As the winter holidays commence and we approach “the most wonderful time of the year,” the outdoor industry is focused on one thing: getting you ready for cold adventures. You’ll see that clearly from the extra emphasis this week on winter gear, with lots of cool releases (pun intended) from brands big and small.
But even if you can’t make it to any snow slopes, there’s plenty of classy apparel on offer this week to keep you warm this season. The fall offerings of running brand Path Projects look durable and sophisticated, while the Outerknown Puffer offers a down jacket made from recycled fishing nets. Check out the latest and greatest of the outdoors right here in Emerging Gear.
Carv 2 Ski Coach
The robots are coming! And they want to teach you to ski better! Meet the Carv 2, an AI-driven ski coaching device that aims to provide real-time feedback and analysis to skiers on all terrains.
Unlike earlier versions that required boot installation, Carv 2 clips onto any ski boot. At 47 g, the compact device uses a six-axis gyroscope and accelerometer to capture detailed movement data, sent via Bluetooth to the Carv app for in-the-moment coaching.
Carv 2’s all-terrain functionality detects snow types — powder, bumps, or groomed trails — and adjusts the coaching accordingly. Real-time audio guidance can be customized to each skier’s preferences, with options for turn-by-turn feedback or general tips during breaks.
Get the Carv 2 sensors free with a $250 annual membership fee.
BLUETTI Handsfree Backpack Series
I imagine that BLUETTI was thinking of outdoor content creators when it designed this high-tech pack with a built-in power station.
Meet the brand’s Handsfree Backpack Series, designed to offer outdoor adventurers an all-in-one power solution. The series has two models: Handsfree 1, a 42L backpack with a 300W/268Wh power station for 1-3-day trips, and Handsfree 2, a 60L backpack with a 700W/512Wh power station, meant for 3-5-day excursions.
Each backpack includes an ultra-thin, detachable power station with five output ports, allowing users to charge multiple devices without removing the backpack. With real-time app control, the Handsfree series provides efficient, hands-free charging on the go.
Both models feature the ErgoBLUE ergonomic support system for even weight distribution and a 30kg weight capacity. They’re also water-resistant and durable, BLUETTI said.
M1 Skis
Emerging brand M1 Skis just launched its Ascension Series skis. The company’s Monobloque technology employs solid aerospace-grade aluminum and precision CNC machining. According to M1, this proprietary innovation optimizes flex and torsion profiles, resulting in a durable, sustainably made ski.
The Ascension Series launches with two flagship models: the Stratos 70, crafted for those seeking powerful, precise turns, and the Velocity SL, tailored for competitive slalom racers requiring responsive control. The Ascension Series by M1 Skis is available in a limited run this season. Reserve one now for a $100 deposit.
Saucony Ride 17 Halloween
A subtle, Halloween-themed shoe from Saucony means you can partake in the spooky season without sacrificing quality kicks for running.
Saucony has a solid reputation — you can usually find a model in our Best Running Shoes guide — so the Ride 17 Halloween is likely a cushy runner. The “glow-in-the-dark design” on this one is quite subtle, given the coolest design feature (a pair of glowing skeletons) is located on the insoles. Maybe it’s how you find the shoes in the closet?
All jokes aside, the shoes look flippin’ sweet. They have other glow-in-the-dark features on the bottom of the shoes, as well as a small skull above the tongue. Again: subtle. I have no doubt they’ll look sexy as hell (get it?) for an outfit leaning on the classier side of Halloween costumes. Sleek and chic, they sell for $140.
AirNEST
A tent that also floats? This one looks like a potential hit for family camping adventures this fall.
AirNEST is a fully integrated outdoor shelter system that combines a tent and mattress into one innovative unit, according to the brand. It supposedly inflates in under 2 minutes, with a queen-size mattress that also inflates separately in 2 minutes or less.
The inflator is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, can inflate items up to 20 psi, and features a built-in light, USB-C charging port, and seven nozzles for inflating other gear. AirNEST is launching on Kickstarter soon, so sign up on the website to receive a notice when it drops.
Path Projects Fall Collection
Path Projects makes the favored running shorts of AllGear Editorial Director Sean McCoy (no liners, y’all!), along with plenty of other lightweight running gear aimed at peak performance. However, the brand is also branching into other apparel, as evidenced by some warmer threads offered in its new fall collection.
That includes the Boreas Field Pant ($138), a stretch ripstop pant for trekking or whatever you want to throw at it, the brand said. But for Path Projects fans who already have the brand’s running kit, I’d suggest the Klamath Shirt Jacket, a 100% merino wool jacket that looks quite cozy for warming up after a cold run.
Outisan E-Wagon Air
The Outisan e-Wagon Air Kickstarter project reached full funding in just 24 hours, raising over $16,000 from backers.
This electric folding utility wagon will work for anyone looking to move heavy loads with minimal effort, according to the Kickstarter. Building on the original e-Wagon Ultra released in 2022, the Outisan Air is a lighter model with some extra features.
It can automatically adjust motor assistance based on walking speed and terrain. Also, a responsive handle provides intuitive control: a light push slows it down, a firmer push stops it, and an extended push reverses direction. The wagon stops automatically when the handle is released. Entry-level Kickstarter options begin at $400.
All Good Equipment Teardrop Campers
You have to admit: It’s a sexy-looking camper.
All Good Equipment, a family-owned small business in San Carlos, Calif., has launched a hand-crafted teardrop trailer. Initially a passion project by founder Matt Bettman, an industrial designer, the trailer was designed for family camping adventures. After years of design refinements, Bettman founded All Good Equipment Co., specializing in durable trailers made with sustainable materials.
Each trailer is crafted from marine plywood and insulated with minimally processed sheep’s wool, avoiding fiberglass and plastics. The lightweight 1,060-pound trailer can be towed by most vehicles and maneuvered by hand for campsite setup. All Good Equipment teardrops are available for $25,000, with orders now open for summer delivery.
POC x Marco Odermatt Ski Helmet
In collaboration with alpine ski champion Marco Odermatt, POC introduces the new Obex Pure Odermatt edition helmet, crafted for non-competition days.
Unlike his competition helmet, the Obex Pure provides Odermatt the perfect fit for days focused on carving and backcountry skiing. “I sat down with POC to create and design my ideal helmet for the days I am not racing against the clock, and the Obex Pure evokes all the freedom and joy that a day of skiing gives me,” Odermatt said in a release.
The Obex Pure Odermatt edition is the latest in Odermatt’s signature series with POC, complementing his Skull Dura race helmet, Zonula and Fovea Clarity goggles, and a Junior collection. The helmet will be available in the U.S. at a retail price of $170.
Outerknown Puffer
Outerknown introduces its line of NetPlus Puffer jackets. Crafted from Bureo’s NetPlus material, the new Outerknown Puffer is made entirely from 100% recycled fishing nets to reduce ocean plastic pollution, the brand said.
Insulated with 700-fill recycled down, the men’s puffer includes a center-front zipper, storm flap, and chin guard. There are also plastic sleeve bindings and an adjustable hem with a cord lock for insulation, and fleece-lined pockets. The jacket also includes a DWR coating free of PFAS and packs compactly into its interior pocket. The men’s NetPlus Puffer is available now for $348. A women’s edition will be available in early December for $368.
