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.
Fossil Defender Watch
The original model of the beloved dive-inspired Defender launched in the 1990s has resurfaced for Fossil’s 35th anniversary with several new accessories. One watchband is a NATO field strap, and the other is a leather strap with a rubberized backing, making the three-hand watch versatile for any adventure. The two different straps and three bezel options can be mixed and matched to create six styles. What we think: timeless. The watch is available now for $255.
Chaco Z/Ronin Sandals
Socks and sandals just got a whole new meaning. Chaco’s newest model of shoe has the usual grippy rubber sole and wonderful supportive straps, but it’s also got a knitted polyester upper and added toe and heel protection. As usual, the men’s and women’s shoes ($130) come in a plethora of color choices.
Innovation Factory 'Lifesaber'
What looks like an emergency flashlight is so much more. This survival tool is a handheld generator equipped with a built-in USB port to charge your phone as well as one-hand-operable twirl and crank functions. It also has a flashlight and strobe lights, emergency siren, and a UV water purifier (our favorite pocket function). The Lifesaber comes with a replaceable battery and will start at $99.
Briko Cerebellum Smart Helmet
Italian brand Briko has just launched the world’s first smart helmet. Tricked out with amazing features like front and rear cameras that sync to Bluetooth and a geotag message alert system in case of a crash, the Cerebellum One bike helmet will launch in 2020 and start at the hefty price of $540. We’re getting excited about the helmet’s endless video capabilities: from recording ride footage to even acting as a digital rearview mirror through a mounted smartphone.
Eukarya Origin Headlamp
Tired of seeing tons of plastic gear hauled into nature, the founder of Eukarya set out to make a headlamp that would match the beauty of the wild. Made from renewable zebra or cherry wood, each headlamp is made with all-eco materials and contains a 300-lumen natural-spectrum light and a rechargeable battery unit. And the company will plant a tree for each headlamp sold ($99 super early bird), ensuring nature looks even better than we left it.
Orvis PRO Insulated Hoody
This fishing hoody is lined, insulated and has a durable wind-, water-, and tear-resistant outer layer. The new hoody design from Orvis is body-mapped using Primaloft Gold Active and Polartec Alpha, setting it apart from other hoodys on the market. The jacket’s sides are even tailored with paddlesport enthusiasts in mind. We have been putting this jacket to the test and love it so far! MSRP is $229.
Technaxx TX-117 Nature Wild Camera
This techy miniature camera is ready to impress with its 50-foot-range camera sensor and HD video display. The device can record in daylight or night and can take pictures or videos. This stealth tool ($80) only turns on when movement is detected, so you can finally catch that pesky backyard squirrel in action without worrying about battery life.
Muc-Off Tubeless Rim Tape
U.K.-based Muc-Off is expanding its product line with several awesome new additions, including its tubeless rim tape, starting at $12. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is guaranteed to form a strong, airtight seal. The tape comes in sizes to fit road, cross-country, mountain-bike, and gravel rims. And if you’re in the market for sealant and valves, the brand has those too.
Casio PRO TREK PRT-B50 Watch
Part of the first PRO TREK series, Casio’s PRT-B50 offers quad sensor technology, plus access and smart link through the PRO TREK Connected app. The watch’s sensor detects compass bearing, altitude/pressure, and temperature. What’s even cooler are all the features on the app: step tracker, calorie tracker, and route log. The PRO TREK even has automatic time adjustment to make sure your watch is in sync with all your adventures, wherever you may be. The Casio PRO TREK PRT-B50 watch will be available this fall for $200.
Massdrop x Fitsok Spectra Socks
Socks made to last a lifetime? Sign me up. I currently only run about 3 days a week, and still I have a drawerful of running socks with rips and stretches. These Massdrop x Fitsok running socks are thicker in the right places, made with a balance of strong Spectra fibers and soft merino wool. These are built to withstand thousands of foot strikes on pavement and trails — and also to survive the wash. Get a two-pack now for $20.
Trek Allant+ E-Bike
This e-bike has the newest, most long-lasting battery from Bosch, plus a removable integrated battery and oh-so-sleek appearance. The Allant+ gets you a Bosch Performance Speed drive system, interior cable housing, and Shimano chain and derailleur. Allant+ models come in either an alloy or carbon frame and with a 10- or 12-speed shifter. This high-quality commuter bike comes with a $3,600-6,000 price tag.
Xtratuf Swingsaw GlacierTrek Boot
This spiffy fisherman’s boot ($170) has a unique outsole compound made to grip both wet and dry ice. Designed for cold-weather fishing (and commercial fishing work), the boots are rated to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. With slip-resistant sections added to the sole, you’ll be able to find traction no matter where you tread. (Note to female fishers: Size down, as these come in men’s sizes only.)
GSI Outdoors Coffee Rocket
Finally, a solution to a solo traveler’s caffeine routine. This personal-size pour-over ($10) weighs just 2.7 ounces and makes an 8-ounce single serving of coffee (or tea) each time. And it nests inside most backcountry travel mugs. Okay, it’s not actually a rocket, but it’s a pretty cool kitchen gadget for solo campers and travelers alike.
