AI Rescue Drone, Underwater Bone-Conduction Headphones, Lone Peak 9, and More Emerging Gear

Admit it: You really missed us. And by us, I mean GearJunkie’s Emerging Gear column, which has been out of commission for the last 2 weeks of the winter holiday.

It was a short-lived slump for new outdoor products, however, and we’ve now got a packed week of cool stuff to share with you.

For starters, we’ve got a few more technology items than usual, thanks to a drone update from DJI, waterproof bone-conduction headphones from Suunto, and a leveled-up portable AC unit that van lifers will likely envy come August. For the rest, there’s something for almost everyone, whether you’re a cyclist, trail runner, skier, or just looking for some sweet new yoga threads.

DJI Matrice 4

DJI’s Matrice series, its “flagship enterprise drone,” serves many purposes, from aiding search and rescue and firefighters to surveying and mapping and even supporting wildlife management. (It’s also the drone series that helped capture a volcanic eruption in 2021.)

Its latest upgrade, the Matrice 4, aims to improve aerial operations with “advanced AI and precision measurement tools,” DJI said. The drones incorporate smart detection capabilities, laser range finders, and night-mode enhancements for complex environments.

The Matrice 4T, priced at $7,300, includes multiple intelligent sensors for high-detail inspections and emergency response tasks. A cheaper model, the $4,800 Matrice 4E, focuses on surveying and mapping with rapid imaging capabilities.

Suunto Aqua

Swimmers may want to take note of this one.

Finnish adventure tech brand Suunto unveiled its latest “flagship” product: the Suunto Aqua. They’re the first bone conduction headphones in its lineup specifically designed for underwater use. We loved the Suunto Wing, with Contributing Writer Rebecca Ross writing that they “revolutionized” her experience with headphones in general.

With the Aqua, Suunto caters to swimmers by bringing many of the same features into a waterproof package. Equipped with 32GB of storage (up to 8,000 songs), the headphones offer up to 30 hours of battery life with the included portable charging pod. Weighing 35 g, the Suunto Aqua is IP68-certified and can withstand depths of up to 5 m for 2 hours.

The device’s AI-powered algorithms help track swimming metrics such as stroke posture and breath frequency, the brand said. They’ve also got Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility, dual microphones, noise cancellation, and hands-free Head Movement Control. They retail for $180.

Hele Box Duo

Camping Editor Will Brendza was a fan of the single-person Hele Box: “The Hele Box is a modular platform design that breaks down for storage and sets up easily in different makes and models of trucks and SUVs. It’s sturdy, allows for greater storage when you’re sleeping in your vehicle, and elevates car camping to a new level of comfort.”

Now, Hele Outdoors has a two-person version: the Hele Box Duo. Designed for SUVs, trucks, and vans, this versatile sleeping system serves as a sleeping platform, storage solution, and camping table.

Its patent-pending design includes independently adjustable legs to fit around obstacles and level out on uneven surfaces. Constructed at 72” x 40” and weighing 36 pounds, it folds down into a 41” x 13” carrying case. For those seeking extra comfort, optional stubby legs or a matching storage bag can be added. It costs $500.

Camping Editor Will Brendza was a fan of the single-person Hele Box.

Zero Breeze Mark 3 Portable Air Conditioner

It might be cold now, but it won’t be long before you’re back in a hot vehicle fighting the summer heat.

To help you survive, Zero Breeze unveiled the Mark 3 Portable Air Conditioner at CES 2025. Weighing under 22 pounds, the Mark 3 delivers 5,280 BTU of cooling power, nearly double that of its predecessor, the Mark 2. Designed for portability and durability, it caters to users in demanding environments such as construction sites, race tracks, and campgrounds, the brand said.

Powered by a swappable 1,022Wh battery, the Mark 3 provides up to 7 hours of cooling on a single charge, with 2-hour recharging. It’s got “spot cooling” technology, a dual duct system for efficiency, automatic condensation drainage, and seven adjustable modes, including Rocket Mode for maximum cooling and Sleep Mode for quiet operation. Preorders are available now at $1,300, with shipping expected by late February.

