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.
686 Quantum Hydrastash Bib
Calling all shredders: 686’s award-winning Hyrdastash technology is now available in bib form. Without worrying about carrying a pack, or about a bladder or bottle freezing, you can stay hydrated with the Hydrastash built into the lower back of the bib. The spiffy, high-tech high-tech bib ($330) also has Thermagraph insulation, a fleece-lined waistband, and a water-resistant front zip pocket.
Mosevic Upcycled Denim Shades
Rock style and sustainability at the same time with the upcycled Shades of Denim. The U.K.-based company combines waste denim fabric with a resin to form hard frames in six different styles. Choose from polarized Zeiss lenses, or order the frames only and fit your prescription lenses inside. The shades start at $168 on Kickstarter.
Benchmade 381 Aller Fumée
Benchmade has redesigned it’s Aller knife into a multipurpose cigar cutter. The blade’s handle is made of Richlite, a resin-infused paper never before used in this product. The 381 Aller Fumée has a 56-ring-gauge cut-out window in the handle, a guillotine blade made with S30V steel, and a pocket clip. It will be available on December 9 for $160.
Danner Light Revival Boots
In honor of its 40th anniversary, Danner revives the Danner Light boot, its first boot made with GORE-TEX liners. This version has a Vibram Kletterlift outsole, full-grain leather, and 1,000-denier nylon paneling upper. These all-terrain boots retail for $390.
Kuat RackDock
An easy solution for storing your hitch rack, Kuat’s new RackDock ($68) is a self-contained magnetic faceplate with the ability to hold a four-bike rack. It can hold up to 100 pounds. A 2-inch hitch and a 1.25-inch hitch adapter are included, as well as mounting instructions. Mount a bike rack, ski rack, and more with this tool.
Garmont G-Radikal GTX Boots
Conquer more rock and glacier terrain with Garmont’s G-Radikal GTX alpine boots. The all-mountain boot ($399) is versatile and protective with a Vibram outsole, shock-absorbing cushioning, a removable padded foot sleeve, and GORE-TEX waterproof membrane. The boots also weigh less than 2 pounds per pair. Hit the hardest of trails with the high-performance, crampon-compatible G-Radikal boots and never look back.
Klattermusen Ull Blot 30L Mountaineering Pack
Klattermusen’s Ull Blot mountaineering pack is a lightweight and durable feat. Made from a recycled polyamide with Kevlar reinforcements, the top-loading pack offers 30L of storage for ski touring equipment and other backcountry gear. The pack has a one-handed cinch closure system, tension locks, loop webbing, and compression straps. Get the Ull Blot starting on December 12 for $380.
Atom Wattbike Smart Trainer
Indoor bike training just got more intense with Wattbike’s newest model. The Atom ($2,599) has 22 different gears with both automatic and manual resistance as well as a new climb mode. Challenge yourself on your ride with grades up to 25 percent, or use the Wattbike Hub app via Bluetooth for an even more intense training session.
Sanuk Chiba Journey LX
Normally known for its comfortable sandals, Sanuk is on the scene with a full boot-style shoe made from Yulex, a carbon-neutral material. The Chiba Journey LX ($90) is unisex, has a thick, contoured tread to maintain traction, and can be worn in all types of weather, from the tropics to the mountains. Get the Chiba Journey LX in black or dark-olive.
Duluth Packs Down Jacket
Duluth Packs is now moving into the apparel market with its Down Jacket and Expedition Collection. The Down Jacket (which comes in men’s and women’s original, light, and slim styles) has a 90/10 down-to-feather insulation ratio wrapped in a simple, water-resistant nylon shell. The full down jacket retails for $169, and other styles start at $99.
Rigid Adapt LED Light Bars
Rigid Industries’ latest invention is an LED light bar that adapts to your vehicle’s speed and the environment. The Adapt LED light bars offer eight beam patterns that range from a 90-degree short-distance beam to a highly focused spot beam. Rigid’s new technology even allows the beam pattern to actively adjust with vehicle speed, for the coolest nighttime vehicle experience you can get. The light bars come in multiple sizes, starting at $872.
Crua Modus 6-in-1 Camping System
If you’re a frequent camper looking for a wide range of outdoor sleeping options, this multipart system might be for you. The Crua Modus ($199) has a base sleeping pad and quilt set, a bug mesh shelter with air poles, a footprint, and a reversible tarp that can function as a hammock, tent “porch” area, and more. The point of this whole system? It can work for bikepackers, hikers, or families and packs down to under 9 pounds.
Spinciti Road E-Bike
If you’re thinking about buying an e-bike, this slim, simple option may be perfect for you. Spinciti just launched its first e-bike, built with a 48V removable battery and LG 500W motor, plus a headlight and LED display. The bike has a 50-mile range and can hit a top speed of 28 mph, integrating performance into everyday use. It’s a simple build with endless possibilities. The e-bike is on Indigogo now and starts at $1,299.
