Backcountry Cocktails, Oyster-Shell Jacket, Speedland Trail Runners, and More Emerging Gear

With winter well on its way, there’s only one question: How prepared are you to make a cocktail while camping, climbing, or hiking?

OK, so maybe that’s not the only question. But the new cocktail mixers from climber Matt Segal are one of many new products dropping this week that can level up your winter adventures. We also have a puffy made from oyster shells, sweet new night vision goggles, high-tech trail runners, and skis for a good cause.

So start window-shopping and check out the Internet’s best guide to Emerging Gear.

Peak Design Outdoor Line

After a successful Kickstarter campaign this summer, Peak Design launches its Outdoor Line of photo bags on its website today. The brand’s first new bag collection in 6 years, it’s designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure photographers. The collection includes four lightweight bags.

In the GearJunkie review of the 45L Outdoor Backpack ($330), Motors Editor Bryon Dorr wrote: “The Peak Design Outdoor Bag 45L is a well-refined product ideal for outdoor photographers and travelers alike. It’s lightweight, very comfortable, securely carries many essentials, and will likely hold up to some serious abuse.”

In addition to the big 45L bag, there’s also a 25L Backpack ($250), which offers similar features in a frameless design, or with an optional hip belt ($45). For lighter loads, there’s the 7L Sling ($90) and 2L Sling ($60).

Speedland Limited-Edition Trail Runners

Speedland first impressed GearJunkie in 2021 with its debut SL:PDX, a gritty, durable trail shoe. Then it wowed us again with the maximalist GS:TAM.

Now the trail shoe brand is releasing three limited-edition models this November. These shoes, developed with insights from professional runners, emphasize durability, comfort, and responsiveness for demanding terrain, the brand said.

The GS: RAR, priced at $275, is inspired by Cam Hanes and Alaska’s rugged landscapes. This long-distance trail shoe has a weather-resistant coating, gaiter compatibility, and a precision fit. The GL: PDX, available for $250, draws from Portland’s Forest Park Trail System and is crafted for mountain trails, along with gaiter compatibility.

Finally, the GL: SVT, priced at $300, was developed in collaboration with Avery Collins and inspired by Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. It aims for maximum responsiveness on rugged mountain trails.

TINCUP x Alpine Start Cocktail Mixers

If you haven’t watched Matt Segal and Will Stanhope chugging whiskey while working on one of the hardest crack climbs in the world — then stop what you’re doing and go watch Boys in the Bugs right now.

For an alcoholic pairing with this Reel Rock documentary, I’d suggest the new cocktail mixers from TINCUP x Alpine Start. Conceptualized by none other than Alpine Start co-founder and longtime TINCUP ambassador Matt Segal himself, you’ll feel like one of the cool kids with these. The portable cocktail crystals make preparing classics like Old Fashioneds, Hot Toddies, and Pear Ciders as simple as adding whiskey and water.

Each $14 pack includes five single-serve cocktail packets and is available at REI stores nationwide and on TINCUP’s website.

Fischer Skis x Kyle Smaine

To commemorate the life of late freeride ski athlete Kyle Smaine, Fischer is releasing a limited-edition version of the Ranger 108 ski. Adorned with a design created by Blaz Bajzelj, the skis speak to Kyle’s passion for the sport.

A portion of each sale of the Kyle Tribute Ski will go to The Smaine Fund, a charity founded with the mission to help up-and-coming athletes succeed through financial assistance, mentorship, and training opportunities.

Jetty ‘Oystex’ Puffer Coat

Ocean-centric clothing brand Jetty has launched a collection geared toward cold-weather pursuits. Its fall line has apparel and outerwear, including a jacket made with fabric derived from pulverized shells.

The Puffer Coat is an affordable insulating piece at $140. Its synthetic-down fill, called Oystex, is partly derived from its namesake shellfish harvested in Atlantic waters near Jetty’s corporate HQ. 

GearJunkie Founder Stephen Regenold said, “We tested the jacket this fall. Its ‘tidal’ color is a satisfying mute tone. The look and fit make it wearable for everyday use, hiking in the woods, or sand tromping near the waterline on a windy ocean day.”

Night Storm Goggles

Hunters and nighttime nature lovers will want to look at these goggles.

DVX has dropped a Kickstarter for the Night Storm X1, a revolutionary night vision binocular designed for low-light and nighttime environments. With 51 days to go, the campaign received 879 backers and earned over $167,000.

Equipped with what the brand calls “military-grade features,” the Night Storm X1 has over 3,900 feet of infrared range, true 4K video recording, and 52MP photography. Unlike many devices that artificially enhance resolution, it offers a native 9600×5400 resolution for uncompromised clarity, according to the campaign. Recognized with Red Dot and MUSE Design Awards, it’s available on Kickstarter for another 51 days. Current prices start at $140.

Rudy Project Turbolence

If you find yourself frustrated with sweaty eyes while exercising, British outdoor brand Rudy Project claims to have a solution.

The Turbolence sunglasses are designed to solve a common problem for athletes: sweat dripping into the eyes. These shades’ standout feature is a removable sweat stopper interface that attaches to the top of the frame, redirecting sweat to the sides. The brand said this innovation enhances comfort during cycling, running, and hiking, even in the hottest conditions, while maintaining compatibility with bicycle helmets.

Other features include a secure-fit strap that locks the glasses in place during water sports or other intense activities, a Hydroshield coating to repel water and maintain clear vision in wet conditions, and “unbreakable” lens technology. Derived from 45% castor oil, the glasses are compatible with RX inserts for customizable vision needs.

Timberland BOA Boot

Take a badass work boot and add BOA lacing.

That is the premise behind Timberland’s new boot, the Boondock CSA. GearJunkie got an inside look at the Boondock launch during a visit to Timberland headquarters this year. The company is leaning into BOA for a few models. On the Boondock, this means stainless steel laces and dual twist-to-tighten dials for fit.

Beyond the BOA feature, the 8-inch boot is insulated and made with waterproof leather. Its polyurethane footbed has an “anti-fatigue” design with shock absorption and energy return. The Boondock CSA is available now for $260.

Superior Gear Voyager Hammock

Swing and sleep outdoors as the temps drop. The Superior Voyager Hammock has an insulated under-quilt to deter what the brand calls “cold butt syndrome.” New for this fall, the synthetic-fill hammock is touted as “half the price” of down models. Its 11-foot length supports up to 350 pounds and stuffs into a small sack for carrying in a pack.

Founder Danny Warnock created Superior Gear after a solo canoe trip in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters. Today, the company offers a line of hammocks starting at around $60. The insulated Voyager Hammock, which has a 5-year warranty, is $200 and shipping for cold nights now. 

Path Projects x Kraig Adams Lomond Hoodie

Path Projects continues to make some of our favorite running apparel and looks to continue that trend with the Lomond Hoodie. This grid-fleece hoodie is similar to the brand’s popular Pyrenees T19 Hoodie but provides more warmth in cooler weather.

Made with midweight Japanese grid fleece, the hoodie was developed in collaboration with minimalist filmmaker and hiker Kraig Adams, who you may know from his “silent hiking” videos. He had this to say about the hoodie:

“This hoodie is the missing piece of gear that I’ve been wanting but couldn’t find, so that’s why I’ve partnered with Path Projects to help design it. The Lomond Hoodie is a warmer version of their Pyrenees Sun hoodie that I’ve kind of made into my hiking uniform.

“It is great for when I stop to eat at camp or just need some extra comfort on the trail. It fits perfectly over a hat, has thumb holes, a small zipper pocket, and can be stuffed away in a pack.”