Do you wish you were somewhere else? Perhaps walking down a strange new street? Then it might as well be spring, says the classic song by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.
No doubt many of us feel that restlessness as we wait impatiently for the chance to get back outside. Whether fairer weather has already arrived in your neck of the woods, or soon will, these new products will help you get prepped for whatever springtime adventure you’ve got planned.
So if you’re feeling as “restless as a willow in a windstorm,” GearJunkie’s Emerging Gear column is here to keep you informed about the coolest new outdoor equipment.
4iiii PRECISION 3+ PRO
This month also brings an exciting announcement for bike dorks: 4iiii Innovations has dropped the dual-sided PRECISION 3+ PRO Powermeter featuring Apple Find My technology. That’s good news for cyclists who feel that Shimano’s dual-sided power meter isn’t reliable.
This power meter builds on the PRECISION 3+ model, offering dual-sided power metrics with high accuracy, the company said, along with automatic terrain selection, battery life up to 550 hours, and integration with Apple Find My. Weighing just 29 g and featuring an ultra-low profile design, it’s compatible with a range of bike frames. Pricing details are available upon request on the company website.
Bedrock Sandals Cairn Evo Line
You can never have too many pairs of sandals, right? Maybe that’s just me, but it was my first thought upon seeing the sweet new designs from Bedrock Sandals.
They just dropped the new Cairn Evo series. Featuring Vibram’s XS TREK EVO outsole for improved traction, other mods include a redesigned toe triangle.
Also, the Cairn Evo line now conforms to U.S.-standard sizing and includes five models in various colors. The basic pair of Cairn Evo Sandals costs $115, while the Cairn Evo 3D Pro Sandals cost $140.
In addition, Bedrock launched a new color, Desert Clay, for its Mountain Clogs, crafted from suede leather and available for $160.
BRUNT Flagship Boots
BRUNT, which describes itself as “the fast-growing boot and apparel brand for American trades workers,” launches new versions of its flagship footwear this month. That includes both the Marin and Bolduc work boots.
The Marin ($140, available in sizes 7-16) boasts comfort and versatility, the company said, while the Bolduc ($160, offered in sizes 7-14) offers a relaxed fit with a lace-free design. Both models receive upgrades, including enhanced waterproofing, cushioning, and slip resistance, according to BRUNT.
In addition, BRUNT introduces the Ohman line ($130, ranges in sizes 7-14), a slip-on shop boot featuring full-grain waterproof leather and a full-length rubber outsole. The Ohman quickly sold out upon release and is now available for preorder online, with retail availability on the way, the company said.
Forest Bikes Summit Series
Now, that’s a bike with some junk in the trunk.
Forest Summit debuts the Bafang M620 Fat Bike, priced at $2,500. This UL-certified bike features a 1,000Wh battery, Bafang M620 Ultra motor, 4-piston Tektro Orion disc brakes, and Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain. Riders can also customize their experience with the app-compatible Bluetooth display.
The company’s IndieGoGo campaign has already received eight backers and $6,200 as of Feb. 15. With 28 days left in the campaign, there’s still plenty of time to reserve your bike. The full lineup includes the FS Model, a full-suspension bike with front and rear shocks that costs $2,800, as well as the HT Model, a hardtail for $2,500, and the ST Model, a step-thru for $2,500.
La Sportiva Ondra Comp
Your mileage may vary on athlete collaborations, but it’s hard to dismiss a pair of climbing shoes co-designed by arguably the strongest rock climber alive.
La Sportiva has announced a limited-edition bouldering shoe designed along with Ondra. Priced at $220 and slated for a pre-2024 Olympics launch, the Ondra Comp aims for modern bouldering movements. It integrates innovative design elements such as a custom shortened half-sole and adjustable hook and loop closure.
“Ondra Comp is the answer of La Sportiva and myself to the modern trends of climbing,” says Ondra on the landing page. Interested? Sign up to join the waiting list to hear when this limited-edition shoe becomes available.
