Admit it: You actually missed us. And by us, I imply GearJunkie’s Rising Gear column, which has been out of fee for the final 2 weeks of the winter vacation.
It was a short-lived hunch for brand spanking new out of doors merchandise, nonetheless, and we’ve now bought a packed week of cool stuff to share with you.
For starters, we’ve bought just a few extra expertise objects than typical, due to a drone replace from DJI, waterproof bone-conduction headphones from Suunto, and a leveled-up transportable AC unit that van lifers will seemingly envy come August. For the remaining, there’s one thing for nearly everybody, whether or not you’re a bike owner, path runner, skier, or simply in search of some candy new yoga threads.
DJI Matrice 4
DJI’s Matrice collection, its “flagship enterprise drone,” serves many functions, from aiding search and rescue and firefighters to surveying and mapping and even supporting wildlife administration. (It’s additionally the drone collection that helped seize a volcanic eruption in 2021.)
Its newest improve, the Matrice 4, goals to enhance aerial operations with “superior AI and precision measurement instruments,” DJI stated. The drones incorporate good detection capabilities, laser vary finders, and night-mode enhancements for complicated environments.
The Matrice 4T, priced at $7,300, consists of a number of clever sensors for high-detail inspections and emergency response duties. A less expensive mannequin, the $4,800 Matrice 4E, focuses on surveying and mapping with speedy imaging capabilities.
Suunto Aqua
Swimmers could need to pay attention to this one.
Finnish journey tech model Suunto unveiled its newest “flagship” product: the Suunto Aqua. They’re the primary bone conduction headphones in its lineup particularly designed for underwater use. We beloved the Suunto Wing, with Contributing Author Rebecca Ross writing that they “revolutionized” her expertise with headphones typically.
With the Aqua, Suunto caters to swimmers by bringing lots of the similar options into a water-proof bundle. Geared up with 32GB of storage (as much as 8,000 songs), the headphones supply as much as 30 hours of battery life with the included transportable charging pod. Weighing 35 g, the Suunto Aqua is IP68-certified and might stand up to depths of as much as 5 m for two hours.
The machine’s AI-powered algorithms assist monitor swimming metrics equivalent to stroke posture and breath frequency, the model stated. They’ve additionally bought Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility, twin microphones, noise cancellation, and hands-free Head Motion Management. They retail for $180.
Hele Field Duo
Tenting Editor Will Brendza was a fan of the single-person Hele Field: “The Hele Field is a modular platform design that breaks down for storage and units up simply in numerous makes and fashions of vans and SUVs. It’s sturdy, permits for larger storage if you’re sleeping in your automobile, and elevates automobile tenting to a brand new degree of consolation.”
Now, Hele Outdoor has a two-person model: the Hele Field Duo. Designed for SUVs, vans, and vans, this versatile sleeping system serves as a sleeping platform, storage resolution, and tenting desk.
Its patent-pending design consists of independently adjustable legs to suit round obstacles and degree out on uneven surfaces. Constructed at 72” x 40” and weighing 36 kilos, it folds down right into a 41” x 13” carrying case. For these searching for further consolation, elective stubby legs or an identical storage bag might be added. It prices $500.
Tenting Editor Will Brendza was a fan of the single-person Hele Field.
Zero Breeze Mark 3 Moveable Air Conditioner
It may be chilly now, but it surely received’t be lengthy earlier than you’re again in a scorching automobile combating the summer time warmth.
That will help you survive, Zero Breeze unveiled the Mark 3 Moveable Air Conditioner at CES 2025. Weighing beneath 22 kilos, the Mark 3 delivers 5,280 BTU of cooling energy, almost double that of its predecessor, the Mark 2. Designed for portability and sturdiness, it caters to customers in demanding environments equivalent to building websites, race tracks, and campgrounds, the model stated.
Powered by a swappable 1,022Wh battery, the Mark 3 gives as much as 7 hours of cooling on a single cost, with 2-hour recharging. It’s bought “spot cooling” expertise, a twin duct system for effectivity, automated condensation drainage, and 7 adjustable modes, together with Rocket Mode for max cooling and Sleep Mode for quiet operation. Preorders can be found now at $1,300, with delivery anticipated by late February.
