Yes, the world is getting hotter, and not just because it’s summer. But we can still find ways to enjoy the outdoors. Just look at the participants of the Badwater 135 ultramarathon. They manage to run extreme distances in the world’s hottest landscape by choice.
Great gear can often help, like the Death Valley-inspired collection from 2XU or the colorful new running apparel from HOKA. Conversely, you could avoid the heat entirely by going for a dive with a new Christopher Ward watch or simply buying some DPS Skis and dreaming of colder temperatures this winter.
Whatever your preference, we’ve got emerging gear to help you get outside — and enjoy it. This week, there’s everything from Australian camping toilets to packing cubes and e-MTBs.
Joolca GottaGo
I don’t know if Joolca was aiming for a Jurassic Park reference when it named its portable toilet. (“When you gotta go, you gotta go.”) But I’m on board with it.
The Australian brand Joolca, known for its portable showers and other products, just launched the GottaGo. Priced at $300, this versatile toilet will work just fine for camping, overlanding, hunting, remote worksites, or emergency home kits, the brand said. It functions as a composting, chemical, and bag toilet, with a design that automatically separates solids from liquids.
According to Joolca, this design increases capacity, reduces the frequency of emptying, and simplifies the removal and cleaning process. An airtight, leakproof construction also reduces odors.
2XU x District Vision Capsule
If you want to look like the coolest runner (both literally and figuratively), this pricey collaboration is worth a look.
The Australian-born compression apparel brand 2XU teamed up with Los Angeles-based District Vision for a limited-edition collection inspired by the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon. This collaboration offers three outfits from 2XU paired with District Vision’s ultra-lightweight D+ lens rimless sunglasses.
The Badwater 135 is renowned as the world’s toughest foot race. It starts in California’s Death Valley, where temperatures can reach 130 degrees. According to 2XU, the collection is designed to support ultrarunner and 2XU athlete Harvey Lewis in his 13th race attempt.
2XU’s new collection includes nine pieces of men’s apparel. The Desert Runner Asymmetrical Hooded Pullover ($500) is made with four-way stretch fabric and breathable mesh, with an adjustable hood, asymmetrical zips, and a secure zip pouch.
Luno AIR+FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress
Inflatable bed specialist Luno just dropped the AIR+FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress. Priced at $500, the plush foam air mattress is designed to fit over 4,000 vehicle models, including Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. It’s got patented Head Support Bridge Attachments for stability and a space-saving sleeping platform.
The AIR+FOAM PRO can self-inflate in 3 to 5 minutes and is meant for one or two people, accommodating heights up to 6’2″. It’s available for preorder starting August 1, with shipments beginning in late August.
The North Face Borealis Backpack 25th Anniversary Edition
To celebrate 25 years of one of its most popular designs, The North Face just released a limited-edition Borealis Backpack.
Priced at $160, the new Borealis has the signature bungee straps and a FlexVent suspension system certified by the American Chiropractic Association. Its 28L capacity includes a large main compartment, a front compartment with secure-zip pockets, and a padded tablet sleeve. There’s also an external fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses or keys, a dedicated 16-inch laptop compartment, and two water bottle pockets.
The limited-edition Borealis released on The North Face app on July 26. It will be available in-store and online September 13. A women’s-specific version is also available.
National Geographic x Arcade Belts
Belt brand Arcade teamed up with National Geographic to make a new collection of belts using the magazine’s iconic logo and color scheme. Priced between $38 and $43, the collection includes belts with a contoured, low-profile buckle for a comfortable, stretchy design.
The belts are machine washable and dryable, making them convenient for everyday use. Travel is hassle-free with metal-free materials that simplify airport security checks, the brand said. An elastic loop keeps the excess belt length tucked neatly in place. Arcade makes great travel belts, and now, it makes one specifically for explorers who love Nat Geo.
Super Pacific HuckPack Collection
Super Pacific, known for its lightweight truck campers and accessories, just launched the HuckPack Collection. It includes a seat organizer and duffel bag, but the “foundation” of the collection is the HuckPack Cubes, the brand said.
The HuckPack Duffel and HuckPack Seatback Organizer can house or attach modular packing cubes of different sizes to accommodate different gear needs. Cubes range from small to medium sizes and can be mixed and matched as desired.
The clamshell-designed duffel, which is both water-resistant and abrasion-resistant, can open flat or hang vertically, keeping ventilated packing cubes in place. The HuckPack packing cubes are available in Challenge UltraGrid 100 or ventilated mesh.
HOKA Solstice Collection
You gotta give it to HOKA — the brand’s shoes aren’t just comfy, but quite fetching as well. That’s on full display with HOKA’s new Solstice Collection. The new line includes apparel, hats, socks, and an early-release color of the popular Speedgoat 6 trail running shoe. First released last month, the collection is now available on both the HOKA site and REI.
Highlights include the colorful Race Day Bra ($68), and of course the beautiful new color for the Speedgoat 6 Trail Running Shoes ($155).
Trek Slash+
No matter your feelings on e-bikes, you’ve got to admit that they’ve become increasingly sexy.
Trek’s new e-mountain bike, the Slash+, certainly fits the bill. Looking at the bike, it’s hard to even tell it has a battery in it. It offers a natural-feeling assist for climbing steep trails while maintaining a fitness-forward ride, the brand said.
The motor is also compact and quiet, supposedly allowing riders to enjoy nature’s soundtrack even in pedal-assist mode. The Slash+ also has an upgraded battery for extended rides and is compatible with a range extender. Like any mountain bike (and especially the electric ones), you’ll pay for the premium materials. The bike retails for $8,000.
DPS Carbon Wailer
Brand new skis that sell at a discount? That’s the case with DPS Skis, which is selling its new Carbon Wailer series of skis in a sale running through August 14.
You can save $300 on the new Carbon Wailers, priced at $1,000 during the event. Designed for versatile performance in various conditions, they’re made from hybrid carbon-fiberglass laminate and aim for all-mountain capability. Available in 90mm, 100mm, and 107mm waist widths, there are also several color options.
In testing, GearJunkie found the DPS Wailers to be powerful, fast all-mountain skis. Their rocker and camber profile makes it easy to plow through chop and variable terrain, and they lock into hard edged turns very naturally. The fact they’re named after Bob Marley’s backup band is just the cool-factor cherry on top.
C60 Trident Pro 300 GMT
Divers, rejoice! Christopher Ward just launched the C60 Trident Pro 300 GMT, the latest iteration in the brand’s Trident line of dive watches.
The Pro 300 GMT includes a 120-click, bi-directional bezel with lumed ceramic or steel inserts and a self-winding Sellita SW330-2 movement with a 56-hour power reserve. The watch is available in light blue/blue, white/blue with a bi-color ceramic bezel, and turquoise/yellow with a steel relief bezel (pictured). Prices start at $1,195 for the FKM Aquaflex rubber strap.
