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.
Tracksmith 2020 Trials Kit
Tracksmith’s 2020 Trials Kit comprises two lightweight apparel pieces crafted for marathon performance. The singlet ($100) has a nylon and Lycra grid-knit yarn with UVA and UVB protection. The featherweight 3-inch racing shorts ($95) are a poly-elastane blend with four-way stretch and have three internal pockets for holding all your gels. The Trials Kit will be available in March after the Olympic Marathon Trial on Saturday (in which 138 Tracksmith runners will be wearing the kit).
Prompt Minimalist Tactile Watch
This is not a smart device. As the brand says, it’s an anti-watch. With the Prompt, there is no screen, no Bluetooth, no messages, and no distractions. The Prompt timepiece ($169) has no numbers or hour or second hands. Rather, it operates using four quadrants and indicates the time through vibrations. Its minimal design lets users wear it on the wrist or in a pocket. If you do want to know the specific time, there are also LED lights that indicate minutes.
HOKA ONE ONE Cavu 3 Road Shoes
HOKA’s newest road-running collection has some pretty awesome styles, particularly the Cavu 3 ($120). This shoe has an adaptive stretch-knit upper and EVA midsole and outsole. The shoe’s rocker offers an up-tempo feel, and we’ve found the tongue-less construction and breathable knit comfortable in testing so far. Easy to slip on and off for quick afternoon runs/workout sessions, yet with enough support, the shoe is a great addition to the brand’s lineup. It’s available in men’s and women’s.
SPOT Mapping
Want to go backpacking, hunting, or biking but don’t want to get lost in the woods? Check out SPOT’s latest tool. The brand’s newest upgrade is SPOT Mapping, an interface that provides map display, sharing, and storage services. The mapping capabilities are simple: There’s a live mode for real-time tracking and a history mode for trip review and planning. That means your SPOT rescue device is now your backcountry best friend. All basic active service plans now include SPOT Mapping. Premium subscriptions start at $25.
Filson x Westland Distillery Coldfoot Whiskey
Pacific Northwest brand Filson has partnered with Westland Distillery to create this limited-edition American single-malt whiskey. Inspired by the 1800s Klondike Gold Rush, the Coldfoot Whiskey ($100/750 mL) has notes of marble rye, cacao, and espresso and is vatted in a dry-style sherry cask. Keeping with the pioneering mentality of the Pacific Northwest, Filson has also launched a collection of apparel around the limited-edition drink.
Grundens x GORE-TEX Buoy Fishing Bib
Grundens flagship fishing rainwear now features GORE-TEX construction. The GORE-TEX Buoy Bib ($450-470) has a three-layer GORE-TEX laminate waterproof-breathable fabric with a tricot backer. For the price, you get a ton of features in this bib: a front zipper, adjustable suspenders, dual cargo snap pockets, zippered hand pockets, a removable belt, lower leg zippers, and more. The Buoy Bib also features Grundens’ water diversion system at the front lower closure to ensure you stay dry.
iLive Earbuds and Speaker
iLive is shaking up the wireless music market with these earbuds that turn into a speaker. The iLive Truly Wireless Earbuds ($70) are wireless earbuds in a case that doubles as both a charging case and speaker. The case charges in 3 hours (with a battery life up to 6 hours) and measures roughly 3 x 2 inches, making it ideal for camping and traveling. The case also has microphone and voice prompt capability.
DUER Women's Field Pant
What do you get when you combine durable fabrics with stylish flare? DUER’s new field pant. The Live Lite Field Pant ($129) is made with a blend of Tencel, cotton, polyester, and Lycra for an emphasis on stretch and comfort. The Tencel helps wick moisture away, and the pants even have seat gussets and reinforced seams for durability, so you can wear them from home to the outdoors.
PUMA First Mile Running Tee
PUMA has partnered with First Mile to create its latest sustainable performance apparel. The PUMA First Mile men’s training and women’s running tees are made from recycled yarn manufactured from plastic bottles. Designed for maximum performance during any workout, the First Mile tees have PUMA’s dryCELL fabric technology to wick away moisture and are made with 83-100% sustainable and recycled materials. Tees range from $40 to $45.
Dakine Kaimana Surf Leash
If you like to surf, then Dakine’s new gear is for you. This heavy-wave Kaimana surf leash ($44-46) has a highly technical, lightweight design for ultimate comfort and durability. We like the thin, lightweight look and array of lengths and colors. The leash has Dakine’s “zero distraction” ankle cuffs and Infinite Flex 360-degree leash ends, which the brand claims creates a leash-less feel. Safe to say we’re intrigued.
Triple Aught Design x Todd Rexford Watch Strap
Co-designed with knifemaker Todd Rexford, the military-style Triple Aught Quantum watch strap is the pinnacle of expedition-ready accessory gear. The strap has USA-made, custom-milled 6AL4V titanium keepers and buckles and a laser-cut keeper hole. It’s a simplistic yet rugged double pass-through design. This limited-edition strap is available for a hefty $275.
Enlightened Equipment Rain Pants
Minnesota-based Enlightened Equipment’s newest offering is a waterproof rain pant. The Visp Rain Pant ($160) weighs less than 5 ounces and is a three-layer fabric consisting of a 7-denier ripstop nylon, a waterproof-breathable membrane, and a soft tricot lining. The pants also have a waterproof YKK zipper down the pant legs and a moisture vapor transmission rate of 75,000 g/m²/24hr for protection on even the wettest trails.
