In summer, lighter is better. This week sees some hot releases with new tech from brands like The James Brand, Fujifilm, and Red Equipment, all delivering new gear to help you have a light, fast, fun and colorful summer.
From a throwback digital camera with 2025 chops, to one of the hottest knives we’ve seen all year, this edition of Emerging Gear will bring your summer from simple to stylish.
Ravik Ultimate E-Surfboard
Lovers of electric watercraft will want a look at this: Awake Surfboard Company just released a new flagship model in its expanding line of electric surfboards.
The Denmark-based company, which specializes in electric watercraft, unveiled the Ravik Ultimate — its “highest performance” board yet. Building on the Ravik S platform, the Ultimate reaches top speeds of around 37mph and comes with an updated propulsion system that “ensures instant thrust,” the brand said.
It’s got a sculpted rail profile and a dual channel “W” shaped hull — meant for greater responsiveness — and a carbon fiber construction to reduce the board weight by 24% compared to the Ravik S. It also drops 20% of the battery weight, resulting in a system that’s 22% lighter overall.
For $15,990, you get the board, plus battery and charger, controller and its charger, leash, bag, foot straps, and carbon fins.
Fujifilm X Half Compact Camera
The Fujifilm X half camera might be half the size, but it also looks like twice the fun. This compact digital camera blends modern functions with the handheld size of a vintage film camera. Weighing only 8.5 ounces (240 g), this light-frame camera was inspired by half-frame film cameras and aims to be the camera you carry alongside your smartphone.
For content creators, Gen Z users who want to ditch their smartphone without carrying a heavy load, and photo buffs, this new lightweight compact camera ticks the box for those looking to take digital photos without lugging a heavy camera or using a smartphone.
Although delivering the satisfying tactile feel of an analog camera, it still comes with a smartphone application, which you can use to edit and print photos using a Fujifilm Instax smartphone printer. It has an 18-megapixel virtual sensor, can capture a social aspect ratio of 3:4, and has a Film Camera mode with a two-in-one shooting feature. This allows you to take video, as well as vertical stills, and combine them into one file.
The James Brand ‘Barnes Arctic Storm’ Knife
The James Brand has released another exclusive color option for the Barnes knife in Arctic Storm + Stainless. With only 24 made, the Arctic Storm sports carbon fiber inlays and a blade machined from a single billet of Bohler M390 stainless steel.
The Barnes collection offers knives built for performance, designed with a minimalist edge. The James Brand makes its reputation on minimalist, high-style EDC.
This limited edition costs $800 and is available in the U.S. only. If you’re looking for something less likely to break the bank, have a look at our picks for the Best Pocket Knives of 2025.
Red Equipment 11’6″ Ride
Paddleboard brand Red Equipment designed the 11’6″ Ride for standup paddlers looking for more space, glide, and versatility. According to Red, the shape of the 11’6″ Ride increases stability while maintaining speed. The extra width in the tail and nose increases the volume, making it wider than the typical 33-inch board.
By adding that width, the paddleboard sits lower in the water than the average 6 inches of a thicker board. Lowering the board into the water creates more balance and stability. Plus, it’s easier to climb back aboard.
This SUP can accommodate riders weighing up to 287 pounds.
Megabeta Convertible Totepack
Do you climb after work? Climbing bag maker Megabeta tapped its audience of climbers for input into this pack’s design. That said, other work-play commuters should take a look, too.
The Megabeta Totepack is a convertible bag with a pocket dedicated to climbing shoes, complete with an odor-fighting carbon lining. There’s also an interior laptop compartment and another compartment for a change of clothes and snacks. The Totepack’s straps let you carry it like a backpack or as a tote.
You can preorder a Totepack ($125) on Kickstarter, where it surpassed its pledge goal within the first day.
UF PRO P-40 Mark I Range Pants
Specially designed for competitive shooters, the P-40 Mark I Range Pants ($213) have a tailored waist system to keep gear secure during drills. There’s also an integrated mesh padding in the lower back for comfort and to prevent contact between the skin and a belt.
The pants also have a dual-layer belt loop system made to accommodate under belts and competition belts up to 5 cm in width. Or, pair them with the brand’s Waist/Flex Belt, which supports holsters and other equipment.
Brevite’s The Jumper Camera Pack
Outdoor content creators and photographers will be interested in this one. Brevite, a Brooklyn-based brand started by three brothers, started in a dorm room as an attempt to create a better hybrid camera backpack.
They’ve since received plenty of recognition, racking up awards from Reddot, IF Design, Forbes, and more. While Brevite now offers numerous pack options, The Jumper has emerged as its flagship product. This nondescript, thoughtfully designed pack allows photographers to keep their gear stashed safely while allowing for freedom of movement.
Our friends over at PackHacker wrote that the pack “offers unique customization options paired with a simplicity that just works.” GearJunkie is looking at doing our own review. Until then, this one is definitely worth consideration as your next go-to option for outdoor shooting.
Craft x Houdini Kype Pro Race Shoe
Craft’s Kype Pro shoe gets a nature-inspired facelift from Houdini sportswear. The Craft x Houdini collab combines two Swedish performance brands ahead of the 2025 Stockholm Marathon.
The Kype Pro is Craft’s top-tier race shoe, which gets an earth-tone makeover from Houdini. It’s the first drop of the collab, with more to come. If you can’t make it to the Houdini stores in Stockholm, the Craft website will be your best chance to pick up a pair.
Huckberry x Ford Collection
Men’s style and adventure brand Huckberry collaborated with Ford Motor Company for a limited-edition collection of workwear and other apparel.
The Huckberry x Ford collection incorporates logos from the Blue Oval’s archives into pieces like the cord-collar canvas Mechanic Jacket ($228), Ford Short Sleeve Shop Shirt ($98), as well as its T-shirts and hats.
For fans of Ford American craftsmanship, there’s a numbered run of 75 hand-hammered steel belt buckles ($200). Another standout is the Exclusive Huckberry x Ford logo toolbox ($115), built in the USA.
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