At October’s Outdoor Media Summit (OMS), a three-day event featuring keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, and networking tailored for outdoor writers, PR and marketing professionals, and outdoor brands along the Animas River in Durango, Colorado, we got a look at a slew of new outdoor products that make your life easier and better outdoors and on the water. From a New Gear Campout testing products into the evening at Purgatory Ski Resort, to a “Speed Date” format trade show where brand managers walked us through the ins and outs of their new gear, here are a few of our favorites, some available now and some coming out next spring.
Paddling & Water-Specific Gear
Packraft maker Alpacka Raft launched a first-of-its-kind product in paddlesports: a true packrafting sea kayak. The first-ever packraft built for sea kayaking and coastal expeditions, it’s called the Aleutian, joining a new flatwater lineup which also includes the Zephyr (6-lb. recreational model) and Chinook (7-lb. overnight expedition model). In short, it combines sea kayak performance with the portability of a packraft. At 12 pounds, it packs into a backpack and tracks like a hardshell sea kayak with an elongated hull and removable skeg. It’s also outfitted for expedition travel with a spray deck, thigh straps, inflatable floor, and internal Cargo Fly storage.
At just 12 pounds, it can be carried to coastlines that cars and trailers can’t reach. On the water, it’s built for coastal travel and, in the hands of expert paddlers, can tackle open-water crossings. The Aleutian removes one of the biggest barriers to coastal exploration: access. You can hike it to remote beaches, fly with it, store it in a closet, and still get legitimate open-water performance on the ocean.
RTIC Ultra-Dry Duffle and Backpack
RTIC’s new Ultra-Dry line addresses every paddler’s nemesis: wet gear. Both the duffle and backpack feature welded seams and waterproof zippers that actually work, keeping contents bone dry even when tossed in the bottom of a raft or strapped to a SUP. The duffle’s wide mouth opening makes packing quick, while the backpack’s ergonomic design means you can portage comfortably. Both compress when partially empty and feature external lash points for wet gear you don’t want inside. They also make insulated mugs that rival competitors’ for a third of the price. Sign us up for all of them for our next river trip.
Korkers took their interchangeable sole system and wrapped it in neoprene for the Neo Flex, creating the ultimate amphibious footwear. (Yes, and interchangeable sole that lets you switch from don’t-slip-on-rocks fashioning mode to full-on hiking tread). 
The 3.5mm neoprene upper provides warmth and flexibility for cold water launches, while the OmniTrax sole system lets you swap between felt (for slippery rocks), rubber lug (for trails), or studded rubber (for ice).
The cush factor comes from EVA foam footbeds that are washable and pop back to form and life instantly. The rear pull loop and front zipper make them easy to get on with cold, wet hands. That also have paddler-friendly Fish Flips (flip-flops) and Fish Mocs (moccasions). Bonus: the insoles have a super sweet fishing pattern graphic.
Katadyn’s latest BeFree AC (Activated Carbon) adds another layer of protection to their already stellar filtration system. Beyond removing bacteria and protozoa, the activated carbon tackles chemicals, pesticides, and improves taste—crucial when pulling water from agricultural runoff areas, heavily trafficked waterways, or that gross pond or low-water desert waterway when you’re on four of a self-support packrat trip.
The soft flask design collapses to pocket size and the high flow rate means you’re not standing around squeezing forever. At 1 liter capacity, it’s the sweet spot for day paddles as well. Bonus: it’s available in single (super light) and double (beefier) layer versions. Bonus” the company is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2027.
HydraPak’s PackFlask reimagines hydration storage with a soft flask that fits where rigid bottles can’t—think PFD pockets, between deck rigging, or that awkward space behind your seat.
The flexible design conforms to available space and won’t rattle around like hard bottles. When empty, it rolls up to nothing. The high-flow bite valve means quick hydration without fumbling with caps.
Camp Essentials for Paddlers
Never lose ice on a river trip again. Attendee Dometic has your cooler needs covered in the hottest desert sun with their Recon cooler system, available in softsides in a variety of sizes as well as hardside versions.
We liked the 21L Recon ZL – its largest Recon soft side – which works with the entire Recon system, and on its own, for weekend adventures and day trips away from basecamp. Light, leak-resistant, and durable, it’s tall enough for wine bottles, holds 35 cans, and carries easily. FrostCore™ insulation holds the cold, the lid’s one-handed operation makes access easy. Also check its new Unrestricted Tote, in Large and Small sizes) and their new CFX5 electric cooler, Dometic GO Hydration Jug and Water Faucet.
