A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid below or click through for a slideshow.
Swagtron Commander Folding Electric Trike
Throw it in your sedan’s trunk, park, then unfold the Commander and ride around town with a 350W motor. Swagtron unvelied a slew of products at CES, with the Commander being the most eye-catching. This tricycle folds and has pivoting wheels, a motor, and full suspension. The brand claims this trike can handle rough roads, curbs, and train tracks.
Tarptent Aeon Li
Ultralight camping brand Tarptent released its third Dyneema tent in December. The Aeon Li is Tartptent’s lightest shelter at 15.8 ounces and is made with single-wall Dyneema and only one pole. It packs down to 14 inches long and can fit people up to 7 feet tall. And with PitchLoc corners, campers have more head and shoulder space by raising the base of the tent. Because of the half-pyramid design, the Aeon Li forgoes the need for a front-supporting guyline during windy nights. The Aeon Li is available mid-January for purchase. The brand has yet to announce the price.
Sony Cupholder Speaker
Sony introduced a party speaker at CES this week with 13 hours of battery life and plenty of cupholders. Dubbed the GTK-PG10, you can fold the top panels open so tweeters face upwards and outwards, great for outdoor settings. And if you’re worried about spilling, the top panel is splash-proof and easy to clean. Sony claims the speaker is “available soon” on its website for $250.
The North Face ‘92 Rage
The North Face releases a retro-inspired collection on January 16, dubbed ‘92 Rage. The collection is a snowboard and streetwear hybrid that brings ’90s trends to 2019. Loud graphics and baggy fits abound in ‘92 Rage. The collection includes shoes, jackets, shorts, and tops.
Snow Peak Land Station Ivory
Glam up the campsite with Snow Peak’s Ivory collection, a four-season tent, tarp, and “Land Station.” Specifically, the Land Station can serve as a basecamp living space and overnight tent that fits six to eight people. It measures a massive 29 x 16 x 7 feet with water-resistant construction and a water-repellent finish. And it doesn’t come cheap: The Land Station costs $1,000.
Bee’s Wrap Oceans Print
Wrap sandwiches, snacks, and veggies in Bee’s Wrap’s newest print, Oceans. This set of three from sustainable food storage brand Bee’s Wrap is made of beeswax, organic cotton, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. The wraps seal food with the warmth of your hands, and if they get dirty, simply wash the wraps with water. This print is in partnership with 1% for the Planet. A percentage of sales goes to organizations supporting ocean conservancy, beach cleanups, and water stewardship. The Oceans Print set costs $19.
Vans Hi Standard Linerless DX
Hit the park in Vans’ latest boot, the linerless Hi Standard Linerless DX. You read that right, the Hi Standard Linerless DX is a minimal boot without a liner. That results in a smaller and lighter boot with a more “skate-like” feel, according to the brand. Additionally, the Linerless uses Vans’ V1 Waffle Lug outsole and supposedly has closer contact to the board for more control. The Linerless DX is available now for $150.
The Companion 72-Hour Survival Pack
Survive for up to 72 hours with The Companion, a product from RINO Ready, an emergency survival system that fits into a single package. RINO markets this product towards natural disaster response, as the first 72 hours are the most challenging. But it’s not your typical safety kit. Included are goggles, a face mask, paracord, a stainless steel bottle, a knife, a multitool, a firestarter, a power bank, a tent, a raincoat, and much more. The Companion is on Kickstarter now for $269 Super Early Bird.
Jones Ultra Mind Expander
Jones expands on the popular Mind Expander model this winter with the Ultra Mind Expander LTD. Like all Jones’ Ultra boards, the Ultra Mind Expander has carbon-fiber construction. And beyond the carbon, this board is engineered for high speeds, with a stiffer flex and an added camber profile. It has a hybrid directional shape with a blunted nose for freeride performance. The materials and design let the Ultra Mind Expander excel in hard snow and rough conditions. Think control on ice, but with a floaty nose shape that’s “virtually unsinkable in pow,” according to Jones. The Ultra Mind Expander is available only in select stores.
StrapRack Door Frame Gym
Get a full-body workout from your door frame without damaging any wood with the StrapRack. Dubbed an all-in-one fitness solution, this pullup bar encompasses more of the door frame than traditional door frame bars for more even weight distribution. With a system of straps and bars, the StrapRack can fold down to let users perform dips, chest flies, rows, lunges, leg raises, suspended pushups, pullups, and more.
Convercycle Convertible Cargo Bike
It’s a cargo bike one moment and e-bike the next. Convercycle is a two-in-one bicycle with an ingenious fold-out wheel design. By using two chains, the Convercycle can fold out its rear wheel, unveiling cargo space. But when not transporting groceries, simply fold the wheel in and ride it like a normal bike. The brand claims this design solves common cargo bike issues that are due to size. Convercycle ran a successful Kickstarter campaign with estimated delivery in January 2019.
