There’s an international bent to this week’s Emerging Gear column, with several brands from elsewhere in the Americas. That includes Peruvian performance apparel made from alpaca fiber, post-workout shoes from Colombia, and a Canadian brand with new mukluks designed by Cree artists.
But there’s plenty of other gear to go around, too. That includes the latest action camera from DJI, new “pee outside” garments from Gnara, and a folding electric tricycle that looks perfect for those in need of a little extra stability. Welcome to the latest selection of new outdoor gear.
DJI Osmo Action 5
DJI just dropped the newest model in its action camera line this week: the Osmo Action 5 Pro.
The new camera introduces “industry-first features” and “revolutionary image quality,” the brand said. This includes a 1/1.3” sensor with a 2.4μm pixel size, offering 13.5 stops of dynamic range. Capable of recording 4K/120fps (4:3 output) with a 155-degree ultra-wide angle, the Osmo Action 5 Pro sounds like a beast of a mobile sports camera.
It’s also got an extended battery life of up to 4 hours — 50% longer than its predecessor. It excels in low-light performance and is waterproof up to 20 m without a case. Other highlights include fast charging, even in freezing temperatures, and a new processor chip for lower power consumption. Prices range from $350 to $450, depending on the accessories included.
Tmat Truck Bed Organizer
Thomas introduces the Tmat Truck Bed Organizer Slide Out Mat ($300), a new product designed to enhance truck bed organization. The mat stands out as the only grid-based cargo organizer available today, including over a dozen accessories and attachments.
Made in the USA, the mat is designed to be easy to cut and customized to fit different truck bed shapes without the need for tools or drilling. “Cargo blockers plug into the mat to divide your truck bed into unique compartments,” according to the product description.
Tmat boasts that installation takes as little as 5 minutes, offering a simple and practical solution for truck owners, the brand said.
Manitobah Micro Mukluk
Manitobah, an Indigenous-rooted brand committed to supporting Canada’s First Nation communities, introduces the new Micro Mukluk.
This sexy shoe aims for winter walks, combining the traditional mukluk silhouette with modern flair, the brand said. It’s made from suede with faux fur and a sheepskin-lined footbed.
The outsole, designed by Cree artist Heather Endall, adds a touch of tradition to its versatile ankle-height design.
SkyNest Hammock Chair
A hammock chair with a heating pad? Yes, please!
In a new Indiegogo campaign, SkyNest combines a hammock with a heated, lightweight rocking chair. Designed for both outdoor and indoor use, the chair is built with alloy steel and durable fabrics, supposedly supporting up to 440 pounds. With a simple press of a button built into the side of the chair, users can activate the heating system, which includes three warmth settings.
At 7 pounds, it’s not super light, but the brand claims setup takes about 30 seconds without tools. It’s also designed to be pet-friendly with waterproof, easy-to-clean fabric.
SkyNest is currently available at an early bird price of $88 through the Indiegogo campaign.
Gnara Go Free Leggings
Gnara, if you’re not familiar, has quickly become quite popular among women who love getting outside. The young brand’s designs feature a “GoFree Pee Zipper,” allowing women to easily pee outside without having to disrobe.
GearJunkie was a big fan of the original Gnara Go There Hiking Pants back in 2022.
The brand’s latest Kickstarter campaign is for its new Go Free ⅞ Legging and Go Free 6” Shorts. The GoFly zipper, already popular in Gnara’s Go There Pants and Shorts, is also compatible with climbing harnesses and backpacking hip straps.
Find them on Kickstarter at discounted preorder prices — $128 for the leggings and $108 for the shorts — until October 10.
BERT Shoes
Even thru-hikers obsessed with cutting every gram will often bring along an extra pair of lightweight Crocs or sandals to help relax their feet at the end of a long day. That’s the spirit behind Colombian shoe brand BERT, maker of post-workout/approach shoes that are popular among hikers, bikepackers, and triathlon athletes.
Designed for everyday wear, the BERT shoe aims for durability and comfort for various outdoor sports. With a recycled rubber sole, BERT shoes offer slip resistance on wet, muddy, and slippery surfaces. They’re also oil- and water-resistant. A neoprene upper provides flexibility and insulation, while nylon mesh allows air circulation to keep your footsies cool and dry.
