Cool (Weather) Gear: Thirty-five new pieces of fall and winter outdoor gear to help you finish the year strong.
Camping
Livsn Flex Canvas Pants
When you’re camping, you want a wardrobe that can do it all. Be sure to toss the Livsn Flex Canvas Pants in your bag. These sustainably sourced EcoFlex canvas slacks have a slim, tapered fit with reinforced stress points, articulated knees, and a gusseted crotch for freedom of movement. The fabric is cottony soft while being durable enough to dance around the campfire after a day out exploring. Integrated features include zippered security pockets, discrete everyday carry pockets, a roll-up leg system (great for climbing or biking), and ventilation. $99. livsndesigns.com
Good-To-Go Resupply Food Kit
Sometimes, you just don’t feel like cooking every meal. With a dozen double-serving entrees — three Thai Curry, three Chicken Pho, three Mexican Quinoa Bowl, and three Cuban Rice — the Good-To-Go Resupply Food Kit has you covered. The meals are tasty as well as gluten-free, with substantial protein and calorie counts and vegetarian, carnivore, and pescatarian options. The shelf life is two to five years, making them perfect to have on hand for emergency preparedness, too. $162. goodto-go.com
Nemo Moonlite Reclining Chair
Buckles on each side let you adjust the built-in recliner system so that you can sit up to eat or lean back under the stars. That’s the preeminent feature of the Nemo Moonlite Reclining Chair. Weighing 1 pound, 14 ounces and measuring 4 by 4 by 14 inches, the chair won’t take up a lot of room in your car or pack, yet it still holds up to 300 pounds. A shock-cord frame and ball-and-socket seat attachments make setup easy. Bonus: The Moonlite uses 100-percent post-consumer recycled materials for the webbing and mesh seat. $140. nemoequipment.com
Appalachian Gear Company Ugly Bag
This sleeping bag’s alpaca fleece insulation has a great warmth-to-weight ratio and offers natural moisture management, breathability, and odor control. The shell is made from a high-density polyethylene fabric that’s waterproof and abrasion-resistant without sacrificing aeration. The bag features a zipperless construction with elastic at the opening, plus a “turtleneck” design that provides an extra length of alpaca fabric that can be tucked inside for added warmth, bunched around the neck like a baffle, or pulled over the head like a hood. Suitable to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. $285. appalachiangearcompany.com
Crua Outdoors Crua Culla
Want to turn your current tent into a four-season shelter? The Crua Culla is an inner cocoon that you inflate using an air pump. It fits inside most traditional two- or three-person tents to add insulation, sound-dampening, and light-cancelling attributes. Pair it with the Crua Duo tent ($549 for both) to create a full modular system for two campers. The Culla measures 4.4 feet wide by 6.8 feet long by 4 feet high. A new, five-person family version of the Culla ($496) will begin shipping in November. $379. cruaoutdoors.com
Biking
Skidz Tie Dye 3/4 Sleeve
Made specifically for mountain bikers ages 6 to 15 years old, Skidz is a new brand from downhill racer and industry insider Justin Schwartz, who wanted to inspire kids to hit the trail by helping them look good and feel good. The apparel line, which currently consists of gloves, shorts, and jerseys, is proportioned to fit small and active frames. Like each of the line’s tops, the Tie Dye 3/4 Sleeve is made from lightweight polyester to wick away sweat and breathe like your grom’s favorite T-shirt. $50. skidzmtb.com
Elite Tuo
A lot of us begrudgingly turn to the indoors to supplement winter sports when the elements are insane. The new Elite Tuo home trainer gets the job done, isn’t overly technical (though it is Zwift certified), can be folded and put away easily, and also looks nice. The wheel-on trainer with automatic resistance adjustment fits tires up to 29 inches and also accommodates bigger chainstays. It’s a reliable companion that interacts with any kind of app, software, computer, or device with iOS, Android, OSX, or Windows. Time to take your training to the next level. $578. elite-it.com
Diamondback Release 5C
Coming this fall, the Release 5C gets a new-school makeover including modern geometry — long in the front, short in the rear, low in the bottom bracket — and a stellar parts kit that features a Fox 36 Performance Elite Float fork and Fox Performance Elite Float DPX2 rear shock, a precise SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, a 27.5-inch wheelset with e*thirteen LG1 EN rims and Novatec hubs, dependable SRAM G2 RS hydraulic disc brakes with 180 millimeter rotors, a KS LEV Integra dropper post, and Race Face cockpit components. Bomber! $5,200. diamondback.com
Kryptonite Incite X3 and X4 Set
Shorter days translate to more opportunity for night rides. The 30-lux Kryptonite Incite X3 front light offers illuminated side panels for increased visibility and safety, as well as a LED strip that displays the battery level in real time. Five modes include eco (24 hours run time) and high steady (3 hours). The Incite X4 rear light has a “light guide” to help focus and project the light for better clarity. It runs for 36 hours on eco mode and 20 hours on high steady. $75. kryptonitelock.com
