Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid or click through for a slideshow.
onX Backcountry App
Search and explore a massive database of backcountry trails, roads, campsites, and more from the new onX Backcountry app (free or $30-per-year options). OnX has expanded its platform from Hunt and Offroad applications to accommodate all other kids of backcountry travelers. The app will offer maps, layers like snowpack details, and info like trail mileage, elevation, trip reports, and more. Learn more here.
Mountain Hardwear Keele Ascent Hoody
Mountain Hardwear just gave its Keele Hoody a major upgrade. The alpine layer has a new grid backer and new materials for enhanced durability and high-altitude performance. The Keele Ascent Hoody ($175) is made with a double-weave, DWR-coated exterior; a brushed interior; a helmet-compatible hood; and harness-friendly pocket placement. The Keele Ascent is available now for men and women.
Victorinox Classic Alox Limited Edition 2021
Victorinox’s Classic Alox Limited Edition pocket knife in tiger orange ($40) just hit markets for 2021. The Alox measures 2.3 inches in length and has a blade, scissors, a screwdriver, a nail file, a key ring, and, of course, high-grade aluminum scales in a blazing tiger orange. The Alox Limited Edition also comes in a Hunter Pro version ($120), available now while supplies last.
Western Rise 'Try At Home' Program
Western Rise now offers a Try At Home program, where it will send you up to five products to try for free. You’ll get five tops, bottoms, or accessories to try on for up to 7 days. The process is simple: Keep the ones you like, return the ones you don’t. You’ll need to put a card on hold, but you won’t pay for anything until your try-on trial is over. Over a dozen Western Rise styles are eligible for the program.
Matador Keychain Face Mask
Matador’s latest ultralight EDC gear isn’t gear at all but — you guessed it — a mask. The Keychain Mask ($25 per two-pack) is a two-layer mask that rolls up into a super-small and convenient package to fit on your keychain or in your pocket. The mask will launch online on Monday, Feb. 8.
Allbirds Apparel Wool Hoodie
Cozy and sustainable shoe brand Allbirds started making apparel last fall. And judging by its latest products, it’s going well. The new Wool Hoodie ($175) is made with 100% ZQ merino wool woven into a thick-gauge yarn with a double-knit construction. Allbirds describes it as “soft and cozy” and the “perfect cool-weather layer.”
Rapha CANYON//SRAM Cycling Kit
Rapha’s latest collection was designed for the CANYON//SRAM pro team, but that doesn’t mean it’s off-limits to other cyclists. The CANYON//SRAM pro cycling kit includes bibs, aero jerseys, and socks for men and women. We like the Aero Jersey ($195), with its lightweight construction, smooth fabrics, bonded seams, and directional nap on the back panel to minimize drag. The jersey has three back pockets and a zip stash pocket.
FORLOH Collaboration Knives
Hunting brand FORLOH partnered with Montana Knife Company to create a collection of knives, including The Blackfoot Blade ($300). The Blackfoot is a do-all hunting blade named after the Blackfoot River Valley in Lincoln, Mont. The Blackfoot is a straight-point fixed blade with a full flat-ground blade and full-tang construction equipped with G10 scales, made in the U.S. Learn more here.
Prime 6 Smart Charcoal
One million years ago, humans discovered fire. One million years later, we’re still making discoveries. Enter Prime 6 Charcoal (from $25), made from recycled hardwood waste sawdust. It has no binders or fillers and is denser (and therefore burns longer) than standard charcoal briquettes. We’re excited to put this charcoal to the test soon!
Arc'teryx Atom SL Hoody
Arc’teryx is completely updating the shell materials in its Atom SL Hoody for 2021. The new Atom SL Hoody ($229) has Tyono 20 shell material, vegan-friendly Coreloft Compact insulation, and Bluesign-approved stretch fleece side panels. The updated jacket also has articulated sleeves, and the Storm Hood can now be stowed with a button. The jacket also shed a few grams, now weighing between 235 and 270 g. Find the women’s here.
J.R. Watkins Muscle Relief Topicals
J.R. Watkins is debuting a Cooling Line of natural muscle recovery and pain relief products. The Cooling Relief topicals ($17) come in roll-on, patch, gel, and spray applications and contain ingredients like natural menthol, Arnica montana, and vitamin E. The pain-relief patch has 7.5% menthol, making it the highest-percentage natural menthol patch on market.
Thule Tepui Foothill Rooftop Tent
Thule just released its latest two-person rooftop tent, available now at REI. The Thule Tepui Foothill ($1,700) has telescoping internal poles for easy setup and a low-profile design. It weighs 110 pounds, and you can set it up on either side of your vehicle. The tent measures 83 x 47 x 40 inches when open.
