With ski season around the corner, winter brands are starting to debut the latest wares for snowy adventures. We’re seeing lots of announcements of new skis, boots, poles, and winter wear, so expect to see a steady stream of winter items over the next few months.
But we’ve also got plenty to peruse for the non-ski crowd. That includes a powerful new watch model from Garmin, a perennially popular wool lineup from Outerknown, and a limited-edition fly fishing collection from a legendary angler.
Find all that and more right here in Emerging Gear.
Outerknown Wool Collection
If you look for sustainably made apparel using natural fibers, the latest collection from Outerknown is made for you. The brand, launched by surf legend Kelly Slater, just released its fall 2026 Woolaroo Recycled Wool Fleece Collection. Apparently, these sold out quickly last year, and it’s easy to see why.
The lineup was developed in partnership with Italian textile company Manteco, using only recycled wool to offer fleece apparel without the use of synthetic materials. “The result is an incredibly soft, warm, and breathable natural fleece that’s odor-resistant, quick-drying and made without relying on plastic-based fibers,” the brand said. “Even the collection’s colors and patterns are created by blending reclaimed wool fibers rather than using new dyes.”
The Woolaroo collection includes a jacket, vest, hoodie, shirt jacket, and the new women’s cocoon jacket.
Garmin Enduro 4
Garmin’s longest-lasting GPS smartwatch will now go even farther, the brand said. The solar-charging Enduro 4 ($900) has several new features aimed at trail runners and multi-day hikers, as well as backpackers and endurance athletes.
The watch sports an “energy-efficient” 1.4-inch MIP display in combination with a solar lens. That results in up to 320 hours of battery life in activity mode or up to 90 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. The Enduro 4 also has a 51mm case, scratch-resistant sapphire lens, titanium bezel, and lightweight fiber-reinforced polymer case. At 66 grams, it’s also impressively lightweight.
Perhaps most significantly, the Enduro 4 has 50% more RAM than the Enduro 3. There’s also a more powerful, updated map engine, so navigation offers 30% faster panning and a more intuitive map interface for built-in routable maps, the brand said.
Tom Rosenbauer 50th Anniversary Collection
Fly fishing icon Tom Rosenbauer has spent 50 years at Orvis, and the brand is celebrating his legacy with a signature gear collection.
“The soul of Orvis Fly Fishing, Tom has spent half a century sharing his love for fly fishing through his books, hosting the Orvis Podcast, and taking anglers on the water,” the brand said.
The new gear collection includes a special edition Helios F rod, net, and fly box. Rosenbauer personally selected the details to make this collection distinctly his, Orvis said, from the design and materials of the Helios rod to the hand-tied fly that’s inlaid in the net handle, and the personal message engraved on the fly box.
All Mountain Skis/BOA Ski Boots
Austrian brand HEAD has debuted a new line of skis for the 2026/2027 season, including eight different models aimed at various levels of experience. The Discovery Collection is built around HEAD’s new Superframe construction with Auxetic Technology. As a result, the skis deliver a “progressive flex: the harder you push, the more support and stability you get back,” the brand said.
Prices range from $550 for the beginner model, Discovery 74, to $1,000 for the Discovery 86 Pro.
HEAD is also launching a new Kaliber Pro LV line of BOA-based ski boots. They’re aimed at “skiers who want race-inspired precision wrapped in a highly customizable, low-volume fit. Designed around a new bi-injected shell and enhanced BOA integration,” the brand said.
Strap On, Strap Off Ski Poles
Some skiers prefer a wrist strap on their pole, while others don’t. The solution from One Way Sport is the FR 18 FREE ($89), a pole that can do both. “If required, the strap can simply be pulled out of the top cap. When it is no longer needed, simply release it and it disappears into the grip,” the brand said.
The FR 18 FREE also follows the latest freeride trends, with a wide shaft diameter of 18:9 mm. The aluminum pole has a top cap as well as an extra-long EVA grip extension, which enables a variety of grip positions, according to One Way Sport. It weighs 280g per pole.
Snap Grip Phone Stand
I think this is very cool-looking, and potentially useful to outdoor content creators. There are plenty of approaches to snap-on phone stands these days, but this looks like an extra-smart one for those who use their phones to capture video and photos on solo adventures.
The RealTree Snap Grip Stand ($50) from Ohsnap uses MagSafe technology to stick to the back of your phone. Its key feature is the kickstand, which allows you to prop up your phone in nearly any direction. It looks highly useful for those needing to prop up their phone to snag a wider shot — without it looking like an obvious selfie.
Snow Peak x Helinox Camping Chair
This collaboration combines Helinox’s popular camping chair with the chic approach of Japanese brand Snow Peak. The Noga Chair ($160) has Helinox’s lightweight, portable design but with features aimed at improved comfort and stability.
The seat height is designed for low tables and reducing pressure on the thighs. Cushioning has also been added to the elbow area, and the seat width has been increased. As with most Helinox chairs, the Noga Chair can be folded and carried compactly. It includes a storage case integrated with the seat fabric. It can also function as a small storage case when the chair is in use.
Peak Performance
One of skiing’s most trusted brands is back with the latest generation of its flagship alpine kit. Swedish brand Peak Performance has refined these jackets and pants over 17 seasons, and they’re ready to go for serious skiers anxiously waiting to hit the slopes again this winter.
Both the Alpine Jacket and Pants use GORE-TEX ePE membrane technology, which is made without intentionally added PFAS. They’re also made using recycled polyamide components, along with RECCO Rescue System reflectors to enhance safety on the mountain. Find the Alpine GORE-TEX C-Knit 3L Shell Jacket (men and women) and Alpine GORE-TEX C-Knit 3L Shell Pants (men and women) on the Peak Performance website.
Free Fly Threads
Free Fly, an outdoor brand based in South Carolina, focuses on apparel that’s both functional and highly comfortable, even while fishing or hiking. Its fall releases include the Coldvale Insulated Jacket, which it calls the softest insulators you’ll ever try on.
A zippered chest pocket is roomy enough for a small fly box, and it packs down into its own left pocket. They certainly look comfy, and they’re available for both men and women.
I also like that the brand has offerings focused on natural fibers, like the Anchor Easy Pant ($98), which are mostly cotton with a pinch of spandex for stretchiness. There’s also the Coastloom Sweater (men and women), made from a blend of bamboo, wool, and organic cotton.
Roark Travel Packs
Based in California, Roark makes a lot of outdoor gear, including apparel and packs tailor-made for travel, like the Roark Layover Pro Traveler Pants that scored high praise in a GearJunkie review.
The brand just dropped a new travel pack collection, with five pack options that look highly functional for those getting on a plane and hoping to have adventures after they arrive at their destination. They’re also not overly priced, as seems increasingly common with travel bags lately.
There’s the Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag ($109), a condensed day pack with a magnetic roll top, internal organization, and side stretch pockets. On the other side of the size spectrum, Roark offers the Accomplice Mule 45L Bag ($189).
Made with lightweight and water-resistant ripstop, it sports an exterior-coated, waterproof front panel. It also has a U-shaped large compartment zipper entry, as well as a reinforced padded back panel and stowable waist belt. Check out the rest of the collection on the Roark website.
