100 mountain tools that were so popular in 2024 [Outdoor Gearzine 100] (50 of which have been released)
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
In 2024, I have come across many mountain tools and have introduced the excitement of them on this website.
So, although it's belatedly, I'll do it again this year. About 50 great items used by Outdoor Gearzine in 2024, and although I haven't been able to use them in the field, I definitely want to try them out in the field! The 2024 edition of "Outdoor Gearzine 100" is finally here, and we'll share it with you, featuring approximately 50 items and a total of 100 mountain tools this season, "Good Tokita"!
This article is limited to 50 of the 100 picked items, but the full version of the 100 items are listed on the membership page. We will continue to deliver more core information and fun content such as offline events, so please take this opportunity to consider "Outdoor Gearzine Membership."
table of contents
- Item selection criteria
- The backpack that impressed me in 2024
- Black Diamond Beta Light 30/45 (Lightweight Hiking)
- Durston Wapta 30 (Lightweight Hiking)
- GOLITE PEAK 35 (Lightweight Hiking)
- Haglofs LIM Airak 24 (Lightweight Hiking)
- MIYAGEN Trail Engineering. CREST 40 (Lightweight Hiking)
- MYSTERY RANCH Radix 47 (hiking and mountain climbing)
- Rab Muon 50 (lightweight hiking)
- SAYAMA Fast V3 (fast packing)
- SEALSON Rollig Balls Fastpack (Lightweight Hiking)
- Teton Bros. Amauti (backcountry skiing)
- THE NORTH FACE F26 (fast packing)
- VAUCLUSE Ultralight Backpack Ventilation Frame (Lightweight Hiking)
- yamada packs Backpack40 (hiking and mountain climbing)
- Montbell Kitra Pack 30 (Hiking and Mountaineering)
- NEMO RESOLVE 35 (Hiking and Mountaineering)
- Outdoor wear that impressed me in 2024
- Foxfire TS EX HEAT Crew (Base Layer)
- Goldwin Pertex Shield Air Advanced Light Jacket (Rainwear)
- ibex WOOLIES PRO TECH Q-ZIP (Base Layer)
- INNER-FACT Seamless inner pants (underwear)
- mont-bell EX light Thermallap parka (cold protection wear)
- NORRONA falketind Alpha90 insulated Zip Hood (cold wear)
- OUTDOOR RESEARCH Deviator Hoodie (Cold Wear)
- Patagonia M10 Anorak (Hardshell)
- Rab Cirrus Ultra Hoody (Cold Wear)
- Rab Evolute Hoody (Cold Wear)
- Rab Momentum Pants (Trekking Pants)
- RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR Power Stretch Earmuff Cap (Headwear)
- STATIC ADRIFT DYNEEMA MITTEN (glove)
- STATIC ROAR CREW (Cold Protection Wear)
- Teton Bros. Feather Rain Jacket (Rainwear)
- THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Ablazer Hoodie (Cold Protection Wear)
- THE NORTH FACE Future Light Parabola Jacket (Rainwear)
- Workman PREMIUM Super Water-Repellent Soft Shell Trek Hoodie & Pants (Soft Shell)
- Footwear that impressed me in 2024
- Outdoor gear that impressed me in 2024
- arata AX-79
- belmont UL Noko
- COROS VERTIX 2S
- Durston Iceline Trekking Poles
- Durston X-Dome 1+
- Leatherman FREE T4 Multitool
- Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
- GARUD kanamari400
- Insta360 Insta360 X4
- NEMO Tenser All Season
- PETZL Swift RL
- Rab Ultrasphere 4.5
- Sea to Summit Spark -1C
- SOTO Regulator Stove TriTrail
- STATIC ADRIFT Ti SLEEPING BAG
- TMR industries LTCooker
- Barilux Barilux XR x Transitions
- summary
Item selection criteria
- Basically, we select from new and updated items for the Spring/Summer 2024 and the 2024-2025 Fall/Winter season.
