Most of the time, real innovation isn’t about a single moment of “Eureka!” It more often occurs over time, with small advances gradually added to larger ones.
That’s evident from today’s selection of new outdoor gear, which includes several product drops from brands tightening their core focus. For starters, we’ve got updated Dyneema puffer jackets from British boutique Vollebak, which has been working on durable puffy jackets since at least 2019.
Six Moons Designs brings us a lightweight backpacking tent that actually looks comfortable, Cotopaxi once again shows us how it’s done with sustainable fashion, and KEEN has a hiker for those who want to wear comfy hiking shoes to the grocery store once they’re back from the backcountry. And, of course, we’ve got a sweet new flashlight for scuba divers. Welcome to the latest and greatest of Emerging Gear.
Nitecore DL 30 Dive Light
Nitecore gets a lot of love from us GearJunkies, as we’ve been big fans of its EDC flashlights, like the tiny EDC33 or the MT2A Pro.
Now, the Chinese brand has unveiled the DL30 Dive Light. Designed for divers, it’s capable of submersible operation up to 100 m, Nitecore said in a release. A powerful LED output of 1,100 lumens and a 3-degree spot beam will penetrate up to 788 m.
A red auxiliary light is included to aid underwater photography by preserving night vision and reducing disturbances to marine life. A rotating magnetic switch allows for easy operation, even with gloves, Nitecore said. Constructed from aluminum with a corrosion-resistant finish, the DL30 is built to withstand underwater conditions.
Its rechargeable battery delivers extended runtimes, allowing for prolonged dives without interruption. Buy the light from Flashlight Go for $109, and learn more about it on the Nitecore website.
Vollebak Dyneema Puffers
The British brand Vollebak makes some of the most high-tech — and expensive — outdoor apparel on the market. It’s continuing that focus with a line of winter jackets made from Dyneema.
Weighing just 450 g (just shy of 1 pound), the jacket’s outer shell is reinforced with thousands of strands of Dyneema, a fiber up to 15 times stronger than steel by weight, Vollebak said. It’s an update from the “indestructible puffy” that the brand first debuted back in 2019.
Available in black and khaki, the Ultralight Puffer with Dyneema is priced just under $1,000. A vest option ($800), offered in blue and black, uses the same advanced materials and construction.
Cotopaxi Contiguo Collection
You’ve got to hand it to Cotopaxi — it’s earned a beloved spot at the intersection of sustainability and style.
That’s clear from the new Contiguo Collection, which uses deadstock materials to create new designs. The Contiguo City Jacket, crafted from quilted deadstock fabric and available for both men and women, sold out just days after the Jan. 14 launch. But you can still find the Contiguo 22L Tote ($65), also made from durable X-Pac sailcloth deadstock.
And you’ll want to keep an eye out for additional 2025 releases for the collection.
Victorinox Mythic Travel Collection
Last fall, Victorinox announced a new lifetime warranty for all of its travel gear. Fast-forward a few months, and now we’ve got the Mythic Collection, a line of business travel bags and cabin-size luggage aimed at frequent travelers — and offering the brand’s new warranty.
Crafted from recycled ballistic nylon and genuine leather, the collection includes 11 products. Highlights start with the Deluxe Backpack ($500), which has Impact-Resistant Foam, a padded laptop compartment, a tablet pocket, and organizational elements like pen holders and file dividers.
The Frequent Flyer Carry-On ($700) includes a compartment for a 14-inch laptop, a flat section for clothing, and dedicated spaces for worn clothes and shoes, with a cleanable interior. TSA locks, compression straps, and quick-access compartments ensure a smooth travel experience.
Six Moons Lunar Orbiter Tent
Six Moon Designs just introduced the Lunar Orbiter, a freestanding solo tent designed for backpackers, bikepackers, and adventurers seeking a lightweight shelter. Priced at $425, the tent offers 21 square feet of floor space and pole geometry built for stability in high winds and harsh weather conditions.
The double-door design includes two vestibules, providing storage for gear and steep walls for extra headroom. Weighing 2 pounds, 12 ounces when packed, the Lunar Orbiter is easy to transport, with a compact size of 15.5 inches (excluding poles).
