Today In Gear: This Week’s Premium Picks

Today in Gear is our daily roundup of the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios. Please direct pitches, tips and questions to [email protected].

It’s finally happening: Apple’s much-hyped Vision Pro headsets are hitting the shelves. The headset comes with 600 apps, and early reviews were glowing — the Verge called it “the best consumer headset anyone’s ever made” — but there are also some cons. The New York Times called it a marvel, but wondered who would actually pony up the cash to buy it. During a recent demo, Gear Patrol’s Tucker Bowe was wowed by the headset’s spatial photo and video capabilities but wondered if the novelty would last. Regardless, the headset is just V1 of what’s to come from Cupertino.

Today we’re taking a look at tandem packrafts, a camping skillet and a Chaco collection. This is Today in Gear.

Alpacka Raft

Tandem Packrafts

Colorado-based Alpacka Rafts just released two new tandem models. The Tango ($1,900) is a more narrow kayak-style raft that’s perfect for calm lakes, rivers up to class II and gentle coastal areas — and at just 12.9 pounds it jams a lot of power into a lightweight package. The Rendezvous ($1,700) is a 10-pound raft that’s designed for speed and stability when paddling or fishing on flat water, or spending long days out. Instead of seats, it has an integrated central thwart like a traditional canoe, making it ideal for days spent fishing. 

Snow Peak

A Camping Skillet

Take your backcountry cooking game up a notch — or five. The Cast Iron Sandwich Skillet ($357) is a versatile tool that can be used different ways: lock the two sides together to create a sandwich press or separate them and use them as individual cooking surfaces. Weighing in at 11 pounds and made of hardy cast iron, this skillet will be one that you can pass down over and over again. We’re already dreaming of our next backcountry panini.

Taylor Stitch

Taylor Stitch x Marmot

Taylor Stitch partnered with the outdoor pros at Marmot to offer The 1971 Collection, which blends retro vibes with modern technical capabilities. The recycled polyester Trail Fleece ($140) has herringbone zipper pulls, elastic binding at the bottom and sleeve openings and comes in a bright, cobalt blue. The Scramble Pant ($138) is a lightweight, loose-fitting hiker made of a cotton and hemp blend, but reinforced with a bit of recycled nylon. 

Chaco

Happy B-day, Chaco 

As part of Chaco’s 35th birthday celebration the brand released its limited-edition Rivers Collection featuring deep greens, turquoise and golden yellows — reminiscent of nostalgic days spent out on the water. The Men’s Z/1 Classic Rivers USA Sandal ($105) has a black ChacoGrip rubber outsole and LUVSEAT PU footbed for all-day comfort. The adjustable straps perfectly customize the fit and make it easy to take them off. Plus, the Z/1’s were designed with repairability in mind through the brand’s ReChaco platform. 

Costco

A 5,000 Lumen Flashlight 

If you’re new to lumens, then know that 5,000 lumens is incredibly bright. The Infinity X1 5000 Lumen Dual Power Focusing Flashlight ($40) is a tool you can trust to light up whatever situation you find yourself in, from dark crawl spaces to dim trails to the surprising darkness that engulfs the bottom of a backpack. It’s designed for durability so you can trust that it won’t fail on you. The adjustable focus allows you to zero all that light in exactly where you need it.