Product design is an art form — something that’s clearly on display in this week’s gear drops. Brands relied on artists, nature, and retro vibes to make new gear that’s equal parts aesthetic and functional.
Brompton promises a folding commuter bike that breaks the mold. G-SHOCK unveils a watch inspired by animals in the Galapagos, and VALLON leans hard into 1970s bike culture for some seriously chic sunglasses.
Plus, there are new launches from Gossamer Gear, and Topo Designs brought back a fan-favorite backpack. Check it all out in this week’s Emerging Gear.
‘Revolutionary’ Pack
Gossamer Gear (GG) is a leader in ultralight packs, and the brand just dropped what it believes is the next big thing in the world of ultralight: the Alchemy collection. These packs use ALUULA Graflyte, which is a “revolutionary, fused, mono-polymer fabric [that] has no adhesives, no coatings, and no risk of delamination or fraying,” according to GG.
And the packs aren’t sewn: The fabric is welded to be waterproof and durable. GG claims that the new Mirage 40L ($450) is the lightest bag of that size on the market, clocking in at just 19.4 ounces, thanks in part to a new carbon fiber X-frame. Other bags in the Alchemy collection include the Murmur 36 ($350) and Elixir 20 ($225).
External Memory
We’ve all been there: A good idea pops in your head, and you think, “I’ll remember this and write it down later.” And of course, an hour or a day later, you can’t seem to remember your brilliant thought. That’s where the Pebble Index ($75) comes in.
This wearable ring has a small microphone: Simply press the button and record your thought. The recording is instantly sent to your phone and converted to text, no internet or subscription required. Pebble says the battery lasts for years, so you never need to worry about charging.
Classic Trekking Pack
To innovate, Topo Designs is looking to the past. The brand brought back one of its OG bags, the Klettersack ($160), and gave it a modern update. The 25L bag is made with 1,000D Cordura fabric for durability, and now includes a TSA-friendly external padded laptop sleeve that fits models up to 15 inches.
The four external leather lash tabs on the outside mean it’s easy to attach more gear, like climbing shoes. The bag comes in a neutral navy, as well as a bold forest green and bright red.
Snowboard Suspension System
The folks at FusionRide had a bold idea when it came to improving snowboarding performance: Look at mountain bike designs. Their new product, the ShredLORD (Load Oscillation Reduction Device) ($150), is an easy-to-attach suspension system/shock absorber for snowboards.
FusionRide claims that “ShredLORD dampens board chatter by absorbing impacts over 5 grams so you stay smooth, even when the mountain throws punches.” It says it’s a good fit for any level of rider: It’ll help newbies stay more balanced, and give experts sharper edge control.
Nature Watches
A product that delivers on performance and helps conservation is a win-win, and G-SHOCK is making watches that do just that. It’s got two new models that continue its efforts to support the Charles Darwin Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental conservation in the Galapagos Islands.
Both watches ($200) are designed in honor of a unique species found on the islands. The GAB2100DF-4A pays homage to the Sally Lightfoot Crab, with a bright-orange-and-red color palette that matches the crab. The GAB2100DF-1A takes inspiration from the black-and-yellow Galapagos Albatross, with the addition of a map of the islands on the dial.
These models also deliver on reliability when it counts, with shock resistance and 200m water resistance. They’re solar-powered and link to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
Deuter Duffel
Deuter is best known for its backpacking packs, and now it’s using its years of experience to break into the luggage market. The brand’s new Duffel Pro Roller 90 ($200) has a high-storage capacity, but weighs just 4.65 pounds. Users can roll it or wear it as a backpack, and the exterior is water-repellent to help protect your stuff. Even with the wheels, it can fold up into itself for easy, compact storage.
Artsy Bike
The intersection of design and function produces some of the coolest innovations in gear — something that commuter bike brand Brompton is betting on with its latest collab. It worked with British artist Shantell Martin to produce a new limited-edition P Line bike ($3,650).
Martin brings her free-flowing black-and-white lines to this foldable, city-friendly bike. Pops of pink and burgundy add a bit of color and visual interest. According to Brompton, this bike turns the “everyday commute into a moving functional art canvas that you can live with.”
Moto-Inspired Shades
For its newest collection of sunglasses, VALLON turned to Royal Enfield, a century-old motorcycle maker with roots in England. The Moto Aviators ($187) are a callback to the 1970s, with large lenses and bold frames. The 650 model is a chic, all-black version, while the Goan 350 is tortoise shell with yellow lenses for a true throwback feel. These shades aren’t all show, though: The ultralight TR90 Grilamid frames weigh just an ounce, and the lenses meet U.S. standards for occupational safety protection.
New Zealand Ski Shell
As far as boutique outfitters go, Inselberg has a distinct advantage. Located in the outdoor sports mecca of New Zealand, the brand gets to test its gear amid rugged and beautiful terrain. That’s especially true for Inselberg’s latest gear drop: the Axiom Shell ($400).
Designed over 3 years with members of New Zealand’s Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team, the shell is made for prolonged alpine exposure. A four-layer system delivers a 40,000mm hydrostatic head rating (meaning this jacket can take tons of water pressure before it leaks). At the same time, the jacket supposedly maintains breathability through large pit zips.
The four-layer construction also avoids “blockage issues” and continues regulating moisture even when saturated or heavily used, according to Inselberg. Though durable, the Axiom Shell still weighs under 500 g. We’re looking forward to testing this one out.
Heavy-Duty Pants
Montana-based apparel brand Curious Creatures saw that winter was coming, so it decided to give outdoorsy women what they’ve been wishing for: a cold-weather–friendly outdoor pant made to fit women’s bodies. The brand took the design of its bestselling, lightweight Sun Dog Pant and made it in a durable, water-resistant polyester.
The Scramble Ramble Pant ($150) has articulated knee panels and a roomier fit for maximum mobility. With five pockets, there’s plenty of room for snacks to keep you fueled on long hikes or rides.
