Used to be denim was acceptable only as casual wear and for doing chores. Not anymore. It has slid into office dress codes (cue the lazy-millenial bashing) and even action sports as stretch fibers and other technologies have made their way into the fabric.

Duer’s All-Weather Denim ($199)

The most notable new jeans for 2019 are Duer’s All-Weather Denim. There’s a water- and windproof membrane—catch a glimpse of it above on the cuffs—for protection from the elements. It was enough to withstand rain, sleet, and coffee from an overturned mug, but be warned: membranes are only so breathable, and Duer’s makes its jeans noisy—we’re pretty sure everyone heard us coming when we wore them to the office.

Outerknown SEA ($128)

Then we have the Outerknown SEA, which is the most casual pair on this page. Two percent spandex affords just enough flex for comfort and a decent range of motion. Kelly Slater’s brand knows how to make stylish denim in a superslim cut, though guys with big legs should pass.

DickiesĚýFlex Regular Fit 5-Pocket Tough Max ($33)

Dickies’ Flex Regular Fit 5-Pocket Tough Max is at home at the jobsite, with straight-leg styling and a sleeker profile than Patagonia’s boxier Steel Forge (below). The waist sits low, so it doesn’t tighten up when you bend, and Dickies blessedly left the thighs and seat roomy for our larger testers.

Marmot Pipeline ($85)

We confess to scoffing whenever a pair of jeans get marketed as good for sports, but the Marmot Pipeline moves capably enough that climbing isn’t out of the question. It’s comfortable for high stepping and made with wicking and cooling tech, so sweat doesn’t linger and heat dissipates quickly.

Patagonia’s Steel Forge Denim ($159)

Patagonia’s Steel Forge Denim is built for burliness, with double fabric at the knees and Dyneema woven in for added durability. It’s decidedly workwear, and the thick weave can lead to sweaty legs. But the look and fit don’t scream workshop, so you can brush off the sawdust and stroll into town wearing them.

Prana Axiom ($89)

Finally, the Prana Axiom is cotton in handsome stone-washed indigo. And though the pants are only 1 percent spandex, they offer impressive give and range of motion. (A gusseted inseam helps.) The Axiom is so comfy, we were loath to go without ours even just long enough for a spin cycle in the washing machine.

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Sure, we’ve already made our Gear of the Show picks and handed out the awards at this week’s Outdoor Retailer trade show. But after three days spent checking out the latest and greatest products coming up for next summer, we’ve found plenty more to be excited about. Here’s the gear şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř’s editors are lusting after.

Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket ($299)

There are many lightweight, extremely packable shells on the marketĚýbuilt specifically for stuffing into running vests for long, fast missions. But you either have to stop and put your shell on under your vest or pull it over and lose easy access to all your water, food, and other gear. Patagonia’s new Storm Racer conveniently solves that problem. Instead of one zipper running up the middle, it has two zippers on either side of the neck, one full-length and one quarter-length. The jacket goes on over your vest using the full-length zip; when you want a drink or snack, open it from both sides and flip the whole front of the jacket down for full access to everything in and on the front of your vest. We don’t often get to say that new gear offers a solution to a problem without compromise. While it’s too early to tell before testing, I think the Storm Racer is going to be an exception to that.

—Ariella Gintzler, assistant editor

Hydro Flask Titanium 21-Ounce Bottle ($100)

I know, I know, it’s a $100 water bottle. After Yeti taught me to love $400 car-camping coolers, though, I’m willing to give other sticker-shocking outdoor products a shot. I am more than willing, really; I’m actually damned excited to test this extremely sexy water bottle. Hydro Flask set out to make metal, vacuum-sealed, insulated water bottles that are light enough to take backpacking, and this oneĚýis the pinnacle product in the line (itĚýhasĚýtwo other lightweight options that are stainless steel and cost less than half the price). The companyĚýshaved some material out of the cap, perforated the cap’sĚýloop, and, of course, used one of the priciest lightweight materials in the outdoor space to make this bottle 35 percent lighter than its 21-ounce-capacity classic counterpart. Since the dead space that insulates the liquids inside stays the same as regular Hydro Flask offerings,ĚýitĚýstill claims it will maintain the company’s legendary temperature-regulation properties. With visions of sipping ice water at the end of a blazing-hot double-digit-mileage backpacking day, this has me absolutely amped to put those qualities to the test.

