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 2.1 Bike

$1299

    • Stable but lively, gravel-forward 6061 aluminum frame features a full carbon fork, internal cable routing and plenty of accessory mounts

    • Multiple accessory mounts let you fit everything you want to carry; mounts include under/over triple on down tube, under/over double on top tube, and triple on both fork legs

    • Also features fender/rack mounts on seatstays and a fender mount on the chainstay bridge

    • Spec'd with 700c x 45 mm tires; also compatible with 650b wheels and up to 45 mm tires with fenders (not included)

    • Offered in 5 sizes for heights 5' to 6'3"

    • 12 mm front thru axle, 12 mm rear thru axle and SRAM UDH (universal derailleur hanger) for universal repairability and lateral stiffness

    • Frame is compatible with a 27.2 mm diameter dropper post (not included)

    • WTB gravel saddle with relief section

    • Durable WTB double-wall rims are tubeless-ready for riders who wish to upgrade to a tubeless tire system

    • Tektro dual-piston mechanical disc brakes with compressionless housing for confident, low-hand-force braking

    • Co-op Cycles gravel-flare handlebar with shockproof pinhole tape provides multiple hand position choices and vibration damping

    • Shimano Sora 2x9-speed drivetrain offers a wide range of gearing to tackle varied terrain

    • Pedals not included

    • NOTE: Specs and images are subject to change based on component availability

  • 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.

Giro Radix MIPS Bike Helmet

$75 - $100

    • Lightweight, stable and comfortable, the highly adjustable Roc Loc 5 MIPS Fit System allows you to quickly and easily tune fit tension and fore/aft tilt using a single hand

    • 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

    • P.O.V. visor offers 15° of adjustment to help keep the sun out of your eyes without obstructing your vision

    • In-mold construction fuses a tough polycarbonate outer shell with an impact-absorbing foam liner; fusion process allows for lighter helmets and better ventilation

    • Wind Tunnel ventilation system combines active vents in the shell with internal exhaust channels that thrust fresh, cool air over and around your head and forcing hot air out

  • A great helmet with MIPS. 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.

PEARL iZUMi Quest Barrier Convertible Cycling Jacket - Men's

$130

    • Sleeves zip off and stash in the zippered back pocket for quick retrieval

    • Lightweight, breathable ripstop Barrier fabric provides warmth and wind protection and is made with recycled materials

    • A durable water repellent (DWR) finish helps moisture bead up on the surface to shed light rain to help keep you dry in an emergency

    • Relaxed fit easily layers over whatever you're wearing

    • Rear upper mesh panel provides ventilation to help prevent overheating when you're riding hard

    • 2-way zipper allows adjustable ventilation from top or bottom

    • Dual-side hem cordlocks at the waist let you tune your fit

    • Front zip hand pockets; rear zipper pocket for storing sleeves or essentials

    • BioViz® reflective elements increase visibility in low-light conditions

    • Using recycled materials helps keep waste out of landfills and reduces the need for new materials

  • 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

    • Top-tier S-PHYRE race technology delivers all-day comfort in lightweight performance road shoes

    • Synthetic leather uppers with strategically placed perforations increase ventilation for breathability, keeping you cool and comfortable when the race is on

    • Microadjustable BOA® L6E dial enables a personalized fit

    • Wraparound uppers accommodate a broad range of foot shapes

    • Low-stack height, integrated seamless midsoles and the BOA Fit System with instep straps provide stable pedaling platforms and secure closures for enhanced power transfer

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

Shimano SM-SH11 SPD-SL 6-Degree Mode Cleats

$31

    • Compatible with Shimano SPD-SL pedals (not included), which allow you to adjust the spring force required to clip in and out of your pedals

    • Large float range and centered pivot points allow your toes to point in a wide range of angles and provide more room for error during setup

    • 6° float range (3° in each direction) allows for free movement and low joint stress while still creating a solid connection between rider and bike

    • 13° clip-out angle allows you to quickly get out of your pedals when needed

    • Composite construction combines an injection-molded main body with grip-enhancing TPU tips that are durable and maintain long-lasting pedal engagement

    • Cleat size and shape provide a stable walking platform and are less prone to clogging with dirt when you're off the bike

  • 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.