We’ve got some big pieces of gear this week. That includes not only gear that is literally larger, but also equipment that accommodates people of all sizes, no matter how large or small they might be.

That ranges from an enormous water hammock and face-covering shades to a burly van conversion and life vests built for all body types. But this week’s selection of Emerging Gear also includes a beautiful new children’s book, some U.S.-made threads, and a water bottle that supports public lands. Enjoy the virtual window-shopping, fellow GearJunkies.

I’ve never tried out one of BOTE’s water hammocks, but they sure look like a cool way to hang out on the water.

Now the water sports brand has dropped its largest-ever “inflatable dock” — a 15-foot version that’s “designed to elevate your lounging experience on any body of water,” the brand said.

It has a breathable mesh center, an AeroBOTE EVA-covered rim, and built-in tech for securing drinks and gear. At 74 pounds, I’m not sure I would describe this as “lightweight,” but that’s probably relative given that the huge hammock has a 2,200-pound weight capacity.

It also comes with a packable rolling bag, so I imagine that helps cart the thing around. The 15-foot hammock has a $1,500 price tag.

Falcon Guides ‘Little Climber’

When I was a kid, climbing every tree I could find in the flatlands of South Texas, there were no children’s books validating my need for vertical exploration. As the recognized bookworm of my elementary school library, I would have found them.

So I’m delighted to see guidebook company Falcon Guides release a children’s book about a young girl who can’t stop climbing. Little Climber comes from Colorado-based climbing partners Danielle Sarli and Amanda Hogan. Sarli, an award-winning musician, wrote the book, while Hogan drew the beautiful illustrations.

The story follows Mack, a little girl surrounded by adults who discourage her from climbing. That is, until one of her teachers shows her that rock climbing can be a fun, safe outlet for her passion. The book comes out July 11 but is already available for preorder. It costs $18.

American Giant x Jason Kelce

American Giant just launched a new collection in collaboration with Jason Kelce’s apparel brand Underdog. Kelce, an NFL media darling who played for the Philadelphia Eagles for 13 years, started several businesses after hanging up his cleats.

Now he’s teaming up with American Giant to launch the Underdog Collection, an apparel line supporting factories, communities, and cities across the United States, according to a press release. The lineup includes four pieces: a Classic T-shirt, Graphic T, Pocket T-shirt and Embroidered Crewneck sweatshirt.

All the duds are made in the U.S. from 100% cotton.

NRS Every Body Life Vest

Given the specialized nature of life vests, especially for various water sports, it wouldn’t be surprising for many people to have trouble finding one that fits them comfortably.

NRS is tackling this problem with a new “Every Body” design philosophy now applicable to all its personal flotation devices (PFDs). By combining several innovative approaches, NRS said it has found a way to eliminate men’s and women’s models for a method that’s both simpler and more inclusive.

Traditionally, the only difference in PFD sizing is the length of the adjustment straps. Smaller jackets have less strap while larger jackets have more. NRS’s Orbit Fit System, however, takes all body attributes into consideration, including chest size, waist size, hips and torso length. It accomplishes this by using multiple pieces of lightweight closed-cell foam, each individually cut to precise specifications.

These pieces are then layered within the vest to create a flexible, pre-curved shape. Finally, each size is built using the necessary amount of flotation needed based on body weight, the brand said. This ensures a “better paddling experience — no matter who you are or how you’re built,” NRS said in a press release.

Peak Design GNAR Case

Peak Design, a GearJunkie favorite for backpacks and EDC items, just dropped a rugged phone case for the iPhone 16.

The GNAR Case is slightly thicker than its ultraslim predecessor, the Everyday Case, offering an additional millimeter of padding (3.2mm thick) and an additional millimeter to its shock-absorbing TPU bumper (4.4mm). These minor adjustments, along with a raised camera and screen bezel, allow the Gnar Case to achieve drop protection of more than 2x greater than the Everyday Case, the brand said.

The GNAR Case debuted this week and will eventually retail for $60. But it’s actually 40% right now through the brand’s Make the Switch Sale, which runs through this Sunday, April 27. Peak Design also plans to eventually release the GNAR Case for other smartphone models as well.

Tifosi Optics Sanctum XL

Now these are some seriously enormous shades. The Sanctum XL, a larger take on Tifosi’s bestselling Sanctum shield, just launched — delivering over 25% more coverage with a roomier fit and taller lens, the brand said.

Designed with a lightweight, plant-based Thrive frame and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses, the Sanctum XL costs just $40.

Defend the Parks Collection

Parks Project, a certified B corporation, has dropped a small collection dedicated to those passionate about defending public lands. The company donates money to various organizations dedicated to protecting national parks and other wilderness areas.

Both the Defend the Parks Bear Pocket Tee ($42) and the Defend the Parks Water Bottle ($25) look quite fetching. It’s unclear how much of each purchase goes to nonprofits, but Parks Project has donated $2.7 million since 2014.

State Bicycle Co. 4130 MTB

For its latest two-wheeled beauty, Arizona-based State Bicycle Co. has dropped what it calls a “no-BS trail machine.” The 4130 MTB is designed to tackle singletrack, bikepacking, or “urban shortcuts,” the brand said.

It has a slack 65-degree head angle, low-slung top tube, and long front-center. With universal derailleur hanger compatibility, you won’t have to fret over parts, and a chromoly frame aims to reduce trail chatter.

There’s also internal cable routing, a threaded bottom bracket, triple bottle cage mounts, and a RockShox Psylo Silver RC fork. SRAM DB4 brakes are available for an extra $150.

The bike sells for a highly reasonable $1,500. In the current market, it’s only going to get tougher to find a decent MTB at that price point.

Raft Tiger Vans

An emerging brand for us ever-voracious GearJunkies, Raft Tiger Vans makes some good-looking van conversions for sale and rental. Based out of Asheville, N.C., the brand employs several van life veterans to do all the conversions under one roof near the Pisgah National Forest.

So far, Raft Tiger Vans has built exclusively with the Mercedes Sprinter 2500 High Roof, Short Wheelbase. But it will debut conversions of a Long Wheelbase Sprinter and a Ford Transit Connect in 2026. Check out the website to explore the rental options or take a closer look at their conversion options.

Peak Performance Trail Running Collection

Peak Performance, the Scandinavian mountain brand rooted in freeride skiing, launched a new trail running collection this week. 

The capsule is part of a larger 2025 collection that includes apparel for several trail sports, from hiking to biking to running. This collection is an outgrowth of Peak Performance’s roots in freeride skiing, the brand said. Standouts from the collection include the Freelight Wind Jacket ($180) and the Freelight Polartec Grid Crew ($180).