—Joe Jackson, Gear Guy

Granite Gear Scurry Daypack ($85)

When you’re looking to shed gear weight on the trail, you’ll almost always sacrifice comfort. OftentimesĚýultralight packs forgo cushioning and extra storage features for fewer ounces. (I’m thinking of those packable ones that sag like a garbage bag when slung around your shoulders.) But thanks to Granite Gear, we have serious solutions to this dilemma. The brand’s newest daypacks (the Scurry, Dagger, and Shovel Point) offer what we love about itsĚýultralight backpacking haulers—such as comfy suspension systems, compression straps that actually cinch tight, and bomber nylon outer material—but in smaller packages. My favorite of the three is the Scurry. With a 24-literĚýcapacity, it’s meant for summit days and quick trips up your local peak. I was most impressed by how feature rich it is for being just 1.1 pounds. The roll-top bag has a waist belt, chest strap, andĚýpadded back panel, and all three of the new daypacks have a sleeve to accommodate a hydration bladder. It’s built to sit higher up on your back, so it won’t swing low and get in the way of more technical scrambles. The daypack line will be available in spring 2020.

—Jeremy Rellosa, reviews editor

5.11 Vehicle Ready Seat Back Covers ($48)

One of the gear developments I was most excited to see at this summer’s Outdoor Retailer was 5.11 getting into the overlanding and auto space. The brand has developed a line of luggage and totes specifically for organizing equipment in a car trunk or truck bed, and its new Vehicle Ready is handy for more accessible storage. It’s essentially a Velcro pad that you sling over a seat’s headrest beforeĚýslapping and attaching all sorts of compatible 5.11 pouches and compartments to it. The customization is sweet, but what I find appealing is how easy the Vehicle Ready makes accessing gear in a pinch. Set up the pad on the back of the passenger seat, throw whatever storage you desire on it, and load it up with supplies and tools that can live in your car until an emergency arises—maybe for something gnarly, like a blown tire on a dark night when you have to reach for a flashlight. Or it could serve you for something much lessĚýextreme, perhaps the timesĚýyour child is thirsty in the back seat, you planned ahead by stashing a water bottle, and you want to have it nearby to pass to them. Whatever you need to carry, the Vehicle Ready will keep it close at hand for you.

—Will Egensteiner, senior editor

The post The Gear from Outdoor Retailer Our Editors Want Most appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

SometimesĚýthe best new gear is also the most affordable—innovation is great,Ěýbut less so if it raises prices to inaccessible levels for most of us who play in the outdoors. So our editors scoured the trade-show floor at Outdoor Retailer this week to find the most compelling products under $50.

Jetboil Jetset Utensil Kit ($10)

As we all know by now, sporks don’t work. So invest in a set of utensils instead. I’ve been using the fork, spoon, and spatula in ĚýthisĚýsummer, because they pack down small but extend when I’m ready to get cooking. Plus, the nylon construction can withstand the high temperature of a pot or skillet. I’m not sure if these are dishwasher safe, but they haven’t melted on me yet.

—Will Egensteiner, senior editor

Coast EAL13 Lantern ($30)

Coast has quietly been making some of our favorite lights and multitools for years. The EAL13Ěýis another solid entry in the Portland, Oregon,Ěýcompany’s lineup. It’s versatile—with four lighting modes (low white, high white, red, and flashing red)—and has carabiners on the top and bottom for hanging in a tent or above a camp table. The globe comes off if you want a wider beam, but my favorite feature is the magnets on the bottom that allow you to slap the lantern on any metal surface, likeĚýthe side of your truck if you’re parked on the shoulder of the road but need to stay visible to other drivers.

—W.·ˇ.