- Some of the items are included in the release of the 2023 season, simply because they were overlooked.
- These items have been obtained, used, and researched by the editorial department, so some items are only available in Japan through personal imports.
- This includes items that have already been sold out.
The backpack that impressed me in 2024
Black Diamond Beta Light 30/45 (Lightweight Hiking)
This ultra-lightweight backpack is perfect for minimalists who want to travel light and fast along long routes, as I expected this year. While using a strong material called "Ultra 200", which is only used only by garage brands, the level of perfection is impressive, including the careful construction that is typical of a major brand, and the high degree of expansion that can be used smartly when combined with a satellite bag sold separately.
Durston Wapta 30 (Lightweight Hiking)
The ideal frameless backpack from Durston Gear, the hottest UL brand in the world right now. Using new materials that no one has used yet, it is extremely lightweight, highly durable, and has a comfortable feel that you wouldn't expect from frameless.
GOLITE PEAK 35 (Lightweight Hiking)
The backpack from GOLITE, known as a masterpiece at the dawn of UL, has been reissued this season. This model, which can be said to be the origin of the UL backpack, such as the uncannamented roll-top entrance and front and side pockets, has been slightly adjusted to suit 2024, making it a model that is still easy to use.
Haglofs LIM Airak 24 (Lightweight Hiking)
Apparently I like some of the sharp-functional items, but in the end I might not be able to see the tools that are well-balanced and well-made in the end. This is a backpack that is typical of Hoglovs, with even lightness, comfort and practicality. The tension mesh back panel and a wide vest-shaped shoulder harness combine to provide a comfortable carrying experience with high practicality.
MIYAGEN Trail Engineering. CREST 40 (Lightweight Hiking)
A small brand UL backpack located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. The back structure emphasizes fit to minimize the burden on the body, as well as the detailed design created from experience as a designer and engineer at a former outdoor manufacturer, giving it a sense of no use. It seems that a new work is currently under development, so I'm just looking forward to it.
MYSTERY RANCH Radix 47 (hiking and mountain climbing)
The launch of that Mystery Ranch "lightweight" model surprised many gear lovers. Although it is lightweight, it is not unnecessarily omitted, but rather has a sturdy material, sewing, and a comfortable fit and stability that can be carried around are incredibly close to previous models, and yet, with quick access to the main storage, it has not lost its "personality." I see, it's well done.
Rab Muon 50 (lightweight hiking)
Rab, which has recently gained momentum in its entry into trail running and fast packing, has finally released a lightweight backpack. This was really well done than I expected. Despite being lightweight, it is extremely comfortable to carry. The highly practicality of external storage, which has a large capacity, is also excellent. Rab has once again raised the category standards.
SAYAMA Fast V3 (fast packing)
2024 was TJAR's year. Fast from SAYAMA works, which develops high-end gear for trail athletes, is a backpack known for being used by many runners who compete in this tournament in real racing. This V3 game is also a highly-convenient item, with durability and lightness that won't break even when used violently on the tough terrain of the Alps, quick access storage, and customizable.
SEALSON Rollig Balls Fastpack (Lightweight Hiking)
A groundbreaking backpack created by a Taiwanese manufacturer that has been attracting attention recently. This was another model that gave me a fresh surprise, despite my hopes. Lightweight, highly durable, and practical external storage suitable for fast packing is also great, but what surprised me more than that is the high stability that allows you to fold the front and compress. The design is also amazing.
Teton Bros. Amauti (backcountry skiing)
A unique and innovative BC backpack that was surprised by how comfortable it is to carry. The outer shell made of a single piece of fabric, which combines the shoulder strap and hip belt, wraps around the pack, providing a high fit. It's addictive with its simple design.
THE NORTH FACE F26 (fast packing)
The latest TNF's fast hiking backpack. I also liked the previous model, the 30L, but although it has less capacity than this time, it is lighter, has a more stable center of gravity, and has more functional storage, and is evolving everywhere. This is a fast packing backpack that you can run, climb, and carry.
