Gear Wish List: What’s on My Radar for Next Season (Or, How to Spend All Your Money on Shiny New Things)

Let’s face it: the only thing more exciting than planning your next big outdoor adventure is drooling over all the shiny new gear you don’t have—yet. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker, a wannabe canyoneer, or someone who spends more time researching ultralight tents than actually using them (no judgment here), we all know the gear obsession is real. And with 2024 just around the corner, there’s a whole lineup of new outdoor toys begging to be added to my wishlist. Will I end up broke? Probably. Will I have the coolest gear on the trail? Absolutely.

Here’s a look at the upcoming gear releases I’m most excited about—covering everything from canyoneering to mountain biking to backpacking. Because variety is the spice of life… and also an excuse to justify needing new gear for everysport.

1. Canyoneering: The Gear You Need to Look Cool While Terrified

If you’ve never gone canyoneering, imagine this: you’re rappelling down waterfalls, scrambling over rocks, and wondering if your gear is as sturdy as you really need it to be. That’s why this next season, I’ve got my eyes on some new gear that’ll make me feel invincible—or at least slightly less terrified.

Black Diamond Solution Guide Harness

So, you’re dangling over a 30-foot drop, thinking about lunch… and your harness. Black Diamond has upped their game with the Solution Guide Harness, designed specifically for canyoneering. It’s abrasion-resistant, lightweight, and, most importantly, looks cool enough for all your epic Instagram shots (because let’s be honest, pics or it didn’t happen).

Petzl NAO RL Headlamp

Ever tried navigating a dark, wet canyon with a flashlight in your mouth? No? Just me? Well, it’s terrible. Enter the Petzl NAO RL headlamp. This bad boy has 1500 lumens (which is fancy talk for “you’ll be able to see EVERYTHING”), and it’s lightweight, waterproof, and rechargeable. Basically, you’ll be lit up like a Christmas tree while you fumble through that slot canyon like the adventure pro you pretend to be.

2. Rafting: Because Dry Clothes Are Overrated

When you’re out on the river, it’s all about staying (somewhat) dry, not losing your paddle, and maybe not getting swept away by the current. Here’s the new gear that’ll help keep things under control—and possibly even fun.

NRS Riptide Splash Jacket

Let’s be real: rafting is 10% paddling and 90% trying not to get soaked. The NRS Riptide Splash Jacket is my new best friend in this department. It’s fully waterproof, windproof, and has latex wrist gaskets that prevent water from creeping in while you’re getting drenched by rapids. Plus, it has a hood, because we all know that river weather loves to switch it up faster than you can say “class IV.”

Astral GreenJacket PFD

If you’re not wearing a solid PFD (personal flotation device) while rafting, you’re basically asking to become one with the river. Enter the Astral GreenJacket PFD. It’s super comfortable, has plenty of pockets for stashing snacks (because priorities), and features extra flotation support. Plus, the green color will totally match your panic-stricken expression when you hit those rapids.

3. Backpacking: Because Your Obsession with Ultralight Gear Is Totally Normal

Ah, backpacking—the sport that convinces you to carry your entire life on your back for the sake of “fun.” While I’m not quite ready to throw away all comfort in the name of ultralight, I do love testing out the latest lightweight gear to see how low I can get my pack weight (without sacrificing my snacks, of course).

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40L Pack

Do I already own a perfectly functional backpack? Yes. Do I need the new Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40L? Absolutely. This pack weighs in at just 1.9 pounds and is made of waterproof Dyneema fabric, which means it’s both ridiculously light and ridiculously tough. It’s perfect for those of us who like to pretend we’re ultralight backpackers, but also want to sneak a few extra snacks in the side pockets.

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Sleeping Pad

If you’ve ever slept on the ground and woken up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck, you know the value of a good sleeping pad. The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme is the latest in ultralight comfort, with 4 inches of air cushioning and an R-value of 6.2, meaning you’ll stay warm even when the ground is basically ice. It’s the closest thing to bringing your bed into the wild—without actually lugging your bed up the trail.

4. Mountain Biking: Because Hurtling Down a Mountain on Two Wheels Is Fun, Right?

Whether you’re bombing down a trail or trying not to eat dirt on that tricky downhill, mountain biking is all about speed, control, and maybe avoiding a few tree branches to the face. Here’s what I’m hoping to add to my mountain biking kit next season.

Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS Helmet

Your brain is important (so I’m told), so keeping it intact is a priority. The Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS Helmet is the Cadillac of mountain biking helmets. With extra ventilation, better impact protection, and an adjustable fit system, it’ll keep your head cool, comfortable, and, most importantly, not smashed. Plus, it looks super rad, which is half the battle.

Five Ten Trailcross LT Shoes

Do you need a pair of shoes specifically designed for mountain biking? Yes, yes, you do. The Five Ten Trailcross LTshoes have sticky rubber soles that’ll keep you glued to your pedals, breathable mesh uppers so your feet don’t feel like they’re on fire, and enough grip to double as hiking shoes when you inevitably need to walk your bike up that ridiculous climb you swore you could handle.

5. Climbing: Because Gravity Is Optional

Climbers, this one’s for you. Whether you’re scaling epic peaks or clinging to an indoor wall with the grace of a cat (or the clumsiness of a human, no shame), here’s the gear I’m drooling over for next season.

La Sportiva Theory Climbing Shoes

The La Sportiva Theory climbing shoes are basically designed for people who want their feet to stick to vertical surfaces like Spider-Man. They’ve got an ultra-aggressive downturn, which means they’re perfect for steep routes and overhangs. Plus, they look sleek as heck—because if you’re going to suffer for your sport, you might as well look good doing it.

Black Diamond ATC Pilot

I know, I know, belay devices aren’t that exciting. But the Black Diamond ATC Pilot is an assisted-braking device that adds an extra layer of safety while staying lightweight and compact. Translation: You can climb hard without worrying that your belayer will accidentally drop you. Always a plus.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Upgrade Your Gear Game

If you’re anything like me, you’re already dreaming about adding all this gear to your collection and planning the adventures that will justify buying it. Whether it’s new canyoneering harnesses, ultralight backpacks, or the perfect pair of mountain biking shoes, there’s always something shiny and new to add to the wishlist.

So, what’s next on your gear radar? Share your wish list, and let’s all prepare to be completely broke but totally geared up for next season.