‘Hotel in a Van,’ Backcountry Ski Kits, Durable Box Duffel, and More Emerging Gear

It’s not often that new gear drops leave us with mouths agape, but some of this week’s sure did. Noovo released a tricked-out all-terrain camper van with the design and features of a luxury hotel room. Also, Normatec’s newest piece of tech, the Elite Hips, helps rehabilitate the hips and lower back, aka the sorest points for many athletes.

If you’re looking for technical innovation that won’t break the bank, however, we’ve got that too. Superfeet released the first-ever carbon-plated insoles to turn any pair of running shoes into bouncy, responsive springs. Find it all in this week’s Emerging Gear.

Ultralight Slippers

Backpacking sometimes means choosing between comfort and adding weight, but Xero Shoes doesn’t think you should have to. Its new Pagosa Fireside slipper ($95) weighs just 12 ounces, and it’s ultra-packable.

With 200 g of insulation and a fleece lining, the Pagosa should also keep your feet toasty warm after a long day in the great outdoors. With a rugged rubber outsole and water-resistant upper, it’s made to withstand Mother Nature.

Luxury Camper Van

If you’re going to invest in a camper van, you want it to be able to go everywhere — an idea that Noovo prioritized in building its new luxury van, the Next ($233,000). It’s the first model from the brand to offer all-wheel drive, so problems accessing remote trailheads or navigating rough terrain will be things of the past.

The Next also doesn’t skimp on high-end features, with a queen-sized bed, 4K smart projector, heated floors, an integrated Garmin smart control system, and even a full-sized fridge. Noovo aims to provide the comfort of a boutique hotel in a van that can go anywhere.

Super Insoles

Super shoes (carbon-plated running shoes that deliver superior energy return) are all the rage in running, but they usually come at a premium price tag. Superfeet’s new carbon-plated insoles, the Run Pacer Elite ($95), let users make any shoe faster and more responsive, all at a more approachable price point. Superfeet says this product is 39% more responsive than typical insoles.

The Run Pacer Elite pairs a flexible Carbitex plate with SuperRev foam that together result in “maximum energy return, lightweight responsiveness, and durable comfort that cushions every landing while powering runners into their next stride,” the brand said in a press release.

EDC Collab

Ekster and WESN, two big names in the EDC world, have come together to offer an elite-level wallet-and-knife bundle ($200). The collab includes a 2.25-inch titanium pocket knife that only weighs 1 ounce. GJ testers have reviewed WESN knives in the past, and we’ve been impressed by their versatility.

The bundle also includes a wallet, which is made from recycled aluminum that has RFID protection and can hold up to 14 cards. The patented card ejector should make it a breeze to access whatever you need at a moment’s notice.

Guide-Tested Jackets

When designing its new line of high-end jackets, Helly Hansen turned to the true experts: mountain guides and professionals. The result? Three fresh jackets that the brand believes will deliver maximum comfort and functionality.

The Odin Pro Shield Jacket ($245) combines the warmth of a fleece with the weather protection of a softshell. There’s also the Odin Ultimate Infinity Jacket ($475), whose tough three-layer construction should keep users dry even in the harshest conditions. Finally, Helly Hansen designed the 850-fill Odin Polar Down Jacket ($525) for alpinists and mountaineers enduring freezing temperatures.

Durable Duffel Bag

RUX is known for its gear totes and haulers, and now it’s entering its next phase, with the new RUX Duffel Box ($125). It combines the portability and comfort of a duffel bag with the wide mouth and easy access of a box.

Instead of using zippers, which are usually the first thing to break on luggage, RUX employed a simple rolltop closure for greater longevity. The duffel, which just launched on Kickstarter, is available in 55L and 75L sizes.

Performance Short

Finding a do-it-all short that can transition from the gym to the trail to the bar can be a challenge, but HILO thinks it’s cracked the code. Its ONLY short ($58) is a blend of spandex and lightweight recycled polyester for a breathable, flexible short.

The brand said its Swampstop liner wicks away sweat and promotes airflow to avoid the dreaded “swamp ass.” It’s also got two zippered pockets in the back to keep your essentials handy.

Burly Trail Runner

KEEN is new to the trail running space, but it’s already making a splash. When GJ reviewed KEEN’s debut trail runner, the Seek, we were impressed by the comfort and responsiveness of the design. Its newest release, the Roam ($165), is “a reliable shoe built to transition seamlessly across gravel, dirt, and pavement,” the brand said in a press release.

The Quantum Foam cushioning is designed to support runners during long sessions. The Roam, with a gravel bike–inspired outsole, should deliver both traction and durability, and KEEN even says it’s tested to last more than 925 miles.

Backcountry Ski Kits

‘Tis the season for ski gear drops, and Mountain Hardwear is getting in on the action with its new Mythogen GORE-TEX PRO Jacket ($800) and Bib ($700). This kit is made with a three-layer recycled GORE‑TEX ePE, a material that the brand said balances protection and breathability.

Look at the designs and you’ll notice small, thoughtful additions like oversized zippers that are easier to pull with gloves on and an insulated phone pocket inside to protect battery life.

“Today Mountain Hardwear is on the cutting edge, rethinking and evolving the gear we use to seek wilder paths,” Ruth Beatty, technical outerwear design director, said in a press release. “When you zoom in and look at all the details of the Mythogen, they really are works of art.”

High-Tech Hip Recovery

Ask most athletes what part of their body is the most sore, and their response will likely include something about tight hips. Hyperice is aiming to help athletes treat this frequently under-strain area with its new Normatec Elite Hips ($600).

The device soothes the hips, lower back, and IT bands through dynamic air compression. The brand says that pulses of pressurized air reduce inflammation and soreness and improve range of motion and flexibility. With no cords and a 4-hour battery life, it’s easy to use and take with you — and it’s even TSA carry-on compliant.