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.
United By Blue Bison Ultralight Jacket
United By Blue uses bison fiber insulation in its Bison Ultralight jacket ($198). The blend of bison and wool fiber provides warmth and packability. With a recycled shell, the jacket weighs under one pound and packs into its own pocket. Available for men and women, this jacket has lots of adventure potential.
Mizu 'Dead Shredders' M8 Bottles
Mizu’s latest travel bottle collection is an ode to Halloween. The 25-ounce bottle ($22) is laser-etched with skeleton “shredders” enjoying various outdoor pursuits. There’s also a glow-in-the-dark screw cap so you can find the bottle in the dark. The Dead Shredder artwork includes surfing, snow, and apres themes, making the stainless steel bottle both fun and functional.
Electric JJF12 Dark Smoke Sunglasses
California eyewear brand Electric recruited pro surfer John John Florence to design its newest shades specifically for beach, surf, and paddle activities. The JJF12 sunglasses ($220-240) have a mold-injected frame made with bioplastic and have melanin-infused lenses. The lenses are not only UV-ray protective but also block 98 percent of high-energy visible blue light, meaning you can stay and play in the sun all day long.
Travelfire Modern Campfire
If you don’t want the hassle of dealing with firewood, consider this propane-fueled campfire. The 4-inch-thick Travelfire is portable and compact enough to take with you on a car camping or RV trip, but it also works great in a backyard. The Travelfire ($249 early bird) has a dual-ring stainless steel burner, folding legs, and a connection hose for the propane. Overall, it’s a sleek alternative to a wood fire.
YETI Oktoberfest Rambler Mug
We may be basking in a couple of inches of snow here in Denver, but it’s still October. YETI’s new Oktoberfest-inspired Clay-orange Rambler mug ($30) is a perfect accouterment for a chilly fall day. The YETI Rambler 24-ounce mug has double-wall insulation, a sealing lid, and even a sturdy stein handle. Add this to your camp kitchen arsenal, and you’ll be the talk of the campground.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Fanny Pack
Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s first fanny pack is on the scene, and it’s as techy as we’d expect from the brand. The ultralight accessory weighs just 2.9 ounces and can be worn on the waist, shoulder, or crossbody. The Versa Fanny Pack ($70) is waterproof and made of Dyneema Composite fabrics tough enough for any trail. In addition to the two zippered pockets, there’s a secret stash pocket for your phone, passport, or favorite trail snack.
Luminox Master Carbon SEAL Jolly Roger Watch
Luminox’s latest watch gives a nod to the Navy SEALs by flying a Jolly Roger flag on the watch face. The limited-edition watch ($795) has a Carbonox+ case six times lighter than steel, with sapphire crystal glass and a rotating bezel. Plus, the watch is water-resistant up to 1,000 feet for when you head out to brave the high seas.
Vasque Coldspark Boots
Stay warm no matter where you’re walking with this winterized, insulated boot from Vasque. The Coldspark UltraDry boot ($140) has large, multidirectional treads for traction on snow and ice. Plus, the 200g insulation and waterproofness mean feet will stay warm and dry. Vasque offers the new boot in a variety of color schemes for men, women, and kids.
PHOENX Luggage
A crowdfunded campaign by PHOENX is gaining traction with its latest product for the sustainable traveler: modular luggage. The PHOENX luggage ($210) is made from 95-percent recycled or regenerated materials and has individually replaceable parts. The carry-on-size suitcase has side handles, a telescoping top handle, and a waterproof zipper. Besides the eco-friendly components, the suitcase also looks really cool.
Snow Peak x Pendleton Woolen Mills Stormpattern Blanket
Snow Peak partnered with family-owned Pendleton Woolen Mills to create this special woven blanket. The Stormpattern blanket ($265) is made with virgin wool and woven into Native American-inspired vector and circle patterns. The blanket measures 3.6 x 2.6 feet, so it’s small enough to pack away but large enough to cozy into.
Atomik Carbon Berd Ultimate Wheelsets
Soft fabric spokes are the centerpiece of Atomik Carbon’s latest Berd Ultimate wheelsets. The handbuilt mountain and gravel wheelsets have carbon fiber rims and either i9 Hydra or Road Torch hubs. But what really sets them apart are the Berd spokes, which the brand makes from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Stronger than steel, the soft fabric creates the world’s lightest spoke. The wheelsets certainly up the ante in ride quality. Wheelsets start at $1,700 and are available in custom color options.
Ignik Air-Activated Device Warmers
Handwarmers (or even boot warmers) are not a new technology, but phone warmers? Yes. Ignik just released device warmers ($20 per 10-pack) that prevent phone freeze and keep you on the grid. The air-activated mobile phone warmers are made with medical-grade adhesive (that won’t damage your phone) and 98-percent compostable contents that naturally warm your device. It’s a perfect item to throw in your car, gear kit, or ski jacket.
ABUS SmartX Bike Lock
A bike is stolen every 30 seconds in North America. With ABUS’ new Bluetooth smart lock, you can secure your bike with your phone. The lock detects the GPS location of your device for keyless entry, and there’s even a high-security alarm that will sound if movement of the lock is detected. Keep your bike safe with the new ABUS 770A SmartX lock ($230-280). Find it at any ABUS dealer or online.
Sierra Designs Flex Lumbar Pack
Ditch the full pack on your next hike and go for this lumbar pack instead. Sierra Designs’ Flex Lumbar Packs ($50-75) use the same expanding gusset as the Flex Capacitor backpacking pack, along with 100-denier ripstop nylon fabric, a padded hip belt, and mesh pockets to round out the piece. With enough room to stash a layer, water, and some food, the Flex Lumbar has you covered for any day hike or bike, without all the extra baggage.
