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Danner Cascade Crest Packable GTX Jacket

January 2025’s Must-Have Gear | From Wearable Carry Art to Outdoor-Ready Performance Apparel

From Dyneema-infused puffer jackets to wearable carry art, January dished up a varied serving of top-notch releases. Sample a selection of the month’s best new gear below.


EDC

Mk II Watches Fulcrum

Best New Gear - Mk II Fulcrum

Based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Mk II watches (pronounced Mark Two), have just launched the Fulcrum, which is a revisit of a preceding model, originally released in 2013. This new release gives the watch company a chance to refine and improve on their vision of the perfect 1970’s tool watch. It represents an intersection of design elements from issued watches US Forces soldiers would have used or been exposed to during duty in Vietnam or in training with their UK counterparts during this period. Mk II is the civilian arm of Tornek-Rayville and the Fulcrum offers an accessible alternative to watches only issued to those in service.

The Fulcrum 39 is a self-winding dive watch that’s been sized down to 39mm. It has lume at cardinal points of 12, 3, 6, and 9, with an optional datewheel at the 4:30 position. The case is made for maximum convenience with a screw-in case tube, drilled 20mm lugs, and a comfortable caseback. The stainless bezel is uni-directional with 120 clicks with an improved spring. It has a true anodized aluminum inlay that offers better impact resistance, while the double-domed crystal is AR-coated on the interior. The Fulcrum is powered by a Japanese 9015-90S5 movement to provide excellent accuracy and a lower cost of long-term ownership compared to the previous Soprod A10. Finally, the bracelet includes solid end links with quick-release spring bars and features the NodeX quick extension clasp. The watch also comes with a Nytex nylon strap as well as a rubber strap; both in 20 mm widths.


Urban

Maekan x DSPTCH Collection

Best New Gear - Maekan x DSPTCH Collection

To celebrate the launch of MAEKAN’s new zine, Golden Generation: North Star, DSPTCH have teamed up with the digital creative culture publication to launch an exclusive collection. The MAEKAN x DSPTCH Book Strap is a thoughtful solution for carrying a stack of flat items such as books, folders, notebooks, or tech devices. Crafted with 1″ herringbone seatbelt webbing and mil-spec webbing, it features two adjustable vertical straps and an elastic horizontal strap. The Book Strap is also compatible with the MAEKAN x DSPTCH Padded Sleeve. The sleeve is designed to fit books and tech devices ranging from 8 to 11 inches and is made with TPU-coated 3.9 oz Venom UHMWPE. It includes two elastic pen holders and a Fidlock Snap closure.

DOES x SOLID GRAY Concrete Gem Backpack

DOES x SOLID GRAY CONCRETE GEM Backpack

Carry meets wearable art with the DOES x SOLID GRAY Concrete Gem Backpack. This limited-edition collaboration is available in just 20 numbered pieces and combines original artwork from Dutch artist DOES with SOLID GRAY’s futuristic pack design. Designed and made in the Netherlands, the backpack features an aluminum hard shell construction with a highly scratch-resistant artwork print. It comes with a back padding set, a backpack stand, a wall mount, and black shoulder straps that can be switched out for additional optional colors if desired. The pack has two secure internal compartments, a laptop strap, and a document clip but can also be paired with an optional Adaptable Organizer module for additional flexible organization.

Ucon Acrobatics Emilia Bag

Best New Gear - Ucon Acrobatics Emilia Bag

Ucon Acrobatics offer a stripped-down, minimalist carry option with the Emilia Bag, a sleek and versatile tote that moves easily between commutes, shopping, trips to the park, and more. The bag is made with Ucon Acrobatics’ proprietary PUrTEX∞ material, a durable and water-resistant material created from recycled textile waste. The bag has three exterior pockets for quick-access organization and is available in an eye-catching Glacier Grey/Lemon colorway as well as a more understated Black option.