Matador Quick Ties (Four for Under $10)

Matador’s new reusable zip ties, called Quick Ties, are one of those brilliant little products that offer an intuitive fix to a common problem. I buy single-use plastic zip ties by the hundreds and absolutely burn through those fantastically useful little guys. They are a necessity in my field-repair kits, regardless of the sport. I’ve also found myriad uses for them while tinkering with gear in my garage and on home projects that require a quick, easy fix. They are so inexpensive and useful that I use them pretty thoughtlessly, which I know is wasteful. While I drink my water, coffee, and booze almost exclusively out of reusable vessels, I typicallyĚýwouldn’t think twice about using a dozen zip ties to fix a piece of gear for a day, then throwing them away when I got home and found a more permanent fix. Matador’s reusable Quick Ties use natural rubber and a toggle to deliver all the useful microratcheting of their single-use counterparts in a package that can considerably cut down on your plastic waste if you’re a heavy user like me.

—Joe Jackson, Gear Guy

Kokopelli Packraft Delta Series Feather Pump ($40)

Ultralight and ultracompressible, pack rafts are an ideal tool for long, multisport adventures that may involve some time on water and some time on, say, a bike. They weigh mere pounds and fold up into something resembling a loaf of bread. The only catch: they inflate using a manual bag pump, similar to a bellows, which usually takes upwardĚýof five minutes (and involves a decent arm workout). Kokopelli’s new poses a significant upgrade at a relatively insignificant cost. This electric six-ounce plastic brick, about the size and shape of a point-and-shoot digital camera, screws onto your raft’s air valve and pumps it full (using an electric fan) in less than a minute at the push of a button. The pump is rechargeable via a USB, and the company says a single charge is good for as many as 50 inflations. What we’re most stoked about: it’s compatible with most other brands’ rafts (and sleeping pads and air mattresses), so you don’t have to own a Kokopelli product, or even a pack raft, in order to benefit from it.

—Ariella Gintzler, assistant editor

Patagonia Hats ($35)

Trucker hats are part of my daily outfit, and I never stopped to consider what the majority of bills are made of: plastic. Patagonia has been working with to turn used fishing nets found off the coast of South America into hat brims. Upcycled gear isn’t anything new, but we love the fact that these new Bureo-Patagonia hats will be built with traceable materials. The revamped construction will be widely available in Patagonia trucker hats and caps in 2020.

—Jeremy Rellosa, reviews editor

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Nothing says summer to şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř staffers quite like sitting around a campfire and then sleeping in a tent under the stars. So as we’ve wandered the floor at Summer Outdoor Retailer this week, we’ve sought out the coolest camping gear coming down the pike for 2020. Here are our picks.

Klymit Maxfield Four-Person Tent ($500)

Utah-based Klymit is best known for its sleeping pads, which use recognizable V-shaped air pockets to support and cushion your body. Now, for the first time ever, the company is branching into tents. The Maxfield 4 has all the basics of a good group-backpacking tent: a roomy 44 inches of peak headroom, 53 square feet of floor space, and an 18-square-foot vestibule. ButĚýat five pounds eight ounces, it’s much lighter than most other four-person tents on the market (for example,Ěý weighs seven pounds tenĚýounces). Our favorite feature?ĚýThe whole thing rolls up into the front-vestibule floor matĚýfor easy, fast setup and packing.

—Ariella Gintzler, assistant editor

Tenalach Night andĚýDay Bean Bag Toss ($299)

Sometimes the gear that excites us most is the gear that offers simple solutions to problems we didn’t know we had in the first place, such asĚýnot being able to play cornhole in camp at night. Tenalach nailed it with this set, which includes twoĚýcollapsible aluminum boards with LED lights around the holes. Plus, the eight beanbags have LED lights inside.ĚýIt all comes in a portable case, which makes it ideal for car camping. Now you can have an actual game of cornhole after the sun sets—and still be able to hit your target.

—Jeremy Rellosa, reviews editor

Hillsound BTR Stool ($50)

Known more for its traction devices and gaiters, Hillsound Equipment has developed an ultralight camping stool for spring 2020. Despite weighing only 12.2 ounces, the BTR (which stands for Better Than a Rock) can support up to 265 pounds with its nylon mesh seat and aluminum-alloy legs. Its coolest feature, though, is what Hillsound is calling the PhantomLock: the legs extend and telescope down when they’re in the folded-up position, but splay them out and they fix in place, no fiddling with latches necessary. The BTR comes in 14- and 17-inch versions, and they pack down to a little more than 11 and 13 inches, respectively. A crowdfunding campaign is , and backers who chip in $50 or more will get their stools delivered in February.