Wolf Tooth EnCase System Bar Kit One
Cyclists are always looking for more places to stash essential tools. These clever storage sleeves from Wolf Tooth let you hide a hex bit wrench multitool and a chain and tire plug multitool inside the handlebars of your mountain bike or road rig. Because they’re made of a vibration-damping material that fits snug, the sleeves prevent rattling and protect the tools inside. The system can also fit a presta-to-schrader adapter and valve core or a master link (both sold separately). $120. wolftoothcomponents.com
Climbing
Metolius Upshot Belay Glasses
Belaying at the gym or crag can be a pain in the neck. Literally. Stave off fatigue in your neck, back, and shoulders with the Metolius Upshot Belay Glasses. These sport specs aim higher on the wall, meaning less strain on you, and offer increased peripheral vision than other models. The low-profile nose pads are designed to provide a better fit when used with glasses or sunglasses. The Upshot comes with a lanyard, hard case, and lens cloth. Frame colors include black, purple, and blue. $60. metoliusclimbing.com
Petzl Sirocco
You could call it a multisport athlete. The ultralight Sirocco helmet from Petzl is not only suitable for climbing and mountaineering but also for skiing (it’s CE certified for ski touring but not for alpine skiing). Large vents provide excellent airflow and keep the weight down, even with the lower back design that provides greater coverage and protection. The hybrid construction features a shell in EPP (expanded polypropylene) foam and rigid crown injected with EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam. Overall weight is a featherlight 170 grams. $110. petzl.com
Mammut Magic Rope Bag
Form and function meet in this performance rope bag from Mammut. A simple manipulation of the drawstring converts it from a freestanding rope hauler to a mat for sitting on. Inside, colored rope attachment points, a large zipper pocket, and a strap to organize your climbing rack keep things tidy. Throw it over your shoulder or carry it using the standard handle. Either way, you’re sure to turn heads thanks to the bag’s stylish cut and handsome good looks. Available in two colors: Black and Boa (pictured). $70. mammut.com
Scarpa Veloce
For all-day sessions at the gym, the Scarpa Veloce is an indoor-specific model that has a roomier toe box for more comfort and less pressure — especially relevant for beginner and intermediate climbers not used to wearing their shoes for long periods of time. A single, Z-strap closure adjusts quickly and easily. The medium-tension rand conserves energy and boosts performance while the brand-new, ultra-durable S-72 rubber sole provides adhesion to even the smallest footholds. The Veloce comes in both men’s and women’s sizes. $140. scarpa.com
Black Diamond ATC Pilot
The lightweight Black Diamond ATC Pilot lends easy rope payout and assisted braking, meaning less work for belayers and more security for climbers. The “passive” device threads similarly to other tubular belay devices and accommodates ropes from 8.7 to 10.5 millimeters. The durable steel braking surface has no moving parts, and the smooth and secure control allows for gradual lowering. That makes it ideal for both top-roping and rock climbing gym scenarios. In either instance, your brake hand will thank you. $45. blackdiamondequipment.com
Running
Nathan Men’s Tour Jacket
Nathan jumped with both feet into the running apparel market this year, and its products have been impressive (we love our Men’s Front Runner Shorts). For outings where the elements are less-than-optimal, the midweight Men’s Tour Jacket is water resistant and windproof, with a moisture-wicking and quick-drying stretch fabric. The ventilated back allows heat to escape, keeping you cool even during heavy exercise. There are plenty of pocket options for your phone and other essentials, plus reflective highlights and a hood. Available in Black and Bronze Green (pictured). $125. nathansports.com
Betts Bounce Free Sports Bra
For those who need added support, the Betts Bounce Free Sports Bra has a patented three-way customizable design that is adjustable at the band, bust, and shoulders. Designed for pain-free performance by former female D1 athletes with health backgrounds, the bra pairs compression, encapsulation, and lift — partially achieved through a corset with built-in cord adjustment. Pull the cord to tighten the corset and lock in your fit, then release it after your workout. Made of breathable, silky-smooth, high-performance Italian fabric. Available in sizes 32C to 38F. $99. bettsfit.com
Indyeva TOGA
Functionality and fashion are not mutually exclusive. The Indyeva TOGA sleeveless sweater is made from Thermal Pro Polartec knit fabric, which promises warmth without weight. While being highly breathable, its fleece back allows the fabric to dry quickly. Yet the TOGA would look just as at home at the local winery or brewpub as on the road or trail. The sweater is easy to layer under or over and boasts zippered hand pockets. For the eco-minded, 77 percent of the TOGA’s fiber content is recycled. Available in sizes XS to XL. $155. usa.indyeva.com