VAUCLUSE Ultralight Backpack Ventilation Frame (Lightweight Hiking)
Three-dimensional mesh pads that eliminate the stuffiness of backs, which have been a source of trouble with frameless backpacks, are making them interesting every year, but these are ventilation pads made of harder plastic than ever before. It provides a solid space that is not found in the harsh mesh that has been used up until now.
yamada packs Backpack40 (hiking and mountain climbing)
The hand-made backpack from Yamagata garage brand has the incredible fit that was as if he had been waiting for him for a long time. It also really appeals to me that they don't just pursue lightness.
Montbell Kitra Pack 30 (Hiking and Mountaineering)
Until now, no Montbell backpacks have ever been so stuck, but I was impressed by how well the storage space for this renewed model this season is. He's not new, but he's a well-rounded, well-crafted, removable canopy, shoulder strap pockets, side pockets that can be put in and taken out from the side, and trekking pole attachments.
NEMO RESOLVE 35 (Hiking and Mountaineering)
Neemo's first trekking backpack was made quietly, not for some reason in Japan. It uses the 100% recycled material "CERO™ Fabric" developed by our company, which has excellent strength and waterproof properties, and the "CCubed™ Cushion" which is also a dry, highly cushioned pad. It is studded with the innovativeness of Neemo, which is skilled in research and development, including highly convenient parts and pockets.
Outdoor wear that impressed me in 2024
Foxfire TS EX HEAT Crew (Base Layer)
OCTA is a lightweight, breathable, and heat-retaining material that has been so popular that many brands have adopted it for active insulation in recent years. However, there was a slight stretch and sweat absorbency, and I was hoping to get a shirt that would compensate for that area, when I came across this top. In addition to the OCTA on the body, it is hybrid with TS EX stretch material, which has excellent stretchability, around the neck, cuffs, under the sleeves, and the sides of the body.
Goldwin Pertex Shield Air Advanced Light Jacket (Rainwear)
Recently, Goldwyn's new products have been quite aggressive, based on the materials and detailed designs. I'm sure the group's elite development teams, such as THE NORTH FACE, are being worked in a concentrated manner (imagine). This new rain jacket is also an ambitious model that uses the cutting edge waterproof and breathable material "Pertex Shield Air", while reducing waste as much as possible to achieve a lightness of 104 grams. And yet it's surprisingly crisp and strong.
ibex WOOLIES PRO TECH Q-ZIP (Base Layer)
This season, the long-awaited half zip type has been released in the ibex new wool series, "PRO TECH" series, which I loved after reviewing last season. It's easier to regulate your body temperature, and now you can accommodate a wide range of seasons throughout the year!
INNER-FACT Seamless inner pants (underwear)
Original underwear from a Japanese manufacturer that produces products that can withstand severe mountain activities such as trail running races and adventure racing. At the 2024 TJAR, I noticed that many players were wearing it, so I tried buying it and it came in handy. I didn't like boxer shorts because I didn't feel cramped and the legs were distorted, but with this much less resistant to rub and quick drying, I would want to wear them even when climbing in the summer.
mont-bell EX light Thermallap parka (cold protection wear)
I've always liked the "Exeloft," a classic Montbell lightweight insulation product, but this new product is a warm-up jacket perfect for active winter, featuring the "Stretch Excelloft," which is even lighter and stretchy. It can be used as a mid-size wear in winter mountains, as a trekking in spring and autumn, or as an outerwear in summer alpine mountains all year round.
NORRONA falketind Alpha90 insulated Zip Hood (cold wear)
The best thing about this jacket is the "PrimaLoft® Gold Active+, Polartec Alpha Direct, Polartec® Power Grid," a hybrid mapping of the right materials, using rules-breaking materials that overcome manufacturer boundaries, and is a hybrid mapping of the right positions. This one piece covers the windproof, air-drying and comfort in cold regions.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH Deviator Hoodie (Cold Wear)
Personally, I have always trusted the development of functional insulation jackets, so this is the new active insulation from OUTDOOR RESEARCH. The combination of the light, heat retention, moisture wicking properties, soft to the touch is great, and the active padding called "VerticalX Octa," and the breathable and stretchy ActiveTemp fabric is amazing.
