With 2024 behind us, we’ve taken some time to reflect on the gear that has made the years outdoor adventures unforgettable. From rugged jackets that braved Ireland’s wild weather to innovative backpacks that became trail essentials, our staff has weighed in on their favourites.

And with Spring/Summer 2025 just around the corner, we’re thrilled to share the gear we’re most excited to see hit the shelves!

Gear That Stole the Show in 2024

Best Male Rain Jacket:

Kathmandu Bealey GORE-TEX Jacket 

Why It Made the Cut: Arriving in the Spring/Summer drop, Kathmandu’s Bealey Gore-Tex jacket was our staff’s top pick for male rain jackets in 2024. Available in two colours, it’s understated design ensured the Bealey looked just as good on the high street as the mountainside.Retailing at less than €200, the Bealey offers remarkable value for a Gore-Tex Jacket. The best in breathability and waterproofing, the Bealey has kept both our staff and customers protected from the elements from street to summit.

Key Features:

• Gore-Tex - The best of the best in waterproofing and breathability.
• Minimalist design - Looks just as good on the high street as the mountainside.
• Price point - Retailing at less than €200, the Bealey offers remarkable value for a Gore-Tex Jacket.
• Secure hidden chest pocket with a media cord port under the storm flap, accessible without fully unzipping the jacket

 

Best Female Rain Jacket:

Columbia Mountain Croo™ III Waterproof Hooded Mid Down Jacket

 

Why It Made the Cut: Launching for Autumn/Winter 2024, Columbia’s Mountain Croo™ III combined the three most sought after elements in a female rain jacket; Waterproof, insulated and long-length.

Combining Columbia’s Omni-Heat Infinity (tiny gold dots that reflect your body heat), and Omni-Tech waterproofing (offering 5+ hours of rain protection), in addition to 650 Fill Power Down Insulation (RDS Certified), the Mountain Croo III truly was as close as it gets to a one-for-all winter jacket.

Key Features:

 

• The adjustable hood and drop tail are designed to keep the cold out even when the wind picks up.

• Comfort cuffs – Preventing wind and rain climbing your sleeve.

• OMNI-HEAT INFINITY - With tiny gold dots that reflect your body heat, Omni-Heat™ may appear gimmicky, but it does exactly what it says on the tin

Best Kid’s Rain Jacket:

Portwest Kid’s Carlingford Rain Jacket

 

Why It Made the Cut: Launched in Spring/Summer 2024, the Carlingford Rain Jacket met the needs of those looking for stylish kids rainwear, without breaking the bank. Retailing at €32, with an adjustable hood, elasticated cuffs and a reflective strip on the back, the Carlingford Kid’s Rain Jacket ticked all the boxes in 2024.

Key Features:

 

• Water Resistant – Up to 3 hours of rain protection.
• Adjustable hood and elasticated cuffs – Locking the elements out.

Best Male Footwear:

Merrell Men’s MQM 3 Mid Gore-Tex Boot 

 

Why It Made the Cut: Merrell’s updated version of the MQM (Moving Quickly in the Mountains) Gore-Tex boot beautifully marries the best features of an all-purpose hiking boot with the support and low weight of an approach shoe.

Featuring best of the best waterproofing and breathability with a Gore-Tex membrane, and the Vibram sole for unmatched grip, The MQM 3 Mid Boot is an ideal alternative to a heavy or bulky hiking boot. Merrel’s Air Cushion in the heel, in combination with its lightweight EVA foam midsole, ensure stability and running shoe like comfort.

Key Features:

 

• Lightweight design – at only 660g the MQM is roughly 33% lighter than it’s equivalent hiking boot. (Merrel Moab 3)

• Support – Stiffer sole decreasing the risk of rolled ankles.

• Easy Maintenance – Its smooth finish prevents dirt build-up in nooks and cranny’s and allows for effortless cleaning and re-proofing.

Best Female Footwear:

Merrell MOAB 3 MID Gore-Tex

 

Why It Made the Cut: For almost two decades Merrell’s Moab Mid Gore-Tex Boot has been the most popular choice of hiking boot in the world. Famous for its out-of-the-box comfort and its natural wide fit, the MOAB 3 combines a tough wearing exterior with luxuriously comfortable interior.

Featuring the magic combination of Vibram soles for second to none grip and a Gore-Tex membrane for elite level waterproofing and breathability, The MOAB 3 really covers all bases when it comes to a hiking boot. Though slightly less durable, The MOAB 3 offers a lightweight design in comparison to some of its leather competitors, weighing in at only 400g per boot. Currently retailing at €175 (15/01/25) The MOAB 3 combines all the best features available on the market for less than €200, a feat which it’s competitors still struggle to match.

Key Features:

 

• Gore-Tex Membrane – for the best waterproofing and breathability in the game.

• Vibram TC5+ Sole – Designed specifically for Merrell for exceptional grip and durability.

• Merrell Air Cushion in the heel - Absorbs shock and adds stability.

• Comfort – As comfortable on your first wear as your last.

• Wide Fit – Allowing for the inevitable swelling of feet on long hikes.

Best Backpack:

Passenger Boondocker Recycled 26L Backpack

 

Why It Made the Cut: Passenger’s Boondocker Backpack dropped in Spring/Summer ’24 and was an immediate hit. At 26L capacity, the Boondocker provides ample space and storage for day trips and long hikes. It’s attractive design featuring a blend of colours is crafted from leftover deadstock material with sustainability in mind. Inspired by the Boondocking communities, travelling freely, embracing the great outdoors and leaving the smallest footprint possible. The Boondocker really define the combination of fashion and function.

