Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid or click through for a slideshow.
Saucony x Chaco Endorphin Chillos Slides
Saucony x Chaco partnered to bring us a limited-edition recovery sandal. The Saucony x Chaco Chillos ($50) have Saucony’s Endorphin shoe colors and design combined with Chaco’s Z-straps and arch-supporting footbed. The ultralight slide is made in the USA with high-abrasion EVA. It comes in two colors in both men’s and women’s sizing.
Wild Barn Nitro Cold-Brew Coffee
Boulder-based Wild Barn Coffee’s Nitro Cold-Brew ($21 per six-pack) is finally available for shipping online. The 12-ounce nitro coffee is made with a unique, three-ingredient blend of organic beans (produced in a carbon-neutral facility in Central America), goji berries, and cacao nibs. These ingredients give the standard drink a superfood boost of antioxidants. The brand is also planning to launch fresh coffee beans online soon.
WESN Microblade 2.0
WESN’s Microblade 2.0 has some exciting updates. The Microblade 2.0 ($60) is made with a new high-carbon, high-chromium D2 tool-grade steel and ceramic roller bearings. The knife has a 1.5-inch blade and measures 3.75 inches when open. The handle is still a durable grade 5 titanium. This mini blade also weighs just one ounce and has a pocket clip and keychain hole. The updated blade will ship in August.
AllOuter Sweat Out 2.0 Hat
Small brand AllOuter was founded by an avid trail runner who wanted to create a hat that can keep up with high-activity pursuits. The Sweat Out Hat ($30) is made with laser-cut breathable mesh fabric and has a built-in sweatband. The 2.0 line also includes an integrated “sunglass keeper” to make sure those glasses stay secure when they aren’t on your face. It comes in 11 color and style combos.
Matador On-Grid Hip Pack
We got a sneak peek at this pack a few months ago, and just like with everything else at Matador, we love its packability. The On-Grid Series Hip Pack ($35) is made with an abrasion-resistant UTS-coated nylon for water resistance and has bar tack-reinforced construction, three zippered pockets, and an adjustable nylon strap. The belt can be worn at the hip or crossbody, and it packs into its own pocket. It holds up to 2 L.
inov-8 Terraultra G 270
Inov-8 built its newest shoe with long distances in mind. The Terraultra G 270 ($160) has an improved Graphene-Grip rubber, outsole flex grooves with drainage channels for better traction, a new insole, and a new midsole that delivers 20% more energy return for a super-responsive ride. Inov-8 also added adaptive-fit technology for better comfort over time, redesigned the tongue, and widened the toebox.
Tracksmith Run Cannonball Run Shorts
Inspired by the Run Cannonball Run (RCR) speed challenge, these shorts aim to perform great on both water and land. The Tracksmith RCR Shorts ($88) are constructed with an Italian-made, four-way-stretch, quick-drying swim fabric. The shorts have two hand pockets and one zippered pocket for securing small items on the move, a 6-inch inseam, and a drawstring waist. The RCR collection also includes women’s shorts and a sports bra.
Yak Modern Charcoal Grill
New brand Yak Grills is hoping to make outdoor grilling easier with its new Yak Modern Charcoal Grill (reserve now for $129). The all stainless steel tabletop grill is rust-resistant, portable, shatterproof, and more. The grill can reach over 700 degrees F — simply add charcoal and light. The Yak Grill will come with a grill surface and skewer-top surface so you can grill any way you choose. It will launch next week.
Urban Armor Gear Civilian Series Flip Case
Urban Armor Gear’s newest phone case is built for the Samsung Galaxy Z and flips in half to protect the phone in any position. The Flip Case ($60) is part of the brand’s ultralight civilian case series and has been drop tested to military standards (from about 4 feet). The case protects on all sides with form-fitting hinge protection as well as a raised edge surrounding the screen.
Opinel 130th Anniversary Edition No. 8 Knife
Opinel has been in business for 130 years, and to celebrate, it launched a limited-edition blade. The Opinel 130th No. 8 ($49) has an anodized black stainless steel blade and a French hornbeam wood handle, with artwork celebrating Opinel’s craftsmanship. The checkerboard design nods to the forests of the Alps. Only 500 blades will be available in the United States.
Sanuk Chiba SustainaSole
Sanuk’s Chiba Sustainasole ($65) is the brand’s latest venture in eco shoes. The shoe is made entirely of recycled materials and one of the first all-recycled foams, BluMaka. The Chiba Sustainasole has a recycled cotton and recycled PET upper, recycled polyester lining, and, of course, the recycled foam base. Men’s and women’s versions are available.
Oxaz Overcap Hood
Oxaz’s Overcap is an accessory built for outdoor activity: think fishing, nature photography, hiking, and more. But you’ll have to be OK with pulling off its odd style. The Overcap (from $90) is a rigid, removable hood that protects from rain, wind, and sun. The hood attaches to almost any backpack with straps and unfolds for hands-free coverage. It has a 50 UPF rating, is wind-resistant up to 50 mph, and weighs under a pound.