Patagonia M10 Anorak (Hardshell)
A technical shell that has revived for the first time in about six years and meets the fast and light demands of the harsh season. Above all, although it is ultra-lightweight, with ease of movement when taking action, eliminating waste, its unique pattern, which was calculated down to the smallest detail, was wonderful, and I almost never felt stressed when I was moving.
Rab Cirrus Ultra Hoody (Cold Wear)
This jacket is the world's first incorporating the cutting-edge artificial down insulation "PrimaLoft® ThermoPlume®+", which is as soft as down. It combines heat retention and strength to wet, and is soft and comfortable to wear, making it so comfortable.
Rab Evolute Hoody (Cold Wear)
The forefront of active insulation adapting to the rapidly changing environment during action. The PRIMALOFT®EVOLVE, which is used for the lining, not only has excellent heat retention, but also excellent sweat absorption and quick drying properties, and the Motiv™ Aero fabric placed on the outer material boosts its moisture absorption and release properties. It's packed with everything you need for a mid-wear outfit, along with a soft, stretchy, comfortable fit.
Rab Momentum Pants (Trekking Pants)
Anyway, this may be my first time having summer trekking pants that are so light and easy to move in. Thanks to the Matrix™ fabric, it is thin yet durable, and has excellent breathability, making it cool even in the summer mountains. The sophisticated silhouette makes it elegant too.
RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR Power Stretch Earmuff Cap (Headwear)
A highly heat-retaining cap for autumn and winter, with a comfortable Polartec® Power Stretch® earmuffs. I thought there was no good caps for autumn and winter items, but the careful construction and elegant design were outstanding.
STATIC ADRIFT DYNEEMA MITTEN (glove)
The gloves are very useful for low mountain hiking in autumn and winter, with windproof and slight heat retention. A hybrid mitten that is common these days is a combination of thin fleece gloves and a foldable windproof shell. This new gloves are an unlikely combination of the "Octa®CPCP®" innerwear with no exfoliation except for the palm and thumb, and the "Dyneema® Composite Fabric." Warm, light, easy to use and strong. Isn't it the best?
STATIC ROAR CREW (Cold Protection Wear)
An innovative active insulation made from a groundbreaking yarn called "AYUKAN," which is made by twisting wool into hollow Octa® yarn. What's more, the whole garment makes it extremely comfortable to wear. It uses the same "AYUKAN" and has a base layer, but personally I felt that this middle layer was more comfortable and suitable as long as I tried it on.
Teton Bros. Feather Rain Jacket (Rainwear)
A new update features the "Stretch Cordura SuperDurable 3L" and is a hidden Teton masterpiece that combines stretch and durability despite being light at 190 grams. It's not just Tsurugi.
THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Ablazer Hoodie (Cold Protection Wear)
The latest active insulation windshell from the North Face's finest line summit series. The padding is mapped with the familiar "VENTRIX" and Primaloft in the right place, and the lining also uses the "titanium sputtering" processing technology, improving heat retention with a smaller weight. Its lightweight and highly functional finish is crucial in every detail.
THE NORTH FACE Future Light Parabola Jacket (Rainwear)
This all-weather outer shell jacket is worn by Doi, who won the 2024 TJAR, and is lightweight and compact, yet highly protective. The outer material is skillfully mapped with high-strength polyethylene blend and excellent breathability FUTURELIGHT nylon, providing waterproof and breathable properties, strength and comfort, while still weighing approximately 165g (L size). The materials and the way they are done are too luxurious.
