Here’s a look at the latest fall and winter gear for your upcoming outdoor adventures, from hiking to biking, camping to climbing, and more.
CAMPING
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 – The mesh dome is designed for unobstructed views, and even with the fly in place, the roll-back vestibule flap allows stargazing and ventilation on clear, mild nights. Two large doors provide easy entry/exit from either side — helpful when the tent is at capacity. A 42.5-square-foot floor fits three campers sleeping head-to-toe, with five interior pockets for storage. Packed size: 7” x 25”. Weight: 6 lbs. 1.5 oz. $300. mountainhardwear.com
Sierra Designs Get Down 20° – Blending the old and new, this 20-degree sleeping bag features 550 fill down that promises to shrug off the cold but is PFC-free and certified to the Responsible Down Standard. Tweaks to the classic mummy bag design include a lower zipper location for a more relaxed fit. When the temperature drops, the hood cinch keeps in heat. Available in women’s specific style. Weight: 2 lbs. 2.5 oz. $180. sierradesigns.com
Camp Chef Rainier 2X Combo – Fans of fireside breakfasts, or other grilled meals, will want to take a look at this camp stove, which includes an 8,000 BTU tube burner and nonstick aluminum griddle, plus a 10,000 BTU burner to heat up additional foods or beverages. Also included is a regulator adaptor for a 1-pound propane tank. Matchless ignition, a stainless-steel drip tray, and a carrying case make use a snap. $165. campchef.com
Helinox Bench One – Your existing camp chair has a problem: it can only fit a single person. The new Bench One assembles in seconds to seat a pair of campers yet packs down to only 18 inches for easy portability. The design utilizes the same lever-lock technology found in Helinox cots, providing a stable, firm surface with a 320-pound capacity. DAC alloy construction and breathable material ensure durability. $300. helinox.com
Patagonia Provisions Two-Day Camp Meal Kit – Not much for meal planning? This kit of responsibly sourced, tasty food items has been curated to provide all the nutrition and calories two people need for two days in the backcountry. None of the food takes more than 10 minutes to prepare. Plus, it comes with a few quick recipes. All you need is water, a cooking pot or two, fuel, and a few basics from your fridge and pantry. $89. patagoniaprovisions.com
BIKING
Tested: Tifosi Sledge – The Tifosi Sledge is a great full-coverage option, whether you pedal road, gravel, or trails. Specs include adjustable ear and nose pieces, UVA and UVB protection, glare guard, and hydrophilic rubber to ensure grip for the heavy sweaters among us. If you’re an all-weather rider, the Sledge comes with three interchangeable lenses of different tints, with vents that improved air circulation and prevented fogging on our 100-mile test ride. Perhaps best of all, for the price, you could buy two pairs in case you drop or lose one! $80. tifosioptics.com
Abus Urban-I 3.0 Signal – Being seen is the most crucial safety factor for road riders. The Urban-I 3.0 Signal alerts drivers to your presence with its bright yellow color, four large reflectors, and a LED rear light with 180-degrees of visibility. The durable, molded EPS outer shell features 12 air inlets and five air outlets, and a Fidlock magnetic strap buckle. An inner ring with adjustment wheel lets you dial in the fit. Price TBD. mobil.abus.com
Tested: Boulder Denim 3.0 Jeans – Wearing jeans for mountain biking is old-school legit. But most jeans aren’t super comfortable for active pursuits. Boulder Denim 3.0 Jeans are durable and breathable (and sustainable), with features purpose-built for performance. We’ve been wearing mine for months, and the denim is both supple and strong, surviving more than one crash without ripping. Ecomade CoolMax technology helps wick away moisture and regulate body temperature, so you’re not a rolling sweatbox. Ultra-deep pockets and a reinforced crotch gusset add utility. Great for the trail and town. Price TBD. boulderdenim.com
Yamaha Bicycles Civante – The Civante is Yamaha Bicycles first Class 3 electric model for the US market, a sporty drop bar design that provides pedal assist up to 28 mph. The bike features Yamaha’s PWSeries SE motor and frictionless Triple Sensor System for a natural-feeling ride, even at top speeds. Specs include mid-depth aerodynamic wheels, durable 10-speed Shimano Tiagra drive train, hydraulic disc brakes, and a multifunction LED display with USB power connectivity. $3,399. yamahabicycles.com
