Even in 2025, innovation continues to drive new advances in outdoor gear. The latest bike helmet from POC already has the top spot in a university’s helmet testing program, while highly technical brands like Mountain Equipment continue to make mummy bags lighter and warmer.
Not too long ago, it would be hard to find something as specific as the Astral’s technical boat sneaker, or the durable, high-definition action cameras that continue to proliferate among brands old and new. Whatever you love to do outside, you’ll likely find something meant for you right here in Emerging Gear.
Astral Brewer 3.0
Astral, the Asheville-based brand making some of the best PFDs anywhere, also wants to protect your feet. GearJunkie contributor Emma Renly called the Astral Brewess 2.0 a “great footwear choice for a river runner in any season of the year.”
Now Astral has updated its all-weather sneaker with the Brewer 3.0. The latest upgrade includes a better heel lock for getting in and out of boats, stickier rubber, and five new colors.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Xplorer Bundle
Chinese company Insta360 makes some of the best outdoor cameras around. In fact, GJ contributor Cameron Martindell thinks the Insta360 X4 Spherical is the best 360-degree action camera available.
After releasing the upgraded Ace Pro 2 last year, Insta360 now adds the Xplorer Bundle for adventure content creators looking to up their game. The bundle includes an exclusive “Grip Kit” from Tilta, another Chinese photography brand. With a metal utility frame, the kit offers a big improvement in outdoor durability for the 8K action camera, according to the brand.
Mountain Equipment Xenith Sleeping Bags
Mountain Equipment, an English brand focused on high alpine gear and apparel, has released the Xenith sleeping bag collection, its lightest sleeping bags to date. Building on the success of its award-winning Oreus jacket, the mummy bags aim for those looking to move fast in the mountains in the warmer seasons, the brand said.
The Xenith range includes three models, each with RDS-certified 900-fill goose down and Mountain Equipment’s PLASMA 10D fabric, the same outer fabric used in the Oreus. To promote thermal efficiency, each bag offers an alpine fit and multiple baffle designs, including vertical box wall baffles in the chest and slant baffles in the main body.
The Xenith I, the lightest bag in the collection, works best for minimalists looking to go fast and light. Foregoing a hood for additional weight savings, the bag weighs 360 g with a temperature rating of 5°C/41°F. It costs $420.
POC Cytal Road Helmet
Cycling Editor Seiji Ishii has been testing the POC Cytal for a few weeks. The forehead venting was superb, and the helmet felt lighter while riding than its listed weight during use (340 g for a size large).
POC already has a reputation for making some of the best road bike helmets, so it didn’t surprise Ishii to see it nab the #1 spot in Virginia Tech’s helmet ratings.
The Mips Air Node system wasn’t noticeable and didn’t affect airflow at all, Ishii added. Knowing that POC uses dual-density foam for energy absorption was a bonus. The one thing that was unanimously commented upon was the aesthetics. POC has always been “unique” in the visual impact of its products, and the Cytal is no different. It’s an outside-the-box design for a helmet claiming to be an aero road model.
Garmin Connect+
Garmin upgraded its software with Garmin Connect+, a premium plan launched this week. The plan provides additional features and more personalized insights in the Garmin Connect smartphone app.
Connect+ offers even more health and fitness data with “Active Intelligence” insights powered by AI, expert training guidance, exclusive badge challenges, and expanded LiveTrack features. All existing features and data in Garmin Connect will remain free, the brand said, while Connect+ costs $7 a month.
‘Lindsay and the Curse of Gemini Lakes’
Cyclist and author Molly Hurford has started something special with Strong Girls Publishing, offering YA books aimed at adventurous young women.
Hurford’s popular Shred Girls series follows three young athletes — Lindsay, Ali, and Jen — as they discover the world of cycling, friendship, and personal empowerment. The next book in the series, Lindsay and the Curse of Gemini Lakes, is now available for preorder before hitting shelves on May 27. This installment continues the adventures of Lindsay and her friends as they tackle new challenges both on and off their bikes.
It’s also the first book from Strong Girl Publishing to be released as an audiobook and in print and e-book editions.
G-SHOCK Oasis Series
It’s hard not to love G-SHOCK’s Oasis-inspired collection of timepieces. The four-piece lineup blends blue and green pastels to represent “the tropical waters we’d all like to run away to,” the brand said.
The watches include G-SHOCK’s iconic octagonal silhouette and are made with bio-based resin for a bit of sustainable manufacturing, G-SHOCK said. Retailing for $120-140, the collection is available now.
BOTE Fischer Series
A fresh lineup of colorful designs from BOTE will ensure your paddleboard looks just as sexy as you do.
BOTE just dropped the Fischer Series, a collection of fishing-ready paddleboards in eye-catching designs. The collection also includes a micro skiff, coolers, waterproof packs, and drinkware, all inspired by “nautical heritage and the distinctive markings of the cutthroat trout,” BOTE said.
The Fischer Series includes two designs — Topwater and Cutthroat — added to BOTE’s popular paddleboard models like the HD Aero, Rackham Aero, and Rover Micro Skiff.
Linology Rechargeable Batteries
For those who like to decrease their environmental impact, the nascent brand Linogy claims to offer an inno solution for reducing battery waste.
With an upcoming Kickstarter campaign, Linogy is selling a “first-of-its-kind 1.5V AA/AAA rechargeable battery and charger system.” Linogy designed the system to offer the performance of disposable batteries while reducing waste and carbon emissions.
Unlike standard rechargeable batteries, Linogy’s lithium-ion batteries deliver a consistent 1.5V output, the brand said. Plus, its eight-slot home charger and four-slot portable charger have an integrated display that tracks carbon reduction in real time. Sound interesting? Then sign up for the upcoming Kickstarter campaign through Linogy website.
Zenni Zunnies
Zenni Optical now offers Zunnies: ultra-lightweight, prescription-ready sport sunglasses. With customizable lenses, a helmet-friendly fit, and a wraparound design, Zunnies Cycling look like decent shades with a surprisingly affordable price tag.
Some “ready-to-wear” styles start under $20, while some fully customized prescription options are available for under $70.
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