Curated Trail Products

A comprehensive list of the outdoor gear you need to get ready for the trail.

My name is Brendan, I’m the founder and owner of Empire State Trail Outfitters. These are the exact products I’ve used on all my trail adventures over the years.

Whether you’re just getting started on the trail or a trail vet looking for new gear upgrades, check out the bike & gear products that have treated me well on my Trail adventures!

Looking for products from local vendors you can find along the trail? Check out our Shop to purchase from our site. Happy trails!

Curated Products

REI Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 Bike

$1599

  • Aluminum frame and carbon fork balance durability and light weight—durability to handle rough roads and light weight to help you out when they get steep

    Shimano GRX 2 x 10 drivetrain isn't a reworked set of road components—its gravel-specific ergonomics provide stability and reliability to get after the harder stuff

    Shimano GRX Shadow Plus rear derailleur reduces chain slap and noise, and prevents chain drop when terrain gets tough

    Shimano 11–36 cassette provides smooth and stable shifting that's designed to hold up to aggressive trail riding

    Tektro mechanical disc brakes deliver powerful, nuanced speed control for rough rides

    12° flared handlebars gives you a wider and more upright hold

    WTB Nano Comp 700c x 40mm tires are built for speed with an uninterrupted centerline for efficiency on hardpack terrain and staggered outer knobs for chunky climbs and corners

    All-gender fit simplifies the buying process and fits riders 5'0"–6'3"

    ADVs are our adventure bikes: This one is made for where the road meets adventure, with a focus on premium components for off-road riding and fast-and-light adventures

    Add a frame bag or rear rack to extend your adventure overnight (bag and rack not included)

    Pedals not included

    Specs and images are subject to change

  • The frame is a durable aluminum frame (vs carbon fiber) so I don’t worry when loading up my panniers and overnight gear. It’s a great standard setup. Plus the REI in NYC in the Soho neighborhood is great.

CamelBak Podium Big Chill Insulated Water Bottle - 24 fl. oz.

$18

  • High flow rate and easy squeeze design let you get more fluid with less effort

    Made with BPA-, BPS- and BPF-free TruTaste™ polypropylene with Hydroguard™, letting you taste your water, not your bottle

    Self-sealing cap maximizes the flow rate while eliminating splashes and spills

    Positive lock-out ensures leakproof transport

    All parts can be separated for easy, thorough cleaning

    Shaped to securely fit in a variety of bottle cages

  • This is my go-to water bottle for biking and running. I have two, my wife has one. I love being able to mix and match the tops after the dishwasher and love customizing my bottle is stickers.

Bontrager Solstice MIPS Helmet

$70 ON SALE $40.99

  • Rotational motion can cause brain injuries; with MIPS, a low-friction layer slides 10 to 15mm in all directions, reducing rotational motion to the brain during impact

    Fidlock magnetic buckle fastens effortlessly for a quick, secure fit

    Intuitive, one-handed Headmaster fit system adjusts height and circumference

    Built-in and removable visor options give you 2 choices for constant coverage

    LockDown dividers make helmet strap management clean and easy to adjust

    Internal, recessed channels move airflow over your head to help keep you cool and dry

    Soft, comfortable, moisture-wicking and washable helmet pads add comfort

    Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for bicycle helmets for persons age 5 and older

    Bontrager offers a Crash Replacement Guarantee, providing free helmet replacement if involved in a crash within the first year of ownership

  • A great helmet with MIPS that wasn’t too expensive. Had a nice comfortable fit and ventilation.

Bontrager Ion Comp R Front Bike Light

$100 ON SALE $73.99

  • 700-lumen beam provides powerful, long-lasting brightness with a great depth of field, exceeding FL1 industry standards

    Specific daytime-running light focus, flash and range flash patterns offer optimal visibility during the day up to 1.24 mi. (2 km) away

    Light run times: 1.5 hrs. at 700 lumens, 3 hrs. at 500 lumens, 6 hrs. at 300 lumens, 19 hrs. on 300-lumen day flash, and 9 hrs. on 200-lumen night flash

    Integrated Blendr mounting easily connects to compatible Blendr stems, helmets and helmet mounts

    Includes micro-USB charging cable and an adjustable Quick Connect+ flexible mount compatible with all 22.2 to 35 mm bars

  • I love having a super bright light when I need it. That’s why I picked this one.

