Whether you’re a hunter, hiker, boater, or fashionista, there’s a hot new pair of shoes for you this week. Speedland released a hunting boot in collaboration with Cam Hanes that’s all about speed and mobility.
The North Face teamed up with fashion brand Cecilie Bahnsen for a down skirt, boots, and more with distinctive floral designs. And sneaker company Veja is getting into the outdoors with its first trail shoe.
If you’re more excited to put on your ski boots than your hiking boots, good news: Fjällräven released a new ski kit collection, and Stellar Equipment dropped an ultralight insulated jacket. Find it all in this week’s Emerging Gear.
Winter Without the PFAS
Since 2009, Swedish brand Fjällräven has refused to use materials with PFAS, meaning it hasn’t used fabrics from GORE-TEX, the biggest name in weather protection. However, now that GORE-TEX has come out with an ePE membrane that’s PFAS-free, it’s the beginning of a beautiful partnership.
Fjällräven recently debuted the Bergtagen ski and snowboard collection ($200-700). The line includes jackets and bibs that it says are both weatherproof and breathable. The brand focused on designing jackets and pants with a generous cut that allows for maximum freedom of movement.
55 Liters, Under 3 Pounds
Ever since Hyperlite began the ultralight revolution, upstart brands have been coming for the king’s crown, and now there’s another entrant in the market. LITE WERKS, based in Boulder, Colo., recently released the Daily Dose 55L ($400). It weighs just 2.75 pounds, and can carry up to 35 pounds comfortably.
The pack, with plenty of pockets and a top strap that perfectly fits a bear canister, is made with thru-hikers in mind. Backpackers can customize and add accessories to create their ideal pack.
Coastal Vibes Boots
If you ask footwear brand XTRATUF, rain boots can both protect you from the elements and be stylish. Its new Out of the Ordinary Collection puts yacht club inspo into a fresh package. The Deck Boot ($125) has contrasting pops of color and texture that give it a polished, preppy feel.
It’s not all about looks, though: The boots are waterproof and slip-resistant, with an XpressCool lining that the brand says is moisture-wicking and anti-microbial.
Affordable E-Bike
An e-bike for city life, commuting, and errands doesn’t have to break the bank. Exhibit A: Batch’s new eCB.3, a versatile commuter with a price tag of just $2,000.
The rear motor can boost your speed up to 28 mph to make pedaling up big hills a breeze. Safety is also top of mind here: Batch says that the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes excel in any weather conditions, and wide, 2.4-inch tires deliver stability and traction.
Speedy Hunting Boot
When it came time to design its new backcountry boot, Speedland turned to the experts. It consulted elite bow hunter Cam Hanes to create the XB:BLK ($300), a sturdy yet lightweight boot that’s made to move.
It combines the nimbleness of a trail runner with Michelin traction, a high-tenacity knit, and waterproof membrane for a boot that’s “light enough to run in but protective enough for multi-day backcountry hunts.” The BOA Fit system allows for micro-adjustments so users can get their ideal fit.
A Hammock for Any Sleep Style
Backpackers tend to fall pretty firmly on one side of the tent versus hammock debate, but maybe a new ultralight hammock from Haven Tents may make the hammock haters change their minds.
The Haven Spectre ($485) solves many common issues with hammock camping. It has a lay-flat design so sleepers can lie on their stomachs, backs, or sides, and the brand says it takes 5 minutes or less to set up. The Spectre weighs less than 4 pounds, thanks to the signature MONOLITE mesh fabric.
“A lot of people love the outdoors but struggle to get a good night’s sleep while camping,” Derek Tillotson, founder of Haven Tents, said in a press release. “With the Spectre, we’ve pushed the limits of what’s possible in lightweight comfort.
Hiking Shoe Collab
Veja is popular for its chic sneakers, and now it’s entering the outdoor space. In collaboration with technical outdoor brand Finisterre, it has released its first hiking shoe.
The Fitz Roy Trail Shoe ($220) is designed to handle rugged terrain, with multi-directional lugs, built-in rock plate, and water-resistant uppers. And like every Veja product, it’s also eco-friendly, made with recycled materials and wild rubber sourced from the Amazon.
Fashion x Adventure
With the rise of Gorpcore, the outdoor industry is influencing wider fashion trends, and the industry is in turn embracing high fashion.
The North Face just launched its second collab with Cecilie Bahnsen, a high-end apparel brand. According to a press release, the line is all about “evolving the dialogue between femininity and function with new layers of adaptability.”
The collection ($300-1,500) includes a down skirt, oversized jacket, fleece, boot, backpack, and mule, all with a recurring floral motif. Whether you’ll actually climb in the $860 puffy down skirt is one question; whether you’ll stand out at the crag is a definitive yes.
Merino Boxer Briefs
Staying comfortable on a big hike or long bike ride all starts with your most basic clothing item: your underwear. If you’re ready for an upgrade from run-of-the-mill underwear, there are Ornot Nuyarn Merino Boxer Briefs ($48).
The brand says that the Nuyarn merino fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally odor-resistant. The full gusset prevents any pressure points, and the soft waistband avoids any pinching.
Lightweight Layer
‘Tis the season for brands to drop new winter jackets, and the latest comes from Stellar Equipment. Its Technolight Hood ($350) is made with PrimaLoft Gold insulation and weighs just 15 ounces.
Unlike other jackets made from nylon, which can be noisy and crinkly, Stellar says that this is whisper-quiet, thanks to recycled Japanese ripstop fabric. It’s got three sizable pockets and packs away into its own pouch.
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