Made for both men and women, BERT shoes support local communities in Colombia by partnering with rubber-producing families in former conflict zones, helping them transition away from illicit crops. Also, a portion of profits funds sterilization programs for animals in underserved areas, with over 100 animals spayed since the company’s founding.
Suunto ZoneSense
Suunto seems very stoked to show you ZoneSense, a new technology aimed at improving “intensity measurement” in endurance sports. Launched this week, ZoneSense uses advanced heart rate variability (HRV), a technology developed by MoniCardi, a Tampere University program specializing in cardiac monitoring. The new tech allows athletes to measure exercise intensity in real time without the need for invasive lab tests, Suunto said in a press release.
ZoneSense accurately tracks the heart’s stress levels during exercise, correlating them with metabolic states such as aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, according to the brand. This would help athletes optimize their training by providing real-time feedback on their effort levels.
Available through the Suunto app with a heart rate belt, live ZoneSense measurements are compatible with models like the Suunto Race S, Suunto 9 Peak Pro, and Suunto Vertical.
Mooncool TK1 Folding Electric Trike
A folding electric tricycle? The bike industry never seems to run out of ideas.
The TK1 Folding Electric Trike, currently on sale for $1,700 (down from $2,000), is equipped with a 48V 500W Helical Motor, offering up to 750W of peak power and 55Nm of torque. Its Hailong Plus 48V 14.5Ah lithium battery provides reliable power for short commutes, Mooncool said.
Safety features include a rear differential mechanism for enhanced control on turns, and a parking brake that prevents unwanted rolling, similar to a kickstand. The trike’s folding structure allows for easy storage and transport. For added safety, the trike includes turn signals and a horn. Large front and rear baskets also provide plenty of storage.
L.L.Bean 100th Anniversary Field Jacket
L.L.Bean is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its iconic Original Field Coat, which the brand calls a rugged staple of American outdoor wear. Designed by company founder Leon Leonwood Bean in 1924, the coat was built to endure the harsh Maine woods during his hunting trips.
In honor of this 100-year milestone, L.L.Bean has teamed up with vintage curator Wooden Sleepers to release a limited-edition collection of vintage Field Coats, featuring pieces dating back to the 1950s. This old-school throwback is now available, with the coat priced at $170.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 x Black Girls Run
Who says you can’t have both style and substance in a running shoe?
Saucony presents you with a limited-edition version of the Endorphin Speed 4 in collaboration with Black Girls Run. The collection, available at Saucony.com and Fleet Feet, marks the first-ever shoe collaboration from the nonprofit focused on encouraging Black women to maintain an active lifestyle.
This limited-edition Endorphin Speed 4, priced at $170, includes a zonal mesh upper for a secure fit and Superfoam cushioning. Other features include a sockliner for added bounce and a lattice-designed outsole. The shoe will be available in men’s sizes 7-13, 14, and 15, and women’s sizes 5-12.
Arms of Andes Alpaca Apparel
Sure, you can get alpaca performance apparel from U.S. brands — but these threads are actually made in Peru by a Peruvian family.
Arms of Andes, an outdoor apparel company founded by siblings Meli and Rensso, focuses on sustainable, high-performance clothing made from 100% alpaca fiber. Unlike many brands that blend synthetic materials with alpaca, Arms of Andes uses pure alpaca wool in all its products, the brand said. The brand also prioritizes eco-friendly practices, using natural dyes and keeping production in Peru to reduce the products’ carbon footprint.
Notable items include the 420 Midweight Alpaca Wool Leggings, designed for both men and women, offering warmth, stretch, and moisture resistance for $170. The women’s 160 Ultralight Long Sleeve Shirt, priced at $85, is breathable and perfect for layering in active conditions. Similarly, the men’s Alpaca Wool Long Sleeve Shirt provides a lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer, also available for $85.
Kuhl Rydr Lite
KÜHL has just launched the Rydr Lite pant, a lighter-weight version of its popular Rydr series. Priced at $100, the Rydr Lite is 25% lighter than the original, making it ideal for warmer weather or activities requiring extra mobility.
Despite the reduced weight, it retains the durability and comfort of the original, the brand said. It’s crafted with micro-twill fabric and built-in stretch in a classic KÜHL design.
