Each week, we try to fill Emerging Gear with the coolest new stuff we can find. But it’s always a balance between the sometimes huge technological leaps that seem to happen with increasing frequency, and the gradual improvements to gear we’ll likely always need.

That’s more than evident this week. On the techy side of things, we’ve some fantastically smart glasses with features both enthralling and terrifying. There’s also upgraded eFoils, a powerful and mobile oven for outdoor chefs, and a new Olympus camera that’s outdoorsy and modern.

At the other end of the gear spectrum, there are the upgrades to tried-and-true standbys, like some limited-edition lenses from Ombraz, new MSR tent models for backpackers, and — because it’s almost Valentine’s Day — trail food in the form of “fitness chocolates.” Enjoy the window-shopping, fellow GearJunkies.

Loomos AI Glasses

It’s hard to pick a favorite part of the Kickstarter video for these new smart glasses, which allow you to carry around ChatGPT like a virtual assistant. When it suggests allowing the glasses to transcribe the conversation of a meeting ’cause you don’t want to listen — I laughed out loud at the audacity.

But audacious is certainly where a high-tech pair of glasses will live, given the ongoing controversy surrounding similar products from Google and Ray-Ban. The Kickstarter campaign for the Loomos AI Glasses has racked up more than $1 million already, and it’s easy to see why.

The glasses incorporate a 450mAh battery, a built-in Sony 16MP camera that can capture 4K photos, and an open-ear audio system with dual DSP amplifiers and 5.1 virtual surround sound. You can even tap them for 1080p video recording at 30fps for up to 5 minutes. Powered by the W517 chip for efficient AI processing, they have an optional 6,500mAh neckband battery for longer battery life. Early bird pricing starts at $200.

Lift eFoils

Two new models from Lift Foils, which specializes in these surf-like gadgets, have updated the brand’s popular efoil designs that let users avoid confusing assembly of the various parts.

Both the LIFT5 and LIFTX come with the brand’s new tools-free Lift Connect System, which allows for simple clip-in, clip-off functionality when putting the foil together for a day at the beach. As for differences between the two models, the LIFT5 has a redesigned, lighter board with a double concave bottom and sharper chine rails.

It’s also got wireless connectivity and one-touch startup, along with safety features like a double-walled battery and water ingress prevention. Designed in collaboration with shaper Sean Ordoñez, the LIFTX aims for hybrid performance that blends powered riding with surf foiling, all while using ultralight materials.

Preorders for the LIFT5 and LIFTX will begin on February 25. Pricing details have not been disclosed.

Fuel Goods Valentine’s Day Box

I’d imagine just about any runner would want to be your Valentine with this box of chocolates.

Fuel Goods just dropped a limited-edition Valentine’s Day Box of Fitness Chocolates. Priced at $25, it’s evidently intended as a gift for training partners, running friends, or for personal enjoyment. Each box comes in a red package with a customizable gift note. And if that’s not enough, Fuel Goods has also introduced an athlete’s Chocolate Shop, allowing customers to create a personalized box of fitness chocolates by selecting their preferred flavors and configurations.

If you’re looking to capture the attention of an outdoorsy person in your life — you know what to do.

MSR Hubba Hubba LT Tent

Mountain Safety Research (MSR) just dropped its tent lineup for spring 2025, and hikers will want a second look at the new Hubba Hubba LT series.

The Hubba Hubba LT tents, available in one-, two-, and three-person versions, offer increased space and improved ventilation with breathable mesh and enhanced fly vents, the brand said. The tents also have solution-dyed fabric, which reduces water usage and carbon emissions by 80%, according to MSR.

The series also includes a side-loading stuff sack for easier packing and Mini Groundhog stakes for better ground performance. The tents cost $470 for the one-person, $550 for the two-person, and $630 for the three-person version.

Gozney Tread

Here it is, folks, at long last: the world’s most portable pizza oven. Or at least that’s the claim from Gozney, which will soon release the oddly named Tread for those obsessed with outdoor cooking amid far-flung adventures.

Designed for high-temperature cooking in remote locations, the Tread oven is compact, lightweight, and rugged, according to Gozney. It’s got rapid heat-up times, supposedly reaching 950 degrees F in 15 minutes, and cool-down times under 20 minutes. The oven also includes integrated carry handles, a stand with adjustable legs for uneven surfaces, and an optional roof rack accessory that transforms the top into a prep station.