Cygolite Hotrod 90 Bike Taillight

$39.95

  • Be seen all the time with 24/7 Safety Technology™, an exclusive set of solid and flashing modes to increase your night and day visibility when cycling

    6 lighting modes are ideal for use on long road rides and daily commutes: High Flash, High Steady, Group, SteadyPulse®, Zoom and Low Flash

    SteadyPulse mode features a constant beam to help motorists gauge their distance, while overlapping pulses keep them aware of you at night

    Zoom mode signals those around you with gentle changes in brightness

    Cluster-mounted array of LEDs work in unison for extra wide and powerful output to herald your presence on demanding roads

    Versatite™ flexible mount is compatible with most seatposts, including aero styles

    Memory saves the mode you're in when you turn off the light

    Low-profile, water-resistant design weighs only 35 grams

    USB-rechargeable internal battery lasts up to 100 hrs.

    Low battery indicator

  • I ride at peace knowing this is my rear light. I always opt for something that is very bright to be seen. This fits the bill.

REI Co-op Cycles Presta Tube - 700 x 23

$5.95

  • 48mm Presta valve

    Valve stem is fully threaded for 35-43mm size; the 23-25mm and 28-32mm sizes have smooth valve stems

    Please note: Tube works with Presta-compatible rims only

  • A standard tube that fits the tire size. I bring 3 on overnight trips.

Park Tool TL-1.2C Tire Lever Set

$4.95

  • Design lifts the tire away from the rim and offers a spoke hook when multiple levers are needed

    Set includes 3 tire levers

  • Standard set to fix a flat.

Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus Rear Panniers - Pair

$295

  • Waterproof, abrasion-resistant fabric stays tough no matter how far you travel

    Waterproof 3D front pouch offers additional storage

    Convenient carry handles and shoulder straps

    Two 21-liter panniers offer plenty of storage space and organization options

    Quick and easy mounting to your rack thanks to the QL2.1 fixtures

    Sold as a pair

  • I love these water-proof, seemingly bullet-proof pair of panniers. Worth knowing your gear is safe and sound.

GOREWEAR Endure Cycling Jacket - Men's

$230-$250

  • GORE-TEX PACLITE® Plus fabric is quick-drying and provides waterproof/breathable protection that's totally windproof

    Preshaped elbows are designed for a cycling position

    Slightly longer back provides coverage

    Reflective details help you stay seen on the road

    Front zipper with zipper garage prevents chafing at the neck; zipper tags allow for easy opening

    Adjustable hem with drawcords inside pockets

    Hook-and-loop sleeve cuff closures

    Packable in stowaway pocket

  • This isn’t the exact jacket I have, as the model is discountinued. However, you want to make sure you have something that keeps you from the wind and especially rain. I think investing to stay comfortable on long overnight trips is well worth it.

Portland Design Works The Owl Water Bottle Cage

$25

  • The Owl Cage is made of lightweight 5052 alloy in the shape of an owl with wings folded to cradle your water bottle

    Includes two stainless bolts to mount to your bicycle frame

  • Function meeting quirky, cool design for this waterbottle holder. I recall thinking “Why not” when I bought it. It serves it function well and I like the unique look of it. The inside paint does wear out quickly against the water bottle. But in my opinion, it still looks cool.

Shimano RC3 Road Cycling Shoes - Men's

$125

  • Perforated synthetic leather composite uppers enable superior fit and breathability

    Upper wraps across your instep with minimal overlap, surrounding your foot like a glove; uppers and midsoles are seamlessly integrated

    Offset Boa® L6 dial is mounted to the center flap, creating a sleek profile with quick adjustments

    Low stack height midsoles stabilize feet and maximize power transfer efficiency

    Lightweight glass fiber–reinforced nylon soles deliver efficient power transfer to the pedals

  • A solid mid-level riding shoe that has done me well. I go with road-bike style clip-in/clip-less shoes.

Shimano SH-11 SPD-SL Cleat

$31

  • Stock replacement cleat for all Shimano SPD-SL pedals including PD-7810, PD-6620, PD-5610, PD-R540

  • A standard SPD cleat to go with the shoes. Make sure you check which types are compatible with your pedals.

Shimano Ultegra PD-R8000 SPD-SL Pedals

$200

  • Extra-wide platforms provide an efficient transfer of power

    Durable stainless-steel body plates reduce flex and pedal body wear

    Wide bearing placement for stable, uniform load distribution

    Adjustable entry and release tension settings

    4mm longer axle available (not included)

  • A nice pedal the was in the middle of the price-range.

Topeak Explorer MTX 2.0 Disc Bike Cargo Rack

$57.95

  • MTX QuickTrack® plate is compatible with any Topeak MTX TrunkBags, MTX 2.0 TrunkBags, MTX rear baskets and MTX QuickTrack and MTX 2.0 QuickTrack systems

    Made from 6061 T-6 hollow aluminum

    Braze-on type attachment

    Dimensions: 16.1 x 13.4 x 6.7 in.

  • This was a frame I got from the second-hand section at REI (another reason to check out the Soho NYC REI after ordering your gear online). They experts at REI attached it for me right at the store.