Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid or click through for a slideshow.

September 15, 2022 |  By Adam Ruggiero

Pret partnered with pro skier and mountain athlete Caroline Gleich for its CG Signature Lyric X2 helmet ($170). The Lyric X2 has a lightweight ACT shell (with overlapping polycarbonate for durability), MIPS technology, and direct Level 1 ventilation, with a loden-blend fabric interior liner. The helmet is complete with Fidlock magnetic buckles and audio-ready ears and removable ear covers. The unique helmet art is inspired by Gleich’s approach to the mountains and “mixing modern, retro, and timeless design.”

Yup, you read that right: Osprey now makes luggage. The brand known for its feature-laden frame hiking packs and all-around duffels now sells wheeled carry-ons, laptop travel bags, and more. The Ozone Series comprises a Carry-On Boarding Bag ($130), Laptop Backpack ($150), and the headlining Ozone 2-Wheeled Carry-On ($280). The Wheeled Carry-On has a 40L capacity, ultralight aluminum frame, laptop sleeve, buttonless retractable handle, and tons of organization. The entire collection is made with Bluesign fabrics and is finished with a PFAS-free DWR coating.

It’s baaaaack — just in time for Halloween, the collab that strikes fear and awe in all outdoor enthusiasts returns. The North Face and Gucci launch “The Third Chapter,” the latest collection of color-splashed, ultra-premium, outdoor-capable wares. From the $3,400 TNF x Gucci Backpack, to the $1,000 fanny pack, to our personal favorite — $1,250 Rhyton Sneaker (we’re assuming that’s for the full pair). Despite shocking the industry in its debut a few years ago, The North Face and Gucci seem to have a gilded partnership going, so this could become a regular thing. Check out all the pieces at The Third Chapter Gucci Collection.

Gerber Gear has dropped an exclusive limited-edition StrongArm ($90) with a stonewash blade and green handle. Yes, it’s just a color change, but a nice one at that. The iconic Gerber StrongArm is Gerber’s bestselling fixed blade, with a full tang, 420HC steel blade, plain edge, and rubberized diamond-texture grip — now in that classic military green.

A new pant from prAna this season is the Double Peak Pant ($95, men’s and women’s sizing available), Double Peak Convertible Pant ($110), and who can forget, the Double Peak Jogger ($95). The pant is made with organic cotton and a recycled polyester ripstop woven fabric blend, and it’s UPF 50-plus rated. To top it all off, prAna makes it in a short version ($75) as well.

The famed G-SHOCK line of watches receives its first-ever full-metal treatment — the G-SHOCK 2100 series (from $550). The screw-back case, octagonal bezel, and dimpled band are all done in stainless steel. These $550-600 timepieces stay true to the G-SHOCK heritage, with rugged capabilities like 200m water resistance, shock resistance, solar charging, and Bluetooth-app smartwatch features. Read more in our full story. 

A fat bike fork like no other … almost. The limited-edition Manitou Mastadon Pro LE is actually like 300 other fat bike forks. That’s because this short-run, one-off snow camo paint scheme will only grace those few hundred units. And once they’re gone, they’re gone. The fleeting design, Mantiou says, “pays homage to its frigid weather application.” The purpose-built fat bike suspension fork ($1,050) offers adjustability between 100 mm and 140 mm of travel, in 10mm increments. And the Pro LE’s extended ride height will accommodate up to 26 × 5.15-inch or 27.5 × 4.5-inch tires. Learn more at Bikerumor.

Don’t get stuck on 1% — the innovative SprkCharger boasts “the world’s thinnest and most powerful wallet and battery” combination. Packing a stout 2,900mAh power bank, this svelte 4.4-ounce money carrier can charge an iPhone 14 up to 50% in one hour. Sure, it’s no substitute for a dedicated brick power bank if you’re really going off grid, but for daily life, it offers a little extra peace of mind in a sleek EDC package. It’s available now for $150.