Altra Lone Peak 9
Certainly one of GearJunkie’s most anticipated shoe releases of 2025 has already arrived: the up to date Lone Peak 9 path footwear from Altra.
As Craig Randall famous just some weeks in the past, “When it comes to franchise footwear, it doesn’t get extra historic for Altra than the Lone Peak. Beckstead famous that the Lone Peak is Altra’s hottest and bestselling shoe of all time, and that fifty% of the thru-hiking group makes use of it. The Lone Peak 9 comes out in January 2025 and will probably be lighter than its predecessor. However its key improve (what Altra followers have yearned for) is sturdiness.”
The Lone Peak 9 has a redesigned ripstop mesh higher with no-sew overlays and an up to date MaxTrac outsole. Each adjustments supposedly meet hikers’ calls for for improved sturdiness. Out there for women and men, it prices $140. Keep tuned for the Lone Peak 9+ and its Vibram Megagrip outsole. That’s approaching March 1.
G-SHOCK x Charles Darwin Basis
Casio America, Inc. launched a limited-edition G-SHOCK assortment in collaboration with the Charles Darwin Basis.
Impressed by the distinctive biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, the 2 fashions — GAB2100CD1A4 and GAB2100CD1A7 — pay tribute to the Marine Iguana and Galápagos Penguin, with wave-inspired patterns and island map in-dial designs. Crafted with bio-based resin bands, the watches emphasize eco-conscious design and assist the inspiration’s conservation efforts, Casio stated in a launch.
Each fashions embrace key G-SHOCK options like shock resistance, 200m water resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, world time (48 cities), and a double LED gentle. The bands showcase the inspiration’s slogan, with customized loops that includes symbols of the penguin or iguana. They value $170.
Armada AR ONE
Armada, recognized for its winter sports activities gear, simply launched its debut ski boot line: the AR ONE. Developed by a worldwide staff with over a century of boot engineering expertise, the AR ONE goals to mix the consolation of a cabrio boot with the efficiency of a four-buckle mannequin, the model stated. A limited-edition measurement run will probably be obtainable at choose retailers beginning Jan. 10, with the total vary arriving in fall 2025.
Key options of the AR ONE embrace a Slingshot Buckle for improved heel maintain, a progressive “Natty Flex” for higher energy switch, and a Reminiscence Match shell and liner. The preliminary launch provides 130 and 110 flex fashions in choose sizes, priced for performance-minded skiers.
Bajío Vega Sun shades
We’re huge followers of Bajío round right here, which is why the model earned a spot in our Finest Fishing Sun shades of 2025 information. However Bajío additionally has an ongoing initiative referred to as Temples of Change, which sponsors a totally paid scholarship for a younger angler to attend a summer time fly fishing program.
The newest funding for the scholarship comes by way of gross sales of Bajío’s Restricted Version Vega sun shades, which function customized allow paintings by fishing information and tattoo artist Casey Anderson. For each pair bought, $20 is donated to Fish for Change to assist youth scholarships.
Functions for the scholarship are open, and Bajío will choose the recipient on April 1, 2025. candidates can apply straight by way of Bajío’s web site.
Handup Path Rambler Pant
Snag some candy new biking threads with the brand new Path Rambler Mountain Bike Pants from Handup.
Constructed for lengthy days on rugged terrain, the pants embrace air flow alongside the interior inseam and decrease again to maintain riders cool throughout intense rides. They’ve bought a silicon-printed stretch waistband, in addition to a self-locking buckle and adjustable strap. Personally, I’ll applaud them for together with 5 zippered pockets on these dangerous boys. Out there in black or grey, they value $84.
prAna Luxara Salutations Assortment
Yoga lovers will need to try the brand new threads from prAna. The Luxara Salutations Assortment incorporates the model’s Luxara cloth, now with a ribbed aesthetic. Along with a comfortable, light-weight really feel, the material gives moisture-wicking properties and UPF 50+ safety, prAna stated.
Key items within the assortment embrace the Salutations Bra, priced at $64, which provides medium assist, a glossy scoop neck design, and detachable cups for customizable consolation. The Salutations Legging, obtainable for $108, has a high-rise match with a ribbed waistband and adjustable stretch drawcord.
For these searching for a extra lively, on-the-go choice, the $98 Salutations Shortie features a left-side drop-in pocket for small necessities and detachable cups for added versatility.