—Will Egensteiner, senior editor

The North Face Eco Trail Down 0-Degree Sleeping Bag ($169)

The zipper is the only detail on thisĚýNorth Face sleeping bag that’s not recycled. This is an impressive design and sourcing feat on the company’s partĚýand particularly remarkable because itĚýused repurposed down—a first in the outdoor industry. The down is taken from old comforters and pillows collected by the European Bedding Association andĚýthen cleaned in the U.S. When the North Face gets its hands on it, the filling is a 650-fill mixed-waterfowl blend that will keep you just as warm as its 650-fill fresh-off-the-duck counterpart. On top of that, the Eco Trail is a handsome sleeping bag, thanks to its retro seventies colors, styling, and sewn label. The bag would still be sweet at a high price point, but it’s only $169, which is a great deal for a zero-degree model.

—Joe Jackson, Gear Guy

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Chances are, Pa helped instill you with a love for the outdoors when you were littleĚýand maybe even gave you your first piece of gear as a hand-me-down. Show your appreciation with any one of these burly but classy gifts.

Traeger Ironwood 885 Pellet GrillĚý($1,400)

With double-thick sidewalls and a convection system that speeds up cooking, is a hoss. It’s also easily tamed, since temperature, smoke, and time can be controlled from the couch using the Traeger WiFire app.

Ěý

Pendleton Yakima Camp Throw Blanket ($100)

Soft enough to not be itchy, but with ruggedness to withstand rocks, branches, and dirt, belongs by a roaring fire.

Ěý

Best Made FootlockerĚý($298)

Constructed from matte powder-coated steel, is right at home in the garage, at the foot of the bed, or next to the sofa. Which makes sense, considering its almost endless storage utility.

Blundstone ­Original 500 BootsĚý($180)

Blundstone is the longtime king of mountain-town casual wear. features supple leather, a cushy insole and midsole, and ample shock absorption.

Ěý

Hults BrukĚýSarekĚýAxĚý($159)

The hefty steel head begs to be driven into logs. When it’s not out chopping, is pretty enough to rest above the mantel.

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Vuarnet Cap 1813 SunglassesĚý($330)

These aren’t your grandpa’s aviators—but . The purple flash of the lenses, clean lines of the stainless-steel frames, and clever brim—for added glare reduction—mean he’ll look and feel good on the road or in the field.

Ěý

Yeti Rambler Stackable Pint GlassesĚý($50 for two)

are extremely hardy. Even better, they come in a two-pack, giving Dad the perfect excuse to invite you over for a beer.

Shinola Computer Brief PackĚý($795)

The leather of looks even better with age. Gunmetal hardware accentuates its refined styling, while inside pockets and a computer sleeve keep everyday essentials secure.

Pendleton Serape Beach ShirtĚý($119)

is made with straight-brushed cotton, so it’s perfect for leisure. And it’s classic Pendleton, with eye-catching stripes, buttoned chest pockets, and a full-­coverage curved hem.

Citizen Promaster Diver WatchĚý($425)

’s black-on-black housing is stealthy cool, while the red hits on the bezel and second hand add some flair. The watch goes well with everything, and it’s water-resistant down to 200 meters.

Ěý

Filson Waxed Canvas Work VestĚý($195)

hides toasty PrimaLoft Gold synthetic insulation, which Dad will appreciate during early-­morning adventures.

Carhartt Rugged Flex Straight Fit ­Tapered Leg JeanĚý($45)

A comfortable (but not baggy) fit and a touch of stretch will make these his . The handsome dark denim means they also play just fine downtown.

Orvis Recon 8’6”ĚýFive-Weight Fly Rod and ReelĚý($727)

is a versatile master caster. Its length allows for maneuvering in tight quarters, and stiff graphite construction ensures accurate placement in high winds.

