Take a look at this week’s roundup of the latest gear you might not see anywhere else!
Mountain Equipment Company Serratus Pace Ultralight Pack
A bit like a Canadian REI, Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) is both a retailer and a manufacturer of gear under its own label. The brand’s new Serratus Pace UL overnight backpacks are fully in touch with the preferences of modern backpackers — they’re light and compact with an understated non-flashy look. Available in a 40L ($190) and an upcoming 25L, the Pace is designed for quick one or two-night missions — think hut-to-hut or alpine multi-pitch.
It’s also a suitable option for minimalist thru-hiking. Both sizes of the Pace UL are made with a hybrid nylon and spectra outer fabric, which “provides added tear strength.” The main compartment has a classic roll top, and the shoulder harness pockets are ideal for quick access items like snacks and Chapstick.
Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition
For some kids, a muddy backyard Tonka Truck session is the pinnacle of life. For adults, the closest equivalent involves romping through the backcountry on a rugged ORV. The 2023 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition ($16,899) is 100% dedicated to the pursuit of muddy trails.
Its 30″ Outlaw tires possess some of the deepest treads of any recreational vehicle on the market. A sealed clutch intake sits at the top of the Sportsman’s body, so this rig should keep running even when you’re chest-deep in the muck. From soggy fall-season elk hunts to springtime frolicking through the snowmelt, this high-clearance fun machine should get you where you want to go. Several trim levels are available.
Goodr Snow G Goggles
We’ve tested several pairs of Goodr sunglasses in recent years, and we’re always left impressed with their reasonable pricing and capable performance. Now, the brand expands into the realm of snowsports with the Snow G — a simple yet modern snow goggle that costs just $75.
As the price ceiling for skiing eyewear continues to climb well beyond $400, it’s refreshing to know that approachable options from reputable brands still exist. The Snow G comes with two lenses, which are easily swappable via the magnetic lens securing system. Every lens is coated in anti-fog and anti-glare treatment. A branded hard case and microfiber sleeve are included.
Gunner Midnight Edition G1 Dog Kennel
Finally, a kennel exists to match your blacked-out rims, tinted windows, and black Labrador Retriever. Gunner’s G1 Kennel has been well-regarded for years, and now the brand drops the all-black “Midnight Edition.”
The G1 is known for its robust double-walled Rotomolded exterior and secure safety latches. In collaboration with Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, Gunner designed the G1’s steel tie-downs to remain intact through all movements and impacts. Four sizes are available and prices range from $550 to $950.
Yeti GoBox Gear Cases
For many outdoor recreators, the gear that enables their joy is among life’s most valuable assets — monetary or otherwise. From climbing ropes to diving masks, proper gear storage can make or break the life expectancy of cherished equipment. YETI’s Loadout GoBox series ($125-$300) of hard cases are protective, waterproof, “nearly indestructible” gear treasure chests.
Now available in two new sizes — 15L and 60L — GoBoxes can “endure seasons in the sun, negative temps in the field, and the daily abuse of being lugged in and out of a truck or boat.” And while $300 is a lot to pay for 60L of storage — not to suggest that this is the only way to protect your gear — but for certain applications, this superlative option may provide valuable peace of mind.
Faction Prodigy 3 Antti Ltd. Ski
These limited-edition skis ($699) celebrate the freeskiing accomplishments of Faction pro, Antti Ollila. Faction’s Prodigy 3 has long been Ollila’s go-to model, and now it’s available with a custom top sheet that depicts the Finnish winter sky of his home country. All the technical specs are unchanged from the standard Prodigy 3 — it’s a backcountry-leaning semi-stiff ski with notably aggressive edge hold. The custom run is available in 178 and 183cm, and only 100 pairs are available.
Artilect ‘High AF’ Down Stretch Parka
Try as we might, humans still haven’t innovated a superior alternative to the ever-frustrating zipper. All zippers have an expiration date, and it typically falls a few years before the rest of the jacket or sleeping bag deteriorates. To combat the inevitable, Artilect’s new “High AF” down parka ($450) comes with a “user repairable” zipper made by zipper titans YKK. The parka itself is stuffed with 700-fill down clusters treated with “bolded gold nanoparticles,” which “increase dry times by up to “60%.”
It’s Artilect’s style to go super high-tech, but this jacket is “High AF.” Men’s and women’s (on sale now) sizes are available.
Nidecker Supermatic Snowboard Binding
Though certain snowboard brands claim their bindings are “total game changers,” traditional strap-in models continue to dominate. Still, the standard strap-in and strap-out process is an obstacle for some snowboarders and a nuisance for others, so naturally, there have been numerous attempts to craft “step-in” and “step-on” alternatives. While brands like Flow and Burton have made strong attempts in recent years, no design has yet displaced the classic straps.
After four years of development, Nidecker drops the Supermatic ($400), a truly unique binding that offers both step-in and strap-on functionality. According to the brand, these bindings are compatible with any boot and offer “responsive flex” and “full customization.”
COROS Killian Jornet Watch
COROS and mountain-running superstar Kilian Jornet launch a limited-edition watch. The black-and-white color palette was inspired by the snow and igneous rock “found around Jornet’s home in Norway.” Dubbed the APEX 2 Pro Killian Jornet Edition ($549), the watch comes with an extra silicone band and a Nnormal Run Cap.
Bonus: Anyone who purchases the watch this month can apply to be part of an exclusive virtual training camp with Jornet himself.
Stone Glacier Mirka Gloves
Built on knowledge gained from 15 seasons of solo sheep hunts in Alaska, the Stone Glacier brand aims to design the “lightest, toughest, and most functional” hunting gear possible. Now, Stone Glacier has launched a line of gloves, all of which are available to pre-order.
GearJunkie’s hunt and fish editor recently tested the new glove line and came away thoroughly impressed. The standout model from the collection is the Mirka ($69, pictured), a shooting glove with a breathable back and articulated knuckles for a “perfect connection with your rifle trigger or bow release.”
