The Best New Gear from the 2026 OMA Show

One of the perks of writing about outdoor gear is getting to see the newest, coolest products before they launch to the public. It feels like being let in on a secret—one whispered by big brands like Outdoor Research, Danner, Mountain Hardwear, and Fjällräven, and echoed by the smaller, emerging labels. The next best perk? Getting to put that gear to the test.

I met with 30 brands at the 2026 Outdoor Market Alliance media show in Denver last month and discovered four new products that got me excited for camping and hiking this year. With a lightweight sleeping pad and backpack, plus a modular duffel box and water filtration kit, my adventures are about to get a lot more ultralight—and ultra-organized.

Exped just came out with what appears to be the Swiss Army knife of sleeping pads. Launched in February, the Exped Ultra 6.5R is now the lightest, warmest, and least expensive backpacking mat (of its kind) on the market. It packs down to the size of a 1-liter water bottle and comes in six sizes: medium, medium wide, and long wide, in both mummy and rectangle versions. The smallest size weighs a mere 12.7 ounces. Our friends over at Backpacker wrote a full review of the new pad, but I’m excited to test it out myself on backpacking and camping trips this year. Testers said that the 6.9 R-value doesn’t entirely hold up, although it’s plenty warm for three seasons. The microfiber insulation layer paired with mylar on the inside boosts warmth and also reduces the crinkly chip bag sound effect—no more waking up my husband when I roll over.

Gossamer Gear Mirage 40L Ultralight Backpack

As someone who’s curious about lightweight backpacking but unwilling to leave behind my 350-page novel, cutting my pack’s base weight could be my window into the ultralight world. Gossamer Gear’s new Mirage 40L framed pack weighs a scant 19.4 ounces and is made from a trendy new composite fabric called ALUULA Graflyte— a durable plastic that’s stronger than steel, but still not as burly as other heavier materials like dyneema or polyester. Backpacker’s testers discovered that you kind of have to baby it. Plus, it’s a whopping $450. Still, I’m intrigued and impressed by their material innovation. Also in the Alchemy line is a 36-liter hyperlight pack and a 20-liter daypack for those who want to try the new fabric without committing to a bigger size.

RUX Duffel Box

Keeping a suitcase organized is one thing. Add gear to the mix, and staying tidy is impossible. But British Columbia-based RUX is trying to make packing easier with its modular, collapsible storage systems. New to the lineup is the Duffel Box, a hybrid duffel bag and portable crate with a rolltop closure that’s collapsible and expandable. You’re not going to find zippers on any of RUX’s products because its founder finds them too finicky and failure-prone—hence, the rolltop closure.

Inside the box you can fit other RUX-compatible components, like a tote bag or smaller gear bag in the perfect dimensions. The thick nylon outer fabric has a PU coating that can hold up to baggage claim conveyor belts and dusty truck beds. It comes in two sizes: 55L and 75L. Carry either with backpack straps, a shoulder strap, or a handle.

Lifestraw Peak Series 3-in-1 Water Filtration Kit

Something about me: I love a kit. More specifically, I love when one thing can turn into another thing and serve several purposes. Launched in early March, the Lifestraw Peak Series 3-in-1 Water Filtration Kit is coming with me on hikes and camping trips this year. The kit includes a 3-liter bag that hangs upside down and uses gravity to filter water through a hose. Then, you also get a 650-millileter squeeze bottle you can toss in your running vest or fanny pack. The third but most important piece is the Solo Water Filter, which attaches to the aforementioned bags or functions as a straw to remove bacteria, parasites, dirt, sand, cloudiness, and even microplastics. At under $100, this is a steal of a deal for clean water in the backcountry.