Key Features:

 

• 600D Polyester with PFC free (Chemical free) Water-resistant coating.

• 26L Capacity – Perfect for day trips.

• Detachable Laptop Sleeve.

• Appearance – The Boondocker is truly one of the best looking backpacks on the market. 

Best Gadget:

Paleblue AA USB-C Rechargeable Batteries

 

Why It Made the Cut: Be it for headlamps, mattress pumps, torches, or any of the other countless electrical items we use in the outdoors, spare batteries are always a must. Designed to outperform AA alkaline batteries, Paleblue introduced USB-C rechargeable batteries, omitting the need for a bulky charger or regular disposal of single use alkaline batteries. With only a 90 minute charge time and boasting a lifetime of 1000 charge cycles, Paleblue’s innovation in the battery field has impressed our staff to no end. 

Key Features:

 

• Fast charging with a USB-C port on each AA rechargeable battery.

• Easy to use included charging cable can charge 4 batteries at once.

• Each rechargeable AA battery can prevent up to 1,000 single use batteries from being thrown away.

• Self-Discharge - The dormant/self-discharge characteristics of Pale Blue batteries are very low. This is one of the advantages of a lithium ion battery with a control circuit, vs an alkaline or NiMh battery, where the cell discharges directly into the circuit (no control circuit). The battery life in dormant mode depends partly on the environment. High ambient temperatures, and higher humidity, increases the internal drain. But in normal circumstances a battery installed in a device, like a door lock, will last ~12 months.

• Also available in AAA.

Best Accessory:

Salomon ACTIVE SKIN 4 Women's Running Vest (with flasks included)

 

Why It Made the Cut: For those avid trail runners among us, hydration vests have always been a staple of the trail, allowing for effortless access to hydration and essential items without the need to skip a stride. With the rapidly growing popularity of run clubs, adventure race events and ultra marathons, the Active Skin 4 was by far and away our most popular accessory in 2024.

Featuring two 500ml soft-bottle flasks in the front, and reservoir compartment in the back, the Active Skin 4 can hold up to $L of water in addition to other essential items, accommodated for with the front zip pocket and back compartment.

Key Features:

•  Quick link - This sternum strap enables you to adjust your pack quickly on the fly. The elastic makes it easier to breathe when you pick up the pace.
• 3D Airmesh shoulder straps - With a construction that incorporates small cavities, 3D Airmesh panel allows enhanced air circulation.
• Fast wicking fabrics: Improving quick drying and moisture management, these light fabrics deliver top performance, comfort, and odor resistance.

Most Anticipated Gear of 2025:

 

Portwest PureWild Collection

Where the mountain meets the sea.

Inspired by our unique location between the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Croagh Patrick, our PureWild collection reflects the natural beauty surrounding our brand.

With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, we source our cotton from organic fibers in Portugal. Our unisex tees are made from 100% organic cotton, while our unisex hoodies and crew necks feature a blend of 80% super-soft organic cotton and 20% recycled polyester to ensure minimal creasing.

Positioned midway along the Wild Atlantic Way, our graphics are inspired by the familiar signs and symbols you will find along this iconic route.

Portwest Women’s Airsquare Jacket

Get ready to elevate your outdoor wardrobe with the Ladies Airsquare Jacket—the ultimate fusion of style, comfort, and sustainability. With its effortlessly cool, poncho-inspired fit, this jacket is designed to move with you, whether you’re out on a hike or just enjoying a weekend getaway.

Crafted for all seasons, this jacket is soft, cozy, and ready for anything. The ¼ zip placket adds a sleek, modern edge, while the thermal insulation keeps you warm without weighing you down. But here’s the best part: it’s made with 100% recycled fill, so you can stay stylish while helping protect the planet. Plus, it’s packable and crease-resistant, meaning you can easily pop it in your bag and pull it out looking fresh and ready for adventure.

Perfect for the woman on the move, the Ladies Airsquare Jacket combines comfort, eco-consciousness, and killer style.

Portwest x Bleubird Wilder White Tee

Having spent 2024 working on a project for their key independent retailers, Bleubird have designed unique location prints for one retailer in Scotland, Germany, France, and Ireland. Portwest are delighted to have been offered their Irish slot.

Made with premium 100% heavyweight organic cotton (247GSM), and printed with 100% water based, eco-friendly inks, The Portwest x Bleubird Wilder White Tee is an easy shoe-in for most anticipated of 2025. 

New Year, New Gear

As we reflect on the best outdoor gear of 2024, it’s clear that innovation, sustainability, and functionality are driving forces in the industry. From the durability of the Kathmandu Bealey GORE-TEX Jacket to the eco-conscious design of Passenger’s Boondocker Backpack, this year’s picks have set a high standard for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to see even more innovation and environmentally friendly options hit the shelves. Whether it’s the stylish yet functional Portwest PureWild Collection or the Portwest Women’s Airsquare Jacket, the future of outdoor and leisurewear gear promises to be as adventurous and stylish as the people who use it.

We’d love to hear from you! What were your standout pieces of gear in 2024? And which new arrivals are you most excited to try in 2025? Join the conversation in the comments below or tag us on social media using #PortwestStaffPicks.

After 120 years of inspiring adventures, here’s to 120 more; courtesy of Portwest – The Outdoor Shop.