Pearl Izumi Spring Collection
If you wait around for new Pearl Izumi launches the way Taylor Swift fans wait for ticket drops — today is your lucky day.
The bike apparel company launched its spring collection on Feb. 15, including new products for every cyclist, including road, gravel, MTB, and daily life. It starts off with the Men’s PRO Jersey ($180). Made from Italian stretch fabrics, it offers lightweight compression mesh, UPF 30 sun protection, and multiple zippered pockets.
For gravel enthusiasts, the Expedition Merino Jersey ($90) aims for a smooth bikepacking experience. Made from merino wool, it boasts a soft hand feel, natural odor-fighting properties, and superior sweat-wicking performance. This jersey incorporates high-stretch woven sleeves, abrasion-resistant panels, and a zippered utility pocket.
Other new additions include the Summit PRO Glove ($50) for mountain riders, and the Sugar Air Tank ($55) for women.
Anon x Fragment Design M4 Fragment Goggles
Anon collaborates once again with Hiroshi Fujiwara and Fragment Design to introduce the limited-edition M4 Fragment Goggles.
Dedicated to Japanese musician Hiroshi Fujiwara and his fans, the M4 Fragment Goggles ($370) blend Anon’s cutting-edge technology with Fragment’s signature style. Featuring an MFI Nose Guard inspired by Hiroshi, these goggles offer a low bridge fit with 7mm thicker face foam at the nose for a snug fit, especially for individuals with higher cheekbones.
Kane Footwear Monochrome Collection
Get these cool new spring colors with Kane’s “active recovery” shoes; (photo/Kane Footwear)
Goodbye, white and beige, it’s time for colors! Kane Footwear shares that enthusiasm, launching a Monochrome Collection of its active recovery footwear.
The collection, available in kids’ sizes, offers the classic Kane Revive style, crafted in collaboration with foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Daniel Geller. Made with bio-based foam from Brazilian sugarcane, these shoes promote active recovery by stimulating circulation and blood flow, the company says. Priced at $50 for kids’ sizes and $80 for adults, they’re now available in Cobalt Blue, Lavender, Mint, and Fawn.
RUX Waterproof Tote Bag
Behold! Canadian brand RUX has made perhaps the greatest grocery bag of all time.
Built with rugged, waterproof materials, the 25L Waterproof Bag has features a-plenty. It’s got a wide-mouthed roll-top opening for easy packing, removable shoulder carry straps, and grab handles. Made from TPU-coated nylon, it “guarantees” weatherproof protection, the company said. It weighs 1.2 pounds when empty, stands up on its own, and offers 360-degree lash points to allow secure attachment to equipment.
The tote bag also costs $150, so unless it comes with a microchip, I would try not to lose it (which is precisely what I seem to do with recyclable bags after their first use).
Free Fly Spring Collection
Want to look fly as hell while fly fishing? If so, Free Fly’s new spring collection has the colorful and functional threads you need.
The Elevate Lightweight Collection launched on February 12, emphasizing enhanced sun protection with a UPF 40+ rating and quick-dry fabric. This breezy lineup includes the Elevate Lightweight Hoodie for men ($78), the Elevate Lightweight Tank for women ($48), and the Elevate Lightweight Tee for both men and women ($54).
Also, Free Fly introduces the Reverb Shorts, available in inseams of 7” for men and 4” for women, and priced at $68 and $74. Wrapping things up (literally), we have the All Day 6” Pocket Short, high-waisted and with added pockets, for $64.
Arvin Goods x Recover Sock Collection
Let’s get comfy, my friends. The Seattle-based Arvin Goods has introduced its latest sustainably made socks, this time with the recycled cotton of Recover Fiber.
The new collection includes crew socks crafted from 79% recycled materials, including 43% recycled polyester and 36% Recover recycled cotton fiber. Recover’s proprietary recycled fiber significantly reduces the carbon and water footprint of the apparel supply chain, the company said in a press release. Each pair of socks saves up to 18 gallons of water compared to conventional cotton production, the release said. Buy them now for just $12.