Vollebak Antarctic Sweater – Light Blue Edition

Vollebak Antarctic Sweater - Light Blue Edition

The Guernsey sweater has been worn in some of the most demanding conditions on earth, by the likes of Ernest Shackleton and British and Irish fishermen who had to endure the harsh existence of life at sea. So Vollebak have paid tribute to this iconic piece with their own take on it, the Antarctic Sweater. It’s made with super-fine merino wool spun by a historic woollen mill on the coast of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Wind and water-resistant, while also insulating and breathable, the sweater features four different knitted textures across the body, collar, arms, and cuffs to maximize warmth. The body uses a rugged seed stitching to keep wind at bay, while a thick rib pattern on the high collar creates structure. A geometric zig-zag texture on the cuffs helps them cinch around your wrists, while the arms feature textures designed to mimic muscle patterns. And with the new launch of the Light Blue edition, it’s the perfect nod to seascapes and adventures off the beaten path.

Sheep Inc. Mountain Crewneck

Best New Gear - Sheep Inc. Mountain Crewneck

Sheep Inc. welcomes the latest addition to their carbon-negative knitwear collection with the Mountain Crewneck. Launching ahead of the World Ski Championships in Saalbach Austria, the piece is inspired by the Zwölferkogel peak in Hinterglemm near Salzburg where the championship races will take place, and nods to the brand co-founder Michael Wessely’s Austrian roots. The sweater is made in the UK using carbon-negative raw materials and renewable energy and comes in options for men and women. Available in Fawn Brown, Cobalt Blue, and Burnt Orange, it’s crafted with 100% traceable ZQ-certified merino wool for a breathable, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating design that moves easily from après-ski to everyday wear.

Filson x Ten Thousand Collection

Best New Gear - Filson x Ten Thousand Collection

Filson and Ten Thousand have teamed up on a new three-piece capsule collection that blends Filson’s hard-wearing durability and exclusive color palette with Ten Thousand’s cutting-edge approach to training gear for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. The collection includes the Filson x Ten Thousand Tactical Hoodie, the Filson x Ten Thousand Tactical Shirt, and the Filson x Ten Thousand Tactical Shorts. Each piece is made from durable, breathable materials for excellent mobility and performance during high-intensity activities. And they’ve been tested by the Seattle Seawolves rugby team to ensure long-lasting functionality.

Vollebak Ultralight Puffer with Dyneema and Ultralight Puffer Vest with Dyneema

Vollebak Ultralight Puffer with Dyneema and Ultralight Puffer Vest with Dyneema

Dyneema is the strongest fiber on earth, 15x stronger than steel on a weight-for-weight basis yet light enough to float on water. And Vollebak have incorporated this wonder fiber in two new releases, the Ultralight Puffer with Dyneema and Ultralight Puffer Vest with Dyneema. The puffer comes in Black and Khaki, while the vest comes in Black and Blue options. The vest weighs just 320 grams, with the jacket weighing only 450 grams. Each is reinforced with thousands of ultralight strands of 50-denier Dyneema, with each Dyneema strand placed just two millimeters apart for excellent reinforcement against scuffs and scrapes. Each piece also features recycled down insulation cleaned with geothermal water from natural springs.

Reigning Champ Lightweight Cordura Training Gear

Reigning Champ Lightweight Cordura

Reigning Champ, the versatile and often experimental clothing brand hailing from Canada, just dropped three new performance styles made from a next-level Japanese Cordura fabric that promises to be as soft as a t-shirt but as durable as your favorite pack.

This Lightweight Cordura is an advanced training fabric that combines the durability of Cordura with the comfort of knit construction. RC designed the pieces in their signature standard fit, with semi-raglan sleeves, underarm gussets, and bonded side panels. The pieces on offer include a t-shirt, long-sleeve, and tank top.

