The Best New Outdoor Gear of March 2022

Spring is a time of opportunity — there’s still snow in the mountains, but there’s also enough melt to get the rivers going again. Trails are easier to access, but there are still plenty of rainstorms to come. It’s a time when waterproof materials and coatings shine; when expert layering is key; and when the possibilities are seemingly endless.

Compared to winter and summer, spring is brief, and something to be treasured before the scorching hot temperatures take hold. If you need some inspiration to help you take hold of this fleeting season, one of the newest releases from the outdoors should help.

Northwave Rockit Cycling Shoes

Northwave

Presented by Northwave

If you’re an avid cyclist but hate swapping out your shoes after every commute, Northwave just made your millennium. The Rockit is a lace-up cycling shoe designed to take on any situation, from training to typing (in the office). With a Vibram Wolftrax clipless sole designed to enhance traction and braking thanks to its unparalleled grip on wet and dry surfaces, the Rockit will help you go further. Its EVA midsole reduces weight and improves shock absorption, which translates to more comfort and more capability. Its unique closure system is supported by an elastic stripe fastened to the tongue, which aids in retaining and blocking the shoelaces. For a shoe that can take you on your ride, to the office, or whoever your day takes you, click through below.

Price: $132

Hyperlite G.O.A.T. Tote

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Known for its ultralight and ultra-durable backpacking gear, Hyplerlite has introduced an oversized, everyday tote that brings the same top-of-the-line engineering to the everyday. The brand-new G.O.A.T. Tote comes in three sizes — 20L, 30L and the massive 70L, each made with the same 100-percent waterproof 150D Dyneema Composite Hybrid materials found throughout the brand’s packs and shelters. The 70L can fit everything from your entire ski kit, to emergency gear, to a weekend geteaway’s supplies at a moment’s notice.

Price: $159.99

Filson 6” XTRATUF Legacy Lace Boots

Filson

Having been around since 1897, Filson knows a thing or two about making a quality boot. The brand recently teamed up with fellow experts in the field of footwear, Xtratuf, to build a boot that withstands weather and provides all-day comfort. Xtratuf’s boots are the only thing Alaskan fisherman trust during their brutal work, and this collaboration boot borrowed the know-how from both brands, and delivered: the triple-dipped rubber lowers and the waterproof, leather uppers, built-in arch support, high traction soles and chemical and acid resistance come together to make a boot that can handle just about anything. The special-edition boot is available only in whole sizes, so half sizes should order up to the next size.

Price: $190

Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Hooded Half-Zip Jacket – Recycled

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi just released its Spring 22 line, and we’ve got our eyes on this cozy and sustainable fleece. Built to combat the chilly mornings and evenings of springtime, the Teca is built with 100-percent recycled polyester and remnant fabric to maintain low impact in the environment. It features kangaroo hand pockets, a scuba hood, elastic hem and cuffs and a DWR treatment, should you get caught in the rain without a shell. Because the jackets are made with repurposed materials, each colorway is limited-edition; if you see one you like, act fast before it’s gone.

Price: $130

Ikon Pass

Courtesy

With the leap in ticket window prices over the past few years (one weekend day at Aspen? $204), avid sk’riders know the way to go is a mega-pass — and Ikon’s just went on sale for next year. With the addition of Utah’s Snowbasin, Idaho’s Sun Valley and (sacré bleu!) France’s Chamonix, you get access to a whopping 50 resorts across 10 countries. Ikon also now offers 2- and 3-day packages (for $249+), plus a base pass for $769 ($719 for renewals) and Spot insurance, but the real deal is the full pass, which pays for itself after just a few trips.

Price: $1079 ($979 for renewals)

Sperry Cutwater Deck Boot

Sperry

This ain’t your grandfather’s leather boat shoe — Sperry is making waves with its new Sport collection, highlighted by this innovative boot. The rubber upper with breathable neoprene collar makes for easy-on/slip-off, while a removable molded EVA footbed delivers shock absorption on rocky seas. But below the boot is where the real magic lies. Sperry’s signature razor-cut outsole, inspired by a dog’s paws, provides top-notch traction: it grips even better when the deck gets wet.

Price: $90

Quiksilver Original Arch Boardshorts

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The beloved surf brand has updated its first-ever boardshort with new materials and colorways. Along with organic cotton, they feature fabric made of hemp and recycled plastic bottles, plus checkered side panels and contrast stitching. Our favorite is the more modern 16-inch cut in Shocking Pink, but hey, that’s just us.

Price: $56+

Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Five

Swiftwick

Swiftwick claims its made the most technologically advanced hiking and trail running sock with the Flite XT Trail Five, and with the list of features, it’s hard not to agree. Swiftwick built in ankle locking tech to support ankles on uneven terrain, as well as proprietary GripDry material fiber in the heel and forefoot, to keep foot slippage to a minimum. Finally, a merino wool and Olefin footbed wicks moisture away from the feet, preventing blisters and keeping you dry. There’s also a seamless toe box, mesh upper and arch band support to up the comfort factor on trail.

Price: $26.99

Kuat Class 4 V2 Rack

Küat

Spring is in the air, which means the spring melt is making its way to rivers. If you’re prepping to hit the water, consider investing in a a high-quality rack for your kayak. Kuat’s newest option features its Locking Flip mount, for easy install (and uninstall for the off-season) as well as adjustable tilt, a dual-action release lever and co-molded rubber for boat protection during transport. The rack holds up to 75-pound boats, and features a lifetime warranty, to boot.

Price: $229

Lifestraw Peak Series Straw

No emergency or backpacking kit is complete without a water filtration system, and Lifestraw’s newest filter straw makes it easier to acquire clean drinking water in virtually any environment. The Peak Series straw filters out bacteria, parasites, microplastics, dirt, sand and cloudiness from water, and is made from BPA-free materials. It has an unlimited shelf life and can filter 1,000 gallons (4,000 L) of water, enough to last a single person five years. At 2.3 ounces, it’s light enough even for the most stringent backpackers and campers, and at less than $20, is an easy add to any emergency kit.

Price: $19.95

There and Back: Photographs from the Edge

Penguin Random House

What’s left to do after you’ve photographed world-class outdoor athletes across seven continents and directed an Oscar-winning climbing doc? Publish a book, of course. Legendary National Geographic shutterbug Jimmy Chin’s hardbound, coffee-table-worthy tome features more than 200 eye-popping images captured over two decades of epic adventure photojournalism.

Price: $50

Specialized x Fjällräven Anorak

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As we reported last week, Specialized and Fjällräven have teamed up on the new Great Nearby collection of cycling-friendly, adventure-ready apparel and gear that just dropped. Our favorite piece is this anorak, which combines classic Swedish style with smart functionality. Highlights include generous two-way zips on the sides for optimal fit and ventilation, five handy pockets and, for rain protection: an extended draping back panel and a hood that zips into the collar until you need it.

Price: $300

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