As a journalist in the outdoor space, I enjoy the perk of getting a sneak peek at new and upcoming gear — and sharing it with you. At this summer's tradeshows, I was able to play around with the latest and greatest outdoor products coming to market.
Fall 2023's gear is already starting to drop, while we have a little longer to wait for Spring 2024's goodies. Check out what's coming, see what catches your eye, and get ready to fill out some shopping carts in the coming months.
What's new for Fall 2023
Black Diamond Deploy
Coming out in fall, the Deploy is one of the most pared-back headlamps BD offers. It's sleeker and more scaled-down in features, and is meant to be easily packable and lightweight.
Ignik Topside Heated Blanket
New for Fall 2023, the single-person Topside blanket has some unique features setting it apart from other heated blankets. The upper is 100-percent recycled poly, and the underneath is a soft, recycled microsuede. The heating element runs all the way through the blanket, rather than separate blocks that don't spread heat uniformly. The handiest feature is the smart controller; you can set heating for one to 10 hours, choose temperature ranges manually, and the controller will remember your last settings from the previous session.
Gregory Targhee Women's Pack 30L
The Targhee is Gregory's first-ever women's-specific ski pack. The back panel on the women's pack features a few design deviations from the men's pack that cater specifically to the female form: the shoulder harness was brought in, and the contour of the hip belt was updated to fit a women's frame. The back panel is also tapered inward. The Targhee includes back panel access and avalanche pockets for probe, shovel, helmet carry and other gear. The Targhee will launch in September this year.
Arc'teryx Alpha SV
Redesigned for Fall 2023, the Alpha SV now uses 100-percent recycled face fabric and features tweaks in design for improved pairability with other layers. The cuffs and hems in particular got extra attention for the redesign. The updated Alpha SV ($900) is available now on Arc'teryx's site.
White Duck Outdoors 14' Altimus Bell Tent
New for fall and available now, the Altimus Bell Tent ($1,130) is the ultimate set-up for long-term camping, groups and large families or as a basecamp shelter for hunting trips. The tent fabric is made with a sustainable blend of recycled polyester and BCI Cotton, and the floor is biodegradable. There's a stove jack for easy stove installation, windows on every wall for increased ventilation (and views), and the quick-pitch design means set-up will take less than 20 minutes.
What's ahead in Spring 2024
Oboz Cottonwood Collection
In the Cottonwood Collection, Oboz's most planet-friendly line to date, over 20 percent of the materials used are from environmentally preferred materials. This includes bio-based EVA in the midsole, recycled PTFE laces and trim and 100-percent recycled polyester in the lining. Additionally, the leather is produced using less water than traditional methods.
Sierra Designs Nexus Lite 35-50L
The Nexus Light is a zipper-less, variable-size backpack: when it's a full pack, it has a 50-liter capacity and it weighs three pounds. There are two optional parts — the garment bag and the lid — that you can remove to drop weight and bring the capacity down to 35 liters, for shorter trips. The wide-flex suspension puts the load on your hips, not your back, and the nylon used is 100-percent recycled nylon.
Outdoor Research MTB Collection
For Spring 2024, Outdoor Research is making its way into mountain biking. The brand's first-ever MTB collection features technical layers like the Freewheel Half-Zip Hoodie, a breathable, quick-drying layer, and the Freewheel Ride Shorts, pictured above. The Freewheel Ride Shorts feature a DuraPrint 3D-printed overlay on the outer hems for extra abrasion resistance, as well as a higher back waist for better coverage, while low-profile waist adjustment tabs dial in the fit. The shorts will be available in sizes from XS to 4X Plus and will retail for $115.
Helly Hansen Verglas 2.5L Jacket
The Verglas 2.5L Jacket will be available in men's and women's sizing and is a waterproof, windproof, breathable shell for variable conditions. The jacket features 2-way stretch fabric, DWR coating, YKK zippers and breathable mesh fabric in the hand pockets — and its ability to be packed down into one of its front pockets helps make this one capable layer. The Verglas 2.5L Jacket will retail for $220.
Exped Luxe Mat
Exped's best-selling item in the US, the MegaMat, helped kick off the "comfort in camping" movement. The new update for Spring 2024 is the Luxe Mat, an overlanding-inspired take on the popular sleeping mat. The Luxe Mat came out in 2022 and was originally designed specifically for Teslas; after realizing the potential for the product, Exped has expanded the sizes. Spring 2024 updates include this new forest green colorway and will be available at retailers throughout the country.