Under Armor Flow Velociti SE
Under Armour’s newest running shoe, the Flow Velociti SE, provides a feeling of effortless speed with the absence of a traditional rubber outsole. Instead, a proprietary material offers soft but surprisingly tough and grippy performance, creating a lightweight and seamless ride on any surface. The knit bootie upper delivers compression and a contoured fit, and is easy to put on. The one-piece Flow midsole provides responsive and long-lasting cushioning. Available in multiple colors including White/Phoenix Fire (pictured) in both men’s and women’s sizes. $130. underarmour.com
Gnarly Sports Nutrition Fuel2O
Fuel2O delivers quick calories through an easy-to-digest combination of sucrose and dextrose, and unlike most energy gels and blocks, it contains Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB), a natural metabolite produced when the body breaks down leucine. Research has shown that providing supplemental HMB during intense exercise can help minimize muscle breakdown and kickstart muscle repair. Mixed with water and available in three flavors — Limeade, Tropical, and Cherry Cola (caffeinated) — Fuel2O delivers 100 calories of carbohydrates and 250 milligrams of sodium per 12 ounce serving. $35 (25 servings). gognarly.com
Hiking
Beyond Clothing ARX 2.0 K6 Rain Jacket
What makes the ARX 2.0 K6 Rain Jacket so suitable for hiking is the superior strength-to-weight ratio of its 40-denier Cordura nylon outer shell, which allows it to brush off abrasions, branches, thorns, and anything else you may encounter while the weather is at its worst on the trail. The jacket is waterproof and breathable, with a helmet-compatible hood and brim, two-way side vents from increased airflow, and waterproof zippered pockets. It comes in five colors, including Rustic Green (pictured). $298. beyondclothing.com
Keen Ridge Flex Waterproof Boot
Keen asks the question: “What if every step could feel easier?” Then, it answers its own query with a boot that promises 60 percent less energy to bend. The key is its KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology; a built-in flex panel that reduces stiffness and promotes bending where other boots crack and weaken over time. Other advances include a waterproof, breathable membrane that lets vapor out without letting water, plus Keen’s iconic wide toe box and full coverage toe bumper. The Ridge Flex Waterproof Boot is available in men’s and women’s sizes in a variety colors. $170. keenfootwear.com
Mountainsmith Zerk 40
Inspired by the demands of thru-hikers, fast packers, and trail runners, the Mountainsmith Zerk 40 is built to go further while minimizing stress. The pack is, well, packed with features: low profile compression straps, XXL side pockets, outer mesh snack pockets, removable top straps for large-carry items, a massive stretch front pocket, a sternum strap with safety whistle, a removable waist belt, and a bungee cord system for holding even more gear. All this in addition to a main compartment that swallows up to 40 liters of stuff. $220. mountainsmith.com
Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra
Safely hiking in winter often comes down to warmth and traction. Hillsound’s Trail Crampon Ultra is a lightweight, reliable, and comfortable option for the latter. The easy-on/easy-off elastomer harness features 18 high-strength, stainless-steel spikes and a Velcro strap for a secure hold that fits over most footwear. Included is a puncture-proof carry bag, so you can conveniently take the crampons on your next adventure or store them in your car for daily use around the icy streets of your hometown. $75. hillsound.com
Heat Holders Fairisle Lite Socks
Heat Holders are made with cashmere-like acrylic yarn that provides superior breathability and high-performance insulation against the cold — over seven times warmer than regular cotton socks and three times warmer than ordinary thermal socks. The inside of each sock has been brushed so that it not only feels soft but also traps warm air close to the skin. Heat Holders are non-binding, diabetic friendly, and provide relief for cold feet that result from circulation problems. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes and styles. $13. heatholders.com
Snow Sports
Aleck 006
Stay connected on the slopes. The Aleck 006 is a wireless audio and communications system that puts your soundtrack into your ski or snowboard helmet while keeping you connected to family and friends with easy, push-to-talk communication on custom channels. Operation is by way of two glove-friendly, low-profile buttons. The device is featherweight as well as water and sweat resistant, with an all-day battery life. The Aleck 006 is compatible with any audio-ready snow helmet and requires a minimal cell signal (3G or better) for service. $130. aleck.io
Danner Cloud Cap
