Lab-Tested Pit Vipers, Urban Hunting Pack, Gen Z Hiking Dress, and More Emerging Gear

This week was Fashion Week in Paris, and it seems like even outdoor brands are getting in on the action. Workout clothing brand Outdoor Voices dropped a hiking apparel collection that’s all about recent trends — cargo pants are back, people!

Wrangler, fresh off a collab with Filson, released a new line of outerwear with sherpa fleece, shearling details, and cowboy vibes.

If you’re more stoked about the slopes than the runway, though, check out new ski touring jackets and bibs from Outdoor Research. Find it all in this week’s Emerging Gear.

‘Supremely Breathable’ Ski Touring Kit

With temps dropping, I’m excited to see new ski and winter gear drops from brands, and Outdoor Research just announced a big one.

Its new Cloudchaser collection of jackets and bibs ($385) are made with midweight Pertex Shield 3L mechanical stretch fabric, with the goal of hitting just the right balance between protection and breathability.

Even though they’re stormproof, Outdoor Research calls them “supremely breathable,” with venting on the jacket to keep you cool. The bibs have articulated knees and reinforced scuff guards for mobility and durability.

SCARPA Goes Hunting

Scarpa expands its footwear line this fall with a new rugged boot built for and in collaboration with hunters: the R-evolution 8 HD ($370). It’s meant to be a heavy-duty shoe that is also flexible and lightweight, with a pair weighing in at just 1 pound, 8 ounces.

A rubber rand wraps around the entire upper of the shoe for extra durability. And with an 8-inch–high cuff, it should keep your ankles safe from any bobbles or slips on trail.

Ultralight Alpaca Jacket

Apparel brand PAKA is best known for its alpaca wool hoodies, but it’s venturing into a new market with the Mayu Ultralight Collection. This outerwear, which PAKA tested with paragliders, thru-hikers, and travelers, “delivers unmatched warmth-to-weight and packability in a versatile piece,” according to the brand.

The jacket ($250) and vest ($190) are made with alpaca fibers and recycled ripstop nylon, and the alpaca wool means it should stay warm even when wet.

Backpackers should take note: The jacket only weighs 9 ounces and packs away into its own pocket to double as a pillow.

From Hunting to Urban EDC

Hunting gear manufacturer Kifaru is taking its years of backcountry experience and bringing it to the world of EDCs. It recently released two new backpacks: the Checkpoint ($350) and the Echo ($270). For travelers who want a do-it-all carry-on, the Checkpoint might just fit the bill, with a total capacity of nearly 33 L and plenty of pockets.

The 22L Echo can expand an extra 8 L when you need it, and stay slim and compact when you don’t. Both bags are made with Cordura fabric, so they can last for years to come.

Lab-Tested Pit Vipers

Pit Viper wanted to make sure its newest eyewear could withstand Mother Nature, so it put them to the test in GOREWEAR’s biophysics lab.

After throwing a kitchen sink full of rough conditions at them, the brand is confident that its new Exec Skysurfer Extreme Sunglasses ($100) will hold up.

The polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof, with an ANSI Z87+ safety rating, and have HPDV polarization for high-def vision. And of course, they offer full UVA and UVB protection and come in Pit Viper’s signature bold aesthetic.

Stylish Sherpa

Sherpa fleece is an iconic fabric for outerwear, and Wrangler is making it the star of the show with its new collection of men’s sherpa outerwear. The line includes corduroy and denim trucker jackets ($90) that have a relaxed fit and classic Western vibe.

The Cowboy Jacket ($120) is a statement piece, with suede fabric and shearling details that stand out. The large collar and extended length should also keep you toasty warm.

Trail Running Kits

Colorado-based company Raide Research is trying to take the guesswork out of suiting up for trail runs. Its new TrailTech System is a line of apparel and accessories designed to work together to help you take on the mountains in stride.

The collection includes the TrailTech Short ($159), which has five pockets to keep gels and water easily accessible. Each aspect of the UL 1L Running Belt ($119) is thoughtfully designed, with foam to insulate liquids from your body heat to keep them cool, and a no-bounce suspension system for a smooth ride.

Gen Z Hiking Apparel

If you ask Instagram-favorite brand Outdoor Voices, there’s no reason hiking clothing can’t be both stylish and functional. Its new OV Hike collection ($38-188) is full of tees, pants, and accessories that are meant for both the town and the trail.

The Candy Fleece Jacket ($188), available in black, baby blue, and pink, is made with a blend of Italian wool and polyester for a “natural and warm hand feel.” Activewear dresses are all the rage, and OV’s version — the Boulder Dress ($138) — is made of a lightweight fleece, with adjustable waist toggles for shape, structure, and customizable fit.

All-Weather, Collapsible Gear Box

Typically, the adjectives rugged and flexible don’t go together, but RUX decided to take on the challenge and make a gear box that’s both. The Rux 40L ($250) is waterproof with a press-seal lid, making it suitable for off-roading, boating, and more.

At the same time, when empty, it collapses to just 3 inches tall, making for easy storage. The carry straps are padded and silicone-backed for user comfort. With a size of just 40 L, it’s also carry-on–compliant and travel-friendly.

‘Lowe’ Profile Wallet

Nothing ruins an outfit like a large, bulging wallet sticking out of your back pocket, and modern EDC maker The James Brand wants that to be a thing of the past. Its first-ever wallet, The Lowe ($120), follows the brand’s sleek, modern aesthetic.

“Wallets have been on our radar since the beginning,” Ryan Coulter, Founder of The James Brand, said in a press release. “They’re as fundamental to everyday carry as it gets. But we weren’t interested in making just another metal card holder — we wanted to build something better.”

Made out of aluminum, the minimalist wallet can fit six cards inside, with an outer silicone band for cash and more. The “Pinch-Tech” feature keeps everything secure with consistent tension, and an internal ramp makes it inside to slide cards in and out with just a flick of the thumb.