Whether put to use in the woods, on the water or up the wall, these 35 new products will help you get out and explore your wild side this spring and summer.
Hiking
Tested: Farm to Feet Elkin Valley Lightweight Technical Crew
These wholly American-made socks use 200-needle knitting machines when others use 100-needle. So what? So, you can feel the difference in the seamless toe closure, targeted cushion zones and terry knit loops on every stitch. The softness and warmth are impressive for a lightweight sock, with excellent moisture wicking and shock absorption, especially in the reinforced heel and tongue area. $22.50. farmtofeet.com
Available at Alpine Shop & REI
Tested: Mishmi Takin Kameng
This boldly styled boot didn’t falter during our winter-long test. I wore the Kameng on multiple hikes over rough terrain — punctuated by rock scrambles and creek crossings — and never lost traction. My feet stayed warm, as well as dry, thanks to the breathable eVent membrane that prevents moisture buildup. The boots are a bit rigid out of the box, so give them some time to wear in, then rock on. $185. mishmitakin.com
Mammut Trion Spine 35
When walking, the shoulders tilt to a similar degree as the hips, but in the opposite direction. The Active Spine Technology on this 35-liter bag (there are also 50- and 75-liter options) allows the shoulders and hips to move independently for greater freedom and less friction. Access to the main compartment is via the large zipper front, with handy pockets on the shoulder strap and hip belt. $300. us.mammut.com
Available at REI
Leki Micro Vario Black Carbon
This high-end trekking pole features a sturdy carbon design and breaks down using a push-button and quick release to stow in about 15 inches of space. Contoured grips and a slender, breathable strap offer comfort and a confident fit. You’ll love it for the light weight (15.8 ounces per pair) and durability. $220. leki.com
Available at Alpine Shop & REI
Gerber Suspension-NXT
A staple among MacGuyver types, the Suspension-NXT has been upgraded with a slimmer design, spring-loaded needle-nose pliers, sturdy pocket clip and new tools: wire stripper, medium flathead driver, awl, file and ruler. Ten previous tools return: regular and needle-nose pliers, wire cutter, 2.25-inch blade, scissors, cross driver, large and small drivers, can opener and bottle opener. $37. gerbergear.com
Available at Bass Pro & REI
Climbing
Tested: Boulder Denim 2.0 Athletic Fit Jeans
Created by a couple of Boulder-based rock climbers, these jeans are stretchy and strong, so you can send it when you need to but still stroll them into town later. The deep pockets kept my bits and pieces all in place, and there’s a hidden zip pocket if you want extra security. These pants have been in my rotation for months and show no signs of scuffing, despite seeing heavy action. $109. boulderdenim.com
Black Diamond Half Dome
Reduced weight and a better fit mean less fatigue and improved comfort. The redesigned Half Dome lost 40 grams over the original and added a custom wheel adjuster for quick fine-tuning of the suspension. This durable helmet comes in two sizes, both with generous ventilation and a secure headlamp attachment. $54. blackdiamondequipment.com
Available at Alpine Shop & Upper Limits
Moon Bouldering Bag
The one nit customers had with this bag was that they wanted more room, so Moon created a version with an interior capacity of 25 liters. The new Bouldering Bag uses the same carrying system, giving you a choice between backpack or over the shoulder, and has pockets in the main compartment and flap to organize and protect your gear. $66. moonclimbing.com
The North Face Beyond the Wall Free Motion Bra
Designed for climbing and made with FlashDry fabric for breathability, this bra delivers a smooth, comfortable ride. The backless design allows freedom of motion as you traverse the wall, with a supportive front and high neck to protect against rough ledges and jagged holds. $75. thenorthface.com
Available at The North Face
So iLL New Zero
This high-performance shoe is ideal for those wanting to step up their game. The New Zero combines the sensitivity of a slipper — flexible and comfortable — with the stability of a strapped shoe and adds Dark Matter toe rubber so sticky that slight missteps won’t throw you off the wall. Sizes range from 5 to 13, offering an option for almost every wall-crawler. $159. soillholds.com
Available at Climb So iLL
Cycling
Tested: ProViz REFLECT360 Plus Cycling Jacket
It looks dull gray until you shine a light on it. Then, the reflective material, made with millions of tiny glass beads, glows like white-hot silver. I was amazed by how noticeable (inescapable!) this jacket appears in the headlights of a car. Combine that safety innovation with waterproofing, taped seams, breathability, adjustable waist and cuffs, and a rear spray guard and you have a superior cycling jacket. $140. provizsports.com
Tested: Tifosi Amok