Workman PREMIUM Super Water-Repellent Soft Shell Trek Hoodie & Pants (Soft Shell)
This is the ultimate value-effective softshell jacket and pants, created by Outdoor Gearzine in cooperation with its development for the first time in a while, packed with amazing prices and performance that can be used in the real outdoors. In addition to being safe to wear due to its super water repellency, durability, and stretchability, it is also extremely functional even in small areas such as convenient storage.
Footwear that impressed me in 2024
DAIWA WS-2302C
Wading shoes for mountain streams that use Vibram's cutting-edge rubber, IDROGRIP FLEX. I have tried out the soles of "IDROGRIP" up until now, but to be honest, I have not seen any major advances from the rubber soles I have seen up until now. This "FLEX" is made of rubber that is softer than IDRO, and grips it against wet rocks, while also providing ease of walking thanks to the EVA midsole. It's sure to be useful as shoes for climbing streams in the future.
Dynafit Ultra 100
This manufacturer is not familiar to people who don't ski, but the trail running shoes, created by a brand for athletes aiming to become the top athletes, are high-performance, long distance shoes that combine cutting-edge technology to achieve a high balance down to the smallest details. Its supple ease of wear and solid resilience are impressive.
Phaenom FR 01 130
Freeride boots from Phaenom, a ski boot brand that is newly released this season. The brand includes new ideas, such as a simple but highly secured shell with two buckles and a unique rubber power strap, excellent downhill performance, and lace-up inner boots with a high fit, and recyclable materials allow easy disassembly and replacement of parts, making it a perfect consideration for sustainability. Ski boots are also entering a new era.
SALOMON GENESIS
If you are asked, "What are the most recommended trail running shoes do you recommend?" you might answer this. This pair of shoes is the perfect embodiment of Salomon's charm, a comfortable fit, stability and a shaking resistance, as well as a midsole that combines cushioning and rebound, and a reliable grip, as well as the good balance of Salomon's overall running shoe.
Outdoor gear that impressed me in 2024
arata AX-79
Arata, an unusual, authentic outdoor brand, has released a new, innovative, self-supporting double-wall tent this season. Despite being lighter than 1kg, it is as strong as a full-fledged mountain tent. Even the compact interior is also built with a large luggage storage space, making it extremely comfortable today.
belmont UL Noko
When climbing a river overnight, saws are useful for cutting driftwood for bonfires, but the light and compact model is definitely better, making it easy to carry. However, I don't want to compromise on sharpness. This saw was a miraculous piece that fulfilled that request. It has a certain length and sharpness, but is light and compact to store.
COROS VERTIX 2S
A smart watch for outdoors with incredible battery life, high-precision GPS sensors, and high-performance features with offline maps, yet relatively realistic priced. This season's detailed and evolved 2S has been released, and I finally switched from Garmin. I'll review more in detail, but I'm very pleased so far.
Durston Iceline Trekking Poles
Durstone's groundbreaking trekking pole is not much talked about in Japan. The unique three-piece design, with only one connecting point, provides a model that is "lighter, stronger, and more reliable" than ever before. It's incredibly light at 145 grams per piece, but the inner diameter is made to be thicker, making it more sturdy than you might think.
Durston X-Dome 1+
Durstone's latest product is a self-supporting double-wall tent that combines an ultra-comfortable interior space with surprisingly lightness. The ease of setup, the spacious living space, weather resistance, weight, durability, and ease of use are all carefully crafted, and I am still impressed by the top-class construction.
Leatherman FREE T4 Multitool
I own the SQUIRT PS4, but before I knew it, it was out of print. Instead, the new series "FREE" that was released this season has released the T4, a small, easy-to-carry high-end model. Anyway, I'm grateful that the model has been continuing with useful scissors. I'm glad that there's a Phillips screwdriver in an emergency.
