Do you love checking out brand-new outdoor gear? If so, then you’re in the right place. Our Emerging Gear column will make every week feel like Christmas morning for the true gear junkies out there.
This is where you’ll find the latest and greatest from brands making cutting-edge gear and apparel. Every single week, there’s something new, wild, and groundbreaking. And this week, we’ve got a hot and heavy lineup of cool new collaborations, clever inventions, stylish accessories, and even snacks. So, you’re more than likely to find something you never knew you needed.
That’s the magic of Emerging Gear. It’s always new — even if it’s a take on something old.
State Bicycle x Bob Marley
When it comes to iconic color schemes, the Jamaican flag has few equals — and now we have a bike to celebrate it.
The Bob Marley estate and State Bicycle Co. have dropped a new collaboration (launched on April 20, of course), celebrating the legendary artist with sustainably made products for cyclists. This limited-edition collection has Marley-themed bikes alongside hemp frame bags, bar bags, and a range of cycling apparel.
With a $500 price tag, I’d snag the Marley Klunker + Hemp Bag Combo before the limited-edition kit sells out.
REEF Mushroom Collection
If The Last of Us hasn’t made you permanently terrified of fungus, then REEF’s new mushroom leather sandals are worth a look.
REEF’s Mushroom Collection, a line of sandals made from this cruelty-free material, includes two of the brand’s popular designs, now crafted with USDA-certified mushroom leather uppers. The sandals also feature compression-molded footbeds, an extra-cushy heel, and REEF’s built-in bottle opener in the non-marking rubber outsoles.
Check out the Fanning sandal, priced at $75 for men, and the Lofty Lux X for women at $90.
Crazy Creek AirCliner
Multiuse camping products are nothing new, but I don’t recall seeing a sleeping pad that transforms into a chair.
That’s what Crazy Creek offers with the AirCliner. The brand’s latest innovation combines a chair and a sleep pad into a single, versatile item. With a light weight of 29 ounces, it rolls up to a compact size of 2.7 inches. The design focuses on ultra-packability and dual-purpose use, Crazy Creek said, so that you can relax and sleep while trimming down your backpacking kit.
The AirCliner costs $125.
Thinnest G-Shock Yet
G-Shock today introduced a high-value watch that should fit under shirt sleeves better than ever. The Digital Basic Step Tracker series has a retro appearance and basic functions like dual time, Bluetooth connectivity, a countdown timer, a calendar, and LED backlighting.
But where it stand out is where it, well, doesn’t. The case, at just 11mm thick, is the thinnest in the G-Shock lineup. And it has a step counter with daily progress displays and reminders.
Fuel Goods Spring Subscription Box
Asheville-based Fuel Goods has become increasingly popular among runners for its monthly subscription boxes of on-the-go snacks and sports drinks.
Now you can snag the company’s Spring Edition RunnerBox. This season’s box is also a giveaway and includes a range of products from other brands. According to Fuel Goods, 15 recipients will find a golden ticket, redeemable for a Nix Biosensors Hydration Monitor valued at $129.
For the rest of us non-winners, there are still plenty of goodies in these boxes. That includes Lenny and Larry’s Fitzel fitness pretzels, JAMBAR’s Tropical Trio Bar, Skratch Labs’ Hydration Everyday Drink Mix, a HydraPak RECON bottle, and a lot more. Spring Edition boxes are available from April 1 to May 31 on a first-come, first-served basis. They cost $40 a box individually or $32 with an annual subscription.
Finisterre Wander Collection
Get ready for the summer sun with the new Wander Range from British brand Finisterre. Designed for multiday adventures, the new collection combines lightweight durability with comfort and versatility, the company described. Made from 100% recycled ripstop fabric with a water-repellent finish, they’ll stand up in varying weather.
The collection includes the Men’s Wander Short Sleeve Shirt ($91) and the Women’s Wander Short Sleeve Jumpsuit ($180).
iKamper Skycamp DLX
Level up your summer car camping with the new rooftop tents from iKamper. The Skycamp DLX was developed with input from iKamper’s community, according to a press release.
Features include integrated bi-color, USB-powered LED light strips with dimmable controls and a 4-inch, self-inflating foam mattress. An AirDown pump is included for quick deflation. Cork-lined floors provide waterproof protection, thermal insulation, and sound-dampening benefits, iKamper said.
The Skycamp DLX is priced at $5,150, with the smaller Skycamp DLX Mini available for $4,450.
SAXX ‘Protect the Nuts’ Boxers
SAXX underwear has already earned a well-deserved reputation for making some of the best men’s underwear available. Now the brand is taking its protection of your “boys” a step further by partnering with the Testicular Cancer Foundation. The brand’s new limited-edition print, “Protect the Nuts,” was designed by Portland-based artist Jason Sturgill to mark Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.
A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this print will contribute to the foundation’s mission to deliver accurate and supportive information about the disease. The special print is available for $34.
Hilleberg Spring 2024 Tents
The Saivo 4, above, and the Rogen 3; (photos/Hilleberg)
Tent-lovers, rejoice! Card-carrying tent designer Hilleberg has dropped two new designs for spring 2024.
For the all-season Black Label series, the Saivo 4 debuts as a four-person expedition dome tent, suited for various activities from mountaineering and polar expeditions to family camping. The Saivo 4 costs $2,510 and includes a strong pole system designed to withstand high winds and heavy snow loads.
Also, the Yellow Label series (tailored for snow-free adventures) introduces its first three-person dome tent, the Rogen 3. This tent is perfect for warmer-weather activities like backpacking and bikepacking. Priced at $1,375, it provides a flexible shelter option.
CAT x The Fall Guy Collection
Ryan Gosling was recently spotted wearing CAT apparel’s Original 1904 Cap, a highlight from their latest collection inspired by Universal Pictures’ new film The Fall Guy. The cap’s appearance was captured in photos posted by German football club FC Bayern on Instagram.
This four-piece collection, launched last week, draws inspiration from the film, which includes scenes of Emily Blunt wearing two vintage CAT hats. You can find those hats in the new collection and the Hi-Vis Mesh Cap, which Gosling apparently wore during Oscar rehearsals last month.
The entire collection is now available for purchase on CAT’s website and at various retail outlets.
Snow Peak Crystal Shade
Snow Peak has introduced a new addition to its Hozuki lantern collection: the Crystal Shade. This accessory, priced at $30, has a semi-transparent, faceted design.
Crafted from silicone, the shade mimics the appearance of glass. It’s made to replace the standard shades on either the Hozuki Lantern or Mini Hozuki Lantern, easily transforming them into stylish tabletop lanterns. It allows users to modify their existing Hozuki products for a different aesthetic and lighting effect.
