Backpacks, Outdoor Gear and EDC | The Best Products to Buy in March 2024

A sleek collection for carrying your tech, GORE-TEX outerwear that takes you from urban streets to outdoor trails, and an ultralight backcountry pack were just some of the pieces that stood out in March. Dive in and discover the month’s best new gear below…

EDC

Hamilton Ventura XXL Bright Dune Limited Edition and Ventura Edge Dune Limited Edition

Hamilton Watch teamed up with Prop Master Doug Harlocker to create the “Desert Watch” seen in the film Dune: Part Two. And while that particular watch isn’t available, fans of the film can enjoy their own slice of sci-fi timekeeping with the Ventura XXL Bright Dune Limited Edition and Ventura Edge Dune Limited Edition. Inspired by the film, Hamilton Watch created these limited-edition watches that nod to the blue eyes of the Fremen people through their glowing blue displays. The analog Ventura XXL Bright Dune features 50-meter water resistance, while the digital Ventura Edge Dune features 100-meter water resistance.

Seiko Prospex SPB Dive Watches

Seiko has welcomed updates to its Prospex line of dive watches, including the SPB451, SPB453, and the special edition SPB455, which celebrates Seiko’s 100th anniversary of their first wristwatch. Available in three attractive colorways, the watches feature 300-meter water resistance and redesigned steel bracelets for enhanced comfort. In addition, the SPB455 also includes a woven textile strap that nods to the Japanese Seichu technique. The position of the date window has been relocated from 03:00 to 04:30, while the new Caliber 6R55 automatic movement offers a 72-hour power reserve.

YSMART MQ5 Magnetic Quick-Release Rechargeable Flashlight

The YSMART MQ5 does away with twist or click movements to turn on, instead using a magnetic quick-release solution that quickly turns the flashlight on when it’s pulled off a keychain. Additionally, it offers magnetic wireless charging by simply snapping it onto the recharging base. Plus with its own magnetic base, the flashlight is easy to use hands-free in a variety of emergency, DIY, and day-to-day settings. Compact enough to carry on a keychain, the flashlight offers 130 lumens and is available in brass and titanium options.

Skullcandy EcoBuds True Wireless Earbuds

Skullcandy, known for its playful approach to personal audio and unique collaborations, has just unveiled its EcoBuds True Wireless Earbuds. These innovative earbuds are crafted from 65 percent certified recycled plastics, resulting in a 57 percent reduction in heavy metals usage. What’s more, they boast a 50 percent lower carbon footprint than similar products on the market. Skullcandy has omitted the battery from the case in a bold move to combat carbon emissions. While this means no extra charges while storing the buds, they still provide an impressive eight hours of battery life, with Rapid Charge and a built-in USB-C cable for reverse charging from your phone.

Nodus x Raven TrailTrekker 

During a discussion over a bowl of ramen about Nodus Watches’ latest release at the time, the Sector Series, we noticed that there was something special about Wes and Cullen, the duo behind the brand. Since then, we have witnessed the brand’s growth, which kept its community closely involved and constantly innovating with its movement choices, quick-adjust clasp design, and finishes. Nodus has always worked with other independent watch brands, notably Raven, instead of in competition. Unsurprisingly, the two brands teamed up to create the TrailTrekker, a robust GMT offering.

Nodus is known for creating innovative and durable timepieces while keeping things affordable, hailing from Los Angeles, California. Raven Watches, from Kansas, is known for its rugged, versatile watches designed for adventure and travel. The TrailTrekker combines elements from the Nodus Contrail GMT and Raven’s Trekker, featuring a 39.5 mm stainless steel case with a matte gray DLC finish and a Cerakote-coated bezel. It is powered by a Miyota 9075 automatic GMT movement, which allows for independent adjustment of the hour hand. It also offers a 42-hour power reserve, beats at 28,800 vph, and is adjusted in-house in six positions, resulting in +/- 8 spd accuracy.

The watch has a matching stainless steel bracelet and an additional olive drab ballistic nylon strap. A solid caseback adorned with a covered wagon engraving symbolizes the historic journey between Kansas and California during westward expansion. Additionally, the colors chosen for the case finish and dial, and the ruggedness of the timepiece reflect the spirit of adventure and the hardships these early pioneers faced.

