If you’re enjoying some beautiful weather right now, soak it up! It’s going to get hot sooner than we want, and this week’s gear shows that outdoor brands have the gear to keep you cool no matter how much sun you get. We’re looking at two new brands offering good-looking clothing that’s still odor-resistant and moisture-wicking, as well as Pelican coolers for bringing along some cold ones.
Does it feel hot to anyone else? That’s all I’ve been hearing lately.
Campers will want to window-shop the magnetic sleeping bags from Marmot, the modular food canister from GSI, and some Swiss-made water filters. Finally, cyclists have lots to love here, too, including some techy new lights from Knog, a nostalgia-ready e-bike from Radio Flyer, and swanky MTB threads from Arc’teryx.
Find all that and more right here in Emerging Gear.
Adaptive Bike Lights
Until the day that cyclists don’t have to share roads with cars, safety gear will stay among the most important purchases, especially for road bikers.
That’s why Australian bike brand Knog just dropped new lights aimed at improving road safety. Now available online and debuting at Sea Otter next week, the Cobber Reflex Front and Rear Lights use “adaptive reflex technology” to adjust their output based on speed, lean angle, and environment, according to the brand.
They have multiple modes, from a powerful High Steady to an efficient 70-hour Low mode. Riders can also customize the light settings using Knog’s ModeMaker 2.0 software via web USB, so each light can be tailored to their personal riding style and current conditions.
They’re rechargeable via USB-C, rated IP67 waterproof, and built to perform in all weather conditions. The Cobber Reflex Front has 350 lumens, while the Cobber Reflex Rear offers 250 lumens. Each light costs $80, or they can be bought together for $150.
Classic Duffel Now Waterproof
The North Face Base Camp Duffel is considered a classic for good reason: It’s a “bombproof, long-lived” piece of gear with high versatility, GearJunkie Camping Editor Will Brendza wrote last in 2025 after using one for 13 years.
Now the brand is releasing two new versions of the duffel: a waterproof Base Camp Duffel ($320) and a limited-edition leather version. There are only 900 units of the latter option available at select retailers (no online option). It’s made with leather that’s meant to patina over time, along with “premium trims and hardware.”
Online shoppers can still get the waterproof version, which will become a permanent part of The North Face lineup. This iteration of the Base Camp Duffel has fully welded construction and oversized waterproof zippers.
In addition, abrasion-resistant material is designed to withstand heavy use while ensuring a complete barrier against moisture in any environment. The bag also includes removable straps for a seamless transition to backpack carry and an internal secure-zip pocket for organized storage.
Radio Flyer Cargo E-Bike
Few brands capture nostalgia like Radio Flyer. After all, the brand was founded in Chicago in 1917, and its red wagons have been iconic for decades.
So, it’s cool to see the brand continuing to evolve with the times. Its new Radio Flyer Flyer Loop is a compact cargo e-bike. It offers the utility of a full-size cargo bike in a smaller, more approachable form, the brand said. With a 440-pound payload, 750W motor, and 30–50+ mile range, it looks to be a functional e-bike that’s great for families on the move.
It comes in a one-size frame (4’11”–6’3”), and has a folding stem for tighter storage, along with integrated turn signals and lighting. It’s available in black, red, blue, and mint, and costs about $3,000.
Jade Stone and Crab Shell Apparel
More and more brands are offering performance apparel that’s elegant enough for business professionals. Given our rapidly warming world, that’s not too surprising. And if you live in a place like Phoenix, I’d imagine daily life becomes a lot easier if you’ve got quick-drying, odor-resistant clothing.
That’s the niche of emerging brand HyperNatural. Founded by a veteran of Lands End, the brand uses some interesting materials to make performance apparel without synthetics or chemical coatings. Its fabrics use what the brand calls Hyper-Cool Jade, a patent-pending fiber technology made from jade stone minerals and crab shells.
The resulting fabric is both highly breathable and has antibacterial properties, according to the brand. Now sold online and at retailers like Nordstrom, HyperNatural offers a variety of polos, button-ups, and T-shirts using its Hyper-Cool Jade fabric.
Magnetic Sleeping Bag From Marmot
Marmot has just debuted a zipperless sleeping bag, and I’m here for it. Zippers have long been a standard part of sleeping bags, but anybody who has camped knows that zipping yourself up is often a pain, even in pricey bags from top-notch brands.
So Marmot’s new Wraptor zigs in a different direction, opting for magnetic closures instead. The bags also have a “versatile flap structure” for temperature control and an “envelope footbox” that has a built-in vent and extra foot space.
The Wraptor uses a 100% recycled polyester lining and shell, and comes in either 650-fill-power down or synthetic HL-Elixir Eco insulation. You can choose from 15°F, 20°F, and 30°F ratings.
Food Storage System
If you love having a hot (or extra cold) meal during your outdoor adventures, this looks pretty neat.
GSI just dropped a new food storage system that’s highly customizable. The Travel Stack is a vacuum-insulated sleeve that holds various modular containers that slide into it. The sleeve itself holds exactly two 12-ounce cans, or multiple configurations of the containers, which come in sets of two or three. Campers, hikers, or daytrippers could all find tasty ways to maximize fun with this one.
Elegant Outdoor Apparel
Proof is another emerging brand making performance apparel that’s functional for the trail and good-looking enough for the cocktail bar. You can find 100% polyester button-ups in cool Hawaiian-style designs using cactus and agave. (I just tried out one of these, and I have a feeling I’m going to be wearing it a lot this summer.)
But the brand also has a 72-hour collection of apparel made from merino wool and meant to be used for multiple days without washing. The 5-Pocket Pants in this category are a popular choice, which makes sense given that you don’t see many merino-wool pants — especially ones with such a versatile aesthetic.
Pelican Coolers
If you already trust Pelican’s hard cases (and honestly, who doesn’t?), then you might want a glance at their new collection of coolers. The brand just launched the Dayventure Collection, a versatile range of soft-shell coolers and other hydration products for daily commutes or weekend treks.
There are four new options, including The Tote ($200), an over-the-shoulder daily driver, The Carry ($150): a compact option for essentials, The Base ($100): a rugged, high-capacity cooler built to stay upright, and The Cube ($80), a structured, easy-to-pack option.
The collection also adds two new colors — Indigo and Sage — alongside existing ones like Light Grey and Coyote. All the coolers have soft shells with 840D double-coated TPU and compression-molded bases.
Katadyn Water Filter
If you want a long-lasting water filter made with Swiss engineering, that’s what you’ll get with Katadyn’s latest offerings. Designed and manufactured at the company’s HQ in Switzerland, these look like filters that can take a beating.
There’s the Explorer Microfilter ($200), which uses a field-cleanable ceramic filter to remove bacteria, protozoa, and particulates with active carbon to taste. Or you can fork over twice that much moolah for the Explorer Pro. This $450 purifier adds virus protection via a hollow-fiber membrane, creating a complete three-stage system. Replacement cartridges for the virus membrane, ceramic filter, and activated carbon are also available.
Arc’teryx MTB Collection
MTBers have another new apparel option — and women riders may be especially interested in taking a look. Arc’teryx just debuted its first limited-edition run of mountain biking gear.
It started as “an internal passion project led by an all-female design and development team,” and then became this small capsule of MTB apparel. It includes the Rhoam Hybrid Jacket, Rhoam Pant, and Rhoam Short.