I have a love-hate relationship with cycling sunglasses. Most are too dark and clumsy, and I eventually dump them. The Amok comes with three interchangeable lenses — including clear, which I prefer — and the lightweight frame is super flexible, with grippy rubber on the contact points to ensure a solid fit. Multiple vents prevent fogging, another common irritant. The Amok is dependable, adaptable and good looking. I may have met my match. $80. tifosioptics.com
Available at Ballwin Cycles & Big Shark
Tailwind Rebuild
Tailwind has always concentrated on fueling with its electrolyte drink mixes, but with Rebuild the brand has ventured into recovery. Mix a scoop with 16 ounces of water to replenish glycogen stores, rebuild muscle, and rehydrate and restore electrolyte balance. Available in Vanilla and Chocolate. $39 (15 servings). tailwindnutrition.com
Available at Bike Surgeon & RunWell
Stompump
The Stompump is less taxing to use than a hand pump because you engage your body’s strongest muscles: your legs. It’s built to be lightweight, compact and bike-stowable and is usable for high-volume, medium-pressure tires (max pressure is 60 PSI). The pump comes with an integrated filter to keep dirt and grit out, along with a frame dock. $100. stompump.com
Marin Gestalt X11
The builder calls it a “beyond road” bike, and the Gestalt X11 sure fits the bill of a gravel/commuter/trail crossover. Highlights include a lower top tube for better stand-over height, a simple 1×11 drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, clearance for up to 42-millimeter tires and a 105- millimeter-travel dropper post with internal routing. Aluminum frame sizes range from 50 to 60 centimeters. $2,100. marinbikes.com
Available at Big Shark & Mountain Bike Shed
Water
Tested: Gill UV Tec Pro Shorts
Boat shorts can wear on the backside, where friction is the highest. Not so with this new entry from Gill, which has an abrasion-resistant seat that also provides traction, so you won’t slide around on wet or slick surfaces. The four-way stretch material is lithe and quick drying, making these my go-to for water-to-woods adventures. $100. gillmarine.com
Tested: Watershed Goforth
My favorite thing about the Goforth — besides the nigh impregnable ZipDry closure — is the removable nylon waist belt that turns it into a hip bag. It’s like having a waterproof duffle that doubles as a 10.5-liter boat bag and/or a waist pack. Keep your gear safe and dry, and your hands free for casting a fly rod, maneuvering a paddle board or whatever. $120. drybags.com
Patagonia Foot Tractor Wading Boot
A collab between Patagonia and Danner, the Foot Tractor features full-grain leather and stitch-down construction, designed to be recrafted as it ages and providing stability and traction in the most demanding wading. Because the love of fly fishing lasts a lifetime. $500 (rubber or felt soles) and $550 (aluminum bar soles). patagonia.com
Available at Feather-Craft & T. Hargrove Fly Fishing
Costa Caldera
With elegant curves and a tribal-like textured pattern on the temples, the Caldera is classic Costa. But the real story is that this frame is made from 100-percent recycled fishing nets, a tangible solution to reducing plastic pollution. Available in four colors, all with rubber nose and temple grips. $219. costadelmar.com
Available at Bass Pro & Dick’s
Hobie Mirage i12S
Measuring 36 by 25 by 12 inches when stored, and weighing just 53.5 pounds, this inflatable kayak is super portable, so you can take it almost anywhere. The hands-free MirageDrive propulsion system moves you forward with each pedal stroke, or add the optional sail kit. An adjustable seat, fingertip-operated rudder, stowable paddle and rear cargo hold round out the features. $2,500. hobie.com
Available at Tri-State Trolling Motor
Running
Tested: Orange Mud Gear Vest 2.0
We tested the Gear Vest 1.0 and are glad to see the longer chest harness and dual sternum slider on this update, which increases adjustability and capacity for flasks, phones and what have you. The back holds a 1-liter bladder, along with shock-cord storage for a jacket or light layer. Orange Mud favors a heavy construction, a little less pliable and breathable than similar products, but the durability is above par. $110. orangemud.com
Tested: Petzl Bindi Headlamp
Its slender size and weight make the Bindi effortless to wear, with a thin draw-cord headband that easily adjusts to fit heads of all sizes — or it can just as easily be worn as a necklace once your run is over. The 200-lumen brightness doesn’t light up the road like an airport runway, but it will get you through a two-hour session before needing recharging. $60. petzl.com
Available at Fleet Feet & The North Face
Tested: BOCO Running Trucker
The difference between the Running Trucker and BOCO’s other technical hats is the laser-cut side and back panels made of a thin, supple fabric. The result is a form-fitting design that’s pliant and breathable. In addition, it features a wicking internal sweatband and adjustable Velcro closure. Available in flat bill or curved. $30. bocogear.com
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v9
