(This story was updated on 8/10/2023.)

At the Outdoor Market Alliance event in Lakewood, Colorado last week, the brands on display were showcasing gear and apparel for spring/summer 2024, and many of the new products highlighted common themes the outdoor industry has been exploring.

The trend of apparel that can be worn for outdoor activities and integrated into the wearer’s social life continues among outdoor brands. Other companies are capitalizing on the growing overlanding market by offering packable, collapsible items, while still others are making technical improvements to tried and true products.

OMA hosted 25 sales agencies representing more than 170 brands in the outdoor, cycling, running, winter sports, and lifestyle channels.

To get a sense of what’s new for the spring/summer ’24 season, The Daily toured some of the brands at the event, stopping by Arc’teryx, Vasque, Helly Hansen, Black Diamond, Chaco, Fjällräven, White Duck, Scarpa, Outdoor Research, Therm-a-Rest, Gregory, and Sea to Summit.

Arc’teryx Skaha Harness

With the Skaha climbing harness, Arc’teryx is focusing on its roots as a climbing brand.

Arcteryx Skaha Harness. Photo by The Daily.

The first product Arc’Teryx released in 1989, under its original brand name of Rock Solid, was a climbing harness.

According to Marion Young, senior manager of brand communications at Arc’teryx, the Skaha is designed specifically for sport rock climbing, with a permeable back panel that’s malleable and updated to be more breathable. “We still invest a ton of resources in terms of design and development into our climbing line,” Young said.

Available in January for spring 2024. Retails at $180.

Vasque Reconnect Collection

A new category for Vasque, the Reconnect collection is part of an ongoing trend in the industry of products that customers can wear “from town to trail.” Vasque’s new line of shoes offers stability and comfort so wearers can experience the outdoors in a non-traditional way, said Jamie Kvamme, marketing director for Vasque.

Vasque Reconnect Collection. Photo by The Daily.

“What we found in consumer research is that we didn’t have anything that addressed that need, where people might feel like they want to experience the outdoors in a different way,” Kvamme said. “They want to be able to take something from their neighborhood to a trail and feel comfortable.”

The new line of shoes, called Here, comes in mids ($150 retail) and lows ($130 retail) with three colorways and is available for fall 2023.

The Now line, which is slightly less rugged, comes only in lows ($130 retail) and will be available in spring 2024.

Helly Hansen Verglas Fastpack Jacket

This Helly Hansen jacket is meant to be a “super lightweight, fully waterproof windbreaker,” said Tara Yant, director of public relations for WH Inc.

Helly Hansen Verglas Fastpack Jacket. Photo by The Daily.

A women’s medium jacket weighs 4.9 ounces, while a men’s large weighs 5.6 ounces.

It has a flat brim on the hood and a brushed tricot chin guard. The sleeves are articulated for optimal mobility.

It also packs into the front pocket of the jacket. “Just a great, lightweight, waterproof shell for any outdoor pursuit,” Yant said.

Available in March for spring 2024. Retails at $220.

Black Diamond Beta Light Packs

As part of a new series, Black Diamond is releasing the Beta Light 30 (30-liter volume) and Beta Light 45 (45-liter volume).

Black Diamond Beta Light 30. Photo by The Daily.

The smaller pack weighs 695 grams and the larger 890 grams.

The “purpose-driven” packs are made from Ultra fabric, which is high-performance polyurethane, according to John Dicuollo, director of public relations at Black Diamond. “It’s for the fast-packing, thru-hiker crowd,” Dicuollo said. “Very simple. Not a lot of features.”

Available in March for spring 2024. Retails at $369.95-$399.95.

Chaco Fields Lace Hiking Boot

The new hiking boot from Chaco is based on its Chelsea Fields boot, which does not offer as much ankle support as this new iteration with laces, according to Meg Herrington, with Backbone PR.

Chaco Fields Lace Hiking Boot. Photo by The Daily.

“This lace-up version gives you that support around your ankle and ties you into the shoe a little bit better,” she said.

Chaco has been working to be seen as more of an all-season brand beyond its well-known sandals, Herrington added.

The Fields Lace weighs 19.55 ounces and offers a waterproof leather upper.

It’s launching in September 2023 and retails at $160.

