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Emerging Gear: ‘Madhappy’ Skis, Biggie Smalls Puffy, Trippy Blades, and More

Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.

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Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid or click through for a slideshow.

Marmot Mammoth Parka

Marmot’s Mammoth Parka has been around since the ’90s (it was apparently a favorite of Biggie Smalls), but it finally got an upgrade this fall. The Mammoth Parka ($575) is a 700-fill down parka with a two-layer GORE-TEX shell, 100% taped seams, a zip-off, down-filled hood, a powder skirt, handwarmer pockets, an interior media pocket, microfleece cuffs, and more. It comes in some new colors and sizes S-2XL.

Gaia Winter Topo Maps

gaia winter topo maps on two smartphone screens

Last week, Gaia introduced its winter-edition topo maps. The Winter Topo layers, designed by Gaia’s in-house cartographers, include new features like terrain info, tree cover, contours, nordic and downhill trail maps, and a special “winter” color palette. Looking for resort skiing? Fat bike trails? Gaia’s winter topos should be able to guide you through it all this season. But take note: It’s only available with Gaia premium memberships.

Point6 Livin' It Merino Joggers

point6 merino joggers for men and women

Hike sockmaker Point6 now also makes apparel. Its cozy joggers and hoodie (from $175) are made with a 100% merino exterior. A brushed polyester interior insulates the joggers, and an 88% merino (plus a bit of spandex) blend makes up the hoodie. The joggers have deep drop pockets, and the hoodie has a kangaroo pouch. Shop the men’s and women’s hoodie, or men’s and women’s joggers.

Benchmade Collector's Edition Cutlery

benchmade collectors knife marbled carbon fiber handle

Benchmade already has knife sets, including a custom knife set, but how about a one-of-a-kind collector’s set? Benchmade’s got that too with its 4000-211 Collector’s Edition 3 Piece Set (available for a cool $2,400). Each knife in the set — a chef, utility, and paring knife — comes with a 14-degree edge Damasteel blade, a gold-plated ring, and carbon handles with marbled carbon-fiber bolsters. Only 200 sets are available.

Faction x Madhappy Agent Skis

faction agent 4.0 x madhappy skis

Faction’s Agent 4.0 touring skis get a makeover with Madhappy Outdoors. The collab Faction x Madhappy Skis are different from the standard Agents, as they feature recycled materials in the base and sidewalls, a sustainably sourced wood core, and plant-based resin. To top it off, 1% of sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet. The skis come in 171cm and 179cm lengths. These cloud-like beauties retail for $800.

Sea to Summit X-Pot Kettle

A compact kettle that folds to save space? Yes, please. This kettle utilizes Sea to Summit’s proprietary heat-resistant silicone to form collapsible walls. The X-Pot Kettle ($40-50) has an anodized aluminum base, silicone walls, translucent lid, and glass-reinforced nylon handles. The kettle is BPA-free and comes in two sizes: 1.3L and 2L. Pair with the collapsible Sea to Summit X-Mug or X-Pot for a perfect packable setup.

Injinji Lightweight Running Gloves & Headband

New and perfect timing for cold-weather running are Injinji’s lightweight gloves ($24) and headband ($12). Both are soft, lightweight, and uber-reflective. We’ve been enjoying them the past few weeks, and we especially love the touch-compatible fingertips and reflective hits. The gloves come in sizes for men and women. P.S.: These would make a great stocking stuffer!

Jack Wolfskin DNA Tundra Hoody

Jack Wolfskin 100% recycled DNA Tundra hoody

New for winter 2021 is Jack Wolfskin’s DNA Tundra Hoody ($200), an essential puffy style revived with completely recycled materials. The DNA Tundra is windproof and water-repellent, with a ripstop outer fabric and 700-fill RDS-certified duck down. It’s 100% PFC-free, and 100% recycled (except for the zipper). It’s available in men’s and women’s sizes.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard x Spyder Googles

spyder NFX ski goggles in light rose red tint lens

Similar to another athlete collab earlier this season, Spyder has partnered with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Pro Team to create a goggle perfect for cheering on our athletes on home turf — or repping them abroad. The Collab Spyder Goggles ($130) have a frameless design, a red lens, and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Pro Team logo decal on the strap.

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