional and beautiful.
The previous edition in the lunar series, the Blue Moon Lunar Eclipse, sold out quickly. So if you’re interested in snagging a pair of these sexy shades, you’ll want to get them sooner rather than later. The frames cost $265 and come with a custom Blood Moon cleaning cloth, a box sleeve, and packaging.
Stealth Approach Shoes
Five Ten’s extra-sticky Stealth rubber has long set a high benchmark among climbers and technical hikers. (It even adorned the feet of Tom Cruise so he could get some friction on the glass windows of the Burj Khalifa in a Mission Impossible film.)
Now, adidas Five Ten has released new versions of its Guide Tennie and Guide Tennie Pro, which it calls “the ultimate approach shoe for hiking, riding, and climbing.” As someone who has owned a previous model of this lineup, I can say from experience that they are some of the best technical shoes I’ve ever tried.
They just dropped on the brand’s website, and range from $165 for the Guide Tennie to $200 for the Pro version, which includes GORE-TEX for extra protection from the elements.
Collapsible Baby Bottle
If you’re fond of hiking with a baby, then you’ll want a second glance at this one. Emerging brand babygami just released its first product: a 3-in-1 collapsible baby bottle for parents on the move.
The company’s founder and CEO, Sana Jafri, came up with the idea after taking her 3-month-old son camping. She wanted to find a collapsible baby bottle, but after scouring REI with no luck, she decided to make one herself.
This minimalist, pack-friendly bottle holds 8 ouncea when fully expanded, but also collapses down to one-third its size, making it easy to stash. It also comes with three interchangeable tops — a baby nipple, sippy cup, and snack cup. It’s also the only baby bottle to have a carabiner attached (pretty nifty).
Modular Food Containers
GSI Outdoors launched the 2-Can Stack a couple of years ago. The rugged little cylinder keeps two 12-ounce beverages cold in the backcountry. Now, GSI is evolving the item into a “modular food system” with the Glacier Insulated Travel Stack.
You can get Travel Stack Container Sets, clear, twist-lid containers that fit inside the double-walled vacuum tube. This allows hikers to carry hot meals or chilled snacks miles past the trailhead while maintaining the intended temperature. Need some ideas? The brand suggests “charcuterie, fruit, chili with toppings, or burrito fixings.”
The sets are leak-proof, sturdy, and come in various sizes. Choose between a 2-piece set (two 11-ounce containers) or a 3-piece set (one 11-ounce, two 5-ounce). Or buy a bundle that includes the original 2-Can Stack for $40.
Backcountry Water Filter Kit
If you want to buy one kit that covers most of your backcountry water filtration needs, this 3-in-1 kit from LifeStraw seems a solid choice.
The Peak Series 3-in-1 Water Filtration Kit is a modular, ultralight system that covers both fast-and-light overnight trips to basecamp gravity setups. It includes: a Peak Series Solo straw filter for direct drinking, a Peak Squeeze system with a 650mL collapsible bottle, and a 3L gravity setup with hose for camp or group use. At $66, it’s a solid kit for the money.
Slacklining Memoir
Slacklining has long since evolved from a hobby into a high-flying extreme sport with its own specialized athletes. German slackliner Friedi Kühne has proven himself one of the sport’s best disciples, with a world record for highest slackline (2,500 m above the ground while suspended between two hot air balloons, and a 2.8km slackline rigged across a Norwegian fjord).
Now Kühne is reflecting on a life of walking the tightrope with a new book: Above the Abyss: Finding Strength, Stillness, and Survival on the Slackline. Kühne dives into his slackline journey, from “doing tricks as a kid on trampolines and park benches to trying his first highline at 18 years old,” according to the book description. It also includes “nail-biting descriptions of highline adventures to practical advice and strategies that have carried Kühne between mountains and skyscrapers.”
Peak Design Travel Bags
In a world full of bags and packs, especially for flying, Peak Design continues to stand out for sleek, well-designed bags. For its latest collection, once again launched on Kickstarter, the brand is selling four new travel bags.
You can choose from the Travel Backpack 2-in-1, the Travel Weekender 25L, or the Travel Backpack 20L. There’s also a Travel Crossbody 3L for shorter jaunts around town. You can also snag all four bags in a bundle deal. As usual for crowdfunding campaigns, you’ll save the most money by buying in early, and this one just kicked off this week.
Leveled-Up Trail Sandals
There’s a reason that Teva sandals have managed to stay relevant despite plenty of new competition over the years. The brand makes comfy, functional footwear at prices that won’t empty your bank account.
Its spring lineup includes new additions to the Hurricane Collection, leveling up the brand’s “signature sandals” with more closed-toe options and grippy outsoles. The Hurricane XLT3 ($100) upgrades the previous XLT2 with an extra 5mm of cushy underfoot foam, FuseLock hook-and-loop tech to keep the sandals secure, and an updated lug pattern.
The Hurricane XLT3 CT ($130) adds closed-toe protection, a locked-down laceless fit, a cushioned midsole, and a grippy Spider Rubber Endure outsole. There’s also the Hurricane Trailsetter ($135) for runs, hikes, and more technical trails.