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
Garmin's inReach is a GPS/SOS device that allows two-way communication via satellite. Until now, satellite communications have only been through SOS communications and standard text exchanges, but with the advent of this device, it has made great progress in usability. This device and the new monthly plan allow two-way text, audio and photos messaging via a smartphone app. Of course, you can also check your current location and route and send an SOS signal using GPS. But it's still expensive. .
GARUD kanamari400
I came across an ultra-lightweight, thin aluminum cooker this fall. After cutting it down to the limit, it reaches 41 grams even when combined with the lid, making it impossible to light even if it is titanium. And most importantly, it is an aluminum alloy with excellent heat conductivity, so he is a wonderful son who can cook rice with this. As I think of cookers as aluminum, I think they'll be a product that I can't let go of.
Insta360 Insta360 X4
A 360-degree camera that will make making memories in the mountains more enjoyable. It not only has videos and still images, but also features such as time lapse and time shifting, making it recommended for those who want to record beautiful scenery outdoors, or for those who want to make and enjoy interesting videos. Anyone can easily operate it, so it is also recommended for those who have never used an action camera.
NEMO Tenser All Season
Among the excellent sleeping pads released this year, the model with outstanding performance was NEMO's latest Tenser Series Air Mat. In particular, the R value per weight is higher than any other model, and it is currently a safe mattress that can be used all year round.
PETZL Swift RL
Petzl's high-end headlamps have been renewed, a dream of headlamp manufacturers around the world, with the high quality of beams and electronic circuits and high practicality in the field. It's brighter, longer, easier to use, making it an even more unsatisfactory item. The price is reasonable, but I have absolutely no regrets about the unparalleled quality of the rest.
Rab Ultrasphere 4.5
2024 was also the year of excellent sleeping pads. The iconic model is the first one to be the Rab air mat. It's compact, warm and comfortable, and has good value for money, making you want to buy it.
Sea to Summit Spark -1C
As I wrote in my review for this season, this is an honor student sleeping bag that condenses the highest standard of lightness and comfort into a simple form. It has practicality that is not found in classic sleeping bags from domestic brands, such as it is clearly lighter than 500g, which is also lighter than competing sleeping bags of the same level, and the waterproof and breathable material of the footbox.
SOTO Regulator Stove TriTrail
By using the CB TOUGH CB can, developed by SOTO, which has high performance even in mountainous environments, this lightweight single stove is a CB can type that can provide stable heat power even in high altitudes and low temperatures, just like the OD can model. It weighs approximately 135 grams, yet has a stable low center of gravity, and comes with a regulator, making it easy to use, with stable high heat even when used for low temperatures or for long periods of time. New CB cans are more affordable than OD cans, and this may be a future in which CB cans will become the mainstream in the future.
STATIC ADRIFT Ti SLEEPING BAG
We were paying attention to the "ADRIFT SLEEPING BAG," a sleeping bag made from STATIC's specialty OCTA, but this season, we couldn't help but click on it as the lining was released with titanium sputtering. This excellent item is lighter and warmer than ever, and has excellent breathability and is comfortable to sleep in in the summer, and can also be used as an inner sleeping bag in the fall and winter.
TMR industries LTCooker
An aluminum cooker with high-grade machining techniques, which has been frequently introduced in a series of Yamatomachi. The distinctive bottom surface achieves the highest thermal efficiency after many prototypes, giving it a unique design impact. Of course, it can be stacked with 110-sized cartridges, making it highly practical outdoors.
Barilux Barilux XR x Transitions
This season, I tried using "bifocal glasses and dimming sunglasses" for the first time. As a result, this Balilax was so comfortable that it became a must-have body even in the snowless season. I've always had a body that didn't fit in, but I can no longer stop my clear vision and the comfort that doesn't mean I don't feel any dry eyes.
summary
Above, Outdoor Gearzine has introduced 50 outdoor items that were popular in 2024. Enjoy the remaining 50 items on the OFUSE membership page.
Outdoor Gearzine will continue to explore in 2025 in search of better and more beautiful mountain tools, and hope to share their excitement with our readers, so we look forward to your continued support.