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Graphene Puffy, Plant-Based Shades, the Ultimate Spatula, and More Emerging Gear

You’d think spring had already arrived, given the colorful new outdoor gear and apparel dropping this week. But there’s still plenty here to please winter shoppers.

adidas terrex soulstrideAdidas Terrex's new Soulstride trail runners are one of many colorful new products this week; (photo/adidas Terrex)
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Looking for the best list of new outdoor products? You’ve just found it. Here at GearJunkie, we get psyched over new stuff, and Emerging Gear is where we share the coolest releases from the outdoor brands you know (and hopefully, some you don’t).

There’s no telling what weather to expect, but we’ve got killer gear to help you get outside, whether it’s snowsports, trail running, or just hiking in the rain. Take a look, friends.

adidas Terrex Soulstride Ultra

Performance aside, adidas Terrex knows how to make a good-looking shoe. Runners looking for a new pair of kicks can now try the Soulstride Ultra, a pair of trail runners that adidas launched this week.

Priced at $180, the shoe features a higher stack for added protection, a fuel channel for handling rugged terrain, and a lighter, stronger, and more responsive midsole, the company said. The mesh upper uses recycled content, a beefy midsole, and a rubber outsole meant to tackle both wet and dry terrain.

The Soulstride Ultra is available in Core Black, Semi-Impact Orange, and Preloved Fig (women’s only). Find it at adidas or REI.

Tifosi Optics Sanctum

“The Matrix” proved it a long time ago: Everybody looks cooler with sunglasses on.

But why go all black when you can add a splash of color? Tifosi Optics offers a rainbow of choices with this week’s launch of Sanctum, its new oversize, shield-style sunglasses.

They’re more than just cool as hell, however. The shades use a Thrive Frame, Tifosi’s first-ever plant-based frames. Using 45% renewable raw materials sourced from pure castor oil, the frames remain lightweight, flexible, and durable, the company said.

With “shatterproof” polycarbonate lenses, a pair of Sanctums will still only set you back $35. Sounds like a steal to me. (Now if they could only make a pair of sunglasses that were impossible for me to lose …)

Chrome Mini Tensile Sling

Rejoice, bike commuters! Chrome Industries has released more mobile storage options for bike trips big and small.

With the Mini Tensile Sling, Chrome offers a 2L sling made from recycled nylon and polyester materials, including a recycled polyester liner. It’s also highly water-resistant, the company said. Inside, you’ll find three handy mesh organizer pockets, and the lightweight ripstop sailcloth is reinforced with webbing for extra durability.

It’s now available for $45. Personally, I think the Amber color looks the coolest, but there are options for black and gray as well.

HEAD/Tyrolia Crux Collection

Don’t worry, ski lovers: Shorter winter seasons don’t mean you’ve been forgotten by retailers. In fact, they want to start getting prepared for next season already.

To wit: HEAD/Tyrolia just unveiled the Crux Collection, its first line of ski touring gear arriving in fall 2024. It includes four ski models, two bindings, boots, skins, poles, and a backpack. The CX30+ backpack, seen above, sells for about $220, while the skins, made with 65% mohair and 35% nylon, cost $200.

The four skis cost between $800 and $950, with various models aimed at deep backcountry missions, touring, or just multipurpose use. Find all these products on the Head website.

Altra Running Timp Hiker

With these color schemes, the new trail runners from Altra certainly demand attention. Say hello to the Timp Hiker and its waterproof counterpart, the Timp Hiker GTX. These models blend the comfort of trail running shoes with the added ankle support of hiking boots, Altra said.

These shoes feature a Vibram sole for all-terrain grip and an Altra Ego Max midsole. They’ve also got a toe area beefed up with TPU overlays and a lightweight upper. The Timp Hiker will set you back $175, while its waterproof sibling, the Timp Hiker GTX (men’s and women’s), comes in at $185.

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ToadFish The Ultimate Spatula

I’m hardly a practiced chef, so I’ll refrain from any judgment about whether the above kitchen tool is, indeed, The Ultimate Spatula.

But that’s what Toadfish Outfitters claims it has designed with this affordable implement. For $24, a durable, stainless-steel spatula is worth the money as one of the more important cooking tools for campers and van lifers.

It’s ideal for grilling, cooking seafood, or various uses at home or outside, the company said. With a rubber inlay for an improved grip, this spatula measures 14.5″ x 3″, making it long enough to easily flip some flapjacks (you know what I mean).

Unfortunately, it seems that the above fish, however delicious, is not included.

Front Runner INEOS Grenadier Roof Rack Kits 

Front Runner Dometic has unveiled the Grenadier Slimline II Roof Rack Kits, designed exclusively for the INEOS Grenadier.

The lineup includes five roof rack kits, with prices ranging from about $1,200 to $2,400. These kits are compatible with the Front Runner Dometic Slimline II rack, offering INEOS Grenadier owners access to more than 55 roof rack accessories, including storage boxes, camping equipment, bicycles, and kayaks.

Customers can choose between a full-size or a ¾ roof rack kit, the latter allowing unrestricted use of the Grenadier’s twin sunroofs. For Grenadier Quartermaster pickup owners, Dometic offers both full and half-size Slimline II Roof Rack Kits. Also, the Slimline II Rack can seamlessly integrate onto the pickup’s load bed.

Vollebak Double Graphene Lightweight Puffer

Graphene has generated plenty of excitement in recent years, as it’s one of the lightest, strongest, and most conductive materials ever discovered. The outdoor industry has only recently begun offering products with the material, and it’s safe to say we’re stoked to see how the material performs in real conditions.

Enter the Double Graphene Lightweight Puffer, which Vollebak calls “groundbreaking” and “superhero-like.” It remains to be seen if graphene really grants superpowers to outdoor gear, but at this price — you’ll likely need Tony Stark levels of wealth to afford one. The jacket is available now for just under $1,300. For more graphene gear, check out the $1,000 Graphene Jacket released by Volleback a few months ago.

James Brand The Barnes LTD

If limited-edition knives are your cup of tactical tea, then the new James Brand Barnes LTD is worth a look. The James Brand teamed up with Smile Plastics, a sustainable materials maker, to produce this tactical knife meant for everyday carry (EDC). It’s got a titanium frame lock construction and a 3.5-inch Bohler M390 steel blade.

But what makes it special is the incorporation of inlays featuring a Heron pattern, crafted from post-consumer waste sourced from discarded refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and countertops. This exclusive U.S. release costs $750 and is limited to just 24 units. They went live on The James Brand website on January 30, so get ’em while you can, folks.

prAna Heavana

I’m not too surprised to see prAna releasing a new line of yoga apparel. After all, my girlfriend has essentially repossessed my prAna climbing pants for her personal use, so I’m clearly not the only one enamored of their comfortable fit.

The Heavana yoga line aims for “restorative yoga and rest days,” essentially, for everyday wear. And each of the bras, tanks, leggings, skirts, and dresses costs under $100, so you won’t break the bank buying new comfort wear for Sunday stretch sessions.

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