10 things I did NOT buy this year

Stephanie Dietze

26 Dec 2025 — 3 min read

But I haven't forgotten about them. Some things I have talked myself out of, and others I have consciously or unconsciously put off a decision so long, it was sold out when I went back. Wanted to share nonetheless, because we're here to talk about cool gear.

Maap x Hoka Tecton X2 – Okay okay, Hoka finally produced a shoe I'd love to wear, on the trail and in the city. Might be, because the brand logo is hiding under a reflective stripe? (I'd also like to point out that the website doesn't mention the word "running" once, as if it's some kind of dark art. 🤭)
Vivo Barefoot Primus Trail Flow Mid – I'm hesitant to try barefoot shoes. One, because it's a high stakes investment for something I'm not sure I'll like the feeling of, and two, even Vivo's very nicely designed models do look a bit dorkey and I'm not ready to accept that I'm at a stage in my life where it's okay to look like a duck.
Labo Mono Modular Sling - Rope Strap – The rope strap almost made me purchase this straight from Instagram. Luckily I have learned to outsmart my instincts and because Instagram showed it to me 253 times afterwards, it seems less intruiging by now, plus I realized it wouldn't be much different from my Fjällräven Kånken Hip Pack. But apparently I'm in need of a bigger bag, because next on the list is another, bigger one.
Season M2 Crossbody Bag in Grey – Saw a very cool, not very fiendly looking individual wear this bag at Kendal Mountain Festival along with a fuzzy Polartec long sleeve, that didn't state any obvious brand, and an Arc'teryx beanie, because cool kid. My point being, I didn't dare ask what brand the bag was, until I saw them again at a climbing session they were working for, looking very friendly and helpful. I'm glad I asked, but am not ready to order something directly from Taiwan just yet.
Mons Royale Icon Merino Classic T-Shirt – many of my former komoot colleagues were wearing exactly this shirt when we all met in May. Company gatherings also meant outdoor fashion week, in the best way. We all influenced each other (or maybe it was just me copying everybody else). I was so close to buying this T-Shirt, but it seemed gluttonous to buy a shirt I already own in a different color, even though it's my favorite shirt. Still not sure if this was the right decision, but it's long been sold out, so.
Satisfy Running FuzzFleece™ AD Long Tee – Every time I get Satisfy's newsletter (which is way too often, hint hint), I play a little price guessing game before clicking any of the product links. And even though I'm quite experienced at this game now, I'm still almost always below the actual price. In the process, I weirdly have started to appreciate their Dune-y stoner outlaw look.
Anything by Patagonia – all year. Somehow their cuts and designs don't intrigue me any more. If they made the R1 Air Fleece Crewneck in more colorful colors, I might consider buying the men's version (because even if there was a women's version, it would be a ridiculously long and tailored cut).
Temple Cycles Step Through Lightweight – while the old model was on sale. Instead, I waited three months for an appointment to attach a new derailleur to my old Motobecane from the 1980s and have been happily riding it over my city's cobblestones ever since.
Amy Powney + Finisterre Women's Pleat Front Trouser – only because it was sold out before I got a chance to try it on during my London visit. They're not technically gear, but as Finisterre is great at blending the borders of outside and everyday wear generally, they made it onto this list.
A new climbing belt – and according to the tone of the woman pointing out the age of my climbing belt in the gym recently, I'm lucky to be alive. So this will be my first investment in 2026. Let me know if you have any recs.