The tent is constructed with durable 20D silicone-coated polyester and a 40D bathtub floor for weather resistance. Other features include dual internal pockets, a removable gear loft, and six stakes for setup.
KEEN Hightrail
KEEN’s Hightrail wants to be the hiker you use both on and off the trail. Created for those who aren’t just wearing hiking shoes in the great outdoors, the Hightrail supplies lots of cushion, stable traction, and a contoured fit, the brand said.
As with all KEEN shoes, Hightrail avoids forever chemicals and is made from ethically sourced leather. They’re now available for both men and women, and cost $155 for the mid-waterproof, $145 for the low waterproof, or $135 for the low-vented version.
Garmin Montana Series
Garmin launched its latest Montana series of handheld GPS navigators, including the Montana 710, 710i, and 760i models. The devices offer a 5-inch color touchscreen display that’s glove-friendly and built to withstand harsh environments, Garmin said.
Ideal for hiking, off-road riding, and multi-vehicle use, the series includes preloaded TopoActive maps with detailed terrain information and supports various mounting options for ATVs, boats, cars, and more. The Montana 710i and 760i models come with inReach technology, enabling two-way satellite communication and SOS alerts via the global Iridium satellite network. With an active inReach subscription, users can send interactive SOS messages to Garmin ResponseSM, ensuring assistance when beyond cell coverage.
The devices also have high-resolution satellite imagery, Federal Public Land Boundary overlays, multi-GNSS support, and built-in navigation sensors like an altimeter, barometer, and three-axis compass. The devices offer up to 24 hours of battery life in GPS mode and 440 hours in expedition mode, with USB-C recharging.
The Montana 760i also includes an 8-megapixel camera for geotagged photos. Available now, prices range from $650 to $900.
Tifosi Vogel XC
Tifosi Optics launched the Vogel XC, the latest addition to the Vogel series. Designed with smaller face profiles in mind, the Vogel XC offers a more streamlined fit and improved airflow. That makes it ideal for runners and athletes, Tifosi said.
Weighing 24 g, the Vogel XC has a rimless design, durable Grilamid TR-90 frames, and shatterproof, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses. The addition of bottom lens vents aims to improve airflow and reduce fogging during rigorous activities.
With a slightly shallower 7.6mm lens cut, it also provides a compact shield-style frame. Available in six lens combinations, including the contrast-enhancing AC Red for overcast conditions, the Vogel XC costs $40.
Skratch Labs Recovery Vegan Oat Milk Latte Drink Mix
Boulder-based Skratch Labs dropped the newest addition to the Recovery Sport Drink Mix line: Oat Milk Latte. This vegan, carb-rich mix offers a creamy oat milk texture with a real coffee finish, catering to those seeking plant-based recovery solution, the brand said.
Formulated with a four-to-one carbohydrate-to-protein ratio, the mix delivers 40g of carbohydrates, 10g of protein, 5g of fat, and 340mg of sodium per serving. It also includes 56mg of caffeine for a post-exercise energy boost and 1 billion probiotic cultures to support digestive health.
Each serving contains 240 calories and is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, kosher, and GMO-free. Priced at $37 for a 12-serving resealable bag, the Oat Milk Latte mix joins other flavors like Chocolate, Horchata, and Strawberries and Cream.
Stinner Frameworks Refugio Select
Stinner Frameworks has expanded its Select Series with the launch of the Refugio Select, a locally crafted steel bike designed to excel on varied terrain. Inspired by the rugged Refugio Road near Stinner’s Santa Barbara headquarters, the Refugio Select uses a blend of Columbus Zona and Life tubing.
Its geometry aims for all-day comfort and offers a durable powder coat finish and clearance for 700x50c tires. The bike also includes Stinner’s proprietary UDH-compatible steel dropouts and flat-mount disc brakes.
Riders can choose from six stock sizes, and the bike comes equipped with SRAM AXS 12-speed electronic shifting, DT Swiss wheels, and an Easton cockpit. Available in two colors, Trailhead and Lake, the complete Refugio Select retails for just under $4,000, with the frameset priced at $1,700.
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