Tread can cook not just pizza, but also a variety of meals, including steaks, fish, and veggies, thanks to its wide temperature range and large cooking space. Available in two colors, the oven will be available for purchase by March 11. We’re interested to see how it stacks up against the Solo Stove Pi Prime.

Ombraz Blue Mirror Leggero

As if Ombraz wasn’t hip enough already, the popular brand of armless shades just launched some limited-edition Leggero sunglasses style with Polarized Blue Mirror Optics.

The new design apparently meets customer requests for more lightweight, durable eyewear with enhanced visual clarity. Ideal for water and alpine activities, the blue mirror lenses reduce glare and improve color perception, Ombraz said, making them perfect for bright conditions like open water or sunlit mountain peaks.

The Leggero sunglasses are made with a featherlight TR-90 aerospace-grade nylon frame and feature Polarized Carl Zeiss Blue Mirrored lenses for crystal-clear vision. The armless, hinge-free design eliminates common issues like slipping and discomfort, and the adjustable recycled nylon cord provides a secure fit. Available in regular and XL sizes, the Limited-Edition Leggero sunglasses are priced at $160.

Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide

Meet Salomon’s new S/LAB Ultra Glide. Developed in collaboration with ultra-runner François D’Haene, the shoe is built for long trail runs and races. It’s got a combination of specialized foams and the brand’s SPHERE outsole geometry, which aims to deliver consistent performance even after 10 to 15 hours of competition.

The Ultra Glide is built for mixed terrain, offering maximum damping and protection. A standard shoe width, the S/LAB Ultra Glide has an 8mm drop and a weight of about 300 g (10.58 ounces). Stack heights are 41mm at the heel and 35mm at the forefoot, while the lug depth measures 3.5mm.

But if you want a super high-tech trail runner like this one, you’ll have to shell out some bucks, ’cause this baby costs $250.

OM-3 Mirrorless Camera

While the OM-1 remains Olympus’s flagship nature camera (with a price tag to prove it), the classic Japanese brand has dropped a retro model with a lower price tag that seems to aim for the “urban outdoors” crowd.

Inspired by the original Olympus OM-1 film SLR from 1973, the OM-3 comes with a creative color mode dial similar to the popular Olympus Pen-F from 2016. This $2,000 camera (body-only) is stacked with features, including customizable profiles, computational tools, and seamless switching between stills and cinematic video, the brand said.

For some extra bucks, you can get additional lenses, including the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F1.8 II and the 25mm F1.8 II. The first is ideal for landscapes and cityscapes, while the 25mm F1.8 II excels in portraits and everyday photography, according to OM.

The OM-3 will be available in late February. The lenses are priced at $550 (17mm) and $500 (25mm).

Aarn Packs Mountain Magic 50 PRO

Word on the street is that Aarn Packs, an outdoor brand based in New Zealand and Australia, has some mega-comfy backpacks. We’re looking at doing some hands-on testing of these puppies, especially of its newest release: the Mountain Magic 50 PRO.

This redesigned version of the brand’s Mountain Magic Pack has 50 L of space. It aims for thru-hikers looking for the comfort of a framed pack with a lighter, pared-back structure. It’s got dual tensioners on the hip belt for a custom fit and pockets made of durable, lightweight materials. These front pockets, totaling 7 L, help balance the load and improve posture while hiking, making gear (and snacks) more accessible, the brand said.

The Mountain Magic 50 PRO also comes with Aarn’s signature U-Flow harness, which allows the pack to move with the body and supposedly reduces fatigue. Available in two shoulder harness sizes, the Mountain Magic 50 PRO aims for high performance on multiday hikes.

Leatherman Rebar Spring Colors

Leatherman is starting off 2025 with a splash of color for its popular Rebar multitool. One of the iconic brand’s most popular tools, the Rebar now comes in three new colors, each priced at $90. It’s the latest of several Leatherman tools to get a colorful makeover in recent years.

The Rebar takes inspiration from the original Pocket Survival Tool of 1984, with a sturdy box-style chassis, replaceable wire cutters, and 17 all-locking tools ideal for a variety of tasks. The tool’s new colors come with a Cerakote finish, which apparently improves durability and resistance to abrasion, wear, corrosion, and chemicals, Leatherman said.