This week’s peek at the latest gear has something for almost everyone — from van lifers to marathon racers, and (almost) everything in between.
Outside Van Apex Wheel
Safer and more rugged — perhaps the two most important things you can say when marketing to van lifers. That’s the mantra Outside Van maintained in developing the Apex Wheel, a purpose-built, off-road option designed specifically for Mercedes Sprinters.
The 17×8-inch alloy wheel received increased durability and decreased weight thanks to a flow forge process. The wheels use Mercedes’ native 6-130 lug pattern, so no modification is necessary.
Equipped with BF Goodrich’s legendary KO2 treads, each wheel’s 3,200-pound load capacity exceeds the Sprinter’s chassis requirements, accommodating even the most robust builds. The Apex is available in 38mm and 29mm offsets — for stock or modified suspensions — and sells as a set of four ($2,848) or five ($3,560).
Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2
Greased Lightning may have a worthy contender for the speed crown, with Salomon’s self-proclaimed “super shoe,” the S/Lab Phantasm 2. Officially launching for purchase Oct. 1 — for a respectable $275 — these race-day shoes are specifically designed to take podiums and crush records (personal or historic). They sport an ultra-thin — and see-through! — synthetic mesh upper, sporty and soft PEBA midsole foam, and a full-length carbon plate.
But the specs alone don’t do this shoe justice; I know, I’ve been testing a pair for a month. At sub-9 ounces per shoe (even for my size 13), and with an almost second-skin fit, the S/Lab Phantasm 2 feels like no other shoe on the market (look for the full review in October). For serious athletes looking to ascend to another level of speed, the Phantasm 2 is worth a look.
Nomadix National Park Puffer Blanket
Sure, there are a million puffy blankets out there (that’s “puffer” for all you European readers). But have you seen any that map out all of our amazing national parks? I haven’t, and the latest release from Nomadix gives us exactly that! This slick design is just one of four new designs from the brand known for its cozy and packable wares.
In addition to the national parks map, the collection also includes prints inspired by Yellowstone, Smoky Mountain, and the Grand Canyon. Each blanket is sand- and water-resistant, has snaps and anchor loops, and measures 74″ x 55″.
Best of all, every Nomadix purchase helps protect public lands through the brand’s partnership with Conservation Alliance. Available now for $100 each.
Leatherman Adapt Kit
The good news for photographers is that now there’s a Leatherman product for you! The bad news is that it’s not a swanky custom multitool — at least not yet. But Leatherman has image-takers in mind with its new Adapt Kit, an everyday carry case built to help keep on-the-go photographers organized.
Made from 500D recycled nylon, the Adapt Kit protects fragile tools of the trade and keeps everything at the ready with seven internal pockets. Plus, the Adapt Kit has a removable silicon tray and compression-molded workspace, loops to organize cables and cords, and webbing for tool storage. Available now for $70.
La Sportiva x Janji ‘Door to World’ Collection
Sometimes all you need to make your runs faster and more fun is a little style! Janji teamed up with La Sportiva to do just that with the colorful Door to World collection. The limited-run capsule includes 10 pieces in all — men’s and women’s shorts and Zephyrunner wind shells, Jackal II shoes, running cap, sports bra, T-shirt, and hip pack/sling.
Unifying the entire collection is the Tectonic Shift print, seen above. The entire collection is available now, exclusively at REI, with 2% of apparel sales going to support clean water projects.
Acromoda Topographic Fanny Pack
Find your favorite place on Earth, and then have its topo map overlaid on this fanny pack! It’s not a revolutionary idea, but it sure is a fun and novel way for outdoor enthusiasts to personalize this go-anywhere pack.
This nifty fanny pack also includes jacket straps to lash on a rain shell and is compatible with a custom-made, removable water bottle pouch. The Topo Fanny Pack is available on Kickstarter now, with early bird pricing starting at $44.
66 North Mælifell Fisherman Hat
Don’t call it a beanie. If your Icelandic is up to snuff, call it by its name — the Mælifell. But if nothing else, call it a fishing hat. A collaboration with longtime brand ambassador and photographer Benjamin Hardman, the 66 North Mælifell wool-synthetic knit cap carries the name of Hardman’s favorite volcanic mountain in Iceland. (Spoiler, there’s more than a few to choose from.) The classic hat looks as handsome as it is warm and is available now for $60.
Vasque Re:Connect
Core hikers aren’t the only folks who need a great, good-looking, reliable shoe — everyday adventurers do, too. And Vasque takes a step toward bridging both camps with its Re:Connect Collection, an approachable companion line to the brand’s longstanding purpose-built adventure shoes and boots.
And this new collection comes out with a bang, boasting Vasque’s most versatile design to date: the Here. This “road to trail” shoe carries the iconic Xlite outsole lugs and a breathable mesh upper.
If you want more detail, check out GearJunkie’s first-look review on them. Shop men’s and women’s styles in both mid and low, retailing now for $150 and $130, respectively.
The North Face – GORE Denim Pack
Street style meets technical performance in this new collection from The North Face — thanks to the water-repellent GORE-TEX denim fabric. This urban assault apparel capsule breathes new life into the iconic ’92 Reversible Nuptse puffer jacket ($380), waterproof GTX Mountain Jacket ($450), and GTX Mountain Pant ($250).
In other words, you can go head to toe in technical denim — it’s like a Canadian tuxedo only, you know, cool. Check out the entire collection now at The North Face.
Solo Stove Mesa Torch
Solo Stove won high praise from GearJunkie when it first hit the scene a few years ago with the original smokeless fire pit. And the brand hasn’t looked back since, seemingly launching a new iteration of the breakthrough design across a host of products.
And now, we can add Tiki torches to the mix, with the Solo Stove Mesa Torch. The cold-rolled steel torches stand 52.75 inches tall, have an integrated fuel canister with three wicks, and can carry a detachable snuffer. Buy one for $80 or a three-pack for $200 — available now.
