We have a bevy of ski collaborations this week that will raise the stoke of skiers and snowboarders alike. Several limited runs of special-edition skis and snowboards, as well as new shades and winter apparel, will help you hit the slopes.
But we also have some cool new offerings from Osprey, Paka, Columbia, and other outdoor brands that have long proven themselves worthy partners for outdoor adventures.
Find all that and more right here in Emerging Gear.
Ski Travel Collection
If you’re a hardcore skier, then you have to go where there’s snow, be it Chile, Japan, or Colorado. That means you’ll be transporting your gear several times before finally arriving at the mountain. To make the trip easier, backpack brand Gregory has teamed up with ski maker Faction for a limited-edition “ski x travel collection.”
The four-piece collab includes a weather-ready roller duffel, organized gear storage, and backcountry-ready ski packs. The collection aims for skiers on extended itineraries, but should work just as well for day trips, the brand said.
The collection includes the Targhee 32, Alpaca Wheeled Duffel 100L, Ski Roller, and Alpaca Gear Basket 70. Threaded throughout the collection is an orange design motif from Faction’s award-winning Agent 3 ski, which was originally inspired by the global ski expeditions of Faction athlete and designer Cody Cirillo.
Snowboarding Collab
SOREL, a boot-making subsidiary brand of Columbia Sportswear, has teamed up with independent snowboarding brand Nidecker for a fun collaboration. The result is a special-edition SOREL x Nidecker Caribou snowboarding boot and a Nidecker Surfer Snowboard.
The Caribou Snow-G Boot ($500) includes the original design’s waterproof nubuck leather upper and natural rubber lower shell. But the interior has been redesigned with a wider last and a Silver Liner that “adapts to your foot for a personalized fit,” the brands said. It also has a BOA H5 Internal Heel Lock system on the tongue.
The SOREL Surfer Snowboard ($680) is inspired by snowboarding’s golden era, blending a retro directional outline with advanced tech, the brands said. It sports a Surfy CamRock profile with a lightweight core construction. The topsheet graphic has a lone caribou in tribute to the Caribou boot model from SOREL, which is considered one of the first snowboarding boots.
Ultralight Osprey Packs
Osprey Packs tend to focus on functionality more than weight reduction. But the brand’s latest lineup aims for high-quality ultralight packs for thru-hikers and backpackers.
The new ThrULite Pro collection includes packs with an AirScape back panel and adjustable torso length and load lifters. They have a vest-style BioStretch harness, a lightweight 7000‑series aluminum frame, and plenty of storage, including vest pockets for two 500-mL soft flasks or a 700-mL sports bottle. They come in either a roll-top main compartment or a removable top lid option for the 40L and 55L models.
The lineup includes the ThrULite Pro 55 ($340; 792-860g pack weight, depending on the lid option), ThrULite Pro 40 ($320; 760-810g pack weight), and ThrULite Pro 20 ($150; 398g pack weight).
Alpaca Winter Wear
We’re big fans of Paka around here. From making arguably the coziest hoodie ever to its highly-recommended Apu Parka, this brand based in Boulder, Colorado, sources its alpaca from Peru. It’s also donating 5% of sales from its new collection to the Quechua women weavers who helped design and make it.
For its second annual Heritage Collection, the brand offers several sweaters and socks “inspired by the traditional weaving practices and symbols of Peru’s Sacred Valley,” the brand said. New options include the Women’s Chakana Mock Neck ($270), which includes a large design of the ancient Andean Chakana symbol. There’s also the Patabamba Crew, available for both men ($200) and women ($250). Finally, Paka socks are among the best I’ve tried. New options include the Thermal Ombre and Patabamba Crew Socks ($32).
Shoes for Watching Wildlife
This emerging shoe brand has a different take on outdoor footwear — it wants you to slow down, rather than speed up.
Founded by footwear designer and wildlife photographer Sumi Das, Bonolok makes shoes for those looking for “slow outdoors” experiences. Instead of aiming for those trying to set personal bests, the shoe is for those who spend more time crouching or kneeling to closely observe animals and plants.
That’s why its made with a proprietary GenuflexTech system, which uses a drop-in, full-length rigid carbon plate, dual density foams, and a “rocker to redistribute pressure across the entire footbed.” Bonolok wants to find a niche among birders, wildlife photographers, foragers, gardeners, nature-inspired artists, herpers, tidepoolers, rockhounds, fossil collectors, nature educators, and wildlife trackers. The brand will also donate $5,000 to a butterfly rehabilitation program.