Kaden Gryla – Designed by women, for women, this 3/4-sleeve jersey is slightly fitted but features a raglan sleeve and side panel combo that allows for ample mobility when biking. The polyester and spandex blended fabric creates a soft, smooth feel on the body. When it comes to fit, the Gryla is a smidge longer than average length, sitting just slightly below the hip flexors. Available in Steel/Persimmon and Midnight Blue/Lilac. $90. kadenapparel.com
CLIMBING
Beyond Clothing Anchor Belay Jacket – Conquer the coldest of crags with this water-resistant jacket filled with recycled Primaloft Gold Luxe insulation. Four-way stretch and articulated sleeves mean enhanced mobility, and a belay-style, two-way zipper provides convenience in climbing situations. Stow your accessories in two hand zip pockets, one left chest pocket, and two oversized mesh pockets on the inside. The entire jacket packs down into the included stow pouch when not in use. $210. beyondclothing.com
Black Diamond Crag Glove – Backed by breathable stretch mesh fabric, Black Diamond’s lightweight cragging glove now boasts an updated finger construction of synthetic leather, reinforced in the index finger and thumb crotch for extra durability. A redesigned wrist strap has a low-profile, hook-and-loop cuff closure with pull-on/clip-in loop. Available in two new women’s colors — Bordeaux and Raging Sea (pictured) — and also in men’s fit. $20. blackdiamondequipment.com
Topo x So iLL Climbing Shoe – Part of a limited-edition collaboration, this fashionable climbing shoe is an all-around great choice for all skill levels. It’s built on a flat last with a highly tensioned yet comfortable heel, hard/stiff midsole for support, and molded rand that provides a precise fit. The bold red upper and Dark Matter Rubber create a sleek look that’s sure to keep wearers standing out among the crowd. $149. soillholds.com
Mystery Ranch Tower 47 – For long approaches, it’s hard to beat the Tower 47, which has an adjustable harness and waist belt — both removeable once you get to your destination. Speaking of which, the bag unzips and splays open on site to reveal the main cargo hold and three large internal pockets for shoes and gear. The exterior is made of bomb-proof, 1000-denier canvas with dual daisy chains to hook in additional items. $275. mysteryranch.com
Trango Prism – The Prism is designed to be a well-balanced harness for a wide range of climbers, making it a solid choice of entry-level buyers. It also mitigates a problem that a lot of single-buckle harnesses face: it’s floating waistband allows the gear loops to be centered regardless of the size of the wearer. Adjustable elastic leg loop risers add to the ease of use and comfort. Price TBD. trango.com
HIKING
Lowa Explorer GTX Lo – Not every hiker needs a heavy-duty mountaineering boot. But who wouldn’t like the same durability and performance? Lowa’s new Explorer line is built to be light and fast while incorporating a proven Vibram Megagrip outsole and a midsole with DynaPU+ material and cushioned heel wedge for all-day comfort and better walking flex. Available in men’s and women’s sizes, as well as a mid-cut model. $240 (Mid), $200 (Lo). lowaboots.com
Tested: Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket & Pants – Rain happens. When it does, you’ll want a go-to jacket and pants set like the updated Helium. What’s great about this pair is that it packs down small but performs big. The new Diamond Fuse fabric offers a 50-pecent higher waterproof rating and is seven times more tear-resistant than the previous material — yet is lighter in weight. We appreciated the jacket’s adjustable hood and hem along with the pants’ ankle zippers, which made them easy to slip on over my boots when the showers came. Available in men’s and women’s fits. $159 (jacket), $119 (pants). outdoorresearch.com
Cotopaxi Cusco 26L Backpack – Whether trekking up mountains or traipsing across campus, this colorful canvas backpack holds 26 liters and has a suede leather bottom for durability. Multiple zipper pockets include an ample main compartment, 15-inch laptop sleeve, top essentials pouch, and internal mesh organizers for small items. Two water bottle pockets flank the pack. A breathable back panel and adjustable chest, waist, and shoulder straps let you personalize the fit. $110. cotopaxi.com