Kershaw Manifold KnifeĚý($31)

A blade worth giving should be both capable and attractive. That aptly describes , with its 3.5-inch edge, easy flip opening, and worn-steel finish, which protects the knife from dings and scratches.

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Arc’teryx Oriel Leggings ($89)

Women’s climbing tights tend to be breathable or resilient. The stretch-nylon Oriel is both. After six months, they showed no signs of wear.

Maxim Platinum 9.8 Rope ($332)

The Platinum is the first dynamic climbing rope with a permanent connection between the core and sheath, making it durable and sturdy but not stiff. Clever: it’s patterned at the ends, so you know when you’re running out of rope.

Mountain Equipment Beta Pants ($100)

Neither too tight nor too billowy, the Beta never constricted when high-stepping the crux.

Mammut Crag Indicator Wire Express Quickdraws ($90 for five)

The dogbones on these draws have red cores that show when it’s time to retire them.

Scarpa Arpia Shoes ($159)

Credit Scarpa with making our new favorite all-around shoe, with the brand’s usual excellent fit and super-stiff rubber under the toe for edging.

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Metolius Safe Tech Trad Harness ($129)

It’s been out for a couple of years, but this harness remains the most comfortable we’ve used, since the fit can be dialed in just so by adjusting the rise of the leg loops.

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Osprey Mutant 38 Pack ($170)

The Mutant has alpine-climbing features like ice-tool ties, but it’s equally capable at the crag. External helmet and rope carries free up the main compartment, which has a hydration sleeve.

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Petzl GriGri Belay Device ($110)

Making a good thing better, the latest generation of the GriGri now accommodates a wider range of rope widths.

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Mammut Wall Rider MIPS Helmet ($180)

Mammut’s new Wall Rider includes tech previous found only in cycling and snowsports helmets. The MIPS liner is separate from the shell, allowing the helmet to rotate, which can reduce the chance of a concussion in the event of an angled impact. We didn’t go out of our way to take a header, but we were able to confirm that the Wall Rider vents well for the coverage it provides.

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It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of ways to grill your meat and veggies. Propane, wood, or charcoal? All have their pros and cons. Portable or stationary? Same. Texas- or Carolina-style barbecue? We’re not touching that one. But no matter what your preferences, the latest crop of grills give you the freedom to do it right.

Camp Chef Pursuit 20 Portable ($525)

The Camp Chef Pursuit 20 PortableĚýsits in the middle of the pack, size-wise. It’s a pellet model, and while it isn’t the most travel-friendly grill here, the collapsible legs make it easy enough to haul in the back of a truck. At 501 square inches, grilling space is two and a half times the Traeger’s. Our favorite feature: you can quickly switch between direct- and indirect-flame mode. Direct cooks faster and imparts a nice crust, while indirect is better for low-and-slow, fall-off-the-bone ribs and for keeping food warm until everyone comes back for seconds. (And they will.)

TraegerĚýRanger ($400)

Smallest on the list is Traeger’s Ranger, a portable wood-pellet dynamo with 184 square inches of space for campsite steaks and hot dogs. If the menu calls for pancakes and eggs, swap out the grate for the included griddle. The hopper fits eight pounds of pellets, so all you have to do is set the temperature dial and timer. Note: the Ranger requires electricity, so bring a battery pack.

WeberĚýSpirit II E-310 ($538)

If the gang tends to congregate at your place, consider Weber’s Spirit II E-310, a gas grill that’s best parked in the backyard. Three burners provide great versatility—slow-cook ribs on one side, roast brats in the middle, and ramp it up on some potatoes at the far end. As with most gas grills, operating the Spirit II is a no-brainer. Just hit the igniter, turn the dial, and you’re cooking. While its 529 square inches offer only slightly more cooking area than the Camp Chef, two foldout surfaces and a bottom shelf provide plenty of prep and storage space.