Imalent BL50 Flashlight

Flashlights with multiple emitters are becoming more popular than single-emitter lights these days. However, it is a recent trend for manufacturers to use different types or styles of LED’s within the same light. Imalent has come up with an innovative product called the BL50, which is a flashlight with dual light sources. It features a CREE XHP50.3 HI LED and a 365nm UV light. The light has a maximum output of 3600 lumens and can throw light up to 428 meters. An OLED display provides real-time status updates to the user, while the compact and ergonomic design makes it easy to carry and operate. The built-in battery comes complete with USB-C charging.

The James Brand The Kline with Marbled Carbon Fiber

The James Brand, a Portland-based company, has added a luxurious touch to one of its most popular knives, The Kline, by using premium carbon fiber composite scales for the first time in the line. The Marbled Carbon is paired with a MagnaCut stainless steel blade, which is known for its sharpness. The knife also features the signature TJB slide lock mechanism. The folder comes with a deep carry, reversible pocket clip that allows it to ride low and stay out of the way until needed. This special edition knife is a perfect combination of functionality, strength, and weight savings as it features carbon fiber and the elegance of marble. The American-made 3.4″ super steel blade provides a balance between corrosion resistance and toughness.

Outdoor Tech Bolt Magnetic Bluetooth Speaker

Magnets: they’re magical, right? Many products use them nowadays to great effect, solving annoyances simply and elegantly. And that’s precisely what Outdoor Tech has done with their latest Bluetooth speaker, the Bolt. It’s a portable, highly magnetic device designed to attach securely to any metal surface. That means you can have a party if you’re near a golf cart, car, furniture, pole, etc.. Weighing just a pound, the Bolt is convenient to pack and bring with you in the car and on trips. And with its IPX6 rating, it means the beats don’t have to stop even if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Finally, the speaker can connect to other Bolt devices for surround sound and can act as a power bank for small devices.  

Urban

Aer Tech Collection 2024

Aer have revamped their Work Collection, replacing it with the all-new Tech Collection that welcomes a host of updates for 2024. This stylishly minimalist collection of work bags features revised silhouettes, redesigned organization for even better functionality, and upgraded materials and trims (including X-Pac versions) for a premium look and feel. The laptop pockets offer enhanced structure and padding, while the revised organization removes unnecessary bulk. Clean and practical, the Tech Collection is a smart way to keep tech safe and secure whether you’re commuting to the office, traveling for work, or carrying gear to your local cafe.

WP Standard Sling Bag

Chic style meets EDC functionality with WP Standard’s Sling Bag. Crafted with full-grain leather, this classy piece will get even better-looking with age, while easily standing up to daily use. The zippered main compartment is complemented by quick-access front storage and the adjustable strap allows the bag to be worn crossbody or around the waist to suit different settings.

Vasque Re:connect NOW

The Vasque Re:connect NOW has been designed to bring nature’s benefits to everyday life. Made with a 100% recycled ripstop mesh upper and eco-friendly midsole components, the shoe is Vasque’s most versatile design to date, able to move easily between urban pavements and outdoor trails, allowing you to disconnect from everyday stresses and reconnect with yourself in local natural settings. An ideal choice for enjoying an after-work hike, strolls around the park, weekend trail adventures, and more, the shoe provides a wider heel and forefoot for increased stability, a midfoot lockdown lacing system for support, and an aggressive Xlite outsole for enhanced multi-directional traction. It comes in options for both men and women, with a variety of colorways to choose from.

BRIEFING × White Mountaineering Tote and Shoulder Bag

For their seventh collaboration, BRIEFING and White Mountaineering have teamed up on a collection with travel as the central theme. The collection is based on the popular SQ SHOULDER bag and EASY WIRE tote bag from BRIEFING’s travel collection LESIT. The updated designs feature 210D twill nylon as the main fabric, accented with suede-like material from White Mountaineering’s 2024SS collection.

CODEOFBELL x HARVEST LABEL DOUBLE NAME PROJECT II – 4020X Backpack

CODEOFBELL and Japanese brand HARVEST LABEL have launched their second collaboration, DOUBLE NAME PROJECT II, with a thoughtful take on multifunctional carry for everyday, travel, and outdoor use. The 4020X Backpack takes its name from the SKU of an original HARVEST LABEL backpack (HJH-4020) but delivers a fresh COFB twist. The bag features a removable hood cover, as well as a separate lower compartment on the main pack. An assortment of interior and exterior pockets keep gear organized, including a dedicated 16″ laptop compartment. It’s made with 100% waterproof and recycled ECOPAK on the main body and custom-made 700D nylon on the bottom compartment, offering a considered balance of weight and durability.

