It’s an incredible time to explore outdoor gear. Big brands continue to surprise us with interesting new collaborations, often by partnering with startups or individual artists. Thanks to online crowdfunding, smaller companies or individual inventors can bring in millions of dollars to make their crazy idea a reality.
Every week, you’ll find the best and most fascinating new outdoor products and gear right here. So fire up the Solo Stove, pour the whiskey, and check your Jeep watch: It’s Emerging Gear time.
Retrospekt x PBR Collection
I love disposable film cameras. I often threw a disposable camera in my pack when I first began hiking up Colorado 14ers and doing multipitch climbs. Not only did I get that grainy, old-school look in my photos — it also wasn’t that big a deal if I accidentally dropped it. But with the rise of smartphones, it’s hard to find these anachronistic devices.
That’s why I have no shame in embracing this marketing stunt from Pabst Blue Ribbon. The company collaborated with design studio Retrospekt on a 35mm film camera and a retro-inspired T-shirt. What I find genuinely cool about this camera is that you can reuse it! It’s built like the disposable cameras of the old days, but you can reload it with more film.
So yeah. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Pabst Blue Ribbon Simple-Use 35mm Film Camera. At $29, it’s a reasonable price for 27 exposures of 400 ISO film, along with the (expected) fixed-focus lens and built-in flash. The T-shirt is pretty cool, too.
Midland GXT67 Pro
Midland catered to customers’ demands for its new radio with an extended range and more reliable connections.
The GXT67 GMRS 5-Watt Two-Way Radio is Midland’s first repeater-capable handheld radio. It allows users to amplify the signal range and overcome obstacles, even in challenging terrain, the brand said. According to Midland, it’s particularly beneficial for off-road enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, emergency management teams, and agricultural professionals.
The GXT67 Pro is waterproof and dustproof, with 5 W of power. The package costs $200 and includes other accessories, such as a single radio unit, belt clip, desktop charger, AC wall adapter, USB-C charging cable, clip-on DC vehicle charger, owner’s manual, and quick-start guide.
Eagle Creek Pack-It 2024 Collection
Pack it up, people!
The company said Eagle Creek has updated its Pack-It collection for 2024, improving the organization system with sustainability-focused updates.
For 2024, the Pack-It collection is redesigned with 100% recycled fabrics, YKK zippers, and new styles. The collection includes a curated selection of the most popular styles chosen by travelers. There’s plenty to explore in Eagle Creek’s 2024 Pack-It Collection, so take a gander — you’ll probably find something to help with your organizational woes.
Jeep x Marathon Collection
Two companies with deep roots in the U.S. military have collaborated on four new watches.
Marathon Watch partnered with Jeep to launch the Jeep x Marathon collection, which includes the General Purpose (GP) Officer’s Series and the Search and Rescue (SAR) Series.
The GP Officer’s Series offers two 41mm field watches: the Jeep Willys SSGPM ($650) and the Jeep Willys SSGPQ ($500). These watches have a steel case with a parkerized finish and a three-piece leather strap kit.
The SAR Series includes the Jeep Rubicon GSAR ($1,500) and the Jeep Rubicon TSAR ($1,200). These 41mm watches have a distinctive “red line” indicator, tritium gas tubes, MaraGlo technology, and a 300m water resistance. Both models are engraved with the Jeep grille and Willys star.
Camp Chef Gridiron 36 Flat Top Grill
Camp Chef lights up the new Gridiron 36 Flat Top Grill just in time for your summer barbeques.
The Gridiron 36 includes a built-in griddle leveling system for easy adjustment even when hot and a flamethrower ignition valve for one-step lighting. A reinforced lid ensures durability and smooth operation, the brand said, while the griddle, designed with cross bracing, prevents warping. The grease management system includes a large trough and a convenient hole for easy cleanup, according to Camp Chef.
With 616 square inches of cooking space, the Gridiron 36 has two folding side shelves with an integrated magnetic accessory system. It costs $500.
NOCS Provisions Field Tube
See wildlife up close this summer without getting close enough for a bison attack.