Engineered with a full-length Fresh Foam midsole, this neutral cushioned running shoe has been updated with data collected from real runners for next-level performance. Plus, details like a modern double jacquard upper and Ortholite insole help provide stylish mile-after-mile comfort. Choose from multiple colors, sizes and widths. $150. newbalancestlouis.com
Available at New Balance
Janji Women’s Bolivia 3” Middle Short in Las Caras de Carrera
Whimsical as well as moisture-wicking, these running shorts made from AdventureVentRipstop Mesh allow total venting and will hold up to repeated use. Under-the-surface features include a built-in brief liner, back zip media pocket, artistic waistband design and bonded hem seams. Sizes range from XS to XL. $58. runjanji.com
Camping
Tested: Western Rise Elkton Stretch Wool Flannel
Calling the Elkton a wool flannel is like calling a Pendleton a wool blanket. Massive understatement. The butter-soft shirt is a mix of elasterell polyester with ultra-wicking COOLMAX fibers and fine-gauge wool yarns, so it’s wrinkle-free and naturally regulates temperature. I wore it for a week straight, which is totally allowable when camping, no matter what my wife says. $120. westernrise.com
Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum
For excursions where every bit of space counts, this tent packs down to just 18 by 5.5 inches — equal to two loaves of home-baked bread placed end to end. The Tiger Wall 2 Platinum is one of the few free-standing, double-walled, two-door tents under two pounds that provides ample interior and vestibule space for two. $550. bigagnes.com
Available at Alpine Shop & REI
Lander Cairn Lantern + Power Pack
Cairn features a 300-lumen LED light and the ability to keep your devices charged with a built-in USB port. The anchor system is a multi-axis lanyard that lets you hang or attach the lantern anywhere you need illumination. It’s waterproof and impact resistant, with reflective details that make it easy to find in the dark. $50. lander.com
Available at REI
GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station
Show up to your next campout with this one-piece, fold-out cook station, and your new nickname could be the origami gourmet. The unit has a heat-resistant aluminum top, three fold-out side tables (with beverage, paper towel and utensil holders), a telescoping lantern pole and soft-shell sink with drain. It folds flat for easy carrying and weighs about 23 pounds. $125. gcioutdoor.com
Available at Alpine Shop & REI
Kelty Stardust 30
The Stardust 30 is a three-season mummy bag that won’t break the bank. The ThermaPro Max synthetic insulation retains warmth while being breathable, and it packs small in the included compression sack. Dual zippers and a draft collar help you regulate temperature. Both men and women’s styles start at 3 pounds. $100. kelty.com
Available at Alpine Shop & REI
Lifestyle
Tested: Cauldryn Fyre Mobile 2.0 Smart Mug
Cauldryn’s new Fyre 2.0 does everything but bake bread. Via the digital control panel, or voice-activated Bluetooth connection, you can set a temperature to keep your drink warm all day. I used mine to boil water; it drained a lot of battery life, but it will sterilize water in a pinch. An optional blender base lets you make smoothies, and there’s also a coffee percolator accessory and (soon) a lantern attachment. $150. cauldryn.com
Tested: Danner Caprine
Curbs, gutters and grates aren’t that different than rocks, creeks and roots. As far as your shoes care, anyway. The Caprine goes from trail to town with ease because it has the style as well as the substance: durable nubuck and abrasion-resistant knit upper; rubberized EVA midsole and nylon shank for support; sticky Vibram outsole. I loved the sporty performance and the sharp silhouette. $150. danner.com
Available at Bass Pro and Cabela’s
Tested: CTR Headwall Spire
Stocking caps are great for warmth, but seriously, they look pretty goofy on a grown man. This insulated hat served me well all winter. The soft fleece ear panels fold away when you don’t need them, and an integrated draw cord prevents the wind for snatching your prize away. My favorite feature is the split visor, which lets you flatten the hat and put it in your coat pocket. $45. chaoshats.com
Brooks Discovery Sparkhill 22LT
Be the envy of your bike commuting buddies with this chic waterproof backpack that hides a padded laptop compartment in addition to a water bottle pocket, bike helmet attachment and expandable storage. Reflective details keep you visible, and the whole exterior sponge-cleans with warm water. $200. rooksengland.com
GrowlerWerks uKeg 128 Black Chrome
Keep beer fresh for two weeks wherever you go in this 128-ounce (8- to 10-beer) growler. The vessel is durable, double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel, with a pressure gauge, dispenser tap and sight glass to see how much brew you have left. An automatic CO2 regulator cap regulates the carbonation. $250. growlerwerks.com
Author: Brad Kovach is the editor/publisher of Terrain Magazine.
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