A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
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World’s Smallest Adapter
Keep power in your pocket ready for almost any country in the world with the $45 MICRO adapter. It works in more than 150 countries and all seven continents. The extendable pins can twist, turn, and lock to almost any outlet on Earth.
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Locking Yeti Lid
No more splashes from your Rambler. YETI’s $10 MagSlider lid will use a magnetic sliding tab to prevent splash-out when the Rambler jostles. It’s shatter-resistant, dishwasher safe, and works with 10-, 20-, and 30-oz. Rambler lowball and tumblers.
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New Brand Backpack
Water-resistant, sustainably manufactured, and suited to commuters, photographers, and travelers – the Prima Pack System is the first product launched by Boundary. The modular pack has magnetic buckles and modular inserts to protect laptops, electronics, and cameras. It’s live on Kickstarter for $179.
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Briefcase Messenger
Stow professional belongings in this shoulder-strap briefcase meant for urban commuters. The weather-resistant Timbuk2 Closer Case, launching this month, has reflective accents and side-entry pockets. It will be available in 8L and 10L, $149-$159.
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Solar-Power Wallet
Protect your identity and charge your devices with this leather wallet. The RFID-blocking Solar Wallet has an integrated charging cable for USB, lightning, and micro-USB ports. The internal power bank recharges with external solar panels or by connecting to a power source. The Solar Wallet retails for $199.
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Survival Phone Cord Bracelet
This bracelet has six feet of paracord wrapped around a thick phone-charging cable. The Charger Survival Bracelet starts at $10, works with Apple and Android devices, and comes in glow-in-the-dark colors.
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Smart Bra
Sensors tucked behind soft fabric make the $249 VITALI smart bra, “the world’s first fashionable, comfortable smart bra.” The VITALI monitors breathing patterns, posture, and heart rate variability (HRV) to determine the onset of stress. If you slouch, breathe shallowly, or your HRV suddenly changes, the bra notifies you with “gentle taps” and through a smartphone app. Available with discounts on Kickstarter.
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Theft-Proof Vegan Helmet
For fashion-minded commuters, Thousand helmets EPOCH collection has wood-grain graphics, a hidden U-Lock loop, and vegan leather chinstraps. Plus, the brand will replace the $115 helmet if it’s stolen when locked.
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Hemp Backpack
Made from one of the strongest natural fibers, the Kahush Asa backpack has a 100-percent hemp exterior. It has a stash pocket, internal laptop sleeve, daisy-chain gear loops, and is water-resistant. The Asa will retail for $199, but has early-bird discounts on Kickstarter.
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Aerodynamic Snacking
Refuel without breaking wind (not that kind of wind). The FoodCell food case bolts or straps to the top tube of a bike and claims it has more capacity than any aero food carrier on the market. It holds four 60mL gels and can be opened with one finger. Available on Kickstarter from $51.
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Puppy Pack
Is your pooch pooped? Tuck Fido into the K9 Sport Sack Air. New for 2017, the $70 Sport Sack Air has fully vented sides to keep your puppy cool, an integrated D-ring to keep him or her secure, a sternum-strap dog whistle, and more. Suitable for dogs around 14-23 inches long.
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Pedal-Powered Laundry
Do laundry off the grid during camping getaways. The Drumi by Yirego has a removable spinning drum that agitates laundry with the push of a pedal. Plus, it fits in the trunk of a car. The $239 Drumi is available for pre-order until October.
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Smallest Ski Wearable
Track form and foot position, record runs, and compare technique against your friends with the Carv ski-boot insert. Insert the insole and clip on the attached tracker, and the Carv sends real-time coaching feedback on motion and pressure distribution to your phone. It also analyzes flips and tricks. Available on Indiegogo for $100 off the $399 retail price.
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Improved Bike Trailer
Pop off the wheels and fold this trailer flat to carry it in your car. Burley’s latest trailer, the Minnow, builds off its predecessors with push-button release for its 20-in. wheels and a collapsible frame for transport. The $269 Minnow also sports tinted windows to keep kids in the shade.
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