Snow swirled all around Denver, causing road closures, flight delays, and general travel chaos as brands and journalists descended upon the Mile High City for this year’s Outdoor Market Alliance (OMA) winter media show. The vibes were high as GearJunkie ping-ponged from one showroom to another, one meeting to the next. There was a smorgasbord of rad gear — new and updated — to check out.
From Dyneema running shoes to bluetooth-compatible ski helmets, roof rack rooftop tents, hiking sandals, ski kits galore, and much more, we saw it all. But we couldn’t possibly cover everything. So, we did our best to pick the highlights that jumped out at us — the gear that piqued our junkie senses.
Here are our top picks from the show that’s grown to become one of our favorite industry events of the year.
POC Obex Connect
POC makes solid ski helmets, but its new Obex Connect ($550) system takes it to the next level. The Bluetooth-compatible helmet system, originally launched in December, uses integrated MESH technology to allow users to wirelessly connect, not only with mobile devices, but directly to one another.
Chat with friends on the slopes, make calls, listen to music, or use your voice assistant on the go without ever touching your phone. And the music quality is incredible thanks to Harmon Kardon speakers.
Not only can you buy an Obex helmet with this Connect system already in it, but you can buy the Connect earpieces and use them in any Obex helmet. So, if you already have a POC Obex and want to add this Connect system, all you have to do is buy an add-on and install it.
There have been a few helmet comms systems like this over the years, but as GearJunkie editor Sean McCoy noted at the show, this one seems sleeker, more versatile, and “very slick!”
Norda 005
The Norda 005 shoe uses Vibram’s new “Megagrip Elite” rubber, which purports to deliver the best traction, durability, and grip on any surface, wet or dry. Launching in spring 2025, this trail running shoe is built with a one-piece, bio-based Dyneema upper for added durability. And the midsole is made from Arnitel, a recyclable thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC).
The men’s version (in size 8.5) weighs 7.4 ounces, and the women’s (in size 8) is 6.24 oz.
On its surface, it looks like a very light and durable trail runner — with a healthy price tag to match: $325. That’s steep for a pair of running shoes.
But if it’s as durable as the materials promise, the Norda 005 should outlast your standard turn-and-burn trail runners.
Mountain Hardwear Mythogen GORE-TEX Pro Ski Kit
Mountain Hardwear has been dipping its toes into the freeride ski world, and this year, it launches its first full GORE-TEX kit.
The Mythogen jacket and bibs are designed for big mountain skiing with 100% recycled GORE-TEX ePe. This kit represents the confluence of Mountain Harsdwear’s alpine and snow product lines.
The jacket ($800) has a ventilated storm flap under the main zipper so you can breathe without exposing your face, two gusseted chest pockets, and two waist pockets. The left chest pocket also includes an insulated phone pouch to protect your battery on very cold days.
The bibs ($700) have two chest pockets and double dump pockets on both legs (six pockets!), an integrated ladder lock belt system to dial the fit, and a drop seat.
Not to mention, the color schemes for both the men’s and women’s versions are totally rad.
TEVA Grandview Hiking Boot Family
For Spring 2025, TEVA, a brand synonymous with sandals, dives into hiking boots. The new Grandview family launches three styles of hikers: the Grandview Max GTX ($185), Grandview Max Vent ($165), and Grandview Max Sandal ($130).
The burliest and most technical day hiker in the Grandview family is the Max GTX, built with waterproof GORE-TEX. TEVA claims its Universal Heel Lock System adds stability and boosts comfort during downhill descents. Meanwhile, the Grandview Vent is similar in build and design to the Max GTX but is instead built with a mono-mesh upper that helps the shoe breathe and ventilate well on hot hikes.
Of course, TEVA had to include a hiking sandal in the Grandview collection as well. The Max Sandal has an adjustable strap system, supports the Achilles pad, and includes a mudguard for mucky hiking.
Helinox Chair One (re)
Helinox’s fan-favorite original chair got a makeover for 2025. According to Helinox, the reimagined Helinox Chair One (re) ($200) takes the original’s architecture and makes it more comfortable, stable, and durable.
The brand claims a new “(re)Tension Design,” which uses two tension lines instead of the original one, adds comfort. Helinox said it beefed up the seat frame, made it stronger, and used repurposed aluminum. The chair’s hubs were made higher for a taller seat, and integrated side pockets added for camp essentials.