This has to be one of our favorite new products from the show for river running. What the Packfire has over the Solo Stove is breakdownability and packability. From the founder of GCI (remember those rocker camp chairs?0, this collapsible round fire pit is perfect for river trips as it folds flat for easy storage in your raft, sets up in seconds, and delivers smokeless warmth—meaning no ashes to carry out, either. Available in 17-inch size, with others on the way, the round fire pit weighs 35 lbs total (27.5 lbs firepit plus 7.5 lbs backpack) and comes with a backpack included. 
Features we like: QuickDraw Tool-Free Setup – Unfold and interlock the parts together within seconds (no tools needed); Clearburn Smokeless Technology – An optimized airflow system recirculates heat for a cleaner, hotter fire; Durable Build – Built to handle whatever the river can muster, yet lightweight enough to carry anywhere. Easy Cleaning & Packing – Detachable parts and a simple ash dump tray make cleanup effortless.
HEST brought their signature comfort-first approach to the Camp Pillow, a game-changer for paddlers who’ve suffered through too many nights on deflated inflatables or rolled-up clothes. This oversized memory foam pillow compresses down small enough for kayak hatches but expands to deliver home-like comfort at camp. 
The removable, washable cover handles the inevitable sand and salt, while the pillow’s substantial size (larger than most camping pillows) means you won’t wake up on bare ground. Still, washing your river hair is up to you.
COAST BREAKER and EAL35R Voice Controlled Lantern
Coast broke out its line of uber-powerful flashlights at the New Gear Campout, sending attendees scurrying around in the dark on a scavenger hunt. The lights are some of the best in the business, with telescoping beams, tough, durable shells, and more, making them perfect for any paddling trip.
Two standouts: the BREAKER flashlight continues COAST’s reputation for bombproof illumination with waterproof construction—ideal for night paddles or searching for that perfect stealth campsite. 
The EAL35R takes camp lighting next level as the world’s first voice-controlled lantern. Just tell it to turn on, off, or dim—perfect when you’re elbow-deep in dinner prep or gear maintenance, or when wet or gloved hands would otherwise leave you fumbling in the dark.
Ahhhh…nothing says “paddling trip” like a hot cup of coffee in the morning, its steam matching the mist coming off the water. Now MiiR makes it better than ever. MIIR refreshed their coffee gear with vacuum-insulated French presses, pour-over sets, and camp cups that actually keep coffee hot in marine environments. 
The Press features a medical-grade stainless steel filter that won’t break in your dry bag, while their new Wide Mouth bottles accept standard coffee brewing attachments. Every piece is designed to nest together, saving precious packing space. And the coffee is so good, in fact, you might just find yourself staying at camp another couple days longer than you planned.
DEVOS LightRanger 2000 Lantern
DEVOS entered the lantern game with the LightRanger 2000, featuring 2000 lumens of adjustable light and USB charging ports for devices. 
The collapsible design and magnetic base mean it can hang, stand, or stick to your vehicle. IPX4 water resistance handles rain and spray.
Sleep Systems, Chairs and Shelter
NEMO Equipment Eclipse All Season Sleeping Pad
NEMO’s Eclipse addresses the three-season versus four-season dilemma with a modular design. The pad features removable insulation layers that can be added or removed based on conditions. For summer river trips, run it minimal for packability. For shoulder season paddling, add layers for warmth. The longitudinal baffles prevent the rolling-off-the-pad syndrome, and the included Vortex pump sack means no light-headedness at elevation.
Zenbivy Ultralight Bed Muscovy ExpeDRY
Zenbivy’s bed system just got the ultralight treatment with the Muscovy ExpeDRY. Using water-resistant down and ultralight fabrics, they’ve cut weight without sacrificing their signature freedom of movement. The quilt stays put while you toss and turn, eliminating the twisted mummy bag struggle. For paddlers doing multi-day trips where every ounce counts, this system offers real sleep without the weight penalty.
Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Series and Hex 2.0 x Osprey Talon 33
Crazy Creek’s self-inflating “Paddle Chair” is turning heads for paddlers, perfect for using on SUPs, rafts and in camp. On a raft, use it as a rower’s seat or for your passengers, and even unfold it as it’s designed to fit perfectly spread out on a dry box. It also has a new popular Canoe Chair for the single-bladed seat. Based out of Red Lodge, Mont., Crazy Creek launched two other notable products: the Rachel Pohl Hex 2.0 artist series featuring stunning designs (Pine Creek, Snow Ghosts, Mountain Lupine) on their classic camp chair, and a collaboration with Osprey that integrates the Hex 2.0 chair into the Talon 33 pack frame. 
