The Coolest New Gear We’re Testing This September, From Running Shoes to Smartwatches

Vitamix gets into the personal blender game with a motor more powerful than some full-sized blenders. The 20-ounce portable cups only allow for making single-serving drinks that don’t get super complicated with ingredients. But if you’re somebody looking to make protein shakes or smoothies fast, simple, and with perfect texture, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better tool for the job.Read More: Best BlendersPeak Design’s latest backpack might have become my newest everyday option. I’ve been looking for something a little less bulky and rigid than my Yeti Bozeman, and the City Backpack 22L still provides comfort without a lot of structure. There are plenty of pockets and organizational functionality (it is Peak Design, after all), plus it uses PFAS-free DWR for enhanced water resistance to offer a lower energy/chemical impact.Read More: Best Backpacks for MenAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowIf you’re looking for a powerful headlamp that can really illuminate as far as you can see (750 lumens that go nearly 500 feet), the new Storm+ from Black Diamond is for you. It boasts IP67 dust- and waterproofing and features two-button functionality for easy use. While runtime ranges from just 4.5 hours to 80 hours (on high and low modes, respectively), this one is all about maximum lighting.Mount to Coast’s newest shoe was long in development and built for stability during prolonged miles on the trail. The next-gen Jetcell midsole feels springy without squishing into itself, and the wider base and higher sidewalls help keep things stable when the miles stack up. I’ve put them through a couple of runs, with one long trail run in particular, and they’ve given me an even greater appreciation for the brand’s signature dual-lacing system—it allows for a much more dialed-in fit with the separate lacing for the top and midfoot.Read More: Best Trail Running ShoesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowMultitools don’t get slimmer and functional than The James Brand’s new Helton. Housing the eight most basic tools (a partially serrated VG-10 blade, two magnetic drivers, chisel-tipped tweezers, and various carry methods like a pocket clip or a lanyard and bead), it’s thinner than a pack of gum and is sure to be a family heirloom you hand down—after plenty of years of good use, of course.What if I said you could track your sleep without having to wear a device? I’d be talking about the new Hatch Sleep Clock, which takes what we loved about the Hatch Restore Sunrise Alarm Clock and bakes in remote sleep tracking right with the bedside device.Read More: Best Sleep TrackersAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowThis is one of those collabs that makes you wonder why the two brands hadn’t gotten together sooner?! A fit like peanut butter and jelly, Norda and Black Diamond put together this nine-piece collection that feels much more robust. Maybe that’s because it includes a brand-new Norda shoe in the 000, made because of the collab. That’s nearly unheard of, and we’re here for these two just doing collections together every season from here on out.I’ve been consistently going back to the Adidas Evo SL as my everyday trainer; I’ve just found it hard to get away from. But the new FuelCell Rebel v5 has cracked the door open to replace the Evo. The drop is just right for me at 6mm, the padding is comfy without being too much, it weighs under 8 ounces, and the EVA/PEBA midsole feels soft yet extremely lively. I especially like the midsole geometry that stays a little wider, as midsoles that get too skinny are tough for me. I’ve put a few runs on these and it feels like plenty more are coming.Read More: Best Running ShoesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowArc’teryx has launched System 0 to strive toward closed-loop products (meaning they can be repaired and recycled infinitely). The first product in that new endeavor is the Sperro SV Jacket. It will be the brand’s first Gore-Tex hardshell that incorporates recycled and recoverable materials. It meets the Arc’teryx standards for hardshells while also being repairable and designed for disassembly at the end of its life. While $1,200 is certainly steep, it’s a buy-once-and-keep forever sort of purchase.Shokz continues to refine its open-ear prowess with the new OpenFit Pro. What I’ve found with Shokz is that each iteration gets a little bit better, and that’s the case here. You’re getting 50 hours of use-time and some of the clearest audio and some of the best transparency for workouts we’ve come across.Read More: Best Workout HeadphonesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowAnother collab we’re here for, with Coros tapping Satisfy to give the Apex 4 a spiffy makeover. The big upgrades from the standard Apex 4 are the ice crystallized titanium bezel and the inclusion of both a silicone and nylon band. I’m digging the fatigue green for those, and I’m about to get some testing underway with this—although the testing we’ve done on the OG Apex 4 has previously confirmed this to be one of the top hiking/trail running watches around.Read More: Best SmartwatchesFree Fly’s new Thermowind Jacket combines a windshell outer that sheds moisture with a microfleece inner that helps block strong winds. Taped seams mean even further protection from the wind and rain, making this one an easy pick for the upcoming cooler weather when a typical windbreaker just won’t cut it.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowFootball season is about to get underway and Christian McCaffrey is dropping his first signature shoe with his brand, While on Earth. Built for varying workouts with a 10mm drop and a midfoot TPU plate, this thing is about stability and creating force. Stay tuned as we’re in the midst of putting it through some of CMC’s actual workouts for testing.Read More: Best Cross-Training ShoesLems is out with its first running shoes in the ZenSpeed Lite and the ZenSpeed+. The Lite is a minimalist daily trainer with lots of ground feel thanks to a 2mm drop (24mm stack height) and a cork insole. You’re getting some energy return from the EVA + 10% PEBA midsole, and plenty of room in the toe box to ensure comfort.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowThe new Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro take everything we loved about the Fenix 8 and souped it up. Both have twice the RAM and storage, which means faster performance (especially in maps/GPS). The brightness also gets an upgrade, with twice the nits of the Fenix 8. And you get some more detailed and enhanced performance metrics, helping you stay attuned to your body and physical output even better.Read More: Best Garmin WatchesNobull’s new recovery slide is built for comfort and to be easy on your feet and knees. Made from EVA foam, the cushioning is solid while still offering plenty of no-slip grip to make sure you’re not losing a sandal mid-walk.Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear, tech, running shoes, and more. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He holds a B.A. in Sport Management and is a Certified Beer Server, having previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.