Whether you’re 2 years old or 62, there’s something extra fun in today’s batch of spring-inspired outdoor gear. We’re stoked about insanely light water filters for hiking, backpacks specially made for moms hiking with their kids, and several pairs of sexy new shoes for getting outside — especially Nike’s beautiful designs celebrating Mexican heritage.
You’ll also find an inclusive children’s book for your bike-loving kids, new mountain biking apparel, and a rooftop tent to make car camping even more comfy than ever. It’s all right here in Emerging Gear.
LifeStraw Ultralight Filter
Are you one of those ultralight backpackers so obsessed with weight that you cut your toothbrush in half? Then you may want a look at LifeStraw’s lightest-ever water filter. The new Sip Essential weighs less than an ounce (0.7 ounces), but will filter up to 1,000 L. That equates to roughly 1 year of daily use, according to the brand.
LifeStraw’s other straws weren’t exactly heavy to begin with — but this one is nearly an ounce lighter than the LifeStraw Personal long featured in GJ’s guide to the Best Backpacking Water Filters. Like that filter, the Sip Essential removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. Even if you already have a preferred filter, this would make for a solid backup.
Nocs Provisions x Audubon Collection
Can a pair of binoculars be both cute and functional? They certainly are in this beautiful collaboration between Nocs Provisions and the National Audubon Society. In this first collaboration, available only at REI, three of these Nocs binocs get an Audubon special edition that focuses on the nonprofit’s Priority Birds. That means “threatened species that serve as sentinels for their ecosystems.”
A portion of all proceeds directly supports Audubon’s mission to protect critical habitats and expand birding access for a new generation, according to Nocs. Check out the Field Issue Binocular (8×32) in Peregrine Falcon, Pro Issue Binocular (10×42) in Piping Plover, and the Zero Tube Monocular (10×25) in Piping Plover.
Deuter Child Carry Backpack
As the uncle of two small kids, I’ve become aware of two things: Kids love being outside, and carrying them is kind of a pain without good gear.
Moms have a new option for safely carrying their kids with deuter’s Kid Comfort Active SL child carrier. The German brand designed this carrier specifically for women, making it lightweight (roughly 5 pounds), more compact, and with a shorter adjustable back length than unisex/men’s carriers. The seats in the cockpit are well-padded and adjustable, even on the move, according to deuter. It costs $280.
Nike x Renegade Shoe
Nike just dropped its first-ever footwear collection created with a run specialty partner — and it’s inspired by Mexican heritage. California-based Renegade Running was founded by former public school educator Victor Diaz, who built its reputation on “fostering belonging in the sport.”
Nike’s collaboration with the brand is inspired by Diaz’s Mexican heritage. It includes a special edition of the Vaporfly 4 “super shoe” and the Vomero Premium ($240) road runner. Both shoes come in a dark brown base color with orange accents, along with a carbon Flyplate. From a reimagined ’90s-era “AIR” graphic to the phrase “Barrios Unidos,” the shoes aim to “reinforce a spirit of unity across running communities,” Nike said in a release.
Ortovox MTB Collection
German brand Ortovox just introduced its first mountain bike collection: the Sequence Series. It includes two lines of gear, Trail and Free, both of which are “tailor-made for bikers,” according to the brand.
The Trail line offers “performance-driven apparel,” while the Free lineup aims for looser fits and wool blends. Both collections also aim for sustainable manufacturing, with Ortovox’s first-ever Bluesign-certified products. It’s also the first gear that uses GORE-TEX. Explore the collection on the Ortovox website.
iKamper Skycamp 4.0
Ten years after its introduction, the Skycamp rooftop tent just got another upgrade with the Skycamp 4.0. The latest version expands space without compromising its footprint, as well as a more efficient setup and additional components to make it more durable, according to iKamper.
The Skycamp 4.0 series includes Duo and Quad sizes, as well as the new Trio size. It’s designed to fit mid-size SUVs, wagons, crossover vehicles, and mid-sized truck beds “while delivering the comfort of a full-size tent in a more versatile footprint,” the brand said.
There’s a redesigned sleeping platform with the option of a foam or self-inflating mattress, a cork-lined ThermaSeal Floor System, and increased headroom. Prices start at around $4,400.
Timberland Waterproof Field Boot
It’s not often that high fashion combines with high-tech boots, but that’s what I’m seeing in this new release from Timberland.
The Timberland Waterproof Field Boot is the brand’s latest collaboration with the artist and designer LOSO. Crafted from full-grain leather with bright green laces against a dark black, they also have a flame motif along the toe. These boots will protect you from the weather — and likely get a lot of compliments on both the trail and the nightclub.
And with a price tag of $180, they’re not outrageously expensive (at least compared to most options for waterproof boots).
Pit Viper Sport Beer Collection
I will proudly admit to never hearing about “Sport Beer” until this spring release from the edgy shades brand Pit Viper. Apparently a beverage made from three parts beer, one part sports drink, and one part ice, it’s not something I’m eager to try.
But the colorful gear it has inspired for Pit Viper’s latest release — including eyewear, apparel, and accessories — is undeniably fun. The pastel dreams of the ’80s are still very much alive with this collection. Also, check out the brand’s new Flip-Off 2.0 Sunglasses and the Mooner Sunglasses.
The North Face Climbing Gear
Climbers have another batch of gear to peruse, this time from The North Face. The Summit Climb Collection is “designed specifically for modern climbing,” the brand said, and was built with direct input from The North Face athlete team. It aims for technical performance while climbing as well as versatility off the wall.
The collection is available for both men and women. Highlights include the Verto Approach GORE-TEX Shoes — a rare pair of approach shoes that include GORE-TEX, so alpinists and climbers looking at long, rainy approaches will want to check these out.
Biking Children’s Book
Modern life offers plenty of high-tech outdoor gear — but nothing beats a good book, especially for kids. You’ll find a great new option for showing young girls the joys of bike riding in this new offering from Strong Girl Publishing.
The small publisher collaborated with All Bodies on Bikes co-founder Marley Blonsky to produce its first children’s book: The Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club: A Story About Riding Your Own Way. Now available for preorder, it’s about a group of kids that don’t look like “typical cyclists,” and that’s exactly the point, according to the book description.
“This book is the story I wish I’d had as a kid,” said Blonsky. “It’s for every child who’s ever felt left out or doubted whether they belong — on a bike, in sport, or anywhere else.”
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