Best of all, this chair is just as light and packable as the previous version, with a packed weight of 2 lbs 7.5 oz. It packs down into a 5.5″ x 4.5″ x 15.5″ carrying case.
Yakima SkyPeak HD
Yakima breaks into the clamshell rooftop tent (RTT) space with the SkyPeak HD RTT ($3,000). The SkyPeak HD has a roof rack with a 300-lb weight capacity, so you can carry bikes, a rocket box, shower, or other rooftop accessories on top of the tent.
It has built-in internal LED lighting, a dual zipper pass-through pocket, a non-inflatable mattress, shoe bags that attach/detach T-slots on the outside, and a ladder that’s designed to be soft on bare feet. The Yakima team set up and packed down the tent at the show, and both took less than a minute.
This RTT from Yakima is the brand’s first clamshell rooftop tent, and it came out of the gate swinging.
Helle Hansen Oden Ultimate Infinity Jacket
Helle Hansen’s Odin series got an update with the new Odin Ultimate Infinity Jacket ($450). This slick 3L hardshell uses HH’s HELLE Tech Professional technology and LIFA INFINITY membrane to provide full waterproofing and windproofing.
Designed to be an all-season piece of kit, this jacket felt light enough to tour in but also tough enough for a typical resort day. It’s light and packable, too, which lends well to backcountry travel.
The main zipper is waterproof, and the gusseted chest pockets use water-resistant zippers. To top it all off, this bombproof ski shell is also made from 100% recycled Polyamide.
Scarpa Field Boot Revolution 8 HD
With the R-Evolution 8 HD, Scarpa enters the hunting boot market. This light, flexible field boot was designed to provide the nimbleness, protection, and support hunters look for when they’re scrambling around in the backcountry, chasing birds, deer, elk, or other animals.
Scarpa took feedback and design tips directly from hunters and guides to inform its design and to dial this boot for the people it’s meant for.
Scarpa claims this boot is one of the lightest hunting boots on the market at 685 g (just over 1.5 pounds). The upper is made primarily from synthetic PU leather and abrasion-resistant Microtech fabric. It’s backed with an HDry membrane for waterproofing, and the 8-inch-high upper is protected with a full-perimeter rubber rand to boost durability and longevity.
Danner Cascade Crest 3L GTX Jacket
With the new Performance Heritage Collection, Danner applies its classic aesthetic to technical outdoor apparel. Last month, the longstanding boot brand jumped beyond feet with a line of hats, pants, fleeces, and the pinnacle of the collection, the Cascade Crest Packable 3L GTX Jacket ($540).
The Cascade Crest jacket leverages a three-layer GORE-TEX ePE membrane for waterproofing and breathability. Fully taped seams, zippered pockets, and ventilation round out the design.
La Sportiva Helixir Shell
La Sportiva brings its technical mountaineering experience to the table with its new Helixir shell ($280). The PFC-free three-layer shell is treated with DWR for waterproof protection and articulated shoulders and elbows for ease of movement in the backcountry. But that’s all pretty standard.
The real magic of this shell is in the Spectra fibers woven into the design. According to La Sportiva, Spectra is made with UHMWPE, which provides great warmth-to-weight ratio. It is also claims the material is extremely durable and “cut-resistant.”
The shell weighs 14 oz, making it fairly light and convenient to pack away when not in use. For a lightweight touring shell, this seems like a truly bomber piece of gear. And, of course, coming from La Sportiva, it was built with high-performance ski tours or ski mountaineering in mind.
Rossignol AllTrack 130
When a ski boot hits the market that not only looks rad but also solves an age-old problem, it’s going to turn our heads. The Rossignol AllTrack 130 almost gave us whiplash.
This boot is Rossignol’s do-everything, high-performance ski boot. It features a walk mode, has GripWalk soles compatible with touring bindings, and comes in four last widths. Buyers can choose between the standard four-buckle version or one with a BOA closure system.
But what really caught our eye was the Step-In technology this boot employs. Backed by six different patents, this system features an overlap shell design with a unique spoiler and spine mechanism that allows the boot to open up extra wide at the back.
Rossignol said feet simply “slip” into the boot rather than having to cram them in. However, when locked into ski mode, the boot provides full power and downhill performance.
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