Buck Mason Welterweight Sweats Collection

Best New Gear - Buck Mason Welterweight Sweats Collection

You might not have explicitly known it, but you’ve experienced the lightweight journey sweats have taken. In reality, after the 1960’s, American athletic apparel shifted to more durable, lightweight, cotton jersey knits. This new collection from Buck Mason harkens back to the days when athletic sweats were beefier. Their Welterweight collection employs the same construction methods standard in those days, starting with a mid-weight French terry knit with brushed insides for softness. The dense fabric uses a series of flatlock stitching, ribbing the collar, cuffs, and hems, with ribbed gussets at the stress points for durability. The collection includes a hooded sweatshirt, sweatpants, sweatshirt, and quarter zip in various colorways.

Mission Workshop Westward Pea Coat

Best New Gear - Mission Workshop Westward Pea Coat

In a bittersweet moment, Mission Workshop was able to squeeze in a final style to their Schoeller collection before the Swiss factory closes their doors, at the end of 2025. The 3-layer waterproof softshell Schoeller fabric from which the Westward Pea Coat is constructed is windproof, highly water-resistant, and breathable. The pea coat features a wool/nylon stretch-woven exterior, a soft micro-fleece interior, and a waterproof mid-layer membrane. The outer is treated with Schoeller’s NanoSphere, ensuring exceptional water and dirt repellence. 


Outdoor

Arc’teryx SYSTEM_A Drop 08

Best New Gear - Arc’teryx SYSTEM_A Drop 08

Arc’teryx welcomes a new SYSTEM_A drop inspired by and designed for bouldering, approaches, and day-to-day wear on cooler days. The collection features the Ogee Insulated Bucket Hat, Ogee Insulated Jacket, and the Ogee Insulated Tote. Made with a windproof, water-resistant exterior fabric and Coreloft Continuous insulation, the pieces pack down small for easy storage while not in use and can work equally well in urban and outdoor settings.

Danner Performance Heritage Collection

Best New Gear - Danner Performance Heritage Collection

The latest collection from Danner aims to blend traditional and classic styling with modern materials and functionality. Inspired by the casualness of the people of the Pacific Northwest, the Performance Heritage Collection uses a variety of natural materials including cotton, leather, and down, to technical ones like Cordura, GORE-TEX, and PrimaLoft. The collection is vast, consisting of jackets, pants, long-sleeve tees, hats, vests, and more.

Danner x Brandblack Mountain Light Boot

Best New Gear - Danner x Brandblack Mountain Light Boot

LA-based footwear innovators Brandblack have partnered with Danner to create a unique spin on the Mountain Light silhouette. This limited-edition release features waterproof nubuck leather, an off-white birch colorway, a GORE-TEX liner, and a Vibram Wrap Tech Megagrip outsole designed for extra traction. Note that the collab runs half a size smaller than usual, so make sure you size up for the perfect fit.

Vuarnet Winter 2025 Collection

Vuarnet Winter 2025 Collection

As part of its brand relaunch, dubbed “IT’S A VUARNET DAY,” the legendary French eyewear company is set to unveil a new collection for Fall Winter 24/25. The iconic tagline comes from the 1984 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles. It is meant to invoke a renewed commitment to adventure, style, and authenticity, bridging Vuarnet’s past with a fresh vision for the future.

The collection debuts 10 new shapes and redefines Vuarnet’s catalog into three families: Atelier, Lifestyle, and Outdoor. The Atelier family is inspired by mountain exploration and combines elegance with performance. Arctic 01 and 02 join Glacier models in this collection.

The Lifestyle range features fan-favorite Legend, Edge, and Belvedere lines and now includes three new Belvedere shapes – 05, 06, and 07, and Alpine 01 and 02. Lastly, the Outdoor family is all about performance. Three new shapes (Altitude 01, 02, and 03) join ICE and Racing to round out the lineup.

Vuarnet is known for its quality and is the only eyewear brand that produces its own mineral lenses. Proprietary to the brand is its Lynx technology, which offers protection from sunlight directed to the upper part of the eyes and light reflections to the lower part through a unique bi-shaded mirror treatment. 