Fjällräven Kajka Backpack

As a throwback to one of Fjällräven’s original trekking bags, the company is releasing an updated version of its Kajka backpack using Swedish birch as the frame, eschewing a more common aluminum frame.

Fjällräven Kajka Backpack. Photo by The Daily.

“We found it dramatically lowered the carbon footprint as well as the weight of the pack itself,” said Connor McCurdy, marketing specialist at Fjällräven.

The other updates are fit and function, including new straps to attach accessories to the front of the bag and pockets on the sides that are easier to use.

Other features include a top bag that can detach and be used as a hip pack. McCurdy emphasized that this is a sturdy pack that’s designed for trekking and is not at all an ultralight bag.

Available in March for spring 2024. Retails at approximately $400.

White Duck Altimas Bell Tent

New for this season is the poly-canvas blend fabric White Duck is using in its glamping and car camping Altimas bell tent.

White Duck Altimas Bell Tent. Photo by The Daily.

The benefit of the new fabric is the lighter weight as well as it being stronger and more breathable than canvas, according to Newt Borowski with Backbone. “It’s also more mildew resistant than polyester,” Borowski said.

The tent features 360-degree, full-wall windows that can be rolled up to help with airflow.

About seven people on sleeping pads can fit in the tent.

It’s designed to allow the addition of a wood stove and an air conditioning duct, popular with the glamping crowd.

Available now and retails at $1,130.

Scarpa Zodiac Boot

New for Scarpa is the technology in the Zodiac boot’s midsole that allows the tread to adapt to the terrain.

Scarpa Zodiac Boot. Photo by The Daily.

Scarpa added etched polyurethane around the lugs to create more grip, according to Dave Simpson, account lead for Scarpa.

“It allows the most important areas to adapt more easily to the terrain, increasing traction in the process,” Simpson said.

The boots are also completely redesigned aesthetically with different upper materials.

The redesigned boot will be available in February for spring 2024. Retails at $349-$369.

Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Shorts

Outdoor Research is getting into the mountain-bike category with its new Freewheel MTB Collection.

Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Shorts. Photo by The Daily.

The cuff on the shorts fits over knee pads and the material is durable to resist abrasion, according to Marisa Dobrot with Verde.

The shorts also have an adjustable waistband and added ventilation on the back for a hip pack.

Outdoor Research has offered pieces of apparel and gear in the past that could be used for mountain biking, “but they haven’t really had a full collection,” said Dobrot.

The Freewheel line will be available in March for spring 2024. The shorts retail at $115.

Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho for Kids

Therm-a-Rest already offers a thick, outdoor-designed poncho for adults, and is now making one for kids.

Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho for Kids. Photo by The Daily.

The poncho doubles as a blanket and can be packed into the front pocket.

“It’s just kind of fun, cozy, for around the campfire at night,” said Becca Katz with Verde.

The Honcho Poncho Kids features a synthetic eraLoft insulation that is water-resistant and lightweight, thanks to its hollow fibers.

It comes in fun prints, one with animals and another of space images.

Available for spring 2024. Retails at $80.

Gregory Alpaca Collection

The Alpaca gear collection from Gregory has several components, but the main piece is the rugged, foldable 140-liter wagon.

Gregory Alpaca Collection Wagon. Photo by The Daily.

To organize stuff both inside and out of the wagon, Gregory is also releasing collapsible baskets, duffels, and totes in a range of sizes that integrate with the rest of the system.

All pieces are sold separately.

“It’s a comprehensive way to organize and move your gear,” said Becca Katz with Verde.

Available for spring 2024.

Sea to Summit Detour Pot

Sea to Summit has flipped its cookware line and is focusing on packable products.

Sea to Summit Detour Pot. Photo by The Daily.

For example, the collapsible Detour pouring pot from Sea to Summit features silicone sidewalls as well as a triple-layered stainless-steel base.

“The whole idea is you’re getting a stainless-steel, induction-ready cooking system in a collapsible format that can be quickly stowed and put away super nicely,” said Daniel Muller, sales representative for Adventure Labworks.

Target customers for this line of products are RVers, car campers, and overlanders.

Available in February for spring 2024. Retails at $45-$55 depending on size.

Bart Schaneman can be reached at [email protected].