Tenstile Stingray Lite Tree Tent
Tenstile is the de facto king of the three-legged hammock empire. With enough space to sleep a family of four, the new Stingray Lite ($599) is the brand’s simplest and most affordable model to date.
In essence, the Lite is just a pared-down version of Tenstile’s popular Stingray. Though it lacks some features and luxuries, the Lite offers just as much space and capacity as its more expensive predecessor.
Like most of Tenstile’s suspended shelters, the Stingray Lite requires three anchor points — typically trees — to achieve supreme suspension. It comes with a durable fabric floor, built-in insect mesh, and a removable rainfly. For another $65, the brand’s ground conversion kit enables the Stingray Lite to function as a traditional ground tent.
Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet
In cycling-friendly cities like Portland and Minneapolis, the Thousand Heritage helmet is a cult favorite. With its distinctive, handsome shape, full-coverage dome, and high-quality straps and buckles, the Hertiage is a rarity — cyclists actually enjoy wearing it.
Now, eight years into its existence, Thousand drops the second generation of the Heritage. According to the brand, the new version is the direct result of customer feedback. The Thousand 2.0 ($99) has an upgraded fit system that allows for more customization and should provide a “more inclusive fit.”
The brand explained:
Manufacturers predominantly model helmets for those of European descent, resulting in a more oval head shape in circumference, which can leave individuals of Asian descent with ill-fitting helmet options. Thousand’s Heritage 2.0 boasts a hybrid headform — between Asian and European head shapes.
I’ve biked many miles in the OG Heritage, and my primary complaints boil down to limited ventilation and pressure-point-related discomfort. Both of these issues are allegedly resolved in the Heritage 2.0. Plus, it sports a new integrated magnetic taillight for improved visibility.
The Heritage 2.0 is available to purchase now.
Snow Peak Double-Walled Mug
Titanium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all known metals. With all the structural integrity of steel, titanium’s unique properties shine brightest when channeled into car camping utensils. Snow Peak is known for its top-shelf titanium campware. It lasts a long time, weighs very little, and possesses a rugged, utilitarian vibe that fits right in at the campground.
Now, the Japanese brand doubles down with a new all-titanium doubled-walled mug ($50). These low-profile mugs are finally stackable, and — as their name suggests — boast highly insulated doubled-walled construction. The only downside? They can’t be used over heat for cooking and run at a fairly steep 50 bucks per mug.
Fenix E03R V2.0 Keychain Flashlight
A consistently excellent brand, Fenix is responsible for our favorite flashlight of all time. New for 2023, the E03R V2.0 ($41) is a contact keychain light boasting a dazzling maximum brightness of 500 lumens (equivalent to 42 candles) all in a one-ounce package.
As usual for Fenix, the E03R is wrapped in an all-metal dustproof casing. It’s rechargeable via USB-C, and all seven light modes are available via a single on/off switch. From a decorative pulse setting to a flashing red, this teeny torch has endless potential applications.
Oakley Encoder Strike Vented Cycling Glasses
This week, Oakley unloads a massive batch of fresh cycling gear. From footwear to helmets, the collection includes just about everything a road cyclist needs — aside from an actual bike.
The keynote product in Oakley’s latest drop is the Encoder Strike sunglasses ($255), with a sleek, wraparound frame shape and vented lenses. According to the brand, the Encoder Stike fits best on medium-to-large faces. The oversized fit is intentional — it’s a windshield for your face.
Outfitted with the brand’s detail-enhancing Prizm lens tech, these shades are made for high speeds. They certainly look the part.
Tenkara Rod Co. Yari Rod
Japan’s plentiful freshwater streams teem with pink-tinged amago and yamame trout. As a result, many world-renowned rod-makers dwell in the island nation.
Tenkara Rod Co. specializes in the tools of tenkara fishing — an ancient form of rod angling traditionally practiced in Japan. The Yari ($345) is the brand’s first Japanese-made tenkara-style rod. The Yari is a nod to long-gone generations of fishers, and it’s the perfect instrument for engaging alpine trout runs. It works best when combines with lightweight lines and flies.
Fully extended, the Yari is 11’10” long and weighs 2.3 ounces.
Skullcandy x Burton Audio Line
Skullcandy launched a collaboration with Burton this year, and the flagship product is the made-for-the-slopes Crusher Evo ($210, above right). The wireless headphones offer big sound with a slide-to-adjust bass button on the side. They have eye-popping color motifs and a tight but comfortable fit that can fit over a beanie for chairlift tunes.
Skullcandy worked with Olympic gold medalist Anna Gasser on the product launch. When not in use, the ‘muffs fold flat for transport in a jacket pocket or the included soft-sided pouch.
A stealthier Skullcandy x Burton option, the Push Active True Wireless Earbuds ($90, above left) are made for sporty outdoor pursuits. The sweat- and water-resistant wireless buds fit securely and give 44 hours of battery life. Simple touch and hands-free (voice control) features enable you to skip songs and adjust the volume while on the move.
Salomon Aero Glide Road Max
The revamped 2023 Aero Glide ($160) is a premium shoe built for runners racking up miles on asphalt and paved city paths. Salomon touts max cushioning and “big energy return” from the foam-forward road shoes.
The upper is a light mesh material with a thicker tongue, and the company’s “reverse camber” midsole has a curved shape to promote a smoother stride. Bonus: The Aero Glides are lightweight for a large shoe, at just over 9 ounces for men’s size 9.
Hooper Sweatpants
Clothing brand Mott & Bow believes sweatpants get a bad rep for being “too casual.” Its Hooper pants ($99) ride a hybrid line with a trimmer cut and tapered legs for a less-baggy look and feel.
A thick cotton fabric gives substantial comfort, and a stout waistband keeps the pants in place. We tested the Hooper this month and can attest they are superior sweatpants with a look that is stealthy enough that we didn’t feel foolish wearing them around town.
