There’s never a dull moment when you cover an industry devoted to having fun in the Great Outdoors. Brands big and small compete for our attention during the busy shopping months at the end of the year, and we GearJunkies are hard at work digging through them to find the coolest new stuff.
That ranges from sexy new ski helmets and snow gear for the coming winter, improved protection for motorcyclists, innovative knife designs, and even a way to keep your beer can from rolling off the paddleboard. (Yes, really.) Enjoy the latest and greatest of Emerging Gear.
Atlas Collectif Wadi Capsule
Oman’s Hajar Mountains — one of the highest ranges on the Arabian Peninsula — inspired Atlas Collectif’s new collection of technical running apparel.
The Wadi Capsule, the brand said, caters to the hot, dry climate confronted by the area’s growing community of hikers and trail runners, with colors and textures that reflect this unique mountain environment. Named Al-Wudiyan Al-Jariyah, or “the flowing valleys,” the apparel is crafted from recycled polyester and breathable bamboo cotton.
The standout piece is the Wadi Boonie Hat, which offers a removable mesh face shield and a detachable neck flap for protection from sun and dust.
BOTE MAGNEPOD System
I haven’t used a BOTE paddleboard yet — but keeping my beer steady is a good enough reason to try out this popular water sports brand.
BOTE has introduced the MAGNEPOD system, which uses magnets to keep drinkware and other items from rolling off the boards into the water. The brand has integrated the system into its SUPs, kayaks, and docks. It’s both a useful system and clever marketing, given that you’ll have to buy BOTE’s equally magnetic drinkware to take advantage of it.
Examples include the MAGNETumbler ($36 for the 20-ounce version or $40 for the 32-ounce version), a stainless steel insulated tumbler with a 2-inch magnetic base. There’s also the MAGNEChill Can Cooler, available for $27.
Retrospekt x Rollei Gold-Plated Camera
It’s hard to imagine a better Christmas gift for a photographer than this vintage beauty.
Retrospekt has restored a limited number of 24k gold-plated Rollei 35 film cameras. Originally released in 1966 and known for its compact design and high-quality optics, the Rollei 35 became a cultural icon — even used by Queen Elizabeth II and featured in Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums. Retrospekt’s restored versions bring this vintage model back to life as fully functional, collector-worthy cameras, the brand said.
Each camera has been sourced, disassembled, and refurbished by Retrospekt’s team. Packaged in a premium matte black box with precision-cut foam, the camera comes with a custom leather case and wrist strap, modeled after the original accessories. Available for $1,000 a piece, these limited-edition beauties will likely sell fast.
Dainese Motorcycle Airbag Vest
Motorcyclists looking to level up their safety may want to take a look at the latest wearable airbag from Italian gear maker Dainese.
The brand just launched Smart Air, the newest version of its wearable airbag system for motorcyclists. By continuously monitoring a rider’s surroundings, the system can deploy a protective airbag within 45 milliseconds when an accident is imminent, Dainese said in a news release.
The vest supports three activations (without needing airbag replacement) and includes a user-replaceable gas canister. Originally pioneered by Dainese over 20 years ago, D-Air technology has been used by MotoGP champions, the brand said. Buy yours for $700.
Sanctum Hard Bar
Functionality and sex appeal come together in this slim ECD knife design from Sanctum Brand.
Debuting on Kickstarter this month, the Hard Bar is a compact, rigid pry-sheath that houses the brand’s Overlord Fixed-Blade knife. A Click-Lock system ensures both the pry-sheath and knife securely connect while remaining detachable for separate use.
Benefits of the Click-Lock system include single-handed deployment, haptic feedback for audible and tactile sheathing, and a minimalist design that reduces weight and enhances portability, according to Sanctum.
The sheath and knife are crafted with grade 5 titanium, along with an ultem inlay for the pry bar and stainless steel for the blade. Sanctum’s knife and sheath combo will launch on Kickstarter on Nov. 10, with an early-bird price of $113 for pre-launch subscribers. Shipping is expected by the second quarter of 2025.
Strong Girl Publishing
Cyclist Molly Hurford started Strong Girl Publishing last year to promote new books by female athletes.
“The girls who love to bike are now reading books, and the girls who love to read are now riding bikes,” Hurford told GearJunkie after launching her independent publishing company in 2023. “We want to reach as many girls as possible.”
Hurford has added new books and merch to her site since then, including her latest novel, Running as Fast as We Can, and Sprinting Through Setbacks, a memoir from Canadian Olympic sprinter Micha Powell. From Hurford’s popular Shred Girls series to cool cycling-themed merch, there’s plenty to peruse as holiday gifts for the cyclists in your family.
POC Winter Collection
POC’s winter season collection debuts a refined design approach with clean lines and bold colors across its ski gear. Highlighting the range is the updated Loft Parka. It’s got water resistance, recycled insulation, and a pre-shaped design for protection and freedom of movement. It’s also available in the new Natrolite Beige color.
Another aesthetic addition is the Raw Capsule, which uses translucent materials to showcase the complex protective features beneath the minimal exterior of POC helmets. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an extra-sexy and unique helmet for the winter season.
Arc’teryx Freeride Collection
Camo from Arc’teryx? I guess it was only a matter of time.
Arc’teryx’s Grottoflage introduces the brand’s first print design in its new freeride line, with a camouflage-style pattern that incorporates the Arc’teryx logo, inspired by the popular Grotto toque. The collection spans nine products, including men’s and women’s Sentinel Jackets, Sabre Pants and Jackets, and Rho base layers.
In collaboration with Atomic, a fellow Amer Sports brand, Arc’teryx is also launching a limited-edition ski, the Atomic Maverick 115 CTI Arc’teryx Edition, featuring the Grottoflage design. The ski will be available in limited quantities on Atomic’s website beginning Nov. 11.
Boot Bananas
Is that a banana in your shoe? Or are you just happy to see me?
With the holidays approaching, Boot Bananas would make a great gift for climbers and athletes looking to keep their shoes dry and odorless. These banana-shaped deodorizers, priced between $15 and $30, are made from natural ingredients like bamboo charcoal, baking soda, and Australian tea tree oil.
The brand said they help neutralize strong odors and absorb sweat-induced moisture, outperforming synthetic alternatives. Boot Bananas come in three versions: eco-travel deodorizers, original deodorizers, and active mineral moisture absorbers.
Jibe Cycleworks Jester 29
Jibe Cycleworks has introduced the Jester 29er, expanding its full-suspension bike line. Based in Salt Lake City, Jibe, founded in 2022, has crafted the Jester with aggressive geometry and 120mm of travel for versatile trail performance.
The bike has a Split Pivot suspension system, which separates braking forces from suspension, enhancing stability and grip. Its suspension kinematics boast an 11% leverage ratio for efficient pedaling and smooth impact absorption. The Jester’s geometry, including a 65-degree head angle and 76-degree seat tube, balances cross-country efficiency and playful trail handling.
Riders can choose from five customizable build options priced between $3,500 and $7,700, with choices like SRAM AXS or Shimano drivetrains and various suspension setups. A frame-only option with a Fox Factory Float shock is available for $2,100.
The 2,300g frame accommodates dual water bottles, clean cable routing, and meets rigorous ISO standards. Available in Galactic Blue and Lava Flow, the Jester can be shipped assembled or picked up at Jibe’s Salt Lake City headquarters
