A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Transforming Wallet
Carry cash, cards, ID, extra clothes, and groceries—in your wallet. The ROV converts from a pocket-size wallet, to a ripstop nylon sling bag. The $65, made-in-America carryall is live on Kickstarter now at discount.
Cooler Pack
Haul a case of beer to the campsite without using your hands. ICEMULE launches the Boss, a 30-liter insulated pack that holds 24 cans and ice. The $300 pack includes external gear straps, two side pockets, a mesh back pad, and padded hip belt. Plus, the brand claims the Boss keeps ice frozen for days.
Adjustable Hammock
Quick set-up and break-down, adjustable tension, and a business model dedicated to empowering impoverished women in Thailand are the callouts of Flying Squirrel Outfiters hammocks. The $45-$60 hammocks have a carrying sack that opens at either end and can slide along the length of the hammock to create extra tension and adjust shape, changing a slack hammock to an upright hanging chair with a foot rest.
USA-Made Flambeau Bow Case
Flambeau launches the USA-made Double Wall Safe Shot bow case to protect your beloved archery equipment. The double-wall case (40.625″ L x 14.4375″ W x 6″ H) fits most modern compound bows up to 39″ cam-to-cam and 13″ limb pocket to draw string. It has storage for a dozen arrows, detachable quiver, and small accessories like releases, hex wrenches, and broadheads. The $162 case includes Zerust, an anti-corrosion technology that keeps metals from rusting. Get a discount on it now on Amazon.
Bike Signal Belt
Signal your turns and stops with this bike safety wearable. The $25 BlinkLight is a rechargeable LED band that wirelessly connects to handlebar-mounted turn signals and automatically activates brake lights when you slow down. It’s live now on Kickstarter.
Everyday Climbing Pant
Add function to your wardrobe and style to your climbs, Foehn Apparel’s Brise Pant aims to bridge functional apparel with fashion. Storage pockets, moisture-wicking stretch fabric, and gusseted seams make the Brise a suitable piece of climbing wear. We got our hands on a pair and can attest to its comfort, function, and street style. Live on Kickstarter.
LifeProof Speaker
Dunk it, drop it, even freeze it without missing a beat. LifeProof launches a line of audio equipment, including the AQ9, a $100 Bluetooth speaker with a clip-on carabiner. Like its phone cases, LifeProof’s Aquaphonics line is built to withstand drops from more than one meter, submersion down to one meter, and is sealed to keep out snow and dust.
Snowboard Multitool
Gear up for snow sports before the pow hits with FIX Mfg’s Powder Pliers. The $35 seven-tool multi has a variety of screw and hex bits for tightening bindings, plus an edge file. The brand also launched multi-tools specifically suited for surfing, skateboarding, and cycling.
Adventure Cycling Apparel
Rain, wind, and miles, Search and State‘s new Expedition Jacket and Field Shorts are made to handle them all. The $365 Expedition Jacket is wind- and waterproof-breathable, has a stowaway hood, and packs down into itself. The $145 Field Shorts are snap-closure and made from waxed cotton for durability and water resistance.
Bike-Friendly Cooler
Add a pack of cold ones to your ride. The $150 CoolKASE is a cooler built to strap onto bike racks, scooters, ATVs, and kayaks, thanks to three tie-down straps. It holds 12 bottles of water (cough, beer) and up to eight lbs. of ice.
Carbon Fiber Belt
Make quick work of airport security and keep your load light with the B19 Adventure Belt. The debut product from Abl, the $40 belt has a carbon fiber closure with no moving parts or metal, so it’s lighter and less bulky than traditional belts.
Hemp Recovery Oil
Embrace the palliative powers of hemp. Using some of the pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory properties as medical marijuana, Floyd’s of Leadville’s CBD Hemp Oil capsules have Omega fatty acids, 20 mg of cannabidiol, 480 mg of hemp oil, and cost $50 per bottle.
Protein-Packed Cookie
Given the choice, we’d all prefer a cookie over a bar. Thanks to Munk Pack’s Protein Cookies, that can also be a sensible, performance-boosting choice, too. Each gluten-free, vegan cookie contains 18 grams of protein and six grams of fiber. Available individually and in six-packs at brick and mortar shops and Amazon.
Smart Ink For Apparel
Transform athletic wear into smart, fitness-tracking apparel. DuPont unveils Intexar, an electronic ink and film that monitors performance stats, stands up to 100 washes, and works with seamless, stretchable fabrics.
