Emerging Gear: Growing Bike, Fishin’ Beer, Ghost Pack, and More

This USA-made tote bag has some fiery roots. The Split Tote Bag ($100) was designed for hauling kindling from the wood pile over to a stove or campfire. It’s got a ruggedly awesome 1,000-denier CORDURA exterior and dual zippers on each side for literally splitting the bag wide open. But, as we discovered in testing, it’s good for lots more. We’ve hauled firewood at camp, but also a muddy pair of boots and packages on a mail run. Split also plans to have a new XL tote size out soon.

Kitsbow has an exciting new step in its “Made to Order” journey: more sizing. The Cyclone Tee and Crew Tee ($65), among others, will now come in sizes down to 2XS and up to 4XL. And, many of its styles also come in different torso lengths and fits (athletic, relaxed) as well. “When compared to the current limited selection available from most brands, offering this kind of flexibility and variety sounds like a dream,” explained CEO David Billstrom. Kitsbow’s apparel is USA-made in its North Carolina factory.

Specialized’s latest kids’ bike is built to last longer — that is, get bigger as your kid does. The Specialized Jett (from $450) is designed to adjust and grow with your little rider. In addition to the 16, 20, and 24 frame offerings, the bikes have adjustable handlebars for reach, two-hole position cranks for adjusting pedal position, and adjustable seat tube heights. Plus, adjustable brake levers (on some models, added “short reach” levers). Specialized also designed the Jett to be as lightweight as possible, but that’s just the icing on top.

Fish and beer already go well together, so why not fishing, too? Not only is a cold one great while you’re casting flies on the river, but Fly Fishing heavyweight Simms partnered with 10 Barrel Brewing to launch a beer that benefits both the sport and the waters it relies on. Reel Good is part of 10 Barrel’s charitable Give Back beer lineup — proceeds from this Kolsch-style summer ale benefit Trout Unlimited’s Home River Initiative. So whether you’re fishin’ for cutties, rainbow, or trout, you can give a little back with the beer you buy. Find Reel Good in most mountain states now.

Launching Saturday are Saucony’s strange and astrological “zodiac” sneakers, the Astrotrails ($110-120). Each shoe is designed to represent four elements to help you “explore the epicenter of self-discovery and the wonders of Astrology,” wrote Saucony. And it’s not just the colors — each shoe model is different to reflect the aspects of each element. Choose from the Shadow 5000 “Air,” Peregrine 11 “Earth,” Grid Azura 2000 “Fire,” or Mad River 2 TR “Water.” The collection will be available online on May 15. 

Get ‘er done with United By Blue’s new Utility Pack ($38). It has a large main compartment (while remaining compact), an exterior wide-zip utility pocket, and an adjustable nylon webbing waist strap. Its polyester fabric is also made from recycled plastic bottles. Like all United By Blue gear, the brand removes one pound of trash from waterways for each purchased. Oh, and it comes at a great price.

SOL (Survive Outdoors Longer) just dropped a new collection of “basecamp” necessities. Our favorite pick in the bunch is the flat pack Bowl and Strainer Set ($20) — not even a luxury considering how small and light this set packs down. The set includes a 1.5L bowl, 2L bowl, and 2L strainer, all for just 21 ounces. Stack ’em, pack ’em, and your camp kitchen crew will thank you.

One of our favorite daypacks, the Osprey Talon 22 just got an upgrade in an undyed version. The Talon Ghost ($190) has — new for 2021 — Osprey’s breathable AirScape backpanel, a wrapping hip belt, trekking pole, ice axe and bike helmet attachment points, and laptop sleeve — equipped for any activity. And, of course, the ghostly, Bluesign-approved, undyed recycled nylon fabric. (Though beware; it adds 60 bucks to the price tag.) Don’t wait — this pack is a limited edition.

Klymit’s new Everglow Light Tube is one of the more unique camping lanterns we’ve seen. The Light Tube ($20) is a giant inflatable bar that can attach to virtually anything (think car hatch, group camp shelter), thanks to a carabiner loop and magnetic attachment points. It’s flexible, water-resistant, rechargeable, and it offers up to 270 lumens of shine. The light tube comes in three sizes, ranging from 18 to 34 inches in length.

Boutique run brand Janji’s amazing artist series is back with its Kashmira collaboration. Kashmira Baheti is a textile artist based in Chennai, India. For Janji’s two new prints, she went with vibrant bold colors with scenes inspired by the landscapes of her hometown and country. You can find the prints on Janji’s 3-inch or 5-inch AFO shorts (from $64, men’s and women’s sizing) and accessories, too.

New Chaco alert: Chaco’s “performance” flip-flops just dropped, and in a leather style, too. The Chaco Leather Flips ($75) are made with durable and supportive LUVSEAT midsoles and a full-grain leather upper. They look perfect for exploring beach towns, mountain towns, and many places in between. Choose from three color options. Available in men’s and women’s styles.

Snow Peak’s new line of tents are here. The Japanese brand has imbued these “amenity” tents with a high level of functionality and, of course, aesthetic. The Amenity Dome tent (starting at $280) has an outer vestibule, removable and adjustable rainfly for protection from weather and a covered entry, a three-pole system for quick setup, and comes with stakes, a repair kit, and carrying case. It also comes in 2-person or 4-person sizes.