Brand collaborations can sometimes feel like low-hanging fruit — but we’ll still snatch these limited-edition gear runs as soon as they drop. Yes, it’s a bit silly that Merrell is releasing three different pairs of House of the Dragon-themed trail runners, or that Xtratuf just dropped a huge collection of boots for football fans.
But you know what? Merrell still makes killer hiking shoes. And Xtratuf boots are a bona fide rite of passage. When products are already functional and durable, who cares if they offer a bit of extra joy by appealing to our shared fandoms? I’m just waiting for some X-Men-themed climbing gear. A guy can dream, right?
Check out all the coolest new outdoor stuff — branded and otherwise — right here in Emerging Gear.
Xtratuf Tailgate Collection
One thing seems abundantly clear about this new drop — Xtratuf knows its audience.
The popular boot brand has launched a run of its popular Ankle Deck Boots line with the new Tailgate Collection, including styles for many collegiate and professional sports teams. With 26 different designs in the collection, I wouldn’t be surprised to see plenty of these show up at tailgate parties this fall.
They’re available in several models as well, including the standard Ankle Deck Boot for $105, the Ankle Deck Boot Sport for $135, or the Ankle Deck Boot Fleece for $115.
PAKA Sol Hoodie
PAKA, a brand making sustainable alpaca apparel since 2017, just launched its first sun hoodie using the versatile fiber.
The Sol Hoodie integrates UPF 30+ protection, leveraging alpaca fiber’s inherent breathability, odor resistance, and thermoregulation. Designed for active outdoor use, the hoodie is made with a lightweight fabric that aims for both warmth and breathability.
Crafted from royal alpaca fiber, each hoodie includes a handwoven Inca ID made by artisans in Peru earning four times the living wage, the brand said. It’s also got a crossover hood compatible with hats and thumbholes for enhanced sun protection. It’s available in various colors for $98.
HOVERAir 8K Flying Action Camera
Given that this flying camera has attracted nearly $3 million on IndieGogo in just a few days, it’s safe to say there’s plenty of interest.
Zero Zero Robotics has launched two flying action cameras: the HOVERAir X1 PRO and HOVERAir X1 PROMAX. Aimed at outdoor sports lovers and professional content creators, the HOVERAir X1 PRO offers 4K/60fps video capabilities and a price tag of about $400.
The more advanced X1 PROMAX, available for $600 during the early-bird phase, captures 8K/30fps video. Both models come in lightweight, durable designs and include features like customizable ND filters, AI-driven tracking, and resistance to extreme weather conditions, the brand said.
Merrell x House of the Dragon
Rejoice, Game of Thrones fans! You finally got what you always wanted: A pair of House of the Dragon-themed trail runners.
Merrell just dropped its first shoe from the collection: the Agility Peak 5 x House of the Dragon. With a design inspired by House Targaryen, these limited-edition kicks will be a memorable gift for any GOT fan.
It’s only the first of three planned releases. Next up will be a shoe design inspired by House Hightower (using the Moab Speed 2) on August 30, and a House Velaryon shoe (using the Moab 3) on September 8. But what about the shoe itself? Check out the GearJunkie review of the Merrell Agility Peak 5, the brand’s cushiest trail runner.
Scarab Cycles
The annual MADE Show proves that the bike industry isn’t dead, Cycling Editor Seiji Ishii wrote this week. To his list of highlights, we’ll add one more: the colorful bikes from Colombian brand Scarab Cycles.
The custom bike maker unveiled a couple of new models and paint schemes at the MADE Show in Portland, Ore., last weekend. Perhaps most interesting is the Composite Damping System (CDS), available for most of the brand’s bikes.
This new system replaces the traditional steel seat tube with an integrated carbon seat mast, aiming for improved rider comfort and superior vertical damping. It can be added to compatible models for an extra $800.
There’s also the Andes Brevet Bike, a model tailored for ultra-distance cyclists. With a Condor paint scheme from Colombian watercolor artist Washedog, it’s certainly a beautiful ride.
VaporMag Activewear Watchbands
VaporMag looks like a promising young brand, offering activewear watch bands compatible with Apple Watches.
The designs aim to address common issues with traditional watchbands, such as breathability, moisture retention, and microbial growth, the brand said. These magnetic liner watchbands claim to enhance air circulation, reduce moisture, and prevent microbial growth.
Made from durable materials, including 3D mesh and ripstop denier, the magnetic liners are washable and replaceable. The straps come equipped with solid stainless steel connectors and thread-locked buckles to keep your Apple Watch secure. Any of the various designs cost $170.
Bandit Fall 2024 Running Gear
Brooklyn-based Bandit Running just dropped its largest collection yet. The fall collection includes 92 items of performance running apparel and accessories for both women and men, with 11 new designs and updated favorites in seasonal colors.
The collection spans a variety of products from singlets, compression tops, performance tees, and tanks to shorts, tights, outerwear, and casualwear like hoodies. There are also socks and hats.
Pricing ranges from $68 to $98 for tops, $78 to $125 for bottoms, and $36 to $45 for accessories.
NRG Spring Hinge Knee Over Wrap
Knee braces can certainly help reduce pain and inflammation after exercise, but they’re not always comfy.
The NRG Spring Hinge Knee Over Wrap — designed for those dealing with moderate to severe joint instabilities or recovering from an injury — feels great while still offering effective therapy. Priced at $60, the brace should reduce knee stress by up to 25%, the brand claimed.
I recently tried this one after a couple of days of backpacking, and it gave me significant relief while being comfortable enough that I could forget about it while banging away at the keyboard. I’d wager it would also feel pretty decent for those who use a knee brace during their activities. It also fits well both on the skin or over a pair of pants, as you prefer.
Skida Flow State Collection
Skida just released the Flow State line, including original artwork by artists across North America. The eponymous highlight of the collection, “Flow State,” was created by Los Angeles-based mixed media artist K’era Morgan.
But there are plenty of other colorful designs as well. The “Bentley,” designed by Alaska-based watercolor artist Jill Richie, is inspired by skating across a frozen Alaskan pond. There’s also the “Daisy Jones” design by Vermont-based artist Wylie Garcia, with its vivid flowers.
That’s just a handful of the many new designs, so look around and you’ll likely find something to match your personal aesthetic.
TNF x Mellow Clyffe
The North Face released a hip collaboration with Mellow Climbing. The Clyffe, an approach shoe designed with input from top climbers and boulderers, dropped this week. Priced at $130, the Clyffe offers a low-profile silhouette in both high- and low-top versions and is available for men and women.
It’s got a non-marking Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole with 3mm lugs, an upper made from Cordura and suede, and, of course, the rubber toe that’s increasingly common among approach shoes for climbers. On top of all that: It looks undeniably stylish.