This week, Sea to Summit drops the Ikos tent — a versatile shelter made to suit car campers and backpackers alike. Sea to Summit based the Ikos’ architecture on its existing well-regarded ultralight backpacking tents like the Alto and the Telos. However, compared to its minimalist siblings, the Ikos has more head and shoulders room, and more setup options. While the Ikos is heavier than many leading backpacking tents, it’s also much more spacious. Comfortable living space is prioritized over shaving ounces.
With the versatile rainfly peeled back over the tent’s body, the Ikos converts into a semi-open shelter to facilitate group meals and socializing. It’s available in two- ($429) and three-person ($529) configurations.
This placement is sponsored by Sea to Summit.
Patagonia Alpine Suit
Made for “pinnacle mountain objectives,” the Alpine Suit is a head-to-foot shell designed with input from some of the world’s top climbers. It seals out wind and weather with a PFC-free GORE-TEX fabric made with a new ePE membrane The suit is minimal to fit seamlessly under a pack and harness. It hides an intricate design of articulation and patterns, including a “spiral zip” hood for helmet compatibility. GearJunkie put the suit to test this month while climbing in Montana. The svelte one-piece performed in frigid temps and blowing snow on big ice climbs in Hyalite Canyon. $999; available August 2023.
Denim specialists Mott and Bow have a 30-year history of manufacturing jeans. We tested a pair this month made for travel and active pursuits. The Slim Fulton pants ($149) fit close and have a “designer jeans” look. The hybrid fabric includes cotton, recycled polyester, and elastane — which adds plenty of functional stretch. Bonus: The polyester fibers make these jeans crease-resistant when stuffed in a suitcase or duffel bag during a trip.
A New York City bike messenger since 1992, Kevin “Squid” Bolger knows what it takes to make a frame for urban terrain. This month, Bolger teamed up with Squarebuilt to unveil a sleek aluminum frame dubbed the SQUAREBUILT x CYCLEHAWK ($500). “Being a 200+ pound person and often carrying up to 50 pounds on my back, most bike frames would only last so long before cracking or breaking,” Bolger said. “Add in the potholes and curb jumps, snow, rain, rust, and impacts, and it’s tough out there for a track bike.” The custom-built bike’s design has a “wishbone” seatstay and a 6061-T6 alloy frame to make for a speedy but strong ride, Squarebuilt touts. Pre-orders are available now.
This new Traeger seems to us to be more “griddle” than “grill,” but the brand calls it a grill, so we will too. The new Flatrock series grill ($900) continues the brand’s mold-breaking trend with three separate cooking zones — each with customizable temperature control. According to Traeger, these zones enable “grill” masters to cook several dishes at once — on a large, flat cooktop. No need to set the finished pancakes off to the side while the bacon fries — do it all at the same time and serve up a steamin’ hot breakfast.
Another fine detail that outdoor chefs will appreciate is the Flatrock’s recessed cooktop, which helps block wind and maintain a consistent cooking temperature. The Flatrock is currently out of stock, but customers can sign up to be notified as soon as it becomes available again.
For the third year running, Chaco partners with Brave Trails, a nonprofit that provides a safe and inclusive space and leadership programming for LGBTQ+ youth. This year’s collaborative collection includes Z/Sandals ($110), Chillos Slides ($50), and the Kids Ecotread ($65) — all featuring the full-spectrum colors of the pride flag.
Ten percent of each sale will go to Brave Trails’ Family Camp, a “weekend-long adventure with exciting activities” that will highlight and celebrate the uniqueness of participating families.
Ripton & Co. exists to prove that denim is a high-functioning activewear material. We’ve tested several of the brand’s products in recent seasons, and we’re always left impressed by Ripton’s build quality and function-forward design sense. The latest addition to the Ripton lineup is the Bike Pant ($120) — a “hyper-thin, super-stretch performance denim pant” made specifically for mountain biking.
The Bike Pants are “purpose-built” trail riding specialists. They’re cut specifically to leave room for knee pads, and all three pockets are zippered to protect their contents at high speed. Men’s and women’s styles are available.
Xero Shoes makes a lot of impressively lightweight shoes, but the new Sunrise is the all-time lightest. At 5.9 ounces in a men’s 9, the Sunrise is a minimalist slip-on camp shoe with a fold-down heel and a microsuede upper.
Like the rest of the models in the brand’s expansive line, the Sunrise aims to support the human foot’s natural form and function. The toebox is wide to allow for toe spreading and unrestricted movement. A zero-drop nonelevated sole “facilitates proper posture.” Xero Shoes believes our brains rely on feedback from our feet to best respond to the terrain and unlock our true movement potential. And the Sunrise is designed to do just that.
Currently, the Sunrise is on sale for $56. Men’s and women’s sizes are available.
Salomon Index 02 Road Running Shoe — Men’s & Women’s
Salomon’s 100% recyclable Index shoe is back and, according to the brand, it’s better than ever. The Index 02, with its rocker profile and 28.5mm heel stack, is made for running and walking on firm surfaces. When it does eventually wear out, owners can visit Salomon’s return page, print a shipping label, and send the shoes off to the nearest collection center free of charge.
Early last year, we reviewed the first iteration of the Index and found them to be responsive and springy without feeling too clunky. The new version builds on the original design with a fresh road-specific outsole and engineered mesh upper. Men’s and women’s sizes are available.
