Take a look at this week’s roundup of the latest gear you might not see anywhere else!
Many everyday technologies were originally developed for space exploration: memory foam, freeze-dried food, LASIK surgery — the list goes on. Aerogel is an incredibly insulative material that has been used to keep people and electronics warm in space since the 1990s. High-tech apparel brand Vollebak believes aerogel is the long-term solution to replacing down, and its Aerogel Puffer aims to prove it.
The puffer’s 680 g of synthetic insulation is “embedded with particles of aerogel,” and the result “provides extreme warmth without extreme weight.” It promises to keep users warm down to -30 degrees, which, if true, might justify the $1,300 price tag.
Mountain Hardwear Stryder Anorak — Men’s & Women’s
The dangers of excessive UV exposure are well-understood across the outdoor recreation community. In recent years, sunscreen parties at the crag or trailhead are a common sight; the uptick in preventative action is tangible.
The growing prevalence of sun hoodies is another marker of growing awareness. Mountain Hardwear has been a leading manufacturer of sun hoodies for years, and the new Stryder Anorak — in men’s and women’s ($110) — looks like another great addition.
With a UPF 50 UV-protection rating and a host of sleek colors and patterns, the Stryder gets top marks for both protection and style. A snap neck closure and an adjustable bottom hem add further utility.
Fans of GiantMouse knives have been calling for a larger titanium version of the slim and pointy ACE Clyde model, and the brand has delivered. The new GMX knife ($445) has a titanium handle with a brass inlay paired with a slightly upswept 3.27-inch S90 steel satin-finished blade. When unfolded, the GMX has an end-to-end length of 7.6 inches. From the looks of it, the folks at GiantMouse didn’t reinvent the wheel here — they just refined it.
Due to limited quantities, the GMX is limited to one per customer.
YETI is known for top-class performance and durability, and the brand remains popular among outdoor gear enthusiasts. While YETI doesn’t drop new products as often as it once did, it does regularly introduce fresh seasonal colors. This spring, the brand’s offerings include the vibrant Canopy Green (left) and the earthy High Desert Clay. YETI’s entire range of products is available in these new colors — from bags to all-purpose hard coolers.
For more information on YETI and rotomolded coolers in general, check out our in-depth breakdown.
Tough Cutie is a young Black-owned sock company with a plan to “meet the fit and comfort priorities of women.” The brand’s debut product is the Eve Light Weight Hiker Crew Socks ($25 per pair). According to Tough Cutie, these socks are breathable, durable, and soft yet sturdy. With mesh ventilation zones and seamless construction, the Eve is built to provide a sweat- and blister-free trail experience.
The Eve socks are made from nylon, wool, and spandex. Many colors are available, from lavender to bold cheery pink.
LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Shorts — Men’s & Women’s
If LIVSN’s new Ecotrek Trail Shorts ($89) are on par with the pant version, they’ll instantly become one of the best active outdoor shorts in the game.
Made from synthetic nylon waste made from 70% ocean plastic, the Ecotrek Shorts are water-resistant, sweat-wicking, and quick to dry. We’ve tested the pants, which are made from the same material, and we can confirm the exceptional versatility and durability of the Ecotrek. The sustainably sourced materials are just an added bonus.
Both the men’s and women’s versions of the short have a close-fitting taper that hugs the body’s contours without limiting motion. An internal drawstring helps customize the fit.
Today, Mission Workshop launches the MW x ASP Squad Waterproof Jacket ($325), a three-layer waterproof shell with the classic styling of a coach jacket. Donning rain gear often involves a sacrifice of personal style, but the Squad can keep you both dapper and dry.
The Squad may be decidedly non-outdoorsy, but the Polartec NeoShell outer three-layer construction is legitimately waterproof. Like any good rain layer, the Squad has fully taped seams, an elastic hem drawstring, and zippered hand pockets.
In the world of open-toed hiking sandals, Bedrock Sandals exists in the upper echelon of brands alongside Chaco and Teva. Now, Bedrock applies the functional styling of its fabled Cairn sandals to a closed-toe clog. We recently tested the new clogs and they fully live up to the brand’s lofty reputation.
With a zero-drop profile and a relatively low weight of 13 ounces per pair, the clogs possess that barely there feel that Bedrock loyalists have come to love. The toebox fully encloses the front of the foot, but the heel area is still mostly open — aside from a one-inch strap to secure the foot. Just like the Cairns, the clogs come with a Vibram Regolith outsole that grips well on dirt, mud, and snow. They’re available in leather ($175) or synthetic material ($160).
Good maternity clothing is difficult to find. When you finally find a good fit, prices tend to be high — especially for a piece of clothing that you’ll only need for a few months. According to B&Me, this expandable jacket ($148) can be worn in three ways: as a regular jacket, as a maternity jacket, or as a jacket to wear over your child in your favorite baby carrier/wrap/sling. It’s built for all seasons and all phases of life: pre, post, and mid-pregnancy.
Multipurpose invisible zippers along the sides of the chest area are built for hand warming, nursing, and baby carrying. Large zippers beneath the armpits expand the coat’s fit significantly to make room for a pregnant belly.
