Editor’s Picks 2: More new favorites to start the year strong

Hundreds of brands fill the potential gear locker with all manner of technology, performance and style sensibilities. Our list continues to grow of those that reached out and grabbed us by the editorial collar.

REI Men’s Stormrealm Jacket: No backing down

At under $250? Really? Active Junky testers relish the performance of DVAlpine eVent, and this model’s turned a 3-layer fabric into weather-beating performance that saves outdoor lovers an easy $75 over competitive models. Developed by those who know camping, hiking and backcountry travel (along with rainy weather), REI Stormrealm lives up to its name with the visor design alone. Tester’s ranked the bellowed hand pockets among the best for usable volume that rides above pack hipbelts. Underarm gussets improve mobility as a 2-point hood adjustment system and dual hem toggles cinch the deal. With a return to colorways closer to those seen in early mountaineering photos, REI’s fought back the neon trend with a 20oz, 31.6” back length jacket capable of modern exploration. State park or 14er, Stormrealm claims new territory for the brand.

Best For: All-around, quiver-of-one use except in extreme alpine or tropical environments

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KnifeArt Razorback Fixed Blade Neck Knife: Long name, short work

The biggest test for this knife? Being used with the wrong hand after painful shoulder surgery to the normal knife-holding side. Balanced like models costing twice or more Razorback’s $200 retail, this KnifeArt exclusive has enough confidence and control to empower even infrequent knife users. Or those forced to use their other hand, a not-infrequent occurrence in backcountry settings. Experienced outdoor lovers and hobbyists are guaranteed to turn the full-tang power (focused on the 1/8” stock, semi-stainless D2 steel blade) into instant penetration and smooth, on-line cutting. While adept at carving, the deep hollow ground Rockwell 59-60-hardness blade triumphed at testers’ slicing chores, including hides and tonight’s protein-loaded dinner. Wet or with gloved hands, release it quickly from the riveted Kydex sheath thanks to the textured G-10 handle with a deep forefinger indent (one truly superior to 90% of knives in this category). At 4.4oz and 7 ¼” total length, you’ve found a new, sharp-witted friend today.

Best For: All-around use at home and in the backcountry, total utility in fishing, bird and small game hunting scenarios + batoning wood up to about 1 ½” in diameter

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Vear Legs Jacket: A new category?

Active Junky’s hiked and ridden all manner of wind and rain gear. The commute-loving Danish creators of this new product (and perhaps emerging brand) designed a notably thoughtful ride-and-walk system. One that delivers waterproof 8,000m and breathable 5,000g/m2 ratings without feeling like garbage bags swaddling your legs – or binding at the waist (this one is adjustable). While the self-storing, clip-to-your-bike-seat utility is likely more European than testers will ever go, the easy-stuffing Legs does more than others with 360-degree night visibility. Double front pockets – zipped, in fact – are helpful for smaller items by adding utility to bonus hiking and mountain biking scenarios. Critically, the full-length side zippers are among the smoothest running we’ve encountered on any bike, run, hike or ski pant. Well done, Vear team, and thanks for taking Legs Jacket to the street in the U.S. in recent months. Note: Sizing is more like apparel rather than European cycling wear.

Best For: Windy and wet commutes, hiking in minimally-abrasive environments, adventure travel 

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Groove Original Silicon Ring – Midnight Black: Show wherever you go

Stories abound of rings lost or damaged in backcountry and adventure travel pursuits. Or worse as metal gets stuck while flesh and bone end up in jeopardy. Active Junky testers have tried a variety of band brands in the last 36 months, noting the improvement in safety (including avoiding unwanted attention in other countries that’s associated with precious metal jewelry). The Original model put under test varied from other brands with the infinity-grooved interior molding pushing moisture and heat away from the finger. Sounds inconsequential until climbing, paddling or other activities necessitate a firm grip that moist hands don’t allow. Worn tightly (see the website for sizing help), testers found the ring’s thickness worked well as the 8mm-wide band stood up to household and automotive chemicals as well as outdoor stove fuels. Additional color and style options make Groove an easy choice for any friend of adrenaline. Or lover of another. 

Best For: Year-round active wear, nearly essential for international travel

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