Altra Lone Peak 9

One of GearJunkie’s most anticipated shoe releases of 2025 has already arrived: the updated Lone Peak 9 trail shoes from Altra.

As Craig Randall noted just a few weeks ago, “In terms of franchise shoes, it doesn’t get more historic for Altra than the Lone Peak. Beckstead noted that the Lone Peak is Altra’s most popular and bestselling shoe of all time, and that 50% of the thru-hiking community uses it. The Lone Peak 9 comes out in January 2025 and will be lighter than its predecessor. But its key upgrade (what Altra fans have yearned for) is durability.”

The Lone Peak 9 has a redesigned ripstop mesh upper with no-sew overlays and an updated MaxTrac outsole. Both changes supposedly meet hikers’ demands for improved durability. Available for men and women, it costs $140. Stay tuned for the Lone Peak 9+ and its Vibram Megagrip outsole. That’s coming on March 1.

G-SHOCK x Charles Darwin Foundation

Casio America, Inc. introduced a limited-edition G-SHOCK collection in collaboration with the Charles Darwin Foundation.

Inspired by the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, the two models — GAB2100CD1A4 and GAB2100CD1A7 — pay tribute to the Marine Iguana and Galápagos Penguin, with wave-inspired patterns and island map in-dial designs. Crafted with bio-based resin bands, the watches emphasize eco-conscious design and support the foundation’s conservation efforts, Casio said in a release.

Both models include key G-SHOCK features like shock resistance, 200m water resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, world time (48 cities), and a double LED light. The bands showcase the foundation’s slogan, with custom loops featuring symbols of the penguin or iguana. They cost $170.

Armada AR ONE

Armada, known for its winter sports gear, just launched its debut ski boot line: the AR ONE. Developed by a global team with over a century of boot engineering experience, the AR ONE aims to combine the comfort of a cabrio boot with the performance of a four-buckle model, the brand said. A limited-edition size run will be available at select retailers starting Jan. 10, with the full range arriving in fall 2025.

Key features of the AR ONE include a Slingshot Buckle for improved heel hold, a progressive “Natty Flex” for better power transfer, and a Memory Fit shell and liner. The initial release offers 130 and 110 flex models in select sizes, priced for performance-minded skiers.

Bajío Vega Sunglasses

We’re big fans of Bajío around here, which is why the brand earned a spot in our Best Fishing Sunglasses of 2025 guide. But Bajío also has an ongoing initiative called Temples of Change, which sponsors a fully paid scholarship for a young angler to attend a summer fly fishing program.

The latest funding for the scholarship comes through sales of Bajío’s Limited Edition Vega sunglasses, which feature custom permit artwork by fishing guide and tattoo artist Casey Anderson. For every pair sold, $20 is donated to Fish for Change to support youth scholarships.

Applications for the scholarship are open, and Bajío will select the recipient on April 1, 2025. Interested applicants can apply directly through Bajío’s website.

Handup Trail Rambler Pant

Snag some sweet new cycling threads with the new Trail Rambler Mountain Bike Pants from Handup.

Built for long days on rugged terrain, the pants include ventilation along the inner inseam and lower back to keep riders cool during intense rides. They’ve got a silicon-printed stretch waistband, as well as a self-locking buckle and adjustable strap. Personally, I’ll applaud them for including five zippered pockets on these bad boys. Available in black or gray, they cost $84.

prAna Luxara Salutations Collection

Yoga lovers will want to check out the new threads from prAna. The Luxara Salutations Collection incorporates the brand’s Luxara fabric, now with a ribbed aesthetic. In addition to a soft, lightweight feel, the fabric provides moisture-wicking properties and UPF 50+ protection, prAna said.

Key pieces in the collection include the Salutations Bra, priced at $64, which offers medium support, a sleek scoop neck design, and removable cups for customizable comfort. The Salutations Legging, available for $108, has a high-rise fit with a ribbed waistband and adjustable stretch drawcord.

For those seeking a more active, on-the-go option, the $98 Salutations Shortie includes a left-side drop-in pocket for small essentials and removable cups for added versatility.