Puffy Onesie, Surf Boots, Eileen Gu Skis & More Emerging Gear

Unlike traditional narrow-wheeled road cycles, fat bikes aren’t scared of soft surfaces, Despite the immense utility of fat bikes, compatible components and accessories can be difficult to find. Aeroe’s Spider FAT rack ($149) is a rear bikepacking storage rack designed specifically for fat bikes. With a broad frame that fits over the widest of tires, the Spider is the ideal mounting system for a drybag or tent. On a recent ride on Iceland’s South Coast, adventure photographer Chris Burkard pedaled hundreds of sandy miles with a drybag strapped to his Spider Rack.

The 45th parallel north is the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole. Life above the 45th is defined by early sunsets and brutal winters. In keeping with its namesake region, 45NRTH makes burly gear for riding bikes in cold weather. The new lobster claw Sturmfist 3 ($110) is the brand’s latest winter riding glove. Six ounces of PrimaLoft gold insulation plus a soft wool lining generate plentiful warmth. Pre-curved fingers are designed to create a natural hand position on handlebars, and suede wipe zones on the thumbs keep the nose drips at bay.

Eileen Gu is an Olympic gold medalist, Stanford student, and the first woman to land a forward double cork 1440 in ski competition history. Fondly known by her fans as the Frog Princess, Gu teams up with Faction Skis to drop a sleek new pro model. The Studio 0 Gu ($779) is a freestyle-oriented ski that’s built to hold up to the immense G forces and off-kilter landings that are unique to half-pipe riding. A true specialist ski, the Studio 0 GU is fully decked out for precision edging and impact absorption. Only 200 pairs are available.

A good hoodie is the centerpiece of a working winter wardrobe. The snazzy Tranquil Hoodie ($215) from Ibex is a bit fancier (and more expensive) than your average sweatshirt, but its “super soft” merino cotton blend and alleged odor resistance may warrant the price tag. Twin “invisible ” zip pockets provide hand warming and storage. We haven’t yet tested the Tranquil, but if it’s anything like the rest of our Ibex layers, we expect 10/10 coziness.

In Hindi, the word “chai” simply means “tea.” In American coffee shop culture, chai involves black tea, cinnamon, cloves, sweeteners, and milk (dairy or otherwise). JoJé’s latest energy bar flavor transforms the western version of Chai into a soft-baked, gluten-free, individually wrapped morsel. As with all JoJé bars, the Salted Chai flavor is made from a base that includes oats, dates, and dry-roasted almonds. According to JoJé founder and pro cyclist Jess Cerra, the salted Chai bars ($36 per 12-pack) “perfectly capture the taste of the holidays.”

Aesthetically, the Ripton HIKO ($149) has the iconic look of a traditional denim button-up. As for the materials and subtle details, it’s a major step up. Crafted from “hyper-stretch denim,” the HIKO aims to improve the long-standing maneuverability issue that plagues most jean jackets. Instead of pure cotton, Ripton wove polyester, rayon, and spandex into the HIKO for improved comfort and usability. Rear entry pockets offer covert storage, and the dual front pockets are large enough to hold a beverage or two.

Though surfing is commonly associated with going shirtless in the sunshine, many breaks around the world involve crisp morning air and cold water. Sanuk’s Cozy Vibe Surf Check Boots ($120) offer post-session insulation and a respite for numb toes. The plush wool and TENCEL blend lining is “ultra soft,” and the elastic heel allows for easy on and offs. While surfing is the intended purpose here, we expect these boots would also make fine footwear for après ski.

Since the dawn of time, the official pillow for car and tent camping has been a rolled-up sweatshirt. Though this method remains classic, it’s also semi-uncomfortable. On a mission to design the perfect camp pillow, HEST sleeping systems brand teams up with artist and skier Chris Benchetler. The outcome is a highly engineered contoured pillow ($109) that stuffs into its own cover for compact transport. It’s made from a combination of memory foam and polyester, and the sleep surface conforms to all head sizes. Benchetler’s artwork graces the outer fabric, and 10% of sales go to the BF-foundation.org. 

Your baby may not remember the late ’90s, but this puffy one-piece ($159) from The North Face might help them understand what they missed. Inspired by the brand’s classic 20th-century styles, the Nuptse One-Piece is loaded with 700-fill down and equipped with attached foldover mitts. Keep your little one warm and hip to retro style all at once. Five colors are available including “Chlorophyll Green” (pictured).

Lindsey Vonn tapped into her expertise as a pro ski racer and fashionista to design this “skin-tight” one-piece ski suit ($900). In collaboration with Head, the Legacy One-piece combines a “glamourous aesthetic” with an athletic ski-ready fit. According to Head, the customized integrated belt “enhances the feminine silhouette,” and the quilted shoulders and decorative prints add “additional glamour.” The one-piece is insulated with white duck down in the collar and PrimaLoft in the body and sleeves. Other styles in the Legacy collection include a golden puffy jacket and a cashmere vest.