New Gear to End the Year: The Best Drops of December

2022-06-18 22:15:46 By : Mr. Hill Lee Sawtru

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Planning for 2022 has us drooling over these new releases

The end of the calendar year may be here, but winter is just beginning. In anticipation of winter 21/22, we're seeing a plethora of new gear hit the proverbial streets — everything from exclusive Prada collaborations to new, sustyainable Arc'teryx pieces. We recommend stocking up while these are hot and fresh, because the way things are going, we think they'll be gone fast. Here are our top picks for December gear releases.

There aren't many hiking shoes that can walk the line of fresh style, earth-friendliness and high performance, but Adidas Terrex's newest release manages to do all three, with ease. The brand's newest take on the Free Hiker features an upcycled upper, Boost cushioning, a grippy Continental outsole and a breathable Gore-Tex membrane, ensuring moisture stays on the trail, not on your toes. 

Aspen and Prada — name a more iconic duo, we'll wait. AspenX is a newly launched retail and experience brand spearheaded by the Aspen Skiing Company, and conceptualized by artist entrepreneur Paula Crown. Their collaboration with Prada is a unique take on contemporary outerwear, and uses the brand's proprietary waterproof multilayer fabric to enhance performance on the hill. Details include graphene padding for temp control, use of post-consumer materials and, of course, classic Prada design. 

Add a little pep to your step (err, slide) with these collaboration skis, courtesy of Faction and Madhappy. The Agent 4.0 Skis are part of the Madhappy Outdoors collection, which embraces the positive impact the natural world can have on our mental health. The limited-edition skis use recycled materials for the base and sidewalls, as well as a sustainably-sourced wood core and plant resins. And with the cheerful cloud print, you'll be the happiest person on the hill. 

Recently released as part of Arc'teryx's Rebird Program (which repurposes industry deadstock into top-of-the-line outerwear) this weather-resistant softshell hoody is designed to perform in the varying conditions characteristic of alpine environments. A brushed front liner enhances warmth, the Stormhood hood is helmet compatible and the stretchy shell prioritizes flexibility.  

Prepare for any emergency that comes your way with this tough-as-nails kit. The result of a collaboration between Decked and Uncharted Supply Co., the D-Bag combines the durability both brands are known for into one convenient, take-it-anywhere pack. Stuffed inside the military-grade hybrid hard and soft shell bag are enough supplies to keep two people alive for the first 72 hours of an emergency situation, including one emergency shelter, food and water, first aid supplies, tools and more. 

Roark says it's collaboration with Wrangler is the last chore coat you'll ever need, and we're finding it hard not to agree. Made in the good ol' U.S. of A., the Maverick is constructed with 7-ounce waxed cotton canvas, with a wool blend flannel lining. It has reinforced elbow panels, lower handwarmer pockets and a snap front for easy on-and-off. This thing gets better the more you wear it, so slip it on, and keep it on until the snow thaws. 

Winter is here, and with it comes harsh alpine conditions. Protect your eyes with these glacier glasses: they combine timeless style with performance, and include removable and vented side shields as well as ChromaPop lenses for enhanced visual clarity. The retainer strap, reminiscent of a classic goggle, keeps things secure inbounds, or in the backcountry.