{"id":8809,"date":"2026-03-17T22:06:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T22:06:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=8809"},"modified":"2026-03-17T22:06:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T22:06:16","slug":"the-best-new-gear-from-the-2026-oma-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=8809","title":{"rendered":"The Best New Gear from the 2026 OMA Show"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"justify-start\">\n<nav class=\"align-left col-span-full mb-base\" data-pom-e2e-test-id=\"breadcrumbs\"\/>\n<p>From an ultralight pack to an ultra-organized gear box, here\u2019s the 2026 spring\/summer gear I previewed at a recent outdoor trade show.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<p>Published March 16, 2026 03:05PM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>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\u2014one whispered by big brands like Outdoor Research, Danner, Mountain Hardwear, and Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven, and echoed by the smaller, emerging labels. The next best perk? Getting to put that gear to the test.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2014and ultra-organized.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/p>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2><strong>Exped Ultra 6.5R Sleeping Pad<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2734833\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Courtesy REI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<p>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 <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_self\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.backpacker.com\/gear\/sleeping-pads\/expeds-newest-sleeping-pad-is-seriously-lightweight\/\">wrote a full review<\/a> of the new pad, but I\u2019m excited to test it out myself on backpacking and camping trips this year. Testers said that the 6.9 R-value doesn\u2019t entirely hold up, although it\u2019s 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\u2014no more waking up my husband when I roll over.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/p>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2><strong>Gossamer Gear Mirage 40L Ultralight Backpack<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2734826\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Gossamer Gear Mirage 40L Ultralight Backpack\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2734826\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Gossamer-Gear-Mirage-40L-Ultralight-Backpack_h.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" bad-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Gossamer-Gear-Mirage-40L-Ultralight-Backpack_h.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Courtesy Gossamer Gear)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<p>As someone who\u2019s curious about lightweight backpacking but unwilling to leave behind my 350-page novel, cutting my pack\u2019s base weight could be my window into the ultralight world. Gossamer Gear\u2019s new Mirage 40L framed pack weighs a scant 19.4 ounces and is made from a trendy new composite fabric called ALUULA Graflyte\u2014 a durable plastic that\u2019s stronger than steel, but still not as burly as other heavier materials like dyneema or polyester. <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_self\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.backpacker.com\/gear\/backpacks\/gossamer-gear-mirage-review\/\">Backpacker\u2019s testers<\/a> discovered that you kind of have to baby it. Plus, it\u2019s a whopping $450. Still, I\u2019m intrigued and impressed by their material innovation. Also in the Alchemy line is a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.avantlink.com\/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=35841&amp;pw=209007&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gossamergear.com%2Fproducts%2Fmurmur-36-hyperlight-backpack&amp;website_id=209007\">36-liter hyperlight pack<\/a> and a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.avantlink.com\/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=35841&amp;pw=209007&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gossamergear.com%2Fproducts%2Felixir-20l-daypack&amp;website_id=209007\">20-liter daypack<\/a> for those who want to try the new fabric without committing to a bigger size.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/p>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2><strong>RUX Duffel Box<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2734827\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"RUX Duffel Box 55L\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1351\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2734827\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/RUX-Duffel-Box_h.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" bad-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/RUX-Duffel-Box_h.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Courtesy RUX)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<p>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 <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=156240X1622567&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Frux.life%2Fpages%2Frux-duffel-boxes%23shop-collection\">Duffel Box<\/a>, a hybrid duffel bag and portable crate with a rolltop closure that\u2019s collapsible and expandable. You\u2019re not going to find zippers on any of RUX\u2019s products because its founder finds them too finicky and failure-prone\u2014hence, the rolltop closure.<\/p>\n<p>Inside the box you can fit other RUX-compatible components, like a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=156240X1622567&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Frux.life%2Fcollections%2Fwaterproof-tote-bags\">tote bag<\/a> or <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=156240X1622567&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Frux.life%2Fcollections%2Fpacking-system\">smaller gear bag<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/p>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2><b>Lifestraw Peak Series 3-in-1 Water Filtration Kit<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2734828\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Lifestraw Peak Series 3-in-1 Water Filtration Kit\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2734828\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lifestraw-Peak-Series-3-in-1-Water-Filtration-Kit_h.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" bad-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lifestraw-Peak-Series-3-in-1-Water-Filtration-Kit_h.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Courtesy Lifestraw)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.outsideonline.com\/outdoor-gear\/gear-news\/oma-show-march-2026\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From an ultralight pack to an ultra-organized gear box, here\u2019s the 2026 spring\/summer gear I previewed at a recent outdoor trade show. Published March 16, 2026 03:05PM 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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8810,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-8809","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-wild-living"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8809","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8809"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8809\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8810"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8809"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8809"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8809"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}