The new Danner Cloud Cap is the answer to those frigid, snowy days of exploration, whether you’re venturing onto the mountain or into the lodge. Featuring 400 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation and Danner Dry waterproof protection, this boot is purpose-built to keep your feet warm and dry through winter’s worst. A drawstring closure keeps the heat in and the elements out, while Vibram Arctic Grip AT offers industry-leading traction on wet ice and snow. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes. $180. danner.com
Outdoor Research Shadow Insulated Hoodie
The Shadow Insulated Hoodie uses VerticalX ECO SR insulation, which is made from REPREVE recycled polyester and 37-percent bio-based Sorona. This pairing of partially recycled and naturally derived contents is not only a sustainable choice, it results in a higher-loft insulation, offering 20 percent more loft over regular VerticalX insulation. This insulation is paired with a stretchy, breathable, 20-denier woven nylon/spandex shell and lining. The Shadow Insulated Hoodie comes in men’s and women’s fits in several colors. $199. outdoorresearch.com
Borealis Ramen Express
Inspired by Japanese culture and the idea that “after a long day on the mountain, a nice bowl of ramen and a couple of local beers will save your life,” the Ramen Express is a new splitboard from Borealis. (A splitboard is essentially a normal snowboard that splits into two halves to become skis for traveling uphill or touring.) Enjoy unlimited access to the backcountry, where you can send tricks and slash powder with style and ease. The slightly set back, twin-tip shape and medium flex allow the board to butter, ride, and land tricks switchfoot. $807. borealis-snowboards.com
Patagonia Dual Aspect Bibs
Built for alpine climbing in the harshest conditions, Patagonia’s new Dual Aspect Bibs offer storm protection without the use of PFCs (polyfluorocarbons) in the water repellent finish or membrane. Instead, they use a 30-denier ECONYL recycled nylon ripstop fabric bonded to a thin waterproof and breathable membrane and a slick knit backer. Beyond providing a PFC-free product that meets the brand’s strict waterproof standards, a new inseam gusset design in the pants strikes a balance of protection and freedom of movement. Price: TBD. patagonia.com
Lifestyle
DrySee Bandages
These innovative bandages use a sterile, non-adhering cotton center pad that provides absorption of fluids and seals to protect and preserve the wound. The center pad will change color upon saturation — turning from a light blue to a darker blue — signaling that it’s time to replace the bandage. At the same time, a perimeter band of the same material absorbs any liquid that may enter from around the edges of the bandage and changes color prior to that moisture reaching the wound. Available in three sizes. $20 to $80 per box. drysee.com
Nineyard Street Chino Joggers
Named for the phrase “the whole nine yards” (no half measures) and launched last summer, Nineyard serves the bike and streetwear market with a fusion of functional features and style. The pre-shaped fabric in its Nineyard Street Chino Joggers creates a lived-in look and makes it the perfect all-day urban piece. Articulated knees and narrow-leg, elastic cuffs offer flexibility. The belted waistband allows you to dial in your fit. A mobile phone or other small essentials can find space in the side pockets or the left thigh pocket. $94. nineyard.world
Leatherman The Bond
Inspired by Tim Leatherman’s original creation, the PST, the Bond is a lightweight multitool that packs 14 features into a compact, everyday carry design. It can handle just about any day-to-day task, whether it’s getting a firm grip with the pliers, cutting wire, using one of the multiple screwdrivers, measuring with the ruler, or even opening a can of beans. Use the built-in lanyard ring to keep the tool safe and close by. Last, but certainly not least, the multitool is made right in Portland, Oregon. $50. leatherman.com
nomadiQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
Be the hero of every car camping trip, tailgate party, or post-event hangout with this sleek grill that lets you barbecue anytime, anywhere. The clamshell design makes it easy to transport and store, and when folded open, the nomadiQ Portable Propane Gas Grill offers 220 inches of grilling space. Features include dual temperature controls (4,600 BTs per side) and nonstick metal grates that can be removed for cleaning. The grill weighs 12 pounds and works with a standard disposable propane gas canister. $300. nomadiqgrills.com
Dark Energy Poseidon Pro
Having a dependable power supply is a reality in today’s world, even when you’re “getting away from it all.” The new Poseidon Pro from Dark Energy is fully waterproof, drop proof, crushproof, and certified to strict military standards. It can charge a smartphone three to five times with its 10,200 mAh capacity via a USB-C to USB-C cable. In addition to the ballistic fiber-reinforced USB-C cable, the kit comes with a cable managing strap and locking steel carabiner pro with knife, bottle opener, glass breaker, and dual-head screwdriver. $120. darkenergy.com
Author: Brad Kovach is the editor/publisher of Terrain Magazine.
Top Image: The Aleck 006 wireless audio and communications system.
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