The M01 Low will retail for $225 and the M01 Mid for $250. Both are available now on the Bonolok site in either orange or green. They only ship to the U.S.
Limited-Edition Ski Kit
Swedish brand Peak Performance partnered with team rider WeiTien Ho to create a limited-edition lineup of freeride ski apparel. The resulting WeiTien Ridge Ace Ski Jacket and Bib Pants just launched this week.
WeiTien (the 2025 Xtreme Verbier champion) was involved from conception through the final garment. He then wore the kit through a full Freeride World Tour season “before signing off on it,” the brand said. The cut is wide and relaxed, and the kit is built on HIPE ACE, Peak’s in-house 3L, 20K/20K waterproof/breathable construction.
The WeiTien x PP Ridge Ace HIPE ACE 3L Shell Jacket is made from 70D lightweight ripstop. It has a fixed, helmet‑compatible hood, adjustable hem and sleeves, removable snowskirt, wrist gaiters, multiple pockets, YKK AquaGuard zippers, and RECCO searchable safety. It costs $600. The WeiTien x PP Ridge Ace HIPE ACE 3L Bib Pants are also made from 70D lightweight ripstop and have a relaxed, articulated fit with easy-adjust suspenders and an adjustable waistband. They cost $500.
Retro Columbia Gear
Did you know that Columbia Sportswear has been making outdoor gear for nearly 90 years? I sure didn’t. To celebrate that heritage, the brand is resurfacing old designs through its new Columbia Icons collection.
The first offerings in its retro lineup include the Bugaboo II 1986 Interchange Jacket and the Bugaboot 1.0. The boot dates back to 1993 and was Columbia’s first-ever footwear design, created in collaboration with designer Peter Moore. The inaugural gear drop brings back both products in their original teal, purple, and black colors.
The Bugaboo II 1986 Interchange Jacket ($220) is a 3-in-1 jacket with a waterproof Omni-Tech shell, fleece liner, and Interchange construction. As for the Bugaboot 1.0 ($250), it First introduced in 1993 in collaboration with Peter Moore, the boot that marked Columbia’s entry into footwear makes a triumphant return. This reissue features rugged leather and waterproof rubber-duck-boot construction, a specially designed gem-lug outsole with Omni-Grip traction, and individually numbered embroidery on each tongue.
Vuarnet Ski Shades
The latest release from Vuarnet, its new PEAK design aims to “balance outdoor performance with refined design.” It’s inspired by the silhouette of the brand’s Glacier model, which debuted half a century ago in 1974.
The PEAK shades have a lightweight hybrid construction of light nylon and metal, a streamlined fit, and a modern technical silhouette, Vuarnet said in a release. The sunglasses feature fabric-coated side shields for enhanced protection, and a modular design that allows the shields to be fully removed for changing conditions.
It’s available now in five mineral lens options, including Eclipse, which blocks 97% of visible light for high-altitude pursuits. Prices start at $490.
Porsche x HEAD Collection
Porsche-branded ski equipment? Well, why not? They’ve done it with surfing, and have previously released other limited-edition skis with HEAD. Now the famous car brand is again with some new collab designs from the Austrian ski brand.
“The new collection from Porsche and HEAD translates the distinctive, sporty design and off-road performance of the all-electric Porsche Taycan Turbo CrossTurismo “Adventure” into a new ski collection,” the brands said.
The collaboration features two ski models: the motorsport-inspired PORSCHE 7 Series and the versatile PORSCHE 8 Series. They’re meant for use on and off groomed slopes. There’s also a lineup of other winter sports equipment and ski accessories. The collection is now available online. Pricing ranges from $229 to $2,489.
XTRATUF x Poncho Boots
As a native of South Texas, I have to give this collaboration a nod as well. Beloved boot brand XTRATUF teamed up with Poncho Outdoors, based in Austin, Texas, for a limited-edition run of Ankle Deck Boots that use Poncho’s South Zone camo.
“They’re a nod to South Texas and built for brush country,” the brands said. The Ankle Deck Boots are slip-resistant and 100% waterproof. The brands have made only 500 pairs for this launch, so this limited run will likely sell out quickly.
The Men’s Poncho Camp Ankle Deck Boot costs $130.
