Welcome to The Drop Zone, where we highlight the best new gear in and around the outdoor world.
This week we have a new trail carry system for runners, an apparel drop from REI that begs you to curl up around the campfire, a Brooks Hyperion Max collab centered around run culture, orthopedic hikers that are actually stylish, and an update to one of the industry’s favorite down jackets.
REI Co-op Campwell Collection
REI knows that an outdoor life is about more than just performance—it’s about the in-between moments as well. This is why it launched the Campwell Collection, a lineup of apparel designed for fireside chats, post-ride visits to the brewery, or moments huddled around the kitchen table planning the next adventure. Alongside a head-to-toe apparel collection, Campwell also includes camping chairs, cots, and folding coolers.
Brooks x PYNRs Hyperion Max 3
PYNRS knows that run clubs (and the individuals therein) are the foundation of running culture and what is considered “cool” within the running space. Many brands try to manufacture culture after their inception, but Black-owned PYNRS is one of the few brands that started with culture and blossomed into a brand as a result. Their collab with Brooks is a landmark moment, giving PYNRS the opportunity to amplify the voices of the diverse runners and local crews that shape running culture. They teamed up with Daughters & Sons—Boston’s premier performance design studio—to develop a collection that fuses technical precision with cultural expression.
Raide Research TrailTech System
Raide Research, an up-and-coming brand in the snow and trail running space, has expanded its trail running line with what it’s calling the TrailTech System. Unsatisfied by the current offerings when it comes to running belts and running vests, the brand set out to design a system that will allow runners to carry everything they need for long trail missions without wearing a bulky hydration vest. The system includes shorts (that come in men’s and women’s sizing), a 1L belt, and the brand’s cult-favorite 2L belt. Each piece has meticulously-designed pocketing that eliminates bounce and maximizes space and efficiency when fully loaded.
Tread Labs Dover
Tread Labs has been making exceptional insoles for years, and now they’re getting into the footwear game with their first ever hiking shoe, the Dover. Designed to work in tandem with the brand’s podiatrist-approved, biomechanically-engineered Pace insole, the Dover offers firm support that is designed to reduce foot fatigue and help prevent chronic injury. The suede upper will get better and more comfortable with each wear, and the Vibram sole is designed for traction across a multitude of trail conditions.
Cotopaxi Fuego 2.0
The cozy, colorful Cotopaxi Fuego down jacket has built a name in the outdoor space thanks to its versatility and unique color-blocked designs. Nearly a decade after the release of the OG Fuego, the B-corp brand has given it an upgrade, redesigning the jacket with a thoughtfully sourced 100% recycled material that is even softer and stronger than its predecessor. But modern fabrics aren’t the only upgrade: Cotopaxi has improved the fit, giving it more length and more room for layering, and eliminated all intentionally-added PFAS.
The post The Drop Zone: A Brooks x PYNRS Collab, REI Co-op’s Latest Collection, and a Fresh Take on a Beloved Jacket appeared first on Outside Online.