Nocs Provisions just launched the Field Tube monocular, a waterproof way to watch birds and animals from a safe distance. For $125, the Field Tube has nitrogen-filled internal chambers to prevent fogging, an oversized focus wheel for one-handed focusing, and a rugged, no-slip grip.
According to Nocs Provisions, the Field Tube’s fully multi-coated lenses and seven-piece optical system produce a crisp image. Its lightweight frame, made from ultra-rugged thermoplastic, weighs just 8.4 ounces. Additional features include a twist-up eyecup for user comfort and a lifetime warranty.
Mammut Core Protect Rope
Alpine rock climbers have a new choice in the Core Protect Rope released by Mammut.
The ropes have the brand’s patented Core Protect technology and an aramid protective layer. This innovation significantly enhances cut resistance while maintaining the rope’s weight, dynamics, and handling, according to Mammut.
Developed and tested over 12 years, the rope has demonstrated superior performance in fall scenarios over sharp granite edges, surpassing standard ropes, Mammut claims.
The Core Protect Rope has received the OutDoor by ISPO Award 2024. Normally $170, it’s currently available at a discounted price of $127.
Solo Stove x WhiskeyPig Wheat Whiskey
I’ve drunk a lot of whiskey in my life — I had no idea it could be made from wheat. This rare form of whiskey has a long history, but I doubt it’s ever been made over a Solo Stove.
The popular camping stove and bonfire brand partnered with WhistlePig Whiskey to create CampStock, a limited-edition wheat whiskey that looks like a delicious way to relax around a campfire. In what the brands called a novel process, the whiskey barrels were toasted over smokeless Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pits. A bottle of the good stuff will cost you $75.
Additionally, Solo Stove is offering Solo Stove x WhistlePig Campfire Bundles. Buy one of those, and you’ve got yourself a party!
The North Face Lightrange Collection
Looking to update your summer threads? You’ll get extra strong sun protection if you opt for the Lightrange Collection dropped by The North Face for this summer.
The brand calls Lightrange a “new product technology” that offers boosted UPF protection and improved moisture-wicking. With ultraviolet protection ratings above UPF 40+, the collection aims for lightweight, breathable fabric designed for runners and athletes.
Key products include the Lightrange Sun Hoodie and the Lightrange Shadow Tee, priced between $45 and $80.
On Cloudrunner 2
Out with the old and in with the new: Switzerland’s On dropped the Cloudrunner 2, an upgrade of the brand’s popular running shoe.
The latest model provides additional stability to prevent injuries and protect feet during intense training sessions, no matter the terrain, On said.
Key features include a 100% recycled mesh upper, a new Helion super foam midsole, and an upgraded outsole that prevents stones from getting trapped. The CloudTec cushioning system absorbs impact, while a durable heel clip and upper reinforcements mean added support.
Shimano 2 x 12-Speed GRX Di2 Gravel Components
Bicycle component powerhouse Shimano was a bit on the back foot regarding gravel bike components. The main competitor, SRAM, caught up to Shimano, offering its own version of electronic shifting, but it also offered an extra cog boasting 12 speeds.
Shimano finally launched a 12-speed GRX gravel groupset last year, but only in mechanical versions, which left many scratching their heads. Why wouldn’t they offer their proven Di2 electrical as another option simultaneously?
Regardless of the reason, Shimano launched its 2 x 12-speed GRX Di2 today. Gravel aficionados have been waiting patiently for 12 cogs and Di2 electronic shifting, which they now have, but only in a 2x version. Again, Shimano, why not offer the 1x version at the same time? More head-scratching will ensue.
But, fans of double chainrings for gravel (our cycling editor is one of them) can rejoice. Shimano brings its proven Di2 shifting platform, Hyperglide cassette and chain, Shadow RD+ rear derailleur chain management, and refined ergonomics into the 12-speed electronic drivetrain wars. Gravel grinders will have a choice of 48/31 or 46/30 tooth chainrings and 11-36 or 11-34 tooth cassettes. Groupsets are listed at an MSRP of $2534.
When will the 1 x 12-Speed GRX Di2 groupset arrive? Shimano is cruelly making us wait yet again. Sigh.