NESTOUT Portable Outdoor Fan & Carabiner Battery

NESTOUT Portable Outdoor Fan & Carabiner Battery

From a brand that never stops innovating, NESTOUT returns in the new year with two new products you didn’t know you needed but that makes perfect sense for your outdoor adventures. The first is the NESTOUT Fan, which combines power, portability, and flexibility to keep you cool in the summer and circulate warm air during the colder months. Custom-fit for NESTOUT batteries or powered by your own battery bank or outlets, this fan offers four adjustable speeds, smart oscillation, and an adjustable neck. Available individually or in a Full Kit that includes a clamp for securing it to table edges or poles, plus a carrying case, the NESTOUT Fan is a must-have on your packing list.

The Carabiner Battery is designed for rugged outdoor use. In addition to being shockproof and resistant to water and dust, the Carabiner Battery features a sturdy carabiner clip to attach it to backpacks, belts, or gear loops. It also includes a retractable phone stand for hands-free viewing.

SMITH Ultralite

SMITH Ultralite

Celebrating 60 years, SMITH took a look into its vault to relaunch the iconic Ultralite sunglasses. A throwback to the late 1980’s, the retro goggle-inspired design has been updated to include lightweight and durable bio-based frame material and ChromaPop lens technology, which promises to increase contrast and boost colors. Built for sport and life, the Ultralite is available in five colorways with a variety of fun frame and lens combos.


Travel

Ortlieb Duffle LiteSling-Bag Metrosphere, and Velo-Sling

Ortlieb Duffle Lite, Sling-Bag Metrosphere, and Velo-Sling

German carry brand Ortlieb are known for their burly, waterproof bicycle bags but they also have plenty of great options in the travel and everyday spheres, including new additions such as the Duffle Lite, Sling-Bag Metrosphere, and the Velo-Sling. Available in 40L and 60L options, the Duffle Lite is a lightweight but tough bag that lends itself to both travel and outdoor use. It can be carried by hand or as a backpack and has a wide opening for easy access, with a removable inner compartment for organization. The Sling-Bag Metrosphere is a versatile 3L option for everyday or travel use, with an IP 64 rating and a roll-top closure to keep the elements at bay. It features a removable shoulder strap and a zippered interior pocket for securing small essentials. The Velo-Sling is an adaptable option for use on and off the bike, doubling as a 3L sling bag or handlebar bag. It comes with straps to secure larger items such as jackets and includes an interior zippered pocket.

Knog Scout Travel Tag

Knog Scout Travel Tag

Some believe that the days of carry-on luggage are numbered. Once the preferred method of carry for travelers due to the convenience, safety, and no-fee nature, the method may have proven too popular, leading to insufficient room in the overhead bins. Security is paramount if travelers are forced to move to using checked luggage. Knog, known for its lights and other cycling accessories, has just introduced the Scout Travel, a smart luggage tag, finder, and alarm. The sleek device is available in five colors. It has a QR code to store your contact information and integrates with Apple’s Find My network to quickly locate your luggage anytime and anywhere. Finally, it has a motion-sensitive 85 dB alarm, which can also send a notification to your phone (if it’s within Bluetooth range). 

Pelican TRVL Luggage

Pelican TRVL Luggage

Pelican, the brand best known for making rugged cases, has taken the next step in its evolution, a move that surprised no one. The new TRVL collection is its luggage line, which consists of three new categories, two entirely new. Anchoring the collection is the original AIR line, which comprises its tried and true hard cases designed for transporting delicate and expensive equipment through the harshest conditions. The Aegis is a new hybrid offering of rolling duffels that can also be worn as a backpack. It protects like a hard case with the versatility of a soft case. Finally, the ATX, also known as Adventure Travel X-Over, is the offering that most closely resembles traditional civilian air travel luggage. Available in three sizes (carry-on and two additional check-in sizes), the ATX hard-sided roller luggage offers protection plus interior organization.


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

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