It should come as no great surprise that outside adventures continue to gain both popularity and prominence in the modern zeitgeist. More and more Americans are lacing up their hiking boots, pulling on their shells and windbreakers and exploring the great outdoors.
The 2021 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, commissioned by the Outdoor Foundation, reveals that in 2020, 53 percent of Americans age 6 and older participated in outdoor recreation at least once, the highest participation rate on record.
That rate is matched only by the pace at which new (and improved upon) outdoor gear continues to be released. We're seeing more innovation from brands, paired with a burgeoning focus on aesthetics, as well. You'll find examples of both below.
Yeti Cycles 160e
Yeti's e-MTB has been five years in the making, and most notably comes with its own suspension system, Sixfinity, which the brand says is tuned specifically for the added weight, speed and demands that come with an electric mountain bike.
Designed with crossing the finish line first as the goal, Yet’s e-MTB comes in two versions: the C1 and the T1. Each features a Shimano EP8 motor and 630-watt hour battery, as well as a custom chain guide from One Up Components. Their differences lie in the details, with the T1 featuring a beefed-up headset, fork, rear shock, crank and more.
Bottom line? Those with a need for speed will want to check out this bike, fast.
Price: $10,100+
Oakley Contrail Patrick Mahomes II Collection
Oakley teamed up with star Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for the second iteration of their collaboration sunglasses, the Contrail II. Built on the Sutro Lite platform, the shades boast a C-5 alloy frame and Prizm lens, as well as personalized details like a II etched into the lens and his signature on the microbag.
Price: $225
GORUCK Task Force Dagger Jacket
GORUCK’s newest jacket honors the legacy of the teams from the 5th Special Forces Group, who were deployed 20 years ago in Afghanistan following the tragedy of 9/11. The Task Force Dagger Jacket uses the same Polartec 300 weight fleece , and is abrasion resistant, durable and made in the U.S. Off-shoulder seams with ToughDry Panels add durability for rucking, and two zippered front pockets and a zippered chest pocket keep essentials safe.
Price: $195
Luno Front Cab Air Mattress
Vanlifers, rejoice. The latest development from the car camping experts at Luno is meant to increase comfort and maximize the sleeping areas in the most popular van models, including Mercedes Sprinters and Dodge ProMasters. Built with tough 300-denier fabric and able to inflate in minutes (and pack down to a manageable size), the Front Cab Air Mattress turns previously-unused real estate into your very own guest bedroom. Night light not included.
Price: $399.99
Chrome Industries Dima 3.0 Slip Ons
If you think this shoe looks familiar, you’re not alone. Drawing from the aesthetics of West Coast skate brands, Chrome’s newest SPD shoe is made for everything from pushing pedals to hanging with friends. A water repellant, quick-drying upper pairs nicely with a Panaracer vulcanized rubber outsole, lending credence to the expression, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Price: $95
USWE POW 16 Winter Protector Pack
The latest backcountry pack from USWE includes safety features like a CE-Certified full back protector and quick access Avalanche Equipment Pocket, as well as proprietary details such as the brand’s NDM + Snug-Me harness system, which minimizes bounce. Handiest touch: Thermo Cell insulation pockets on the straps capture escaping body heat, using it to keep hydration hoses and food unfrozen and fresh, even in the harshest conditions. The pack is also available in a 25-liter size for $219.99.
Price: $199.99
Salomon Raid Wind ADVANCED
The new Salomon Raid Wind recalls a classic — it's part of the brand’s ADVANCED line, which takes well-loved styles and gives them a reboot. While paying homage to the aesthetics of 1999, the shoe features very 2021 details, including a Contagrip outsole and quick lace fastening, as well as a breathable mesh upper.
Price: $190
Arc’teryx Agrium Hoody
The latest hoodie from Arc'teryx boasts all the technical details of its predecessors (think lightweight, packable) and enhances the appeal by using sustainable materials including Dope Dye and Fair-Trade Certified down. Like all things Arc'teryx, the Agrium is high quality and built for a variety of weather conditions and environments.
Price: $400
Merrell 1TRL Hydro MOC Pastel Capsule
Pastels are traditionally reserved for spring, but when Merrell drops a candy-hued capsule collection for fall… we’ll make an exception. The Hydro Moc’s newest colorways include ones dubbed Lilac, Peach, Cream and Mint — with all the features of a traditional Moc, such as single-density injected EVA foam, a contoured arch and heel strap for comfort and support.
Price: $75.53