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Taxa Outdoors Cricket ($33,317)

The name Cricket evokes something springy, ready for action at a moment’s notice. And at a mere 1,500 pounds, that’s precisely the Cricket’s forte. You don’t need a job-site pickup to tow it; four cylinders will do. The construction—aluminum panels on a galvanized-steel frame—was dreamed up by Taxa CEO Garrett Finney, a former NASA architect. Perhaps not coincidentally, the look is a little lunar-rover-esque; it’d appear just as much at home rolling across the Sea of Tranquility as it does tethered to the hookups at an RV campsite.

While its light weight might make the Cricket seem minimalist, it’s decidedly not. The suite of features is impressive. (That’s one of the reasons we gave it a Gear of the Show award at RV Experience in March.) There’s a queen-size bed for adults and bunks for two kids, an exterior hot-water shower, interior lighting and USB outlets that run off an external hookup or optional rooftop solar panels, ample kitchen space, and a pop-up roof that boosts standing height and airflow. Want to get after it? A foot of ground clearance and 15-inch wheels with burly tires are happy to oblige.

Once you return, the Cricket’s 15-foot length fits inside a standard garage, so your neighbors don’t have to see it parked on the street. Although, with looks like these, they might not mind.

SylvanSport Vast ($49,995)

Best of the Rest

The Vast is about maximizing time outside even when you’re dragging what’s essentially a tiny house to the campsite. A kitchen slides out the side of the trailer, revealing a shower. The large picture window hinges at the top, and a dining table slides out to form an outdoor bar space. Inside the back hatch, the couch flips forward—providing room for bigger gear—and stows flat. And a queen bed descends from the ceiling when it’s time to call it a day.

Airstream Basecamp ($37,400)

If you’re in the market for a trailer but don’t need as much room as the Cricket affords, look to the Basecamp. Sporting an even sleeker look than Airstream’s full-size trailers, its aerodynamic aluminum body won’t hamstring your fuel economy. Room for two people, a sizable rear hatch for loading up bikes and kayaks, a sink and two-burner gas stove, and a built-in toilet and shower round out the Basecamp. Once you get to your destination, the view from the wraparound window can’t be beat.

Lance 850 ($41,774)

Lance’s smallest truck-bed camper is still pretty big, given that it’s equipped with a queen-size mattress and a mounted TV, a bathroom with a toilet, and a dinette with a stove, a sink, a microwave, and ample cabinets. If you don’t want the hassle of a tow-behind trailer, and you’ve got a large pickup (an app on Lance’s website tells you which ones are compatible), opt for the 850.

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It used to be that all we cared about in a belt was how well it held up our britches, whether we were hustling to a business meeting or on our way to the trailhead. Our favorites are still plenty capable of doing that particular job, but they’re a far cry from the old-school stiff-leather strap.

Yaak M-Series ($60)

The Yaak M-SeriesĚýhas a good bit of accommodating stretch, with carbon fibers woven in for durability. That means it’s impressively light—almost enough to make you forget you’re wearing it. And the buckle is magnetic, for quick removal while passing through airport security.

Sitka Gear’s Bomber ($69)

Sitka Gear’s BomberĚýis hardier, with webbing that doesn’t have quite as much give but holds up under the weight of a can of bear spray or, Sitka being a hunting brand, a sidearm. If you’re camped out in a blind and need to answer the call of nature, the quick-release aluminum buckle opens with the press of two glove-friendly flanges.

686ĚýStretch Toolbelt ($50)

Speaking of buckles, 686’s Stretch ToolbeltĚýcan’t be matched. It’s decidedly not simple to undo, but the prongs double as screwdrivers, there’s a hex socket built into the loop for minor jobs that require a bit of wrenching, and the end of the buckle itself is a bottle opener. You’ll want to plan bathroom breaks ahead of time, but if you find yourself in need of a multitool to make small repairs or crack a cold one, there’s nothing better to have at your waist.

ArcadeĚýGuide ($30)

We never would have dreamed of wearing a belt under a climbing harness, for fear of it bunching up or becoming uncomfortably constricting. But Arcade’s GuideĚýis made of elastic webbing that lies flat and stretches when we need it to, like when we’re high-stepping a crux or even banging out burpees in the gym. It also looks damn good. In fact, we’ve worn it to the office every day for months, and its muted green strap and silver buckle go equally well with dark jeans and khakis.

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