Tested: Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six Medium Cushion – Co-workers laughed when we likened these socks to sweaters for our feet, but it’s true. Made of Swiftwick’s lightweight Olefin fiber and Merino wool, they kept my feet warm and wicked moisture away without that swamp-foot feeling. A seamless toe closure lessened friction and pressure points, while extra cushion underfoot made them long-wearing day after day. The six-inch cuff length did a flawless job of keeping out trail debris. Also available in light cushion. $22 (Light), $24 (Medium). swiftwick.com
SylvanSport WayLight – The multi-fun-ctional WayLight has a glowing bulb and directional light built into the handle to illuminate the trail ahead. USB rechargeable, the lights have a reported battery life of 18 hours. The poles are adjustable from 34 to 52 inches and include attachment points for wrist straps. Bonus: The basket on each pole has slots that fit bamboo skewers, which you can use for roasting marshmallows over the campfire. $60. sylvansport.com
RUNNING
Belaga Reflective Enduro – Refractive glass beads at the top of this sock provide high visibility in low-light conditions, important as daylight becomes scarce this fall and winter. The technology is paired with Balega’s popular Enduro collection, featuring V-Tech arch support for a secure hold while still allowing your toes to move. Drynamix wicking fibers and ventilation panels absorb and eliminate moisture. Colors include Multi Neon (pictured), Midgrey/Neon Lime and Black/Neon Green. $16. balega-socks.implus.com
Hoka One One Bondi 7 – The glide-neutral Bondi is the most cushioned style in Hoka One One’s road-shoe lineup, offering a smooth, balanced, consistent ride. From an upper with memory foam collar and breathable mesh construction, to a midsole with compression-molded EVA and refined Meta-Rocker, to a rubber outsole with a beveled heel for an effortless transition — every feature is designed to help you go the distance in support and comfort. $150. hokaoneone.com
Incrediwear Knee Sleeve – The secret of this anti-inflammatory sleeve is embedded carbon and germanium to increase blood flow and decrease inflammation. Sitting lightly on the skin, it’s comfortable to wear under clothes and during exercise — especially endurance training where impact may be higher. Those with acute or chronic joint injuries can also use it while resting/sleeping to accelerate recovery and relieve pain. Available in sizes medium to extra extra large. $37. incrediwear.com
Blyss Running Skirt II – It’s all about the fit with this super-wicking skort. The waistband is 4 inches wide and sits naturally at the waist. Plus, it has a continuous drawstring, so you can adjust the size. The under short has a 5-inch inseam with soft elastic around each leg. The result is no riding up or sliding down when running. Stash your phone or gels in the side pocket on each leg. Six colorways include Marigold (pictured). $79. blyssrunning.com
Tested: Skratch Labs Hot Apple Cider Sport Hydration Drink Mix – Pumpkin spice has nothing on this fall flavor from Skratch Labs. There’s a pleasing cinnamon taste on top of the subtle apple tang, which we really enjoyed. Not too sweet, and not over-flavored. Like all Skratch sport mixes, this one is calibrated to provide the right amount of sugar to improve performance and hydrate faster, but not create GI distress. Try it hot or cold. Available for a limited time in 440-gram bags. $20. skratchlabs.com
SNOW SPORTS
Bollé Nevada Neo – Quickly change between two lenses with the magnetic Eyelatch locking system on the Nevada Neo. Open it to change the lens and close it to lock in place — it’s that simple. The Neo features Bollé’s proprietary Platinum technology, a coating that provides a high scratch resistance and delays fogging well beyond minimum standards. Also available is the Phantom+ lens, which reduces glare and enhances contrast to distinguish ice from snow. $260 ($280 with Phantom+). bolle.com
Mammut La Liste Pro HS Hooded Jacket – A robust ski jacket with excellent weather protection and breathability, sporting a fresh freerider look. The La Liste Pro HS is constructed of three-layer Gortex Pro material, with vapor permeability and underarm ventilation. Ski-specific features include elasticized hand gaiters, a zip-off snow skirt, helmet-compatible hood, and built-in snap buttons to attach your ski pants. Available in Marine Bright White (pictured) and Tumeric Deep Emerald. $795. mammut.com
