Has being an outdoor athlete ever looked this sexy? We’ve got mountain camo ski gear to make you a backcountry super spy. There’s a new e-bike sidecar for living out your childhood dreams of Indiana Jones. And, The North Face winter apparel line will certainly keep you looking flashy on the slopes.
But we’re not only about style, of course. The drinkable, nutrient-dense food pouches from RecPak sound like potential winners for backcountry athletes looking to push the limits. And, GearJunkie’s cycling editor has a recommendation for winter cyclists looking to stay cozy. Check out the latest and greatest of Emerging Gear.
Outdoor Research x Mark Abma Ski Collection
You’ll want to act fast if you like what you see here.
Outdoor Research partnered with freeski legend Mark Abma to release the limited-edition Multicam Alpine Skytour Ascentshell Collection. In truth, this looks like a pretty sweet kit, and with only 125 of them available, they’ll likely sell out quickly.
This material offers exceptional breathability and PFA-free waterproof protection, making the kit ideal for backcountry skiing, the brand said. With an exclusive alpine camouflage pattern originally created for U.S. Special Forces, the kit is designed to blend into snowy mountain landscapes. Priced at $500, the jacket and bib pants can be purchased online or at the Outdoor Research Flagship Store in Seattle.
The collection goes live on the Outdoor Research website at 3 p.m. PST on Nov 14. An early access notification will tell you when it drops.
MOD Bikes Easy Sidecar Sahara
As if the original MOD Bikes Easy Sidecar wasn’t cool enough, the brand had to go and make one with some serious Indiana Jones vibes. Well done, friends.
The limited-edition MOD Easy Sidecar Sahara, inspired by the 1940s BMW R 75 Sahara, debuted last week at the Electrify Expo in Austin, Texas. The e-bike has a sand-beige frame and minimalistic graphics, along with an upgraded, dual-crown motorcycle-style front fork, an extended sidecar frame, two headlights, and a top cargo rack.
And lest we forget the most important part: MOD Bikes says this is the first-ever sidecar e-bike with a built-in doggie door. (I accept this claim at face value.) Finally, the sidecar’s seat and seatbelt are removable to accommodate pets, children, or small adults.
The MOD Easy Sidecar Sahara is available for $3,500 until December 1, for Black Friday. The e-bike features a 750W hub motor, torque-sensing pedal assist, and a maximum range of 50-100 miles, with a 400-pound payload capacity.
RecPak
Serious hikers and backcountry adventures may want to look at this one.
RecPak makes lightweight, high-nutrition meals designed for backcountry adventures. Developed with elite endurance athletes and sports nutritionists, each 6.6-ounce pouch delivers 700 calories and 42g of protein. That makes it “a complete meal” with just the addition of water — no stove or prep time needed, the brand said.
RecPak’s pouches are supposedly durable, and the meals include 39 essential nutrients. Available in three flavors — Chocolate, Vanilla Chai, and Coffee (with caffeine) — RecPak is trusted by outdoor professionals, from mountaineers to search and rescue teams, according to the veteran-owned company. The three-pack sampler, priced at $38, includes all three flavors.
Ornot Alpha Collection
GearJunkie’s Cycling & Climbing Editor, Seiji Ishii, is a big fan of Ornot’s Alpha Riding Vest. According to him, the Ornot Alpha Riding Vest proved to be a super-versatile layer for shoulder season cycling. A wind-blocker front panel shields the Polartec Alpha insulation that makes up the rest of the vest (some of the best insulation on the market). It also dries quicker than just about anything else he’s tested.
Keeping the core warm helps keep the extremities warm, so days where there was a 30-degree swing from morning lows and afternoon highs, the vest shined. And at 150 g (for a size M) with high compressibility for its warmth, it’s a no-brainer just-in-case piece.
As for style, Ornot also avoids garish graphics and uses minimal branding, and it’s environmentally conscious to boot. It uses deadstock fabric (the Polartec Alpha in the vest), and other materials are Bluesign-approved. And all Ornot goods are made in the USA.
The North Face 2024 Snow Sports Collection
The latest snow sports collection from The North Face certainly aims for fashion with some snow sports substance. Modular by design, this layering system offers customizable options for athletes to build a tailored kit that’s still stylish, according to TNF.
The collection was developed in collaboration with The North Face athletes Xavier, Victor, and Mila De Le Rue, who tested the gear in extreme conditions across Europe and Antarctica. The A68a DRYVENT Monoshell Jacket shown above won’t come cheap, however, clocking in at $800.
For non-skiers (or those with thinner wallets), I’d suggest checking out the DOTKNIT Thermal Hoodie, which wicks moisture, is fully recyclable — and costs $185.
Lectric Expedition 2.0
It’s not often you can upgrade something without a bigger price tag. But that’s what Lectric is offering with the XPedition 2.0 cargo e-bike.
Like the original, the bike costs $1,400 but now includes a torque sensor, refined frame design, and front suspension. It retains the 450-pound payload capacity and 750W motor, which peaks at 1,310 W. The updated frame offers increased stability and more cargo space, while the 50mm front suspension and eight-speed drivetrain provide better handling, according to Lectric.
Other new features include a color display, turn signals, upgraded grips, and a faster-charging 5A charger. It’s available in two new colors and offers three battery options, with the dual-battery setup providing over 170 miles of range. The XPedition 2.0 also meets the latest cargo eBike safety standards and includes free shipping with quick, tool-free assembly.
Bee’s Wrap Reusable Gift Wrap
Everybody loves opening a nicely wrapped present over the holidays — but you don’t have to increase our paper waste to do it. Bee’s Wrap now sells a Reusable Gift Wrap Set, giving all of us holiday gifters an eco-friendly alternative to conventional wrapping paper.
Made from certified organic cotton, these wraps come in a festive Winter Wonderland print and can be reused for years, according to Bee’s Wrap. The set, priced at $30, includes one large wrap (36″ x 36″), one medium wrap (27″ x 27″), and two small wraps (18″ x 18″).
Timex x The James Brand GMT
The James Brand × Timex GMT returns with a new edition, building on the success of its sold-out predecessor. The updated version retains the sleek 41mm barrel-shaped brushed titanium case and introduces an emerald rotating bezel. Designed for durability, it has a screw-down crown and caseback to protect against dirt, dust, and moisture.
The back is engraved with a limited-edition number and a James Brand sapphire crystal window showcasing the 24-jewel automatic movement. Limited to 750 numbered units, the TJB × Timex GMT will be available for purchase starting November 12 on the Timex website and TheJamesBrand.com. It costs $750.
PAKA Mountain Crew
PAKA, an apparel brand using alpaca fiber sourced from Peru, just dropped the Mountain Crew, a line of sweaters designed for outdoor activities. Available for both men and women, the Mountain Crew has a durable blend of alpaca fiber, merino wool, and nylon. They’re available in several colors and cost $145.
But that’s not the only new thing from PAKA this month. There’s also the limited-edition Sock Gift Box, containing a trio of alpaca socks. The box includes a surprise golden ticket in one of 4,000 boxes. Each ticket grants two Peruvian patches, each redeemable for a round-trip flight to Peru.
Beaver-Fur Hand Warmers
Aurora Heat offers an eco-friendly, all-natural alternative to disposable hand warmers, perfect for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in the colder months, the brand said.
Crafted from sustainably harvested beaver fur, these reusable warmers are designed to fit snugly into mittens, gloves, and socks. Starting at $80, the warmers are biodegradable, zero-waste, and designed to last for over 10 years. Each purchase supports Indigenous artisans in Northern Canada, the brand said.
