For the second year running, GearJunkie headed deep into the redwoods of northern California to attend Outpost. There, industry professionals interacted with an outdoor-minded public to show off and try new gear. The result: a hands-on showcase that reveals what’s trending in the world where adventure and festival overlap.
ENO ProFly Prints
Add style to your comfort with a range of decorative hammock and rainfly prints. For fall/winter 2018, ENO launches the ProFly and DoubleNest Prints, a variety of colors and designs that help your hammock stand out. The ProFly also features updated reflective guy lines and a new tension system. The new hammock prints will grace ENO’s DoubleNest.
DrinkTanks 32-Ounce Growler
DrinkTanks made a name for itself with travel-friendly growlers that promise to keep beer carbonated longer. And while its 128- and 64-ounce growlers have done just that, 2019 will see the brand’s first 32-ounce growler. With it, the brand also launches a new handle design for all its growlers.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom
Whirring propellers are a common sound at festivals these days, and Outpost was no different. DJI set loose its latest drones, the Mavic 2 Pro ($1,449) and Mavic 2 Zoom ($1,249), to capture stills and video. Both launched this year, the Pro marks the first drone with an integrated Hasselblad camera while the Zoom offers the first foldable consumer drone with optical zoom capability.
Tentsile Trillium XL
Go big with your hammock camping in the Tentsile Trillium XL. This massive 194-square-foot tri-hammock proved an ideal hangout for up to six people at Outpost. While it’s not for every outing, this single-season mesh hangout with rainfly provides a fun and comfortable seating area for large groups. It’s available now for $350.
Photo credit: Cam McLeod
Decked Crossbox
The only thing better than a pickup is an organized pickup. Decked hit the market in 2013 with its first run of covered, sliding truck-bed cabinets to help add storage options for gear. Five years later, the brand now has a system for both full-size and midsize trucks. And this year, Decked introduced the Crossbox, a waterproof, modular toolbox that fits width-wise or length-wise in either of Decked’s wide or narrow drawer systems.
Merrell Agility Synthesis Flex
Nothing chases away (too) late nights like morning trail runs. We donned the Agility Synthesis Flex from Merrell’s 2018 collection. The 8-mm-drop shoes provided plenty of cushion over rocks and roots, and the 5-mm lugs offered plenty of purchase on fast, loose descents. Plus, at 9 ounces per shoe (men’s; 7 ounces women’s), the Agility Synthesis Flex keeps stride with other high-performance shoes we’ve tried in this category. Check it out now for $110 — men’s / women’s.
Photo credit: Nathalie Kossek
Helinox Home
Helinox is no stranger to the outdoors, but its latest offering aims to bring lightweight, packable furniture inside. Launched this month, the Home Collection uses construction similar to Helinox’s camp furniture, but instead of rough, 600-weave polyester, it offers a relatively soft 1,200-weave fabric. We used the new Home Table and Chair One and thought both were eye-catching and noticeably softer.
Vintage Electric
Don’t hide the power, show it off! Vintage Electric takes a stand in the e-bike market by making its batteries a centerpiece rather than hiding them in the top tube. We tested the retro-looking Cafe this summer and loved it. And at Outpost, we ripped up mountain roads in the Steve McQueen-worthy Scrambler S. Launched this year, the Scrambler S can roar up to 36 miles per hour and offers a range of up to 75 miles. Though it’s an investment ($6,995 retail), it’s one heck of a ride!
Photo credit: Evan Dudley
Onewheel
Looking for a way to cruise around the campgrounds that’s as portable as a skateboard and as versatile as a bike? The rechargeable, gyroscopic Onewheel turned heads when it first hit the market a few years ago. Now, the California brand returns with the Onewheel+ XR, which provides 10 percent more power than it predecessor and a range of up to 18 miles on a single charge. The $1,799 Onewheel+ XR is available now.
Photo credit: Erik Jutras
Crow Canyon Enamelwear
Lighter than steel, tougher than glass, and more eco-friendly than plastic, enamelware finds a niche among campers looking for a mix of durability and weight savings. And while many think of camp mugs, Crow Canyon Home specializes in all manner of enamelware, including mugs, plates, utensils, tea kettles, and more. Plus, Crow Canyon Home’s enamelware is safe for stoves, grills, dishwashers, and campfires.
Chillbo Shwaggins
Among the hottest products at last year’s Outpost, Chillbo Shwaggins’ inflatable loungers were back in full force again this year. And in addition to the now-familiar run-to-inflate ground seats, the brand introduced the Don Poolio — a floating pool pad. The $60 Don Poolio uses the same inflation technique as the lounger but provides a flatter, wider surface to lie down.
Revive Kombucha
If there was an official (nonalcoholic) drink at Outpost, it was Revive Kombucha. This California-based booch brewer offers a tasty twist on the traditional health beverage. Flavors like Ginger Lime, Mocha Java Coffee, and Cola make the trendy tea an all-natural alternative to sugar-heavy sports drinks.
goodr Sunglasses
Don’t pay more for performance sunglasses. That’s the mantra behind goodr — make affordable sunglasses that look good and perform, with “no bullshit.” Virtually everyone sported a pair during Outpost; goodr glasses range from basic all-black frames and lenses to horn-rimmed, multicolored fashion statements. These glasses don’t sport especially high-end construction, but at about $25-35 per pair, they offer a straightforward, fun pair of shades.
Luminoodle Task USB
Get stuff done in the dark. Power Practical builds on the success of its Luminoodle outdoor string light with the Luminoodle Task USB. This thick, flexible light strip belts out up to 3,600 lumens. Plus, it’s dimmable and contains a blend of warm and cool LEDs that mimic natural light. Best of all, the Task has magnetic sliders and utility loops to mount it almost anywhere. And for utility, the Task weighs 200 g (7 ounces) and is water- and dust-proof. Look for it to be available as soon as its Kickstarter orders are fulfilled.