Pret partnered with pro skier and mountain athlete Caroline Gleich for its CG Signature Lyric X2 helmet ($170). The Lyric X2 has a lightweight ACT shell (with overlapping polycarbonate for durability), MIPS technology, and direct Level 1 ventilation, with a loden-blend fabric interior liner. The helmet is complete with Fidlock magnetic buckles and audio-ready ears and removable ear covers. The unique helmet art is inspired by Gleich’s approach to the mountains and “mixing modern, retro, and timeless design.”

Yup, you read that right: Osprey now makes luggage. The brand known for its feature-laden frame hiking packs and all-around duffels now sells wheeled carry-ons, laptop travel bags, and more. The Ozone Series comprises a Carry-On Boarding Bag ($130), Laptop Backpack ($150), and the headlining Ozone 2-Wheeled Carry-On ($280). The Wheeled Carry-On has a 40L capacity, ultralight aluminum frame, laptop sleeve, buttonless retractable handle, and tons of organization. The entire collection is made with Bluesign fabrics and is finished with a PFAS-free DWR coating.

It’s baaaaack — just in time for Halloween, the collab that strikes fear and awe in all outdoor enthusiasts returns. The North Face and Gucci launch “The Third Chapter,” the latest collection of color-splashed, ultra-premium, outdoor-capable wares. From the $3,400 TNF x Gucci Backpack, to the $1,000 fanny pack, to our personal favorite — $1,250 Rhyton Sneaker (we’re assuming that’s for the full pair). Despite shocking the industry in its debut a few years ago, The North Face and Gucci seem to have a gilded partnership going, so this could become a regular thing. Check out all the pieces at The Third Chapter Gucci Collection.

Gerber Gear has dropped an exclusive limited-edition StrongArm ($90) with a stonewash blade and green handle. Yes, it’s just a color change, but a nice one at that. The iconic Gerber StrongArm is Gerber’s bestselling fixed blade, with a full tang, 420HC steel blade, plain edge, and rubberized diamond-texture grip — now in that classic military green.

A new pant from prAna this season is the Double Peak Pant ($95, men’s and women’s sizing available), Double Peak Convertible Pant ($110), and who can forget, the Double Peak Jogger ($95). The pant is made with organic cotton and a recycled polyester ripstop woven fabric blend, and it’s UPF 50-plus rated. To top it all off, prAna makes it in a short version ($75) as well.

The famed G-SHOCK line of watches receives its first-ever full-metal treatment — the G-SHOCK 2100 series (from $550). The screw-back case, octagonal bezel, and dimpled band are all done in stainless steel. These $550-600 timepieces stay true to the G-SHOCK heritage, with rugged capabilities like 200m water resistance, shock resistance, solar charging, and Bluetooth-app smartwatch features. Read more in our full story. 

A fat bike fork like no other … almost. The limited-edition Manitou Mastadon Pro LE is actually like 300 other fat bike forks. That’s because this short-run, one-off snow camo paint scheme will only grace those few hundred units. And once they’re gone, they’re gone. The fleeting design, Mantiou says, “pays homage to its frigid weather application.” The purpose-built fat bike suspension fork ($1,050) offers adjustability between 100 mm and 140 mm of travel, in 10mm increments. And the Pro LE’s extended ride height will accommodate up to 26 × 5.15-inch or 27.5 × 4.5-inch tires. Learn more at Bikerumor.

Don’t get stuck on 1% — the innovative SprkCharger boasts “the world’s thinnest and most powerful wallet and battery” combination. Packing a stout 2,900mAh power bank, this svelte 4.4-ounce money carrier can charge an iPhone 14 up to 50% in one hour. Sure, it’s no substitute for a dedicated brick power bank if you’re really going off grid, but for daily life, it offers a little extra peace of mind in a sleek EDC package. It’s available now for $150.

Adam Ruggiero is the editor-in-chief of GearJunkie and a fan of virtually all sports and activities. From biking, running, and (not enough) surfing, to ball sports, camping, and cattle farming — if it's outside, it's worth doing. Adam graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in journalism. Likes: unique beer, dogs, stories. Like nots: neckties, escalators, manicured lawns.

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