I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get past the summer. Temperatures have been brutal, and the thought of fall weather finally cooling down the hemisphere sounds pretty great.
Outdoor brands are clearly looking forward to it as well, with plenty of new fall collections. This week, that means Free Fly duds for anglers, Badlands’ sexy new fleece camo line for hunters, and a new PacSun collaboration for anyone looking for some reasonably priced technical apparel. You’ll find all that and more right here in Emerging Gear.
VERO Smokey Bear 80th Anniversary Edition Watches
“If not you, who?”
That simple phrase has become part of the national lexicon thanks to Smokey Bear. VERO is commemorating the 80th anniversary of Smokey Bear — a cornerstone of America’s longest-running public service announcement campaign — with the release of two special-edition watches.
These new models come with either blue or green dials, and include the iconic Smokey Bear logo at the 12 o’clock position. They’re encased in a 38mm-wide bronze casing that will develop a patina over time, according to the brand. Powered by the Seiko NH38A automatic movement, they offer a 41-hour power reserve. Also, 10% of the profits will go to the United States Forest Service. They cost $550.
Black Lab’s The Beast Dog Bed
Your dog will (probably) love you no matter what bed you buy, but this one certainly looks durable and comfy.
Black Lab Brands unveiled The Beast, an orthopedic dog bed aiming for durability and sustainability. Priced at $250, The Beast is crafted from recycled materials, with a triple-layered fabric that is abrasion-resistant, waterproof, and tear-proof, the company said.
Its “standout feature” is the Fused Core orthopedic mattress. Encased in heavy-duty, waterproof tarpaulin with fused seams, it provides joint support and protection from the elements. This bed also incorporates Polygiene’s all-natural antibacterial technology to prevent odors and maintain freshness, adding to its appeal for indoor and outdoor use. The bed is backed by a 120-day chew-resistant warranty.
Waterfield Vitesse Collection
These bags from San Francisco-based WaterField Designs aim for durability and classiness — and they’re made right here in the USA.
Founded in 1998, the brand is releasing its Vitesse Collection this month, with a focus on classic style and modern functionality. Priced at $220, the Vitesse Backpack is crafted from water-resistant waxed canvas. It’s produced by a mill with a history dating back to 1930, according to WaterField.
The Vitesse Backpack includes a metal paragliding-style buckle and YKK waterproof zippers. An expandable top opening includes a canvas laptop pocket and other pockets for accessories like phones, wallets, and pens. Ergonomic straps made from neoprene provide comfort and moisture wicking, and a leather-wrapped handle offers easy carrying.
There’s also the Vitesse Sling, a $60 crossbody bag also made from the same canvas. According to the website, the first batches of slings have already sold out, but more are on the way.
MEC Remix Classics Collection
There’s no denying it: The updated Rad Pants from MEC look, well, pretty rad.
Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) is channeling the 1980s with its Remix Classics Collection, tapping into a growing trend of retro-inspired fashion from the ’80s and ’90s (because 30 years is apparently enough to call something retro). The collection revives some of MEC’s best-loved designs from the past.
Highlights include the Men’s Rad Pants ($120) and the Women’s Rad Bib Overalls ($150). Kudos to MEC for offering the Men’s Rad Pants in bright purple and blue color schemes. (We fellas sometimes like colors, too!)
Free Fly Fall Collection
Free Fly, based in Charleston, S.C., has unveiled its fall collection of fishing apparel. The brand is known for its use of bamboo viscose bamboo, which may offer many benefits of technical apparel, but with fewer of the chemicals used in synthetic materials.
Key pieces include new offerings in weather-resistant fleece, like the Gridback Fleece Snap Pullover ($148), alongside adventure-ready canvas and twill bottoms like the Pacifica Twill and Folly Twill. Also, the collection introduces luxe waffle styles in joggers and henleys, and a performance-oriented line that includes the Highmile Joggers ($108) and Highmile Legging ($98), crafted from micro-suede knit fabric.
Badlands Rise Pro Collection
Badlands has introduced its new Rise Pro fleece hunting apparel, the first major line in its new GT camo. The Rise Pro collection is engineered with Badlands’ Wind Weave fabric to block out the cold, Stretch Fit fabric for comfort and quiet movement, and a water-resistant finish, the brand said.
The collection includes several pieces: the Rise Pro Jacket with 40g of insulation priced at $190, the Rise Pro Hoodie at $160, the Rise Pro Vest at $130, the Rise Pro Pant at $190, and the treestand-specific Rise Pack, also $190. These garments are designed for layering and are suitable for temperatures from 60 degrees to -30 degrees.
Nomadix 10th Anniversary Capsule
Nomadix is marking its first decade with a 10 Year Capsule Collection, featuring a limited-edition anniversary print by Sight Study.
The collection includes the Original Towel, priced at $40, a general-use towel that’s good for travel, yoga, and beach outings. The Festival Blanket, available for $70, offers a water-resistant base that’s better for outdoor events. Finally, the Bandana Towel, at $25, is crafted from UPF 50+ MicroSuede material.
Reese Cooper RC Outdoor Supply
“Gorpcore” — which describes outdoor apparel used for daily fashion — certainly seems to be having a moment lately.
Reese Cooper, in collaboration with PacSun, has launched RC Outdoor Supply (RCOS), a new technical apparel line drawing inspiration from California’s outdoor culture and Cooper’s personal aesthetic.
The RCOS line includes a variety of garments such as taped-seam shell jackets, insulated outerwear, cargo pants, graphic tees, hoodies, and sweatpants. Each piece is made from technical materials, including nylon, fleece, waffle knits, and heavyweight cottons. The collection also showcases a custom trim system with elements like rock pullers, zippers, speed belts, and specially branded buttons and toggles.
CRAFT Xplor Hybrid Running Shoe
A running shoe inspired by the versatility of gravel biking? Sounds a bit weird, but that’s the pitch behind the new running shoe from CRAFT, and perhaps they know what they’re doing. In a GearJunkie review of the CRAFT CTM Ultra Carbon, we wrote, “The CTM is a symphony of motion, propelling the runner forward in effortless stride. Is it worth the price? For many, it is.”
Now we have the Xplor, a running shoe for athletes looking for versatility across various terrain. Priced at $140, the Xplor aims for high performance on both pavement and trails, inspired by the adaptability of gravel bikes. This shoe features a collaboration with Vittoria, known for its advanced tire tech, CRAFT said in the press release.
The Xplor incorporates a Px Foam midsole and weighs 300 g with a 6mm drop. Shoe construction includes a mix of recycled polyester, thermoplastic urethanes, and polyurethane for the upper, while the midsole and outsole are made of ETPU foam and rubber, respectively.
Luminox Pacific Diver Automatic
Luminox has unveiled the first automatic watch within its Pacific Diver collection: the 3100 series.
This new series, starting at $1,150, enhances the classic design with a 316L stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, and a ceramic ring insert on the stainless-steel bezel. The 42mm case houses an automatic movement with a textured dial.
The highlight of the series is the Pacific Diver Automatic Midnight Mariner, the brand said, distinguished by its white-textured dial. This model, part of Luminox’s Heritage Collection, celebrates 35 years of the brand’s light technology.