Carl Friedrik Midnight Green Collection

Carl Friedrik have delivered an elegant update to three of their key pieces with their Midnight Green collection. This stylish limited-edition colorway features across the Palissy Briefcase, Palissy Double, and the Palissy Weekend. Each piece is crafted with vegetable-tanned vachetta leather and exudes premium quality, taking you from work to the weekend with understated class.

Maharishi Maha M.A.L.I.C.E. Backpack

The Maharishi Maha M.A.L.I.C.E. Backpack takes inspiration from 1970s US Military carrying systems, in particular the ALICE modular carrying system, but is designed for modern civilian use in urban and outdoor environments. The pack includes three exterior ALICE-style front pouch pockets, an adjustable brain and double cinched opening for extendable height if needed, as well as an interior padded laptop sleeve. It’s made with 100% Japanese nylon twill and comes in black and olive colorways.

GORUCK M23 – Waxed Canvas

GORUCK designed the M23 as a modern take on the M1945 backpack used during WWII. And now they’ve revamped it with a new waxed canvas version made with 10.10oz Army Duck Canvas. Available in three colorways and two sizes, the waxed canvas M23 offers both top and side access to the main compartment, multiple quick-access pockets, and dedicated external-access laptop storage.

Mack Weldon SILVER Pique Button-Up

Adding to their popular SILVER collection, Mack Weldon has introduced the Pique Button-Up. The shirt is made of soft Supima cotton and Ionic+ silver fibers, which prevent odors due to silver’s naturally antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the shirts offer a small amount of stretch for ease of movement, plus a pique knit design to amp up the appeal. Currently offered in two colorways, the Pique Button-Up is an ideal travel shirt when you need to class things up a bit.

Buck Mason Storm Stopper Collection

Buck Mason, an apparel brand based in Los Angeles, has recently launched its Storm Stopper Collection for Spring 2024. The collection features weatherproof outerwear that combines classic designs with modern wet weather performance. The collection includes three styles: a classic trench coat, a naval-inspired deck jacket, and a bomber jacket, all made from Buck Mason’s exclusive Storm Stopper fabric. The fabric is a blend of 70% cotton and 30% recycled polyester, coated with DWR, offering the same look and feel as regular cotton while repelling water.

Ucon Acrobatics x Bauhaus Shop Bauhaus Series

Inspired by Bauhaus design, the limited-edition Bauhaus Series is a collaboration between Ucon Acrobatics and Bauhaus Shop that pays tribute to visionary architect and Bauhaus art school founder Walter Gropius. The collection fuses minimalist aesthetics and everyday functionality and features an exterior with cork cut into thin layers and fixed to a silver waterproof film. A choice of three backpacks are available, ranging from 11L to 16L in size.

Outdoor

Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Backpack

The Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Backpack fuses ultralight construction with agile comfort and is designed for moving fast on backcountry adventures with larger loads. The pack is made with Challenge Sailcloth Ultra 200 body fabric, taped seams, and a roll-top closure, providing lightweight durability and excellent protection from the elements. It features a running vest-style suspension harness with convenient quick-access shoulder strap pockets. The pack is hydration bladder compatible and also features a removable hip belt and removable foam back panel for weight-reducing options if desired.

Snow Peak GORE-TEX Rain Series

Snow Peak’s new GORE-TEX Rain Series is designed to transition easily between urban and outdoor settings, while offering dependable protection from the elements. The waterproof collection features a rain jacket, pants, hat, and cap, each made with 100% recycled polyester shells and 100% nylon GORE-TEX Performance Shell backings. Seam sealing and weatherproof zippers enhance protection, while a choice of three colorways blend seamlessly into city and rural environments alike.

