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.
Oru Haven 2-Person Folding Kayak
Oru says its Haven is the world’s first tandem (two-person) origami kayak. At 20 percent larger than other Oru kayaks, it’s still only a few inches wider when folded into its box shape for transport. Not only does it fold, but it’s the lightest tandem kayak on the market at just 40 pounds. It can be converted into a single-occupancy boat with minimal effort, making it a versatile choice for those who want to hit the lake either alone or with a friend.
All City Gorilla Monsoon
Anyone who loves drop-bar riding off pavement knows All City’s Gorilla Monsoon. For 2019, the Minneapolis brand that’s equal parts bike messenger and cross racer revamps the all-terrain beast with dropper post routing. Rowdy bikepackers will also appreciate a slew of rack mounts, front and rear thru-axles, and clearance enough for 27.5 x 2.7-inch tires with fenders. Find the complete rig now for $2,099.
UCO Sprout Mini Lantern
Ultraportable, ultrasimple — the UCO Sprout Mini camp lantern targets a balance of basic utility and clever innovation. A single button switches between blue light and low, medium, and high LED illumination (up to 100 lumens). And the magnetic-detachable lanyard allows for hanging or freestanding lighting. Powered by three AAA batteries, the UCO Sprout Mini costs $15.
StatGear LEDGE Slip-Joint Pocket Knife
Get a knife with a D2 steel blade, G10 handle, slip-joint mechanism, and deep-carry pocket clip starting at $30. D2 steel is hard and tough and will hold an edge through a beating. G10 makes for a nice handle with good texture. Thus, the LEDGE blends some quality materials into a knife that’s easy on the pocket book.
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe
Hikers and campers love the MSR Pocket Rocket for its simplicity, light weight, and reliability. And it just got a little better. The Pocket Rocket Deluxe adds a pressure regulator for cold temps, a piezo spark igniter, and a wind-resistant burner with simmer control. It weighs in at just 83 grams (2.9 ounces) and costs $70.
BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller
New parent? Stay fit without missing a minute of quality time by pushing BOB Gear’s third-generation Revolution Flex jogging stroller. Mountain bike suspension provides rough-terrain stability while the Revolution Flex 3.0’s increased reflectivity adds safety. BOB Gear also gave the stroller six mesh and zippered gear storage pockets as well as a “Peek & Chat” window with magnetic closure. Find it at REI starting at $450.
SwitchPod Collapsible Tripod
Snap a better, more stable selfie or capture long-exposure scenes with the SwitchPod collapsible handheld tripod. Live on Kickstarter, the aluminum SwitchPod works with your phone or any camera, has nonslip feet, and weighs just over 11 ounces. Check it out now, starting at $79 early bird buy-in.
Dual Fuel Flameless Lighter Power Bank
Light your fire or charge your iPhone — the Dual Fuel flameless lighter and power bank does it all. Weighing a scant 3 ounces, the Dual Fuel provides emergency juice with two ports for Apple and Android devices. And the flameless heating coil can resist winds up to 100 mph. Find it on Kickstarter now.
VEER 18 Camera Bag With Inflatable Protection
WANDRD calls its VEER 18 the “first packable backpack with inflatable back panel and inflatable camera protection.” The pack has, as the claim implies, an inflatable internal camera protector and a back protector. The inflatable nature allows users to deflate the protective elements when not in use, thus freeing up more space. Get one now starting at $109 on Kickstarter.
Big Raven Yoga Mats
Find a mat that’s uniquely yours in Big Raven’s collection of one-of-a-kind yoga mats, made with biodegradable materials. Each mat showcases artwork created by “women with a feminist point of view.” The mats comprise a microfiber surface bonded to a 100-percent-natural rubber base. Choose from over 60 designs created in-house by the Minnesota-based Big Raven team.
Crud Cloth
Great adventure means getting dirty — enter Crud Cloth. Dubbed “the next best thing to a shower,” Crud Cloths provide pre-moistened terrycloth towels infused only with natural soap, water, and essential oils. At $2.50 apiece, the Crud Cloth is inexpensive but reusable — just wash it and turn it into an everyday rag. The brand claims each cloth has enough cleaning power to tidy up a rider and their bike. Get a 5-pack for just $10 using coupon code CRUDCLOTH20.
Vibram Wrap & Go Soles
Vibram launched its Wrap & Go soles at Outdoor Retailer last month to little fanfare. But the eye-catching blue soles carry an interesting concept: total compatibility. Building on Vibram’s Furoshiki wraparound footwear, the Wrap & Go soles can be vacuum sealed onto any upper. The Wrap & Go has Vibram’s high-traction Megagrip rubber and will debut on a limited run of the brand’s own footwear. After that, any Vibram partner brand can literally wrap the sole on their upper and go!