Flylow Parker Pant – The new Parker Pant takes its cues from the tight-fitting women’s ski pants of the ’90s. With a slim fit and flared-out bottom (which, yes, fits over your ski boot), the high-waisted beauties incorporate padded knees, two zippered front pockets, and a brushed liner for luxury and warmth. The main waterproof material is four-way stretch: 80-percent nylon, 20-percent spandex. Sizes extra small to extra large. $275. flylowgear.com
MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoe Kit – Everything you need in a convenient snowshoe setup for winter adventures. Evo Ascent Snowshoes provide workhorse durability and all-condition traction; DynaLock Explore Backcountry Poles offer aluminum construction and a full range of adjustment; the carrying pack is built with rugged coated nylon panels and a wide-mouth roll-top for easy access to its contents. It also features a removable foam seat, internal zippered pocket, hydration compatibility, and loops for pole attachments. $300. msrgear.com
Lib Tech Box Scratcher – Creative and vibrant could describe the artwork decorating the Box Scratcher, or its performance. This is an all-mountain freestyle board with medium flex and mild camber, plus a serrated edge shape that provides hold and control in all conditions. Built to handle the terrain park as well as the powder and backcountry, the Box Scratcher comes in sizes 147 to 157 centimeters for riders weighing 85 to 120+ pounds. $500. lib-tech.com
LIFESTYLE
Tested: HERO Portable Charcoal Grill – Bringing a charcoal grill when camping or tailgating sounds awesome, but it means a lot of mess when it comes to fuel and cleanup. This grill cuts down on the fuss with charcoal pods that you use once and then toss in the trash. They were harder to ignite but burned longer than expected — well over 60 minutes. (A two-pack of replacement pods runs $25.) A dishwasher safe, ceramic-coated grill, meat thermometer, bamboo cutting board and spatula, and carrying case round out the system. $100. herogrill.fireandflavor.com
Tested: Rackle Alex – Some shoes are made for performance or toughness. The Alex is made to biodegrade faster than any other contemporary shoe on the market. It’s constructed of a 100-percent hemp upper and Eco-Pure foam midsole/outsole; the latter reportedly begins to break down after one year in active enclosed landfill conditions. We couldn’t test that, but we can tell you the shoes are extremely lightweight and comfortable. Available in men’s and women’s sizes in three colors, including Redwood (pictured). $90. rackleshoes.com
Solo New York Re:cover Backpack – The new Re:cover Backpack is part of Solo New York’s Re:cycled Collection, integrating fabric developed from respun plastic water bottles otherwise destined for the landfill. Made of a heather gray material, the Re:cover includes a padded compartment for laptops, an interior organizer section with key clip, a front zippered pocket, quick access pocket, and a back panel that slides over luggage handles. The urban-chic look is straight out of its namesake city. $60. solo-ny.com
Ombraz Leggero – If you think something is missing from the Leggero, it is. Like other Ombraz sunglasses, these come sans the sidearms. Instead, they’re held in place by the adjustable cord, which you tighten behind your head to take out the slack. The result is a secure, comfortable fit. The Leggero features German engineered, high-quality polarized Zeiss optics that are both smudge- and scratch-resistant and comes in two frame colors, Ember or Charcoal (pictured). $140. ombraz.com
Icebreaker Hillock Funnel Neck Sweater – Keep cold, wet weather at bay with this new 100-percent merino wool sweater from Icebreaker. It features a double-layer funnel neck, regular fit that can be worn solo or over other layers, and a raglan sleeve construction for mobility. Plus, pure merino warms and comforts your body as it breathes. Available in women’s sizes from extra small to extra large in Charcoal Heather (pictured) Steel Heather. Machine washable. icebreaker.com
Authors: Brad and Shalini Kovach.
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