For paddlers, the standard Hex 2.0 provides that crucial back support during long shore lunches, while the Osprey collaboration means your portage pack doubles as a legitimate camp chair—no more choosing between comfort and pack weight.
Zempire Speedbase 2 Gazebo and Monstabed Twin
Zempire’s Speedbase 2 Gazebo offers quick basecamp shelter with their signature speed setup, while the Monstabed Twin provides bombproof tent anchoring in sand and soft ground—perfect for those exposed coastal camps.
Trail to Water Gear
Osprey Duro/Dyna Pro Hydration Run Vest
While designed for running, Osprey’s new Duro (men’s) and Dyna (women’s) Pro vests work brilliantly as SUP hydration systems. The body-hugging fit stays put during paddle strokes, multiple front pockets keep snacks and safety gear accessible, and the included soft flasks don’t create pressure points. The Pro version adds more storage for longer adventures. Also notable are Osprey’s Spring 2026 Hike Packs for those approaching the water by trail.
Kahtoola’s Ghost edition MICROspikes strip weight from their classic traction device without sacrificing grip. The translucent elastomer blends disappear visually while the stainless steel spikes bite into ice. For paddlers dealing with frozen put-ins or icy portage trails, these provide insurance against spectacular wipeouts. They pack small enough to live permanently in your day hatch.
Scarpa Ribelle Cross and Golden Gate LT
Scarpa showed their Ribelle Cross hiking shoe and Golden Gate LT running shoe—both excellent for approach trails and portages where you need real footwear performance before and after the paddle.
Patagonia’s Free Wall kit packages everything needed for their Yosemite-tested climb gear in one system. While climbing-specific, the organizational system and bombproof construction translate well to expedition paddling. The removable modules and compression system work for organizing camp gear, and the materials laugh off river abuse.
Adventure Support Gear
Aventon Aventure Mid Drive Electric Bike
Aventon’s Aventure Mid Drive offers serious cargo capacity for shuttling gear to put-ins. The mid-drive motor provides better balance when loaded, and the integrated cargo system handles boats, boards, or bags. With enough range for 60+ mile days, it opens up paddle-and-pedal adventures. The Aventure 3 is also available for those wanting a more traditional e-bike experience.
Teren Designs Overlander Pants
Built for variable conditions, these pants handle everything from morning portages to afternoon paddles with quick-dry fabric and articulated knees.
This compact crossbody keeps essentials accessible and dry with weatherproof zippers and organization that actually makes sense for outdoor adventures.
Talk to Hollow owner Brian Davis and you can tell he’s smitten with socks. That’s why he’s settled on alpaca wool as the absolute best material for his footwear, for its comfort, quick-drying ability, durability, and more. After two years researching and testing the best places to source alpaca fibers, and turn the magical fibers into trustworthy performance socks, he’s now sold more than 2 million pair and grown more than $45 million in sales. Here’s why it works: Alpaca fibers have a semi-hollow core, which acts like natural insulation, trapping warm air when it’s cold and releasing heat when things warm up—keeping your feet at a stable, comfortable temperature year-round.
Unlike synthetic fibers that tend to overheat or wool that can feel stifling, alpaca adapts to your environment, making it perfect for unpredictable weather, long workdays, or shifting seasons. Their wares come in compression, hiking, running, crew, hunting, skiing styles, and more, with the new Hunt series debuted at the show featuring targeted cushioning for long days in boots, whether you’re hiking to put-ins or standing in waders all day.
While under embargo at the show, Jetboil’s latest stove systems continue to provide reliable backcountry cooking options for paddlers. Since they can’t tip their hat quite yet on the new-for-2026 offerings, one stove we can hype is 
their new Flash 1.0L, teaming up with Mossy Oak to offer a limited edition Jetboil in Bottomland camo. From duck hunting to paddling and backpacking, the Flash boils in seconds so you can fuel up faster—and get to the water or waterfowl faster.
Additional Brands at OMS
Other notable brands present included GU Energy Labs for nutrition needs, Montana Knife Company showcasing their latest blades, Garage Grown Gear supporting cottage industry innovations, Wenonah Canoe with their legendary boats, LifeStraw for water purification, Gossamer Gear for ultralight solutions, Revelyst brands, LIVSN Designs, Farm to Summit, and Mayfly Outdoor.
Outdoor Media Summit is where the brightest minds in media and marketing gather to share secrets, forecast the future and make more money. Those interested in attending or sponsoring OMS as a brand, email yoon@outdoormediasummit.com. For more information about Outdoor Media Summit and the New Gear Campout, visit their YouTube channel.