Arc’teryx Spring ‘24 Footwear

Arc’teryx has recently launched the Vertex Alpine, Sylan, and Kragg, designed to cater to the needs of mountain athletes. The Vertex Alpine is an approach shoe that boasts lightweight agility, durability, and grip for steep and technical terrain. It comes with a waterproof GTX and a full GORE-TEX liner for added protection. Sylan, on the other hand, is a performance mountain-running shoe built for speed on rugged trails. It features aggressively cut lugs, a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a durable upper. A GTX version is also available. Lastly, Kragg is designed to provide comfort and protection for quick approaches, belay wear, and post-climb relaxation. It is the most casual of the three and offers a breathable Spacermesh, Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a collapsible heel for slip-on convenience.

Arc’teryx Aerios 18 and Aerios 35 Packs

Arc’teryx has introduced the Aerios 18 and Aerios 35 packs as part of their S24 hard goods collection. These packs are designed to provide comfort and performance to adventurers who seek them. Both packs are lightweight yet durable, making them suitable for day hikes or extended backpacking trips. Key features of these packs include a hydration bladder sleeve, adjustable shoulder straps, and a breathable back panel that enhances comfort during extended high-output activities. The 18L pack uses ultralight 210D Hadron LCP pack fabric, and it has an interchangeable harness and front pockets for soft flasks and smartphones. The larger 35L pack has an interchangeable hip belt and harness, a roll-top closure for added volume, and a patent-pending two-point adjustment system that allows you to dial in the perfect fit.

norda 003

norda brings their footwear expertise to an approach shoe silhouette with the 003, designed to accommodate hiking, scrambling and running. The laceless slip-on shoe features a Bio-Dyneema® upper with added elasticized Bio-Dyneema®, enabling a stable fit that won’t alter with use. Additional features include a custom Vibram® midsole and soleplate, as well as a pull tab that allows the shoes to be secured to a pack via a carabiner.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Halka

When tackling the world’s highest mountains, every gram saving counts. So Hyperlite Mountain Gear teamed up with Ang, a highly experienced mountain guide hailing from Nepal, to create packs that could endure demanding environments while minimizing carry weight. The Halka 55 and Halka 70 feature a blend of Dyneema Composite Fabrics and pared-back designs offering just what’s needed to safely reach high-altitude summits. The Halka 55 fits a single oxygen bottle in its interior, while the Halka 70 can carry two bottles in its exterior pockets. Both backpacks have a removable lid, a dual ice axe/crampon carry system, and a removable hip belt among their features.

Travel

Carl Friedrik Trunk

How do you take an iconic piece of luggage from the Golden Age of Travel and make it fit for modern-day adventures? Carl Friedrik embraced this challenge when creating the Trunk, pairing heritage luggage inspiration with their signature luxurious expertise. The 90L Trunk features a deep main compartment that accommodates bulky and awkward-shaped items that often struggle to fit in standard suitcases. The Trunk also features retractable dividers and three included packing cubes, making it easy to organize your gear for convenient access and jumble-free travel. Three TSA-approved locks provide trusty security, while the polycarbonate shell takes travel bumps and scuffs in its stride.

KILLSPENCER DOPP/FOLIO XL

Dig the multifunctionality of KILLSPENCER’s DOPP/FOLIO 2.0 but wish it was bigger? You’re in luck with KILLSPENCER’s new DOPP/FOLIO XL. This adaptable piece converts from a rectangular Dopp kit to a flat portfolio that can store up to a 14″ MacBook Pro. The interior has a waterproof white tarpaulin lining and a small slip pocket, making this a versatile piece for carrying toiletries or tech depending on your travel needs.

EVERGOODS Coyote Brown Collection

EVERGOODS gives some of their most popular pieces a fresh feel with the Coyote Brown Collection. Featuring favorites such as the CAP2L, CIVIC Travel Bag 26L, and CPL24, EVERGOODS has reimagined them in an attractive earthen hue paired with their standard grey interior.

Photography

NOMATIC Luma Camera Collection

NOMATIC and Peter McKinnon reunite for the new Luma Camera Collection, featuring an 18L backpack, a 12L sling, and a 9L sling. Designed to accommodate setups for all levels of photographer, from enthusiastic amateurs to seasoned professionals, the bags offer an understated and clean style that moves easily between changing environments without advertising expensive gear. The pack offers multiple access points to get to gear, while the slings feature wide-opening zippered main compartments that also integrate magnetic closures for quick closure.

Our Best New Gear guides are written by David Vo and Catherine Baecker-Khoury.