Hunting season is officially in full swing — and this week’s batch of new gear proves it. From camouflage editions of bikes, apparel, and sunglasses, to solar-powered trail cameras, there’s plenty for hunters to sink their teeth into.
We’ve got plenty of other cool gear on tap as well, including “barefoot” trail runners from Xero, waterproof packs from Ortlieb, and even another hiking exoskeleton from Hypershell. Find all that and more right here in Emerging Gear.
Xero Shoes Trail Runner
Xero Shoes expands its lineup of minimalist footwear with the Mesa Summit Collection. These lightweight trail shoes are designed for runners and hikers seeking the tactile feedback of barefoot shoes without the weight or stiffness of more protective trail footwear. The collection includes two models: the Xero Shoes Mesa Summit and the Mesa Summit WP, which adds waterproofing.
The shoes, available for men and women, have a 12mm stack height (9.5mm + 3.5mm removable insole) — somewhat thicker than many barefoot shoes, but thinner than the soles of most trail runners. They also have 3.5mm lugs, zero drop, and a “strategically placed” rock guard to prevent injuries from bashing your toes into rocks or roots.
Batch Camo E-Bike
There’s no doubt that e-bikes have become increasingly popular among hunters, and Batch Bikes has a great deal for hunters looking for a camo e-bike on fall outings.
The Batch e.AF1 is a fat-tire eBike aimed at off-road exploration. Powered by a 750W Shengyi rear hub motor with up to 85Nm of torque and a 720Wh battery, it also sports Shimano drivetrain components, 26″ x 4.0″ tires, an 80mm suspension fork, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors.
With a dual-mode front light and integrated rear rack, the e.AF1 is currently discounted for a cool $2,000. Not too shabby.
Solar-Powered Trail Camera
Our first look at TACTACAM’s latest line of trail cameras is highly promising, and now the brand announces the online release of its REVEAL Pro 4.0 Solar Cellular Camera. This $200 camera was initially sold exclusively at Bass Pro Shops, but is now available online and in all REVEAL retail partner stores.
The Pro 4.0 Solar joins the 4.0 product line, which includes the REVEAL Pro 4.0 Cellular Camera ($160) and REVEAL X 4.0 Cellular Camera ($130). In addition to the promise of longer-lasting batteries compared to the previous generation of cameras, the Pro 4.0 Solar also comes with a compact solar panel that can be detached, mounted independently, and connected to the camera with the included barrel jack cable.
Hiking Exoskeleton
Chinese brand Hypershell made a big splash with its $1 million Kickstarter back in 2023 for a hiking exoskeleton. It has since won over many skeptics, and is now being used effectively by search and rescue teams to reach injured hikers even faster.
This month, the brand releases a new flagship exoskeleton called Halo. The upgraded model has a “unified architecture that coordinates four powered hip-and-knee joints as one system, extending powered assistance across the full lower limb,” Hypershell said in a release. It claims to reduce physical exertion by 39% and heart rates by 42%.
The new exoskeletons are currently available on the Hypershell website for preorder. You can preorder one for a price tag of $2,300.
Ortlieb Waterproof Packs
When it comes to waterproof packs, it’s hard to beat the Ortlieb 45L Atrack, which remains the most functional waterproof bag I’ve tested.
After 45 years of making bags, the brand also produces its own waterproof fabric. Ortlieb just unveiled TIDURA, a proprietary, PVC-free material system. According to a press release, it could be the first waterproof bag brand to develop and manufacture its own fabric, from weaving to coating.
Ortlieb says the fabric offers improved waterproofing and durability, and offers some sweet insurance for consumers: a 5-year product warranty and 10 years of spare parts available for repairs if/when Ortlieb ends production on the product. Current offerings with TIDURA fabric include the Daypack 23L and a few redesigned classics: Back-Roller Zip-Pocket, Duffle Zip (in 40L and 60L), and Velocity 23L. Find all those on the Ortlieb website.
Polar-Bonding Bike Lube
Serious cyclists know the importance of ongoing bike maintenance. That’s why Stan’s, a New York–based bike brand, is so excited about its newest bike lubricant: Polar Drip Wax — the first “polar-bonding drip wax” for bicycles.
Made from plant-based, renewable ingredients, the product’s polar wax molecules are “naturally attracted to steel, allowing the lubricant to wick deep into rollers and pins to chemically anchor to the metal surface,” the brand said. The wax is intended for use with Stan’s Drivetrain Cleaner, which creates a “primer-like effect that improves penetration and bonding without the need for harsh solvent stripping agents.”
The result of using both is a cleaner drivetrain that runs more efficiently and reduces long-term maintenance costs, Stan’s said in a release. Get a bottle of Polar Drip Wax for $18, or buy it in a bundle with the Drivetrain Cleaner for $28.
Camo Sunglasses
GearJunkie reviewers are typically big fans of the shades from Wiley X. The brand’s sunglasses have received positive reviews and earned spots in our guide to the Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors.
So hunters (or just lovers of all things camo) will be stoked to see this limited-edition release of three Kryptek camo patterns across several existing models. Those include the WX JAKL and WX Founder frames, plus a green colorway on the WX Ovation. (The WX Founder got a highly positive review from GJ Editorial Director Sean McCoy.)
To make them even more enticing, every pair purchased comes with a free 3-month trial of onX Hunt. Price tags for this camo collection range from $215 to $270.
‘Featherlight’ Travel Pack
Six Moon Designs unveils its new “featherlight” ADC V2 Travel Pack, which, at under 2.5 pounds, the brand calls “the lightest fully featured travel pack ever.” The pack retains the ADC line’s primary draws, like the suspension, clamshell access, and adjustable torso, while also refining four details based on customer feedback.
Those revisions are: a 50mm side pocket that offers a better fit for water bottles, the removal of the laptop zipper garage to make it easier to slip laptops in and out of the pack, a 19cm rear luggage opening that fits more roller bag handles, and additional attachment loops to strap on more gear. The ADC V2 is available in 35L or 45L in three fabric choices and costs $465.
Teva Trail Runner
It seems every outdoor brand is trying to break into the trail running market these days, and Teva — long known for its hiking sandals — is no exception. The brand just released the Trailpeak, the first footwear fully co-created with Teva athletes, according to the brand.
At $160, the Teva Trailpeak (available for men and women) is priced similarly to many other daily trail runners. Features include a 12-point internal cage, Spider Rubber Endure outsole, and HYPER-COMF+ cushioning.
FORLOH Camo Apparel
U.S. hunting brand FORLOH has several new camo patterns aimed at fall hunting season. The new patterns reflect a “scientific approach based on an animal’s visual processing,” the brand said in a release.
“Most camouflage patterns on the market attempt to disguise the body shape and match the color palette and patterns of the environment,” the brand added. FORLOH’s new patterns take a different approach, opting for a high-contrast pattern that breaks up your outline and then adds digital “texture” patterns.
The new patterns include Deep Cover (intended for use in heavy canopy at a distance of 40 yards or less, it’s idea for bowhunters and waterfowl hunting), Exposed (made for 75 yards or more, it’s good for upland bird hunters, higher altitudes, and barren landscapes), and MarshField (good for 75 yards or farther, it’s ideal swamp camo, or for late-season wooded treelines, open marsh fields, and heavy underbrush areas).
The patterns are available for the Men’s Brush to Mountain Camo Pro Pant and the Men’s Brush to Mountain Pro Field Jacket.
